Pamela Brill

As the wave of catch-up renovation projects continues at a lively pace for clubs that emerged unscathed from the recession, management has recognized that Involving membership from start to end in all key aspects of renovation decision-making isn’t just a method of people-pleasing, but an essential part of the process, to ensure that members’ voices…

The Highlands, N.C. club completed a renovation of its existing staff housing complex resulting in six full-furnished units that have garnered rave reviews from club employees. The project helped with staff retention, minimizing the scramble for seasonal employees and maximizing employees’ service performance and knowledge of members’ expectations.

The Arkansas club transformed the banquet room into a Candyland-themed setting, complete with activities, decorations and refreshments that pay tribute to the classic board game.

Shops with fresh design approaches and new strategies for maximizing merchandising effectiveness have exciting success stories to tell.

Clubs that have endured dining-design overhauls are vested in long-term success that stems not just from good cooking, but good service. Managers of facilities that have undertaken recent outdoor-dining renovation projects share these secrets to operating efficiently and effectively: Enlist membership input. Ask for feedback and factor it in the design whenever possible. “Our members…

To beautify a redesigned patio area, updating a surrounding landscape is a natural next step. Deciding what (and when) to plant can help to simplify maintenance and upkeep needs, while adding to the aesthetics of a club’s outdoor facilities. When determining which plants will thrive best in a patio setting, consider low-maintenance choices that work…

It’s prime season for showing off updated outdoor gathering spots.

By upgrading their pool facilities and surrounding them with a full complement of family-friendly amenities, properties are giving members and guests more excuses to have fun in the sun.

Outdoor dining and drinking spots need to not only look inviting, but work efficiently, too.

Permanent pavilions can help to extend life outside the clubhouse walls, while still offering a breath of fresh air for management, members and guests.

Catering to the changing business needs of members and guests has spawned inventive approaches to providing meeting and event space at club and resort properties. 

Club and resort properties are showering members and guests with more out-of-the-water amenities to enhance their pool experience, including refreshed locker rooms, bath houses and pool-deck dining spots.

The golf staff (pictured above) at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club hasn’t had much time to sit and relax since opening its renovated shop in March. “I always knew that with better fixtures, lighting and fresh new space, sales would improve,” says Head Golf Professional Dennis Nicholl, PGA (far right). “I never imagined they…

Outdoor furnishings are getting a makeover, as clubs dress up their al fresco dining and poolside hot spots. Post-game cocktails or a quick bite after a swim now mean more than good eats— they also mean good seats. As club and resort properties designate more capital to facility-wide improvements, they’re turning their attention to their…

Expanded and redesigned kitchens are cooking up good business, as clubs increase their F&B margins while bringing new efficiencies to their food-preparation processes. Outfitting a club or resort kitchen is a tall order, and one that calls for an approach to laying out the space with an eye toward efficiency for both chefs and servers.…