While updates are still a work in progress since CCO Hospitality took over the property a year and a half ago, members are already saying the differences are “night and day.” So far, there have been updates to the clubhouse, tennis courts, pool area, and golf course.

Almost a year and a half has passed since The Country Club of Ocala (Fla.) was sold and the new owners promised significant upgrades to the golf course, clubhouse and other facilities, the Ocala Star Banner reported. 

While the revamp remains a work in progress, the reports so far are positive. “The improvements, especially to the greens, have been night and day,” said member Byron Hobson.

C&RB reported on the property’s plans to upgrade under a new owner.

Jacksonville-based CCO Hospitality, LLC, bought the 23-year-old club in December 2016. Its corporate sibling, Hampton Golf Clubs, also based in Jacksonville, was announced as the club’s new operator, the Star Banner reported.

In December 2017, CCO Hospitality was reformed to provide a 20% ownership stake to Hampton Golf, Inc., and an 80% stake to RF Ventures V LLC, headed by Randy Frankel, a financier who is part owner of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Star Banner reported.

Phase One of the Country Club of Ocala refurbishing project focused on the clubhouse, tennis courts and pool area. The banquet hall also was spruced up. “Everything needed a refresh,” said Dan Peters, a five-year club member who also sits on the advisory board.

Next up was the golf course, which was closed roughly between May and October 2017. Tee boxes, sand traps and all greens were redone. All palm trees were removed (they soak up an undue amount of water and actually aren’t trees, strictly speaking, management noted), the Star Banner reported.

More than 100 other trees that were diseased, dying, or impeding play also got the ax. Hurricane Irma had a hand in taking out many other trees. The course is now more playable, which helps pace of play. Some bunkers were removed, which makes scoring a bit easier for the average golfer. But the greens are bigger, more contoured and eventually will be faster—all factors that will challenge more skilled players, the Star Banner reported.

The 18-hole track will be put to the test on May 31, when the club hosts sectional qualifying for the 39th U.S. Senior Open Championship. The current point of emphasis is upgrading food and beverage service. A new manager of that department started this week. General Manager Peter Tschernitz, who has been on the job just three months, is eager to make a mark in this area, the Star Banner reported.

“We are in the service industry,” he said. “Our members see the improvement…they appreciate that.” Tschernitz, who is a veteran in the golf management industry and most recently worked in Southwest Florida, said there is special attention paid to families and a real effort to provide something of interest for all ages, the Star Banner reported.

“Word of mouth is the strongest marketing tool,” Tschernitz said. Also helpful is allowing people to have a test run. To that end, the club is offering summer and other trial membership packages, the Star Banner reported.

The ownership and management resets took some getting used to, and it’s easy to understand why. Before, all decisions were made locally; then, for a time, none were made locally, as the once stand-alone club became part of a bigger, Jacksonville-based corporate family. But now Tschernitz is on site, the major structural improvements have been made, and the new culture is taking hold, the Star Banner reported.

Tschernitz’s message to the club’s 350 members: “You need to go out there and spread the word.”