Sparrows Point (Md.) Country Club chose Up To Par to manage golf operations, food-and-beverage services, event sales and provide marketing support; The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek in Naples, Fla. selected Troon Privé to oversee club operations; and the City of New York tabbed Bobby Jones Links as the new operator of Ferry Point Links in The Bronx, after cancelling its contract with the Trump Organization.
Sparrows Point (Md.) Country Club; The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek in Naples, Fla.; and Ferry Point Links in The Bronx, N.Y. have selected management companies to oversee operations.
Effective October 11, Up To Par will provide full-service club management for Sparrows Point Country Club including the golf operations, food-and-beverage services, along with event sales and marketing support.
“On behalf of Sparrows Point Country Club, we’re excited to have Up To Par Management join the team,” said Conor Gilligan, owner of Sparrows Point Country Club “This unique country club has all the amenities to become a premier destination and Up To Par has all the tools and experience necessary to help us make this a reality.”
Based in Lexington, VA, Up to Par offers more than 100 years of combined club management experience.
“We are delighted to work with the Craftsmans Development Corporation to elevate, service condition and over experience for the homeowners and members of Sparrows Point Country Club,” said Sean Taylor, Founder and CEO of Up to Par. “The Up To Par team is thrilled to begin the re-birth of the Sparrows Point Country Club community.”
“Our proven strategy, organizational structure, attention to detail, and financial analysis are vital for operating a profitable club,” said Shaun Fronk, Vice President of Operations of Up to Par. “In our experience, positive financial results and organizational structures have a direct impact on team morale, resulting in a renewed dedication to teamwork and a better member and guest experience.”
Sparrows Point Country Club overlooks the Chesapeake Bay tributary, Bear Creek, and includes amenities such as a waterfront Olympic-sized pool, a 62-slip deep water basin, lighted Har-Tru tennis, long and short game practice areas, and a clubhouse that serves outstanding casual to fine dining.
Troon has been selected to manage The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek. Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, will oversee club operations.
Fiddler’s Creek is an award-winning, resort-style residential community developed by the Naples-based Gulf Bay Group of Companies, one of the largest privately owned development companies in Florida.
Fiddler’s Creek residents enjoy amenities that include the 54,000-sq.-ft. Club & Spa, featuring a resort-style multi-pool complex, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball facility, and both casual and fine dining restaurants.
Residents of the 4,000+/- acre master-planned community have the opportunity to join The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek, featuring The Creek Course, an Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course. In addition to championship golf, residents also have the opportunity to join The Tarpon Club, which offers a beach and boating experience that includes beach access at Marco Beach Ocean Resort and benefits at the full-service Tarpon Club Marina.
“Troon Privé’s reputation as a leader in private club management of clubs worldwide is aligned with our ongoing commitment to continually enhance the membership experience here at Fiddler’s Creek,” said Ron Albeit, General Manager. “We are also excited to welcome Sean to our team.”
Troon has named Sean Gradomski as The Golf Club’s new Executive Director of Hospitality, overseeing golf operations, agronomy, and merchandising. Additionally, Gradomski has been appointed Executive Director of Hospitality for The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek, The Tarpon Club, Marco Beach Ocean Resort and Sale e Pepe restaurant, all among Fiddler’s Creek’s esteemed lifestyle clubs and amenities.
“We’re excited to be a part of the Fiddler’s Creek community as the golf course and amenities are already incredible,” said Ricardo Catarino, Vice President, Operations, Troon. “We’re also thrilled to have Sean Gradomski leading our Fiddler’s Creek team. He is a rock star in enhancing the member experience, and in elevating service and agronomy standards.”
Atlanta-based Bobby Jones Links has been selected by the City of New York to manage Ferry Point Links in The Bronx. Ferry Point Links will close for the season in November and reopen in the spring. During this time, Bobby Jones Links will be making minor enhancements to the facility, including updating equipment, fixtures and furnishings.
Bobby Jones Links will be responsible for managing day-to-day golf operations, instructional programs, community outreach, agronomy and maintenance, and the course’s food and beverage operations.
“We are honored the city has selected Bobby Jones Links to be the next steward of one of New York City’s most remarkable recreational assets,” said Whitney Crouse, founding partner of Bobby Jones Links. “Ferry Point Links is one of the premier golf courses and experiences in the nation and we are honored to bring our service-based culture and extensive industry knowledge to this highly acclaimed golf course. Bobby Jones Links has been an innovator in the golf course management industry for more than 22 years with collective experience at more than 200 courses worldwide.”
Opened for play in 2014 and formerly known as Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, the golf course is a spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed links-style golf course situated near the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and built on the site of a former New York City landfill.
C+RB reported that the Trump Organization sued the city when it cancelled its contract to manage the course.
The 20,000 sq.-ft. clubhouse, designed by the architectural firm Hart Howerton, opened in 2019 and features a destination restaurant, large banquet room, veranda overlooking the course and harbor, pro shop, and locker rooms.
Bobby Jones Links intends to continue with the elevated service levels and playing conditions at Ferry Point.
“The golf course and high-quality dining experiences will not change,” said Crouse. “However, we do plan to make enhancements that we believe will benefit the residents and golfers of New York.”
Bobby Jones Links plans to add significant golf instruction programs for beginners, juniors, and adaptive golfers.
“While offering a great golf and dining experience is very important, providing an inclusive environment fostering the growth of the game and giving back to the community is equally important to us,” said Steve Willy, also a founding partner of Bobby Jones Links. “In this regard, we will be partnering with Black Girls Golf, U.S. Kids Golf, and other groups and associations who can assist with growing the game of golf.”
Bobby Jones Links will be reaching out to the local community and civic organizations to connect with Bronx-based vendors and employ citizens from every walk of life who desire to grow their careers at Ferry Point Links. In addition, the company will be evaluating and adjusting the green fees and offering special programs for various audiences such as seniors, juniors and veterans.
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