After ending its relationship with a management company in June, the Pisgah Forest, N.C., club’s members have started repairing the damage to the golf course and have two temporary greens to replace the unplayable ones. Board members have opted to reinstate the club’s former groundskeeper, and are optimistic about a “renaissance in 2014” for the property.

Billy Casper Golf’s takeover of Glen Cannon Country Club in Pisgah Forest, N.C., left some club and Board members dissatisfied with the performance, the Hendersonville (N.C.) Blue Ridge Now reported.

In November 2011, the Board voted unanimously to contract with Billy Casper Golf. Don Dickson, president of the Glen Cannon Board, conveyed his optimism with the agreement by saying that “the company’s success in enhancing performance of similar properties resonated with our team.”

Now, the club is reporting that vendors are owed tens of thousands of dollars in past-due bills, and has racked up significant operating losses, a loss of 66 golf and social memberships, and a severely damaged golf course, Blue Ridge Now reported.

“It is unfortunate that we are left with so little money that we can’t hire an attorney to handle remuneration of damages,” said club member Jerry Clouse. “The answer to our problem is getting more cash in the form of new members and/or more play by outside golfers.”

“We are bound by a confidentiality requirement, and unfortunately, need to refrain from such dialog at this time,” said Billy Casper Golf Managing Director Rich Katz.

Glen Cannon member Dennis Felker said the course steadily went downhill when BCG took control, Blue Ridge Now reported.

“To say the least, GCCC members were enthusiastic about our future. In 2013, the direction of Glen Cannon did not improve under the management of BCG. They got worse. Our greens were dying; crabgrass was everywhere and even spreading into the greens,” said Felker.

Club member Joe Nassar said one of the biggest problems was upkeep of the course, Blue Ridge Now reported.

“This past winter, herbicide was not applied to the fairways while the Bermuda was dormant. Consequently, intrusive grasses flourished, so did clover and other broadleafs, especially on the tees. Before BCG, their weeds had been killed off before spring,” said Nassar. “Also, there were times when phones were cut off, supply orders were refused, trash was not collected, facilities were not cleaned, equipment repairs could not be completed, etc. All because accounts were in arrears.”

In July 2013, the Board ended its management relationship with BCG. Now the club members are hoping to bring Glen Cannon back to life, Blue Ridge Now reported.

“The board and the members’ primary goal is to keep the club viable, first through the remainder of 2013, and then with a renaissance in 2014,” said Nassar. “At ground level, work has already begun on the course under our (former) faithful and highly accomplished groundskeeper, Marvin Holland. Given time and reasonable resources, he’ll revive the course,” said Nassar.

Glen Cannon had sustained itself as an independent club since 1966 with many hours of back-breaking work and dedication by its Board members, Blue Ridge Now reported.

“They were joined by many member volunteers, men and women who ran fairway and rough mowers, did beautification plantings on all the tees, painted and repaired buildings, prepped the pool and tennis courts each spring, and on and on,” said Nassar.

The Board and membership of Glen Cannon are ready to put in the hours of hard work. They have already started repairing a lot of the damage and have two temporary greens to replace the unplayable ones. The 15th hole still remains closed, Blue Ridge Now reported.

“After many happy years at Glen Cannon, we can only hope and pray that the dedicated membership can bring the club and course back to life. It is a beautiful facility and an asset to the community,” said member Carol Bryant.