While the River Golf Club in North Augusta, S.C. will turn fully private in 2024, the historic Algonquin Resort in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada is now under new ownership.

Having operated as a semi-private club since its opening 25 years ago, The River Golf Club in North Augusta, S.C. will be fully private in 2024. In an e-mail sent to members, Club Director Chris Verdery wrote the change will be effective June 1, 2024.

“We have been busier than we would like in recent years and we feel like this is a natural next step for our club,” the e-mail stated. The Post and Courier obtained a copy of the e-mail from a member of the River Club. Verdery did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the outlet, other than to acknowledge the club is turning private next June.

“We would make more revenue by remaining open to the public but our club’s purpose and mode of operation has never been all about maximizing revenue,” the e-mail continued. “Our vision and goal is to make our club one of the best and most prestigious clubs in the Southeast. We will thrive by having our club as the same quality or better than the top private clubs in the area but with a more affordable price point.”

According to the e-mail, the River Club will have to net an additional 100 members to offset the revenues it expects to lose from public play, the Post and Courier reported. Cost of membership will also go up once the River Club turns private.

“We understand that not all members will be in favor of this move. We encourage these members to realize that their membership holds high value here now and much more so in the future,” the e-mail stated.

In addition to the membership change, improvements are scheduled to take place at the club. The River Golf Club’s website has documented some of the most recent improvements, including completion of the Nineteenth Hole and a members-only Short Game complex that opened March 1. The club also recently redid its 12th tee box, the Post and Courier reported. Construction started on a 6,000-square-foot pavilion earlier this year; the pavilion is an extension of the clubhouse.

Ontario-based InnVest Hotels announced June 27 it has acquired the Algonquin Resort in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. The company plans to upgrade guest rooms, common areas and amenities at the property.

“This property is an iconic east coast destination and a key addition to our portfolio as we expand our footprint in the resort segment,” CEO Lydia Chen said in a news release. “Working collaboratively with our stakeholders, we will enhance every aspect of the guest experience, creating an unforgettable stay throughout all seasons of the year.”

The resort will be owned by the newly formed Algonquin Resort LP, Huddle reported. InnVest will be the majority partner along with other limited partners including several New Brunswickers.

InnVest already owns six hotels in New Brunswick, including the Hilton Saint John, Delta Beausejour in Moncton, and Comfort Inn locations in Moncton, Fredericton and Edmundston, Huddle reported. The Algonquin is the third resort the company has acquired since early 2022 and the first golf course.

In addition to its 233 guest rooms, the resort has a 72-par golf course, meeting space, four food and beverage outlets, a full-service spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

The Algonquin Resort first opened its doors in 1889 and underwent a $3.7-million expansion in 1991 and a $6.3-million expansion two years later, Huddle reported. Another renovation worth more than $30 million saw the hotel close its doors from 2012 to 2014.