The PGA of America is moving its major championship to May for the first time in 70 years when it goes to Bethpage State Park Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y., as part of a major shift in the golf calendar. The catalyst behind the move was golf’s return to the Olympics, along with the desire…
Pinnacle Golf, OB Sports Add Clubs to Management Portfolios
Charlotte, N.C.-based Pinnacle Golf Properties will operate five new golf courses, including Waterford Golf Club in Rock Hill, S.C., The Divide Golf Club in Matthews, N.C., Birkdale Golf Club in Huntersville, N.C., and The Tradition Golf Club and Highland Creek Golf Club, both in Charlotte. OB Sports will take over management of Hunter’s Creek Golf…
Trump Files New Challenge to Jupiter, Fla. Club’s Assessment
Each year since 2014, Jupiter Golf Club, LLC, which is owned by The Trump Organization, has sued to try to lower the assessment for a property that has been valued at $18 million by Palm Beach County. The organization has succeeded in getting tax liabilities reduced for many of its 12 U.S. club properties.
Golfers Save Caddy’s Life at Charlotte (N.C.) CC
Bruce Heath suffered a heart attack on the 12th hole of the golf course on February 12, prompting a group of golfers to spring into action, performing CPR and calling 911. “I feel lucky and blessed to have been around people who knew what they were doing,” said Heath, who is alive and well after heart surgery.
2017 Chef to Chef Conference Wraps Up in Atlanta
The ninth annual event, held at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, ended on March 7 with chef demos and sessions on topics ranging from management and training to Latin cuisine, catering and banquet design, pastries and wine programs. The day began with a drawing for a Crown Verity grill, and the event also included a General Managers’ panel.
CMAA Announces New Officers and Master Club Managers
Robert C. James, CCM, CCE, CHE, Chief Operating Officer of Westchester Country Club, Rye, N.Y., was elected President; Robert J. “Bobby” Crifasi, CCM, CCE, CPA, General Manager of New Orleans Country Club was elected Vice-President; and Randall J. Ruder, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y. was elected Secretary–Treasurer. The association also announced that C. W. Cook, MCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of North Hills Club, Raleigh, N.C., and Mac Niven, MCM, CCE, General Manager, Almaden Golf & Country Club, San Jose, Calif., have completed the requirements for the Master Club Manager designation.
The Club Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients
The organization has announced the 2017 winners of the James B. Singerling Scholarship, which allows recipients to attend the CMAA World Conference on Club Management and Club Business Expo for the first time as a club industry professional, and the 2016 Joe Perdue Scholarship, which provides tuition support to students who are pursuing careers in club management.
American Culinary Federation Team Places Fourth at International Culinary Olympics
ACF Culinary National Team USA ranked fourth in the world overall and won two gold medals in the 24th Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung International Culinary Exhibition, held October 22-25, in Erfurt, Germany. Two of the ACF Culinary USA teams—national and youth—finished in the top 10 and featured several chefs from leading private clubs.
Charlotte Magazine Features Quail Hollow Club’s Makeover
In anticipation of hosting next year’s PGA Championship, the Charlotte, N.C., club began a 12-week renovation process, installing Champion Ultradwarf Bermudagrass, adding three new holes, overhauling fairways, reshaping greens, and adding areas for grandstands and spectators.
American Culinary Federation Teams Prepare for International Culinary Olympics
ACF Culinary National Team USA, ACF Culinary Youth Team USA and United States Army Culinary Arts Team will represent the U.S. in the Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung, to be held October 22-25 in Erfurt, Germany. Chefs from clubs including Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y., Myers Park Country Club in Charlotte, N.C., The Fort Worth (Texas) Club and more are competing on the teams.
North Carolina Properties Unveil Golf Course Renovations
The project at Mooresville (N.C.) Golf Course called for the development of a new front nine, with the removal of a 16-acre pond to allow holes to route across the land. In Charlotte, N.C., Carmel Country Club opened its North Course following a 10-month renovation that features Champion bermuda greens and 419 bermuda on the tees, fairways and rough.
“Uber for Caddies” Startup Raises Capital in Charlotte, N.C.
ClubUp, an iOS app that allows golfers from private clubs to book pre-approved caddies, has already provided caddie services on over 175 rounds at private clubs in the city, with plans to expand the app’s reach throughout the state. The startup is partnered with The First Tee of Greater Charlotte, and sources many of its caddies through the organization.
Providing a Boost
An integral component of excellence in club management is embracing the concept of wanting everyone who works for you to maximize their potential—even if it may get fully realized somewhere else.
On the Rise
Shawn Wilkes’ contributions to major improvement projects at Carmel Country Club earned him “Rising Star” recognition through the Excellence in Club Management Awards—and the opportunity to take the helm of another distinguished club.
McConnell Golf Signs Lease Agreement with Raleigh Golf Association
The 27-hole public facility is the second-oldest course in the Raleigh, N.C. area and becomes the first non-private operation in McConnell’s portfolio. Creation of a McConnell Golf Training Center is planned as part of the 10-year lease arrangement.