(Pictured: Columbia CC) The effort to replace a property-tax break for clubs in Montgomery Co. that was introduced to dissuade development suffered its latest setback when it was defeated in a narrow vote. Opponents cited the unfairness of singling out specific clubs but proponents vowed to continue to try to revisit the issue.
Maryland Legislator Set to Re-Introduce Club Tax Hike Bill
Pictured: Congressional Country Club Similar legislation failed in the last session of the state legislature, but Delegate David Moon has tweaked his proposal to abandon a “one-size-fits-all” approach and have clubs and golf courses in Montgomery County taxed according to the assessed value of their property, rather than under the current flat rate of $1,000/acre. Affected…
Barack Obama Joins Chicago’s Beverly CC, ‘the United Nations’ of Golf Clubs
The former President has accepted an offer to become an honorary member of the club on the city’s South Side, which will allow him to play its Donald Ross course without having to pay an initiation fee or dues or be charge only when bringing guests. The club is located near where the Obamas maintain a Chicago residence.
Attempt to Increase Maryland Clubs’ Property Taxes Fails Initial Vote
A state legislator has pushed for a measure to end a longstanding practice of assessing land at $1,000/acre, but a vote targeting clubs in affluent Montgomery County failed. Del. David Moon will now try to gain support for a statewide initiative that would tax 1 percent of a club’s market value.
CMAA Announces 30 New CCMs
Established in 1965, the Certified Club Manager designation is achieved by a club management professional who has completed specified education requirements, attended at least one World Conference on Club Management, maintained activity within their local chapter, and passed the CCM Exam. The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) has announced that 30 club management professionals…
Proposal Would Remove Tax Exemption for Maryland Clubs
The current agreement allows clubs that don’t restrict membership based on gender, race, nationality or religion to assess land at $1,000 per acre, resulting in a reduction in their property tax payments to the county and state. David Moon plans to introduce legislation to remove the tax break in Montgomery County, requiring voters to approve…
Obama Accepts Invitation to Join Columbia CC
A member of the Chevy Chase, Md., club has confirmed that former President Barack Obama has joined the club. The course is close to the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington where the Obamas purchased an $8.1 million home earlier this year. Former President Barack Obama has accepted an invitation to join Columbia Country Club in Chevy…
Troon to Manage Columbia (Mo.) CC
The 96-year-old club that was the first private club in the city that is home to the University of Missouri’s main campus will now be managed by the Troon Privé Division of the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based management firm.
Mixing It Up
Each November toward the end of its golfing season, Columbia (Mo.) Country Club mixes up its layout with the annual Cross-Country Day for members and guests.
Columbia (Mo.) CC Offers “Cross-Country Day”
The alternative playing method, where golfers are expected to hit another hole’s green, is held each year in November, as a way to get people on the golf course when it’s cold outside to play a “new” course, while promoting walking.
Field Set for 2015 PGA Junior League Golf Championship
Eight all-star teams from clubs and facilities in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Carolina have advanced to the finals, which will be held November 5th through 8th at the Walt Disney Resort’s Palm Course in Orlando.
Functional Fitness
Filling a club’s fitness center with the proper equipment requires a thoughtful balance between member wants and facility needs.
Blueprints for Wellness
Creating a well-rounded fitness program starts with a practical, attractive facilities foundation, to keep members engaged, active, and on-site.
Officials Concede to Columbia CC Over Light-Rail Plan
The Purple Line, a proposed 16-mile light-rail line, has faced opposition from multiple property owners along the route from Bethesda, Md., to New Carrollton, Md. Among other concessions, a recent legal agreement will move the line to help protect clubhouse views and spare four holes at the Chevy Chase, Md., club’s 100-year-old golf course, with two-car trains scheduled to run through it 70 times a day.
ASGCA Announces Design Excellence Recipients
The American Society of Golf Course Architects named 12 recipients of the 2013 Design Excellence Recognition Program. “In each case, golf course owners, managers and superintendents faced challenges unique to them, including the landscape, environment or business situation. And, in each case, they met the challenges by working with ASGCA members,” said ASGCA Vice President Lee Schmidt.