Schantz joined Troon in 1998 and most recently served as the firm’s Executive Vice President of Global Business Development. Under his leadership in business development, Troon has expanded to working with more than 270 golf courses in 31 countries.

The Tuscaloosa, Ala. property will now serve as a training and education center for students in the university’s Restaurant, Hotel and Meetings Management Program.

After 20 years with the management firm, John Easterbrook Jr. will leave his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to take the new role, which will oversee the core PGA member-focused areas of the organization, including education, employment, member services and section business operations.

The new division, headed by Rich Carter, will specialize in advisory services for the club and hospitality industries, focusing on customer service, sales and marketing, private club sales, golf course agronomy, retail and food-and-beverage operations, and more.

Bruce Glasco will serve as Managing Director of the management company’s Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. operation while continuing to lead the expansion of its international division.

The provider of caddie services, which is based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., joins Troon’s portfolio and will continue to operate all functions under the CaddieMaster brand. CaddieMaster’s President/CEO will continue his role in the company and the executive owners will maintain an equity interest in the business as well.

As part of its celebration, the management company is launching an “Ultimate Golf Vacation Sweepstakes” during the month of April, in which participants can win a three-night stay at The Phoenician Resort, and more.

The Arizona-based management company will strengthen its presence in the southeastern U.S. by adding 14 properties located in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and North Carolina.

The private equity firm replaces Starwood Capital and Goldman Sachs as the management firm’s majority shareholders. Troon Founder Dana Garmany will remain as Chairman/CEO and the largest individual stockholder. Greg Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises is also part of the new investor group.

The Dave Pelz Scoring Game School will open new locations at Troon-managed private club, daily fee and resort properties starting in the spring and summer. The two companies also plan to conduct new research through the partnership.

The $5 million design for the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., club’s layout will deliver 18 holes of golf and also includes a Short Course that can be played quickly, answering the increasing demand for a shorter game. The grand reopening ceremony is being held December 11, during which golf instructor David Leadbetter will host a mini clinic for members.

Troon Golf’s Dana Garmany was named no. 1 replacing Eric Affeldt, CEO of ClubCorp.

C&RB sat down with Dana Garman, Chairman and CEO of Troon Golf to talk about the club industry from his perspective.