Ashleigh Wilson, 31, is the Columbia, S.C., club’s first black member in its 90-year history. The club has been the recipient of negative publicity for not having any African-American members, including in January when Governor Henry McMaster refused to give up his membership to the then-whites-only club. After years of sporadic controversy over its 90-year…

Fiscal struggles and declining memberships are prompting the Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Southfield, Mich., clubs to consider a joint venture to operate as a single club. Management at neither property commented on the prospective deal, both waiting until after September meetings with members.

The CCM designation indicates that a club management professional has completed a rigorous course of study and training, and shows a dedication to proficiency and expertise in club management. The two classes are the final group of managers to earn their CCM under the Club Managers Association of America’s previous requirements, as new requirements became effective following the first administered CCM exam in January 2014.

Joining forces with another club can boost membership and offer things their club can’t offer their members.

Dave Frem, GM, Cyprian Keyes Golf Club Michael Hughes, CEO, NGCOA Some properties participate in group purchasing networks to get more bang for their bucks. Mike Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NCCOA), says his organization developed the Smart Buy Purchasing Network in 1992 to offer a tangible benefit to…