Patios have earned their place as the new club “hot spot,” offering a prime location for soaking up sun—and heating up business.
Florida, Virginia Golf Properties Under New Ownership
Randy Frankel, who is also partner/owner of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, has acquired The Plantation Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla., in partnership with MG Orender and Hampton Golf. Kenneth Bradley, the owner of a local dump truck business, bought Waynesboro (Va.) Country Club for $891,000 at a foreclosure auction, saying it is “a good possibility” that the club would stay open for golfing and other activities.
Pelican Preserve Completes Golf Course, Clubhouse Renovations
The Fort Myers, Fla., property has completed a five-month project that refreshed its 27-hole championship golf course, and updated the 26,145-sq. ft. clubhouse’s interior to include a new indoor/outdoor covered patio, doubling the available seating in the dining room.
Superintendent, Golf Pro Take On New Roles as Florida Club GMs
After 12 years as a superintendent, Matt Gaudet now enjoys “serving members on a broader scale [and having] more of an impact on people’s lives” as General Manager of The Forest CC in Fort Myers. As GM of Foxwood Country Club in his native Crestview, Fla., former golf pro Brandon Martin is hoping to enhance the family-oriented nature of the club to attract a new generation of members.
Friday Filmfest: Gator Scales Florida Fence
After being spotted on the course of The Hideaway Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla., the eight-foot-long was captured on film scrambling up and over a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire.
Pelican Preserve Begins Clubhouse, Golf Course Renovations
The Fort Myers, Fla., property’s Heron course will close in June for updates to nine putting greens, including collars and green surrounds. The clubhouse will see the addition of a new indoor/outdoor covered patio, a banquet room, and fitness center with spa treatment rooms.
Topgolf Announces New Target Markets
The golf entertainment enterprise said it will build on its surging popularity through a broad search for new locations in smaller and mid-sized U.S. cities, in addition to major markets. New regions under consideration include New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., Fort Myers/Naples, Fla., and Providence, R.I.
Pelican Preserve Completes Town Center Expansion
The Fort Myers, Fla., club’s project dedicated 3,000 sq. ft. to two exercise rooms, and added a 65,000-gallon outdoor lap pool that is complemented by “Flip Flops,” a resort-style poolside bar. Additional renovation enhancements include a new golf cart parking lot and new landscaping.
Verandah Club Superintendent Dies After Accident
Garry Higgins, who served as the Old Orange golf course’s superintendent since 2012, died July 19 of complications stemming from an accident that happened at the Fort Myers, Fla., property two weeks earlier. Details about what caused the injuries were unavailable.
The Forest CC Plans Renovation of The Bobcat
One of the Fort Myers, Fla., club’s two championship golf courses will be renovated by Gordon Lewis, the original course architect, to update the design and improve its environmental sustainability.
Coral Hospitality Buys Eagle Ridge GC for $1.87M
The Naples, Fla.-based hospitality management and investment firm purchased the Fort Myers, Fla., club from Wells Fargo Bank. The property includes an 18-hole golf course, pro shop, clubhouse and golf course maintenance facilities.
Wyndemere CC Banquet Manager Featured as “Rising Star”
Twenty-five-year-old Jennah Liskin has had success expanding the Naples, Fla. club’s outside business and is highlighted as a strong example of “GenNext” talent choosing clubs over hotels.
Fort Myers (Fla.) CC to Unveil $6M Renovation
The property added new tees, greens, cart paths, drainage, bathrooms, flag poles and more in preparation for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 31.
Golfer Sues Eagle Ridge GC After Clubs Are Stolen
Robert Work claims he left his clubs with an attendant at the Fort Myers, Fla., club after a round in June when his clubs were stolen. The club is arguing that it is not responsible for the loss.
Friday Filmfest: Coyotes “Invade” The Sanctuary GC
Nighttime video captured on a camera set up by Kyle Sweet, CGCS, the club’s Golf Course Superintendent, shows the playful animals enjoying the property that has become known as a wildlife haven.