Fountaine succeeds Doug Steffen, PGA, under whom he was an Assistant Professional at the Springfield, N.J. club from 2010 to 2014. Most recently Fountaine was the Head Golf Professional at Arcola CC, and he has also worked in golf pro positions at Old Sandwich GC, The Dye Preserve, Red Tail GC and Binghamton CC.
Michael Jordan Presents Plans for Hobe Sound, Fla., Golf Course
The basketball legend is one step closer to building his first golf course after presenting the basic plans at a Martin County, Fla., workshop. In addition to Jordan, 25 other investors will contribute $1 million each, and unnamed sources said the golf course would have a similar feel to Medalist Golf Club, also in Hobe Sound.
Peacock + Lewis Earns Multiple Design Excellence Awards
The recognition from the South Florida chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers included projects at Sailfish Point (Best Clubhouse), Grey Oaks CC, The Breakers, PGA National and the Els Center for Excellence
Anti-Bigotry Group Pressures PGA and USGA to Sever Ties with Donald Trump
Three men with prominence in the African-American golfing community who have helped the organizations promote minorities’ history in the game have formed a group known as Golfers Opposing Bigotry and are calling for major tournaments planned for Trump-owned clubs to be moved.
The Bear’s Club Settles Clean Water Act Lawsuit
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida filed a civil complaint in October 2015 against several of the Jupiter, Fla., club’s developers, accusing them of improperly filling nearly an acre of wetlands in violation of its agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Bear’s Club agreed to a consent decree with a $400,000 civil penalty, and committed to preserving seven acres of wetlands at Grassy Waters Preserve.
Trump’s Taxes, Property Valuation Present “Contrasting Figures”
According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump reported in his May filing to the Federal Election Commission that eight of his 10 golf courses were worth tens of millions of dollars, as his attorneys have pressed local tax officials to value the properties at a fraction of those amounts. The numbers add to the mystery surrounding Trump’s personal finances, which have emerged as a campaign issue as he has refused to release his tax returns.
Trump National GC Jupiter (Fla.) Battles Class-Action Lawsuit
As Donald Trump campaigns for president, his lawyers are attempting to defeat a lawsuit involving 65 people who say they were on a waiting list to receive their refundable membership deposits but have been charged dues and fees for a golf course, spa and other amenities they haven’t been allowed to use since 2013. The dispute involves about $2.4 million in fees owed by those filing suit.
Trump Could be Witness in Trump National GC Jupiter (Fla.) Trial
August 15 has been set as the first possible day for the federal trial, in which members of the former Ritz-Carlton Golf Club say that Trump breached their contract and refused to return their money when he bought the club for $5 million in 2012.
Bloomberg Reports on Disgruntled Member Lawsuits
Members are suing New Seabury Country Club in Mashpee, Mass., which is owned by Carl Icahn, accusing managers of raising fees and halting refunds on initiation payments. Other clubs have faced similar lawsuits from clubs that unceremoniously change fee structures to lure new members.
The Bear’s Club Fights Federal Lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against the Jupiter, Fla., property in October, arguing that golf course builders filled in wetlands that were meant to be protected. The club, in a motion to dismiss the case, countered that it had the state’s OK to change the property and that it already paid $140,000 to protect wetlands elsewhere as compensation.
Florida Clubs’ Comeback Efforts Featured by New York Times
The newspaper’s commercial real estate section devoted extensive coverage to a post-recession update on the state of South Florida’s club and course properties, including Boca West CC’s $50 million renovation and Woodmont CC’s expansion beyond golf.
Nicklaus Real Estate Company Expands to Assist Private Clubs
Golden Bear Realty, founded and directed by Jack Nicklaus’ son Michael, has partnered with Mariner Sands CC and the Loxahatchee Club to oversee all real estate operations through its Club Community Division.
Michael Jordan Considers Building Private Golf Course
The NBA legend is reportedly considering building his own club in Hobe Sound, Fla. Sources said the plan is a result of Jordan’s frustration with slow pace of play at his current club.
Atlanta Athletic Club Selects Chambers for Long-Term Strategic Facilities Plan
Through the partnership, the Baltimore, Md.-based club planning, architecture and interior design firm will address facilities upgrades, current and anticipated athletic trends, and multigenerational program enhancements for the Johns Creek, Ga. club’s 116-year-old campus.
Blueprints for Wellness
Creating a well-rounded fitness program starts with a practical, attractive facilities foundation, to keep members engaged, active, and on-site.