The Louisville, Ky., development is spinning off its 18-hole golf course into its own entity, so owner Lawren Just can focus on real estate. PGA Professional Craig Heibert will help manage the new Persimmon Ridge Golf Club LLC.
Winged Foot GC’s Grant Sturgeon Wins PGA Assistant Championship
His final round 65, the lowest final-round score in the Championship’s 38-year history, earned him $9,000 and a berth in next year’s PGA Professional National Championship. Kenny Pigman of Goose Creek GC finished second.
Valhalla GC Gets Back to “Business as Usual”
After a rainy PGA Championship, the Louisville, Ky., property is returning to its normal state as vendors tear down major infrastructure and the club lays down new grass.
PGA Reach Partners with Charities for 96th PGA Championship
The charitable arm of The PGA of America will conduct a golf clinic for underserved youth in the Louisville, Ky., community and offer golf lessons for veterans.
Rounds 4 Research Raises $115,500 in June
The first phase of the fundraising program for turfgrass studies sold more than 600 rounds in the June online auction, a seven percent increase over a year ago.
Fast-Casual’s Strong Growth Shows No Signs of Slowing
Effective marketing of “Fresh, made-for-you appeal” and “better than quick-service food” messages continues to drive double-digit growth of the format, a new report shows.
Sand Saves
Bunker maintenance can be a time-consuming, labor-intensive task for golf course maintenance staffs—but new innovations in bunker construction are helping grounds crews save time and cut costs.
Study Shows Slow Progress for Kentucky Clubs in Recovering from Recession
A report that looked at Form 990s filed by 12 nonprofit clubs in the Louisville, Ky. area from 2009 to 2012 showed that only four had posted net gains in revenues less expenses over that period. Louisville Country Club showed the biggest increase, of over $1 million, even though its 2012 report was not included. Standard Country Club showed the biggest loss, of over $2 million, but its 2012 report was also not part of the study.
Big Spring CC, Harmony Landing CC Announce Merger
The two Louisville, Ky.-area properties have agreed to merge, effective April 1, after both member-owned clubs reported declines in profit in recent years. The merger will give members access to both clubs’ amenities, while reducing overall expenses for the clubs by combining staff and consolidating resources.
Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame to Induct Valhalla GC
The Louisville, Ky., club joins the makers of the “Louisville Slugger” baseball bat and Churchill Downs as the only entities to be selected as inductees. “To have Valhalla, a PGA of America property, enshrined alongside the state’s greatest legends is testament to those who have worked hard to bring the best in golf to Kentucky and showcase it to the world,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop.
CMAA Names 100 New Certified Club Managers
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.
Legal Disputes Put Glenmary CC in Limbo
A month after the Glenmary Homeowners Association Board of Directors signed a contract with owners Par Golf LLC to buy the Louisville, Ky., property for $2.15M, they canceled the deal, prompting Par Golf to file litigation accusing breach of agreement. Further complicating the matter, lawsuits between the homeowners association members and Board of Directors have arisen as well.
Credit Card Breach Affects Hotel POS Systems
A data breach that affected the food and beverage outlets at certain Marriott, Holiday Inn, Sheraton and other hotel properties has exposed guests to potential theft. The breach occurred between March 20 and December 16 last year by “memory-parsing” malware that infects point-of-sale systems, including cash registers and credit-card swiping machines in checkout aisles.
GCSAA Announces Melrose Leadership Academy Class
The second class of 16 GCSAA Class A members has been selected to participate in the Academy to be conducted at the 2014 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, February 1-6. Class members earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the show through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism, and career ambition.
Bethpage State Park Gets 2019 PGA Championship and 2024 Ryder Cup
The Tillinghast-designed Black Course on New York’s Long Island will add the events to a major tournament legacy that also includes two U.S. Opens.