Blas Huezo of the Lakeside, Calif. club’s staff has been selected as the 2017 recipient of the Most Valuable Technician Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, after being nominated by Barona Creek’s Superintendent, Sandy Clark, CGCS. Kurt Lading from Indian Hills Country Club and Trent Manning from Ansley Golf Club were also finalists for 2017 recognition.

The multimillion-dollar upgrade includes bunker replacements, new Champion Bermuda greens, and new bulkheads on the golf course, with a new fitness facility and updated clubhouse, featuring a new lobby and entryway, a business center, and an outdoor dining deck.

ClubCorp plans to purchase Bermuda Run (N.C.) CC; Brookfield CC in Roswell, Ga.; Firethorne CC in Marvin, N.C.; Ford’s Colony CC in Williamsburg, Va.; Legacy GC at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton, Fla.; and Temple Hills CC in Franklin, Tenn., from Stratford Golf Partners and Accord Golf Capital.

Since 2007, a watchdog organization reported, nearly 50 clubs have received $110 million in lending from the Federal program since its expansion under President Obama. The SBA said its actions were needed because of the inability of most businesses to get loans from other sources during the recession.

After a downturn that was cited by one multiple-course owner as “by far the toughest ever in the industry,” course owners and real estate investors are betting on a comeback, Bloomberg News reported. Property prices are climbing and club shutdowns have slowed as recreational golfers return after scaling back club memberships during the recession.

The all-cash acquisition of the private Roswell, Ga., club includes the property’s 18-hole golf course and golf training center, 10 tennis courts, a fitness facility and an Olympic swimming pool. The Williamsburg, Va.-based firm plans to enhance the club through additional capital investment and professional management.