The $10 million facility at the La Quinta, Calif. community is expected to further the trend that has already seen a swing from 95 percent golf memberships to 60 percent sports memberships among the property’s 1,400 members. The sports complex includes a fitness center, jacuzzi, swimming pool, bocce ball courts, dog park, drive-up movie area,…

In his year-end roundup of developments for the industry in California’s Coachella Valley, golf writer Larry Bohannan cited investments by Bighorn GC and Toscana CC as a sign that “on at least one level [golf] continues to attract players and money.” The re-opening of Rancho Mirage CC was also noted as another sign that things “certainly [aren’t] as bad as a lot of people want you to believe.”

New facilities at the Indian Wells, Calif., property include La Cucina, a casual restaurant; Il Caffè, a coffee bar; a sports club pavilion with a movement studio and pilates studio; a resort pool with pavilion; an event lawn; and new tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts. Toscana Country Club, a private residential community in Indian Wells,…

The news for the industry isn’t as bad as often portrayed, Paul Levy, who is also the General Manager of Toscana CC in Indian Wells, Calif., told those attending an industry summit. “There are a lot of really great things happening out there and we as an industry, especially the leaders, have to talk positively,” he said.

The executive with the Sunrise Company is also the CEO/General Manager of Toscana CC in Indian Wells, Calif. He will be the organization’s 40th President. Former LPGA Tour player Suzy Whaley is the new Vice President and Jim Richerson, General Manager & Group Director of Golf for Kohler Co.’s Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run properties, is the new Secretary.

The Indian Wells, Calif., property has begun construction on a new casual restaurant with lounge, covered terrace and display kitchen; a junior Olympic pool with covered pavilion; and a tennis center with two additional hard-surface tennis courts and two pickleball courts. The facilities are expected to open in November 2017.

Colleton River in Bluffton, S.C., completed upgrades to its playground, tennis courts, and security system in 2015, with plans to enhance its golf courses and add a short game area and learning center in 2016. In Indian Wells, Calif., Toscana Country Club has opened the final nine holes on its Jack Nicklaus Signature North Course, introduced the new Bill Harmon Performance Center, and expanded its restaurant’s kitchen.

Painted grass is gaining interest among golf course properties in the Coachella Valley as a way to save water by allowing grass to go dormant and discontinue irrigation, but still maintain a lush look.

Sprague, GM and Director of Golf at Malone (N.Y.) GC, had been Interim President since Ted Bishop was removed in October. Arnold Palmer accepted the inaugural Deacon Palmer award, named after his father and awarded to him posthumously as its first recipient.

When the Indian Wells, Calif., property was developed in 2003, only the North Course’s front nine holes and 18th hole were built. The project is filling in the remaining holes, aiming for a November 2015 opening.

With over 20 years of experience, Di Francesco will be responsible for overseeing all operations in the Spa Bella Vita and Sports Club.

Killelea was nominated by his peers for his excellence in programming, instruction and service to members and guests.