Troon Privé, the private-club operating division of Troon, will oversee golf and food-and-beverage operations as well as agronomy and club membership/marketing at Austin (Minn.) Country Club. Bobby Jones Links will manage operations at Hope Valley Country Club in Durham, N.C., and Champions Club in Ooltewah, Tenn.
Austin (Minn.) Country Club has selected Troon to manage its property, while Hope Valley Country Club in Durham, N.C., and Champions Club in Ooltewah, Tenn. have chosen Bobby Jones Links.
Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, will oversee golf and food-and-beverage operations as well as agronomy and club membership/marketing at the Minnesota club, which was founded in 1919 and is home to an 18-hole golf course originally designed by Willie Livie and Robert Carlson.
The par 72, 6,520-yard course plays through towering pine and oak trees, while Dobbins Creek snakes its way through the property. The course is well known for its small and speedy greens. Additional golf offerings include a driving range with hitting bays, a full-service pro shop and club storage.
“Austin Country Club is a gorgeous club and course,” said Rob DeMore, president, Troon Privé. “Troon’s proficiency managing member-owned private clubs, combined with our company’s vast resources will help elevate the member and guest experience at Austin Country Club, while concurrently shaping a sustainable future for the facility and its members.”
Austin Country Club also features a full suite of country club amenities, including a heated pool, lighted tennis courts, locker room facilities and sauna. The clubhouse includes a popular bar and grill, as well as a fine dining restaurant, while meeting rooms and spacious banquet facilities can accommodate functions up to 120 guests.
“Troon’s ability to consistently enhance service, standards and expectations, while increasing overall value for members is ultimately what led us to select them to manage our club,” said Austin Country Club Board President Tony Roehl. “In discussions leading up to our decision, it was clear that Troon operates under a ‘what is best for the membership and club’ philosophy and will deploy their talent and resources to help us reach our goals.”
Troon and its family of brands continue to expand throughout the Midwest, having added daily-fee facilities in Iowa, Wisconsin and in Sauk Centre, Minn. in recent months. In 2019, following the acquisition of Green Golf Partners, Troon opened a Chicago office to support its growing collection of clubs in the region.
Hope Valley Country Club opened in 1926 and is a historic private club with a classic Donald Ross-designed course that was host to one of Byron Nelson’s record 11 consecutive wins. The club features a 52,000-sq.-ft. French Norman style clubhouse and tennis complex with nine courts.
“Our role at Hope Valley is to support the board and club staff while enhancing the members’ experience,” said Gautam Patankar, a Bobby Jones Links’ Partner.
The Champions Club is an 18-hole private club with a Jay Morrish designed golf course, junior Olympic size swimming pool, and tennis courts. The course is currently undergoing a major greens, bunkers, and drainage renovation led by Bobby Cupp, Jr. and Bobby Jones Links.
“The Champions Club is going from good to great. We are delighted to lead its improvement and manage the club as well,” said Whitney Crouse, Founding Partner of Bobby Jones Links.
While adding to its portfolio, Bobby Jones Links has been playing a very active role in establishing COVID-19 operational best practices and protocols for not only its courses, but the broader golf course and private club industry, as well. Crouse played an early and large role in determining how to operate clubs safely in Georgia, contributing recommendations to the Governor’s office which enabled golf to remain open in the state.
“Amidst all this uncertainty and in what seemed like ‘daily audibles,’ our accounting team assisted our club owners in applying for SBA Payroll Protection Program loans. It was the most challenging few days we’ve ever experienced,” said Amy Willy, the company’s Chief Financial Officer. “Each loan application was different and through multiple banks. Yet, our team delivered for our clients and that’s something I am very proud of.”
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