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  • Wes Forester, PGA Director of Golf at Reynolds Lake Oconee Discusses Richland—The Seventh Course on Property

    Wes Forester, PGA Director of Golf at Reynolds Lake Oconee Discusses Richland—The Seventh Course on Property
    2024/11/18
    Wes Forester, PGA Director of Golf at Reynolds Lake Oconee joined Rob Thomas on the Club + Resort Talks podcast to discuss Richland—the seventh golf course at the Greensboro, Ga. property. The new 18-hole layout was created by acclaimed course architect Tom Fazio by combining nine holes from his existing National course with nine all-new holes. This gives Reynolds Lake Oconee two Fazio designs (Richland and The National) along with courses from Jack Nicklaus (Great Waters), Rees Jones (The Oconee), Jim Engh (Creek Club), and two by Bob Cupp (The Preserve and The Landing). The new Richland turns the Bluff nine from the original, Fazio-designed National—with some recent modifications—into holes 1 through 5 and 15 through 18. The new holes, 6 through 14, traverse the peninsula of Reynolds and tumbles down to the Richland side of Lake Oconee. The resulting layout provides plenty of challenge with fescue-lined fairways, numerous bunkers, and dramatic elevation changes. Among the changes to the nine Bluff holes were removing or repositioning bunkers, adding new ones, and combining smaller bunkers to create larger ones. Some greens have been reshaped and/or moved, often bringing the lake more into play. New fescue native areas and low-mow chipping areas were also added on some holes. The new nine utilizes significant elevation change to put an emphasis on club selection and angle of attack. Players will encounter doglegs, a deep valley and big ravine, plus sloping greens and strategically placed bunkering. They’ll also have the chance to refresh themselves at a new halfway house – The Turn – between holes 9 and 10. The Turn is a mobile food truck that will serve burgers, sandwiches, wraps and a full array of beverages. Also on this podcast … In the world of golf clubs, resorts, and hospitality venues, delivering unforgettable player experiences is paramount, and effective team communication plays a central role in achieving this. Elle Ferebee, Senior Account Executive at Relay, highlights how the right communication tools not only streamline team interactions but also help transform member experiences into something truly memorable. The Glen Ridge (N.J.) Country Club’s planned expansion includes constructing a children’s pool and removing 56 trees, raising concerns among neighboring residents. The proposed pool placement—just 13 feet from the property line—requires a variance, as local law typically mandates a 100-foot setback. The Zoning Board of Adjustment was scheduled to review these variance requests Nov. 14. Findings have yet to be announced. One local resident expressed concerns about the impact of the expansion on noise levels in the area. Two years into a significant restoration effort, Asheville, N.C.’s historic Municipal Golf Course, known affectionately as “Muni,” is facing severe setbacks after Tropical Storm Helene. The city was close to completing multimillion-dollar improvements across the course’s 18 holes, including upgrades to fairways, bunkers, cart paths, and greens, along with extensive stormwater system repairs. However, after Helene swept through on Sept. 27, the Swannanoa River, which runs beside the course, overflowed to more than 26 feet, submerging the surrounding areas. The resulting floodwaters inundated Muni’s front nine holes, with water and debris gushing from drainage inlets, undermining the turf and reversing much of the recent improvement work.
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    28 分
  • Matt Adamski, PGA General Manager at Sweetens Cove, Joins the Podcast to Discuss Expansion Plans

    Matt Adamski, PGA General Manager at Sweetens Cove, Joins the Podcast to Discuss Expansion Plans
    2024/11/08
    Matt Adamski, General Manager of Sweetens Cove Golf Club, joins Rob Thomas on the Club + Resort Talks podcast to discuss big plans for America’s Sweetheart. Sweetens Cove, a 9-hole course in South Pittsburg, Tenn. known for its cult following and distinctive approach to golf, is set to expand. While the main course will remain at nine holes, the club is adding a par-3 short course along with a range of new amenities aimed at enhancing its appeal to traveling golfers. The expansion includes stay-and-play cabins, a restaurant, a distillery, a putting green, a fishing dock, and a skeet shooting range, designed to create a comprehensive destination experience. The original architects of Sweetens Cove, Rob Collins and Tad King, will return to design the new short course. Known for their work at Landmand in Nebraska, their new design will emphasize creativity and flexibility, allowing golfers to experience the course in multiple ways. Also on this podcast, Thomas shares news out of PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, Calif.; and Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill, Calif. PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is poised for a significant ownership change, with reports indicating a potential sale to Henderson Park, a London-based private equity real estate firm, for $425 million. This price reflects approximately $1.3 million per room, positioning the resort as a high-value property in the competitive luxury golf market. The 800-acre resort has seen multiple ownership changes over the years. Its current owner, Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management, acquired PGA National in 2018 for $218 million. Since then, Brookfield invested more than $100 million in comprehensive renovations, enhancing the hotel, spa, restaurants, lobby, and its six golf courses. Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, Calif., has reopened with a refreshed and enhanced golf experience after a $23 million renovation by Todd Eckenrode and Origins Golf Design. Approved by the club in 2019, this comprehensive redesign spanned all 18 holes and was crafted to create a more engaging layout, elevate aesthetics, and support the club’s sustainability goals. The extensive renovation, which began in April 2023, revamped all tees, fairways, bunkers, and greens. The design incorporated strategic widths that add variety to each play, unveiling new layers of challenge and enjoyment for golfers. Eckenrode’s vision resulted in what members now enjoy as a transformed course with a unique, engaging experience. Lastly, members of Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill, Calif. recently raised $54,000 for PLAY for P.I.N.K., a national charity funding breast cancer research, with more donations still coming in. Funds were raised through a Sept. 13 golf tournament, dinner and silent auction for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the last two years the club has raised $99,000 for breast cancer research and awareness, and since 2012 more than $192,000.
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    27 分
  • B.K. Browne Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast to Introduce SpeakSport — An A.I. Tee Time Service

    B.K. Browne Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast to Introduce SpeakSport — An A.I. Tee Time Service
    2024/11/04
    B.K. Browne, CEO and Founder of SpeakSport, introduces the cutting-edge technology on the Club + Resort Talks podcast. With this innovative A.I. technology, clubs can free up hours of time every day from answering the phone for tee time bookings and miscellaneous questions—allowing them to drive revenue, and divert valuable human resources elsewhere, such as providing personalized service to guests/members on-site. Also on this podcast: Canyon Springs Golf Course, nestled along the Snake River in Twin Falls, Idaho, is on the market, with an $18.5 million price tag. The expansive listing includes direct access to the Snake River, Centennial Park, and views of the impressive Perrine Coulee waterfall, along with amenities like a geothermal artesian well, a full-service bar, restaurant, and pro shop overlooking the Snake River and Perrine Bridge. Water rights, springs, and Idaho’s highly coveted liquor license add to the property’s appeal, making it an attractive recreational destination in Idaho’s scenic heart. Baltimore County, Md. has announced a substantial $6.5 million investment to overhaul the Rocky Point Golf Course clubhouse, marking a significant shift from the usual self-funding approach managed by the Baltimore County Revenue Authority. County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. introduced the initiative, which will transform the decades-old clubhouse with a “grill room,” updated kitchen, patio seating, a pro shop, and expanded banquet space. The project is a complete renovation, a move Olszewski says aligns with the county’s broader recreational investment priorities. Lastly, the 41st annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship continues to be one of the Grand Strand’s most significant events, driving economic impact and exposure for “The Golf Capital of the World.” Based on Destinations International (DI) calculations, the standard for measuring the effect events have on communities, the World Amateur Championship generated a total economic impact of $17.1 million for the local economy, with $11.1 million in direct impact and $6 million in non-direct and induced spending
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    25 分
  • Mark Bado Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast to Discuss a Major Renovation at Mizner CC

    Mark Bado Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast to Discuss a Major Renovation at Mizner CC
    2024/10/28
    Mark Bado, General Manager/COO of Mizner Country Club in Delray Beach, Fla. joins the Club + Resort Talks podcast to discuss plans for a comprehensive renovation of its main clubhouse, with construction slated to begin in June 2025. The renovation will encompass key areas of the clubhouse, enhancing the facility’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. It will be designed to ensure members enjoy an elevated experience. The renovation will focus on several areas, including: – Lobby: A refreshed, modern design to create a welcoming first impression for all members and guests. – Men’s & ladies’ bathrooms: Upgraded amenities designed to provide increased comfort and style. – One Mile Bar & Grill: A reimagined space with updates to elevate both dining and social experiences. – Dining room: Enhancements that will further enrich culinary offerings and the overall dining experience. – New outside covered terrace: Adjacent to the One Mile Bar & Grill, this outdoor addition will provide new opportunities for alfresco dining and social gatherings. – Kitchen upgrades: New state-of-the-art kitchen equipment will better support both banquet and à la carte services. The walk-in cooler/freezer relocation will streamline the kitchen layout, improving efficiency and accommodating the increased demand for expanded services. Bado noted, “This marks another milestone in our ever-expanding commitment to offering our members services that exceed expectations. The main clubhouse has long served as a place for comfort, socialization, and the enjoyment offered by our superior culinary staff. We are confident these updates will elevate the quality and functionality of our facilities. These upgrades will also solidify Mizner Country Club’s position as a premier country club for its members and guests, offering both enhanced amenities and a luxurious atmosphere.” Also on the podcast: The development of a proposed Sports Illustrated Resort in Tuscaloosa, Ala. has been put on hold after the city council opted to delay the project during their latest meeting. This decision comes in response to strong opposition from residents, which was voiced during a recent public hearing. Concerns raised by the community primarily centered around the design of the resort, infrastructure issues, and the potential increase in traffic. The development faced significant pushback from locals who felt the current proposal did not adequately address these concerns. Residents highlighted the need for additional due diligence on various aspects of the project, including the hotel’s design and the anticipated traffic impact. Lastly, Sweetens Cove Golf Club, a 9-hole course in South Pittsburg, Tenn. known for its cult following and distinctive approach to golf, is set to expand. While the main course will remain at nine holes, the club is adding a par-3 short course along with a range of new amenities aimed at enhancing its appeal to traveling golfers. The expansion includes stay-and-play cabins, a restaurant, a distillery, a putting green, a fishing dock, and a skeet shooting range, designed to create a comprehensive destination experience. The original architects of Sweetens Cove, Rob Collins and Tad King, will return to design the new short course. Known for their work at Landmand in Nebraska, their new design will emphasize creativity and flexibility, allowing golfers to experience the course in multiple ways. Construction on the par-3 course is scheduled to begin in spring 2025, with an expected opening in 2026.
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    31 分
  • Aaron James, GM at CC of Asheville Joins the Podcast to Discuss Recovery From Hurricane Helene

    Aaron James, GM at CC of Asheville Joins the Podcast to Discuss Recovery From Hurricane Helene
    2024/10/15
    In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit Asheville, N.C. harder than expected, Aaron James, General Manager of the Country Club of Asheville, opened up about the challenges the club and its surrounding community have faced during recovery. In an interview with Rob Thomas on the Club Resort Talks podcast, James shared the harrowing experience and the ongoing efforts to rebuild. In other news from across the country, the Omni Tucson (Ariz.) National Resort now utilizes 225-acre feet of wastewater annually, fulfilling its obligations to Pima County. In today’s regulatory environment, new golf courses are typically expected to incorporate reclaimed water from the outset. However, the Omni, which opened in 1962, predates these requirements, as do many other courses in the region. The Club at Lost Lake, a semi-private club in Hobe Sound, Fla., partnered with our friends at Capstone Hospitality to make the move from public to private. The transition will aim to elevate the overall member experience through personalized services, exclusive events, and improved amenities. King’s North at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) National reopened Oct. 3 following a comprehensive project on its Front Nine. Architect Brandon Johnson reimagined the opening nine at King’s North, expanding the greens to their original size and specifications and in some cases beyond. Phase 2, which focuses on the back nine, will take place in the summer of 2025. Lastly, are you looking to get into the glamping business? The Sequoia High Sierra Camp, a 40-acre property set within the heart of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, includes a central dining lodge, a bathhouse, and 35 platform sites for furnished tent cabins. Approvals are in place to add up to 50 tent cabin sites.
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    21 分
  • Joe Smith, GM/COO of Countryside G&CC Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast

    Joe Smith, GM/COO of Countryside G&CC Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast
    2024/10/04
    Joe Smith, General Manager/COO of Countryside Golf and Country Club in Naples, Fla. joined the podcast to talk about everything happening at the club. Countryside celebrated the groundbreaking of its $14 million club renovation project, aptly named “Countryside 2.0,” in January. This project marks a significant milestone for the community, further enhancing the exceptional lifestyle residents and members have enjoyed for more than 35 years. Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Club + Resort Business, also touched upon some recent news from across the industry, including: Las Vegas, Nev.-based Siena Golf Holdings LLC purchased Siena Golf Club in Summerlin, Nev. for $17M. The club, which is part of a 2,100-home, 55-plus community, was originally constructed in 2000. Pivotal Group acquired the Hilton Phoenix (Ariz.) Resort at the Peak for $100M with plans to add new amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and an adult pool to complement the existing family pool and lazy river. A full renovation of the resort’s 432 rooms is also planned, likely to begin in the summer when tourism in Phoenix slows due to the heat. Lastly, it’s getting to be award season and a pair of courses have been named ‘Course of the Year!’ The Michigan Golf Course Association bestowed the honor upon Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor, Mich. The award honors a member course that meets four criteria: Unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; and significant contribution to the game. Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club in Pawley’s Island, S.C., succeeds Rivers Edge as the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association’s 2024 Course of the Year. Founders Group International contracted with Nicklaus Design Group and its Design Associate Troy Vincent to lead a 2023 renovation that modernized the facility.
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    30 分
  • Gilles Gagnon Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast from Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic

    Gilles Gagnon Joins the Club + Resort Talks Podcast from Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic
    2024/09/27
    Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Club + Resort Business and host of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, sat down with Gilles Gangon, Director of Sales at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. A close personal friend of Pete Dye, Gilles was the longtime Director of Golf Operations at the acclaimed resort before taking on his new role. He has some VERY entertaining stories to share … as well as news on the upcoming renovation of Teeth of the Dog. Also in the news … After a two-and-a-half-year intensive course renovation, San Juan Oaks Golf Club in Hollister, Calif., has reopened for daily-fee play. Developer Third Millennium Partners has overseen the project from start to finish, with insights from golf architect Gene Bates—designer of the original course in 1996, along with PGA TOUR golfer and World Golf Hall of Fame member Fred Couples—who returned to modernize the layout in January 2022. The comprehensive restoration involved regrassing the entire course, including tees and fairways with perennial ryegrass, 007XL bentgrass on the greens and new drought-resistant Bermuda grass on the practice range. Installation of a new pump station and irrigation system reduces overwatering and achieves better playing conditions. A sinkhole at Bunker Hill Golf Course in Dubuque, Iowa, first appearing in May 2023, has raised concerns among local residents and golfers. The sinkhole, located near the 17th hole, measures 11 feet deep and exposes a limestone shelf, indicating a collapse into an underlying mineshaft. The golf course is situated above an old limestone mine, a common feature in the area, and sinkholes are not uncommon in the region due to the topography and historical mining activity. The City of Dubuque’s Leisure Services Department, in collaboration with the engineering department, is actively working on a solution. Officials have confirmed that the depth of the sinkhole has remained stable, and the city is preparing to hire an outside company to repair it. The area has been fenced off and covered with plywood to ensure safety, and the city advises people to avoid the site. The Club at Olde Cypress in Naples, Fla. has enlisted Clive Daniel Hospitality for a renovation project. In partnership with Stock Development and Humphrey & Rosal Architects, Clive Daniel Hospitality is revitalizing the clubhouse to provide a refreshed, modernized experience for its members and guests. The renovation, which includes the expansion of both the bar and dining areas, will open the back of the dining space to panoramic views of the lake and golf course. The exterior will also see a transformation, with the addition of ample seating on the upper and lower terraces, and a newly constructed, covered exterior bar.
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    37 分
  • Will Young, PGA (Hartford GC) Discusses the Advantages of TikTok on the Club + Resort Talks Podcast

    Will Young, PGA (Hartford GC) Discusses the Advantages of TikTok on the Club + Resort Talks Podcast
    2024/09/20
    On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Will Young, PGA Head Golf Professional at Hartford Golf Club in Wisconsin talks about the rise of his presence on TikTok and gives some advice to other club professionals considering the platform. Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Club + Resort Business, also takes a look at the latest news from across the industry. The new short game practice area at Indian Hills Country Club in Bowling Green, Ky. allows golfers to practice their putting on a dedicated green, with additional fairway space to hone their chipping and pitching skills. The short game area is dedicated to Bob McLean, a long-time superintendent at the club and one of the key figures behind its design. PTI Golf removed a total of 12 acres of turf at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nev. and replaced it with natural desert vegetation. The Southern Nevada Water Authority recently lowered the water budget in the Las Vegas Valley with a 33 percent reduction in allotted water. The most efficient way to meet that threshold is to remove turf. The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland, Fla. will kick off a golf course renovation in April 2025. During the project, crews will rebuild all 18 greens to their original size/shape and resurface with Tifeagle Bermuda grass. The agronomy team at the facility will make select drainage, irrigation, tee box, and bunker improvements, as well. Concert Golf Partners has upgraded the wells, pumps, irrigation, clubhouse roof, windows, doors, kitchen equipment, and HVAC at The Club at Pasadera in Monterey, Calif. The upcoming second phase of upgrades will include $1 million of renovations planned for the hacienda-style clubhouse, including an expanded outdoor seating area, wine lockers, and more. A five-month, $2.5 million dollar restoration of the King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. involved resurfacing all 18 greens, as well as the putting and chipping areas, with TifEagle Bermuda grass. Improvements also included significant upgrades to the irrigation and drainage systems to promote water conservation, enhance turf health, and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the year.
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    20 分