Under new ownership since 2006, the San Angelo, Texas club has seen membership leap from 516 to 853 by making recreation a priority.
Kevin Collins, Managing Partner of Bentwood Country Club in San Angelo, Texas, is working to broaden the club’s appeal and reach out to families, saying membership is not limited to elite golfers and tennis players, the San Angelo Standard Times reported.
The club’s membership rates, between $75 and $250 a month, reflect that ideal.
“Country clubs are more activity clubs — at least that’s our philosophy,” Collins said. “Being able to join at $75 is the same price as some of our fitness clubs [in town]. We’d like to get the word out that you can join … for a lot less money than you think. We’ve endeavored the past seven years to maintain a price point that’s competitive and not outside the range of someone to utilize the facility.”
Club membership is not limited to residents of the Bentwood subdivision, so everyone is invited to fill out an application.
“What we try to do is create a lot of opportunities,” Collins said. “We have a lot of people who join for tennis, and we have a large group who join just for the dining. We have something for everyone — whether it’s a 6-year-old kid or a retired couple who want to play bridge at our clubhouse.”
Under new ownership since 2006, the club has seen membership leap from 516 to 853. Bentwood updated its pool to accommodate water basketball and volleyball and a splash pad for kids, which will be ready to open on Memorial Day weekend. An outdoor kitchen is in the works as well.
“We’re in a housing development, which creates opportunities for people to walk up or drive their golf carts to the club,” Collins said. “We have a soccer field, a basketball court, lots of activity-driven amenities for all ages. We’ve tried to create a place Dad can play golf, Mom can sit by the pool and the kids can play, too.”
Collins plans to further improve the club facility in hopes that it will encourage people to move into the subdivision. New homebuyers would have their membership fees waived. The club can accommodate another 200 members, Collins said.
Bentwood, established in 1978, has an 18-hole golf course designed by William P. Martindale, and also offers members golfing privileges at several other courses in a wide radius from San Angelo, extending to Amarillo (Tascosa G&CC), Laredo (Casa Blanca GC) and San Antonio (Golf Club of Texas at Briggs Ranch). The club’s tennis complex includes 12 lighted courts.
Tweet this!
Digg it!
Add to Delicious!
Share on Facebook!
Share on Reddit!
Stumble it
Add to Technorati
