Fewer than 40% of the Oak Brook, Ill., club’s members voted to open the club to women, even if it would guarantee a major tournament. Sources say the decision puts the club in a precarious financial state, because it precludes it from hosting certain events and will likely require an increase in annual dues to cover the decline in membership that is partially attributed to the all-male policy.
Property owner and developer Bob Corna sought the permit after years of planning and development for the Spring Valley housing development and golf course project, which has been plagued with intense scrutiny, lawsuits and amendments to plans. Corna blamed the delay on the deteriorating market for golf courses and housing, but city officials cited other concerns.
Of the approximately 90 public courses in three South Carolina counties that make up the Myrtle Beach region, only 12 now have bentgrass and 54 have installed a strain of Bermuda ultradwarf in the past decade, predominantly in place of bentgrass. This year alone, experts estimate that between 60 and 80 courses in the Southeast have converted to the ultradwarf variety.
Three men who were guests at a birthday party were injured at the Sparta, N.J., club after they stepped outside onto a fire escape and it collapsed beneath them. The club has assembled a team of engineers, architects and contractors to determine what happened and direct a safe rebuilding when appropriate.
To get through the winter and get its restaurant, Tavern 59, up and running, the municipal course in Fergus Falls, Minn., is likely to double its line of credit as well as defer a $497,000 loan for two years. The course’s Board is confident that taking over ownership of the restaurant will alleviate financial woes.
Mountain Ridge CC took everything back to the drawing board, to dress up its classic clubhouse for a milestone year and get its second century off to an exciting start.
Concerns expressed by residents over chemical and water use may threaten the building of a $25-$30 million semi-private club that would serve as the home course for the University of Oregon golf teams. But a land-use consultant argues that the course would uphold the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The question was also raised as to whether a golf course would use more chemicals than currently for cattle ranching on the property.
New owners have revived the 34-acre property in Cobb, Calif. and have started membership promotions for what they hope will eventually be a fully private operation.
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