Pictured: Congressional Country Club Similar legislation failed in the last session of the state legislature, but Delegate David Moon has tweaked his proposal to abandon a “one-size-fits-all” approach and have clubs and golf courses in Montgomery County taxed according to the assessed value of their property, rather than under the current flat rate of $1,000/acre. Affected…
Lyberger Named New Director of Golf at Desert Mountain
John Lyberger, PGA, is moving from the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla. to the Scottsdale, Ariz. club, which is the only private community in the world with six Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. Before moving to Ocean Reef, Lyberger was the Director of Golf at Congressional Country Club during a period when the…
Congressional CC Lands Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, Six Other Events
The Bethesda, Md. club will host the new schedule of championships for the PGA of America on its Blue Course over the next two decades, to add to its storied history that has already included a trio of U.S. Opens, the 1976 PGA Championship, and many other Tour events. The Blue Course will receive a…
Friday Filmfest: Chefs Square Off in Mystery Basket Competition
On March 5, attendees of the 2018 Chef to Chef Conference at the Westin Seattle gathered during the Monday night reception to watch four talented club chefs race the clock to create dazzling dishes using a mystery basket of ingredients. Participants included Thomas Mitchell of Kenwood Golf & Country Club, Bethesda, Md.; James Haberstroh of…
Attempt to Increase Maryland Clubs’ Property Taxes Fails Initial Vote
A state legislator has pushed for a measure to end a longstanding practice of assessing land at $1,000/acre, but a vote targeting clubs in affluent Montgomery County failed. Del. David Moon will now try to gain support for a statewide initiative that would tax 1 percent of a club’s market value.
Days That Pay Off Year-Round
Dressing up standard “Demo Days” with special features and benefits can add up to a win-win-win for all involved: equipment manufacturers, members and other attendees, and the clubs that host the events.
Proposal Would Remove Tax Exemption for Maryland Clubs
The current agreement allows clubs that don’t restrict membership based on gender, race, nationality or religion to assess land at $1,000 per acre, resulting in a reduction in their property tax payments to the county and state. David Moon plans to introduce legislation to remove the tax break in Montgomery County, requiring voters to approve…
Bethesda (Md.) CC Opens Year-Round Indoor Golf Hitting Bay
The new facility is designed to enhance winter activities for the club’s membership and is part of a five-year master-plan improvement schedule for golf course improvements, an expanded fitness center, indoor paddle tennis, a youth activities building and clubhouse updates.
Fire Damages Staff Housing at Congressional CC
No one was inside the home on the grounds of the Bethesda, Md. club, which had been converted into three apartments for employees, when what is being termed an accidental blaze occurred. A dog who was inside did perish from the blaze, which caused damage estimated at $200,000.
Bethesda (Md.) CC Makes Progress on Golf Course Master Plan
The first phase of the project included resurfacing 20 greens with 007 sod and recovering over 500 sq. ft. of cupping space per hole. The remaining phases will update the fairways, tee boxes, tree maintenance, irrigation, and cart path on the Arthur Hills-designed layout.
2016 Excellence in Club Management Award Winners Announced
The 2016 honorees through the prestigious awards co-sponsored by Club & Resort Business and the McMahon Group include Brett Morris of The Polo Club of Boca Raton (Fla.); Raymond Kondziela of The Ivanhoe Club in Mundelein, Ill.; Joseph Furlow of the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood, Calif.; and Charles C. Johnson of the Detroit Athletic Club. The winners will be recognized at an Awards Dinner held at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park, Fla., on February 9.
‘Tiger Woods of West Africa’ Now Caddies at Congressional CC
The Washington Post featured the story of James Lebbie, who grew up in Sierra Leone and became the first African to win the Nigerian Open. Lebbie’s future as a pro golfer was bright until his career was disrupted by Sierra Leone’s civil war. Now 58, he has caddied at Congressional CC for the past three years and routinely shows his skills when playing on off-days, as he tries to stay sharp to pursue his hope of someday returning to tournament competition.
National Golf Foundation Develops Custom Club Market Data Report
The Private Club Report includes local market demographics and golf supply/demand metrics, maps plotting members’ residences, and analyses suggesting where clubs can look for prospective members. The report uses NGF’s GolfMAP software, which extracts neighborhood block-level data from the U.S. Census and NGF’s own data sources.
Speculation Grows On Obama’s Choice of D.C.-Area Club
The golf-loving President is expected to apply for membership at a club as he leaves office and stays in Washington while his youngest daughter finishes high school. The “smart money” is currently on his joining Woodmont CC in Rockville, Md., observers say, and Woodmont CEO/GM Brian Pizzimenti told one publication, “We’re glad to have offered [Obama] fun and relaxation.”
Pulled By the Headlines
Addressing healthy eating and special dietary needs and requests should be viewed as a culinary opportunity, not a nuisance.