Robert C. James, CCM, CCE, CHE, Chief Operating Officer of Westchester Country Club, Rye, N.Y., was elected President; Robert J. “Bobby” Crifasi, CCM, CCE, CPA, General Manager of New Orleans Country Club was elected Vice-President; and Randall J. Ruder, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y. was elected Secretary–Treasurer. The association also announced that C. W. Cook, MCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of North Hills Club, Raleigh, N.C., and Mac Niven, MCM, CCE, General Manager, Almaden Golf & Country Club, San Jose, Calif., have completed the requirements for the Master Club Manager designation.
French Lick (Ind.) Resort, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes GC Earn NGCOA Honors
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort was named the 2017 Golf Course of the Year from the National Golf Course Owners Association, based on quality of golf course and management, and contributions to the local community and the game. Ak-Chin in Maricopa, Ariz., received the 2017 Player Development Award, which recognizes the property with the most successful player development program.
Finalists Named for NGCOA Course of the Year Honors
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, Canoe Brook CC, Chi Chi Rodriguez GC and Poppy Hills Golf Course will vie for the award that will be presented at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando in February 2017.
Chef’s Thoughts: Tim Drown
Tim Drown Executive Chef, University Center Club Regional Executive Chef, ClubCorp Tallahassee, Fla. As Executive Chef of the University Center Club (Tallahassee, Fla.) and Regional Executive Chef for ClubCorp’s Business and Sports Club Division in the management firm’s Southeast Region, Tim Drown is experienced in identifying challenges, resolving them effectively and leading teams to success.…
Clearwater (Fla.) CC to Hold “Centennial Hickory Shamble”
The anniversary of the city’s reincorporation and the club’s conception will be marked with a tournament featuring wooden-shaft clubs, low-compression balls and period dress.
Bullish Attitudes Return Among Club Owners and Investors
After a downturn that was cited by one multiple-course owner as “by far the toughest ever in the industry,” course owners and real estate investors are betting on a comeback, Bloomberg News reported. Property prices are climbing and club shutdowns have slowed as recreational golfers return after scaling back club memberships during the recession.
Feather Sound CC Sold
Premier Club Holdings, LLC has purchased the Clearwater, Fla., club from Fore Golf at an undisclosed price. The private club features an 18-hole Joe Lee/Bob Cupp Signature Course, a 50,000-sq. ft. clubhouse, a lighted Har-Tru tennis facility, swimming complex and fitness center.
Probe of On-Course Gambling Puts Tarpon Springs GC in Viral Spotlight
After receiving a letter, reportedly from a disgruntled employee, that league players at the Florida municipal course were each putting $20 into a pot that would be divided among those shooting low rounds or winning other competitions, local police looked into possible violations of statutes that prohibit the “operation of a gambling house” and the “promotion of games in connection with the sale of a product or service.” After the investigation was forwarded to the Florida State’s Attorney Office, the club’s Course Manager/Director of Golf told league players they would have to stop the practice and retained an attorney to protect himself personally against possible felony charges.