(Photo by Glynis Kazanjian, Bethesda magazine) Athletic fields, an arboretum and housing are among the possible uses being considered for the Rockville, Md. property, which closed at the end of 2018 after Billy Casper Golf terminated its operating lease three years early. The city is also awaiting a report commissioned from the National Golf Foundation…
Maryland Legislator Set to Re-Introduce Club Tax Hike Bill
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…
ClubCorp, Full Swing Golf Simulators Form Alliance
The club owner/operator has teamed up with the sports simulator technology company to provide year-round golf entertainment at six select properties with Golf Lounges, featuring the simulator, food, cocktails and brews. The new amenity will act as a social hub of the clubs, available for private parties, member events and social gatherings. ClubCorp has teamed…
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.
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…
Obama Accepts Invitation to Join Columbia CC
A member of the Chevy Chase, Md., club has confirmed that former President Barack Obama has joined the club. The course is close to the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington where the Obamas purchased an $8.1 million home earlier this year. Former President Barack Obama has accepted an invitation to join Columbia Country Club in Chevy…
Thunderbird CC Rumored to Offer Obama Honorary Membership
The Rancho Mirage, Calif., club has reportedly extended an honorary membership to former President Barack Obama, though The Desert Sun was unable to confirm the report and club officials would not comment. Officials at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., said they could not confirm or deny reports that the oldest 18-hole club in…
Seats for All Seasons
Woodmont CC has enhanced its members’ experience with a suite of comfortable and durable solid teak outdoor furniture products.
Obama Joins Robert Trent Jones GC
According to two current members, former President Barack Obama has joined the private Gainesville, Va., club after months of speculation over where he would take his game. Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md., was rumored to be Obama’s front-runner for membership.
ClubCorp Announces Continued Growth, Oakhurst G&CC Acquisition, and Eric Affeldt’s Pending Retirement
The management firm reported its twelth consecutive quarter of growth while saying it would not pursue being acquired for the time being, noting that it had not received a purchase proposal for the entire company. The acquisition of Oakhurst G&CC in Clarkston, Mich., is ClubCorp’s fourth this year. Eric Affeldt will retire as Chief Executive Officer upon appointment of a successor.
Maryland, Florida Properties Undergo Management Transitions
ClubCorp has acquired Norbeck Country Club in Rockville, Md., with plans for a multimillion-dollar renovation of the property’s dining amenities, social features, and other amenities. The city of Gulf Breeze, Fla., is in negotiations with Troon to take over operations of Tiger Point Golf Club, which has been managed by Integrity Golf since 2015.
Obama Gets Woodmont Invitation; South Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Pressured on Club Membership
The former President and his wife have been invited to join Woodmont CC in Rockville, Md. as “special members,” in an attempt to quell the dispute over whether they should be excluded because of the policies toward Israel that were instituted by his Adminstration. In South Carolina, Henry McMaster, expected to succeed Nikki Haley as Governor, came under fire for belonging to The Forest Lake Club of Columbia, S.C.
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.”
City Bans Smoking at Public RedGate GC
The ban in Rockville, Md., will apply to golfers at the city-owned golf course, which is leased by Billy Casper Golf. The city already bans smoking inside city buildings, outside the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, within 50 feet of entrances to community centers, and within 40 feet of city playground equipment.
WTS International Names New Corporate Director of Fitness and Recreation
In her new role, Kelli Hagadorn, who has been with WTS since 2003, will coordinate the facility designer, consultant and operator’s work supporting domestic and international clients of its Recreation Division.