In this episode of Club + Resort Talks, sponsored by ClubBuy, Executive Chef Michael Lannon discusses his plans for developing a strong team of culinarians at Midlothian Country Club.

How Michael Lannon Is Serving Up a Strong Team

Corey Chow, Executive Chef of Stanwich Club, discusses his decision to leave a Michelin 3-star restaurant to enter the club world.

How Corey Chow's Career Change Put Stanwich Club On the Map

In this episode of Club + Resort Talks, sponsored by Fire Within, C+RC's Editor, Joanna DeChellis, interviews Chrissie Bennet, the newly appointed Executive Chef of Winged Foot Golf Club. Together, the two discuss her career path, what’s she’s looking for in a new exec sous chef as well as the legacy she hopes to leave behind as first female to hold the Executive Chef position at Winged Foot.

Chrissie Bennett On Her New Role as Executive Chef of Winged Foot Golf Club

The health and wellbeing of private clubs is a vital part of the golf industry in the United States. C+RB talks with the experts to better understand the current state-of-affairs and provide some best practices that private clubs can use to navigate their own membership growth.

Capstone Hospitality was founded in 2009 by former professional golfer Brian Friederichs. The firm’s talented team works with private clubs across North America to drive membership sales by delivering a customized sales plan, renewed energy and competitive spirit. Capstone Hospitality has gained valuable industry knowledge in a diverse range of markets while working with clubs in golf, boating and beyond.

We asked Friederichs about what he felt were the top things private clubs need to be thinking about when it comes to attracting members. Here’s what he told us …

Rex Banner - Millennial Uplifting Bangers

Capstone Hospitality Helps Clubs Maximize Membership Opportunities

In its April issue, Club + Resort Business released its annual rankings of the top fitness and wellness centers. The fitness and wellness facility at Addison Reserve Country Club in Delray Beach, Fla. earned the No. 1 ranking in C+RB’s recognition program. In this episode of Club + Resort Talks, C+RB Senior Editor Phil Keren spoke with Anthony Biondolillo, the club’s Assistant General Manager, and Grant Worthington, the facility’s Director Sports Operations, to learn more about Addison Reserve Country Club.

Biondolillo and Worthington expressed their appreciation for receiving this honor, discussed what their fitness and wellness center offers that makes it stand out from similar facilities, and shared information about upcoming improvements at the club.

In addition to an informative conversation with Biondolillo and Worthington, Phil also spoke with Club + Resort Business Editor Rob Thomas about some of the latest news stories happening in the industry.

Phil and Rob discussed two stories showcasing golf courses’ increasing efforts to be more environmentally conscious: Greenway Golf Associates this past week announced they entered a partnership with with master architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and his golf course design company, Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJII), to renovate the North Course at Corica Park in Alameda, Calif. Greenway selected Robert Jones Golf Course Architects because of the company’s world-renowned expertise and environmental leadership in golf course design.

Leisure World Golf Course in Silver Spring, Md. this week achieved Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP for Golf) certification. Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International, says that to earn this certification, golf courses must “demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas.”
Leisure World’s accomplishments included: expanding native vegetation; removing invasive plant species; providing quality wildlife habitat; and conducting water quality testing. Frank McLaughlin, Golf Superintendent, and Alan Nelson, Golf and Greens Committee Certification Project Manager, led the effort.

Meanwhile, a course in California is still working to recover from a major weather event last month. In March, there were a couple of heavy storms that wiped out six holes at River Island Country Club in Porterville, Calif.  Holes 10, 16, 17 and 18 are severely damaged and 11 and 12 are beyond repair and need to be completely rebuilt. Terry Treece, the club’s General Manager, said he is going to be meeting with an architect and a construction company on the course. He says he thinks the total damages will cost a few million dollars, but he hopes his estimate is on the high side.

Read more at www.clubandresortbusiness.com.

Addison Reserve CC Earns C+RB's Top Ranked Fitness + Wellness Designation!

On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Rob Thomas speaks with Jonathan Fralick, VP, Racquet Sports for Invited Clubs. Fralick discusses a number of programs across the Invited portfolio, including two grow-the-game initiatives — First Serve and Right Start. 

First Serve is a comprehensive junior pathway to ensure organization, player development and member enjoyment with clear goals and proven developmental success. The Right Start program is designed for entry-level adults interested in learning or returning to tennis and pickleball, successfully building a community of players who learn and develop together in a social setting.

Fralick also talked about inclusivity, technology and speculated on what the future may hold for racquet sports across the club space.

Thomas was also joined by Senior Editor Phil Keren. The two discussed some of the latest news from Club + Resort Business, such as three new short courses.

Officials at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Fla. say all 19 holes on its fourth golf course, The Chain, will open for preview play March 31. The short course, which was designed by the world-renowned duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, brings a new concept to the golf offerings at the resort with options for six and 13-hole loops or a 19-hole round. “When you take strength and length out of the equation, golf becomes much more fun for a vastly expanded group of players,” Coore says.

Work is continuing on the construction of the nine-hole Clover golf course at Killearn Club in Tallahassee, Fla. The course will be walking-only and will offer five par-3 holes of varying lengths and four short par-4 holes. MacCurrach Golf Construction of Jacksonville, Fla. continues to execute construction with Aqua Turf International, responsible for the redesigned irrigation system. Construction is expected to conclude in May.

Also, golf course architect Tom Clark goes behind the scenes of The Battlefield at Oklahoma’s Shangri-La Resort—a 3,000-yard, par-54 layout with more than 100 feet of elevation change. Each hole on The Battlefield is named in honor of an Oklahoma veteran of World War II.

Club + Resort Talks Chats With Jonathan Fralick, VP, Racquet Sports For Invited

In this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas chats with Scott Lambert, Atlanta Country Club Superintendent, and David Birdwell, a member and former Club President, to talk about a major renovation project. 

The multi-faceted renovation included significant infrastructure updates and design alterations to the golf course as well as new and improved practice facilities and additional off-course amenities to enhance the experience for current members and future generations. 

The project was led by golf course designer Beau Welling and his firm, Beau Welling Design. 

Rob and Senior Editor Phil Keren also touched upon a New York town that's considering slicing into one of its golf course for a residential development. 
The 18-hole layout at Brighton Park Golf Course in Tonawanda, N.Y. may be converted into 12 holes if a plan comes to fruition. Town officials are eyeing this property because the town has limited land available for new, larger-scale residential development. “There will be a revolt,” warns Paul Wzontek, Vice President of the Brighton Park Golf Club Board of Directors, about the proposal.

Lastly, Dobson Ranch Golf Course in Mesa, Ariz. has increased its tech usage by 30% in the first three months after partnering with Inrange on its driving range. Dobson Ranch has already utilized the gamification of practice to host Long Drive, Nearest to Pin and Shrinking Target (a skills challenge unique to Inrange) contests. “Numbers don’t lie – we are killing it right now,” said Matt Stark, VP of Partnerships for Dobson Ranch.

Club + Resort Talks Discusses Major Renovation At Atlanta Country Club

In this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Senior Editor Phil Keren speaks with Jason Pearsall, Managing Partner with Revive Golf Management, about Pearsall’s decision to open the Warren Valley Golf Course in Dearborn Heights, Mich. earlier than usual.

Revive Golf Management is operating the golf course in a lease agreement with the city of Dearborn Heights. Due to the mild weather conditions and a high level of interest from some regular players, Pearsall determined that it was a good idea to open the course during the first half of March.
Pearsall discusses the challenges associated with opening a golf course for the season earlier than usual, and offers advice to other golf course managers who might be thinking about making a similar move.

Phil and Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas also talked about The Seagate Golf Club in Delray Beach, Fla. re-opening its course following a $14.5 million renovation project. The club closed its course in April 2023 for the upgrade work, re-opened the back 9 in December 2023 and recently re-opened the front 9. The revamped course has improvements to the greens, fairways, tees, bunkers, irrigation, drainage, turfgrasses, landscaping, as well as the driving range and practice facilities.

Phil and Rob discussed a Texas golf course that is slated to re-open after being closed for several years. The former Cape Royale Golf Course in Coldspring, Texas, which closed six years ago and has since laid abandoned, is scheduled to re-open in spring-summer 2026 and will be renamed TRA Lake Livingston Regional Public Golf Course. Landscapes Unlimited has been selected by the Trinity River Authority to direct the re-development.

Heading northwest, the C+RB editors looked at a joint venture partnership that was recently established between The Wilderness Club in Eureka, Mont., and Escalante Golf. Escalante will oversee more than $15 million worth of expansion and improvements, while managing golf operations, hospitality, food & beverage, and real estate development and sales. Escalante’s plans also involve transitioning Wilderness Club from a semi-private club model back to a fully private club, in honor of its founder’s original vision.

Club + Resort Talks Chats With Jason Pearsall, With Revive Golf Management, Abou

The upcoming solar eclipse, another night golf course in Arizona, and a potential new labor rule that would affect country clubs were some of the topics discussed by Club + Resort Business Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas and Senior Editor Phil Keren during the latest episode of Club + Resort Talks.

There are multiple clubs and resorts in the solar eclipse’s path of totality that are hosting parties and watch parties with food, beverages, music and other activities. Arrowhead Golf Club in Minster, Ohio, Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club in McKinney, Texas, and Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets in Varysburg, N.Y. are hosting special events. Any clubs that host eclipse gatherings are encouraged to send photos and videos to Phil at pkeren@wtwhmedia.com.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz. will use its six-hole short course, #miniDunes, for night play starting April 26. The #miniDunes golf course originally opened for play in 2014 and has holes that range from 60 to 115 yards. Fifteen poles with 88 LED light fixtures shine down and illuminate the golf course while up-lighting will allow golfers to track ball flight through the night sky. They will have tee times, but walk-ins are available, too.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is proposing to increase the exempt salary threshold for certain white-collar exemptions, potentially raising it from about $35,000 to about $55,000 annually. This change is expected to impact around 3.6 million workers. Rob and Phil discussed the fact that, if the rule was implemented, it would compel club general managers to make some important decisions regarding budgeting and payroll.

Rob and Phil also discussed two projects happening at clubs in Florida: The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, Fla. is collaborating with Peacock + Lewis Architects and Planners to develop a comprehensive amenities master plan; and Vineyards Country Club in Naples, Florida recently began construction work for the redesign and renovation of its 18-hole, Mark McCumber-designed championship North golf course.

Rob and Phil also briefly reviewed the plans for the upcoming stories and webinars in the Club + Resort Business Model Club program.

Club + Resort Talks Covers The Latest News

On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas chats with Danny Klein, Editorial Director of QSR and FSR Magazines, about the confluence of golf, dining and entertainment (think Topgolf). 

Rob and Senior Editor Phil Keren also discussed a clubhouse renovation project that happened at Atlanta National Golf Club. The upgrade included an overhaul of the design and menu at Pete’s Restaurant, as well as the construction of both a golf performance center and a simulator lounge. 

The two highlighted the beginning of an improvement happening at the Ocean Point golf course at the Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort in South Carolina. The project, which is being overseen by Dye Designs Group, will include reconstruction and reshaping of bunkers, and replacement of cement cart paths with crushed limestone that will tie in with the natural elements of the area.

Phil and Rob noted the opening of a 102-bay, three-level Topgolf site in Durham, N.C. The site is expected to employ about 500 people, and is the third Topgolf venue in North Carolina and the 89th to open in the U.S.

Lastly, they noted this past week’s kick-off of the Club + Resort Business Model Club Webinar series. On April 9, Phil moderated a program with three leaders from Atlanta Athletic Club discussing the unique products and services that can be found inside the pro shop of the 21st century.

Club + Resort Talks Discusses 'Golfertainment' With Danny Klein From QSR And FSR

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, Club + Resort Business Senior Editor Phil Keren visited with PGA Golf Professional Jimmy Hanlin, who hosts or co-hosts four golf programs on television — “Blaster’s 18 Holes,” “Swing Clinic,” “Pin Shot,” and “Links to the Game.” He also hosts a radio show called “Tee It Up with Jimmy Hanlin and Tony Grossi” on ESPN Cleveland Radio. In the country club world, Hanlin is the Owner and Director of Golf at both Little Mountain Country Club in Painesville, Ohio, and StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights, Ohio.

Phil and Jimmy discussed the TV programs, the two golf courses, and the teaching academy that was established at StoneWater. Jimmy shared his thoughts on efforts to grow the game, as well as his approach to instructing beginning golfers.

On his show, “Links to the Game,” Hanlin plays a round of golf with well-known Cleveland and Ohio State University athletes, former athletes and coaches. Listen to the Club + Resort Talks podcast to find out which sports figure Hanlin called the “most competitive” and which one he considered the “most fun.”

Phil and Club + Resort Business Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas talked about some of the major news stories happening in the club industry, including a $10 million irrigation upgrade project at Mesa (Ariz.) Country Club, a clubhouse renovation and expansion at Kensington Golf & Country Club in Naples, Fla., and space overhaul work at The University Club in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Club + Resort Talks Features Jimmy Hanlin, PGA Golf Professional And TV Host

Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas speaks with Jason Becker, PGA, CEO and Co-Founder of Golf Life Navigators, about a new trend — millennials flocking to golf communities. Among other topics, Becker addresses how the perception of private golf communities has shifted among millennials in recent years, as well as some common misconceptions or stereotypes about millennials in private golf communities, and how these communities are addressing or challenging them.

Rob and Senior Editor Phil Keren also discussed a trio of major projects and the opening of an indoor golf instructional facility.

They touched on the start of a $22.5 million amenity update at The Ford Field and River Club in Richmond Hill, Ga. The project will focus on enhancing and expanding key amenities, including the clubhouse, Lake Dye Grill, Sports Barn, and golf practice facility.

Rob and Phil highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for a new golf course being constructed at Travis Club Austin (Texas), Austin’s newest 1,500-acre master-planned community west of Austin on Lake Travis. The championship course at the Travis Club is scheduled to debut in late 2025 along with the accompanying practice facility, comfort stations and initial social outlet, the Golf House.

Jack’s Bay, the 1,200-acre private club community nestled along the southern coast of Eleuthera (UH-LOOTH-RA) Island, Bahamas, initiated construction for the world’s inaugural Jack Nicklaus Heritage championship golf course. This historic collaboration with Nicklaus Design marks a significant milestone for golf enthusiasts worldwide, with the course scheduled to open for play in 2025.

Moving indoors, Phil and Rob shared some thoughts about Golfzon Range by Leadbetter opening its second facility, this time in Westbury, Long Island, N.Y. The recent opening ceremony was attended by renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter, the company’s namesake. Among other things, the site offers golf simulators, Puttview interactive slopped putting green,  and personal instruction from Leadbetter-accredited instructors.

Club + Resort Talks Chats With Jason Becker From Golf Life Navigators

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, Senior Editor Phil Keren speaks with Eric Brey, one of the Directors at GGA Partners, about his firm’s Club Members Perspective Report. GGA surveyed more than 3,500 club members throughout North America to find out what members value at their clubs. The report offers a lot of great information to help general managers understand what members like about their club and what aspects they feel could be improved.

Phil and Club + Resort Business Editor-In-Chief Rob Thomas also discussed how Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, Mich. kicked off a new master planning process for its golf course. With the club planning to celebrate its 50th anniversary in three years, leaders felt the time was right to do a full-scale upgrade of the course.

Rob and Phil also highlighted the new 12-hole short course called The Clutch which opened at South Seas on Captiva Island along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and a $25.4 million renovation at the historic Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells, Calif.

Club + Resort Talks On What Members Value At Their Clubs With Eric Brey, Director At GGA Partners

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, Senior Editor Phil Keren speaks with Evan Summa, General Manager of Hyperion Field Club in Johnston, Iowa, about the club’s completion of a refurbished clubhouse and an adult-only dining area, the start of a luxury home project, and a comprehensive digital marketing campaign. The finished projects were initiated in response to answers given by club members in a survey conducted in fall of 2022. Summa, who has worked at Hyperion for 12 years and became its leader last year, also highlights the efforts undertaken to make the club more family-friendly.

Phil and Editor-In-Chief Rob Thomas also discussed a golf course in northern Michigan that renovated some of its holes as an homage to legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, a walk-through military exhibit opening next to a Par-3 golf course in Oklahoma, and ownership changing hands at a golf course in Minnesota.

Club + Resort Talks Speaks With Evan Summa, General Manager Of Hyperion Field Cl

On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas speaks with Jarrett Chirico, Director of Racquets at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas and Founder/President of The Directors Club. In addition to the importance of certifications (he has many (DCA, CRSE, PTR, PPR, PCR, PPTR, SCR, USPTA, PPTA)), Chirico discusses the vision behind The Directors Club and the booming racquets industry as it enjoys its Golden Age. He also looks into his crystal ball and shares what the industry may look like in 5-10 years.

Phil Keren, Senior Editor of Club + Resort Business, joined the podcast to discuss the latest news from across the industry, such as a pair of stories related to the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. There are 21 PGA of America Professionals from clubs in states across the country playing in the tournament. The Corebridge Financial Team includes Ben Polland, Director of Golf at Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyo., — the winner of the 2024 PGA Professional Championship — and Michael Block, PGA Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, Calif. Block was one of the biggest stories in golf last year when he finished tied for 15th place at the 2023 PGA Championship. 

Rob and Phil also talked about a special career-exploration event called PGA WORKS Beyond the Green that took place near the 17th hole at Valhalla Golf Club. At this program, students had the chance to hear industry leaders discuss the wide range of employment opportunities available within the game of golf. 

In addition, Phil and Rob highlighted the completion of a $10 million renovation project at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, Calif. These improvements encompassed a revamp of the clubhouse, pool areas, and the addition of a new outdoor activity center to replace a temporary one established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Club + Resort Talks Chats With Jarrett Chirico About The Golden Age Of Racquets

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, Club + Resort Business Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas and Senior Phil Keren discuss a recently completed project, one that is nearly finished and two more that are just beginning.

The 18-month revitalization project at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Fla. encompassed 189 of the resort’s guest rooms, the complete rebuild and elevated design enhancements of the famed Beach House, and the restoration of its four beachside pools. Improvements were made to the resort’s beachfront restaurant, beachside lounge, and poolside lounging area. “The completion of this extensive restoration marks a significant milestone for LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort,” says Martin Greenwood, Area Managing Director for the resort.

Previously known as America’s longest golf course, the Pines Course at The International in Bolton, Mass. is on schedule to welcome limited member play this fall. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw are wrapping up the project they began in 2022. It is believed The Pines will be the first new 18-hole course to open in Massachusetts in more than a decade. The Pines will be one of the region’s few courses to feature fescue grass on tees, fairways and in the rough. Fescue grass courses are typically found in Scotland and Ireland, places where the game was first played.Other final project tasks include installing new bunker sand, edging perimeters of bunkers, trimming and clearing trees, and establishing fairway/rough lines.

After a century of operation, the Swope Memorial golf course in Kansas City plans to close for a year to undergo a $7 million renovation.There is a proposal before Kansas City’s City Council for the project. If approved, plans include rebuilding the tee boxes, cart paths, and greens, installing a new drainage system, and filling the bunkers with firmer sand. Some greens will be less steep, and others will be wider. They will also renumber certain holes to improve the pace of play. A significant number of trees will be removed to improve playability and turf health by increasing sunlight and airflow.

Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich, Conn. intends to revamp its infrastructure by replacing the old pool building with a modern facility dubbed the Aquatics and Recreation Center. The current paddle tennis building will make way for a new structure and additional features outlined in the proposal include an open-air poolside bar.

Club + Resort Talks Various Stages Of Club Renovations

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, Rob Thomas speaks with Keith Scioli, Founder of GOLF LIVE. After the loss of a family member, Scioli developed a deep connection to the game of golf that led to the creation of an innovative solution for instructors and students alike. 

In 2019, Scioli was getting ready to go play in a tournament and developed a case of “the shanks.” Naturally, on a Friday night, at a public driving range, there was not an instructor to be found. Then it hit him; “Why can’t I take a virtual golf lesson, now?”

Scioli researched “golf instruction” and discovered that 4 million golfers in the United States take an estimated 22 million in-person golf lessons each year. That data turned out to be the lightbulb moment for him and he began to map out his “virtual solution.”

Keith sent out 200 cold e-mails to PGA Members about his idea. Out of the 200 e-mails, Keith received two responses. One was from a PGA Instructor in Boston, Allan Belden. His comment? “I have no idea what you are really talking about, but it sounds interesting. If you want a guinea pig, here I am.”
COVID-19 hit, and the world of golf instruction shut down. After months, Scioli started getting e-mails from these same PGA pros that had ignored him, “Hey, did you ever build that internet instruction thing?” COVID proved Keith’s assumption was correct. Conducting live, remote golf lessons was no longer a crazy idea.

In time, GOLF LIVE took form to what it is today; a patented, global solution that has been recognized as a Top Tech Golf Startup to Watch in 2024.
· Live, Virtual Video Capture & Replay with Analysis
· Customized Multi-Tier Memberships
· Automatic Lesson Storage
· Video Exchange
· One-to-Many Live Stream Capability
· A Comprehensive Communication and Business Platform

Rob and Senior Editor Phil Keren also discussed a country club starting to use autonomous mowers, a resort that upgraded its food and beverage operations, and a golf course constructing a driving range with Power Tee boxes and Toptracer technology.

Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Del. has rolled out Husqvarna 550H Epos autonomous mowers for their golf course maintenance. The robotic mowers’ advanced GPS technology and sensors allow them to navigate the golf course with precision and ensure that every inch of the course is perfectly manicured. There are also environmental benefits: By using robotic mowers, the club will lower carbon emissions and reduce noise pollution. The mowers operate on electric power, offering an eco-friendly contribution to a greener future.

Fairfield (Tenn.) Glade Resort in March 2023 hired Bobby Jones Links to manage food and beverage operations. The goal was to improve financial performance and member engagement at Stonehenge Grille and four snack bars.  After Bobby Jones Links took over, visitors and revenue increased at Stonehenge, and the member experience improved. “People recognize that the quality of food is better, and the menu offerings are better. It’s been a very positive impact,” says Bruce Cox, one of the board members at Fairfield Glade.

Windham Golf Course in North Windham, Conn. is reopening with a newly upgraded practice range that’s teched out on 16 bays with Power Tee automatic tee boxes, as well as Toptracer’s gamified technology. The golf course routing was modified to accommodate the new range, a process that lasted 20 months. “I’m hoping that with Power Tee, golfers go through the buckets quicker and then want to buy another one and also enjoy some of the new food and beverage offerings we’ve added,” says Tim DeVivo, the course’s owner.

Club + Resort Talks Chats With Keith Scioli, Founder Of Golf Live

On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Rob Thomas speaks with Patricio Misitrano, Co-Founder of The Sports Haus in Norwalk, Conn. The Sports Haus is an indoor club with padel, pickleball and golf sims—the first club to have these three sports under one roof IN THE WORLD! 

Misitrano, who formerly directed three platinum clubs, talks about padel and how most clubs are not getting ready for what’s coming. It happened to a lot of clubs with pickleball and it will happen again with padel if GMs, Boards and Directors don’t act proactively. 

He also peers into his crystal ball, looking 5-10 years in the future to forecast what’s on the horizon.

Rob and Club + Resort Business Senior Editor Phil Keren discussed projects happening at three different resorts, as well as a club paying tribute to a legendary golfer.

Here is an overview of the three projects Rob and Phil reviewed:
• Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisc., is marking its 30th anniversary with the opening of fully renovated banquet space and meeting rooms. Overall, the resort offers five large ballrooms, four boardrooms, the ballroom foyer, and public restrooms. The rooms are equipped with modern technology and contemporary designs, while all meeting and event spaces are now open and available for meetings and events.
• Canyon Ranch Austin, in Spicewood, Texas, will begin construction this summer on a 223,739-sq.-ft. resort. The new resort will have guest lodging, a spa, fitness and dining facilities, a medical clinic, and various administrative and support functions. The Spicewood location will be the fifth Canyon Ranch location to open in the U.S.
• Later this year, Horseshoe Bay (Texas) Resort will open a new 3,000 sq. ft. instructional facility called Cap Rock Golf Academy. It will have two indoor bays with Trackman and Toptracer technology, club-fitting services, a club repair room, and a demonstration area with shafts, grips and clubheads.

Phil and Rob concluded their conversation by spotlighting an article written by PMQ Pizza magazine Senior Editor Charlie Pogacar (PMQ is owned by the same company as CRB,  WTWH Media). Charlie’s piece shared the story of how Mill Creek Golf Course, a semi-private club in Mebane, N.C., pays tribute to legendary golfer and two-time U.S. Open champion, Payne Stewart.

Stewart died in an airplane accident in October 1999, four months after sinking a par putt on the final hole to win his second U.S. Open title. Pogacar’s piece talks about an event that happened shortly after Stewart’s victory, which connects the late golfer with Mill Creek.

Rob and Phil shared their memories of Stewart, who was known for his unique attire, a brash personality and a fluid swing. Stewart’s bravado softened over time and culminated with him congratulating a young Phil Mickelson on becoming a new father just moments after Stewart sank his winning putt at the 1999 U.S. Open.

Club + Resort Talks Chats With Patricio Misitrano, Co - Founder Of The Sports Haus

On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Senior Editor Phil Keren speaks with Jennifer Bermingham, Director of Golf Programming for Invited, and a PGA/LPGA member.

June is Women’s Golf Month. Invited, the leading owner-operator of private golf and country clubs, and city clubs in North America, has partnered with the LPGA Foundation to celebrate Women’s Golf Month. Invited has launched numerous women’s golf programs at 120 of its clubs in North America. Bermingham discusses the programs that Invited and the LPGA offer to bring more women to golf. The golf boom during the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to many positive trends in the game, including the fact that more women than ever are playing golf. Today, according to the 2024 National Golf Foundation report, females account for 26% of on-course participants – the highest proportion on record.

Phil and Editor-In-Chief Rob Thomas also talked about large-scale projects happening at three different clubs around the country. Members of Great Hills Country Club in Austin, Texas recently approved a $22.3 million golf course and clubhouse enhancement project. This plan includes replacing the 50-year-old irrigation system and establishing a Task Force on Golf Course Sustainability and Playability to develop a long-term plan for the golf course. Greens, bunkers and the practice facility will be upgraded. Conceptual plans are also in place to create a quiet dining space, a casual family bistro, a new outdoor bar and a children’s playscape area.

Rob and Phil also highlighted plans for a $35 million renovation of the 46,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse at Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. The expansion will increase the clubhouse footprint by approximately 10,000 sq. ft. Glenmoor will build a new pro shop, expand its fitness center, add pickleball courts and include structural upgrades. This project is part of a broader trend at Glenmoor, such as a $4 million pool and patio remodel in 2019 and an $8 million golf course renovation, that included a new irrigation system and updated greens, in 2023.

King’s North at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) National closed earlier this month to begin a comprehensive, two-part, two-year renovation project. Phase one, which will focus entirely on the front nine, includes renovating and restoring the greens, and installing Capillary Concrete bunker liners throughout the layout.

Club + Resort Talks Chats About Women’s Golf Month With Jennifer Bermingham From Invited

Club + Resort Business has officially launched the Club + Resort Talks podcast with the first guest being Anne Stryhn, Assistant General Manager at the Country Club of Virginia (CCV) in Richmond. CCV is very active in the Idea Fair at the annual Club Management Association of America conference and provided a wealth of ideas for clubs across the country to implement. Topics discussed ranged from Kitchen Cocktails and grow-the-game initiatives like “Equip-a-Kid” and the Mini-Mulligans Tournament Series to creating habitats for bees and cultivating a culture of creativity and forward thinking with employees.

Episode #1 - Anne Stryhn, Assistant General Manager at the Country Club of Virginia

In this episode of Club and Resort Talks we chat with Scott Harmelink about how he turned a basic driving range into the place to be in Sioux City, Iowa. With some imagination and in-house labor, Green Valley’s range is now host to entertaining evenings with music, prizes and a boost in F&B—attracting both Millennials and corporate events ... adding an additional revenue stream to the club.

Episode #3 - Scott Harmelink, PGA, Director of Golf at Green Valley and Floyd Park golf courses

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, we chat with Patrick Koenig ... You may know Patrick from his golf course photography, or the nationwide trip he took in a golf-equipped RV to raise money for the First Tee of Greater Seattle. He's also working with Medterra to raise awareness for many benefits of CBD. Sit back, relax and enjoy our conversation.

Patrick Koenig - Golf Course Photographer

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, we chat with golf course architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, who has written a number of books and has his fingerprints on some very well-known courses such as Erin Hills, Scioto CC and The Philadelphia Cricket Club, to name a few. He’s also one of only a handful of people to achieve the non-playing “grand slam” as the recipient of the highest honor from each of the big three of our industry – the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the American Society of Golf Course Architects and the Golf Course Builders Association of America

Club + Resort - Michael Hurdzan, Golf Course Architect

Before moving on to a new Executive Chef position, Brandon Gross, former Executive Sous Chef of The Metropolitan Club of The City of Washington (D.C.) and Vincent Horville, Executive Chef, discuss how they've evolved as a team over the past three years and how that dynamic will serve them both in the years to come.

Episode #18 - Vincent Horville and Brandon Gross, The Metropolitan Club of The City of Washington

On this episode of Club + Resort Talks, we chat with Patrick Troy, Executive Vice President of Sales at TUUCI. He has been with the company for nine years in various roles working closely with the Hospitality, Retail and Trade segments of the business. We talk about the company's most popular umbrella models for the club and resort industry and what sets TUCCI umbrellas apart from the competition. Sit back, relax and enjoy as we throw a little shade on the parasol business.

Patrick Troy, Executive Vice President of Sales at TUUCI

In this episode of Club and Resort Talks, Club + Resort Chef‘s Editor, Joanna DeChellis, chats with Fred Ramsey, CEC, Executive Chef of Pelican Golf Club (Belleair, Fla.). Chef Ramsey has spent his entire career navigating a complex racial divide between himself and others in the kitchens and clubs where he’s worked. Despite those challenges—or maybe because of them—Chef Ramsey is an incredibly strong and steady leader.

Fred Ramsey, CEC, Executive Chef, Pelican Golf Club

In this episode of Club and Resort Talks, Club + Resort Chef‘s Editor, Joanna DeChellis, chats with Joseph Longo, Executive Chef of Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. After more than 16 years as Executive Chef of Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Fla., Chef Longo was ready to take on a new challenge. Little did he know, the “typical” challenges associated with a new job would be vastly compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of countless obstacles, Chef Longo stayed true to his style, leading by example, focusing on food and slowly transforming the culture of the kitchen.

Joseph Longo, Executive Chef, Frenchman's Reserve Country Club

In this episode, sponsored by Cres Cor, Jason Nordsletten, Executive Chef of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Canada, discusses his preference for working in clubs compared to restaurants. He also shares a bit about how he and the club have prospered through the pandemic with sound programming and a focus on the membership. He also discusses what programs Royal Ottawa plans to keep as recovery continues.

The Royal Ottawa GC Is Focused on New Programming Through the Pandemic and Beyond

In this episode of Club + Resort Talks, sponsored by Nestle Minor’s, Club + Resort Chef‘s Editor, Joanna DeChellis, chats with Seth Shipley, CEC, CCA, Executive Chef of Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville, Tenn. For years, Belle Meade has been a to-go powerhouse. Over the past few months, the club's to-go volume has continued to grow. Fortunately for Belle Meade, Chef Shipley and his team are well prepared for the increase. Chef shares tips on to-go packaging and programming as well as his wishlist for cap ex spending.

Belle Meade CC's Seth Shipley On Keeping To-Go Going

In this episode of Club + Resort Talks, sponsored by Barilla, Lawrence McFadden, CMC, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of The Union Club in Cleveland, discusses how the club will grow in 2021 with the return of banquets and a new outdoor dining concept.

Lawrence McFadden, CMC, Reveals New Outdoor Dining Space

Club and Resort Talks is a bi-weekly podcast discussing everything that happens within the club and resort industry. These topics can range from running a golf course and managing the property to growing the game and even eating/drinking at the club. If it happens at a club, on a golf course or in a resort, we'll talk about it.

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