WORLD OF TROON ǀ NEWS & NOTES, March 2021
Forty-nine Troon-affiliated courses have been named to Golfweek’s “Ultimate Guide of Best Courses” for 2021. Twenty-three Troon-affiliated golf courses are represented on the “Best 200 Resort Courses” list, led by Gamble Sands in Brewster, Wash., at No. 16 and the Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii at No. 17. Twenty-two facilities are included in the “Best 200 Residential Courses,” led by Pronghorn’s Fazio Course in Bend, Ore., at No. T29. Four facilities are ranked in Golfweek’s “Best Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic and Central America,” led by Baha Mar (Royal Blue) in Nassau, Bahamas at No. 14.
Troon has partnered with The G2 Girls Golf Academy, a unique golf training system developed specifically for female junior golfers. G2 will deliver the 15-week training model for female junior golfers ages 11 to 18 at select Troon-managed facilities across the country. The first was held at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, this past January. G2 students receive world-class instruction in golf, mental training, physical fitness, nutrition, leadership, and college placement. “Growing the game and providing opportunities to advance in the sport are key tenets at Troon,” said Bruce Glasco, chief operating officer, Troon. “The G2 Golf Academy model is one that provides female junior golfers a chance to not only advance in the game, but also grow their self-confidence.”
Bayside Resort Golf Club, a Troon-managed, semi-private facility in Selbyville, Delaware, recently unveiled its new $13 million, 29,000-square-foot clubhouse. Designed by Wade Architecture of Hagerstown, Maryland, with interior design by Leslie Braun of the White Orchid Design Studio, the new clubhouse becomes the social and golf centerpiece of the Bayside community. “The intimate indoor and outdoor features of the clubhouse fit the Bayside community, and their guests, all year long,” said Michelle DiFebo Freeman, president and CEO, Carl M. Freeman Companies. “The thoughtful collaboration between the designer and architect makes it feel truly like home.”
The Lodge of Four Seasons and The Club at Porto Cima in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, recently appointed Robin Graf to serve as chief operating officer and general manager. Graf will oversee operations at both The Lodge of Four Seasons, a 358-room luxury resort property with 36 holes of golf, an award-winning spa, and marina; as well as The Club at Porto Cima, a private club facility with an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, a 17,000-squarefoot clubhouse and a yacht club. “Robin is a recognized hospitality industry leader and someone we are thrilled to have at the helm of our Lake of the Ozarks properties,” said Rob DeMore, president, Troon Privé. “His experience managing destination resorts, while enhancing service standards and operations, will prove valuable at both properties.”