Acclaimed Club to Unveil Results of Phase One Renovation Project and Introduce New Owners, Affinity Management
MIDDLETON, Mass. (June 7, 2006) – Ferncroft Country Club, one of the Boston area’s most acclaimed golf courses, recently celebrated its grand reopening with a special ceremony, press conference and luncheon.
The 27-hole private course, formerly affiliated with the nearby Sheraton Hotel, will be unveiled as a private entity operated by private club specialist Affinity Management.
Located on the North Shore, just 18 miles from Boston at the rotary of Route 1 and 95, Ferncroft has earned high marks from the world’s leading golf publications and is the favorite course of many avid golfers.. The club, which includes a championship course and 9-hole Executive course, represents the first design collaboration between famed designer Rees Jones and his legendary father, Robert Trent Jones. It has hosted numerous high-profile golf events including being home to the LPGA Boston Five Classic for ten years.
The renovation project included improvements to the course drainage systems and the club’s pool and was highlighted by an extensive redesign of the "19th Hole" facility, which includes a restaurant, function space, and a pro shop. "This is a big transformation in 70 days. We started the morning after they closed, and Affinity was a pleasure to deal with." Says CBC Construction owner and Ferncroft Member Ed Harrison, who oversaw the work. "They were cost conscious but didn’t cut any corners. The kitchen hadn’t been operable for years so there were plenty of surprises – and none of them were good surprises."
"The 19th Hole makeover was critical," says Affinity Managing Director Damon DeVito. "The more we heard about Members not being able to have a beer and a sandwich after golf for ten years, we realized this first phase needed to show potential members what we’re all about. That’s when we brought in Bill."
Bill Atwood of Atwood Architects has worked on the famed Hershey CC and prestigious West Bay in Naples, and also consulted on Augusta National’s bar renovation. "These guys could have done a ‘scrape and paint’, but we wanted to light people’s underwear on fire," says the colorful Atwood. "Now members can enjoy the incredible view from the deck." Boston interior designer Holly Puff was brought in for the finishing touches and adds, "Affinity cares a lot about doing things properly, but they’re also fun to work with. The Members are fortunate."
Director of Golf Toby Ahern has experienced 14 years and four ownership groups at the Club. "Affinity has done more for the Club in three months than anyone else did in three decades. They listen to the members; they bring a ton of expertise; and they are independent of the hotel. That inspires confidence, and that is why we attracted 120 members in the first six days and now have over 250. This just might be the best US club launch in the US in years! The new Ferncroft is taking off much faster than I would have predicted."
For the first time in a decade that staff includes a Chef and Food & Beverage Director. Stefane Baloy brings kitchen experience from Harvard, Le Meridien and The Charles Hotel. Paul Krisko came from six years at the Cheesecake Factory. Affinity Managing Director and former Wentworth (UK) Club Manager David Swales says the food is "already rivals any club on the North Shore."
Affinity Management (www.affinitymanagement.com) is one of only two firms in the nation specializing in turnkey private club management, and is a recognized leader in membership marketing with club experience in twenty states.
Ferncroft Country Club offers Full, Annual, Junior and Executive Golf Memberhips as well as Social Memberships for pool, tennis and dining.
Contact:
978-739-4040
membership@ferncroftcc.com
