Greensboro, Ga. (March 1, 2007) – Linger Longer Communities, developer of Reynolds Plantation, Reynolds Landing and Birch River, is pleased to announce a round of new appointments and promotions among its head golf professionals, thanks to a season of new opportunities.
Sparking off the reorganization is the creation of Reynolds Plantation’s newest golf course, The Creek Club, designed by world-renowned architect Jim Engh. As a result, Wesley Forester has been named head professional at this private club when it opens later this year. Formerly head professional at an exclusive, private club in Maryland, Forester was also head golf professional at The Plantation Course prior to his appointment at The Creek Club. "Wes’ experience and commitment to member service make him a great fit for The Creek Club," said Bob Mauragas, vice president of golf operations. "He’ll provide the very highest level of skill and service to our membership and help make it a memorable experience." Forester lives in Watkinsville with his wife, Patsy, and sons, Ethan and Luke.
Tom Fowler has been named head golf professional at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Birch River, Linger Longer Communities’ newest acquisition in Dahlonega, Ga. Most recently head golf professional at The Oconee Course, a position he has held since the course opened in 2002, Fowler has also served as assistant professional at Great Waters and The Plantation Course. The Jasper, Ga. native said he anticipates the return to a region in the North Georgia Mountains that he calls home. "The ability to go home and be able to carry the Reynolds Plantation vision to Birch River is an exciting prospect," Fowler said. "I have enjoyed working at Reynolds Plantation and getting to know all of the members over the past 14 years. My family and I are honored and excited about this opportunity to return home." Fowler will be relocating to the area with wife, Dana, and daughter, Hannah.
Other professionals at Reynolds Plantation have been promoted, resulting in a rotation of seasoned professionals who will bring a fresh perspective to each course. As such, Kevin Childers has been promoted to head professional at The Plantation Course. Childers has been the tournament director for the past 18 months and previously worked as assistant golf professional at The Oconee and Great Waters courses. "Kevin brings operations expertise as well as the ability to handle large tournaments to The Plantation Course, which is the hub of the members’ golf associations," Mauragas said. Childers lives in Eatonton with his wife, Laura.
Nate Middleton has been promoted to head professional at The Great Waters Course. Joining Reynolds Plantation in May 2005, Middleton has served as assistant golf professional at The Great Waters, National and Oconee Courses. Middleton became a full member of the PGA of America last November and lives in Athens with his wife, Stormi, and their daughter, Gracie.
Mike Davenport has been named head professional at The Oconee Course. Most recently head professional at Reynolds Landing, Davenport has been with the company for six years. Davenport has also served as tournament director, as well as assistant golf professional at Great Waters. He lives in Watkinsville with his wife, Elizabeth, and son, John.
Scott Justman has been promoted to head professional at Reynolds Landing. Most recently assistant golf professional at The National Course, Justman is an enthusiastic, energetic professional who anticipates the next phase of development of this award-winning, Bob Cupp designed course. With the new club house and amenity center under construction, Justman will oversee a new level of service for Reynolds Landing members. He currently lives in Eatonton.
Reynolds Plantation will also experience a rotation among assistant golf professionals in conjunction with the new head professional assignments. These promotions reflect a commitment to internal career development at Reynolds Plantation, something officials feel is vital to the on-going success of the company. "There is no finer compliment to any corporation than the ability for it to use its current resources towards its long-term success," said Gray Ferguson, senior vice president of operations. "I am confident that this group of leaders will continue to enhance the vision of Reynolds Plantation, not only today but in the future."
-30-
About Reynolds Plantation
Named the "Best of the Best" Golf Community by the Robb Report, Reynolds Plantation, located between Atlanta and Augusta, is a 10,000-acre golf and lake community with more than 80 miles of shoreline on beautiful Lake Oconee, one of the largest lakes in the southeast. Reynolds Plantation features 81 holes of championship golf from designers Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, Tom Fazio, and Rees Jones, with a fifth course, designed by Golf Digest "Architect of the Year" Jim Engh, to open for member play in 2007. Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Reynolds Golf Academy, led by GOLF Magazine Top 100 Instructor Charlie King, and the TaylorMade Performance Lab—one of only six in the world. For more information, visit www.reynoldsplantation.com , or call 800-800-5250.
About Reynolds Landing
The original resort community on Lake Oconee, Reynolds Landing is centered on a classic Bob Cupp golf course that earned numerous awards when it opened in 1986. A Linger Longer Community since 2005, Reynolds Landing is adjacent to Reynolds Plantation. Reynolds Plantation Realty is the exclusive purveyor of new properties in this community, including the planned Southern Living-designed cottages, the new clubhouse, and the new amenity complex. For inquiries, please call 866-405-7400 (locally 706-467-1555) or visit www.reynoldslanding.com for more information.
About Birch River
Birch River is Linger Longer Community’s newest acquisition, and joins the world-class Reynolds Plantation and Reynolds Landing communities. A residential golf community located in historic Dahlonega, Ga., Birch River brings the majesty of the North Georgia mountains home, with breathtaking natural scenery, miles of walking trails, and amenities that embrace upscale living with a rustic, natural charm. At the 6,995- yard, par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Birch River, expansive fairways roll gently past beautiful views of the river. The Chestatee plays a major role in the flow of the course, with a unique fifth hole on an island in the river. Home of the Bell South Classic Qualifier, U.S. Amateur Qualifier and Senior PGA Qualifier, The Nicklaus Golf Club at Birch River also features a clubhouse with casual dining, practice facilities, pro shop and a member swim and tennis center. For more information, call 706.867.1660 or visit www.birchriver.com .
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations – East
908/876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
Covering the business of golf!
