New owner, operator Escalante Golf emphasizing elite service, pristine conditions
(LECANTO, Fla.) – Black Diamond Ranch – recently acquired by Escalante Golf – has named Doug Egly, general manager; Andrea Knox, director of golf; Bryan Richard, head golf professional; and Jay Mullen, director of golf course maintenance.
Egly, Knox, Richard and Mullen will carry out Escalante Golf’s emphasis on elite service and pristine course conditions at the iconic golf club with 45 holes designed by Tom Fazio. Black Diamond is home of the legendary Quarry Course, which has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.”
“From the clubhouse to the golf courses, Doug, Andrea, Bryan and Jay know what it takes to provide a world-class golf experience,” says David McDonald, president of Escalante Golf. “We are excited about the leadership and energy they bring to Black Diamond.”
Egly has held management positions at several Florida and Texas clubs, including Waterlefe Golf and River Club (Bradenton, Fla.). In addition to two decades in club management, he served as women’s golf coach at University of North Texas, earning a degree in business administration.
Knox, a veteran instructor with 28 years of professional teaching experience, was the general manager at King’s Gate Golf Club (Port Charlotte, Fla.). A native of Binghamton, New York, she has held teaching positions at a number of high profile clubs in both states.
Prior to Black Diamond Ranch, Richard was general manager at Orchard Ridge Country Club (Fort Wayne, Ind.), a fellow Escalante course. He has also served in a variety of positions at several Florida clubs, including director of golf at Waterlefe.
Mullen also comes to Black Diamond from Waterlefe, where as superintendent he implemented a variety of programs that improved the club’s conditioning and playability.
Escalante Golf purchased Black Diamond from visionary founder Stan Olsen, who created the Citrus County golf and country club community in 1987.
For more information on Black Diamond: www.blackdiamondranch.com, (407) 739-8729.
About Black Diamond Ranch
Featuring three Tom Fazio-designed courses – The Quarry, The Ranch and The Highlands – Black Diamond Ranch has established itself as Florida’s No. 1 residential golf community since 1987.
The Quarry Course, set amongst limestone cliffs, live oak trees, dogwoods, myrtles and magnolias, has been ranked one of “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” by Golf Digest and among the “Top 100 Courses in the U.S.” by GOLF Magazine. Black Diamond Ranch has earned a place on LINKS Magazine’s list of “America’s 100 Premier Properties,” and is perennially “Top 10” on Golfweek’s “Best U.S. Residential Golf Courses” list.
Completed in 1997, The Ranch Course was carefully crafted to gently blend into its natural surroundings. Reminiscent of Pine Valley, The Ranch Course sports rolling fairways and dramatic elevation changes of over 100 feet. With stunning hilltop views of up to 25 miles, the nine-hole Highlands Course (also completed in 1997), is a magnificent mix of lush, rippling fairways, stands of oak and pine, pristine water features and mesmerizing natural beauty.
About Escalante Golf
Established in 1991, Escalante Golf is a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties nationwide, including California, Colorado, Florida, Ohio and Indiana. Operating partners David McDonald, Elcio Silva, Robert Silva and David Matheson direct the Escalante team with offices in Fort Worth, Texas.
For more information: www.escalantegolf.com, (407) 739-8729.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381
ssharp@buffalocommunications.com
Jonathan Williamson
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3346
jwilliamson@buffalocommunications.com
