Four diverse courses named as regional finalists
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 17, 2013) The finalists for the NGCOA’s Course of the Year Award include four clubs from four very competitive regions: Miacomet Golf Course in the Northeast, Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in the Midwest, The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch in the South, and Los Serranos Country Club in the West.
The award recognizes member-owned courses that excel in four categories: course quality, ownership and management, contributions to the community and contribution to the game. The Course of the Year winner, which will be announced on Feb. 6 at the NGCOA Annual Conference in Orlando, will come from a group of modern-era courses that are distinguished in each area.
Miacomet Golf Course in Nantucket, Mass., opened in 1963 as a 9-hole, public facility that takes pride in its versatile nature. With a customer base that varies with the seasons, Miacomet’s year-round staff members have developed close ties to the island and top grade hospitality, which allows them to cater to a diverse customer base. This 18-hole, links-style course is challenging yet very playable, with multiple tees allowing both professionals and amateurs equal opportunity for an enjoyable game.
Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Canton, Ohio, is a public-access golf course that was founded in 1928, with the vision of becoming a “country club for the common man.” The course is not only prospering in a difficult business climate, but also contributes greatly to the local economy via employment and tax revenue that supports school and local government. Tam O’Shanter is also heavily involved in its local community betterment efforts, as well as a myriad of nonprofit organizations locally, regionally and nationally.
The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, in Boerne, Texas, is the newest of the four finalists, whose Jack Nicklaus Signature design opened in 2006. This championship-style golf course’s 172-yard Par-3 16th hole has been named the “Most Beautiful Golf Hole in Texas”
every year since opening. With six of its previous First Assistant professionals now serving as Head Golf Professionals at some of the finest facilities across Texas and beyond, Cordillera Ranch is proud of its professional golf staff and their commitment to promoting the game.
Los Serranos Country Club, in Chino Hills, Calif., is a public facility that began as the Rancho Del Chino De Santa Ana in 1841. In 1959, after years of transformation, Jack Kramer, the tennis legend, became sole owner. The facility features two courses: the North Course, which was designed with every golfer in mind, allowing for a playable experience by all skill levels; and the South Course, which is home to the famous Jack’s Black Tees, which positions this course as one of the longest in all of California.
The NGCOA will also recognize winners of the Award of Merit for long-term contributions to the game, the Jemsek Award for Golf Course Excellence, the Don Rossi Award for significant contributions to the NGCOA, the Champion Award for service to course owners at the regional level, the Player Development Award for success in attracting new players to the game and the Paul Porter Award for commitment, service and leadership to a chapter or international affiliate.
The NGCOA’s Annual Conference is the golf industry’s largest gathering of owners and operators of daily fee, private, resort and municipal courses. The conference, which will be held Feb. 3-8, offers educational and networking opportunities and guest speakers. NGCOA members and non-members can register for the conference at www.ngcoa.org/conference.
The conference occurs in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show, Feb. 5-6,
at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The show, which is presented by the NGCOA and GCSAA, showcases the golf industry’s latest products and services throughout an expansive exhibit area and offers a wide range of educational opportunities.
About the NGCOA
The National Golf Course Owners Association is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information, visit www.ngcoa.org or call 1-800-933-4262.
Contact:
Steven Rudnicki Director of Marketing & Communications 800.933.4262 Ext.208 srudnicki@ngcoa.org
