Thanks to a community-wide effort to clear over 1,100 trees downed by the storm, West Lake Country Club bounces back strong
Editors:
For photos of the recovery at West Lake Country Club, please click here.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — With incredible resilience and determination from the Augusta community, West Lake Country Club has bounced back in just two weeks from extensive course damage caused by Hurricane Helene, as it opened nine holes on Oct. 11. Meanwhile, members were able to enjoy access to the clubhouse, food and beverage, fitness, tennis and pickleball one week earlier for the first time since the devastating storm ravaged its way through the Southeast.
Over 1,110 trees either fell or were damaged by the storm, and the recovery process evolved into a community project, as members of the West Lake staff swept bunkers and cleared debris from the golf course, as industry experts began the tree removal process on Sept. 29, one day after the hurricane widely damaged Augusta. The massive cleanup effort began despite the club not having power for six days, and neither phone nor internet for 12 days. Meanwhile, neighbors banded together to do their part to clear debris from their own yards and surrounding streets.
“The extraordinary effort by our staff, as well as our members and neighbors is inspiring,” said West Lake GM, Ryan Fahler, PGA. “Clearing access into and out of the property, while addressing direct safety issues, were our first priority. Soon after, various phases of tree removal and storm clean-up began, including the clubhouse and grounds. Not having utilities and communication channels provided unique challenges, but protecting our property, understanding what could be opened, and having an urgency to do so enabled aspects of the club to be operational in an exceptionally timely manner. The club projects to open all 18 holes shortly to get our members back to as much normalcy as can be expected in these times.”
A part of the Concert Golf Partners family of 35 private clubs nationwide, West Lake has served as an integral part of the Augusta-area suburb of Evans since 1969. Concert Golf is committed to acquiring the finest clubs in the United States and enhancing the member experience through ongoing reinvestment and premium service. The company is also committed to restoring clubs within its portfolio damaged by natural disasters.
“We pride ourselves in doing the right thing for our members within the Concert Golf portfolio of clubs nationwide, and it’s remarkable to restore this quickly the first nine holes at West Lake Country Club for the Augusta community to rally around,” said Concert Golf Partners Senior VP of Operations, Aaron Straub. “This is about Concert joining the West Lake community with a determination to do something quite special under very extenuating and difficult circumstances. To give members and residents a renewed sense of normalcy is vital.”
The West Lake course, designed by Pinehurst No. 5 designer and Donald Ross protege Ellis Maples, is a traditional course and an Augusta tradition for guests from around the world. The course sits on a 700-acre site, with water features throughout.
Once the restoration of all 18 holes is completed, West Lake will challenge and reward players of all levels with tee options ranging from 5,289 to 6,857 yards. The club also offers a 320-yard driving range with TifGrand Bermuda and practice areas for sand trap, fairway and greenside bunker shots, as well as an indoor golf simulator, banquet space, tennis, and pickleball.
For more information, visit concertgolfpartners.com. To donate to local hurricane relief efforts in Augusta, visit the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund.
About Concert Golf Partners
Concert Golf Partners features a boutique portfolio of 35 upscale private golf and country clubs nationwide, with a focus on preserving the unique culture, identity, and traditions at each of our clubs. We achieve this through consistent annual capital investment aimed at enhancing amenities, service levels and the overall member experience, while building and maintaining a thriving club environment. Each club features both a strong membership base and financial position. Concert Golf Partners was founded in 2011 by Peter Nanula, former Founder and CEO of Arnold Palmer Golf Management, and Susan Dunnavant, Co-Founder and COO.
Based near Orlando, the company is an experienced and premier buyer of private clubs since its founding. Concert Golf’s portfolio features a unique blend of iconic and select clubs, with courses designed by world-renowned golf architects, including Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer. With significant investment capital, Concert Golf strategically searches for both exclusive and up-and-coming private clubs to join our collection. This includes both formerly developer-owned clubs, such as The Club at Renaissance in Fort Myers, Florida, as well as long-time member-owned clubs, such as The Club at Pasadera in Monterey, California.
Media Contact:
Michael Abramowitz Concert Golf Partners 561-389-4647 mabramowitz@concertgolfclubs.com
