BJL to lead staff building and elevating the member experience at this historic club
ALPHARETTA, GA – Bobby Jones Links (BJL), the golf industry’s leading client-centric, boutique management company, proudly announces that it is now managing Green Oaks Country Club in Verona, Pa. This classic Donald Ross design is a par-71 that Ben Crenshaw once likened to playing in heaven. Originally a nine-hole layout, the membership in 1913 engaged Donald Ross for a new 18-hole course after purchasing an additional 46 acres adjacent to the original property. Ross returned in 1914 to finish placing the bunkers, and the course opened in the fall of 1914.
“Pittsburgh is a very golf rich market with an excellent history and Green Oaks is part of that with a classic Donald Ross design and a strong legacy. The club is extremely accessible and it offers a top-notch course and playing experience, as well as a fully amenitized clubhouse with a large members grill, pool, tennis, and new pickleball courts. The board is intent on continuing to elevate the member value proposition through the execution of a strategic capital improvement plan,” said Doug Hellman, Chief Development Officer at BJL.
This classic golf course has certainly remained the centerpiece of the club, and now the BJL team has begun reestablishing and elevating the facility’s leadership team. “We are handling the executive search and vetting of all candidates, and in collaboration with the Board will place individuals in key leadership positions who are complementary to achieving the club’s and board’s goals,” said Hellman. “We immediately placed an interim general manager – Allyson Kahl-Darling – a senior member of our team, so we could hit the ground running. She’s worked with our staff training and leadership center.”
The Green Oaks executive board did a thorough search for the best fit in a management company and chose BJL for their expertise in navigating growth and developing staff with key leaders in critical roles. “We’re enthusiastic about the future at Green Oaks with Bobby Jones Links managing the club’s operations. The level of complexity that has come with the club’s consistent growth over the past three years made it clear that we needed some help,” said Club President Marc Olin. “I expect the member experience to be elevated by BJL’s management and team-building skills and that they will optimize the club’s service delivery. We look forward to BJL shepherding the process of hiring for key roles and infusing engaging and enriching programming and culture at Green Oaks. With our recently renovated Donald Ross golf course and fantastic membership, we’re confident that Green Oaks can be one of the premier club experiences in the region.”
Green Oaks has a very welcoming environment and showcases its many historical and vintage characteristics. “They put a great deal of time and investment into the course – installing a new irrigation system, removing trees and opening it up so members can fully appreciate how Donald Ross laid out the course more than 100 years ago. It’s really quite spectacular,” said Hellman. “There are no homes lining the fairways and the topography and elevation changes are dramatic, which adds to the enjoyment of playing one of the best historic courses in the Pittsburgh area.”
BJL is also implementing new programming events and member communication platforms immediately. “People are going to notice a dramatic change in the culture of the club and the staff, the level of hospitality and stewardship,” said Hellman. “The overall membership experience will be elevated.”
For more information, visit BobbyJonesLinks.com and GreenOaksCC.com.
About Bobby Jones Links
Bobby Jones Links is a privately owned club management company offering hands-on, turnkey operations management and advisory services to select daily fee, private and semi-private clubs. Based in Atlanta with an office in Naples, FL, the company supports more than 30 properties in 12 states, including Bobby Jones Golf Course, Hope Valley Country Club, Eastpointe Country Club, and Travis Pointe Country Club. Visit www.bobbyjoneslinks.com to learn how Bobby Jones Links makes a difference for their clients and associates.
About Green Oaks Country Club
A hidden gem set in the rolling hills of Verona, Pa., this magnificent Donald Ross-designed 18-hole, par-71 golf course is complemented by A+ practice facilities, outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, junior Olympic size outdoor swimming pool, member events, indoor and outdoor dining, private tennis, pickleball and golf instruction, and a Ladies Golf Association league.
Green Oaks maintains some of the best greens in Western Pennsylvania year after year. After a 1982 U.S. Open Qualifier, future Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw stepped off of the 18th green and stated “playing here was like playing in heaven.” The layout comes packed with challenging shots, slick sloping greens, and large fronts — and the course is a true test for players of all skill sets. Additionally, there are elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and several of the toughest par-3’s around town.
Members at Green Oaks Golf and Country Club have access to our practice facilities that include our 10-acre driving range, short game and bunker area, and two chipping and putting greens.
Media Contacts:
Kevin Frisch PR
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@kevinfrischpr.com
Carl Mickelson
(512) 797-2673
carl@kevinfrischpr.com
Katie Lentine
Marketing Manager
Bobby Jones Links
Katie.Lentine@bobbyjoneslinks.com
