Renovations to North Course, new dining experiences punctuate brand overhaul for club
OLDSMAR, Florida – Invited, the world’s largest owner and operator of private clubs, is pleased to announce a multimillion-dollar transformation of East Lake Woodland Club that touches every area of the Club, yielding a profound evolution in its journey that will enrich the Member experience in extraordinary ways. This process has led to the exciting rebranding of the Club, now known as Ardea Country Club. The new brand best positions it as a premier, family-first Club defined by unparalleled service and world-class amenities that will comprehensively reshape the Member experience.
“At Invited, we are dedicated to providing premier experiences for our members. The new Ardea Country Club stands as a testament to this commitment,” said Invited CEO David Pillsbury. “The renovated North Course strikes a perfect balance between challenge and playability. With our enhanced dining, racquet sports facilities renovation and the introduction of childcare services, Ardea is solidifying its position as a premier, family-oriented Club.”
The name Ardea pays homage to the beautiful marshlands and wildlife that are an essential part of the club’s story, especially the iconic Blue Heron. “Ardea” is the Latin genus for “heron,” delivering a fresh take for the club’s time-honored mascot.
Additionally, on November 10, the renovated restaurant, newly renamed to Heron’s Bar & Grille, will host its grand re-opening and ribbon cutting, along with the opening of the newly added Kid’s Club, Birdies.
“This project ultimately will transform the Club with an extensive reinvention touching every area and enhancing every amenity,” said Aaron Lucas, General Manager at Ardea Country Club. “Our exceptional Members are the heart and soul of our Club, and we couldn’t be more pleased to bring forward these spectacular improvements to keep their experience fresh and exciting.”
The new Ardea features a host of renovations, including:
A top-flight golf experience – The tee boxes and greens of the North golf course have been completely revamped, creating a world-class golf experience for Members and guests alike. The greens now feature best-in-class Tif-Eagle Ultradwarf Bermuda grass, considered the gold standard for turf at the finest clubs in the country, while the tees now feature laser-leveled turf. Additionally, the irrigation system for the North Course has been completely upgraded and overhauled, while a redesigned short game area will ensure Members are ready for their rounds.
Fresh culinary experiences – Ardea’s dining room, renamed to Heron’s Bar and Grille, has been expanded and fashioned into a reimagined, modern dining experience. There are now alfresco, outside dining experiences allowing Members and guests to enjoy the Florida sunshine, while updates to the facility’s private event spaces can accommodate any gathering.
Member-focused Club renovations – The newly completed Kid’s Club, Birdies, located conveniently in the main clubhouse next to the fitness and dining areas, will provide an engaging space for families. There also will be a new slate of robust family and kids programming to better engage and serve Members.
Premier racquet sports experience – Coming in 2024, the tennis facilities at Ardea will be renovated to usher in a new chapter for racquet sports at the club. Updated landscaping and new gathering areas will be inviting for Members, while new LED outdoor lighting will enhance the area’s aesthetics. Additionally, there will be a host of renovations and improvements to the Club’s clay courts.
New Multi-Club Membership Opportunity – Ardea Country Club recently introduced a new Cross Bay Premier Membership. This unique membership would give full family golf, swim, tennis, fitness and social access at Ardea, Countryside, Hunter’s Green and Tampa Palms with 14-day advance tee times. Current Ardea Members can add on the Cross Bay benefits to their existing membership.
To access the fact sheet, new logos and brandmarks for Ardea, please click here.
To take a virtual tour of our new restaurant, pro shop and kids club, please click here.
About Invited (formerly ClubCorp)
Since its founding in 1957, Dallas-based Invited has operated with the mission of Building Relationships and Enriching Lives®. The leading owner-operator of private golf and country clubs, city, and stadium clubs in North America, Invited is relentless in its pursuit of providing extraordinary experiences, meaningful connections, shared passions, and memorable moments for its more than 400,000 members. The company’s mission is supported by 20,000 peak-season employees and a portfolio of 200 owned or operated golf and country clubs, city clubs, sports clubs, stadium clubs in 29 states, and seven BigShots Golf locations. Invited creates communities and a lifestyle through its championship golf courses, workspaces, handcrafted cuisine, resort-style pools, tennis and pickleball facilities, golf lounges, fitness centers, and pioneering programming.
In addition to Ardea, other marquee Invited properties include: Firestone Country Club (Akron, Ohio); Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California); The Woodlands Country Club (Houston, Texas); and The MetropolitanClub (Chicago, Illinois).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Reimer, 904-806-6614, Reimer@CRPRGroup.com
Johnathan McGinty, 706-338.-2732; johnathan@trestlecollective.com
