Billy Casper Golf continues to add courses, making it one of the world’s fastest growing operators. The Vienna, Va.-based company recently added six courses — from Michigan to Georgia. It has increased by 11 courses in the past year, and has more than doubled in size over the past five years to 131 courses. It had only 18.5 courses in 2001.
Hilltop Golf Course in Plymouth Township, Mich. is the company’s 35th facility in the Midwest and third in the state.
“Improving course conditions, customer service and amenities will help Hilltop achieve ‘local-favorite’ status,” said Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of Billy Casper Golf.
BCG will oversee all aspects of operations for thee 18-hole, par-70, Hilltop Golf Course, and enroll it in the Audubon International “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” program, as it does with most of its courses.
BCG has also taken over management at Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff, GA, 45 minutes south of Savannah.
Closed since June 2010, the course is slated to re-open in July 2011. Shellman Bluff Acquisition, LLC and The Owners Group, owners of Sapelo Hammock, have embarked on a capital enhancement plan including re-turfing greens, minor re-design of several holes for even greater playability, renovating the clubhouse with updated décor, and a general agronomy. Daily-fee play and regional memberships will be offered.
The engagement increases BCG’s portfolio to 19 courses in the Southeast.
“After conducting due diligence on several management companies, Billy Casper Golf was a perfect match for us,” said Michael Hardy, President of Shellman Bluff Acquisition, LLC. “The company’s enthusiasm for our property, proven success in the market with systems in place, and access to regional and national leadership made us very comfortable.”
BCG also won out over other management companies for three Virginia courses. The Prince William County Park Authority in Virginia voted to hire BCG to manage Forest Greens Golf Club, General’s Ridge Golf Course and Prince William Golf Course.
“We’re excited to partner with Billy Casper Golf,” said Jay Ellington, Executive Director of Prince William County Park Authority. “Golfers will experience excellent course conditions and improved service.”
BCG now has 10 courses in Virginia and 17 in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Harbour Pointe Golf Course in New Bern, N.C., which it also recently added. Harbour Pointe is part of the Fairfield Harbour resort and residential community in coastal New Bern, NC, just west of the Outer Banks.
Fairfield Harbour is one of the premier residential and resort communities in eastern North Carolina with 1,300 single family homes, condominiums, town homes and time shares.
“Billy Casper Golf is successful helping golf courses realize greatness,” said Donnie Shaw, Managing Member of Midsouth Golf, owner of Harbour Pointe. “Backed by our capital commitment and desire to elevate Harbour Pointe to a first-class facility, Billy Casper Golf has the resources to expertly manage day-to-day operations.”
Capital enhancement plans include retro-fitting the irrigation system, upgrading the irrigation pump station, bunker work, new golf carts and renovating the Harbour Pointe clubhouse to serve as a central social gathering place for property owners and guests.