<\/p>\n
LEHMAN TWP. \u2014 When businessman Richard Maslow decided to build a premier golf course, he wanted just that \u2014 a championship layout that would be strictly a golf club with no real estate development.<\/p>\n
Huntsville Golf Club in Lehman Township was conceived by Maslow, who envisioned a top-tier course for the area. Ground was broken in 1991, with the club opening in 1994.<\/p>\n
The course was designed by Rees Jones; the par-72 course spans approximately 473 acres, was built without real estate development, and has been highly ranked since its opening. Architect Peter Bohlin designed the modernist-styled clubhouse.<\/p>\n
Maslow\u2019s legacy will continue \u2014 Huntsville Golf Club is transitioning to new ownership under a local group of families that have been active in the club for generations \u2014 including the Metz, McCarthy, Barbacci, Lambert and Horn families \u2014 who said they will not only continue the late Mr. Maslow\u2019s legacy, but they plan to enhance it.<\/p>\n
According to two deeds recorded Oct. 2, a combined total $11.54 million was paid for the lion\u2019s share of the golf course and several adjacent tracts.<\/p>\n
One of the Oct. 2 deeds indicates Huntsville Golf Club LLC purchased golf course property for $8.267 million from Maplemoor Inc. \u2014 the Maslow family.<\/p>\n
The other deed states HGC Land Partners LLC acquired multiple parcels near the site for $3.27 million from Huntsville Real Estate L.P.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s unclear if these two deeds cover the entire real estate transaction.<\/p>\n
The new ownership group this week said they plan to build on the vision that Richard \u201cDick\u201d Maslow and his family began more than three decades ago \u2014 one rooted in community, camaraderie, and a shared love of golf.<\/p>\n
The new Huntsville ownership includes Doug and Kim Barbacci, Jeff and Sue Metz, John and Lynn McCarthy, Gary and Katie Lambert, Neil and Mary Ellen Horn, Maureen Metz, and John Metz, along with their families.<\/p>\n
The owners said they and\/or their families have been members at Huntsville since it opened in 1994.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe decided that we wanted to go for it \u2014 for now and for future generations,\u201d Barbacci said. \u201cWe want this club to be here far into the future for families to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The owners said Huntsville has always been a family-oriented club. It is centered around golf, but the natural beauty will also be preserved, and family events, like graduations, weddings and more, will always be welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to build on Dick Maslow\u2019s legacy,\u201d Jeff Metz said. \u201cWe want to enhance what he created. We want to retain the natural beauty and add some amenities.\u201d<\/p>\n
McCarthy said the club currently has 400 members of varying levels \u2014 full membership, social members, junior members, and out-of-town members.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also will retain our employees, including our general manager and our interim golf pro,\u201d McCarthy said. \u201cWe are looking to fill the club professional position. All of them are great people who care about this club and who have been here for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new owners said they sent out a members\u2019 survey last week, and already about 190 were returned. The members expressed confidence in the new ownership and agreed with the plan to continue Mr. Maslow\u2019s legacy. The members were also pleased that the new owners are all local people who have been affiliated with Huntsville Golf Club for many years.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur members said they were never dissatisfied with the way Huntsville was operated, and they told us they are excited that we are all members who want to enhance the Maslow family legacy,\u201d Katie Lambert said.<\/p>\n
According to the new ownership group, Huntsville Golf Club is anchored by a remarkable 18-hole course built by world-renowned golf course designer Rees Jones. Complementing the course is the distinctive single-story clubhouse conceived by acclaimed architect Peter Bohlin of Bohlin, Cywinski & Jackson Architects.<\/p>\n
The investment group said they will work closely with membership, staff, and the surrounding community to:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Continually elevate the golfing experience.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Enhance the clubhouse, while preserving its landmark architectural character.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Invest in the kind of dining and social events that bring the community even closer together, both on and off the golf course.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Increase communication and member engagement services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal is to ensure that by continually modernizing Huntsville, the club will build on its reputation as a premier golf destination and a place where families can create memories that last a lifetime,\u201d the owners stated.<\/p>\n
On the Huntsville Golf Club website, it tells of a conversation between Mr. Maslow and Rees Jones, the course designer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter mapping out a few unsatisfactory routings, Jones looked enviously at the property across the street,\u201d the website states. Jones told Maslow, \u2018I can build a very good golf course with what you\u2019ve given me, but if you purchase the property across the road, I can build you a great golf course.\u2019<\/p>\n
After a few months of negotiations, Maplemoor, Inc. purchased an additional 139 acres, including a large barn, two small farmhouses, and an apple orchard. Jones now had a total of 473 acres with which to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The website also notes that the site provides plenty of golf-friendly features, such as wooded areas, rolling fields, a hardwood forest, and nearly 150 feet of elevation changes, which allowed Jones to create a fun, demanding layout that engages players from the first tee to the 18th green.<\/p>\n
His strategic layout attracts a membership of golfers of all levels who appreciate not only the flexibility of the course but also the excellent practice facilities, professional staff, and the caddie program.<\/p>\n
Reach Bill O\u2019Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.<\/p>\n
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