Golf Inc - August 2008 - (Page 19)

General Manager Jeff Orkus with members at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon, Ga. PHOTO BY WOODY MARSHALL The clubhouse goes casual DEVELOPMENT TREND Changing lifestyles push clubs to embrace more family-oriented facilities dent of Ferry, Hayes & Allen Designers, Inc. “Clubs will mimic what the general trends are in order to compete,” Barrett said. “American culture has emphasized a casual lifestyle both at home and at work and now that’s something people want in their club as well.” Despite the recent struggles of the economy, many clubs have been actively looking to renovate, according to Chris, with those that do usually spending between $8 million and $15 million on the project. “Recession periods are always active times for club remodels,” Chris said. “Most private club members, I won’t say they’re immune from the economy, but August 2008 www.GolfIncMagazine.com 19 W hat once belonged to the man of the house now belongs to his family. As more Americans embrace a casual, family oriented lifestyle, clubhouse designers have done the same, creating environments where the entire family is welcome. “What we’re seeing is the direct result of society changing,” said Harry Chris, chairman and CEO of Irving, Texasbased CCI, a firm specializing in club design. “People in their 40s have young children and they’re bringing them to the club. Clubs have no choice but to make themselves more family-oriented.” Being family friendly has meant becoming more casual than ever before, said Jeffrey Barrett, executive vice presi- they have money and they’re smart business people.” Casual dining explosion In recent years, dining has been at the forefront of the casual movement, according to Barrett, with formal dining rooms becoming smaller or altogether displaced in favor of more laid-back settings. “There’s been such a proliferation of very good restaurants for people to choose from and the majority of them are casual,” Barrett said. “That’s forced more clubs to evolve in order to compete. We see more requests for things like booth style seating. Members love that. Even the 19th hole is evolving into a full sports bar with expanded menus.” http://www.fhadesigners.com/ http://www.chrisconsultants.com/ http://www.GolfIncMagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Golf Inc - August 2008

Golf Inc - August 2008 Contents Editors Column Around the Industry: Big Green in Arizona Data Collectors Combine Forces GPSI Hires Chessler, Files Suit Americas Europe/Africa Asia/Australia Machrihanish Dunes Draws on the Past to Make History Again in Scotland Innovative Superintendent Finds Way to Keep the Nation's First Totally Organic Course Green Latest Clubhouse Designs Reflect Changing Lifestyles: It's All About Casual Camelback Conference Brochure More Operators Embracing Initiatives Aimed at Bringing Families Together on the Golf Course State of the Industry 2008 Muni Maddness? The Last Word

Golf Inc - August 2008

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