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Troon Golf Appointed to Manage Red Ledges Golf Club
August 16, 2007
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.- Troon Golf®, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce its agreement to manage Red Ledges, a private golf course and recreational community located in Heber City, Utah.
Red Ledges will feature an exclusive 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course as well as a nine-hole Nicklaus Design short course. With an expected opening date fall of 2009, the Red Ledges course and private club house will serve as the center point for the 2,000 acre development. Set against dramatic rock formations and groves of cedar trees, the courses will stretch across the Heber Valley, with the snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks towering along the distant horizon.
"We are excited to be involved in this project and to partner with Red Ledges," stated Hud Hinton, president and COO, Troon Golf. "The beauty of the surrounding area, combined with the unparalleled service and playing conditions that Troon Golf is known for, will create a memorable experience for members and guests."
"Red Ledges looks forward to working with Troon Golf in managing our golf courses and world-class amenities," says Todd Cates, vice president and project manager. "Troon Golf will help us to reach our goal of providing the very best in golf and member services."
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf is the world's largest golf management company, overseeing operations at more than 185 courses located in 31 states and 23 countries. Additionally, 38 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf and Country Club, Green Bay, Wis.; The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, Scotland; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Haig Point, Daufuskie Island, S.C.; Azalea Golf Course, Sao Miguel, Azores; Playa Mujeres Golf Club, Cancun, Mexico; The Dunes at Dubai Sports City, Dubai, UAE; and The Grove, London, England.
This is not Drysdale's first introduction to Utah tennis. Years ago, he said, he played a small part in the design of the Park City Racquet Club. Since then his efforts have been confined to designing tennis clubs in Florida, Mexico and New York. His teaching methods, and his clubs, are recognized worldwide. He said he's not a proponent of one particular teaching method.
"For us, it's more a matter of enthusiasm; hiring pros who know how to make the game fun. It's what keeps people in the sport. And it's not so much about teaching technique but more about attitude. Having enthusiasm in a teacher has a certain magnetism that makes it fun, and we're talking about this reaching all the way down to 4-year-olds. Make it fun for them and they'll want to come back. If it's too arduous you'll lose them."
One of his more successful programs, and one he sees expanding to the Utah market, involves the changing role of women. "We hold ladies' retreats, and they've been very popular. Women have more leisure time and are more inclined these days to take trips without Dad, which a couple of decades ago was unheard of," he explained.
As for the current trend in tennis, he said all indications are it's attracting more players. "Ticket sales at the U.S. Open were up dramatically. I sense a new enthusiasm for tennis. I wondered if it was just something at the clubs we are involved with. You need a Pied Piper to get people into the sport, and we're good at that," he said.
"Industry folks, though, tell me sales for rackets and tennis balls are up." Here in Utah, membership in the Utah Tennis Association is the highest in more than a decade. Drysdale sees it gaining even more players as long as it continues to be fun.
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