Joe Smith, General Manager/COO of Countryside Golf and Country Club in Naples, Fla. joined the podcast to talk about everything happening at the club. Countryside celebrated the groundbreaking of its $14 million club renovation project, aptly named “Countryside 2.0,” in January. This project marks a significant milestone for the community, further enhancing the exceptional lifestyle residents and members have enjoyed for more than 35 years.

Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Club + Resort Business, also touched upon some recent news from across the industry, including:

Las Vegas, Nev.-based Siena Golf Holdings LLC purchased Siena Golf Club in Summerlin, Nev. for $17M. The club, which is part of a 2,100-home, 55-plus community, was originally constructed in 2000.

Pivotal Group acquired the Hilton Phoenix (Ariz.) Resort at the Peak for $100M with plans to add new amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and an adult pool to complement the existing family pool and lazy river. A full renovation of the resort’s 432 rooms is also planned, likely to begin in the summer when tourism in Phoenix slows due to the heat.

Lastly, it’s getting to be award season and a pair of courses have been named ‘Course of the Year!’ The Michigan Golf Course Association bestowed the honor upon Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor, Mich. The award honors a member course that meets four criteria: Unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; and significant contribution to the game.

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club in Pawley’s Island, S.C., succeeds Rivers Edge as the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association’s 2024 Course of the Year. Founders Group International contracted with Nicklaus Design Group and its Design Associate Troy Vincent to lead a 2023 renovation that modernized the facility.