Wednesday, February 12, 2014

City of Midland (Michigan) Selects Billy Casper Golf to Manage Currie Golf Course

(VIENNA, VA) – The City of Midland, Michigan has selected Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the largest domestic owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts – to manage the 36-hole Currie Golf Course and adjacent nine-hole, par-3 layout located just minutes from downtown Midland.

The engagement marks BCG’s fifth course in Michigan, along with Fellows Creek Golf Club (Canton), Hilltop Golf Course (Plymouth), Sanctuary Lake Golf Course (Troy) and Sylvan Glen Golf Course (Troy).

BCG will provide turnkey management of Currie operations, property maintenance, marketing and sales, staffing and training, merchandising, restaurant activities, special events and financial management.

The Midland City Council approved turning the front nine of Currie’s East Course into a large driving range and practice area, pending authorization from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

For 2014, several daily-fee rates and annual pass membership options will be substantially less than 2013.  Introduction of a new Birdie Pass rewards frequent play and further positions Currie competitively in the marketplace.

“Billy Casper Golf is an excellent partner with a vision that aligns with that of the city,” says Jon Lynch, Midland City Manager. “The company’s vast resources and proven track record making municipal golf courses shine is unmatched in the golf industry.”

“We are excited to usher in a new era at Currie Golf Course,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “With a strong layout and loyal base of golfers, the course is poised to move in an even greater positive direction.”

BCG will enact its proprietary “BCGreen” initiative at Currie to conserve, protect and enhance the environment, while also enrolling the course in the Audubon International “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” program. This designation increases efficiencies in maintenance, energy, water, pesticides, fertilizer, equipment wear and labor.

Opened in 1954, Currie Golf Course is unlike any other facility in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan. Located along the banks of the Tittabawassee River, the complex features two beautiful 18-hole courses – one traditional, one modern – and par-3 layout that subtly blend with the natural surroundings.

Playing 6,493-yards from the back tees, Currie East is the original 18-hole, par-72 layout designed and constructed by Gilbert Currie with eight holes re-designed in the mid-1990s by Michigan golf-course architect Jerry Mathews. Three tee boxes offer varying degrees of difficulty for golfers of all skill levels.

Currie West began as a nine-hole course and in 2002 was expanded to 18 holes to rival many of Michigan’s top resort courses. The 18-hole, 7,056-yard, par-72 layout is carved out of the naturally wooded landscape hugging the Tittabawassee River. With five tee boxes and championship length, Currie West gives even the most accomplished golfers a run for their money.

The par-3 course is ideal for new golfers to learn the game and experienced golfers to hone their skills. It features PGA-certified instruction, a natural grass driving range, practice bunker and putting green.

The West Clubhouse’s fully-stocked pro shop, Gil’s Grill (named for Gilbert Currie) and adjacent pavilion make Currie a natural setting for corporate outings, meetings and other social events. A deck overlooking the pond on No. 9 offers a scenic view for outdoor dining.

For more information: www.curriegolf.com, 989.839.9600.

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