Bobby Jones Links strengthens consulting relationship to include turnkey management
ALPHARETTA, Georgia – Bobby Jones Links, the golf industry’s leading client-centric, boutique management company, has expanded its consulting partnership with Woodlake Country Club in Vass, North Carolina, to include turnkey operations management of the facility.
Bringing back Woodlake’s entire infrastructure, which was devastated by flooding seven years ago during Hurricane Matthew, has been an inspiring and expertly orchestrated collaboration between the owners – the Allison family who owns and runs North Carolina-based Systel Business Equipment – and Bobby Jones Links’ experienced team of industry leaders, including General Manager Jeff Crabbe, who joined Woodlake in August.
The local community, who live just a few miles from both the famed Village of Pinehurst and Fort Bragg, has responded enthusiastically to the rebirth of Woodlake with almost all of its designated Founding Memberships being sold since becoming available in September.
“Our ownership has been judicious and incredibly committed to open Woodlake in phases, and Bobby Jones Links plays an integral role in not only the day-to-day operations of Woodlake, but helping our team navigate the big picture decisions around structure and projects that will make this a special golf property for multiple generations,” said Crabbe. “The enthusiasm for our initial membership offerings validates the path this team has been on and inspires us to work hard to make Woodlake everything these members, and this community, deserve.”
Woodlake, which will continue to open its rebuilt amenities in phases, recently launched a soft opening that has included preview rounds on its 18-hole, par 72 golf course that was recently renovated by accomplished golf course architect Kris Spence. A 3,500-square-foot, finely landscaped patio space overlooking Woodlake’s first tee and fully stocked pro shop are also operational and will be followed by the construction and build out of the clubhouse’s new indoor dining space.
The full build out of Woodlake’s upscale amenities will include the practice range, swimming pool, full-service clubhouse, and multi-purpose complex with indoor pickleball courts and golf simulators.
“We are ecstatic to expand our relationship with Woodlake owners to continue to showcase the Club as a premier club and community in one of the most distinguished markets in the country,” said Doug Hellman, Chief Development Officer. “The rebirth of Woodlake is going to be a project that further galvanizes a strong community and brings pride along operational innovation to a membership hungry to enjoy the enriched lifestyle they’ve been missing. Bobby Jones Links, with our deep bench of knowledge and expertise, will remain steadfast in realizing the ownership’s vision for Woodlake for many years to come.”
Purchased by Atlantic National Capital through foreclosure in 2021, the entity immediately launched an ambitious plan to restore Woodlake and hired Kris Spence to remodel the Maples Course. Bobby Jones Links was retained as a consultant in April of 2023 to help revitalize the club and prepare it for full operations.
While the prospect of rebuilding a country club from the ground-up with a fresh vision would seem daunting to many, Woodlake’s owners have had the counsel of Bobby Jones Links to navigate decisions like how to establish appropriate membership offerings and pricing in the market, managing staffing, optimizing expenses and revenue, rebranding with a new logo and making sure the new Woodlake has the right slate of attractive amenities and lifestyle offerings to attract and grow the membership.
“It has been amazing having Bobby Jones Links onboard to help manage this expansive project. They have a lot of experience in the industry and know how to take Woodlake to the next level. We are confident that partnering with them was the best decision to help bring this vision to life,” said Woodlake Co-investor and Project Manager Cara Spencer.
To learn more, visit BobbyJonesLinks.com or WoodlakeCountryClubNC.com.
