PHOTOS COURTESY OF THOMAS CLARK AND RESORT DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS |
community ’ s restrictive covenants and assumed ownership of the course in 2014 .
After considering other options , the HOA ’ s leaders concluded that keeping it as a golf course was the best use for the 330-acre property . Beginning in 2016 , they met with several interested golf course management firms , but nobody was willing to make the significant up-front investment to build a permanent clubhouse and maintenance facility .
That wasn ’ t an issue for Resort Development Partners , a company with considerable experience in operations and strategic planning for hotels , golf clubs , residential and resort communities in the U . S .
The Beacon Hill HOA issued a Request for Proposals in 2020 to reopen and operate the golf course under a lease agreement , and Resort Development Partners submitted the winning proposal .
“ I ’ m thankful they came along and recognized the incredible potential here ,” Allen said . “ Having been here from the beginning and seeing what it once was , it was a beautiful golf course and can be again .”
Even after being closed for almost 20 years , Beacon Hill is “ a rare animal ,” said
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Steve Cohoon , who is serving as project manager for Resort Development Partners and will be the course superintendent . “ The property is spectacular , and the infrastructure was constructed very well . You never find a closed course in this condition — that ’ s one of the reasons we thought it would be a great opportunity .”
“ Not having a permanent clubhouse on site is almost a positive for us ,” Cohoon said . “ Instead of having to fix someone else ’ s mistakes , we have an opportunity to put our stamp on it and build a quality facility that our members can be proud of .”
As it set out to reimagine Beacon Hill , Resort Development Partners concluded the course didn ’ t need 27 holes . Clark walked and drove the property , then created a new routing plan with what he considered the best 18 holes , all of which were part of his original layout .
“ I ’ ve widened the fairways from 20 yards to 35 and even 40 to make them more playable . Around the greens , I ’ ve created chipping areas or bail-out areas instead of five-inch rough where you ’ re stuck in it and all you can do is whack
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While the master plan ( pictured left ) is subject to change , Clark says the Beacon Hill 18-hole course will closely resemble what was orignially drawn up in May 2022 .
a sand wedge out ,” Clark said . “ I don ’ t want to over-bunker the course because it doesn ’ t need it . There are enough streams and lakes and stuff to grab your attention .”
“ Golf is hard enough ,” he added . “ I ’ m trying to make Beacon Hill a playable , enjoyable golf course for everybody .”
Scaling back by nine holes also has created space on the property for the clubhouse and maintenance facility , as well as a practice facility with driving range , putting green and chipping area . Future plans are in place for converting the remaining acreage into a 9-hole executive par-3 course .
With tree-clearing and other construction work well under way , Resort Development Partners ’ plan is to open Beacon Hill Golf Club sometime in October and have the new clubhouse finished by 2025 .
“ I never say never ,” Cohoon said , “ It would be very difficult for anyone to build a new golf course in this area that can equal what ’ s being done here .”
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