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 After measuring the quality of the golf course, the quality of management, contributions to the community and to the growth of the game, the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association (MBAGCOA) bestowed its coveted Golf Course of the Year award for 2004 to Indian Wells Golf Club. It’s an award that came the old-fashioned way, through the dedicated commitment of ownership and staff to create the best golf experience possible.
Over the past two years, Indian Wells has gone through a complete transformation of both its physical appearance and its commitment to its staff and customers. In May of 2002, after Indian Wells had fallen into disrepair, the owners decided to make a financial commitment to bring Indian Wells Golf Club to a new competitive level. More than $1.5 million was invested as a part of a complete renovation of the golf course, clubhouse and related facilities. In addition to the physical improvements, the staff at Indian Wells implemented numerous programs to upgrade the training and development of all staff in concert with providing an outstanding work environment. This commitment requires that all staff complete the nationally recognized ‘Above and Beyond Customer Service’ training program.
Indian Wells’ community involvement includes helping with charitable donations and services such as the Salvation Army and Children’s Miracle Network, hosting charity tournaments and providing employment opportunities. Indian Wells has contributed to the growth of the game by offering junior golf clinics as well as a variety of adult programs. It has also provided internships for golf course management and maintenance programs for local colleges. Its staff is encouraged to participate in professional and community organizations and is provided with continuous education including golf professional training courses.
Indian Wells has also been an enthusiastic supporter of the Coastal Carolina Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program by allowing participating students access to golf facilities. The course is also a proud member of the Audubon Society. This dedication to quality has paid huge dividends for Indian Wells since its re-opening in September 2002, as it has also been recognized over the last two years by the Classic Golf Group as the ‘Golf Operation of the Year – 2002’ and the ‘Overall Club Operation of the Year – 2003’ at the annual Classic Golf Group Awards Night.
“With more than 100 golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area, competition for the Course of the Year Award has been keen over the last few years,” said George Hilliard, Executive Director of the MBAGCOA. “The recipient of this award represents the Grand Strand’s golf course community on a state and possibly national level. This year, as in past years, the final selection is made by the association membership and we believe Indian Wells to be a worthy representative.”
“We are honored to have been chosen as Golf Course of the Year,” said Skip Corn, general manager of Classic Golf Group. “To be selected by our peers and members of the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association speaks well of Indian Wells, our staff and Classic Golf Group. We are excited to continue to the state and hopefully national level.”
“When designing a golf course we strive to create an experience that is both challenging and enjoyable to players of all skill levels,” said Gene Hamm designer of Indian Wells. “To receive ‘Golf Course of the Year’ is a clear indication that we have achieved our goal of providing a unique golfing experience. I congratulate the outstanding team at Indian Wells who manage the facility to the highest standards of quality.”
Founded in 1966, the Classic Golf Group is an established golf management company that provides operational and management services for a wide range of courses. Led by Skip Corn, the Classic Golf Group team of professionals creates an exceptional golf experience on quality courses for a competitive price as a result of their commitment to the game, the product and to the customer. Currently, the Classic Golf Group manages several Grand Strand area golf courses including Quail Creek, Burning Ridge, Sea Gull, Indian Wells, Black Bear, International Club and Crown Park.
For additional information about Classic Golf Group, call 1-800-TEE-0FFS or (843) 293-8008 or log onto www.classicgolfgroup.com.
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