Matt Lambert, General Manager/COO of The Country Club at Mirasol, and Tim Rayman, CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group and General Manager of Kalamazoo (Mich.) Country Club, join Rob Thomas on the Club + Resort Talks podcast.
Lambert was named the 2025 Facility Manager of the Year by the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA), Florida Division. This prestigious award recognizes facility leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the advancement of racquet sports within their facilities and the professionals who support them.
Tim Rayman discusses the extensive renovations at the Kalamazoo Country Club. The club, founded in 1909, is undergoing significant changes, including a new 11-hole short course designed by Andrew Green, set to open in Q1 2026. The new clubhouse will feature two restaurants, a 34-seat movie theater, a six-lane bowling alley, and multiple pools. Additionally, a new 18-hole championship course will be built on the existing 145 acres. The project aims to enhance member retention and recruitment by offering a wide range of amenities, including a golf Performance Center with advanced teaching technology.
Also in the news ... A full remodel is underway at Desert Highlands to include enhanced lighting and expansive entrance in the golf shop, as well as self-serve comfort stations in the locker room.
The Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Golf Club in the Sandhills of North Carolina have been acquired by Rolling Pines LLC, a newly formed management concern with the parent company of Mid Pines Development Group.
KemperSports acquired Fire Pit Productions and named Matt Ginella Chief Storyteller, while also launching Youth Golf Week to inspire young players and grow the game through stories and community.
And, Scarecrow, designed by David McLay Kidd, will open for public play on August 1. The course plays to a par of 71, stretches to 6,900 yards and is turfed with traditional fine fescue, which provides for firm and fast surfaces.
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Matt Lambert, General Manager/COO of The Country Club at Mirasol, and Tim Rayman, CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group and General Manager of Kalamazoo (Mich.) Country Club, join Rob Thomas on the Club + Resort Talks podcast.
Lambert was named the 2025 Facility Manager of the Year by the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA), Florida Division. This prestigious award recognizes facility leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the advancement of racquet sports within their facilities and the professionals who support them.
Tim Rayman discusses the extensive renovations at the Kalamazoo Country Club. The club, founded in 1909, is undergoing significant changes, including a new 11-hole short course designed by Andrew Green, set to open in Q1 2026. The new clubhouse will feature two restaurants, a 34-seat movie theater, a six-lane bowling alley, and multiple pools. Additionally, a new 18-hole championship course will be built on the existing 145 acres. The project aims to enhance member retention and recruitment by offering a wide range of amenities, including a golf Performance Center with advanced teaching technology.
Also in the news ... A full remodel is underway at Desert Highlands to include enhanced lighting and expansive entrance in the golf shop, as well as self-serve comfort stations in the locker room.
The Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Golf Club in the Sandhills of North Carolina have been acquired by Rolling Pines LLC, a newly formed management concern with the parent company of Mid Pines Development Group.
KemperSports acquired Fire Pit Productions and named Matt Ginella Chief Storyteller, while also launching Youth Golf Week to inspire young players and grow the game through stories and community.
And, Scarecrow, designed by David McLay Kidd, will open for public play on August 1. The course plays to a par of 71, stretches to 6,900 yards and is turfed with traditional fine fescue, which provides for firm and fast surfaces.
Steve Birdwell, President of Sea Pines Resort, Discusses Upcoming Harbour Town Golf Links Renovation
Club and Resort Talks
21 minutes 47 seconds
7 months ago
Steve Birdwell, President of Sea Pines Resort, Discusses Upcoming Harbour Town Golf Links Renovation
Steve Birdwell, President of Sea Pines Resort, joins the Club + Resort Podcast to discuss the resort’s 70-year history and recent transformations with host Rob Thomas. Key investments include rebuilding three golf courses, constructing two clubhouses, and renovating the Sea Pines Beach Club. The Harbor Town course will close for six months starting early May for green replacement and other improvements. Riverstone Group’s long-term ownership and commitment to the community are highlighted. Future plans include expanding the spa, adding retail, and enhancing parking. The resort, consistently ranked among top resorts, emphasizes guest service and employee housing through the Palmetto Village project. The RBC Heritage event, featuring 46 of the top 50 players, is also discussed.
Also on this episode … Diamond Run Golf Club in Sewickley, Pa., opened its new restaurant, Steel & Oak, which celebrates Pittsburgh’s reputation as “Steel City” through intentional design features throughout the dining room that combine steel with wood.
Through a collaboration with Chicago School of Golf, Vernon Hills (Ill.) Golf Course will offer comprehensive instructional programs, including junior golf, beginner-friendly adult clinics, and competitive development opportunities.
Lastly, Pelican Isle Yacht Club in Naples, Fla., hosted a fleet review and blessing of the fleet. The brand-new facility includes in-water floating slips as well as lifts accommodating vessels up to 55 feet. The event featured 16 PIYC member vessels, along with appearances from the North Naples Fire Department.
Club and Resort Talks
Matt Lambert, General Manager/COO of The Country Club at Mirasol, and Tim Rayman, CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group and General Manager of Kalamazoo (Mich.) Country Club, join Rob Thomas on the Club + Resort Talks podcast.
Lambert was named the 2025 Facility Manager of the Year by the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA), Florida Division. This prestigious award recognizes facility leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the advancement of racquet sports within their facilities and the professionals who support them.
Tim Rayman discusses the extensive renovations at the Kalamazoo Country Club. The club, founded in 1909, is undergoing significant changes, including a new 11-hole short course designed by Andrew Green, set to open in Q1 2026. The new clubhouse will feature two restaurants, a 34-seat movie theater, a six-lane bowling alley, and multiple pools. Additionally, a new 18-hole championship course will be built on the existing 145 acres. The project aims to enhance member retention and recruitment by offering a wide range of amenities, including a golf Performance Center with advanced teaching technology.
Also in the news ... A full remodel is underway at Desert Highlands to include enhanced lighting and expansive entrance in the golf shop, as well as self-serve comfort stations in the locker room.
The Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Golf Club in the Sandhills of North Carolina have been acquired by Rolling Pines LLC, a newly formed management concern with the parent company of Mid Pines Development Group.
KemperSports acquired Fire Pit Productions and named Matt Ginella Chief Storyteller, while also launching Youth Golf Week to inspire young players and grow the game through stories and community.
And, Scarecrow, designed by David McLay Kidd, will open for public play on August 1. The course plays to a par of 71, stretches to 6,900 yards and is turfed with traditional fine fescue, which provides for firm and fast surfaces.
