Dallas-based company buys 3 LI golf clubs

ClubCorp, a Dallas-based company that operates private recreation clubs, announced the purchase of three Long Island golf properties Wednesday.

The Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack, The Hamlet Willow Creek Golf & Country Club in Mount Sinai and The Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club in Hauppauge were acquired from the Holiday Organization and will undergo multimillion-dollar renovations.

Mark Burnett, executive vice president of the golf and country club division for ClubCorp, did not disclose the purchase price or other financial details of the acquisition.

With the exception of a few changes in upper management, the general operations and employees of the golf courses will be unaffected, Burnett said. The Hamlet club will also remain a private club, and the Willow Creek and Wind Watch clubs will retain their semiprivate status.

Although there are private homes located within the perimeter of the all three golf properties, ClubCorp's purchase only includes the golf course, clubhouse and other recreational amenities.

The investment is a major step in boosting ClubCorp's presence in the Northeast, and Burnett added that the company is very interested in the New York area. "We're very excited to be here and entering a new market," he said. "And we're hoping if things go well here we can continue to expand."

ClubCorp currently operates 150 golf and country clubs, business clubs, sports clubs and alumni clubs in 25 states, with a majority located in California, Texas, Florida and Georgia. The only ClubCorp property in New York is The Athletic & Swim Club in New York City.

Immediate changes club members may notice will be more varied programming and events, and improved food and beverage options, Burnett said.

There are also plans to change the membership structure at the golf clubs: Current club members will be able to join Signature Gold program, which allows them to use ClubCorp facilities across the United States. The revised membership system will also include more affordable plans to attract new members.

ClubCorp said it intends to renovate facilities at all three properties. The Hamlet will see improvements to its clubhouse, pool area, tennis courts and golf courses. The Willow Creek and Wind Watch clubs will receive less pricey renovations, with plans in place to focus primarily on the golf courses.

The Holiday Organization did not respond to requests for comment.