Green Golf Partners (GGP) recent purchase of the dormant Saddlebrook Golf Club, 5516 Arabian Run in Indianapolis, set in motion a full restoration of the facilities which will be celebrated at a special event November 5. A capital investment drive, led by passionate residents determined to see Saddlebrook re-open, is providing one-time funds to help restore the course and clubhouse.
Indianapolis-based GGP, one of the nation’s leading golf course management and development companies, completed the purchase of Saddlebrook July 27, 2017 from First Financial Bank, which had foreclosed on the property in late 2015. Repairs and restoration began immediately under the supervision of new Superintendent Tyler Boyd.
Saddlebrook was in considerable disrepair after being dormant since 2015 . Homeowners in Saddlebrook and several surrounding neighborhoods came together to form Friends of Saddlebrook LLC to raise $250,000 to support GGP in the restoration of the course.
“The golf course was too important to the beauty and value of our neighborhood to lose,” said Lisa Cole, chair of the Saddlebrook campaign. “We had to try and be part of the solution. In GGP, we’ve found more than a buyer, we’ve found a true partner. They have worked with our neighborhood and wanted to make sure there was neighborhood engagement from the very beginning.”
“Our purchase would not have been economically viable without the neighbor-driven capital campaign,” said Matt McIntee, CEO of Green Golf Partners “We’re grateful for the ‘Friends’ investment, which goes a long way to ensuring the future of Saddlebrook. We are proud to be the new owners and are excited about what Saddlebrook Golf Club will be able to offer this great community.”
GGP manages 15 golf courses and golf clubs in five states, including Kemper Lakes Golf Club in suburban Chicago which will host the 2018 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Full course restoration is in progress. But the extent of the damage that accumulated during the closure — especially to the greens, fairways, bunkers, ponds, and irrigation system — means the course will not reopen until early 2018. The clubhouse and restaurant are scheduled to re-open this Fall. GGP has also partnered with local pizza business Rolyno’s Original Pizza to offer a truly unique dine in or carry out experience to enhance the golfers experience. Saddlebrook will also be offering delivery service to the local area starting this November.
To commemorate the progress and celebrate the future with the neighbors, there will be a special “Saddlebrook is Back” community event at the clubhouse November 5 from 4pm-7pm. In addition to presentations by GGP and public officials, there will be contests, a silent auction supporting Friends of Saddlebrook, contents, and a bonfire. Rolyno’s Original Pizza will offer pizza samples.
GGP built a reputation as a knowledgeable golf company with expertise across a wide range of golf course management, including course maintenance, marketing skills and business acumen. Staff personnel at GGP
golf courses and clubs keep customer satisfaction as their primary focus, whether in the upkeep of the course or in the preparation of extracurricular activities for the social members.
Additionally, GGP plans to offer reciprocal arrangements with other courses within its national portfolio in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and Florida.
About Green Golf Partners
Green Golf Partners is one of the fastest-growing golf course management companies in the United States. Its senior management team, with more than 100 years of combined experience, is considered among the leading golf course management experts in the golf world. The entire Green Golf Partners team believes that celebrating the game and emphasizing fun are critical to the long-term success at the projects which they develop.
