Executive-2018-Summer

A s you turn onto River Crescent Pass in Suwanee, the sprawling lawns of upscale neighborhoods are replaced by a mature forest. The sounds of singing birds, rustling leaves and the occasional thwack of a golf club hitting its target lets you know you have arrived at The River Club. This exclusive golf course community and sports club nestles up to the banks of the Chattahoochee River and exudes a tranquility that cannot be found anywhere else in the metro Atlanta area, said The River Club’s general manager, Pete Baker. The natural environment of the club is accented and preserved by thoughtful infrastructure and architecture. “We strive to create a relaxed atmosphere in an exclusive setting for our members,” Baker said. “We want to maintain that peacefulness with as few roads as possible.” The River Club’s gated community has 375 home sites and the private club offers residents and members access to aquatics, tennis, dining and spa services, but “the golf course is the centerpiece of our club,” said Baker. The 18-hole course was designed by professional golfer Greg Norman. “It’s a hidden gem, offering the best playing conditions around,” Baker said. The golf course has hosted qualifier rounds for the U.S. Open and is looking forward to hosting the Georgia State Golf Association’s 2019 Mid-Amateur Championship. “It’s very prestigious to play in,” Baker said. “We’ve been wanting to host this particular event for a long time.” The River Club was opened in 2005 by Crescent Communities, which owned and operated both the club and homesites. In 2016, Crescent sold the homesites to another real estate development company, Landeavor, and the club facilities and amenities, including the golf course, to the Lee family. The Lee family runs a Florida-based commercial real estate company that has owned and operated commercial real estate properties for more than 30 years. While their portfolio has consisted of hotels and retail centers, they now concentrate on high-end golf properties. Led by Owner and President Stephen Lee, the Lee family portfolio has golf properties in Florida, Texas, California and, since the acquisition of The River Club, Georgia. “With new ownership, there’s lots of excitement at the club and we started to see memberships selling quickly,” Baker said. “Since the sale, MEMBERS ENJOY TOP-NOTCH GOLF, NATURE AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AT EXCLUSIVE SUWANEE GOLF CLUB Pete Baker, General Manager, The River Club our membership is up 18%.” Which, according to Baker, is an all-time high. Memberships are automatically given to homeowners at The River Club, but are also available to non-residents. One option for non-residents is an Invitational Membership, which enables those interested in the club a 24-month trial membership at a discounted rate. After 24 months, the membership either expires or the fee is put toward the full membership dues. Corporate memberships are also available. While interest in membership is never a problem, Baker said that The River Club will cap golf memberships to ensure the club doesn’t outgrow its ability to offer exceptional service. Currently, the club offers its golf members a “walk- up and play” policy that means no tee time reservations are required. “We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate our members,” Baker said and the “walk-up and play” policy is just one of the things that might have to change if the club grew too big. “Of course we want to do well and we want membership to grow, but we also want to maintain exclusivity for our members. We are focused on smart growth,” he said. Right now, smart growth includes upgrades to facilities and planning for the future. In the last 18 months, the Lee family has made improvements to the tennis courts and golf course and renovated the main dining room. “This spring we are working on renovating the pool and playground area,” Baker said. “We are always looking for ways to improve.” the EXECUTIVE 1