New Management Company Introduced to Golf Industry


January 5, 2006. Recognizing the need for specialized management that embraces the distinctiveness of individual properties while uniting them through exceptional quality standards and personal service, partners Michael Zmetrovich and Lee Lockhart announced in early January of 2006 the launch of Trophy Golf Management. The new management, development and consulting company will specialize in high-quality private membership clubs and golf courses, residential golf communities and resorts, as well as golf-oriented lodging properties throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

“In today’s increasingly competitive market, owners and investors of new and existing facilities need to seek every advantage they can to optimize their chance for success, and we view our relationship with each owner or investor as a partnership with the shared goal to maximize the potential and value of a facility through hands-on, professional and personalized management,” said Zmetrovich, chief executive officer of Trophy Golf Management. “The best golf courses, clubs, communities and resorts in the world achieve their level of success by offering facilities and services that are unique and special. Trophy Golf believes in a philosophy that each property is a unique asset, a trophy property.”

Trophy Golf Management will work with clients from the initial design stage through the opening and operation of each facility to develop and accentuate the distinctive qualities of each property to meet and surpass owner/investor objectives, as well as member and guest expectations.

“We don’t try to brand our properties nor do we approach operations with a cookie cutter,” Zmetrovich added.

Zmetrovich and Lockhart have more than 50 years combined experience in the golf, real estate and hospitality industries. Both are former executives of a club-management division within the Nicklaus Companies, the company owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his family, and widely regarded as one of the world’s leading provider of golf services, including golf course design. As part of its strategic business plan, Trophy Golf Management has worked with former colleagues at Nicklaus Design to develop a customized consulting program. Under this program, Trophy Golf will provide pre-development and development consulting services to assist Nicklaus Design clients, as well as owners/developers of courses being designed by other architects. These services include development and operating budget review/analysis; membership sales program review/analysis; site plan review/analysis and clubhouse programming and plan review/analysis, to name a few.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Lee and Michael, and they both have an outstanding knowledge of the golf and resort lodging business,” Jack Nicklaus said. “Not only are we pleased to have Trophy Golf Management available to assist Nicklaus Design’s clients, but I feel certain they will make a significant and positive contribution to the industry, as a whole.”

Since its inception, Trophy Golf has secured management contracts with Coral Creek Club, a high-quality private membership club featuring a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, limited residences and a private airport located in Placida, Fla.; Paradise Ranch, a resort and residential community in Grant’s Pass, Ore., that will feature a Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II co-designed golf course; and two Private Quarters Clubs, private residence clubs in Lake Geneva, Wis., and Amelia Island, Fla. Trophy Golf Management also has several other projects underway.

“Most golf courses are built as part of residential or resort communities; however the vast majority of golf management companies today are only equipped to handle the golf component,” said Lockhart, president. “Trophy Golf sets itself apart by not only overseeing the golf operations but also offering management and consulting services for residential golf communities, resorts and golf-oriented lodging properties. By combining the best people and practices from within the golf, real estate and lodging industries, we are able to create exceptional experiences for members and guests at all of our properties.”

Zmetrovich, as Trophy Golf Management’s Chief Executive Officer, will be responsible for the company’s acquisition of new properties and development of business strategies, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations. Prior to Trophy Golf, Zmetrovich was president and CEO of Z Golf Properties, his own development, consulting and management company for high-end private clubs throughout the U.S. He also consulted on various golf-related projects and companies, and served as executive vice president of membership North America of Old Head Golf Links (Kinsale, Ireland). Prior to that, Zmetrovich was senior vice president of Golden Bear Club Services, a development and management company that was among the divisions of the Nicklaus Companies. The company opened six new Nicklaus Design facilities and managed 12 different clubs across the U.S. and worldwide. Zmetrovich’s experience also includes management consulting positions at Kenneth Leventhal & Company (now part of E&Y), Horwath Landauer Hospitality Group and Laventhol & Horwath.

Lockhart, as Trophy Golf Management’s President, will be responsible for managing the company’s strategic relationships, including Nicklaus Design, as well as overseeing day-to-day operations with Zmetrovich. Prior to Trophy Golf, Lockhart held many positions within the Nicklaus Companies in North Palm Beach, Fla. Most recently, Lockhart was vice president of Muirfield Village Golf Club, the renowned private national golf club outside Columbus, Ohio, that hosts Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament, one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour. At Muirfield Village, Lockhart was responsible for the successful restructuring of the membership program and the development of a new 12-bedroom lodge. Lockhart also served alongside Zmetrovich as vice president of Golden Bear Club Services. In addition, Lockhart was vice president of the resort division of Jack Nicklaus Golf Services, where he was responsible for the development, opening and management of several resort properties, including Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla. Other experience includes president and CEO of Stonecreek Development Company, which was involved in the development of Birch River in Dahlonega, Ga., and Lake Lanier Islands Hotel and Golf Club near Atlanta. He has also held management positions with world-renowned resort properties such as The Homestead, Pinehurst, Amelia Island Plantation and The Greenbrier.

The Company currently has offices in Hobe Sound, Fla. and Marblehead, Mass. Additional information can be obtained at www.trophygolfmgmt.com.

Contact
Trophy Golf Management
Lee M. Lockhart
President
8332 SE Double Tree Drive
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Tel: 772-781-1623
Fax: 772-781-1445
Email: llockhart@trophygolfmgmt.com