In a recent Tee Times Magazine, writer Alan Hoskins discussed the newest acquisitions to the GreatLife KC family, and spoke with Doug Albers about the new additions, read on for more information!
Private club Blue Springs was in danger of being used for land development of residential properties, and with the public unaware of the quality of the club and course, (due to its private nature,) GreatLife KC found it a perfect addition to the list of clubs that continues to grow. By purchasing the course and keeping it functioning, they have kept the security of a club that might otherwise have been forced out of the community by the value of its land. Blue Springs is soon to be getting a brand new fitness center, either in the current clubhouse or in a new facility on the grounds.
Hillcrest is one of the most historic courses in the Kansas City area, being the second oldest course in Kansas City, and designed by Donald Ross, who is a well known architect, and master of excellence in the game. Plans for Hillcrest after the making the agreement include reopening the swimming pool, as well as adding health and wellness amenities in the future.
Prairie Highlands, with its traditionally European style of links course, was also a natural addition to the team. It is a well respected course, with player-friendly greens, and beautiful mounds and rolling tundra landscapes that reminisce with the roots of the game. A fitness center and other amenities are also slated for the near future of Prairie Highlands, as well.
When interviewed, co-owner of GreatLife KC Doug Albers said: “we want to give members the feeling of belonging to their own primary golf club where they also have the ability to have an extended family of other courses to play. So, while you belong to the one golf club where you joined – you actually belong to 18.” Which is a key to the success of GreatLife KC. Membership levels vary, based on your needs, but membership to one gets you access to many other clubs, giving you an incredible amount of variety not just in courses to play, but also amenities that appeal to the whole family.
This means that golf can be the focal point, but fitness, recreations, family bonding, and social activities are also inherently part of the package. “A big part of the the business for us is fitness,” said GreatLife founder Rick Farrant. “Many of our members are not golfers, but once they get in the gym and look out over the golf course, they often start exploring the idea of taking up the game. We also want our members to feel like we’re glad we’re here, that their primary club is their own club, and provide a family atmosphere.” This not just provides ample amenities and features for members, but also helps to breed new enthusiasts of the sport, proving that the growth potential of the game is still there.