Masters business still strong.
The biggest week for the area’s hospitality industry is here, and it’s looking OK despite worries that the sagging economy would keep people at home.
It probably won’t be the boon of past years, but hotel and restaurant managers are still expecting Masters Week to be their best of the year. And golf course managers say it’s down but still should be a good week.
The difference is corporations and groups; there aren’t as many booking blocks of rooms and tee times. So managers are changing their strategies and working harder to get the business.
The Masters Tournament begins next week. On Monday the three days of practice rounds begin, and the four-day tournament starts Thursday.
Those days attract thousands of money-spending golf fans ready to have fun and take in the thrill of being a part of what many consider the greatest golf tournament in world.
A few hotels had major cancellations, but they’re slowly filling those rooms with individuals, managers said.
In previous years, there has been one corporation that reserved the entire Willcox Inn, said Tina McCarthy, general manager. This year it’s all individuals.
The inn is almost full for the whole week, she said.
At the Hotel Aiken, there were a few group cancellations, but this week they’ve gotten many calls and expect to be full for the week, said Peggy Greer-Buyers.Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Golf outing nets funds for Red Cross.
It was fun for a good cause Monday afternoon as student golfers gathered at Houndslake Country Club for the Aiken County Chapter of the American Red Cross’ third annual Heroes Golf Outing.
Nine golf teams from Augusta to Williston participated in the event which raises money for Aiken Red Cross, according to Don Cheeks, a board member for the organization.
“The afternoon has been excellent; we had a great turnout, and there has been some beautiful weather,” said Cheeks.
Suzanne Jackson, executive director of the Aiken Red Cross, said the money goes to support local disaster relief efforts.
“The money is being raised by the community for the community,” she said.
Earlier this month, Aiken Red Cross kicked off its Heroes campaign, a major fundraiser for the organization. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Aiken stands to gain from Masters.
It’s not looking good for Augusta during the Masters Tournament this year. The annual financial windfall from the thousands of money-spending visitors is slipping away this year – another victim of the sagging economy.
Many of the corporations that in the past spent tens of thousands of dollars to rent homes, hire drivers and caterers, and party in the restaurants and bars where the prices are tripled just for that week, are staying away this year.
But so far it appears that Aiken’s financial benefits from the tournament will continue, say local hospitality industry owners and managers. It’s a little slower, but it’s looking OK.
“We’re fine. We’re looking forward to a good year,” said Janny Bijas, owner of Up Your Alley restaurant.
Hotel Aiken is sold out as usual during the tournament, said manager Peggy Greer-Buyers. “We have one room over the bar with a single bed and it will go.” Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Houndslake working to keep Laurel Golf course open.
Despite plans to close the course at the first of the year, Houndslake officials said they are working to save the Laurel Nine.
“Basically, we’re trying to do everything we can to keep Laurel Course open,” Jeff Howell, general manager of Houndslake, said Monday.
Howell said officials with the course recently began a membership drive that they hope will bring in at least 350 new members to the club by May 1.
The group is hoping that the additional members will help support a $4 million project that would bring major renovations to the three courses at Houndslake over the next five years. Full Story
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Golf event to raise money for good cause.
Aiken County Habitat for Humanity’s next Women Build house is being co-sponsored by the Women of Woodside.
To help raise money for the project, the group is hosting a golf tournament, “The WOW Cup,” to be held on Monday, March 16. The tournament will be played on the Woodside Jones course and The Reserve at Woodside course. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Woodside is focus of magazine article.
“Where to Retire” magazine profiles Woodside Plantation in its March/April 2009 issue.
Aiken’s upscale, gated community has many features which appeal to the magazine’s readers, its editor said, like leisure and social venues which will be highlighted in the publication’s Best Neighborhood section.
“This wooded, all-ages community offers ample leisure opportunities for active retirees with four golf courses, riding trails, miles of walking paths and social opportunities in a variety of clubs and groups,” said Editor Mary Lu Abbott. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Palmetto Golf Club: Pictorial
Aerial Photos of the 18 holes at Palmetto Golf Course.
Check out this link.
It shows why Aiken is a wonderful palce to live and play!!
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
