Arthur Hills-designed clubs form partnership

Eight golf clubs designed by golf course architect Arthur Hills have established the Arthur Hills Ambassador Partner Club Program, according to the Naples News. 

“The idea was to bring together a select group of private clubs that represented the same values and quality in design and service,” said Ed Lockard, director of golf at Sanctuary Golf Club on Sanibel Island.

The Arthur Hills Ambassador Partner Club Program is believed to be the first of its kind where separately managed private clubs around the country have joined together based on a common interest to form an intra-club connection. Members from the selected eight clubs will have the ability to play golf and use the facilities as if they were a member at all eight clubs.

All the clubs have agreed to a shared usage model, which will be managed by the respective club management teams. The clubs have agreed to a nominal usage fee that will be billed back to the member’s primary club. The eight clubs are: Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, Va.; The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club, Indianapolis; The Ivanhoe Club, Mundelein, Ill.; Kinsale Golf Club, Nashport, Ohio; Oakhurst Golf and Country Club, Clarkston, Mich.; Oitavos Dunes, Cascais, Portugal; Palencia Golf Club, St. Augustine, Fla., and The Sanctuary Golf Club, Sanibel Island, Fla.

The program features a password-controlled Web site allowing members of all eight clubs to correspond and post comments on their experiences.