Shackamaxon, a venerable old golf course with a varied history, has entered into another phase of its existence. The membership-owned Scotch Plains club has turned over the management of its club and course to Troon Golf, a national company for running properties.
Troon, headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., lists itself as the world’s largest golf management company, with clients in 31 states and 26 countries. It owns several courses itself.
“We felt,” says club president Jerry Sherman, “that turning over our operation to an experienced firm like Troon will deliver results and benefits to the club.”
More to the point, Shackamaxon is part of a sensitive period of diminishing membership, along with many private clubs everywhere. For obvious reasons, country clubs are particularly vulnerable in an economic turndown.