Crystal River, Fla.-based golf course construction company and design build firm, Barbaron, will celebrate 20 years in the golf course business in 2007. Barbaron was founded in 1987 as a specialized shaping company and over the years has become a full scope golf course builder. Since 1987 Barbaron, Inc. has built some of the best new golf courses in the country. These include The Ranch and Highlands courses at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Fla.
After architect Terrill LaGree became a principle in the firm in 1995 Barbaron has designed and built many notable courses. Some of LaGree’s courses include; Royal Oaks in Ocala, Fla., Skyview at Terra Vista in Hernando, Fla., Diamond Players Club in Clermont, Fla., and just completed Jack Frost National at Boulder Creek Resorts in Blakeslee, Pa.
Over the years Barbaron has specialized in the renovation of existing courses. Some of the renovations in Florida include Emerald Greens in Tampa, The John’s Island Club in Vero Beach as well as The Moorings and The Orchid Island Club.
In 1997 Barbaron became a member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America and has been a Certified Builder since 1998. In 1999 the company became a Charter member of the GCBAA.
Barbaron has contributed as the major sponsor of the Envirotron Golf Classic for the benefit of turf grass research. This is a well known annual event presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association.
The principles of the firm have also been involved in the local community since the company’s formation. Company president, Ron Kitchen Jr., has served as local Chamber of Commerce president, Chairman of the Economic Development Association and currently is in his 3rd term as Mayor of Crystal River.
Today, Barbaron is on its 104th project.
“We have been truly blessed to be in the business for 20 years," says president Ron Kitchen, Jr."We made a commitment when my father started the company 20 years ago to work toward excellence in all we do. We have the most dedicated employees who put their heart into each and every project, and we have been able to work for some of the finest owners and architects in the industry.”
