Signature Golf Group, which has been overseeing a renovation project at River Oaks Golf Club for the past six months, took over management of the 27-hole layout this week.
The national management company American Golf has managed the Myrtle Beach course for the past 22 years and was contracted through 2010, but River Oaks owner Dan Gray said the agreement was terminated Monday so Signature could take over.
"They wanted to terminate early so we worked out an arrangement that suits them and suits us," Gray said. "They were ready to leave this market. We're the only golf course they had in the region."
The addition of River Oaks through what Gray says is a multi-year agreement gives Signature management of seven Grand Strand courses.
River Oaks' original 18 holes opened in 1987 and were designed by Gene Hamm along a route plan created by Rees Jones in 1983. Tom Jackson designed the Bear nine, which opened in 1991.
Signature was contracted this summer to oversee renovations to the original Otter and Fox nines. The Otter reopened in October and the Fox nine is closed for work on bunkers, cart paths and tree removal, and is scheduled to reopen on March 1. Designer Craig Schreiner is implementing the changes. There are also plans to expand the snack bar and food and beverage offerings for the spring, and offer affordable memberships.
"We want to rebuild the relationship with packagers who may have over the years seen a little decline in the condition," said Signature director of marketing Scott Taylor. "They've done a little over $1 million in renovations and plan to do more."
