LEHMAN TWP. — When businessman Richard Maslow decided to build a premier golf course, he wanted just that — a championship layout that would be strictly a golf club with no real estate development.
Huntsville Golf Club in Lehman Township was conceived by Maslow, who envisioned a top-tier course for the area. Ground was broken in 1991, with the club opening in 1994.
The course was designed by Rees Jones; the par-72 course spans approximately 473 acres, was built without real estate development, and has been highly ranked since its opening. Architect Peter Bohlin designed the modernist-styled clubhouse.
Maslow’s legacy will continue — Huntsville Golf Club is transitioning to new ownership under a local group of families that have been active in the club for generations — including the Metz, McCarthy, Barbacci, Lambert and Horn families — who said they will not only continue the late Mr. Maslow’s legacy, but they plan to enhance it.
According to two deeds recorded Oct. 2, a combined total $11.54 million was paid for the lion’s share of the golf course and several adjacent tracts.
One of the Oct. 2 deeds indicates Huntsville Golf Club LLC purchased golf course property for $8.267 million from Maplemoor Inc. — the Maslow family.
The other deed states HGC Land Partners LLC acquired multiple parcels near the site for $3.27 million from Huntsville Real Estate L.P.
It’s unclear if these two deeds cover the entire real estate transaction.
The new ownership group this week said they plan to build on the vision that Richard “Dick” Maslow and his family began more than three decades ago — one rooted in community, camaraderie, and a shared love of golf.
The new Huntsville ownership includes Doug and Kim Barbacci, Jeff and Sue Metz, John and Lynn McCarthy, Gary and Katie Lambert, Neil and Mary Ellen Horn, Maureen Metz, and John Metz, along with their families.
The owners said they and/or their families have been members at Huntsville since it opened in 1994.
“We decided that we wanted to go for it — for now and for future generations,” Barbacci said. “We want this club to be here far into the future for families to enjoy.”
The owners said Huntsville has always been a family-oriented club. It is centered around golf, but the natural beauty will also be preserved, and family events, like graduations, weddings and more, will always be welcome.
“We want to build on Dick Maslow’s legacy,” Jeff Metz said. “We want to enhance what he created. We want to retain the natural beauty and add some amenities.”
McCarthy said the club currently has 400 members of varying levels — full membership, social members, junior members, and out-of-town members.
“We also will retain our employees, including our general manager and our interim golf pro,” McCarthy said. “We are looking to fill the club professional position. All of them are great people who care about this club and who have been here for a long time.”
The new owners said they sent out a members’ survey last week, and already about 190 were returned. The members expressed confidence in the new ownership and agreed with the plan to continue Mr. Maslow’s legacy. The members were also pleased that the new owners are all local people who have been affiliated with Huntsville Golf Club for many years.
“Our members said they were never dissatisfied with the way Huntsville was operated, and they told us they are excited that we are all members who want to enhance the Maslow family legacy,” Katie Lambert said.
According to the new ownership group, Huntsville Golf Club is anchored by a remarkable 18-hole course built by world-renowned golf course designer Rees Jones. Complementing the course is the distinctive single-story clubhouse conceived by acclaimed architect Peter Bohlin of Bohlin, Cywinski & Jackson Architects.
The investment group said they will work closely with membership, staff, and the surrounding community to:
• Continually elevate the golfing experience.
• Enhance the clubhouse, while preserving its landmark architectural character.
• Invest in the kind of dining and social events that bring the community even closer together, both on and off the golf course.
• Increase communication and member engagement services.
“The goal is to ensure that by continually modernizing Huntsville, the club will build on its reputation as a premier golf destination and a place where families can create memories that last a lifetime,” the owners stated.
On the Huntsville Golf Club website, it tells of a conversation between Mr. Maslow and Rees Jones, the course designer.
“After mapping out a few unsatisfactory routings, Jones looked enviously at the property across the street,” the website states. Jones told Maslow, ‘I can build a very good golf course with what you’ve given me, but if you purchase the property across the road, I can build you a great golf course.’
After a few months of negotiations, Maplemoor, Inc. purchased an additional 139 acres, including a large barn, two small farmhouses, and an apple orchard. Jones now had a total of 473 acres with which to work.”
The website also notes that the site provides plenty of golf-friendly features, such as wooded areas, rolling fields, a hardwood forest, and nearly 150 feet of elevation changes, which allowed Jones to create a fun, demanding layout that engages players from the first tee to the 18th green.
His strategic layout attracts a membership of golfers of all levels who appreciate not only the flexibility of the course but also the excellent practice facilities, professional staff, and the caddie program.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
