The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

---

Justice Family Group Acquires Remaining Interest in Greenbrier Sporting Club

(WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV) -- The Justice Family Group, LLC, led by Jim Justice, recently completed the purchase of all of DPS Sporting Club Development Company's ownership and interest in The Greenbrier Sporting Club. The parties had reached a tentative agreement on June 2, 2009.

Additionally, Justice announced July 6 the return of two previous Sporting Club associates, Peter McKinney and John Klemish. McKinney will be vice president of development for The Greenbrier while Klemish will serve as principal of real estate for The Greenbrier Sporting Club. Justice also announced the promotion of Larry Klein to vice president and general manager of The Greenbrier Sporting Club.

"We at the Sporting Club are both confident and excited about our future as we make this transition to new ownership," said Klein. "Having been associated with The Greenbrier for over 14 years I've never been more optimistic for what this means for The Greenbrier Sporting Club as well as the surrounding community."

McKinney will oversee all new projects for the resort, including planning, design and construction of the new casino. He will also continue to work with The Greenbrier Sporting Club on any development-related matters and as chairman of the Architectural Review Board. He has more than 30 years experience in development and building project management. Since 2002, he has been the vice president of development for The Greenbrier Sporting Club, and returns full time to The Greenbrier after two and half years in the Turks and Caicos Islands where he directed development of the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club at Ambergris Cay.

"My wife, Fran, and I are very happy to be back home," said McKinney. "The opportunity to be part of the exciting plans that Jim Justice has for The Greenbrier property makes our return perfect."


Klemish, a Westport, Connecticut native educated in Amherst, Massachusetts, will manage the real estate brokerage operations. He has been instrumental in world-class, residential and hotel developments across the United States and Caribbean. Over the last 25 years Klemish has taken developments from infancy to maturity and is responsible for over $1 billion in sales. As director of sales for The Greenbrier Sporting Club from its inception in 2000 to July 2005, he had a significant role in the club's initial growth. He returns after four years at luxury residential developments throughout the Caribbean including Temenos Anguilla, Molasses Reef Turks & Caicos and Rose Island Bahamas.

"I am ecstatic about returning home to The Greenbrier Sporting Club," said Klemish. "After hearing Jim's vision for the resort and the Sporting Club and knowing his commitment to excellence, I knew immediately that the future was now and the place was The Greenbrier. I am both humbled and honored to have been asked to join his team, and anxious to get going."

The Greenbrier Sporting Club is a private residential sporting community on the 6,500-acre estate of The Greenbrier, an award-winning resort in the heart of the beautiful Allegheny Mountains.


Residing on 6,500-acres of lush landscape in West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort which has been offering a welcoming home to its guests since 1778.  This National Historic Landmark, also known as America's Resort, provides a world-class haven for discerning business guests and sophisticated leisure travelers.  A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and founding member of Historic Hotels of America, The Greenbrier's amenities and services include elegant meeting and event space, a variety of fine restaurants and bars and access to more than 50 recreational activities including three championship golf courses and the resort's luxurious 40,000 square-foot Spa.  Guests and visitors can also avail of The Greenbrier Clinic, which has been providing comprehensive medical expertise since 1948. 

---

Upscale Pristine Bay/Black Pearl Golf Course Project Unaffected by Honduran Upheaval

(ROATAN, HONDURAS) -- Despite recent political turmoil in Honduras, The Black Pearl golf course, part of the upscale Pristine Bay Resort community, remains under construction and things remain normal on the island of Roatan.

"When countries go into funks like this, things slow down. ... fuel comes in slowly, parts for bulldozers come in slowly," says golf course architect Perry Dye, who is heading up the golf course project with his famed father, Pete Dye.

"It's sometimes aggravating, but when working on an island in a foreign country, you learn to expect it. We are focused on building the golf course and creating a vibrant community that helps to enhance tourism to Roatan."

"The island is not as effected by what is occurring in Tegucigalpa. My guys think this thing will be over within a week. It's not really a coup. (Deposed president Manuel) Zelaya wanted to be elected again; he couldn't be; Congress said no president can defy the constitution; we're going to move you out. The military's not in charge; people are not rioting. There is nothing to be afraid of in Roatan."

According to Dye, Black Pearl's island green on the 11th hole, modeled after TPC Sawgrass, has taken shape. It was seeded with sprigs of Paspalum, a salt-tolerant grass that allows watering with brackish water- a major environmental plus for the project. This will also allow the course to focus on water management and be as low impact as possible.

The island boasts the world's second largest barrier reef, and is already a must-visit for avid divers.  With the addition of a world class Pete and Perry Dye-designed golf course and a five star resort, Roatan is sure to become the next hot spot for golfers as well.

---

Troon Golf Picked to Manage Gary Player Golf Course Community, CostaBaja Resort

(LA PAZ, MEXICO) -- Troon Golf, the world's largest golf course operator, recently announced it has been selected to manage the Gary Player-designed golf course at CostaBaja Resort & Marina in La Paz, Mexico.

The golf course at CostaBaja, which is the first Gary Player Signature course to be built in Mexico, is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2010. The unique course will feature panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and an innovative design that complements the unique desert-by-the-sea landscape. To ensure the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem, the course is being built in harmony with the environment and natural topography. The layout blends seamlessly with the magnificent landscape and will challenge the most accomplished players.

"CostaBaja is an exciting project located in a very unique and desirable destination," says Hud Hinton, Troon Golf's president and chief operating officer. "We are very pleased to be involved and look forward to delivering an exceptional golf experience to resort guests and the CostaBaja community."

Situated on 550 acres of coastal land just north of La Paz, CostaBaja is a planned community offering a luxury resort lifestyle. In addition to a world-class golf course, the community offers access to outdoor activities including swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking and fishing. Additional amenities include the CostaBaja Beach Club, which serves as the community's social hub, as well as the state-of-the-art, 250-slip marina - considered to be the finest marina in Mexico. The lively Marina Village is also lined with fine restaurants, shops, galleries, and charter services.

"The team at CostaBaja Resort & Marina is thrilled to have Troon Golf manage Gary Player's Signature course," said Alejandro Yberri, CEO of CostaBaja Resort & Marina.  "We are confident that with Troon's management expertise and Gary Player's design, CostaBaja will offer an unparalleled golf experience."

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world's largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 26 countries.

---