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Essex Golf Group
"In the News!"
November 20, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Quarry Ridge Golf Course Acquired |
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Blue Heron Associates, LLC and its Principals Michael J. Milano, Mark Milano and Brian Milano have recently acquired Quarry Ridge Golf Course in Portland, Connecticut. This is the first venture into the golf business for the Milano’s. Quarry Ridge opened in 1993 as a nine-hole golf course designed by Al Zikorus and Joe Kelley. Nine new holes were added in 1998 high on a hill with views of the Connecticut River, tremendous ledge outcroppings, and the Meshomasic State Forest to the east, making Quarry Ridge an 18-hole golf course in one of the most spectacular settings you will find anywhere in Connecticut.
The 6,400 yard championship course plays to a
Par 72. The facility also includes a 7,000 square foot clubhouse that includes a golf shop, casual bar and restaurant, and a banquet facility that can accommodate up to 160 guests.
The Kelley family has been involved in the golf business in Portland, CT for several decades.
In addition to Quarry Ridge, Joe Kelley’s sons own and operate Portland Golf Club and Portland West, two other popular courses in the community. Joe Kelley also maintains an ownership interest in Topstone Golf Club which is located in South Windsor, CT.
Blue Heron Associates, LLC is a new venture for the Milano family, who reside in nearby Essex, CT. Mike Milano is a recently retired former executive with Perkin-Elmer. Day-to-day operations at Quarry Ridge will be managed by Mike’s son, Brian Milano, who stated, “We’re very excited and proud to now own this great golf facility. We plan on maintaining the excellent course conditions and great customer service that the Kelley family has been known for. We’re especially excited to be re-establishing the Quarry Ridge restaurant as a quality venue for both golfers and non-golfers alike. We plan on making some significant improvements to both the banquet and ala carte portion of the restaurant, including new menus and expanded hours.”
The transaction was brokered by Mark J. O’Neil, Sr., President of the Essex Golf Group.
For more information contact:
| Michael J. Milano |
Mark J. O’Neil, Sr. |
| Quarry Ridge Golf Course |
Essex Golf Group |
| 860-342-6113 |
(860) 510-0657 |
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~End~
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June 10, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tower Ridge Country Club Selects Ahearn Tennis Management Group
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Simsbury, CT: Tower Ridge Country Club, Simsbury, CT, is pleased to announce that the
Ahearn Tennis Management Group (ATMG) has been selected to manage the Tennis Center at Tower Ridge.
ATMG is directed by its founder and President, Jim Ahearn. “Jim and his team of tennis professionals
are the best in the business,” stated Mark O’Neil, President of the Essex Golf Group, owner of Tower
Ridge. “We are excited to have ATMG on board to help us with our growth plans for the Tennis
Center,” continued O’Neil. ATMG will be overseeing all daily operations of the Club’s active tennis
program and will provide staffing of the programs with worldclass USPTA/USPTR certified tennis
professionals. ATMG will offer a full myriad of private and group lessons and clinics, league play,
specialized tennis camps, and seminars on various topics. The new tennis program at Tower Ridge
will be comprised of both social and competitive programs. ATMG also offers consultation and
professional placement services. In addition, ATMG will be providing tennis merchandise at the
Tennis Center at Tower Ridge as well as handling the court maintenance of the Club’s hartru
courts. “We have worked with Mark O’Neil and Essex Golf on past projects. Their experience and expertise
at managing firstclass clubs and resorts made us want to join the team and be a part of the growth and
changes at Tower Ridge,” stated Jim Ahearn. “Together we feel we can create one of the best tennis
programs in the region. We are thrilled to have Tower Ridge as our first club in Connecticut”.
ATMG brings thirty years of widely varied tennis experience to Tower Ridge. They currently manage
several of the top tennis facilities in the U.S. including New Seabury Resort on Cape Cod, Ballymeade
Country Club, Oyster Harbors Club and Wychemere Harbor Club as well as providing tennis
management services at The Breakers in Palm Beach.
Tower Ridge is a full service country club with an 18hole, Geoffrey Cornish designed golf course, an
Olympic size pool, five hartru tennis courts, a fitness center and numerous other amenities which have
made Tower Ridge one of the most popular country clubs in the Farmington Valley. Located at the
base of the Talcott Ridge, and adjacent to the Farmington River, Tower Ridge occupies a premier site
that borders the towns of Simsbury and Avon. The Club was originally founded in 1959.
Tower Ridge Country Club is owned and managed by the Essex Golf Group. Other Essex Golf
properties have included Crotched Mt. Golf Club and Resort in New Hampshire, New Seabury Resort
on Cape Cod, Cobblestone Village in Rhode Island, and Pautipaug Country Club in Connecticut.
For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via email, or by visiting
www.essexgolfgroup.com.
~End~
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May 30, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thomas To Lead Golf Operations at Tower Ridge Country Club
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The 18th Green at Tower Ridge
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Essex, CT: Jay Thomas, formerly of Burlington Country Club in Burlington, Vermont,
has been selected as the new Head Golf Professional at Tower Ridge Country Club in Simsbury,
Connecticut. “We are very excited to have a golf professional with Jay’s talent to lead our
team as we embark on the ownership of Tower Ridge Country Club” stated Mark J. O’Neil, Sr.,
Principal of the Essex Golf Group. Essex Golf recently purchased Tower Ridge from Arnold
Palmer Golf Management. “Jay has a wealth of experience working at country clubs that value
the importance of outstanding member service, and we look forward to having Jay set the bar for
country clubs in the region” continued O’Neil.
Jay is a Class-A member of the PGA of America and attended Champlain College in Burlington,
Vermont. “It is very exciting to be joining a team of professionals that have such high goals for
the future of Tower Ridge Country Club. I look forward to utilizing the customer service skills
that I acquired under two great Golf Professionals that I have learned from in my career; John
Paul at Burlington CC and Jim Kurtzeborn at Fiddlesticks CC,” Thomas stated.
Tower Ridge has an 18 hole, Geoffrey Cornish designed golf course, an Olympic size pool, five
hartru tennis courts, and numerous other amenities which have made Tower Ridge one of the
most popular country clubs in the Farmington Valley. Located at the base of the Talcott Ridge,
and adjacent to the Farmington River, Tower Ridge occupies a premier site that borders the
towns of Simsbury and Avon. The Club was originally founded in 1959.
Tower Ridge Country Club is owned and managed by the Essex Golf Group. Other Essex Golf
properties have included Crotched Mt. Golf Club and Resort in New Hampshire, New Seabury
Resort on Cape Cod, Cobblestone Village in Rhode Island, and Pautipaug Country Club in
Connecticut.
For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via email, or by visiting
www.essexgolfgroup.com.
~End~
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May 5, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Essex Golf Group Acquires Tower Ridge Country Club
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Essex, CT: It was announced today that the Essex Golf Group has purchased Tower Ridge
Country Club located in Simsbury, Connecticut. Tower Ridge was most recently owned by
Arnold Palmer Golf Management. The Club was originally formed in 1959 and for many years
was known as Cliffside Country Club and has operated as a private club since it’s inception.
“We are very excited to be acquiring such a vibrant club with such an enthusiastic and active
membership” stated Mark J. O’Neil, Sr,. Principal of Essex Golf. “Our goal at Tower Ridge is to
continue to build upon the great tradition and reputation that the Club has in the region, and to
offer an outstanding experience for our members and their guests” continued O’Neil.
Tower Ridge has an 18hole, Geoffrey Cornish designed golf course, an Olympic size pool, five
hartru tennis courts, and numerous other amenities which have made Tower Ridge one of the
most popular country clubs in the Farmington Valley. Located at the base of the Talcott Ridge,
and adjacent to the Farmington River, Tower Ridge occupies a premier site that borders the
towns of Simsbury and Avon.
The parent company, Essex Golf Enterprises, Inc., is a development and management company
that owns, operates and develops golf clubs and communities throughout New England. Other
Essex Golf properties have included Crotched Mt. Golf Club and Resort in New Hampshire,
New Seabury Resort on Cape Cod, The Cobblestone Club in Rhode Island, and Pautipaug
Country Club in Connecticut.
For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via email, or by visiting
www.essexgolfgroup.com.
~End~
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November 1, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Essex Golf Group Acquires Rhode Island Property
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Essex, CT: It w.as announced today that the Essex Golf Group, LLC has formed a development team that has acquired
the former Cobblestone Golf Club in Exeter, Rhode Island. Construction on the former golf course ceased approximately
18 months ago after the prior owners decided not to move forward with their original plans. Essex Golf initially looked
at the 120-acre parcel with the idea of completing the build-out of the course, however, after several months of due
diligence, the decision to move forward with a residential development was made. Cobblestone Village will be an
active-adult, residential lifestyle community. Cobblestone Village is located less than fifteen minutes
from Providence,
T.F. Green Airport, and the popular South County Beaches and Narragansett Bay. "There are very few active adult communities
in Rhode Island, and we expect Cobblestone Village to be popular due to the outstanding location, the
amenities that will
be offered, and the commitment to quality design and construction that will be the benchmarks of the project. We have
retained noted Land Planner Randall Arendt to create a master plan that combines a New England village concept surrounded
by open space and natural conservation areas," stated Mark J. O'Neil, Sr., President and founder of the Essex Golf Group,
LLC. "The addition of Cobblestone Village is part of Essex Golf's strategy to add a number of non-golf
based properties to
our growing portfolio of projects. We are excited about the numerous opportunities in Rhode Island," continued O'Neil.
Transcend Ventures, LLC, of New York, NY is providing the financing for the project.
The parent company, Essex Golf Enterprises, Inc., is a development, management and consulting company that owns, operates
and develops golf clubs and communities throughout New England. Other Essex Golf properties have included Crotched Mt.
Golf Club and Resort in New Hampshire, New Seabury Resort on Cape Cod,
Essex Golf Shoppes in Connecticut and New
Hampshire, Pautipaug Country Club in Connecticut, and Revolutionary Ridge in New York.
The Essex Golf Group is located in Old Saybrook, CT. For more information about the company, contact Mark O'Neil, Sr.
at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail, or by visiting www.essexgolfgroup.com.
~End~
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March 17, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Local Landmark Under New Management -
Tory Pines Resort Now “Crotched Mt. Golf Club & Resort" |
The Clubhouse at
Crotched Mt. Golf Club
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Essex, CT: It was announced today that Tory Pines Resort is now under the management umbrella of the
Essex Golf Group, LLC, a development and management firm headquartered in Essex, CT. The property will be
renamed Crotched Mt. Golf Club and Resort because of the proximity to Crotched Mountain, a name synonymous
with recreation, sports and stability in the region. The golf club and resort is another addition to the growing interest
by companies to invest in the region. This past year Peak Resorts of St. Louis, MS reopened the long-closed Crotched Mt.
Ski Area after investing nearly $10 million in improvements to the project, which is adjacent to the golf club and
resort. Mark O’Neil, Sr., Principal of the Essex Golf Group, based in Essex, CT, stated “The addition of Crotched Mt. Golf
Club and Resort to our to our roster of quality golf properties is a joint effort between Essex Golf and our New
Hampshire based partner, High Bank Properties, LLC of Bennington, NH, a company owned and managed by local resident
and businessman, Terry Schnare. We intend to create a golf and resort experience of the highest caliber, with an emphasis
being placed on offering outstanding service and products to our customers and members. We will open and be ready for the
2004 season!” Essex Golf plans to invest in numerous capital projects at the golf club, including agronomic improvements to
the golf course, new and enlarged tee boxes, irrigation system improvements, and general paying condition upgrades.
Renovations and upgrades will also be made to the popular Gibson Tavern, a local favorite for food and
spirits since the 1800’s.
In addition to the resurgence of the popular Donald Ross designed golf club, the long-abandoned hotel development on
the site has been purchased by TPR Development, a timeshare developer headquartered in Portland, Maine. TPR intends to
renovate and construct 120 timeshare units at the resort, in addition to a small number of hotel rooms. TPR currently owns
the Rangely Lake Resort and The Timbers at Sugarloaf, both of which are located in Maine.Construction of the timeshare
units is currently underway.
The Essex Golf Group, LLC, is a development and management company that owns, operates and develops golf clubs
and communities throughout New England. Other Essex Golf properties and developments include the New
Seabury Resort on Cape Cod, The Cobblestone Club in Rhode Island, Revolutionary Ridge
in New York, and the retail division known as Essex Golf Shoppes.
For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail, or by visiting
www.essexgolfgroup.com
~End~ |
March 1, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Essex Golf Group Opens
Retail Division
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Essex, CT: It was announced today that the Essex Golf Group, LLC has formed a new retail division
that will be known as Essex Golf Shoppes. The first retail outlet will be located at 13 Main Street, in the
heart of the historic village of Essex, CT. “The addition of retail operations to our company will compliment the
continued growth and development of our golf-related asset base,” stated Mark O’Neil, Sr., President and founder of the
Essex Golf Group, LLC. “By locating our first unit in our home base of Essex, CT, we are able to utilize the widely
recognized “Essex” name that is known throughout the region and the country, as an integral part of our
branding strategy.”
Essex Golf Shoppes will offer a twist to the traditional merchandise that is normally associated with pro shops and
golf clubs. “We will be offering golf themed accessories, gifts, corporate incentive merchandise, licensed promotional
products, as well as limited apparel and equipment” according to O’Neil. Also, soon to follow the grand opening of the
retail store will be the incorporation of SXGOLF.com, the company’s internet-based supply store that will be
an integral component of the retail enterprise.
The parent company, Essex Golf Group, LLC, is a development and management company that owns, operates and develops
golf clubs and communities throughout New England. Other Essex Golf properties include Crotched Mt. Golf Club
and Resort in New Hampshire, New Seabury Resort on Cape Cod, The Cobblestone Club
in Rhode Island, Pautipaug Country Club in Connecticut, and Revolutionary Ridge in New
York.
For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail, or by visiting
www.essexgolfgroup.com
~End~
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January 1, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Pautipaug Country Club selects Essex Golf Group -
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18th hole, Pautipaug Country Club
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Baltic, CT: It was announced today that the Essex Golf Group, LLC has been retained by Pautipaug
Country Club to manage all operations at the country club, effective January 1st, 2004. Pautipaug is a forty
five year old, member-owned club with an outstanding Cornish-Silva designed championship course. Pautipaug completed an
entire bunker renovation project in 2002, while also adding ten new tees under the direction of course architect Steven
Kay, ASGCA. In 2003, Pautipaug hosted the Celebrity Players Tour (CPT) event, which featured such participants like
Mike Schmidt, Jim McMahon, Kurt Bevacqua, Donny Marshall and numerous other celebrities from Major League Baseball,
Hockey, Football and Basketball. The Club is situated on over 200 acres in a beautiful area of Southeastern
Connecticut, minutes from both the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos. In addition to the golf course, the Club has an
outdoor pool, golf practice area and Clubhouse that can accommodate groups and functions ranging from 40-200
participants.
Mark J. O’Neil, Sr., Principal of Essex Golf, stated, “Pautipaug is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered by
golfers throughout southeast Connecticut. The golf course is outstanding and the Club offers a great member experience that
is not found anywhere else in the area.”
“Essex Golf was selected because of their vast experience in working with first class facilities, their ability to
understand and appreciate the unique history and personality of our Club, and their strict attention to detail and
customer service” commented Bill Finlan, President of Pautipaug.
The Essex Golf Group is headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT. They provide professional management, development
and consulting services to the golf and resort industry. For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark
O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail.
~End~
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October 27, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Essex Golf Group Joins Hudson River Project Team -
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Views from the future golf course
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Essex, CT: It was announced today that the Essex Golf Group, LLC has been retained by Kanon
Asset Development Group, Inc. to assist in the development of the new Revolutionary Ridge Golf Club, Inn and
residential community located on 400+ acres along the scenic Hudson River in Ulster County, New York. The development
lies on what was formerly the Hudson Valley Winery and has over a mile of ridgeline overlooking the historic Hudson
River. The site features dramatic elevation changes, gently rolling hills, mature forests and attractive
rock out-croppings. Many of the home sites will have direct river views and others will overlook the golf course.
The centerpiece of Revolutionary Ridge Golf Club will be the Tom Watson designed championship
golf course. This will be the first Watson design in the Northeast. The community will consist of approximately three
hundred residences with a mix of attached and detached single-family homes. The architectural style of the community
will feature the traditional “Hudson River vernacular”, with plenty of stone and timber construction. A Clubhouse and
Inn will complement the community and will have amenities such as a Health Club and Spa, and will be available both
to residents of the community and guests.
Mark J. O’Neil, Sr., Principal of Essex Golf, stated that “Revolutionary Ridge has the opportunity to be
one of the most exciting golf and residential developments in the region. With the dramatic location on a bluff
overlooking the Hudson, and the team of professionals the owners have assembled, this project is sure to be a
winner!” In addition to the pre-opening duties, Essex Golf will also be coordinating the operational structure and
facilities plan to determine the optimal utilization of the developments’ numerous amenities.
The Essex Golf Group is headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT. They provide professional management, development
and consulting services to the golf and resort industry. For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark
O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail.
~End~
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January 6, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Icahn Organization Selects Essex Golf Group -
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The Ocean Course
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Mashpee, MA: It was announced today that the Essex Golf Group, LLC has been retained by New
Seabury Resort, Cape Cod, MA to manage all operations at the golf club and resort. New Seabury is owned by American
Real Estate Partners (AREP), the Carl Icahn managed real estate conglomerate headquartered in New York. Set on 2,600
acres overlooking Nantucket Sound, New Seabury consists of a residential community complemented by a resort with
two championship golf courses, a world class tennis facility, two outdoor swimming pools, waterfront facilities with
miles of private beach, numerous lodging accommodations, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the charming
beachside Popponessett Inn.
Mark J. O’Neil, Sr., Principal of Essex Golf, stated, “New Seabury is one of the premier seaside resorts on the
East Coast. With all the numerous amenities that the resort has to offer, it is easy to see why New Seabury has been
called the most exciting, year round destination in New England. We look forward to complementing the investment of
over $20 million that the owner has made in the resort by creating a facility renown for outstanding service,
exemplary facilities, and a superior member and guest experience.”
“Essex Golf was selected because of their vast experience in working with first class facilities and developers such
as the Tournament Players Club Network, The Daylar Group, and KSL Recreation” notes Albo J. Antenucci, Jr., President
of New Seabury Properties. “Mark O’Neil and his team have been involved with us at the resort for the last several
months in an operational consulting role, and they were instrumental in creating various membership marketing programs
and operational improvements at the facility. Essex Golf has shown us they have the knowledge and experience to achieve
the positive results that we desire.”
The Essex Golf Group is headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT. They provide professional management, development
and consulting services to the golf and resort industry. For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark
O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail.
~End~
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New Seabury hires golf firm to oversee all resort operations
Reprinted from The Mashpee Enterprise, Friday, January 3, 2003, Volume 4, Number 16
By Alan L. Samry
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Boardroom at New Seabury
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The owners of New Seabury started the year off by reorganizing the management structure of their Mashpee resort
and country club in an effort to streamline operations.
American real Estate Holdings LP, the owners of New Seabury Cape Cod, have hired the Essex Golf Group, LLC, to oversee
all operations of the New Seabury resort, which became effective New Years Day.
Wayne J. Kapral, general manager and chief financial officer of New Seabury Cape Cod, was contacted Monday but
declined to comment.
Yesterday, Albo J. Antenucci, Jr., president of American real Estate of Mount Kisco, New York confirmed that a new
company was hired to manage all operations at the resort including the country club, the Popponessett Inn and the two
golf courses.
New Seabury Properties, the real estate and development portion of New Seabury, will not change according to
Mr. Antenucci.
The Essex Golf Group, based in Essex, Connecticut, was initially hired in the summer as a consultant to review
and restructure club memberships and marketing programs.
After working closely with the department heads at New Seabury and personnel in New York, Essex Golf was hired to
reorganize the resort effective Wednesday.
Mr. Antenucci said resort employees, country club members, or resort guests will not be affected by the changes.
“We made the decision based on complaints by the New Seabury Board of Directors” who represent both golf and tennis
club members at New Seabury.
The president of the Essex Golf Group, Mark O’Neil, will now serve as the owner’s representative at New Seabury and
will report directly to Mr. Antenucci.
A general manager to replace Wayne Kapral, who has served as interim general manager for more than a year, is expected
to be named next week, according to Mr. Antenucci.
Rumors about employee layoffs were quickly squashed, with Mr. Antenucci adding, “All employees are staying put.
We have good people and Essex Golf will give us better direction and allow us to hit the ground running in
the spring.”
Thomas Caston, executive director of the Peninsula Council, the resident association, had only heard about
the reorganization second-hand, but hoped the club members were going to be notified.
Mr. Caston said, “Hopefully a new management team will improve the communication between American, New Seabury and
the community.”
In addition, the restaurant and bar at the clubhouse and the Popponessettt Inn, which Essex Golf was hired to oversee,
are closed and are not scheduled to open until April 1st.
Meanwhile, it is still not known when the Peninsula Council will take over the collection of all annual
maintenance fees.
In November, American Real Estate announced that come January, it will no longer be responsible for collecting
any fees, which are used for roadway improvements and beautification areas within the development.
Peter Zentz, president of the Peninsula Council, said on Tuesday that both parties are still in negotiation adding,
“Some progress has been made, but the transfer is not happening yet.”
New Seabury Properties stated in a November letter to the Peninsula Council that the associations “is best
positioned to administer annual homeowner charges within New Seabury, oversee the enforcement of covenants and
restrictions, maintain the roadways and landscaping, provide security and administer the Architectural
Review Committee.”
Mr. Antenucci said attorneys for American Real Estate are working on the transfer, which would allow New Seabury
Properties to focus entirely on development of its real estate holdings.
~End~
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Mark O'Neil mixes business with his golf -
Design, marketing, publishing among his jobs
Reprinted from the Pictorial Gazette, Saturday November 2, 2002
By John Steady
Staff Correspondent |
67 North Main Street, Essex, CT
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You know that dogleg around the pond that always eats about a half dozen of your balls? How about that green that
never seems to lean the right way?
Every golfer has one. A certain course, hole or green that drives you absolutely nuts…. you know, the one that
makes you think about throwing your clubs in the water and taking up tennis.
When you convey your frustration to Essex resident Mark O’Neil, don’t get upset if he smiles a little. He isn’t smiling
at your frustration; he is accepting your compliment on a job well done. You see, O’Neil designs golf courses and long
before you thought about throwing your clubs in the water, he thought about you doing so – it’s his job.
After starting his golf career as a PGA Professional in South Carolina, he quickly realized the struggles of making a
living as a professional golfer. “I realized at an early age that I wasn’t going to make a living playing golf,”
O’Neil said. “When you’re shooting 69 or 70 and finishing in the middle of the pack you realize pretty quickly. I made
the decision early on to learn the businessof golf.”
He took a job with the PGA Tour. He learned everything about the business of golf. He can talk about where cart paths
should go to make traffic flow smoothly, how to hire and train employees for the pro shop, or how to weave through the maze
of red tape to make an open piece of land a thriving course. If it has to do with the operation or development of a
golf resort, O’Neil knows about it.
In 1989 O’Neil was named the PGA Tour’s representative for the renovation of the TPC at River Highlands, the home of
the Canon Greater Hartford Open. He ran four GHO’s before being transferred to Maryland to run the Kemper Open. But
after traveling all over the country for the PGA Tour, consulting with different clubs, it was time to settle down.
“I moved around so much when I was younger” O’Neil said, “that I wanted to stay in one spot. I really
liked Connecticut. I was born and raised in New England, so when the opportunity came up to join Daylar, it was a
perfect fit.”
O’Neil joined Daylar as a partner to work on the development of Hamilton Farm Golf and Equestrian Club in Bedminster,
New Jersey, a $50 million 36-hole, private club built for Lucent Technology.
The company has also been working with Foxwoods Casino to develop the Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort. The resort
will have 36 holes of golf, a banquet and catering facility, eight corporate cottages, a golf learning center, and a
wilderness hotel. It is expected to open in 2004.
It seems s like an unbelievable workload, but he still has other ideas he wants to work on. The partners at Daylar
were content with not expanding, so O’Neil started his own company, the Essex Golf Group. It is a multi-faceted company
that consults with clubs on marketing concepts, oversees the marketing for publishing concern Divot Communications Corp,
and buys and sells courses.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Essex Golf Group has plans to form a new division that deals with irrigation
solutions for golf courses, continue to expand the publishing business, and a retail golf outlet could be in
the future.
“I learned al lot from the PGA Tour,” O’Neil said. “The quality of the golf experience drives the business first
and foremost. I took that same mentality with my businesses. If you have a quality product and service, the bottom line
will take care of itself.”
“There is a world of opportunity to expand,” he added. “Anything to do with golf has potential. I have been involved in
the golf industry for 25 years and it’s what I know.” He also knows how to frustrate a golfer, but don’t take it
personally.
~End~
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April 15, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Mark J. O’Neil, Sr.
Essex Golf Group Directs Growth at Old Lyme Country Club -
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3rd hole Old Lyme Country Club
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Essex, CT: The Essex Golf Group, LLC confirmed today that they have been retained by Old Lyme Country
Club (OLCC) to develop, manage and implement a long range master plan designed to guide the historic club into the
next decade.
Mark J. O’Neil,Sr., Principal of Essex Golf, stated that “Our firm is ideally suited to support the board of directors
and membership at Old Lyme Country Club. With our expertise in operational management and membership marketing, we can
provide OLCC concrete advantages that few others can offer.”
Old Lyme CC has several goals they wish to achieve with the support of Essex Golf; the creation of a realistic long
range operations plan that will be utilized to guide the club’s future operating needs; implementation and installation of
a new automated irrigation system; a membership program that will support the club’s changing demographic make-up; and a
master land plan that will provide additional club amenities through property acquisition, disposition, and
possible reconstruction/renovation of existing facilities. Essex Golf will utilize their Master Plan
Solutions™ concept to facilitate these goals.
O’Neil noted that he frequently encounters owners and operators of facilities who are unable to identify and capitalize
on potential opportunities. “We have the expertise to help owners, boards, clubs and resorts to overcome obstacles and
seize opportunities that may lie just beneath the surface,” stated O’Neil. “Essex Golf’s experience in planning,
facility operations, customer service and marketing produces tangible results for our clients.”
The Essex Golf Group is headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT. They provide professional management, development
and consulting services to the golf and resort industry. For more information on the Essex Golf Group, contact Mark
O’Neil, Sr. at (860) 510-0657 or via e-mail.
~End~
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