Chris Hale, the golf academy owner, confirmed that he is talking with Clayton City Manager Richard Rose about the proposed move, but declined to elaborate on the details.
“Mr. Hale actually approached us. He wanted to have his golf academy at a golf course,” Rose said, adding there are advantages to the shared location.
The proposal would need city council approval in order for the academy’s move to take place. If approved, the process for the academy move could start as early as October, according to Rose. Hale would then have a lease agreement with the city.
“I think it works well for both the academy and the club from the standpoint that the golf course will gain some additional play most likely from the number of students that go through,” Rose said. He added that he also thinks the proposed golf academy at Meadowbrook will allow the public facility to standout.
“We would be the only local course that has a golf academy available right on premises, which is really a newer and growing trend for the golf industry,” Rose said.
If approved, the proposed golf academy could take over the space that currently houses the women’s locker room, according to Rose. The locker room would then be relocated.
The proposed move would include an 18,000 square-foot indoor teaching facility. “It would be indoor teaching where there would be nets and golf balls could be hit inside,” Rose said. He added that he and Hale are still discussing renovation costs.
“He would be bringing in all his golf academy students and teaching lessons to the course,” Rose said. “We’re still on negotiations of lease agreements and what each side would bring to the table.” There are positives for both sides, he said. “However, we haven’t come to any final conclusions.”
Hale, former head coach of the University of Dayton men’s golf team and PGA professional, said the 12-acre Union Road property was a driving range when he arrived and he turned it into a golf academy in 2010. The facility includes 14 heated bays and a 1,000 square-foot indoor studio.
“I gave about 1,700 golf lessons last year at that facility,” Hale said.
Besides a golf course, Meadowbrook at Clayton also features a 65,000 square-foot facility that includes a banquet area, a pro shop, The Grill restaurant, locker rooms and other amenities.
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