The new Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club ownership group can boast of a Claret Jug, as well as a U.S. Open Trophy won by the new course designer.
Corner Lot, a local developer, purchased the private club in Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday. Jim Furyk, 2003 U.S. Open winner, and Cam Smith, 2022 British Open champion, are both investors, while Cam Smith is also responsible for renovating the course. The terms of the sale have not been disclosed.
Smith, who defected from TPC Sawgrass to LIV Golf after winning the Open in St. Andrews, 2022, and the Players Championship the following year, has struggled for a place to play permanently in his adopted home after losing access.
Travis Norman, a Hampton Golf executive who will be managing Glen Kernan, said that Andy Allen (CEO at Corner Lot) had repeatedly told him to meet Cam Smith. “I met with his team and he was in.”
Smith will have to wait for a while before he can make Glen Kernan his home course. Glen Kernan was designed by Robert Walker in 1999 and opened. The plan is for the 260-acre course to be closed down and renovated over a period of one year. The lot lines and homes are further away from the holes on this course than other courses around the area. This leaves wide corridors to play golf.
Norman stated that there was a lot of maintenance work to be done in the first year in order to make the club a premier one in the region. We know there is a demand for a private high-end club with fewer members, but the supply in this market is low.
Norman also said that they will upgrade other amenities in its athletic park, including pickleball and tennis.
Furyk is a 16-time PGA Tour winner who, at 53, continues to compete on PGA Tour Champions. Hampton Golf has already been contracted by a second course that will be managed by them: Glynlea County Club at Wylder, a planned community for Port St. Lucie, on Florida’s southeast coast.
Norman’s company manages the Palencia Club, Blue Sky Golf Club, Eagle Harbor and other golf clubs on Florida’s First Coast. His design skills, combined with his passion and knowledge of this golf course, made him the obvious choice. He’s also been on this golf course 20 years. He has played the course with his father and son, and he is familiar with every mound.
Furyk is a Glen Kernan member who has been there for a very long time. His parents regularly eat at Glen Kernan. Furyk says that the course is just one exit from Pablo Creek Golf Club where he often practices, so it’s convenient for him to visit.
Furyk stated that the golf course had a lot to offer and was in good shape. “Our plan is make some holes more playable for the average golfer and extend a few tee box to lengthen our course for better players.”
Furyk replied, “I am sure that Smith will be interested in participating in the design process.” Andy may have told him that he could give some input to the practice facilities at the double-sided golf range. I will talk with him about this. I’m certain Cam will need some privacy to work on his game and prepare for tournament golf. (Smith’s Management team did not return my call seeking comment.
Corner Lot took control of the club on Friday, and construction will begin the following week. Norman stated that they wanted to provide the best experience possible in this market. We think we have the best designer, footprint and are going to create something special.
The Hodges Family sold the land to a local builder who intends to build 100 homes in the area.
