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Two Historic Kansas City Private Clubs to Merge, Forming Innovative Alliance

6/18/2009

In a first-of-its-kind arrangement for the Kansas City metro area, firm clients Brookridge Golf and Country Club and Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club intend to merge their two organizations to provide full club services as a joint entity. Pending member approval, the two clubs which each possess more than 50 years of tradition in the area will reciprocally offer dining, golf, swimming, and other amenities.

As current market continues to pressure independent country clubs, joint operating plans have been noted for their enhanced efficiencies in clubs in other parts of the country. The arrangement has worked successfully in those other markets, but to date has not been tried in Kansas City. Mike Bray, President of Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club and Matt Sargent, President of Brookridge Golf and Country Club, issued a joint statement about the pending merger concept.

“In looking at all the ways that these two organizations could keep costs low and still attract new members, this by far was the most popular option. The boards of the two entities believe that merging the clubs is a great way to perpetuate the half century of tradition while at the same time streamlining operations and offering members the opportunity to enjoy a diverse combination of golf, dining, and other amenities, all without having to go outside the privileges of their own membership.”

The two clubs are separated by a mere 3.5 miles in northeast Johnson County, Kansas. Under the current proposed agreement, a new operating entity would be created to administer and operate the two club facilities and revenues would be shared and costs paid through this new entity. The new combined club would continue to operate Meadowbrook’s 18-hole golf course and Brookridge’s 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses. Between the two facilities, this would total 45 holes of golf, clubhouse services, pool, and tennis operations. Pro shops, refreshment services and locker rooms would continue at both club locations.

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