BOLTON, Mass – Escalante Golf of Fort Worth, Texas has acquired The International Golf Club – the only 36 hole private golf club in the Greater Boston area for just under $10 million, according to Worcester County financial records.
The International Golf Club is home to the second longest course in the world – The Pines – (8,325 yards) with designs from Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones. It is steeped in a rich 120-year history of challenging, championship golf.
The International Golf Club, located 25 miles northwest of Boston at 159 Ballville Road in the town of Bolton, Massachusetts, was acquired by Escalante Golf on February 5, 2021, according to public tax records. The prior owners – Dan and Florence Weadoch – filed for bankrupcy in 2018 leaving a long list of unpaid bills & many angry creditors. Originally, the course was founded in 1901 as nine-holes, and later The International evolved over the last century to feature two championship golf courses with an impeccable reputation.
Staying true to its heritage, Escalante Golf plans to preserve the legacy and expand on its vision to reimagine the club in 2021.
“From its history and championship layouts to its picturesque New England landscape and ideal proximity to Boston, we saw a unique opportunity build something truly special and different at The International,” said David McDonald, President of Escalante. “We aim to create a welcoming environment with a golf-first experience, fostering a culture rooted in a deep respect for the game that honors and connects the community whether they are members, guests or staff.”
Membership will be comprised of stewards who will share in the responsibility of shepherding a new era of golf at The International. Escalante has already begun conversations with prospective members as they plan for the spring 2021 reopening of the club.
“We welcome all golfers who value the camaraderie and community the game cultivates, uphold its time-honored traditions and embrace its endlessly rewarding challenges,” added McDonald. “The International is building a membership of successful leaders from a diverse background that will continue for generations to come.”
At 8,325 yards the Pines course at The International is the longest golf course in the country and one of the most difficult due in most part to its large dramatic green complexes and penal bunkers. It was originally designed by noted ASGCA member Geoffrey Cornish assisted by two-time U.S. Open Champion, amateur Francis Ouimet. The Pines was later renovated and lengthened by Robert Trent Jones.
The Oaks course is just one of two course designs by Tom Fazio located in Massachusetts. Tom also designed the club’s expansive practice facility that serves both courses, including a double-sided driving range with multiple short-game areas.
Escalante purchased the club out of bankruptcy proceedings caused in part by the pandemic. It was owned by Dan and Florence Weadoch, who paid $18.3 million in 1999 and who steered the club in the right direction, being recognized by Golfweek as one of “The Best Courses You Can Play.”
Escalente Golf, LLC, a Fort Worth, Texas-based company in business since 1991, is a boutique owner and operator of 18 properties across the United States will announce plans for further club enhancements in the spring and build upon the established foundation the club has.
https://www.theinternational.com/
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