Transforming Golf at Dormie Club in West End

Transforming Golf at Dormie Club in West End

Once upon a time in West End, North Carolina, a modest trailer greeted golf lovers pulling into the Dormie Club, with a parking lot that was nothing to write home about. But let’s skip ahead to today and marvel at the transformation! What used to be a simple entrance has turned into a stunning experience, featuring a grand gate and a sleek driveway that leads to a modern clubhouse with sharp angles and expansive glass walls. Talk about a glow-up!

As you roll up, friendly valets glide over in golf carts, ready to take your name, bags, and even hand over keys to your very own golf cart! Your luggage? No worries! It gets whisked away to one of those cozy four-bedroom cottages they’ve lined up just for you. It’s like a golf vacation dream come true.

The Driving Force Behind the Changes

This remarkable metamorphosis comes courtesy of the Dormie Network, which snagged the club back in 2017. Now, they boast an impressive portfolio of seven exclusive golf establishments scattered from Nebraska to New Jersey. And get this— the name “Dormie” is a cheeky nod to a lead in golf, but it’s all just serendipity!

According to Zach Peed, the president of Dormie Network, the secret sauce to their success lies in their keen eye for clubs that are begging for a little TLC. By improving golf courses and enhancing lodging amenities, Dormie Network is fulfilling a real need in the golfing world—an unforgettable, distraction-free golfing getaway.

From Fairways to Friendliness

If you think about it, the concept arose from Peed’s college golf days mixed with a strong family background in hospitality. “Our goal is to offer authentic experiences that build friendships,” Peed says. As for the cottages, these beauties are a stone’s throw from the clubhouse, featuring king-size beds, en suite bathrooms, and a communal hangout area with a flat-screen and an overflowing bar stocked with snacks. Perfect for those late-night discussions about that last putt you missed!

The new clubhouse isn’t just eye candy; its high ceilings and cozy bar make it the ideal spot for meals and drinks. Plus, if you and your pals prefer a bit more privacy, there are intimate dining nooks waiting just for you!

Rising to the Occasion

Amid a tight spot in the golf world concerning traveling golfers, Dormie Network has stepped up. The demand for golf has soared, as indicated by the staggering 531 million rounds played in 2023. That’s more than a previous record of 529 million set in 2021. Prices for tee times have also gone up, jumping from an average of $38 in 2019 to $49 by 2024—a hefty 30% leap!

From the bustling biomes of places like Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst Resort, it’s clear that golfers expect more than just a round on the green nowadays. They want luxurious sheets and quirky menus packed with goodies. Dormie Network gets that, tackling all sorts of little nitty-gritty details. From wiping morning dew off golf carts to delivering cocktails as you finish on the 18th—these little extras make all the difference.

Memberships That Fit the Bill

With private golf memberships booming, Dormie Network is cashing in. They offer two types of memberships: a national one allowing you to hit up all seven locations, and a business-focused option geared towards long-term commitments for corporate entertainment. They’ve got limited regional memberships too for locals.

The growth has been staggering! Since 2019, the number of available beds has spiked from 84 to a jaw-dropping 432, while room nights rocketed from 10,000 to 48,000 in 2023. That’s what we call an upgrade!

A New Golf Course to Explore

Hold onto your golf clubs—this September, Dormie Network unveiled the GrayBull course in Nebraska’s picturesque Sandhills. Renowned architect David McLay Kidd, creator of the original Bandon Dunes course, has designed a gem that “is neither too flat nor too steep.” Sounds like the perfect spot to swing a club!

As you step onto the course, the views aren’t just amazing; they’re the perfect backdrop that draws golfers in. It feels like you’re at the center of nature rather than a manicured golf club, and that’s exactly the tranquility so many seek these days.

The Future of Golf at Dormie Network

Thanks to insights gained from past endeavors, Dormie Network is crafting newer, better experiences. “We took the lessons learned and combined the best features from all our properties into this incredible experience,” says Peed with pride. And, really, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

As golf continues to evolve, the Dormie Network seems poised to keep those tee times packed and friendships blooming. Get ready for an exhilarating golfing adventure—you might just find your new favorite place on the course!