The Greenbrier Sporting Club » History

Fairway Living at The Greenbrier Gets More Good News

GBSC — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:04:09 +0000

A few months ago, Greenbrier owner Jim Justice announced that The Old White golf course would become the newest member of the Tournament Players’ Club, a collective network of over 30 premier golf courses established to provide the ultimate host venues for TOUR events – with services and amenities that meet the highest standards of professional golf. With The Greenbrier Classic just around the corner, everyone in the country will be talking about the legendary Charles Blair Macdonald designed course and life along the fairway couldn’t be better for Sporting Club members.

There’s always been a desire to live along the fairways and greens of a beautifully manicured golf course,” says John Klemish, Broker in Charge and Adviser to The Chairman. There is something magical about watching the great game of golf being played, even if you’re not a player. With four championship golf courses at The Greenbrier, the real estate choices are many and varied.”

To See Some of The Sporting Club’s Premier Luxury Homes Along The Greenbrier’s Historic Fairways, Click on Any House Below:

Announcing The Windsor Club at The Greenbrier

GBSC — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:48:35 +0000

The newly unveiled Windsor Club at The Greenbrier is a deluxe collection of premier accommodations including the most outstanding service and amenities in our history. This club isn’t for everyone. An entire wing of The Greenbrier is reserved solely for the enjoyment of our most selective guests. The Windsor Club is a secluded sanctuary of relaxation and luxury surrounded by the world-class excitement of The Greenbrier. Combining centuries of southern hospitality with supreme service and contemporary comforts, a new era of elegance awaits you at The Windsor Club.

Every detail sparkles in the crown jewel of America’s Resort. You’ll quickly realize why The Duke and Duchess were repeated guests to The Greenbrier. Reminiscent of things past but with thoroughly modern touches, a great feeling of luxury and comfort awaits you with modern amenities, designer décor, state-of-the art electronics, all presented in The Greenbrier tradition of exceptional quality. Privilege begins at once, with express check-in, and continues throughout your stay in The Windsor Club. Each of the 26 rooms has a distinctive personality and charm all its own. Even the ambiance is personalized according to your preferences. Smart Room Technology sets the scene for an unforgettable stay with customized temperature, illumination and sound synchronized to your expressed desires.

The moment you enter The Windsor Club, you’ll feel like a VIP. The elite wing of the resort is accessible by keycard only and the accommodations include exclusive upgrades such as private Concierge service, plush canopy beds with imported Italian linens, VIP turndown services, special in-room gifts and several rooms feature a gas fireplace. The Virginia Room is a private parlor with a lush, access-only garden and courtyard reserved exclusively for the pleasure of The Windsor Club guests. Sumptuous meals and snacks are served graciously throughout the day and evening in The Virginia Room. The stately lounge is furnished with specially selected antiquities collected over centuries and guests can relax and enjoy a wide selection of complementary beverages at the open bar any time, day or night.

Every generation has its legends at The Greenbrier. In a world-famous resort renowned for unsurpassed luxury, The Windsor Club is the pinnacle of panache. We invite you to experience the select services, privileges and benefits that celebrities, dignitaries and heads of state have enjoyed here for centuries.

For more information about The Windsor Club, visit The Greenbrier’s website here.

The Greenbrier’s Annual Antique Show

GBSC — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:04:07 +0000

America’s Resort is furnished with classic treasures from some of the most elegant eras in history. As a living library of stylish decor, The Greenbrier is also the ideal backdrop to discover the finer points of antiques.

Join world-renowned decorator Carleton Varney, The Greenbrier Designer/Curator and President of The Dorothy Draper Company, as he hosts a weekend dedicated to collecting and decorating with antiques. He’ll be joined by some of the premier antique dealers in the world to share personal insights about the historical, craft and artistic significance of antiques.

STARTING at $299 per night. Package includes:

Luxurious Greenbrier accommodations

Benefit Preview on October 28th (black tie optional)

Daily Antique Floor Show

“Exploring the Mysteries of Antique Jewelry” with Barry Weber

“An Invitation to Charleston” with Brandy Culp

“Discovering the Past Through Objects: Adventures of a Real-Life History Detective” with Wes Cowan

“Discovering Your Treasures” Lunch and Appraisal Clinic with Ken Farmer

“Decorating with Carleton” featuring Carleton Varney

INDIVIDUAL EVENT PRICING:

Entry Ticket to show: Daily Gate = $10 or Weekend = $15

Lecture Series: $15 per lecture

Lecture & Lunch with Ken Farmer: $40

Preview Party: $300/couple or $200/single

For more information, call 800-453-4858 or CLICK HERE.

Jonathan Bartlett has Spectacular Weekend at Greenbrier Classic

GBSC — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:43:35 +0000

With thousands of spectators following and a clamoring herd of media jockeying for position before each shot, Greenbrier Sporting Club sales executive Jonathan Bartlett played this past week’s Greenbrier Classic tournament like a seasoned PGA pro. Given an exemption into the tournament by Greenbrier owner and president Jim Justice as a reward for winning the West Virginia State Amateur Tournament earlier this year, Bartlett commanded a large contingent of Sporting Club members and locals as he battled his way to -2 on the second day of the tournament.

After a nerve racking few hours, in which the cut waivered between two and three under, the news finally came down the cut had settled at -2, giving one of our own another chance to live out the opportunity of a lifetime.

Bartlett finished the tournament on Saturday at -1, and did not get to play on Sunday. But the experience itself is something he will always carry with him.

“I’ll never forget this as long as I live,” said Bartlett to a room full of media. “My boys can see it. I got one that’s gonna turn four and one that’s almost two, so of we’re trying to get as much on tape as possible so they’ll believe me when the time comes.”

July 4th Weekend a Blast!

GBSC — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:00:46 +0000

The opening of the Casino Club at The Greenbrier was an unforgettable moment in the resort’s history. By 4:30 in the afternoon, guests of the opening event were standing at the front of the hotel, dressed in stunning ball gowns and black tuxedos, along with photographers anxiously awaiting the celebrities’ arrival. Antique cars dropped each celebrity off at the freshly planted main entrance as the stars walked down the red carpet and entered the hotel. After the celebrity arrival, guests were served a five-star dinner wine pairing. After dinner, Lionel Ritchie performed an intimate performance, where guests could dance and sing along to their favorite hits. Even Brooke Shields got in on the fun, joining Lionel Ritchie on stage.

After the performance, everyone was handed a glass of champagne as they toasted the ribbon cutting with Jim Justice, along with celebrity guests, state luminaries and The Sporting Club’s own John Klemish. Guests filled the 103,000-square foot, elegantly designed casino, eager to start playing their favorite games. The roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, three-card poker and Texas Hold ‘em tables were all filled within minutes of the opening. Some guests found themselves stationed at the slot machines while others enjoyed a drink or bite to eat at the restaurants within the casino, including In-Fusion, an Asian sushi bar also featuring Pacific Rim cuisine – and Twelve Oaks, an equestrian-themed, high-end lounge.

Guests may now stroll down “Greenbrier Avenue,” the mezzanine level, for an exclusive shopping experience. This level is filled with chic boutiques featuring designers such as St. John, Badgley Mischka, Diane von Furstenburg, Milly and Judith Lieber, Robert Graham, Brioni, Robert Talbott, and Brunello Cuccinelli.

During the evening, attention was called to a springhouse replica in the middle of the casino. All play stopped and the Belles and Gentlemen performed “The Greenbrier Waltz.” Another champagne toast followed the waltz, marking the beginning of a new Greenbrier tradition.

The opening of the Casino Club signaled the beginning of a new era for The Greenbrier. And the fun did not stop there.

The Casino opening kicked off what was one of the busiest weekends the resort has seen in years, with a spectacular 4th of July parade through downtown White Sulphur Springs and culminating on the grounds of the resort. Also during the weekend was the ribbon cutting of Café Carleton, which overlooks the casino, the cutting of a remarkable springhouse cake created by The Sporting Club’s Executive Pastry Chef Amy Mills, a Lilly Pulitzer fashion show, and the magnificent firework show over the golf course.

To be sure, the weekend provided many memorable moments for Greenbrier guests and Sporting Club members!

Casino Club Construction

GBSC — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:43:33 +0000

It’s hard to believe that construction on the Casino Club at The Greenbrier began only 10 months ago. Indeed, it’s a magnificent feat of construction. Photographer Mike Wyatt installed a time-lapse camera that captured the building process from the first shovel of dirt to the re-landscaping of the main entrance. Of particular interest in the below video, which squeezes the whole 10 months into a little over 3 minutes, are the massive snow storms we experienced in December of 2009 and January of 2010.

Some Raw Statistics of the construction of the Casino Club at The Greenbrier:

• There were 130,000 cubic yards of excavation with 18,000 cubic yards of dirt put back on the site
• Over 50,000 tons of stone were used
• Six tenths of a mile of cobblestone curbing were laid
• Over 70,000 brick pavers were used
• The project includes one mile of storm piping
• 17,060 Cubic yards of concrete were used (this is enough concrete to pave a sidewalk from The Greenbrier to Beckley)
• 980 tons of reinforcing steel were used
• 2,500 tons of structural steel were used in the project
• One mile of cast iron pipe, two miles of domestic water pipe and two miles of mechanical piping were used
• 65 miles of new fiber optic and copper data communication cables were installed.
• 92 tons of sheet metal were used
• 960 tons of cooling capacity was built
• 19 miles of conduit and 100 miles of wire were used
• 1.5 megawatts of power generation capability was built to handle emergency electrical needs
• Seven miles of crown molding are found throughout the project

Celebrities Announced for Casino Club Opening

GBSC — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:58:02 +0000

Jim Justice, owner and chairman of The Greenbrier, today announced an initial list* of celebrities who will be attending the July 2 opening of the Casino Club. Among the list of actors, singers and sports figures are two well known West Virginians who will be coming home to be a part of the celebration. Constructed in less than a year, the elegant, underground entertainment complex encompasses 102,000 square feet and features the resort’s signature Draper décor.

“Since purchasing The Greenbrier last year, I have made a commitment to our guests, employees, and every West Virginian that we would increase The Greenbrier’s world class appeal without losing our sense of history and tradition,” said Justice. “The grand opening of the Casino Club will be really spectacular and the tremendous interest among celebrities and long time guests validates my belief that The Greenbrier will continue to be an elite travel destination for a long time.”

CLICK FOR EVENT SCHEDULE

The initial list of celebrities scheduled to appear includes:

· Jennifer Garner
· Ben Affleck
· Ann Magnuson
· Carleton Varney
· Tom Watson, The Greenbrier’s Golf Professional Emeritus
· Jack Nicklaus
· Lee Trevino
· Jessica Simpson
· Lionel Richie
· Jane Seymour
· Elliott Gould
· Christine Ebersole
· Debbie Reynolds
· Phyllis George
· Raquel Welch
· Brooke Shields
· Michael Buffer
· Shaquille O’Neal

* Celebrities in attendance subject to change without notice

“In the next several days we will be announcing the names of additional celebrities who have accepted our invitation to be a part of the opening,” continued Justice. “With the launch of the Casino Club and The Greenbrier Classic which starts on July 26th, we have a very exciting month planned, and the world will certainly know that we are back and better than ever.”

The opening of the highly anticipated Casino Club at The Greenbrier will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime event as guests walk the red carpet to a black tie dinner. An intimate concert with the legendary Lionel Richie sets the stage for the dazzling evening ahead. A call to trumpets herald the official ribbon cutting ceremony, and then, the games will begin.

This grand opening package also includes $300 in match game vouchers per person and commemorative gift. The grand opening event only rate, which does not include overnight accommodations, is $850 per person. While all rooms at The Greenbrier are sold out, accommodations at The Resort at Glade Springs are still available and transportation will be provided. For reservations, call 877-322-2876.

Known as America’s Resort, the luxurious Greenbrier has hosted celebrities, royalty and world leaders for more than two centuries. Today’s announcement is the latest in a string that have made the resort even more accessible to national and international guests. On June 10, 2010, The Greenbrier celebrated the inauguration of daily, direct flights from New York LaGuardia and Atlanta Hartsfield airports on Delta Air Lines. Just last week, The Greenbrier announced a strategic partnership with Keeneland, one of the world’s most prestigious Thoroughbred racetracks and the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company.

Left: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner; Right: Jessica Simpson

Left: Brooke Shields; Right: Elliot Gould

Left: Shaquille O’Neal; Right: Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, and Jack Nicklaus

Left: Jane Seymour; Right: Raquel Welch

Left: Christine Ebersole; Right: Phyllis George

Left: Ann Magnuson; Right: Carleton Varney

Left: Michael Buffer; Right: Lionel Richie

The Greenbrier & Keeneland Partner Up

GBSC — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:51:27 +0000

The Greenbrier and Keeneland Association Announce Strategic Partnership

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, West Virginia (June 16, 2010) – The Greenbrier and Keeneland, two of America’s most renowned brands, today announced a strategic partnership to build on the tradition, elegance and luxury for which they are known. With more than 200 years of history, The Greenbrier resort has long been recognized among travelers as a destination for world-class accommodations and service. Similarly, as one of the world’s most prestigious Thoroughbred racetracks and the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland attracts buyers and visitors from around the globe. Working in partnership, The Greenbrier and Keeneland will develop new offerings for their members and guests.

“Keeneland’s reputation throughout the world is unparalleled,” said Jim Justice, owner and chairman of The Greenbrier. “This partnership presents numerous opportunities for joint ventures that will enhance guest experiences, improve retail sales and support cross-promotions. For The Greenbrier, partnering with Keeneland is an obvious step in our continued effort to increase our appeal, attract more guests, and solidify The Greenbrier as the ultimate destination resort in America.”

Since Justice’s May 2009 purchase of The Greenbrier, the White Sulphur Springs, WV, resort has received national and international attention for many of its new developments and Justice’s commitment to honoring its traditions.

“Anybody who has ever been to The Greenbrier and talked to Jim about his passion for preserving its beauty and elegance will understand why Keeneland entered this partnership,” said Nick Nicholson, president and CEO of Keeneland. “The Greenbrier represents a certain lifestyle, the best that there is in terms of a sports and family experience. Keeneland represents the same values and ethos. The respect Jim and I have for what has been entrusted to us will assure our members and guests that, as we find new ways to grow our businesses, we will not forget them or the history that makes these two properties so special.”

International horsemen gather annually for Keeneland’s world-class racing and for its widely-attended Thoroughbred auctions. Located in the heart of Central Kentucky, Keeneland is a rare combination of high-stakes commerce, genteel sporting tradition and remarkable innovations. As the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland’s horse sales dominate the world market in both gross sales and the success of sales graduates in graded stakes races.

Keeneland’s partnership with The Greenbrier comes just weeks before the July 2 grand opening of its much anticipated Casino Club, a 102,000 sq. ft. sophisticated gaming facility with new restaurants, lounges and upscale retail boutiques. Following the casino opening, the resort will host the first Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR FedEx Cup event that will bring the world’s greatest golfers to the resort’s Old White Course, July 26–Aug. 1.

“With the opening of the Casino Club only three weeks away, we are thrilled Keeneland will be providing us with historic memorabilia for Twelve Oaks, our equestrian-themed lounge in the casino,” said Justice. “As we embark on this exciting new chapter in The Greenbrier’s history, having a relationship with Keeneland reinforces my belief that luxury travelers will greatly enjoy having an amenity like the Casino Club.

“Having Keeneland’s memorabilia in such an elegant setting, will extend interest about us among upscale travelers and help promote our Spring and Fall races to the benefit of our members. To show our commitment and loyalty, we will also offer Greenbrier guests premium seating and other exclusive amenities as part of this new relationship,” concluded Keeneland’s Nicholson.

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About The Greenbrier:
Residing on 6,500-acres of lush landscape in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort which has been offering a welcoming home to its guests since 1778. This National Historic Landmark, also known as America’s Resort, provides a world-class haven for discerning business guests and sophisticated leisure travelers. The property recently announced a six-year agreement to host The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR, FedEx Cup event starting July 2010. The Greenbrier’s amenities and services include a wide variety of flexible and unique meeting and event venues, several fine restaurants and lounges, including the newly opened Prime 44 West; access to more than 50 recreational activities and a luxurious 40,000 square-foot Spa. For more information or reservations, please visit www.greenbrier.com or call 800-624-6070.

About Keeneland:
For nearly 75 years, The Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. As the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland conducts sales every January, April, September and November. Its sales graduates dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a private, for-profit corporation that returns its earnings back to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses, as well as millions of dollars in charitable contributions for education, research and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. To learn more about Keeneland, visit us online at www.keeneland.com.

For More Information Call:

Lynn Swann
Director Public Relations
The Greenbrier
(304) 536-7857

Jay Blanton
Communications Director
Keeneland
(859) 254-3412

Caddy for Life: Premieres Tonight

GBSC — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:39:31 +0000

Caddy for Life: Premieres Monday, June 14 at 9 p.m. ET on the Golf Channel

The story of Bruce Edwards and Tom Watson was brought to life poignantly in Caddy for Life, the best-selling book by John Feinstein that chronicled Bruce’s career and his struggle with ALS. This inspirational story will be brought to the small screen in “Caddy for Life,” which premieres on the Golf Channel on Monday, June 14th at 9:00 pm. The documentary details the incredible friendship between Bruce and Tom, and the battle they fought when Bruce was diagnosed with the incurable disease.

READ MORE HERE

…And in case you didn’t know…Tom Watson is The Greenbrier’s golf professional emeritus! Watson has held this title since 2005. The only other golfer to have held that role was the legendary Sam Snead.

Direct Flights Announced To The Greenbrier from LaGuardia & Atlanta

GBSC — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:20:20 +0000

Daily, nonstop air service to Greenbrier Valley Airport from Atlanta and New York’s LaGuardia takes off today, launching year-round flights from two of the nation’s largest cities to The Greenbrier on Delta Air Lines. Jim Justice, chairman and owner of The Greenbrier, Governor Joe Manchin III, Senator Jesse Guills and Betty Crookshanks, president of the Greenbrier County Commission along with numerous local business and political leaders were present at the airport to celebrate the first flight and welcome passengers. Justice was instrumental in bringing the flights to Greenbrier Valley to facilitate travel to the luxury resort and to support the region’s economic growth.

CLICK THE VIDEO BELOW TO VIEW THE FLIGHTS AND CELEBRATION:

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE

ATLANTA
Departs ATL at 10:50 a.m.
Arrives LWB at 12:18 p.m.
Departs LWB at 12:45 p.m.
Arrives ATL 2:10 p.m.

NEW YORK
Departs LGA at 1:30 p.m.
Arrives LWB at 3:15 p.m.
Departs LWB at 3:45 p.m.
Arrives LGA at 5:20 p.m.