The Greenbrier Sporting Club » News

On Sale Today – Greenbrier Classic 2011 Badges!

GBSC — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:20:06 +0000

With Stuart Appleby’s historic 59, fantastic concerts and Jim Justice’s $1 million hole-in-one challenge, the inaugural Greenbrier Classic was a confirmed success. Due to the immediate demand for access to the 2011 Greenbrier Classic, Justice announced today that badges for next year’s PGA TOUR, FedExCup event will go on sale Friday, August 13, with an added bonus for early buyers. The first 5,000 Grounds badges sold will be automatically upgraded to Benefactor badges and the first 2,000 Benefactor badges purchased will be elevated to Alumni badge status. The Classic is expected to be held July 25-31, 2011, however, the exact dates will be released by the PGA TOUR later this year.

“We had such a tremendous response to this year’s event, it was just overwhelming. And before the competition started on Thursday, we had lots and lots of people asking if they could buy tickets for next year,” said Justice. “I could say thank you for days, and it would never be enough to really show how much I appreciate everyone’s support of our first year efforts. This special upgrade is just a small token of my appreciation to the tens of thousands of fans who were with us this year.”

The Grounds badges for the 2011 Greenbrier Classic, available for $159, will once again include all three practice rounds and four days of competition. The Greenbrier Classic Concert Series, which included Reba, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley this year, will again be a part of The Greenbrier Classic. Complimentary access to the concerts will be included with all weekly badges, with the 2011 performers to be announced at a later date. New for 2011 is the inclusion of a weekly parking pass.

For $285, spectators may purchase a Benefactor badge which includes all of the benefits of a Grounds badge, plus access to special hospitality venues with air-conditioning, upgraded restroom facilities, and premium food and beverage items for purchase. Fans of West Virginia University, Marshall University, Virginia Tech and University of Virginia can enjoy a private Alumni Hospitality area with special appearances by coaches and alumni athletes with an Alumni badge. In addition, the Alumni badge, at $495, includes complimentary dry snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on Monday and Tuesday and unlimited tailgate-style food and non-alcoholic beverages Wednesday through Sunday.

For exclusive access, the $5,000 Clubhouse badge combines the benefits of the Grounds, Benefactor and Alumni badges with access to Sam Snead’s at the Golf Club and Slammin’ Sammy’s with unlimited food and beverage. Reserved seating for the 2011 concert series and $500 in special amenity vouchers are also included with the Clubhouse badge.

The Badges for Charity program, which raised almost $400,000 for charitable organizations in West Virginia and Virginia will be underway soon. Charities may register online at www.greenbrierclassic.com or by calling 304-536-5322.

Badges may be purchased at www.greenbrierclassic.com or by calling 304-536-5322 or 877-322-2870. Refunds and exchanges for badges of lesser value are not permitted. Free tournament grounds admission is available to children ages 15 or under, when accompanied by a ticketed adult. (Limit one child per adult.) Active duty and retired military personnel will again receive complimentary daily admission with a valid military ID.

Learn to Play Like the Pros

GBSC — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:24:55 +0000

GET SCHOOLED!
GOLF SCHOOL ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN.

The Greenbrier Sporting Club is proud to announce two upcoming golf schools with two of the most sought after instructors in the country. Each golf school will begin with a reception in the evening, followed by two full days of world-class golf instruction. Space is limited to 12 students so reserve your space today!

August 16-18 ~ Jim Hardy

During his 39 years in professional golf, Jim Hardy has sought out experiences and opportunities that span the golf profession. He is currently ranked #7 in Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers and was named one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Teachers. Cost for this school is $1,800 per student.

October 1-3 ~ Jim McLean

Jim McLean is the 1994 PGA National Teacher of the Year, and owner of the Jim McLean Golf Schools found throughout the United States. He is probably best known for his research on the golf swing and his work on The X-Factor ®, which describes in detail, body motions, body angles and body positions. Cost for this school is $2,000 per student.

CALL ROBBIE GILMORE AT 304-647-6108 AND RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

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

Bartlett wins W.Va. Amateur by 1

GBSC — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:49:20 +0000

One of our own Sporting Club sales executives wins W.Va. Amateur and earns a spot in the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic!! Congrats Jonathan Bartlett!!!

Check out the USA Today article – HERE

Photo from Beckley Register-Herald

Join Us For Our Exciting July 4th Weekend

GBSC — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:28:30 +0000

It’s right around the corner and you can almost smell the barbeque grills firing up for this upcoming Independence Day weekend. From July 1st to July 5th, The Greenbrier Sporting Club will be hosting activities to celebrate the 234th birthday of The United States of America. (Trivia: This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the 50-star flag.) Whether golf and tennis is on your mind, simply relaxing by the pool, or say, even a grand red carpet event with celebrities, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Friday, July 2nd, begins with some Ashtanga Yoga and moves on to tennis, golf, a scenic run, real estate tour, and ending with the Grand Opening of The Greenbrier Casino Club, a gala that will feature a five-star gourmet dinner, $300 in match play per person, and an intimate performance by Lionel Richie. Celebrities from around the country will be in attendance, including Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, Jane Seymour, Shaq, and Jack Nicklaus. For more information on The Casino Club, CLICK HERE.

Saturday includes a golf demo outing, Kids Movement at The Activity Barn, a culinary demo and float decorating. The big day – July 4th – starts out with a yoga fit class and is full of activities until the Annual July 4th Picnic on The Lodge Event Lawn, (Adults $65 / Children $35) with live music and a magician for entertainment, as well as the rubber ducky race. An after party will take things up to The Summit for S’Mores and an electrifying view of The Greenbrier’s Fireworks Display.

For a complete program, along with information on booking Ananda Spa, Outdoor Pursuits, and Equestrian Center activities, CLICK HERE.

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.

###

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.