Escalante Golf officials have announced that the operator of Luxury Golf Properties has acquired the 25th place in Illinois.
A private course opened by businessman Jerry Forsyth in 2005, Canyata has always found the location of Golf Digest’s America’s 100 best courses. The 7,200-yard layout is best known for its pure white ventgrass fairways and greens, water features and carved bunkers.
According to Escalante, Canyata is believed to only play 5,000 rounds of golf.
In a statement, David McDonald, president of Escalante Golf, said: “Despite the top 100 pedigree, clubs are the definition of hidden gem textbooks. As one of the best private golf experiences in the game, there is a very high chance that we will further enhance our position.”
Founded in 1991, Escalante Golf is a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties in 17 states. The Fort Worth-based company has gathered a collection of luxury clubs in major markets that have hosted several well-known amateur and professional golf tournaments, including the US Mid Amateur Golf Championship, the Charles Schwab Cup, the WGC Matchplay Championship, the Winco Food Portland Open, the Shell Houston Open, and five live golf events in Portland, Portland, Boston, Boston and Boston.
With the acquisition, Canyata will become Escalante’s iconic golf, a home club for luxury golf and travel memberships. Icon offers now include national membership to Canyata and playing privileges on eight other Escalante-owned properties.
This access to the Escalante network is combined with the opportunity for icon members to participate in an array of annual curated events. It includes “Quest” (longer trips to top golf destinations around the world), “Experience” (three days, two night itinerary at the Escalante Club), and tournaments at places such as Pebble Beach and other well-known courses.
Only icon members and their guests can play Canyata. Play is limited to 40 players per day.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the world,” said Jeff Goodsell, president and founder of Icon Golf.
Changes are already underway at Canyata. New general manager Brent Allen has been hired, and new manager Brock Burton has been hired.
By the time member play begins in May, the clubhouse modification project is expected to be completed. While Destination Design’s landscape architect Randy Hoffacker is developing long-term land plans for the entire estate, renowned golf artist Lee Wybranski is retained to establish a fresh brand identity.
No golf course architecture updates are planned. Rather, the work focuses on improving the agricultural profile and promoting a solid, rapid play experience.
Additionally, the on-site will feature a par-3 course, a comfort station, practice facilities, lighted putting greens, fish camps and trails.
