Country club celebrates renovations

The members of West Lake Country Club are enjoying some new digs.

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They celebrated the renovation of to the community's clubhouse with a Columbia County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Monday.

"We are very proud of it," said Cleve Edmunds, a member of the club's House Committee, which oversees the function of the clubhouse in Martinez's gated West Lake neighborhood.

Members entered the newly designed foyer, where they were greeted with champagne and tour guides. Edmunds was one of many club leaders giving tours.

The $6 million renovation, designed by Studio 3 Design, doubled the size of the member dining area and the women's lounge, tripled the size of the men's grill and expanded the pro shop by 40 percent.

The renovation more than doubled the size of the bar area and included a 4,000-square-foot fitness center featuring exercise equipment, a sauna, spa, tanning facility and massage services.

"This is a popular area," Edmunds said of the bar that features large windows to view the golf course. "We thoroughly enjoy this."

Edmunds especially likes the men's grill, which was not included in the original floor plan.

"This is the men's most favorite part," Edmunds said of the men-only grill, which features a bar, leather chairs, poker tables and four televisions. "We enjoy it. We come in and play cards and do whatever we want to do right in here, and it is absolutely fantastic."

The building's exterior features a covered patio, which runs the length of the building and faces the practice putting green. It includes a fire pit and fountain.

David McManus, the general manager of the club, said construction was done in phases so it would not interfere with services offered to members. Funding was provided by existing cash flow, member contributions and a bank loan.

As members gathered outside for the ribbon-cutting, Bo Banks, the president of the board of directors, thanked the members and other contributors.

"I feel like I've won an Academy Award," Banks said. "I've got a long list of all these people to thank. A lot of people have pitched in. It wasn't just the effort of a few people."

Maureen Murray toured the facility, even though she had toured it when it opened to members Sept. 7.

"I play bridge here every week," said Murray, who has been a member of the country club since it opened in 1969. "It's beautiful."

McManus said the renovations might not be the only upgrades to the facility. A 40- to 60-foot expansion of the ballroom is being planned but has not gone before members for approval, McManus said.