Hampton Golf announced Wednesday that it acquired the golf course and club assets at Palencia, a 2,350-acre master-planned community in St. Augustine, in partnership with Randy Frankel, a partner of the Tampa Bay Rays. The closing was completed Wednesday.
Hampton Golf said the 33,000-square-foot clubhouse and Arthur Hills golf course will remain a private membership club under Hampton Golf’s management. Hines, the community’s original developer, will continue to manage the development and sale of real estate in Palencia.
Hampton Golf President M.G. Orender said the priorities are to grow the membership and enhance customer service.
Hampton Golf said planned enhancements for the clubhouse include the expansion of food and beverage offerings for members. Renovations will allow for additional private, banquet and open dining options for members. Conditioning of the golf course is planned for the spring. It said it will launch an “aggressive” membership drive soon. Hampton Golf also will work to secure corporate play, tournaments and group outings at the club.
Hampton Golf named David Shaffer as general manager at Palencia. Shaffer has more than 20 years of experience in golf course management.
Jacksonville-based Hampton Golf said Palencia is the third partnership between it and Frankel. The other two are The Golf Club at North Hampton in Fernandina Beach and Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville.
Hampton Golf was co-founded in 1998 by Orender and business partner Ed Burr.