Michael Jordan Golf Co. Inc. will open a facility in
Charlotte, NC, within one year of the opening of its first center
in suburban Chicago later this month, according to Erik Spanberg
of the CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Trudy Reeves, VP of Michael
Jordan Golf, said they "have made some contacts and will be
looking for a site in Charlotte." The center will feature
driving ranges, a short game practice area, greens with bunkers,
clubhouse, miniature golf, and a golf shop. Some "memberships
will be sold, but the clubhouse will be open to the public," with
each center offering golf programs for underprivileged youth.
The first facility in Aurora, IL, cost about $3M to develop.
Jordan is "a major investor and board member of the company,
which is headed by Chuck Reeves," who worked for Jack Nicklaus'
golf course design company. Other investors will be "taken on
for additional sites." Centers are planned for Orlando, Atlanta
and Raleigh, with the first four expansion sites owned by the
original partners. Jordan will "leverage his commercial
endorsements at the center" by offering Nike and Wilson goods
(CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/16 issue).
