For only the second time in its 50-year history, Houston
Lake Country Club will change ownership. The new owner is Mark Byrd, President
of Byrd and Company in Houston County. The sale follows an extended period of
negotiations with the property’s current owners, Chris and Beth Murman, who
have owned and operated the landmark property since 1986.
“Mark Byrd is very intelligent and capable of taking Houston
Lake to the next level. We believe that this great asset belongs in the hands
of a local owner who understands the market.” said Murman.
Byrd agrees.
“My goal is to build on the wonderful reputation that
Houston Lake has earned over the years. We will retain the great staff and
continue to deliver the outstanding service that the club is known for. We also
want to look for ways where we can add value by offering more options to our
members and customers. Golf is the centerpiece but it’s the overall customer
experience that keeps people coming back,” he said.
Industry observers regard Houston Lake as one of the most
successful golf properties in the Southeastern United States.
The club was founded in 1965 by a group led by for mer
United States Sen. Sam Nunn, members of the Tolleson family, and several other
notable locals, on property formerly owned by the Davis family. One very unique
feature is its location on a 167-acre lake built before the Civil War. The
lake, celebrated for its natural beauty and cooling summer breezes is owned by
the club. Several fairways and holes run along the lakeside.
Golf Georgia has named the club one of the “Top 10
semi-private clubs in Georgia.” Georgia Trend Magazine has described it as “One
of Georgia’s jewels.” The patio overlooking the course and the lake is a
popular venue for weddings and special events.
Readers of The Telegraph have voted Houston Lake “Best of
the Best” numerous times for “Best Fine Dining,” “Best Golf Course” and “Best
ProShop.”
Byrd is a native of Houston County, and a 1988 graduate of
Northside High School. He earned a BBA in finance from Georgia Southern
University in 1992. He is active in numerous Houston County civic organizations
to include the Houston County Development Authority; the RAFB 21st Century
Partnership; Middle Georgia State College; the Museum of Aviation; and the
Perry and Robins Regional Chambers of Commerce.
Byrd, his wife Amy, and their 11-year-old son, Parker, are
members of the Bonaire United Methodist Church. Parker is the fourth generation
in the family to reside in Houston County.
Murman will continue to be a part of Houston Lake as he will
assume a consulting and advisory role to assist in the transition and future
growth of the club.
“Our objective is to have a seamless transfer of
responsibilities for the benefit of our club members and our outstanding staff,
who have the deep institutional knowledge of Houston Lake Country Club. Beth
and I are looking forward to being ‘members’ ourselves, and watching the club
continue to grow into the 21st century.”
Events marking the change of ownership will be announced in
coming weeks.
HHJ News
