Grey Bruce Golf News

Piper's Glen sold

Brampton developer takes over

Brampton-based developer Rod Rice is the new owner of The Links at Piper's Glen near Port Elgin.

Sale of the 18-hole course to Rice's company, the Redhawk Group, was finalized Sept. 23. The sale price was not disclosed.

A reception was held Oct. 22 at the club to allow members to meet the new owner and ask questions about future plans. In an email to members, Rice and previous owners Don and Inez Fenton say Piper's will continue to operate as an 18-hole golf course "as far into the future as we can see."

"Redhawk is committed to building onto the business which the Fentons have established at Piper's Glen. We look forward to making some improvements to the Links so that both you as members and the general public will enjoy that distinctive golf experience which is Piper's Glen," it states in the email.

Rice said in an interview his plans are to develop the 240-acre property as a golf community and there is enough property around the course to allow this to happen without affecting the course. Rice is from a family with a long history of residential and commercial development. The current family business, Rice Development, is owned by Rod and his brothers David and Jeffery. Redhawk is a company subsidiary.

In addition to residential and commercial development, the company is involved in the ownership of three of Ontario's largest adult lifestyle communities, including Sandycove Acres, a private community in Innisfil that is designed specifically for the 60s-plus age group.

The Fentons will remain involved in the golf course to assist the new management. As part of the deal, they will be allowed to remain in their home on the north side of the golf course property for up to five years.

Before venturing into the golf business, the Fentons were dairy and cash crop farmers on the property. They began construction of the golf course in August, 2001, and nine holes were opened in September, 2003. The full 18 holes were opened in June 2004.

Last year, the club received provincial attention when it played host to the Ontario Junior and Juvenile Girls' Championship.

Head pro Glen Massey, who helped bring the provincial tournament to Piper's, will return to the club for the 2009 season.