GrayBull Golf Club is getting the bulk of attention from golfers and media these days as it prepares for its 2024 opening in the sandhills of Maxwell, NE. But the David McLay Kidd layout is only one part of parent Dormie Network’s continuing growth and success.
Based in Lincoln, NE., about three hours west of GrayBull, Dormie Network’s portfolio of member-driven clubs includes its flagship Dormie Club near Pinehurst, N.C; Briggs Ranch (San Antonio); Ballyhack (Roanoke, VA); ArborLinks (Nebraska City, NE); Hidden Creek (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.); and Victoria National (Newburgh, IN).
Each club features cottages that can accommodate up to 60 guests and members, world-class golf from the likes of Coore and Crenshaw (Dorme Club) and Tom Fazio (Briggs Ranch), and hospitality that rivals any five-star or high-end public club in the world. For example, don’t pass on the tequila tasting and Mex-Mex dining at Briggs Ranch, or the circular wine room at Dormie Club.
“GrayBull obviously is exciting because it’s a new build from the start,’’ said Phil Owenby, Dormie Network’s chief development officer and a member of the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame. “We’re taking it from the raw ground in a beautiful landscape and in a beautiful area of the country. There are a lot of new things involved with GrayBull, but at the same time, it’s accentuating what we have with our other clubs. They are each in their own right continuing to grow.’’
Dormie Network was founded in 2016 when the Peed family, of Lincoln, acquired ArborLinks, and its then-public Arnold Palmer-designed course. Next came Ballyhack, which features an outstanding Lester George-designed course, followed by Briggs Ranch. The Peeds took control Dormie Club in 2018
“We have really just continued to grow operations tremendously,’’Owenby said. “But in a way we’re still a start-up – still learning how to do things and maturing.
“But at the same time, I think the company is at a point where it’s certainly recognized as making a big splash in the industry. No one is really doing what we’re doing.’’
The key to that is in the “Network’’ part of the company’s name. Unlike other high-profile destinations that are driving today’s high-end resort market, Dormie Network is just what the name implies – a nationwide collection of private clubs with no minimum stay requirements. Members, with the help of the company’s concierges, can easily travel between each property and book stays up to one year in advance.
“Every single property has something different – from lodging to culinary to the golf courses. It’s all different. And it’s so fun to plan those trips.’’
Some advice: Plan those trips as soon as possible. Like most high-profile golf destinations, Dormie Network properties are already filling up.
“Business entertainment golf – and destination retreat golf – has been here for a long time and will continue to stay,’’ Owenby said. “Golfers love the game and they love the experiences. But I think what we’re doing is ahead of the curve.’’
Feature Photo: First and second holes at GrayBull Golf Club
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