November 2013
| Business World Magazine | 223
most dynamic forces of industry through-
out the world. Several corporations use
this venue as a place to interact with high-
end clients as well as a means to reward
their top producers by treating them to
a stay here. During the week when Au-
gusta National hosts The Masters Tourna-
ment, Champions Retreat plays hosts to
members and guests from many countries
including China, South Africa, Ireland,
Australia or as Fitzpatrick says, “from
all over the world.” Atypical of some pri-
vate clubs, Champions Retreat doesn’t
mandate that members accompany in-
vited guests; Fitzpatrick says services
have been structured to accommodate the
needs of working corporate executives.
Champions Retreat enjoys a certain
cachet of exclusivity, a sort of golfing
secret to those “in-the-know” and to be
sure, Fitzpatrick says the strategy here
is to remain a private club. “Our growth
has come from word of mouth; we don’t
advertise or beat the gong on all that we
have to offer.” Fitzpatrick says growth
has occurred from those who have had an
opportunity to visit, either from attending
during Masters Week or from participat-
ing in events such as a recent tournament
conducted with the Georgia State Golf
Association, yet by and large, growth
has come simply from referrals from the
club’s members. “The word gets out that
we have a fabulous place with great golf,
great accommodations and the greatest
staff you can meet, and that makes peo-
ple want to come here.” To Fitzpatrick’s
point, Champions Retreat has achieved
year after year of consecutive growth,
and that trend is anticipated to continue.
As for the future, he says the plans
include expanding the national member-
ship program. He also notes that there are
plans to expand infrastructure in a dis-
tant future, but more immediate priorities
revolve around simply maintaining the
quality in golf and guest service opera-
tions. “We do have plans for expansion,
but that’s down the road, and we’re think-
ing about how we can provide greater ser-
vice for larger groups,” says Fitzpatrick.
“Whatever we do, we’ll do it the best we
can. We’re not interested in getting ahead
ourselves ... our plan is to grow methodi-
cally and intelligently with the needs of
members and guests first in our mind.”
