Facility upgrades, course rework highlight changes at new-look Medina Country Club

When Sharon Township resident Bill Cosgrove purchased Medina Country Club for $3.5 million in January 2022, it had 57 full-time members. Less than 18 months later, it has 210. "It was on the respirator," said Cosgrove, the CEO of Strongsville-based Union Home Mortgage. "We've saved it from that. "It's really an exciting time to be part of Medina Country Club. Membership numbers are up tremendously, but we're nowhere near capacity." Since taking over, Cosgrove's group has begun redesigning and upgrading the 27 holes on the course — The Lilac 9 and The Championship 18 — and made significant additions that will involve an approximate $10 million investment when all is said and done. Chief among them is a 13,000-square-foot training facility that will include a new gym, golf simulators, party center, the Jim Wise Golf Academy and an indoor driving range and chipping and putting area. It is located just east of the main building. "I'm born and raised here in Northeast Ohio," said the 60-year-old Cosgrove, a Bedford native. "I've lived here my entire life and grown up with a real passion for the game of golf. For me, it was an opportunity to take a club with a wonderful history in Medina County and the southwestern part of Greater Cleveland and bring it back to predominance. It was an opportunity and a calling I just couldn't pass up. "The club had a wonderful core of members, but it was very obvious as we looked at the opportunity that the golf course and amenities were old and worn out. It was going to need a major renovation and investment of capital and new management." Cosgrove is confident he has that in general manager Rob Preseren, head superintendent Brian Smoot, head golf pro Kirby Manown and executive chef Greg Burgess. "The interesting opportunity at Medina, first and foremost, was that the 200 acres that comprise Medina Country Club feature tremendous terrain," Cosgrove said. "It's a beautifully spectacular piece of land. It's very undulating and one of the best properties for golf in Northeast Ohio. It's really special. That's what got me most excited." The $5 million training facility, which is 80 percent complete, has Cosgrove especially excited. Members of Medina Country Club will have access to it, but memberships also will be sold solely to that facility. "The building will be one of the top three practice facilities in Northeast Ohio," Cosgrove said. "It's that good." Better still, he added, is that the Jim Wise Golf Academy for junior golfers will be included. "Jim has built one of the top youth teaching programs in all of Ohio," said Cosgrove, who has known Wise for 25 years. "The minute I knew our family was acquiring Medina Country Club, I called him to see if there was an opportunity to bring his program. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn the game the right way." The Lilac 9, which was known as the Red 9 when the original 27 holes were opened between 1962 and 1967, is being revamped and designed by nationally known golf architect Dave Zinkand. Expected to be completed in two years or less, The Lilac 9 will feature multiple tee boxes and large greens that will be capable of being played as completely different holes. That course, which targets primarily beginners and casual golfers, will be used as a practice area until its completion. The Championship 18 is open every day weather permits but is still undergoing alterations and improvements. Cosgrove estimates 750 trees, many of which were not in good shape or dead, already have been removed. Bunkers also have been repaired in what Cosgrove called a "multimillion-dollar investment." Land west of the course was sold to Ryan Homes, which divided it into 82 lots that will be part of Fairway Landing. The homeowners association agreement will include a social membership to Medina Country Club. The dilapidated tennis courts located across state Route 162 will not be restored, but Cosgrove said Pickleball courts will eventually be added. Renovations on the first floor of the clubhouse and kitchen have been completed. Medina Country Club has various membership plans available, including packages for families, single members, seniors and young executives. Social memberships also are available. For more information, visit the club's website at medinacc.com or call (330) 725-6621. Cosgrove, who became the third owner of Medina Country Club in less than two years, is confident the club will thrive despite being located in an area where there are a lot of options for golfers and their families. "It's like anything in life," he said. "There's competition everywhere. That really doesn't drive me or bother me or motivate me or concern us. It's a matter of being the best version of yourself. "Medina Country Club is specially situated to take it back to what it once was, which was one of the best clubs in the western part of Northeast Ohio." Contact Rick Noland at (330) 721-4046 or rnoland@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @RickNoland on Twitter.