Half a decade later, that promise of excellence is visible at every turn. On the golf side, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. A brand-new 70,000-square-foot practice facility is for serious game improvement, complete with a double-sided practice range, practice greens, and a short-game area that mirrors real on-course challenges. The Arthur Hills championship course itself has been brought back to life, with a new irrigation system, re-grassed tee boxes, and fully rebuilt greens that once again meet championship standards.
Southern Trace’s revival isn’t confined to its fairways and greens. The racquet community has seen its own renaissance, with resurfaced Har-Tru courts and the addition of four pickleball courts that hum with activity. The clubhouse, meanwhile, has been reinvented from the inside out. Franklin’s, the club’s new restaurant and social hub, blends a lively U-shaped bar with warm, comfortable dining spaces, honoring longtime associate Franklin with a namesake gathering place that feels both fresh and familiar. A covered terrace with sweeping golf course views now extends the experience outdoors, offering year-round enjoyment.
“Troon has been proud to work alongside Southern Trace members throughout this journey,” said Troon Vice President of Operations David Stinson. “From agronomy to clubhouse operations, our role has been to provide expertise and resources while empowering the membership to bring their vision to life. What’s been accomplished here is extraordinary, and it’s a direct reflection of a community working together.”
Even the smallest details tell the story of renewal. The fitness center gleams with new equipment, energy and class offerings. Trace Kids thrives in a brighter, larger space. “The Bunker,” a private swing suite with TrackMan technology, gives golfers and guests a new way to play, rain or shine. Everywhere one looks there’s evidence of members’ commitment — not just to maintaining their investment, but to building a club that feels like home.
Working closely with Troon, whose operational guidance has been integral to the process, the members of Southern Trace have proven what’s possible when passion and partnership align. As Board of Director’s President Clint Cormier reflects, “I’m incredibly proud to be part of this community and to see our members unite around a place that holds so many memories. They’ve invested in its future, proving our guiding message true: Your course. Your community. Your club.”
Southern Trace’s journey back to excellence is more than a checklist of projects completed — it’s a story of ownership, pride, and community. Five years in, the best chapters are still ahead.
