sponsor spotlight By Robbyn Moore
WABEEK CLUB ADDING LIFE INTO THE COUNTRY CLUB LIFESTYLE
The new owners at Wabeek Club have poured more than $7 million into renovations throughout their establishment, including the pool, banquet hall, dining room, fitness area and locker rooms. With a contemporary modern feel that’s comparable to an experience in Miami or LA — right in the heart of Oakland County — the club is taking the country out of country club and adding life into lifestyle. While the clean, new look attracts young professionals and families, the 180-acre golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye, have remained a timeless staple to the club’s legendary golf experience. “When we think back to the original 54 • February 2021
founders of Wabeek Club, it’s easy to understand the potential they envisioned when designing this pristine course,” Membership Director Laura Barrick said. “From rolling hills and towering trees, it’s a ‘Pure Michigan’ golf community at its finest.” The new investor group, led by Joe Barbat, envisioned and then created a warm, friendly environment where all club members could experience an elevated level of service at any touchpoint throughout the establishment. In 2019, a complete renovation to the 45,000-square-foot clubhouse added a modern twist to the original 1972 look and feel. The private event space can host intimate gatherings as
well as large groups up to 400 people with floorto-ceiling window views of the golf course and customizable menus. “Whether a member is looking for a casual lunch from the grill or an elegant, date night dinner, W Club spared no expense,” Laura shared. The impressive food and beverage service is available throughout its entire location, offering healthy menu choices during all seasons. “Coming later this winter, we will launch a new five-star restaurant called Tribu, with an executive chef who is a culinary master,” Laura said. The resort-like pool offers members a getaway feeling that rivals any luxury vacation without the hassle of leaving the neighborhood. Other additions include a year-round golf experience with two state-of-the-art TrackMan golf simulators and @realproducers
