Cincinnatus- In 2020 Michael Myers was working in software development in California when he was approached by a family member with a proposal to purchase the Knickerbocker golf course, which at that time was proposed to be sold for the development of a commercial solar farm. Myers, who is originally from the Cincinnatus area, saw an opportunity to invest and create a future for his family.
While many businesses were shuttered during COVID, golf was one of the businesses that were allowed to re-open and saw an uptick in popularity. As Myers took over the operation it was apparent that the facilities needed attention and investment. “It hadn’t changed one iota, not a paint color, none of the furnishings, nothing had changed since I graduated from school here in 1969,” he said.
Myers purchased the facility and immediately set about renovating the club house and the grounds. The original clubhouse opened in 1960 did not have heat or air conditioning, which has now been added. Electrical systems were upgraded, restrooms were remodeled and made accessible. Major renovations were made to the kitchen including new cooking and prep facilities and the bar was remodeled with new products added for customers.
Using $20,000 in BDC façade and business improvement grants funded by Cortland County’s COVID relief funds, Myers undertook a major exterior renovation including new windows and building treatments. Furnishings were replaced and new outdoor seating was added. The upgrades were not just limited to the clubhouse, improvements to the golf course allowed for a course rating by the USGA, the facility has now joined the PGA which is attracting new members and guests for areas outside the County.
Myer’s is working to provide year-round food service and is now hosting several private events. Investments have led to the creation of a new full-time cook position, and he has plans for additional investments to continue building on the new brand that he and his family have established.
Myers acknowledged that his investments were supported by the BDC grant. “I’ve written grant proposals for governmental organizations, and they can be extremely tedious and difficult, and you can’t reach people. Here we were able to get feedback by picking up the phone. It didn’t mean you were able to say we were going to get a grant it meant we were able to talk to somebody and get questions answered.”
