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Black Bull recently announced the acquisition of two pieces of golf equipment that aids in the process of giving members the best golf experience in the Rocky Mountains; the Callaway OptiFit System and the TrackMan.

"We have acquired a Callaway OptiFit System that matches individual club heads to individual shafts to optimize the golf club for the player," says P. David Baucom, Director of Golf. This new innovative system eliminates much of the guess work out of club fitting. "Our PGA Professionals have been trained by Callaway to assist members in determining the best club for their abilities."

"And, our new TrackMan allows Black Bull's trained PGA Professionals to evaluate a golfer's swing using measured radar impulses and 3-D images on a special computer screen," adds Baucom. "This device is so advanced that it measures and projects actual data instead of calculated data." Additionally it provides the operator the ability to track carry distance, ball landing position, ball speed, vertical launch angle, spin rate, club speed, and more. This is especially useful when fitting a ball to a certain club, club to swing speed and dispersion groups to both.

During the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines (June 12-15), the TrackMan captured player launch and trajectory data. This is only the second time in USGA tournament history that this data has been captured during live competition."Black Bull is the only golf club in the neighboring states to feature this combined equipment and the advantages the process has to offer members," says Baucom. There are less than 100 TrackMan systems in the United States.

In 2009, Black Bull intends to partner with Callaway Golf to construct a state-of-the-art test center to house the TrackMan and OptiFit equipment. “Once completed, it will be the first such facility in a private club. Then, our members will be able to use the equipment any time of the year in all weather conditions."

"We are excited to offer our members this unique Callaway advantage. It is just one of the many amenities at Black Bull that helps make it like no other golf club in Montana."

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In the Rocky Mountains, when you are looking for quality western architecture, one of the first names that come to mind is Jerry Locati, A.I.A. Locati is the architect behind the stunning Club Homes, Swim and Tennis Center and Clubhouse at Black Bull. A Montana native, Jerry Locati has set the tone for regional design of the highest quality. Inspired to combine his architectural perception with the Western culture, Jerry works to create spaces that both capture and celebrate the true spirit of the American West.

Locati Architects is recognized nationally for their designs, with homes featured in publications such as Cowboys & Indians, Log Home Living, Big Sky Journal, and Mountain Living magazines.

"Black Bull is a remarkable project for us," says Locati. "We have worked hard to create a unique architectural style that takes cues from the southwest, but also incorporates Montana's rustic elegance and heritage. Helping to create a sense of community is what makes this project so special."

The Club Homes, located at the center of the community are elegantly-rustic, single-family homes designed for turn-key convenience. There are multiple models from which to choose and all provide unique amenities.

The Swim and Tennis Center, pictured at right, with its vaulted spaces and heavy timber trusses, feature men’s and women’s locker rooms, direct access to the pool and hot tub, and food and drink service. An expansive deck provides ample space for outdoor dining and lounging.

The centerpiece of the Black Bull Golf Community will be the Clubhouse. Located on a bench overlooking the expanse of the Bridger Mountains and the golf course below, the Clubhouse will be designed to maximize the spectacular views, create a social venue for Black Bull members, and provide a uniquely "Montana" private golf experience of which the Gallatin Valley has no equal. Amenities of the clubhouse will include a restaurant, full-service pro shop, locker rooms, complete fitness center with spa services and car-washing services.

For more information on Locati Architects, visit http://www.locatiarchitects.com/.

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A 1960 touring limousine bus originally produced by the checkered cab company which was once used as a touring bus at Yellowstone National Park is being completely restored. The bus was developed specifically for sightseeing in the National Park System of the United States. The touring vehicle has 8 doors, seats 12 people, and features a wood baggage rack on the roof. It was originally used as a Yellowstone Park touring bus from circa 1961 through 1989. The older Yellowstone fleet was gradually phased out and the buses were used until the 1980's when the remaining buses were sold, as many vehicles needed major repairs. Sadly, many of the buses never operated again; until now. Black Bull is completely restoring the bus and will be used for member activities and will proudly feature the Black Bull logo.

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The Bye Hole concept originated in and comes from the British Isles. The hole is designed as a short pitch shot to be played behind the 18th green toward the island green in front of the clubhouse area. This particular hole can be played from multiple positions, even after the 9th hole, to settle all bets on the front nine. From almost anywhere at the clubhouse, you can see the 10th, 18th, and 19th Bye Hole along with unparalleled views of the majestic mountain ranges that surround the Bozeman area.

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One of the first community structures that will available to Black Bull residents and members is the Locati designed Swim & Tennis Center. This 3500± square foot building will be completed by fall 2007 in time for the soft opening of the golf course.

The Swim & Tennis Center (STC) will serve as the interim pro shop until the main clubhouse is completed. The facility will be equipped with men’s and women’s locker rooms, grill and snack bar.

Also available is an event lawn that overlooks the 1st and 9th fairways and the golfers’ halfway house. The main features of the STC will be the stainless steel swimming pool – a first to the valley – as well as 2 hard-court tennis courts, to open in the summer of 2008.

Labels: Black Bull Amenities