Shangri-La purchased, renovations planned

Eddy Gibbs, owner of Ameristar Fence based in Owasso, has purchased Shangri-La Resort on Grand Lake from Peter Boylan III for an undisclosed sum.

Gibbs has announced plans to build a 6,000-square foot clubhouse and reopen at least nine holes of the Gold Course, which was closed by Boylan in 2009. The Blue Course, a 7,012-yard Don Sechrest design often ranked as one of the better public access courses in the state, remains open.

Boylan, who changed the name of the property to The Peninsula during his time as owner, had plans to build a four-star resort complete with hotel, restaurants and a conference center. The former conference center was razed, all that remains is the former lodge including 28 hotel rooms and it is gutted and ready for demolition. The new pro shop will on the course at an undetermined location.

The economy derailed Boylan's plans, he said.

"It's one of those things," he said. "Timing is everything. We wanted to do something great for the state. It's a real shame that we're one of the only states in the area that doesn't have a four-star resort. We did get a lot accomplished, including the first TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district done in the state's history. But with the hotel just not happening, I decided to let somebody else have it.

"Eddy has been a member for a long time, he's a real good guy and he's passionate about the facility."

The two story clubhouse will feature a state of the art pro shop and golf cart storage on the ground level and a restaurant and bar located on the second level with decks offering view of the golf course and Grand Lake. Also planned are meeting and event space for parties, tournaments and a fitness facility.

Gibbs could not be reached immediately for comment, but said in a release that he thanked Boylan for his efforts and that the transaction price was favorable enough to allow him to make immediate investments.

In the 1970s and 80s, Shangri-La was a popular destination, with golf and all the activities on Grand Lake as well as tennis, bowling and other amenities available. In the last 20 years it has gone through several ownership changes and its standards have fluctuated with each.