Imagine handing over the reins of a cherished project to a passionate community – that's the heartwarming saga unfolding at Council Fire Club, where developer Jon Kinsey is bidding a bittersweet farewell to a place that's like family to him. But here's where it gets emotional: after decades of nurturing this East Brainerd gem, Kinsey is selling it directly to the club's members, ensuring its future stays in the hands of those who love it most. Let's dive into the details of this unique transition, exploring how a group of dedicated golfers rallied to keep their paradise intact – and why this move might just spark some heated debates in the golf world.
Nestled along the scenic Chickamauga Creek, Council Fire Club stands as a residential golf community with stunning features like the challenging downhill par 5 11th hole, the picturesque par 4 16th bordering the creek, and a recently remodeled clubhouse that's practically a work of art. For those new to golf communities, think of it as a private resort where residents enjoy exclusive access to top-tier courses, social events, and facilities – all wrapped in natural beauty.
Jon Kinsey, a 71-year-old Chattanooga developer with a stellar track record, has left his mark on the area through projects like revitalizing the historic Choo Choo complex. Yet, Council Fire holds a special place in his heart, more than any other venture. This emotional connection makes parting ways particularly poignant for him. And this is the part most people miss: despite his successes, Kinsey sees the club as his 'baby,' a labor of love that's now ready for its next chapter under new guardianship.
The time has come for Kinsey to transfer ownership to the club's members, who have organized an enthusiastic fundraising effort to buy it through equity shares. The price remains undisclosed, but the deal allows members to invest in the club as partial owners, giving them a say in decisions – a concept sometimes called member equity, which empowers everyone involved and can make a community feel more inclusive. For beginners, equity ownership means buying a stake in the club, similar to owning stock in a company, where profits and decisions are shared among shareholders.
At a recent meeting with equity members, Kinsey expressed his joy amid friends, saying, 'I couldn't be happier. You all know this is my baby. Over the last couple of years, I arranged to invest another $6 million into this place. And I realized it was time to get Council Fire into a next life. We've had a lot of interested people, but to see it go to the members is so great that it makes me want to cry. Instead of me always being the one to have to decide where we are going to spend, y'all are going to be doing it. I've always said Council Fire is what it is because of the members, and now y'all are in charge, and I think it's great. I'm so excited to continue to be a part of it.'
As the managing general partner, Kinsey considered offers from various golf course management firms and private equity companies. But when members approached with their purchase idea, he paused to give them a chance. 'We had a lot of interest in buying this great golf course,' Kinsey noted. 'For the members to be able to buy it is the greatest thing. The fact I’m selling it to them at a discount is going to cause me a little bit of grief with some of my investors, but that’s okay. I know it will be in good hands.' This discount – essentially a reduced price – highlights Kinsey's commitment, but it could raise eyebrows among those who wonder if it's fair to outside investors.
Earlier this fall, Kinsey had a potential buyer lined up, but that deal fell through. That's when long-time member Frank Proctor stepped in, reaching out to Kinsey. 'Rumors were there that Jon had sold it, and I told him I wish he had given us a chance to buy it,' Proctor recalled. 'When that other group dropped out, Jon called and said, ‘Frank, are you interested still?’ I said, ‘Sure, let’s see what we can do.’ And so I started talking to a lot of the members, and it just sort of blossomed.' Through meetings, emails, and calls, Proctor and his group built consensus, leading to a new corporate setup with updated bylaws. Proctor, set to serve as president of the nine-member board, emphasized his long friendship with Kinsey and his dislike for outsiders taking over. 'Jon and I had been friends for a long time since I've been a member here. We played golf together, and I live out here, and I just didn't like the idea of somebody coming in buying our golf course.'
Not all current members have committed to this equity model yet, so the club is welcoming new members until all shares are taken. This openness could attract fresh faces, expanding the community – but some might argue it risks diluting the original group's exclusivity.
General Manager Chris DeBusk, who's been with the club for five years working closely with Kinsey, is thrilled. 'I could not be more excited and prouder for the entire membership at Council Fire Club,' DeBusk said. 'It is certainly a special moment and great to see how a group of people can get together to make this occur. The greatest asset a club will ever have is the members and associates. Council Fire Club stands alone for a number of reasons, at the top of the list is the people who have chosen to call the club home. For over 35 years, Jon Kinsey has overseen the club and believes this is the best direction for Council Fire to move forward. He has been a tremendous owner to work for. I am excited to work alongside the members as their adventure takes flight. Within the Chattanooga golf community, this changeover has taken center stage. The number of texts, emails, and phone calls I have received in the last two months has been tremendous. In the last few weeks, I have been sending membership packets out constantly to interested parties. This most certainly changes the trajectory of Council Fire Club.'
Council Fire's roots trace back to the 1980s, when Kinsey and partner Jeff Leonard bought 303 acres in East Brainerd for apartments. They shifted plans after developing elsewhere, and the land's natural beauty caught Jack Lupton's eye. Lupton, known for creating The Honors Course in 1983 – a non-profit venue for amateur golf – was helping with PGA Tour events in Chattanooga. He connected with Kinsey when a new course was needed to keep a tournament. Kinsey recalled, 'I was 32 years old when I bought the first farm, and we weren't thinking about a golf course. And then Jack Lupton and I decided to go do a golf course, and the whole history of that place changed. It was important that the world know Jack was behind it because nobody knew who Jon Kinsey was. With Jack’s involvement, people knew it was going to get finished and be a first-class golf course.' Lupton also drove the Tennessee Aquarium's development, revitalizing Chattanooga's riverfront.
The club opened in 1992, hosting the PGA Tour's Chattanooga-Hamilton County Classic that year, but it didn't return. Kinsey bought out Lupton's share as the club grew, and he credits Lupton for bringing in designer Bob Cupp. Now, after 33 years as a guiding force – and even serving as Chattanooga's mayor from 1997-2001 – Kinsey is grateful. 'Council Fire is what it is for a couple of reasons. One is Jack Lupton getting Bob Cupp to serve as the designer and architect. But most of all, it is because of the members that are there. I never imagined the journey that I've been on. It’s been great. I've done a lot in real estate and other things, but I'm as proud of Council Fire as anything, including the Choo Choo.'
Over the years, Council Fire has hosted prestigious events, from the 1992 PGA Tour event to a 1993 Senior Tour pro-am featuring Arnold Palmer, invited by local legend Gibby Gilbert. Kinsey cherishes playing with Lupton and Palmer: 'My greatest memory will always be the time I played with Jack Lupton and Arnold Palmer when we had the Senior event. I mean, I got to play with Arnold Palmer. He and Tiger Woods defined golf during my lifetime.' Other highlights include the 2008 NCAA Men’s Golf Regionals, the 1994 Southern Conference championship, and 11 Tennessee Golf Association titles like the State Open in 2022 and State Amateur in 2021. It's also hosted Tennessee PGA Section championships, the 2023 Challenge Cup, and qualifiers for USGA events. For over 25 years, it partnered with The Honors Course for a pro-am raising millions for junior golf. Plus, it's been the exclusive venue for the Chattanooga Tournament Players Championship for 32 years, a thrilling match play event for top local players. These events showcase the club's role in promoting golf at all levels, from pros to amateurs and juniors.
Looking ahead, the club plans to keep its top team: DeBusk, head PGA pro JD Coccia, superintendent Gary Weller, and staff in accounting, food, beverage, and hospitality. 'Without them, we couldn't do it,' Proctor said. 'We don't know anything about running the golf course, and we wanted the best people available. And that's what we're going to have.' Some members might choose not to invest in equity, creating spots for newcomers to join this highly rated Tennessee course, with a new 18th hole planned for 2026. Kinsey will stay involved as a member, excited to relax: 'I'm actually looking forward to just enjoying the place as a member. I had dinner out there last week, and the food was fabulous. Council Fire is just a wonderful place, and I'm ready to no longer be responsible for making all the decisions.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is selling a club to its members the ultimate act of community empowerment, or could it lead to internal conflicts and financial risks if not everyone agrees on decisions? Some golf enthusiasts might see this as a noble tradition, preserving exclusivity, while others worry about over-relying on member involvement without professional expertise. And this is the part most people miss: Kinsey's discounted sale to members, though heartfelt, potentially shortchanges investors – a move that sparks debate on loyalty versus fairness. Do you believe clubs like this should prioritize member ownership, or is it smarter to let external investors handle the business side? Could this model inspire other communities, or is it a gamble that might divide rather than unite? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own stories from similar transitions!
