In case you did not know River Forest Country Club in Freeport, Pennsylvania, transitioned away from African American ownership in November 2022. The new group of owners includes longtime friends David Rice and Eric Meyhofer, along with co-owners Andi and Steve Irwin, according to tribelive.com. Former owners, Jamy and Robert Rankin (African Americans) stepped down from their ownership roles but stay engaged as club members. The new leadership has continued the momentum, overseeing significant course improvements—particularly to greens and irrigation—and making updates across the facility.
The course experienced a significant transformation back in 2019 when Jamy and Robert joined forces with Andi and Steve Irwin to purchase the club. Jamy Rankin, a retired executive turned passionate golf advocate, and her husband Robert—a Pittsburgh firefighter—helped form River Forest Enterprises LLC to take full ownership of the 450-acre facility, which includes an 18-hole par‑72 championship golf course, clubhouse, pro shop, and a banquet-ready restaurant named Lily’s. Jamy assumed the role of general manager while Robert became CFO. The team reopened the club under refreshed branding and reopened Lily’s restaurant with renewed energy. Their vision was to build an inclusive, vibrant “country club for the 21st century” with a mix of golf and community-centered entertainment offerings. Their ownership placed the club on the African American Golfer’s Digest list of Africa American-Owned Golf Courses.
Under the Rankin’s leadership, the club welcomed approximately 400 dues‑paying members while remaining open to public play. Membership options ranged from low-cost Par memberships and Twilight plans to full Eagle memberships with unlimited golf and special event access. Innovative attractions such as WhingGolf, drone races, live music nights, comedy events, and themed weekends helped expand appeal well beyond traditional golfing circles.
When AAGD reached out, Jamy said, “We sold the club because it was too hard to find quality employees after COVID. In addition, the club needed a new irrigation system, which we were going to put in, but the price doubled after COVID, so it didn’t make financial sense to move forward.”
Today, River Forest CC remains a thriving, inclusive destination, blending championship golf with social activities and community access. With its public-friendly model, diverse event programming, and ongoing enhancements, the club continues to honor the Rankins’ original mission while evolving under fresh leadership to serve both members and visitors in the Alle‑Kiski Valley.
