Golf Courses - Operations / Design Expert Witnesses: 3

Edward L. Smilow, Esq., PGM, is an Attorney at Law, Golf Professional, and Professor of Golf and the Law. As a trial and appellate lawyer for 35 years, a golfer for 55 years, a golf professional for 18 years, and the creator and professor of the only college course taught on golf course law in the United States, he has the unique ability to represent the Game of Golf and the people who make a living in the game.

Litigation Support- As general counsel to numerous golf courses, country clubs and resort properties, Mr. Smilow has broad-based knowledge and experience to provide legal counsel and representation to avoid legal entanglements, successfully defend against unwarranted claims, and effectively advocate the rights of those who have invested their lives and fortunes in the Game of Golf.

Mr. Smilow represents owners, operators, general managers, PGA professionals, superintendents, country club controllers, golf industry entrepreneurs, golf vendors, and industry leaders have all sought his counsel on the myriad of ways that golf is affected by the law. A much-requested and noted speaker at golf industry forums, he has a unique perspective reflective of his extensive knowledge of golf history, the importance of golf in today's society, and the need to avoid legal entanglements through the introduction of proactive measures and aggressive representation when needed.

Areas of Expertise:

Errant Golf Ball and Personal Injury Law Golf Course Labor and Employment Law Contract Negotiation, Review and Implementation Purchase and Sale of Golf Course Property Government Relations

Golf Course and Country Club Organization, Management and Operation Golf Course ADA and Civil Rights Compliance Golf Course Architecture and Design Standards Non-profit Organizations Environmental Law and Compliance

Background Experience - Graduate of Cornell University, the New England School of Law, the Professional Golfers Career College (Valedictorian) and advanced legal certification from the University of Southern California. Member of the bar of the State of California and the Supreme Court of the United States. Elected to membership in the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates and designated a "Citizen of Distinction" by the NAACP, City of Santa Ana, State of CA, and the Congress of the United States.

Past Executive Director of the California Golf Course Owners Association, Member of the CGCOA Advisory Board, Mr. Smilow represents owners and operators throughout the State of California.

Ken Tannar’s Golf Expertise is unique in the legal world. As an Errant Golf Ball expert, Mr. Tannar can analyze and give advice on potential damage produced by errant golf balls. With an increase in residential developments built around golf courses, errant golf balls will almost certainly cause damage to property and/or persons. 

Mr. Tannar provides litigation support services on all cases involving golf club / ball interactions. Having consulted on over 70 cases, he uses a highly accurate golf ball projectile model, Mr. Tannar can determine the “zones of danger.” including:

Golf Netting Safety Height - Topographic Errant Ball Analysis - Adjoining Property Errant Golf Ball - Safety Determination

Mr. Tannar has been providing expert advice to golf courses, driving ranges, residential properties and the courts for since 2000. He has advised on cases in Australia, Canada, Norway, Spain, UK and many of the US States.

Richard Singer is the leading expert in Golf Facility Operations, Transactions and Valuation Consulting. He has been qualified as an expert witness in cases involving golf course transactions, valuations, liability, economic potential, usual and customary practices and business plan preparation.

Mr. Singer has been the Director of Consulting Services for the National Golf Foundation (NGF) since 1997, and now has a total of 26 years of golf facility consulting experience. He first joined the NGF consulting staff in 1989 as a project analyst after completing his Finance MBA at the University of Florida. Mr. Singer has successfully managed the NGF’s well-known golf consulting practice with an industry-respected track record of success and a reputation for delivering projects on time and on budget.

Mr. Singer’s consulting services for alternative golf facilities have included both new development and operational reviews for driving ranges, putting courses, miniature golf courses, golf learning centers, executive / par-3 courses, and various combinations with other facilities. He co-authored the NGF publication How to Plan, Build and Operate a Successful Golf Range.

Experience Includes:

Golf Facility Feasibility Analysis Golf Operations Consulting Account Management Real Estate Master Planning Expert Witness Financial Analysis Business Plan Preparation

Budgeting / Planning Public Presentations Golf Business Valuation Golf Market Analysis Staffing / HR Proposal Writing Credit Evaluation

Golf Facility Operations Consulting Services Include:

Golf Course Inspections Operational / Accounting Audits Management / Operations Contract Preparation Clubhouse Design / Needs Assessments	RFP Preparation Assistance Golf Marketing Strategies Green Fee / Member Pricing Business Plan Preparation Litigation Assistance