McConnell Golf - The Magazine, Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

The Magazine

New Shine on an Old Gem Raleigh Reimagines Donald Ross

Club Portfolio Expands to Virginia New London Raises a Toast for Hospice Members Celebrate 124 Aces in 2020

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

Reflecting on a year of change and opportunity THE YEAR 2020 WAS certainly filled with good times, challenges and some memories we all would like to forget.

Our company can better appreciate planning and preparation during a pandemic, which was not something that came with a playbook to follow.

The McConnell Golf staff did an amazing job modifying operations and creating new processes to allow members to find sanctuary at our clubs, especially between the lockdowns and slowdowns we experienced.

McConnell Golf had its best operational year in history. It does not seem fair that country clubs actually benefited from the pandemic, but new members flocked to our clubs, and golf and tennis boomed. I hope our new members continue to enjoy these sports once other activities return to normal.

I witnessed many families playing together this past year, which allowed for good bonding and a beneficial outcome despite the lockdown from other activities.

Golf rounds increased 25 percent with 343,000 plays within our properties, and tennis experienced a 67 percent increase; therefore, clubs were indeed busy outside. Unfortunately, food and beverage revenue plummeted in 2020; however, we gained valuable experience in creating quality take-home meals.

I think demand for this service will continue to grow even as restaurants reopen, because dinners at home are now valued more.

Last year produced several new member enhancements. Raleigh Country Club’s restoration project turned out to be a masterpiece and I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the new layout. My days of shooting low rounds are in the rearview, but this golf

course is so much fun to play. My new personal goal is to keep scores under 100 for the rest of my life, which may be unrealistic.

We added two great properties to our portfolio: Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, and The Water’s Edge Country Club on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. I have been a member at The Water’s Edge since 1994 and love the layout and beautiful scenery that surrounds this property.

It has a similar feel to Old North State Club; however, there are 10 holes with lake views. The lake itself is four times the size of Badin Lake.

Porters Neck has all the amenities of a big-time country club with a Fazio golf course, two pools, a large gym and tennis courts, including four new pickleball courts for member enjoyment.

It is now the home of our ace Corporate Chef, James Patterson, who recently moved there from Sedgefield Country Club to be closer to family. Dining options will be outstanding, and did I mention that several beaches are nearby?

However, the highlight of my year was the addition of my fifth granddaughter and sixth grandchild. Jacquelyn Vivian McConnell was born on Nov. 5 and her middle name is the same as my mother’s, so she has a special legacy to live. My youngest son Alex was just accepted at Virginia Tech so the McConnell family Hokie legacy has a new soldier. We are blessed indeed.

Some moments in life make a lasting impression. One of my most vivid memories was when I was in the seventh grade. Here comes Mr. J.G. Painter, my elementary principal, walking up to our hiding spot behind the school as two friends and I smoked

John McConnell with granddaughter Jacquelyn Vivian

some Winston cigarettes. He was oldschool and could wield a paddle with ease and effectiveness. He offered us two options: 1) We could promise to never smoke cigarettes again or 2) He would notify our parents of our misdeed. I quickly chose option one.

I outline this youthful experience because I was diagnosed with COVID-19 in late July. At my age, that could have had a deadly outcome but as a nonsmoker my lungs are healthy, and my illness was rather tame. I’m grateful, because this coronavirus affects people differently and some of my friends have died. Good health is one of our most precious assets and physical activity provides lifetime benefits.

As normalcy returns in 2021, get ready for a great season at your respective McConnell Golf club. We have many projects planned and I think you will be impressed with the facilities and activities that you can enjoy on a daily basis. May this be your best year ever!

John McConnell, CEO & Founder

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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Contents

MCCONNELL GOLF LOCATIONS MAP 7 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Justin Mathers is a good sport

8

CLUB HAPPENINGS A compilation of highlights across the clubs

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Ostwalt family finds a place to play

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GOLF: OPERATION 36 Getting juniors into the game

20

GOLF 28 Short-game facilities make practice perfect CULINARY: DRINK Adding crafty cocktails to the mix

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CULINARY: RECIPES McConnell Golf chefs are greens keepers, too

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KIDS 47 Regatta combines cardboard, creativity and competitive fun FITNESS 53 Providing the perfect fit for members THE BACK NINE Game (still) on for Jay Haas

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TENNIS/PICKLEBALL 60 Fast-growing sport courts new enthusiasts MCCONNELL GOLF SCHOLARS 63 The Royalty siblings MEMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Features OLD NORTH STATE CLUB 15 A tradition of giving benefits hospice THE WATER’S EDGE COUNTRY CLUB 18 McConnell Golf adds travel destination – and stunning views – to portfolio 2020’S HOLE-IN-ONE CLUB 23 Celebrating members who ace the game RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB 31 Golf course renovation boasts new updates, old beauty

Holston Hills

PORTERS NECK COUNTRY CLUB 50 Members praise a place that’s all about the people www.mcconnellgolf.com | Spring 2021 3

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

by Chad Flowers

GOOD SPORT Justin Mathers channels passion for golf into lifelong profession

THE TERM “LIFER” describes people who Director of Golf at Old North State Club in have committed themselves to a certain task July 2019 allowed him to enjoy a promotion or career for a long time. Enter Old North while staying within the McConnell Golf family.

State Club Director of Golf Justin Mathers: the However, the new job title and location have epitome of a lifer in the golf industry. not come without sacrifice.

Growing up as an all-sport athlete in “My wife and daughter do not play golf but mcconnellgolf.com Michigan, Mathers enjoyed playing soccer, they have always supported my decision to be hockey and tennis, among other sports – but in the golf business, which keeps me away on CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND FOUNDER he didn’t pick up a golf club until a friend weekends and holidays,” Mathers says.

JOHN MCCONNELL invited him to play at a local course during his Regarding his family, his parents live in junior year of high school.

Michigan but visit a few times each year; he CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER CHRISTIAN ANASTASIADIS “I was terrible, shooting around 100 the has sisters in New York and Oregon. Originally first time out,” he laments. “As an athlete I from Louisiana, Mathers’ bride of 11 years, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR was determined to get better, Angelle, is a nurse with Atrium’s FAITH INMAN and quickly. I worked at it all day, Health Risk Management team mcconnellgolf.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS every day, all summer long. By out of Concord, North Carolina.

“I plan on BRAD KING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER the time we went back to school, “Piper, our daughter, is my CHAD FLOWERSAND FOUNDER I was shooting rounds in the 70s favorite person in the world!

She is JOHN MCCONNELL keeping JOHN MAGINNES and actually broke par once. I was the true love of my life,” proclaims JOHN PISAREK CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER the energy CHRISTIAN ANASTASIADIS hooked and have not stopped Mathers. “Piper lives and breathes MATT MCCONNELL mcconnellgolf.com level high playing and learning the game soccer, the same way I did when I DIANE JACKSONMAGAZINE SALES & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES STEPHANIE TROTTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER since.” was her age [12], and she has even ASSISTANT AND FOUNDER here at Old M. LINDA LEE KASEY OLIVE As he fell in love with the game, convinced me to be the assistant JOHN MCCONNELL EVAN MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR North State coach for her club team. I also Mathers was convinced by his CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER RHETT SORG CASEY GRIFFITH CHRISTIAN ANASTASIADIS senior year of high school that he have a three-year-old Double Club, while TODD JACKSON MAGAZINE SALES & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS wanted to be in and around the Doodle named Mr. Clark who has BRUCESERVICES MCINTOSH MEMBERSHIP MEREDITH DONAHUE ASSISTANT continuing game for the rest of his life. been a wonderful addition to PATRICK BUDNIEWSKI CHAD FLOWERS KASEY OLIVE “Luckily I lived in Michigan, home our family.

We like skiingALL-ACC [water HONORS KENRIC HUNT BRAD KING WILLIAM NOBLITT KNOWS TENNIS. EARNING to learn from COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR William during Noblitt has big plans his time at N.C. State University, the cooking record-holder JOHN MAGINNES JAMES R. PATTERSON, III of the first – and in my opinion, and snow], fishing, and is consideredCASEY GRIFFITH one of of the greatest tennis players in school history. But beyond his some the GREG LYONS MATT MCCONNELL for Providence Country Club the best – Professional Golf watching sports.

Well, Piper and I talents as a player, he understands the needs of his members and has CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNA PLYLER NATALIE CLEMENS Management School in the country, dotennis at least!” ambitious goals for his program.

MEREDITH DONAHUE MIKE PURKEY other great INMAN CHAD FLOWERS In his current role at Providence, Noblittto oversees the club’s 14 tennis FAITH LAUREN THEDIECK Ferris State University,” Mathers WILLIAM NOBLITT When itALL-ACC comes golf, Mathers KNOWS TENNIS. EARNING HONORS BRAD KING courts, including 12 clay courts, and the pro shop.

His largest duty howof notes. While in college he played duringdirectors is a true lifer with aspirations. his time at N.C. State University, the record-holder islofty considered CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING MAGINNES PHOTOGRAPHERS ever is tennis instruction, at which he indeed excels. The thrill of com- JOHN of the greatest tennis players in school history.

Butone beyond hisbecome CHIP HENDERSON MCCONNELL soccer and hockey, and although onegolf goal CHIP HENDERSON petition was certainly“My a factor in is histo successday as a collegiate athlete and MATT employed talents as a player, he understands the needs of his members and has ANNA PLYLER that same competitive spirit now helps him teach and inspire others.

MEGAN KIME PHOTOGRAPHY he did not play golf for the school, ambitious goals for his tennis program. the PGA Golf Professional of the MIKE PURKEY Noblitt’s favorite Noblitt part of oversees his job? Doing what loves every day.

McConnell DAMON BUTLER Inby his current role at Providence, the club’s 14 he tennis LAUREN THEDIECK he was around it constantly. “I Year at the national level,” says go toand work courts, including“I 12get clayto courts, theand proshare shop. my His knowledge largest duty and how-passion for a sport TRIANGLE BLVD was able to enjoy three wonderful ever is tennisGolf.”

Mathers.

“Obviously, I comwould that has been a part my lifeexcels. since I was six of years old,”love he says. “I loveCONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER instruction, at which heof indeed The thrill seeing members improve and hope toPGA instill that same lifelong CHIP HENDERSON petition was certainly a factor in his success asthe aalways collegiate athlete andGolf internships all over the country to win Carolinas love of the sport.” that same competitive spirit now helps him teach and inspire others. and then take my first head Professional of the YearCaption as well!”

TK majority of Noblitt’s favorite of hisday job?for Doing whatishe loves every An part average Noblitt a full one.

Heday. spends the professional job in 2003.”

While awards and accolades “I get to gohis to time work and share my knowledge and passion for a sport PUBLISHED BY on the courts. In the morning, he’s busy with private lessons, that has been cardio a partare of my life since Iand was ladies’ six years old,” he says.

“Ithe love DESTINATION CREATIVE GRO tennis clinics, team Into afternoon, The internships were at Boyne Highlands, accomplishments we allclinics. strive achieve in he’s seeing members improve and always hope to instill that samelessons lifelongand clinics.

PUBLISHED BY5710 W. GATE CITY BLVD., STE working with junior players through private The Heather Golf Course in Michigan; our respective industry, Mathers’ true passion love of the sport.”

GREENSBORO, NC 27407 Looking back on his first yearCaption at Providence, two events stand out. In COMMUNITY JOURNALS TK majority of average day for Noblitt is a full one.

He spends the Cuscowilla in Eatonton, Georgia; and An Desert and growing the next 336.601.1271 2018, is thefostering Make-A-Wish Pro-Am fundraiser andwave Alex’sof Lemonade StandPUBLISHED PUBLISHING GROUP BY his time on the courts. In the morning, he’s busy with private lessons, Foundation’s Ladies Member/Guest were held at PCC. Noblitt was 581 PERRY AVENUE Mountain (Outlaw) in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He clinics, golf professionals while keeping DESTINATION CREATIVE GROUP cardio tennis and ladies’ team clinics.

In thealso afternoon, he’s the golf PRESIDENT fortunate to through workatalongside members these events, and enjoying a fun 5710 GREENVILLE, SC 29611 W. GATE CITY BLVD., STE. 237 working with players private lessons and for clinics. graduated from Ferris State University with a junior program Old North State Club exciting STEVE MITCHEM 864.679.1200 dayonofhis tennis while funds and awareness for In important causes. GREENSBORO, NC 27407 Looking back first year at raising Providence, two events stand out. steve.mitchem@icloud.com degree in marketing/business and professional fresh withfundraiser new ideas.

Looking ahead, Noblitt has plans for the Stand future of PCC’s thriving336.601.1271 2018, the Make-A-Wish Pro-Am and big Alex’s Lemonade PRESIDENT EDITOR tennis Member/Guest program. golf management.

“I look forward to taking under Foundation’s Ladies were held at PCC.staff Noblitt was my MARK B. JOHNSTON MARTHA-PAGE ALTHAUS PRESIDENT “My goal is to create a fun, enjoyable atmosphere where people fortunate to work alongside members for these events, enjoying a fun Today, when not in the golf shop at Old wing, developing and mentoring them in the STEVE MITCHEM GENERAL MANAGER day of tennis while funds importantincauses. wantraising to come outand andawareness play, andfor participate what we have going on,”steve.mitchem@icloud.com DESIGN DIRECTOR North State Club, sending an almost daily golf hope that will do the same they stay in to build. SUSAN SCHWARTZKOPF Looking ahead, Noblitt has bigthey plans for the of PCC’s thriving LYNN GIANINY he says.

“The junior program infuture particular is if something I want EDITOR course update through a whimsicaltennis emailprogram. full of thethat business,” Matherswesays. plan keeping I believe with the facilities have “I and theon staff in place, we couldMARTHA-PAGE DESIGN DIRECTOR ALTHAUSCOPY EDITOR “My goal ishave to create aoffun, atmosphere where people one theenjoyable best junior programs around.”

KRISTY ADAIR LANCE ELKO member nicknames and photos, Mathers and out and the energy level high here Old North State want to come play, and participate in what weat have going on,” A vision for program enhancements, coupled with the addition of DESIGN DIRECTOR LYNN GIANINY EDITOR he says. “The junior Club program in particular is something I want to build. his family reside in Waxhaw, North Carolina, a new while continuing toand learn from some clinic offerings, social events, tournaments, is aofrecipe for the DIANE JACKSON I believe that with the facilities we have and the staff in place, we could COPY EDITOR suburb of Charlotte. the other directors oftennis golf employed by continued successgreat and growth of the program at Providence. have one of the best junior programs around.”

LANCE ELKO Heading into his second year at the club, Noblitt serves up a winning Mathers was “acquired” by McConnell Golffor program McConnell Golf. I have with always strivedofto live by A vision enhancements, coupled the addition program with no sign of slowing down soon. newon clinic offerings, social events, and is aanytime recipe the you when Providence Country Club came the saying, ‘It’stournaments, not what you take for when continued success and growth of the tennis program at Providence. board, as he was PCC’s Head Golf Professional leave this world you, up it’sa what Heading into his second year at the club,behind Noblitt serves winningyou leave program of slowing down anytime at that time. Transitioning into the role of with no signbehind you when yousoon. go.’”

Spring 2021 9

Serving up

Success Serving up Success

PHOTO: MACKENZIE KING

PHOTO: MACKENZIE KING

William Noblitt has big plans for Providence Country Club

CLUB COMMUNITY

Club Happenings TREYBURN COUNTRY CLUB – ANNUAL SLEIGH RIDE Treyburn families enjoyed a serene sleigh ride pulled by beautiful Percheron horses, led by Santa Claus! Professional photographs were taken of families and children meeting Santa; the club served hot cocoa, cider and other treats around the fire pit. This annual event provides fun for all as it brings the spirit of the holidays to life.

BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB SUSAN G. KOMEN FUNDRAISER Brook Valley raised over $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Fundraising efforts included a putting contest between Golf Pro Riley Kinlaw and Food & Beverage Manager Sophia Karanikas. Members purchased 50/50 raffle tickets to bet on the golfer they thought would win and the winner’s name was drawn from a fishbowl.

Kinlaw had handicaps thrown at him throughout the 18 holes: he wore a blindfold while putting, and putted left-handed and backwards. The golf guys set up a miniature golf course on the main warm-up putting green and members came to watch.

MUSGROVE MILL GOLF CLUB GOLF EVENTS 2020 was a challenging year, to say the least. However, participation in events at Musgrove Mill was fantastic, with golf providing an escape from the reality of the daily grind. A match play event hosted 64 players over three days of competition. The 2020 Overall Championship Match was played between Nathan Franks (a rising freshman at the University of South Carolina) and Harry Reynolds (a sophomore at Indiana University).

Both players shot under par for the round and the match went into a playoff. The winner of the 2020 championship was Nathan Franks – he won the 21st Hole!

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

GRANDE DUNES MEMBERS CLUB WINTER WARMER SOCIAL The Club Ballroom was transformed into a winter wonderland and members enjoyed down-home cooking with a buffet of comfort food, including a variety of freshly baked bread, salads, beef tenderloin, bacon-wrapped pork loin and a bananas Foster station, to name a few. The dessert station was a hit as the bananas were mixed with vanilla ice cream and sauce consisting of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum and banana liqueur. Beyond the delicious assortment of food, there was also a lot of dancing with music from DJ Butch.

HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB TOUR PROFESSIONALS FUNDRAISER FOR JUNIOR GOLF Holston Hills held a skins game made up of four local PGA Tour players to raise money for junior golf programs. Scott Stallings, Peter Malnati, Wes Roach and Eric Axley played 18 holes in front of a gallery of members, raising in excess of $5,000 for the Tennessee Golf Foundation, Kid’s Play Free of Knoxville, First Tee – Greater Knoxville and the Holston Hills Junior Golf Program. It was an exciting day full of great golf for a tremendous cause.

PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB – FAMILY GINGERBREAD DECORATING PARTY Members look forward to the Family Gingerbread Decorating Party each year. In 2020, however, members were a little leery about coming to the club. People were cautious and wore masks any time they were not eating and drinking at families’ tables. The children took their time placing each piece of candy in its rightful place. They loved working and seeing the final product. This annual event brings the families and staff a lot of heartfelt pleasure.

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

by Diane Jackson

A Place to Play Making new memories at North Carolina oldest club – Country Club of Asheville HE SPENT HIS TEENAGE YEARS as a groundskeeper at a local golf club, and that’s where Matt Ostwalt developed not only respect for the game but also reverence for the beauty of a welltended course.

“Playing golf gives me a sense of peace,” says Matt, sharing his intimate appreciation of the grass, the lay of the land, the melding of sport with nature. “I always find joy out on the golf course.”

Matt and his family find that – and so much more – at the Country Club of Asheville.

“We are having an amazing experience as members,” he says. “When friends ask, we sing the praises of the family atmosphere.”

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, the Country Club of Asheville, established in 1894, is the second-oldest private club in the South 12

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

and among the oldest clubs in continuous operation in the entire country. It is anchored today by a championship Donald Ross golf course. This historic club also features a recently updated clubhouse, Olympic-size swimming pool, new fitness center, indoor and outdoor tennis facilities, and dedicated recreation rooms for kids and teens.

A FAMILY AFFAIR Matt and his wife, Amy – along with their children Charlotte, 10, and Birch, 7 – joined the Country Club of Asheville in 2017. However, the family’s own history here dates back to a decade earlier when, as a newly engaged couple, they were seeking out wedding and reception venues.

“We fell in love with the location,” Amy recalls.

You could say Matt horsed around a

bit in his pursuit of the love of his life. He proposed to Amy at The Carolina Cup on April Fools’ Day and they got married on Derby Day which, in 2007, coincided with Cinco de Mayo.

“Our wedding reception featured Mint juleps and mojitos!” he says.

“Everything was fantastic – the club did an amazing job. We were so happy with how the reception turned out. That was our first introduction [to the Country Club of Asheville] and it made a huge impression.”

After settling into Montford, a historic district just north of downtown Asheville, the Ostwalts intended to join the country club once they completed renovations to their 1920s-era home. “We kept having numerous delays – like having babies,” Matt laughs, noting that Charlotte added to the family’s horsey tradition by being born on Derby Day in 2010. “But really,

“The kids were a big part of our decision to join – we wanted a place where they could meet friends, a place to make memories as they grow up.”

– Matt Ostwalt, Member at the Country Club of Asheville

“We are having an amazing experience as members. When friends ask, we sing the praises of the family atmosphere.”

– Matt Ostwalt

the kids were a big part of our decision to join – we wanted a place where they could meet friends, a place to make memories as they grow up.”

And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.

“Being members [at the Country Club of Asheville] has impacted our family in such a positive way,” says Amy. “It provides an outlet for the kids and also for us as a couple. Charlotte and Birch have a place to play, we can do things together as a family, and we can also enjoy time with our couple friends.”

FINDING JOY

As new members, Matt and Amy were greeted with the same enthusiastic hospitality they enjoyed during their wedding reception 10 years earlier.

“The staff embraced our children from Day 1,” Matt says. “They give them so much attention – our kids love coming here.”

Charlotte and Birch joined the Fins,

the summer swim team, where there’s equal emphasis on technique and sportsmanship. They are also regulars at the club’s long roster of clinics and summer day camps, focusing on everything from sports to science, arts and crafts.

“The camps in the summer have been a saving grace,” Amy says, noting the sports programs ensure the kids come home happily exhausted. “They spend a lot of time up at the club. It’s fun, especially when it’s with friends.”

Since becoming members, Amy has fallen in love with tennis and Matt has rekindled his lifelong passion for golf. The entire Ostwalt family enjoys the culinary program, whether it’s a family meal or date night.

“The kids really like the Sunday brunch – they ask to go all the time after church,” Matt says. And, adds Amy, “we like the wine tasting events; we have so much fun learning about and trying new wines.”

As a sales rep for an out-of-town manufacturing company, Matt spends a lot

of time on the road. By playing golf with a rotating group of fellow members, he feels connected to the local community.

His favorite people to play with, though, are Charlotte and Birch. “I’m glad the kids can enjoy this sport with me,” he says, noting the pleasure he takes in passing along all the traditions of the game. “I love when they ask to go to the putting green.”

Matt also takes pleasure in a home golf course that’s a gem in the North Carolina mountains.

“It’s a unique place,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed playing a lot of courses and I never really expected myself to ‘marry’ one golf course. But this one plays a little different every time you go out there. The course changes constantly – in ways that defy physics – and I don’t feel like I’m playing the same course over and over.”

The subtlety of the course challenges golfers at every level. “Whether you’re a skilled golfer or a novice,” Matt says, “you can find joy in playing here.” www.mcconnellgolf.com

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FOOTPRINTS ON THE GREEN

by Faith Inman

A Tradition of Giving Old North State fundraiser benefits local hospice for 17 years … and counting BACK IN 2004, a representative from Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie (HSC) spoke to a women’s group at Old North State Club – and everyone in attendance had a personal experience to share about hospice care. Fast forward, nearly 17 years, to today’s Hospice Benefit Dinner, an annual fundraiser hosted for Old North State Club members and the surrounding community. This successful event follows a progressive-dinner format with appetizers served at ONSC, followed by dinner and dessert served at various hosts’ homes within the neighborhood.

“This event is huge for HSC, and it’s what I call ‘a thirdparty fundraiser,’” says Lori Thayer, Executive Director at Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie. “[Old North State Hospice committee members] even collect the checks and donations for us. There are so many organizations that need donors, and we are honored and grateful that year after year, Old North State chooses us.”

The mission of Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie is to surround patients and their families with compassionate care, enabling them to embrace the end of life with dignity, courage and peace. Hospice is a program of care that integrates the compassion, expertise, skills and perspectives of a diverse team. Every year at the Hospice Benefit Dinner, HSC staff members educate and speak to

TOP: Elaine Mcllquham, Susan Pandich, Marlene Mittendorf, Joanna Foster, Pam Ford & Peggy Stubenrauch.

ABOVE: Hospice Committee Seven-Year Agreement

Old North State members about the fundraiser’s impact. Beyond the event layout, Old North State members consistently participate and donate to hospice because they believe in the cause.

“The Hospice Benefit Dinner not only provides you with CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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FOOTPRINTS ON THE GREEN

“The gifts and support from Old North State are vital and allow the team to remain focused on the comfort of our patients.”

– Lori Thayer, Executive Director at Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie

ANNUAL HOSPICE BENEFIT DINNER

Old North State at Uwharrie Point Community CONTRIBUTION RECORD AS OF 2020 YEAR

EVENT DATE

NET DONATIONS

ATTENDEES

2020 2019

CANCELED/COVID APRIL 13

$26,855.00 $22,255.04

0 127

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

MAY 5 APRIL 29 APRIL 16 APRIL 18 APRIL 12 APRIL 20 APRIL 28 APRIL 30 APRIL 17 APRIL 25 APRIL 26 MAY 19 MAY 20 APRIL 30 MAY 1

$21,320.00 $19,215.00 $15,713.00 $15,505.08 $12,881.06 $12,366.38 $11,395.00 $13,950.00 $13,360.00 $13,950.00 $13,932.00 $13,581.42 $12,151.27 $11,267.52 $6,082.88

114 123 108 118 98 93 106 119 120 152 128 124 168 158 152

Chef-prepped to-go bags

AVERAGE TOTAL YEARS 17

TOTAL DONATIONS

the opportunity to use your best dinnerware and meet some of your neighbors for the first time, it allows you to give back to a great cause,” says Marilyn Powell, who hosted the first appetizer hour for the event in 2004. “I think hospice is so wonderful, and people consistently donate and participate each year because of the first-hand experiences their loved ones had while in hospice care.”

Community support helps keep the cost of the event low. With donations of items such as wine, invitation printing, postage, stationery and calligraphy services, the community works together to maximize the net contribution to hospice.

16

ATTENDEES

$255,780.65 126

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

In its first year, under a progressivedinner format for the entire neighborhood, club and community, the committee partnered with Old North State Club to host the Hospice Benefit Dinner for 150 attendees. The initial format was set up for all attendees to visit a single home for appetizers, and then break up in groups and travel to other homes in the neighborhood for dinner, and meet up at another home for dessert. Every year, Old North State Club provides all of the food for the event, including packaged meals with housing assignments, instructions on how to heat and plate the food, and notes about guests’ food allergies.

“The partnership we’ve had with

Old North State Club has been phenomenal,” says Pat. Salmonese, advisor and former chair of the Hospice Benefit Dinner. “Having their involvement has been critical to our success.”

In 2010, a more formal leadership structure was established to maintain consistency within the committee, provide continuous improvement and ensure long-term success for the initiative. Committee members even documented the agreement for seven years of leadership on an Old North State cocktail napkin.

“We keep what we call ‘the box’ as a filing of notes from each [Hospice Benefit Dinner] to help us stay

“I think hospice is so wonderful, and people consistently donate and participate each year because of the first-hand experiences their loved ones had while in hospice care.”

– Marilyn Powell

Pat. & Frank Salmonese

organized. This includes notes about what worked and did not work at each dinner and location. How many cups of coffee did we use, how many bottles of wine, etc. After 17 years, the event seems to run itself because of the organization and order it has every year,” says Salmonese. “People who join the committee tend to stay on board for three to five years, taking a larger role each year. The committee has a chair and co-chair with the intention that ‘this year’s co-chair is next year’s chair.’”

This past year – due to the pandemic – the Hospice Benefit Dinner committee switched to a donation-only event. They raised $26,855, surpassing the initial goal of $25,000.

“The community really stepped up and raised a tremendous amount of funds for hospice,” says Debbie Struthers, 2020/2021 chairperson of the dinner committee. “This goes to show how much our community cares about this special nonprofit.”

When invitations are sent out each year, members consistently pledge to donate to the cause with nearly every RSVP card returning to the committee

as a contribution. This occurred before and during 2020, which shows how willing members are to donate in spite of not having a formal event to attend.

“With their support, no one needing our specialized level of hospice care is turned away and everyone is treated with the same compassion and respect, regardless of financial circumstances,” says Thayer. “The gifts and support from Old North State are vital and allow the team to remain focused on the comfort of our patients – and the spiritual, emotional and psychological support we provide to patients and family alike.”

Beverly Marler, McConnell Golf’s Triad Regional Director, worked with the committee on behalf of Old North State Club in 2019 and was impressed with the organization of the event.

“Having seen it first-hand, it’s easy to understand how they have been so successful in their fundraising efforts over the years,” Marler says. “This annual opportunity to give back in their community is exactly what McConnell Golf’s Footprints on the Green program is all about.”

Since 2004, the total net contribution donated to Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie from the Benefit Dinner has exceeded $255,000, with an average of 126 donors per year. While the committee is still working to determine whether or not the Hospice Benefit Dinner will take place in some capacity in 2021, they know another fundraiser will take place regardless of the format.

For more information about the Hospice Benefit Dinner, visit Old North State Club’s Footprints on the Green page on www.OldNorthStateClub.com. www.mcconnellgolf.com

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NEW PROPERTY

by Matt McConnell

A New McConnell Golf Travel Destination Golf with shoreline views – and so much more – at The Water’s Edge Country Club IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE The Water’s Edge Country Club at Smith Mountain Lake is now a part of the McConnell Golf portfolio.

Since first visiting Smith Mountain Lake in the mid-’90s, our family has enjoyed many summer weekends there making great memories. It always amazes me when people ask, “Where is Smith Mountain Lake?”

Only two hours away from Raleigh, up Highway 86 to Highway 29 and along several country roads, you can enjoy a prestigious golf course on a mountain lake with 500 miles of shoreline.

Along more than 13 miles of the Smith Mountain Lake shoreline is The Water’s Edge Country Club 18

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

golf course, designed by R.F. Loving Jr. Dating back to 1988, with a renovation in 2007, this golf course is one of the most scenic you will ever play.

While every golf hole is different, the three holes to spotlight are Nos. 6, 7 and 18. Once you get on the tee box to Hole 6, you will realize how special this mountain lake golf course

The Water’s Edge Country Club features one of the most scenic golf courses you will ever play.

is to play. Everything you see is what you get on this straight par 4 with the pristine lake view in the background.

Next comes the signature Hole 7 with the island green. This par 3 green is surrounded by nearly 360 degrees of blue water. It is just as popular for boaters as it is for golfers.

Odds are you will have a crowd of people watching your shot, hoping your ball will splash so the boaters can be one golf ball richer.

Now, arguably, one of the best finishing holes out of any McConnell Golf property is here at The Water’s Edge. Hole 18 has an amazing elevated tee box with the clubhouse behind the green and mountain range in the distance. The second

shot is an intimidating one as you have to add extra club to hit the uphill green above you. You will be happy to finish with a par here.

LIFE AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE Smith Mountain Lake is a manmade lake, created in 1963 when the Appalachian Power Co. built a massive hydroelectric dam, making it the largest lake located completely within the state of Virginia. It encompasses more than 40 miles of clear-blue water and wide-open spaces. It is easy to leave your boat on cruise control while enjoying the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background.

This lake gets as deep as 250 feet and is a haven for fishing.

Smith Mountain Lake consistently ranks as one of the best lakes for bass fishing, containing multiple state records of striped bass weighing around 50 pounds.

Beyond all of the water sports to enjoy, there are plenty of great sites to see and restaurants on the water to visit. If you like Mexican food, Los Amigos at Crazy Horse Marina is a must with live music during the summer weekends – margaritas made with freshly squeezed lime juice are their specialty! One of the most popular spots boaters like to go is Bridgewater Plaza, where you will find shops, restaurants, an arcade and even miniature golf. This place lights up on the Fourth of July, bringing boaters from all over to view the fireworks show.

We are excited to have The Water’s Edge Country Club join the McConnell Golf family, but golf is just a fraction of the fun.

Smith Mountain Lake is a great family destination. To learn more about The Water’s Edge and all of its amenities, reach out to your home club professional staff for accommodations.

THE

DETAILS McConnell Golf acquired The Water’s Edge Country Club in Penhook, Virginia, in December 2020. Beyond its 36,000-squarefoot clubhouse, The Water’s Edge members enjoy an extensive variety of amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, boating, fishing and horseback riding. McConnell Golf President & CEO John McConnell first started playing at The Water’s Edge with friends in the early 1990s. It has been his family’s “home away from home” for 25 years. With the addition of this new property, McConnell Golf now owns 14 clubs and operates 16 courses total.

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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GOLF: OPERATION 36

by M. Linda Lee

Par for the

COURSE Operation 36 gets juniors into the game

WHEN THE CARDINAL by Pete Dye implemented Operation 36 in 2018, Brian Kittler was immediately impressed.

As Vice President of Golf Operations at McConnell Golf, Kittler appreciates the way this proprietary developmental model combines golf instruction with games, special software and scheduled time on the course. Nearly three years in, some 80 percent of his golf pros are using this curriculum and it’s changing the way they teach the game.

“It doesn’t matter what your skill level is,” Kittler says. “The program makes sure that everyone’s having fun and has a chance to learn.”

Operation 36 was founded a decade ago

by PGA professionals Ryan Dailey and Matt Reagan at Keith Hills Golf Club in Buies Creek, North Carolina, with a goal of increasing family participation on the course by focusing on junior golfers. Divided into eight-week semesters, the interactive curriculum includes six levels, with 12 goals in each. The end goal is to shoot par 36 for nine holes.

GOLF GOALS Novice golfers work from the green backwards, beginning at 25 yards – and that’s the biggest difference between Operation 36 and a conventional golf clinic, according to Erica Britt, Assistant Golf Pro at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation. Once golfers shoot par 36 or better, they move to 50 yards from the green, and keep moving back as they accomplish each incremental goal.

Using the Op 36 Mobile App, juniors can set clear goals and they – along with their coaches and parents – can easily track their progress by inputting playing and training data such as time spent practicing. Watching online educational videos drives motivation before and after sessions.

“With Op 36, the game is not intimidating, but it holds the kids accountable,” observes Britt, who was honored among the program’s Top 50 Golf 20

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Coaches in 2020. “Whatever they accomplish, it’s on them. And the kids love it. Once they pass that first round, they’re wanting more.”

One of the biggest values of Op 36, according to McConnell Golf pros, is that it allows golfers to get out on the course and learn at their own pace, regardless of their age.

At The Cardinal, Leah Edwards has taken six semesters of Op 36, beginning with the club’s first year. Now in eighth grade, Leah is ranked 23rd overall in North Carolina for 18-and-under girls.

“Leah has really excelled and succeeded from the program,” says her coach, Assistant Golf Pro Logan Peck. “She can hit it longer than half the men at the club.”

Her father agrees. “The skills and competitive spirit Leah gained through the Op 36 program at The Cardinal by Pete Dye has helped mold her into the scratch golfer she is today,” says Kip Edwards.

POSITIVE PLAY Like Leah, the juniors in Op 36 work hard, but they also have fun. A wealth of online resources and ideas for games and competitions to keep the kids engaged are available to all coaches in the program.

After practicing the skill of the day with his juniors at Raleigh

Country Club, Head Pro Thomas Walker segues into interactive games.

“The kids have so much fun playing games that they forget they are actually practicing golf,” Walker notes.

“Coaches around the country put in lesson plans, videos and games for anyone to use, so you never do the same thing twice.”

Logan Peck likes to get creative with his lessons. “If I can get the kids to smile and have a good time, I think I’m doing at least half my job,” he shares.

Alex Wyatt, whose son and daughter participate in The Cardinal’s program, says his children appreciate the special days that Peck stages during the semester. “Peyton’s favorite is Arnold Palmer Week, where the kids get an Arnold Palmer after practice,” Wyatt says. “Emma enjoys Bring a Friend Week and Crazy Socks Day, when the kids can show off their favorite mismatched socks.”

While the coronavirus pandemic presented a challenge for indoor

sports, golf thrived.

“When COVID hit in 2020, having the Operation 36 program in place allowed our professional staff to continue to teach and grow the game, and the membership really embraced it,” says Kittler.

Case in point is the Op 36 program

at Raleigh Country Club, which Walker initiated last fall. “The kids had nothing to do because of COVID, and the program was so successful that I couldn’t accommodate everybody,” Walker reports. “I sent out an email on a Sunday afternoon and filled the class within two hours.”

More broadly, Operation 36 helps grow the sport of golf by engaging young golfers and bringing different generations of families together on the course.

David Johnson says his son, Lindsay, thoroughly enjoyed his semester of Operation 36 at Raleigh Country Club – and he’s one of just a few to accomplish the 25-yard tournament on the first effort.

“That single event serves as a realworld experience for Lindsay that directly illustrates the relationship between focus, work, confidence and success,” Johnson says. “Operation 36 improved Lindsay’s golf game and sparked a passion for golf, which is music to this golf-lover’s ears!”

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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Providing High-Quality Construction Services Since 1925

ABOUT US Founded in 1925, T.A. Loving Company provides complete construction and preconstruction services for the building, utility and bridge/heavy industries. For the past 96 years, our dedicated professionals have provided topof-the-line construction services to clients across the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

OUR MARKETS Healthcare • Higher Education Heavy Utilities • K-12 Education Bridge & Heavy Civil • Line Work Plant Work • Sports Facilities Multi-Family • Tenant Upfits

CONTACT US

Ken Gerrard Vice President

Phone: 919.738.0141 Email: kgerrard@taloving.com

OUR LOCATIONS: Raleigh • 3600 Glenwood ave Ste. 120, Raleigh, NC 27612 Goldsboro • 400 Patetown Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27530 Wilmington • 209 N. 5th Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28401

GOLF

by Matt McConnell

Once is Not Enough for Liam King Junior golfer shoots two holes-in-one in 2020 IT WASN’T ALL BAD – indeed, 2020 was a banner year for Liam King, a junior golfer at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation.

On January 1, 2020, Liam started the year with a hole-in-one on No. 8 at Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. From 113 yards out, the then-eight-year-old struck the ball with his 3-wood for his first-ever ace. However, once was not enough for young Liam. While playing in the Wakefield Plantation Junior Club Championship on Sunday, October 18, Liam hit his second hole-in-one on No. 11 with his 4-hybrid from 127 yards out.

In addition to his two aces, Liam also qualified for and played in the U.S. Kids World Championship in Pinehurst last summer. This 9-year-old had a great golf season and we look forward to many more ahead from Liam!

2020 MCCONNELL GOLF HOLE-IN-ONE CLUB Hitting a hole-in-one is a special feat for golfers of all ages. The chances of an average PGA Tour player making an ace are 3,000 to 1; a low-handicapper’s chances are 5,000 to 1, and an average player’s chances are 12,000 to 1. On average overall, a hole-in-one is scored once every 3,500 golf rounds.

In 2020 alone, 124 holes-in-one were made by members at McConnell Golf properties. Nine members made two holes-in-one last year: Bob Beasley, Thomas Bonney, Stanley Griffin, Denny Hattersley, Carolyn Hopper, Tim Massie, Don Troutman, Tony Villa and Daniel Wright. Three Liam King, WP

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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GOLF of them made their double aces on the same hole: Carolyn Hopper on #2 at The Cardinal by Pete Dye, Tim Massie on #4 at Holston Hills, and Thomas Bonney on #16 at Sedgefield Country Club. Bob Beasley, a member at Sedgefield Country Club, made both of his holes-in-one while playing at The Cardinal; all told, 17 members made their aces while visiting other McConnell Golf clubs.

McConnell Golf’s 2020 Hole-inOne Club members – listed with their home club, hole-in-one and date they achieved it – include:

Patrick Reynolds, PCC: #6 at Providence (3/7) Bill Winkler, CCA: #6 at Asheville (3/15) Bill Paone, RES: #12 at The Reserve (3/15) Bill Hoyle, RES: #3 at The Reserve (3/16) Kevin O’Connor, CCA: #6 at Asheville (3/18) Charles Capps, CCA: #13 at Asheville (3/18)

Scott Saunders, MM: #12 at Musgrove Mill (1/5)

Michael Carlisto, PCC: #6 at Providence (3/20)

Laurie Jennings, RES: #3 at The Reserve (1/5)

Becca McKinney, RCC: #14 at Wakefield (3/21)

Dr. James Foster, HH: #14 at Holston Hills (1/6)

Ted Broering, RCC: #14 at Wakefield (3/27)

Thomas Bonney, SCC: #16 at Sedgefield (1/17)

Carolyn Hopper, CARD: #2 at The Cardinal (4/5)

Denny Hattersley, HH: #8 at Holston Hills (1/19)

Garrett Greene, CCA: #6 at Asheville (4/5)

John Zhang, PCC: #2 at Providence (1/19)

Randy Kiser, ONS: #7 at Old North State (4/10)

Michael Kennedy, PCC: #6 at Providence (1/26)

Paul Urben, RCC: #2 at Treyburn (4/12)

Laurie Jennings, RES

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John Elder, HH: #8 at Holston Hills (2/5)

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Patrick Reynolds, PCC

Callum Chadwick, RCC: #5 at Wakefield Plantation (4/13)

Ella Perna, TCC: #3 at Treyburn (5/3)

Arnold Neal, CARD: #2 at The Cardinal (4/17)

Kathleen Riordan, WE: #7 at The Water’s Edge (5/14)

Tony Villa, GD: #13 at Grande Dunes Members Club (4/17)

Dr. Bill Young, CCA: #6 at Asheville (5/15)

Don Troutman, SCC: #2 at The Cardinal (4/18)

Andy White, CCA: #13 at Asheville (5/16)

Josh Minor, TCC: #7 at Treyburn (4/25)

Carolyn Hopper, CARD: #2 at The Cardinal (5/16)

Brian Seay, PCC: #6 at Providence (4/25)

Greg Seamster, RCC: #14 at Old North State (5/22)

Rachel Delcampo, WE: #7 at The Water’s Edge (4/26)

Matt Lindley, RCC: #3 at Old North State (5/23)

Scott Ruerup, RCC: #7 at Treyburn (4/26)

Tom Hickman, HH: #11 at Holston Hills (5/25)

Wayne Dicastri, CCA: #13 at Asheville (4/26)

John Chaplin, PCC: #4 at Providence (5/25)

Bob Beasley, SCC: #2 at The Cardinal (4/29)

Sue Elwell, WE: #7 at The Water’s Edge (5/31)

Kirk Patterson, SCC: #3 at Sedgefield (5/2)

David Acomb, RCC: #2 at Treyburn (6/6)

Curtis Collins, SCC: #16 at Sedgefield (6/6)

Patti Haslett, WE: #15 at The Water’s Edge (7/2)

Drew Brown, SCC: #16 at Sedgefield (6/8)

Chris Davis, HH: #8 at Holston Hills (7/2)

Bob Huie, PN: #6 at Porters Neck (6/11)

Art Graepel, BV: #8 at Brook Valley (7/4)

Tim Massie, HH: #4 at Holston Hills (6/19)

Jack Paynter, RCC: #7 at Treyburn (7/5)

Ron Koksal, HH: #14 at Holston Hills (6/20)

Landon Harper, RCC: #3 at Wakefield (7/10)

Sylvia Beale, PCC: #16 at Providence (6/26)

Bill Wolcott, CCA: #3 at Asheville (7/11)

Jeff Gibson, BV: #5 at Brook Valley (6/27)

Ed Hann, HH: #14 at Holston Hills (7/12)

Mack Braxton, PN: #11 at Porters Neck (6/27)

Timbs Jones, HH: #14 at Holston Hills (7/12)

Daniel Wright, PCC: #6 at Providence (6/28)

John Sanford, HH: #11 at Holston Hills (7/14)

Stanley Griffin, HH: #11 at Holston Hills (7/1)

Scott Krasner, PCC: #16 at Providence (7/17)

Jackson Slayton, PCC: #6 at Providence (7/1)

Tony Cortiglio, PN: #11 at Porters Neck (7/18) Avery Barnes, CARD: #12 at The Cardinal (7/23) Wendie Waddell, WE: #7 at The Water’s Edge (7/26)

Lucie Tonon, PCC: #6 at Providence (9/2)

Matthew Mardjanov, PCC: #2 at Providence (7/30)

Kyle Perry, PCC: #11 at Providence (9/3)

Ric Goodman, CCA: #3 at Asheville (8/2)

Brady Blackburn, CCA: #13 at Asheville (9/4)

Dan Schisler, BV: #5 at Brook Valley (8/12)

CLUB KEY:

Kevin Teeters, HH: #11 at Holston Hills (8/14)

BV: Brook Valley Country Club

Thomas Bonney, SCC: #16 at Sedgefield (8/20)

CCA: Country Club of Asheville

Tim Hansen, SCC: #8 at The Cardinal (8/22)

Rachel Delcampo, WE

Drew Brown, SCC

CARD: The Cardinal by Pete Dye GD: Grande Dunes Members Club HH: Holston Hills Country Club

Jim Walsh, WE: #7 at The Water’s Edge (8/26)

MM: Musgrove Mill Golf Club

Russ Lamkins, SCC: #2 at The Cardinal (8/29)

PCC: Providence Country Club

Steve Ackels, PCC: #4 at Providence (8/30)

RCC: Raleigh Country Club

Mike Rugg, GD: #6 at Grande Dunes Members Club (8/31)

SCC: Sedgefield Country Club

Craig Meck, PN: #6 at Porters Neck (9/1)

WE: The Water’s Edge Country Club

Joel Book, PCC: #2 at Providence (9/1)

ONS: Old North State Club PN: Porters Neck Country Club RES: The Reserve Golf Club TCC: Treyburn Country Club WP: The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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GOLF

Nadine Hooks, CARD

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Don Troutman, SCC: #7 at Sedgefield (9/23)

Roger Williams, RES: #17 at The Reserve (11/17)

Jack Sowisdral, WP: #3 at Wakefield (9/27)

Michael Spillars, RCC: #3 at Wakefield (11/19)

Rich De Ruiter, RES: #7 at The Reserve (9/27)

Denny Hattersley, HH: #4 at Holston Hills (11/24)

Ron Hickman, SCC: #7 at Sedgefield (9/29)

Bob Beasley, SCC: #8 at The Cardinal (11/25)

Will Johnston, BV: #12 at Brook Valley (10/4)

Graham Chase, PCC: #4 at Providence (12/4)

Nadine Hooks, SCC: #8 at The Cardinal (10/6)

Michael Adams, CCA: #13 at Asheville (12/6)

Hugh Holman, GD: #8 at Grande Dunes Members Club (10/16)

Jimmy Henderson, MM: #2 at Musgrove Mill (12/9)

Clyde Dunn, HH: #8 at Holston Hills (10/16)

Tony Villa, GD: #16 at Grande Dunes Members Club (12/10)

Mike Hayes, CCA: #6 at Asheville (10/17)

Larry Chiappetta, RES: #12 at The Reserve (12/15)

Liam King, WP: #11 at Wakefield (10/18)

Tim Cunneen, TCC: #13 at Treyburn (12/19)

Nancy Steinauer, WP: #3 at Wakefield (9/6)

Jeff Orlando, RCC: #13 at Treyburn (10/21)

Gates Grainger, PCC: #2 at Providence (9/6)

Joey Calderazzo, TCC: #17 at Treyburn (10/22)

Genie Leonard, GD: #4 at Grande Dunes Members Club (9/7)

Todd Reynolds, PCC: #16 at Providence (10/24)

Tom Buis, GD: #4 at Grande Dunes Members Club (9/11)

Rick Hakes, WP: #7 at Wakefield (10/31)

Dave Pitaro, TCC: #13 at Treyburn (9/13)

Jeff Fiorello, SCC: #7 at Sedgefield (11/1)

Chris John, WE: #7 at The Water’s Edge (9/16)

Tom Smith, ONS: #14 at Old North State (11/5)

Dan Sanderoff, WP: #14 at Wakefield (9/18)

Phil Butler, ONS: #14 at Old North State (11/5)

Daniel Wright, PCC: #16 at Providence (9/18)

Karen Buckley, RES: #7 at The Reserve (11/10)

Jeff Carr, HH: #4 at Holston Hills (9/19)

Eileen Johnson, GD: #6 at Grande Dunes Members Club (11/13)

Michael Maher, WP: #11 at Wakefield (9/22)

Stanley Griffin, HH: #8 at Holston Hills (11/15)

Bob Boyer, PN: #11 at Porters Neck (9/23)

Tim Massie, HH: #4 at Holston Hills (11/15)

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Karen Buckley, RES

GOLF

by Brad King

Making Practice Perfect McConnell Golf emphasizes short-game practice facilities WHILE GATHERED FOR the 2020 Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, the PGA Tour competitors raved about the club’s new short-game practice area.

“A-plus-plus,” says longtime Wyndham Championship Tournament Director Mark Brazil, grading the new facility, which is adjacent to Sedgefield’s stately, Tudor-style clubhouse.

The two-acre practice area — designed by Steve Wenzloff, Senior Vice President of Design Services for the PGA Tour — made its debut during the spectator-free Wyndham event in August. Wenzloff, who also updated the short-game area at TPC Sawgrass in 2016, incorporated ShotLink technology to review data from every Sedgefield green complex.

Providing Sedgefield with five times more practice space, the new area features two Ultradwarf Bermuda greens that measure about 3,600 square feet apiece, along with a trio of bunkers, giving players the option of working on greenside bunker shots as well as 30- to 40-yard bunker shots.

The expanded space also features closely mowed areas off the greenside slopes and shoulders, where players can focus on putting the ball up the hill or practice a pitch shot up the embankment to a tight pin. The addition gives Sedgefield about 15,000 square feet of short-grass area, allowing a dozen or more players to hit shots from a variety of locations.

Brazil calls the new short-game practice area, which was financed by the tournament, “a huge upgrade for the Tour pros one week a year and for the Sedgefield members 51 weeks a year.”

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

“This upgrade will definitely help us attract and retain new members,” says Sedgefield’s PGA Director of Golf Rocky Brooks. “The layout and size of our new short-game area afford us the opportunity to work with multiple students [men, women or juniors] at the same time. This is a luxury most clubs don’t have the space for.”

The new amenity is a tremendous asset for Sedgefield Country Club as well as visiting members from other McConnell Golf properties.

“Any time you give members time to improve their golf games, they’re much more likely to play golf and spend time at the club,” Brooks says.

Sedgefield’s PGA Head Professional Eric Ferguson agrees. “From beginners to advanced players, we’ll now be able to help players execute just about any shot they will see on the golf course,” he says. “For our junior golf programs, it is almost like we have our own twohole golf course for them to learn on.”

The ability to improve one’s game is crucial to the pure golf experience.

Sedgefield’s comprehensive practice facility, including TrackMan radar technology swing analysis, complements the club’s expert instruction from its Class A PGA Professionals.

McConnell Golf has overseen

“A huge upgrade for the Tour pros one week a year and for the Sedgefield members 51 weeks a year.”

– Mark Brazil, Wyndham Championship Tournament Director

numerous enhancements to its stable of short-game and practice areas at more than two dozen clubs around the Southeast.

“One of the areas McConnell Golf will always focus on is the short game,” says Brian Kittler, McConnell’s VP of Golf Operations. “If you’re playing a McConnell Golf property and you don’t have a good short game, you might be in for a long day.”

Sedgefield’s new upgrade “is about as good as it comes,” Kittler says. “It enhances what we provide, the quality of the venue, not only from the golf course, and service at the clubhouse with food, etc., but practice facilities.

Working with John [McConnell], you know that in time, when there’s opportunities to do some upgrades, he’s been willing to invest in the practice and short-game areas at the facilities.”

McConnell Golf performed a significant expansion to the Raleigh Country Club practice area in 200506, and golf course architect Kyle Franz has sketched additional plans for potential future upgrades to RCC’s short-game area.

In 2012, McConnell Golf completely redesigned the range and shortgame area at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh, North Carolina — while also modernizing the entire clubhouse — completing McConnell Golf’s trifecta of upgrades to its three Triangle practice facilities, including RCC and Durham’s Treyburn Country Club.

Wakefield’s golf learning center is 1,600 square feet, and includes two indoor-outdoor hitting bays, an indoor putting studio and the latest in game-improvement technology.

Each hitting bay is outfitted with video technology and multiple flat-screen TVs, allowing players to monitor their improvement during private instruction.

The Wakefield staff uses a Flightscope launch monitor to help members find the right equipment.

Wakefield’s total practice facility measures approximately nine acres, with a teeing ground nearly 1.5 acres.

The practice chipping green is 4,000 square feet, with a pair of practice bunkers around this green. There are five short-game pins between 75-125 yards for wedge-game practice.

Several McConnell Golf properties boasted extensive practice facilities before joining the portfolio, including Old North State Club in New London, North Carolina; Musgrove Mill Golf Club in Clinton, South Carolina; and Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Other clubs had very minimal practice areas — and McConnell Golf has significantly enhanced these over the years.

“We upgraded The Reserve [Pawleys Island, South Carolina] about 10 years ago and added a short-game facility,” Kittler notes. “There was an open area by the practice facility that wasn’t being utilized. Richard Mandell [golf course architect] went in there and created a short-game area, so you can work on your chipping and pitching, bunker shots, the whole nine yards.

Just a neat little added touch.”

When the Country Club of Asheville was renovated several years ago, McConnell Golf added a short-game and chipping green to the left of the No. 10 fairway and to the right of the practice range.

“We acquired Providence Country Club in Charlotte and they had a really good short-game area out there behind the clubhouse by the 18 green,” Kittler says. “We converted them over to Bermuda greens. We did the same thing at Brook Valley [Country Club in Greenville, North Carolina], added a little putting green by the first tee and also a chipping green over by the

practice facility. Even at the landlocked Cardinal [Greensboro, North Carolina], we were able to do a little bit of improvement there — adding a short-game green by the road.”

One of McConnell Golf’s recent acquisitions, Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, possesses what might be the largest hitting tee of any club in the McConnell Golf collection.

“They have a really good, huge hitting tee, a short-game area and a big putting green,” Kittler says.

“The neat thing is, there’s some land available. If we ever down the road want to upgrade that area, there’s room to do so.”

McConnell Golf is also focused on incorporating technology and software to aid in teaching and club fittings.

“We’re good right now. We’re just looking to take it to another level,” Kittler says. “The goal is by having these tools, our members will get better and enjoy the game that much more. www.mcconnellgolf.com

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Take Control of Your Insurance Program Today As a McConnell Golf Member, if you walk through our comprehensive policy review Employee Benefits with one of our consultants, we will send you a free gift for Personal Home/Auto/Umbrella/Life your next round at the club!

Business Insurance

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1200 Ridegefield Blvd Suite 254 Asheville, NC 28806

828-258-2663

Greensboro

823 North Elm St Greensboro, NC 27401

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Reimagining Donald Ross Renovated golf course at Raleigh Country Club boasts new updates, retains old beauty

by Brad King

HUNTER GROVE LIVES IN Cary, North Carolina, and it takes him nearly 22 minutes, door-to-door, to reach Raleigh Country Club (RCC).

“It’s worth the drive,” he says.

“I pass probably four or five golf courses to get [to Raleigh Country Club], but it’s well worth it.”

Grove played collegiate golf at the University of North Carolina in the early 1990s and his handicap still hovers around scratch. He decided to join Raleigh Country Club about six years ago, in large part because RCC is widely considered “a player’s course.”

“One of the appeals [to RCC] was that I have a lot of friends, teammates and former college guys that I used to play against, so it’s a really good, select group of players. You always get a good game,” Grove says. “The golf course and the way John [McConnell] does things at all of his locations is always first class.”

Grove has never been into social media, but says he entered the online arena — slightly — during RCC’s major golf course renovation last year, which was overseen by architect Kyle Franz.

“I would go on Twitter or Facebook to look at [renovation] photographs that Kyle Franz would post,” he says, noting the only reason he’s used either platform is to look up pictures of the historic golf course, the final design of legendary architect Donald Ross.

“The course was always good,” Grove says. “I’m a huge Donald Ross fan and that was another reason I went to Raleigh, because I just love his courses, and this was the signature Donald Ross.”

Raleigh Country Club opened in 1948, just east of downtown Raleigh; the newly-renovated CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Spring 2021

31

GOLF

Hole No. 1

golf course made its debut in November 2020.

Now that Franz, who worked handin-glove with RCC Superintendent Billy Cole, has unveiled the “reimagined” golf course, Grove says that one of his favorite places to play has been exponentially improved.

“I was so, so impressed that you could still have a Donald Ross course and just update it,” he says. “And when I say update, the bunkering was updated and beautiful; the greens were updated and beautiful. And then they added length, because golfers are hitting it so much further today.

But when you play the course, it still feels like you’re on a Donald Ross course. I think that’s the beauty of it.

We were able to get a new course with an old feel and that’s really hard to do. The intrigue of all old courses is how great their design was. Today, Raleigh Country Club has a great design and it’s been updated. So, it’s the best of both worlds.”

The RCC renovation cost approximately $5.5 million, funded entirely by McConnell Golf, making it one of largest recent privately funded investments in east Raleigh. There 32

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

were no member assessments. The focus of the project was to produce an improved course for all levels of players — retaining the integrity of the course that Ross first designed and built, while allowing more challenges for today’s long-hitting players. Among RCC’s numerous enhancements: • An entirely new irrigation system improving bunkers and turf conditions while minimizing erosion and eliminating bare spots near the tree lines.

• Enlarged green complexes allowing for more pin locations and improved, strategic shot making. On the greens, McConnell Golf used a new variety of bent grass called Pure Eclipse, which promises improved heat tolerance. RCC is the first course in the region to seed this grass on all 18 holes.

• New tee boxes on certain holes extending the course yardage to nearly 7,400 yards, while also benefitting female, junior and senior golfers. RCC’s rolling hills make the course play even longer.

• New bunkers providing greater visuals and improved play for golfers,

as well as much-improved drainage with the material used in the traps.

“We’ve tried to vary out the scale of the bunkers quite a bit, to where it’s reflective of the best stuff of Ross that I really like here in North Carolina,” Franz says.

• Thoughtful tree removal enhancing air movement and turf quality.

• A new irrigation system allowing native grasses to be planted during the next few years that will give the course a dramatic look. Many of the natural drainage areas across fairways were changed, to help the course better absorb rainfall and create more strategic shot-making opportunities.

• The rerouting of some cart paths (and the removal of others), lending the course a more natural feel as to the lay of the land. McConnell Golf is the first to utilize a new process called soil stabilization. “A machine tills whatever is existing, be it old path, soil or roots, and incorporates cement and water to create a soil surface,” says McConnell Golf Vice President of Agronomy Michael Shoun. “The final product is eight to 10 inches of a soil surface that takes

Hole No. 18

Hole No. 15

on the natural look of the material tilled. It’s called ‘natural path’ — not meant to be a perfectly smooth surface, more like a hard soil path.”

The feedback from RCC members has been overwhelmingly positive.

Jay Mills is a Raleigh lawyer who joined RCC in 2007 and currently carries a 3.5 index. “I used to play a ton and then had kids, and that slowed things down,” he says. “But I’ve tried to jump back in, in large part due to the renovation.”

Mills is a member of the North Carolina Golf Panel, which means he uses his architectural expertise

to rate golf courses around the state. He thinks Franz’ work at RCC could propel the layout into the very highest echelon.

“Overall, I think the renovation has significantly improved the golf course,” Mills says. “While many of the changes are dramatic and obvious, each time I’ve played the ‘new’ course I’ve noticed a subtle change to one of the holes and I’ve agreed with most of them. I think that will continue for many rounds and that, to me, is the sign of a successful renovation.”

The biggest and best improvement, Mills says, is the green complex on

Hole No. 3. “The prior green was too penal, particularly considering most were already hitting a long iron or a hybrid into it,” he says. “Now, while still a difficult hole, it’s no longer borderline unfair. So, huge win there.”

Will and Summer Smith have been RCC members since 2015 and play the golf course regularly. Just weeks following the grand reopening, Summer dunked her third shot on the par-5 12th hole for an eagle.

“She blew up the cup,” Will Smith says. “We had to repair it. It was awesome. PD [RCC’s Director of Golf, Paul Dickens] said it was the first eagle on No. 12 so far that he knows of.”

Summer Smith calls the renovation “spectacular.”

“I love the openness of the course now, being able to see so much more, the clubhouse and our friends playing other holes,” she says. “The greens don’t break nearly as much as they used to, which may change come spring. The rough is extremely tough and causes quite a few more lost balls.

I’m so happy with how it turned out.”

Her husband agrees.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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Raleigh Country Club

GOLF

ON A SIDE

The most popular comment I’ve heard has to be regarding the new bunkers – the look, design and playability from them. The new Raleigh Country Club now requires a lot more creativity to score well and I think that was one of Kyle Franz’s intentions with the green complexes.

I’ve only played twice since the reopening, but the thing I really notice now are the views. Once you get on a green, turn around 360 degrees and it is noticeably different.

In my opinion, the best view of any hole is now the approach to the 16th. It’s a downhill second shot with the green still guarded by the towering pine and bunker on the left, with the addition of a large bunker to the right of the green and the removal of the hedges behind the green and beside the 15th tee. The new flashed-faced bunkers behind the green now give you a “cathedral” type feel to this shot.

As far as some of the early highlights go, Reeves Zaytoun fired a 2-under par 69 from the new Ross Tees. Mark Gauley has a 68 (-3) from our Burgundy Tees. In his 68, Mark hit driver to four feet on No. 9 and made the putt for a two. We haven’t had a hole-in-one yet, but a few eagles on the 9th hole. I know that Bob Sarubbi was the first member to make eagle on the par-5 first hole, and I’m pretty positive it was Rick Marcotte who holed a pitching wedge on his second shot on No. 9.

– PAUL DICKENS, PGA, RCC Director of Golf 36

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Diane McKinney Photography

NOTE

Bagpiper plays on RCC grounds during RCC ribbon cutting ceremony

“The course before [the renovation] was phenomenal,” he says. “It made me a much better golfer, because it’s not your normal, stock track. You have to hit shots, sharpen your short game, and learn how to get creative with your mind while putting and all that good stuff. When I would travel, people who knew Raleigh Country Club would be like, ‘Oh gosh, you know, he’s an 8 handicap there, he might be a 5 here.’”

Aesthetics set the course apart.

“It’s just captivating,” Will Smith says. “One thing that’s cool is that it’s different at different tee boxes, which is fun. So, sometimes you want to go play a step back just so you can see the course from another perspective — it’s that pretty — especially with the flashed bunkering. It’s profound.”

Grove says the renovated course reminds him of Oakmont Country Club, near Pittsburgh, host of nine U.S. Opens and three PGA Championships.

“Now, you can almost see every hole from the clubhouse and several locations on the course,” he says. “You can look around and just see forever.

That, to me, is beautiful. But you still have a lot of the big, very old pine trees around there.”

Grove believes the true test of a golf course is whether you use every club in your bag and hit every type of shot.

“If great courses like Oakmont are in that discussion, I think Raleigh’s in that discussion, too,” he says. “Because if you play a few rounds of golf out there you realize, ‘I’ve got uphill lies, sidehill lies, downhill lies. I’ve got long irons, short irons. The greens are challenging.’ Every facet of your game is on call when you play RCC.” Of all the on-course alterations, the redesigned bunkers and green complexes have received the most resoundingly positive member feedback.

“McConnell Golf took a leap of faith with these new greens and my opinion on them is, ‘so far, so great,’” says Will Smith. “They’re only going to get better and they putt so well already. A lot of the guys have said, ‘It’s weird, because there are actually some straight putts on this golf course now.’ And they don’t know how to hit them, because they’ve always had to hit a putt that breaks. The greens are phenomenal, the layout’s amazing, and the vistas again are just tremendous.”

Mills emphasizes improvements to the bunkers.

Diane McKinney Photography

“They are much more [McConnell] had to consistent and playable,” even tinker with a gem he says. “I think the like this Donald Ross improvements that come design. He was so smart from the combination of to hire somebody like tree removal, drainage Kyle Franz to keep the and irrigation will be integrity of the Donald more obvious after spring Ross design, but just and summer, but I think update it. It’s so much they will be significant.” fun to be out there now.”

Grove praises the Now that spring is conditioning. “The greens here, the Smiths are are much further along anticipating playing the than I thought that they course as it grows in, would be and the bunkers getting fast and firm. look like they’ve been “We’re so thrilled to RCC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (from left) John McConnell (MCG CEO), Paul there for much longer be McConnell members, Dickens (RCC Director of Golf), Christian Anastasiadis (MCG COO), Billy Cole than just being brandjust in general, but then (RCC Superintendent) and Kyle Franz (RCC Redesign Architect) new. Hitting out of the you know that your bunkers is night and day. It’s still home course is only going to get the golf course. That’s probably the a hazard, but the sand is perfect better and it’s already amazing,” Will biggest change to me,” says Grove. and the ball pops out like it Smith says. “We feel blessed every “There are several places where should,” he says. day being a member. It’s hard not to you can see almost every hole on “I love everything that they did. The be grateful when you’ve got such an the course. For a true golfer, that’s added length is amazing to me, that embarrassment of riches from a golf beautiful to see. they could find that much length in standpoint.”

“I’m grateful for the vision that John

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DRINK

by Evan Morris, Food & Beverage Manager at Sedgefield Country Club

Beverages IN THE MIX

Cheers to crafty cocktails for any occasion Spunky Pineapple Cocktail .5 ounces lemon juice .5 ounces limoncello 1.75 ounces Corralejo Reposado tequila .75 oz. grilled-pineapple syrup (see recipe below)* Mint leaves and a slice of pineapple for garnish Mix all ingredients (except garnishes) in a shaker. Shake well and pour into a martini glass, straight up. Garnish with mint and a slice of grilled pineapple.

* Grilled Pineapple Syrup

Whole pineapple 2 cups water 2 cups sugar

Take whole pineapple and clean, then cut into quarters. Place pineapple on grill; grill on both sides. Take grilled pineapple and smoke for 5 minutes (we recommend smoking over pecan wood chips). Blend 3 quarters of pineapple. Save 1 quarter for garnish. Bring water and sugar to a boil. Add pineapple puree. Bring back to a boil, then strain into container.

Smoked Old Fashioned 4 dashes of smoked orange bitters 1 packet of sugar 2 Luxardo cherries House-smoked orange peel 1 ounce club soda 2 ounces Old Forrester bourbon Cherry and dehydrated orange for garnish Add bitters, sugar, cherries, orange peel and club soda into a rocks glass; muddle, then add bourbon.

Pour into shaker and shake well with ice. Strain back into rocks glass over ice. Garnish with cherry and dehydrated orange.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

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CULINARY

Greens KEEPERS

McConnell Golf chefs share leafy green recipes for spring LOOKING FOR HEALTHY recipes to follow this spring? McConnell Golf chefs have you covered with a variety of leafy green options – everything from arugula, broccoli rabe and cabbage to collards, kale, mizuna and spinach.

These leafy greens are superfoods, offering a high source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be prepared in many different, delicious ways – lucky for you, our chefs have narrowed down a list of possibilities so you can prep and serve these superfoods at your next meal.

Baby Arugula Salad with Langoustines and Salsify

BY RHETT SORG, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB

8 langoustines 3 salsify 1 quart milk 1 teaspoon caraway seed 1 bay leaf 1 sprig of thyme 1 ounce butter 12 green almonds, peeled 4 kumquats, sliced 30 baby arugula 8 peaches for peach pectin and peach puree 1 cup heavy cream 1 shallots, minced 4 chives, thinly sliced Tempura batter for salsify

1. Clean the langoustines (head and entrails). Season with salt and black pepper, and sear very quickly.

2. Cook the salsify in milk with caraway seed, bay leaf, thyme and butter until tender. Cool and reserve for use later. For service, dip the salsify in tempura batter and fry until hot.

3. To make the peach pectin, place eight peaches, halved, in a sealed plastic bag and cook in water at 140°F for 3-4 hours. Remove the peach pectin from the bag and set aside.

4. Puree the peaches used for the pectin to make the peach puree.

5. Whip heavy cream, shallots and chives to soft peaks. Add langoustines to coat.

6. Assemble plate as if these components are the paint and the canvas is the plate, however you like.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Polish Stuffed Cabbage (Golumpkies)

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan

BY PATRICK BUDNIEWSKI, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

BY TODD JACKSON, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION SERVES 2.

1 head of cabbage 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20) 1 cup cooked rice 1 egg

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1/3 cup milk 1 1/2 tablespoon onion, minced

1/2 cup shallots, minced

1 1/2 tablespoon celery, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey 4 cups arugula 1/2 cup toasted almonds 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste 1. Combine shallots and vinegar in mixing bowl.

Allow shallots to sit and pickle for a few minutes.

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)

BY BRUCE MCINTOSH, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE

1 bunch of broccoli rabe (rapini) or 4 cups of leaves, rinsed and dried 5 whole garlic cloves

2. Whisk in oil, honey and season with salt and pepper to taste.

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3. Fold in arugula, almonds and shaved parmesan. Serve immediately.

1/8 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon roasted red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup water 1. Sauté the garlic cloves in olive oil on medium-low heat. When the garlic is golden brown and tender, remove and set aside for later use.

2. Add the rapini to the pan and season with salt and red pepper flakes. Add water and cover 3-5 minutes.

1 tablespoon sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon dry basil 12-ounce can crushed tomatoes 12-ounce can tomato puree 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1. Peel off 15-16 large cabbage leaves from the head and place in bowl. Pour 2-3 cups of boiling water over cabbage leaves to soften, but not fully cook. Once softened, drain off water and cool cabbage leaves.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ground beef, the cooked (and cooled) white rice, egg, milk, vegetables, and garlic, paprika and basil. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. In a small sauce pan, heat the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree. Season with salt and pepper; cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Once cooked, spoon ¼ of sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan.

4. Place 2-3 tablespoons of meat mixture in the middle of 1 cabbage leaf and gently roll, tucking in sides. Place rolled stuffed cabbage, seam side down, in the baking pan with sauce in it. Continue to do this until all the meat is gone, softening more cabbage leaves if needed.

5. Pour remaining tomato sauce over top of stuffed cabbage and bake covered at 325°F for 45-50 minutes or until cabbage rolls reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve over white rice or buttered noodles.

3. Check the stems to make sure they’re tender. Add garlic to the pan and finish with extra virgin olive oil. Serve as a side dish to any Mediterraneanstyle food or add it to your favorite Italian sandwich.

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Southern Egg Roll with Braised Collards

BY KENRIC HUNT, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

1 bunch or head of braised collards (drained and chilled)

Linguica, Kale and Potato Soup

1/2 cup smoked bacon, diced

BY GREG LYONS, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB

1/2 cup shredded cheese (colby jack cheddar)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup chopped osso buco (pork or lamb, either one works)

3 medium red potatoes, peeled and diced

4-6 egg roll wrappers

2 medium yellow onions, diced

Egg wash

4-6 cloves of garlic, minced

Corn starch for dusting

2 bay leaves

1. Layer collards, bacon, cheese and osso meat onto egg roll wrapper.

2. Seal the ends with egg wash and roll tightly.

3. Dust in corn starch and fry.

1 pound kale (remove center stem and chop) 14-ounce can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes 1 pound of Linguica sausage, diced 1 quart of chicken stock Salt and pepper to taste

Mizuna Garden Salad Mix (Japanese Mustard Greens)

1. Heat olive oil in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add potatoes and onions, cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

BY JAMES R. PATTERSON III, CORPORATE EXECUTIVE CHEF AT MCCONNELL GOLF

3. Add garlic, bay leaves and kale.

4. Cover and wilt greens for about two minutes, and season with salt (if desired) and pepper.

2 cups mizuna leaves, rinsed and dried on a paper towel

5. Add beans, tomatoes, Linguica and broth. Bring to a full boil.

1 cup arugula, rinsed and dried on a paper towel

6. Reduce heat to low, cover and slowly simmer for 30-45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

1 head of lolla rossa, rinsed, patted dry and chopped 1 cup baby leaf spinach, left whole Sugar-glazed pecans, chopped Medium apples, diced Crispy bacon, chopped Chèvre cheese, crumbled Tobacco fried onions Charred lemon Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

7. Remove bay leaves.

1. Mix the mizuna leaves, arugula, lolla rossa and baby leaf spinach together. By mixing the greens, you can bag and use them as needed throughout the course of 4-5 days.

2. Dress the greens prior to plating so that the toppings can be presented over the greens rather than being missed inside.

3. Pair salad with charred lemon and roasted garlic vinaigrette, topped with glazed pecans, crispy bacon, apples, crumbled chevre and fried onions.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

KIDS

Elliot Johnston

WHATEVER

Floats Your Boat Annual regattas awash with cardboard, creativity and competitive fun

BOAT REGATTAS HAVE taken place since the mid-1700s. Residents of the United Kingdom, Venice, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and France

were the first to witness sailing develop in popularity. The term “regatta” stems from the Venetian regata – which means contest – and

it’s used to describe racing with rowed or sailed water vessels.

Today, boat regattas have formed CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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KIDS into a long-standing tradition for many families and cultures throughout the world, including the United States.

In 2016, Porters Neck Country Club and Providence Country Club launched their own regatta traditions, which have grown into a staple for junior members and their families to enjoy. Porters Neck hosts a cardboard boat regatta in the summer while Providence puts on a Memorial Day cardboard boat regatta with a patriotic theme. Despite COVID-19’s cancellation of Providence’s regatta in 2020, members are looking forward to making up for lost time this year as they plan to use their creativity to build boats out of cardboard and duct tape.

“The cardboard boat regatta is such a fun event,” says Sarah Cain, a member at Porters Neck. “The kids have a blast racing their pirate ships, sailboats, canoes and masterful creations made out of simple cardboard and duct tape.”

The regattas allow families of all ages to spend quality time together while working as a team to create works of art to enter in the contests. While the boats only last a short amount of time, the families make memories that last a lifetime. Boats of all shapes and sizes have sailed across the pools at Porters Neck and Providence, including designs in the form of sharks, whales, planes, canoes, sailboats, airboats, pirate ships and firetrucks, just to name a few.

“We love participating in the cardboard boat regattas! While our boats were rarely seaworthy for the long paddle across the pool, we love designing our boats with a theme,” says Beth Johnston, a member at Porters Neck. “My favorite was ‘Gilligan’s Island.’ My youngest son was a good sport at being a very cute Gilligan, even though he had never seen or heard of the show. Our S.S. Minnow was a fan favorite that year!”

Trophies are awarded to participants with the most creative and fastest boats,

Providence Country Club Boat Regatta Race

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

RE·​GAT·​TA

\ ri-ˈgä-tə, -ˈga- \ noun – a rowing, speedboat or sailing race, or a series of such races

Elliot Johnston

Providence Country Club Boat Regatta Race

2020 Winners Austyn & Braxton

Haydie Cain

based on feedback from a panel of judges. The best part of the races, however, is the camaraderie that forms between competitors and spectators alike. Each year, large crowds gather to cheer on the boat racers and competition between entries grows as members start mapping out their plans for the next regatta.

“The kids have a blast racing their pirate ships, sailboats, canoes and masterful creations made out of simple cardboard and duct tape.”

Porters Neck Boat Regatta Race

– Sarah Cain

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NEW CLUB

by John Pisarek

People Make the Place

Reflecting on three memorable decades at Porters Neck Country Club BACK IN 1993, my wife Laura and I were living in Syracuse, New York — a city known for its cloudy skies and record-setting snowfall totals.

As golfers, we dreamed about warm weather and days on the golf course. We subscribed to several golf magazines and used to send in the little punch cards asking for more information on courses in the South.

Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, was one of those courses. The golf course and residential community were new, so incentives were being offered to come check out the area and play the course. We decided … why not?

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Sure enough, we fell in love with the area and the golf course. We were still close to 15 years from retiring, but you can’t start dreaming too early.

We decided to make Wilmington and Porters Neck our retirement home.

We purchased a home at Porters Neck and joined the club in 1994, visiting every year on vacations and enjoying the golf course more and more. We knew we had made a great choice. We moved to Porters Neck permanently in 2008.

Laura and I are both active golfers and play more than 100 rounds each per year. For us, the wonderful weather, outstanding golf course and

member interactions make Porters Neck Country Club truly special.

We love the layout of the golf course. We love how each hole is its own — no side-by-side fairways; each hole showcasing a new and beautiful view.

Another particularly attractive feature is the “walkability” of the course. Even though each hole is its own, there are no mile-long hikes between greens and tees, as there are at some coastal courses. The natural settings are enhanced by Tom Fazio’s masterful design. The large green complexes and multiple tee options make our golf course a unique

In May 2019, Porters Neck Country Club selected McConnell Golf Alliance, the private club operations division of McConnell Golf, to manage the club. McConnell Golf officially acquired Porters Neck for purchase in August 2020.

Porters Neck is nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway just minutes from local beaches and historic downtown Wilmington. The club’s centerpiece is its highly regarded, Tom Fazio-designed golf course that made its debut in 1991 and has played host to multiple Carolinas Golf Association and Carolinas PGA championships.

experience each time out.

We love watching the golf course and country club facility develop.

When we joined in 1994, there was no clubhouse. The pro shop and offices were in a double-wide trailer at the end of a gravel parking lot.

Through the years, it has been wonderful to see the facility take shape, from the beautiful clubhouse to the extensive fitness options, tennis and pools. Not only has it been exciting to see them in their

first renditions, but also to watch as improvements and updates have occurred during the past few years, such as new Bermuda greens, a renovated clubhouse, and additional tennis and pickleball courts.

One particularly fond memory was the club’s 25-year anniversary party. It was an incredible soirée, attended by a large number of the membership.

The food was wonderful, weather was perfect and the band was fantastic.

It was a wonderful time to mingle, John & Laura Pisarek

dance and connect with members old and new.

We are especially looking forward to the 30-year anniversary party this year.

People make the place. If you have the best facility around but no one with whom to golf or socialize, it won’t be a special experience. We feel confident that Porters Neck and McConnell Golf will continue to keep the club facilities current, offer a large range of options to participate and socialize with other members, and continue to offer activities that appeal to potential members of all ages.

Cheers to 30 wonderful years at Porters Neck Country Club! www.mcconnellgolf.com

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FITNESS

by Natalie Clemens, McConnell Golf Corporate Director of Member Activities & Wellness

Perfect Fit McConnell Golf trainers, instructors help members achieve their fitness goals

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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FITNESS

THE FITNESS WORLD constantly evolves, making it difficult to keep up with new trends. One thing that never changes, though, is the love McConnell Golf trainers and instructors have for our members.

It takes a special person to continuously motivate others to reach their goals, both mentally and physically. McConnell Golf is fortunate to employ some of the best trainers and instructors in the business. Here are four who never cease to amaze us with the drive, talent and creativity they bring to our organization.

GREG KEARNS

Yoga Instructor, The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation Greg Kearns is a North Carolina native who attended UNC Charlotte, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology. By day, he works as an organic chemist for the city of Raleigh. He’s always enjoyed participating in group fitness classes and, at the age of 40, he decided it was time to step out of his comfort zone in order to help others reach their fitness goals.

Kearns fell in love with yoga after 54

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“I started going to Greg‘s classes a little over four years ago. Then my husband, Marc, decided to join me and we have been going together from that time on. Marc has even rescheduled his golf outings so he can go do yoga with Greg on Saturday mornings. Greg is not only one of the best instructors we have ever had the honor of learning from, he is also one of the kindest and truly thoughtful people we have had the pleasure of knowing. With his humor and his non-judgmental ways, he gets you to do things that sometimes you don’t want to do, and at the end you’re glad that you did it!”

– Merri Robinson

his first class. Two years later, he was a certified instructor. He continues to gain knowledge and certifications; for example, he learned how to teach trauma-sensitive yoga to individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.

Through his teaching style, Kearns dispels popular yoga instructor stereotypes. He loves to have fun with

his participants, as they slowly let go of the busy outside world and build a practice on their breath, body and focus. Kerns ends every class with the “Shavasana” pose, with members laying back on their mats and focusing on the subtleties in and around them – including the sound of their breath, heartbeat, the movement of air around their body, the warmth of the sun or even the pressure against the mat.

There is very little that brings Kearns more joy than opening his eyes after the closing salutation and being met with smiling, restful faces.

SHERRI TALLANT

Director of Fitness, Sedgefield Country Club Sherri Tallant has served as a personal trainer, instructor and director of fitness at Sedgefield Country Club for more than 25 years. An ISSAcertified (International Sports Science Association) Master Trainer, she also holds TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 1 certification along with other specialized certifications such as ISSA Exercise Therapy, Corrective Exercise Therapist.

Tallant has a passion for helping clients “correct” physical limitations, focusing on mobility issues that affect golf swing, posture corrections, presurgery exercises and post-operative exercise therapy. She also loves working with youth. An ISSA Specialist in Strength & Conditioning and Youth Fitness, she works with young athletes in sport-specific strength and conditioning as well as teaching proper techniques and the importance of general fitness to all.

Tallant was born and raised in North Carolina. She has two sons – Rob and Adam – as well as two grandsons. Outside of work, she enjoys family, gardening, cooking and special time with her grandsons. Tallant is a tremendous leader and trainer, and McConnell Golf is grateful to have her on our team.

KYM REED

Director of Fitness & Activities, Providence Country Club

“Working with Sherri after my knee surgery has given me the physical ability to play golf again without any fear of re-injuring my knee as well as the confidence to compete on a national level again. She is truly a valuable asset to Sedgefield Country Club.”

– Amber Marsh Elliott

a class, Kym Reed helps results happen – indeed, she’s been leading others to fitness for more than 25 years. As Providence Country Club’s Fitness and Activities Director, Reed is keeping members motivated and moving by teaching RIPPED, a high-intensity interval, strength training program twice a week. She’s energized by the community and personalization that can be accomplished via small groups and one-on-one personal training.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Reed has a degree in kinesiology and a variety of certifications, such as Advance TRX Group Training, Tabata Bootcamp, PIYO, SilverSneakers Yoga and Circuit, Moving for Better Balance (Tai Chi), Speedball, RIPPED and Pound (cardio drumming). Her goal each day, especially during the pandemic, is to safely assist members with workouts to help them stay physically and mentally strong.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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FITNESS “Kym has been a wonderful addition to Providence Country Club. She has such a great upbeat personality. She has gone to great lengths to get us exercising during the pandemic. We are all stronger and happier because of her efforts.”

– Leslie Rundlett

Reed balances her work life with a rich family life, which includes playing fetch with her corgi, Valentine. She’s the mother of two daughters and she recently launched a relationship

podcast with her husband. Reed brings positivity, knowledge, imagination and a fun, well-rounded fitness program to Providence Country Club.

ALLISON EVANS Wellness Director, Porters Neck Country Club Allison Evans has served as the wellness director at Porters Neck Country Club since May 2015. She moved to Wilmington from the Outer Banks, where she worked for Dare County running a community center fitness program. She got married in October 2019; she and her husband, Douglas, spend as much time outside as possible with their dog Quincy. Surfing, cycling, boating and running are just a few of their favorite things to do.

Evans grew up participating in gymnastics. In college, she discovered

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

that health and fitness was something you could major in, so she went on a wellness track. She earned an undergraduate degree in health and fitness from East Carolina University – where she was a member of the cheerleading squad – and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Virginia. Evans quickly found a way to utilize her voice, social nature and passion for movement/physical activity on

a daily basis while helping others discover their commitment to a

healthy lifestyle.

Evans thrives on helping Porters Neck members meet their wellness goals. Figuring out ways for members to maintain their health and fitness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been her driving force over the past year and she looks forward to continuing to adapt, learn and grow the PNCC wellness programs to meet whatever challenges are in store for the future.

“Everyone knows intellectually that committing to a regular routine of cardio and strength exercises is essential to a healthier and happier life. But we all need inspiration and leadership to get us emotionally engaged. Allison is a magnificent leader, keeping the PNCC fitness programs fun, flexible and challenging. All of us in her classes look forward to being with her and our teammates, laughing and getting better every day.”

– Gene Haley

www.sechristinc.com :: 910.236.9228 :: info@sechristinc.com Serving NC, SC, VA, TN, GA, and FL since 2001

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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THE BACK NINE

by John Maginnes

GAME

(Still)

ON

From NCAA to PGA and beyond, Jay Haas is ‘blessed for sure’ CATCHING UP WITH Jay Haas is always a pleasure. He is a gentleman from another era, both literally and figuratively. It would be easy to say that they just don’t make men like that anymore – but they do.

The hardest thing to do in a conversation with Haas is to get him to talk about himself. But ask him about his family and you hear the pride in his voice for his wife, children and, of course, grandchildren. I spoke with Haas the day before his 67th birthday in early December. I had seen him a couple of months prior at the Sanderson Farms Championship caddying for his FedEx Cup-winning son, Bill Haas. So that is where we started the conversation.

JM: How did it come about that you were caddying for Bill in Jackson, Mississippi?

JH: I caddied for him once in the Western Junior Championship years ago, and probably the next time was three years ago at Sea Island. I’ve caddied Sea Island the last few years, and it’s fun. He lets me carry the small bag and I really enjoy it.

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Jay Haas and son Jay Haas Jr.

to give him a mental boost. We work a little on swing and thoughts, but mostly I just want to keep it positive.

All those guys on the PGA Tour hit great shots; it’s just a matter of not hitting the wrong shot at the wrong time. And then of course it comes down to putting – you make a couple of 12-footers and you feel like you are playing well… miss a few and you are playing bad.

I’ve had a ton of fun with him. I try to use my experience as a player but also what I’ve seen in other caddies and caddies who have worked for me.

JM: You guys are such a golf family [Haas’s son Jay Jr. runs the Haas Family Golf Center in Greenville, South Carolina; son Bill Hass is a current PGA Tour player; brother-in-law Dillard Pruitt is a long-time PGA Tour playerturned-rules official; and his Uncle Bob Goalby won the 1968 Masters, among

other things]. When you get together, do you talk about golf?

JH: We don’t avoid it, but usually we are talking about the grandkids, their kids. We watch tournaments and talk about what we saw, but it’s not all-consuming by any means. We try to play while we are home and get together. With Jay Jr. teaching, we talk golf swing quite a bit. We talk about why guys are playing well. I mean, it is our jobs, so we definitely talk about it.

JM: Jay, you mentioned that golf is your job. A lot of guys your age don’t have a job anymore. Have you considered hanging it up, moving to Pawley’s Island and beating up the old guys at The Reserve?

JH: It’s more of a thought than it was a few years ago. I played poorly the last couple of events and I don’t want to quit on that note. I feel like there

JM: You have a record that will probably never be broken [most cuts on the PGA Tour at 591]. You’ve captained a Presidents Cup Team.

Is there a single thing that you are most proud of?

JH: Well, I have been blessed for sure. I can remember thinking when I started on Tour at 23 that if I could play for 20 years that would be a great career. I could put some money away and then figure it out.

To think it’s nearly 45 years later and I still get to play tournament golf is more than a dream. The Champions Tour is a blessing for all of us at this age. I talked to Ernie and he loves it.

Jim is starting to embrace it. It’s not too bad being in the hunt again.

is more out there for me. But I don’t want to play great and shoot 75 just to be out there. If I play poorly and shoot 75, I am okay with that. There is room for improvement.

The truth is that my game is not suited to a lot of the courses that we play now. I laugh when people think that we are playing golf courses on the Champions Tour at 6,500 yards. I don’t remember the last tournament we played under 7,000 yards. Some of the guys that are playing still hit it a long way. Ernie [Els] and of course Phil [Mickelson] when he plays, bombs it out there; Jim Furyk still moves it as well. So there are fewer and fewer courses on which I feel like I can compete. If halfway through the season next year I don’t have a top 10 or a top 5, I might just fade away.

No big announcement, just head off to Pawley’s Island and hang out at The Reserve.

Watching [my sons] Bill play and Jay teach is amazing, then being the captain of that Presidents Cup Team when Bill won the deciding point. It doesn’t get much better than that.

That was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to be there and share that, and for him to accomplish that. Any parent would much rather see their children succeed than themselves.

So, as far as golf goes, those are the big things.

JM: In 2010, you showed up in Palm Springs when Bill had a chance to win the former Bob Hope Classic.

What do you remember?

JH: Believe it or not, that was a Monday finish in Palm Springs because of weather so I flew in from Hawaii where we were playing [on the Champions Tour]. I caught him with about six holes left to go. Jay Jr. was caddying for me in Hawaii and when Bill knocked it on 18 in two, needing a birdie to win, I borrowed Jay Jr.’s phone to call [my wife] Jan. She answered, “Hey Jay,” thinking it was Jay Jr. I couldn’t say anything. I was so choked up and emotional knowing that he was about to get his first win. It’s so difficult to win out there and it’s such a big deal, I

just couldn’t talk. I knew how hard he had worked and how much he wanted it, and knowing how difficult it is I just couldn’t talk. Finally, I must have made some sort of sound into the phone and Jan said, “Oh, this is my husband Jay.” And yeah, that was really incredible. I remember my first win like it was yesterday and the sense of accomplishment to know that you can do it is amazing.

JM: Why the desert? You and Bill are from the Southeast. Why all the success, particularly in Palm Springs?

JH: Yeah, I guess it’s because when you are on the east coast and you go west for the start of the year, you are ready to go. Bill has won twice there and lost in a playoff. I don’t know what it is. Back in the old days it was a five-round event, a nice way to play your way into the year.

But other than the fact that there are 18 holes on a golf course, there aren’t too many similarities between Greenville, South Carolina, and Palm Springs.

JM: Before we let you go, you played on what is considered the greatest college golf team of all time at Wake Forest (I didn’t finish the question when he said)…

JH: I spoke with one of my teammates this morning. Curtis [Strange] called while he was driving down to Florida. He just called to say hello. We had a very good team, no question about it. We won the NCAA Tournament by the most strokes ever and all that. But you can never compare eras against each other. I hear Curtis say all the time that college golf was the most fun he ever had in his life. And it’s fun, I still keep in touch with quite a few guys.

John Maginnes is a former PGA Tour player; the current co-host of “Katrek and Maginnes on Tap” on Sirius XM as part of the PGA Tour Radio; and an analyst for “PGA Tour Live.”

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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TENNIS/PICKLEBALL

by Stephanie Trotter

Pickleball Pandemonium The fastest-growing sport you’ve never played – but should OK, LET’S BE HONEST. Could the sport have a sillier-sounding name – Pickleball? And it involves a nostalgic sphere of childhood typically associated with plastic bats and neighborhood bragging rights: the whiffle ball.

Yet from this odd pairing comes the fastest-growing recreational sport in America that almost 3.5 million players are rushing to the court to enjoy.

“Today’s the club championship,” exclaims John Hambel, a pickleball enthusiast and member at Porters Neck Country Club. “We’re finishing up the ladder league and I’m playing in the mixed doubles finals. I started playing about three years ago. It’s very addictive.”

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Porters Neck is one of many McConnell Golf properties featuring pickleball. In fact, 10 clubs have retrofitted tennis courts or dedicated pickleball courts, and host either formal or informal play, from openmorning sessions to community-wide leagues.

“I’m proud we’re on the front end of this sport,” says Kyle Thortsen, Corporate Director of Tennis

“Pickleball is a sport that you don’t have to be the best athlete to play. Anyone can pick up a paddle, have fun and learn in 20 minutes.”

– Kyle Thortsen, Corporate Director of Tennis Operations at McConnell Golf

Operations at McConnell Golf. He admits he was initially hesitant, but has witnessed the sport take off like an overhead smash from the edge of the kitchen (that’s pickleball lingo for the non-volley zone). “It’s coming and it’s coming fast. It’s getting a whole new group of membership involved, people who weren’t involved on the tennis courts before.”

Last year marked the 55th anniversary of pickleball, a sport that showcases elements of tennis, racquetball and Ping-Pong, as well as a whiff of badminton. Pickleball’s popularity has soared in recent years, especially with aging Baby Boomers who want to remain active – indeed, 34 percent of those who play are 55 and older.

The short, 15-minute games usually feature high-cardio, low-impact and lots of social interaction.

“My wife and I have been at Wakefield for 14 years,” says Patrick

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Newton. “I could count the number of times I’d been on the tennis courts on one hand. But I attended a Saturday morning pickleball clinic for beginners, and was hooked! I now play with several regular groups and we just finished our first season with men’s,

IN THE

KNOW

• Gear: All you need is a paddle, a ball and place to play.

• The Kitchen: The non-volley zone that extends seven feet off the net on both sides. Players cannot volley (take the ball out of the air) inside this area.

women’s and mixed couple’s leagues.”

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation boasts more than 100 pickleball players. Thortsen says the attraction is the game is so easy to learn.

“Pickleball is a sport that you don’t have to be the best athlete to play,” he explains. “Anyone can pick up a paddle, have fun and learn in 20 minutes, which is not something you can say about most sports.”

Depending on intensity, play can be easy on the body too. “I’ve had a lot

• No-Man’s Land: The area between the kitchen and baseline. Try to avoid getting stuck in this area, as it opens up angles for opponents to strike the ball past you.

• Scoring: Typically, games are played to 11, with a team gaining a point each time they win a rally while serving. Scores are called with a series of three numbers: the serving team’s number of points, the receiving team’s number of points, and the team member serving. A score called of 6 - 3 - 2 means the serving team has six points, the receiving team three points, and the second server on a team is serving.

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DILL

• 64 percent of “core” players, who play at least eight times a year, are 55 and older.

• The South Atlantic is the fastest-growing region of players, with an average annual growth rate of 19.5 percent.

• USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body, tested and approved 134 paddles and 10 balls in 2019.

• Paddles are about twice the size of a Ping-Pong paddle. Early paddles were plywood. Today, paddles range from $8.88 at Walmart to $2,950 for Chanel’s Black Wood “CC” Paddle Ball Set. of surgeries on my knees and feet,” chuckles Newton. “My joints can’t participate in traditional high-impact sports, but this is something I can do.

It’s fun, competitive and not overly physically demanding. Pickleball is truly fun for all ages, from little kids, to teens, to senior adults.”

As for Hambel in the Porters Neck Club Championship? Win or lose, he knows he’ll be back for more.

“With short games, you’re always switching partners and meeting people,” he says. “It’s extremely social.

You’ll make great friends. My whole social circle is now predominantly pickleball players. We’re all different levels and on our favorite night, we finish around 8:30 and go to the pub.”

No doubt to share stories of victory on the court.

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

MCCONNELL GOLF SCHOLARS

by Brad King

All in the Family Royalty siblings earn McConnell Golf Scholarships for Golf & Tennis IN 2020, Keenan and Sierra Royalty became the first pair of siblings to earn McConnell Golf Scholarships.

Keenan, a 16-year-old high school sophomore, is one of the state’s most accomplished junior golfers, having captured numerous local, state and regional titles since he began competing when he was just five years old. In May, Keenan was awarded a McConnell Golf Scholarship.

Four months later, his 14-year-old sister, Sierra – an eighth-grade honors student at Wakefield Middle School – received a McConnell Golf Tennis Scholarship. Sierra, who is currently ranked 68th in the Southeast, recently won a USTA Level 4 tournament in Kinston, North Carolina; then beat the No. 1 seed in a Level 4 tournament in

Snow Hill, North Carolina, catapulting her 14 spots higher in the rankings.

The McConnell Golf Scholarship program is designed to offer instruction, practice and playing opportunities to young golfers and tennis players who may not have the financial means to practice at first-class facilities. To qualify, certain criteria must be met, including level of talent, need and commitment — as well as proven dedication and value to the future of the sport.

Keenan and Sierra hail from an

“Keenan is a humble young man with excellent manners. He exemplifies the characteristics that we all look for in junior golfers. I expect big things from him over the next few years.”

– Adam McLaughlin, Director of Golf at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation

athletic lineage. Their father, Doug, was drafted by the Houston Astros and pitched in the minor leagues for a couple years. One of their brothers, Alex, is a pitcher within the Cleveland Indians organization, while their oldest brother, Paul, played baseball at Wakefield High School.

Keenan says coming from an athletic family had an important influence on his approach to golf.

“I’m very competitive when it comes to my family, so that has helped me aim to become the best I can be at golf,” he says. “I’m very motivated to become the most accomplished of all of us.”

Keenan has navigated quite a journey. By the time he was just a year old, he was walking and swinging a plastic, 18-inch golf club. His parents gave him golf balls, but Keenan quickly began hitting them so well that he was breaking things in the house.

He then progressed to a golf mat outside the front door, and was quickly CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

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TENNIS able to hit a ball across the cul-de-sac and close to the neighbors’ house. So, his parents bought a net.

“We had a park at the end of our street, so we would take Keenan there to hit golf balls,” recalls his mother, Karen. “All the neighbors knew him, and loved to see him tote a golf bag bigger than he was.”

Keenan’s first tournaments were with U.S. Kids Golf and his parents both caddied for him. When he turned 11, he began to play on a wide variety of state and regional tours.

His parents decided to pull Keenan out of public school in seventh grade, so he could incorporate more golf time into his schedule.

“Homeschool has been the best way to budget his time. He currently attends homeschool classes at New Life Camp in Raleigh one day per week, then studies at home or on the road.

He maintains straight As and is finding a great balance,” Karen says.

When Keenan was in sixth grade, his feet began to swell when walking long golf courses. He learned that each of his feet had an extra bone that needed to be removed — meaning 2016 became a long year, including foot surgeries and no golf.

Now, Keenan’s true talent has begun to shine through.

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In 2020, when golf tournaments were on hold, Keenan spent all day, every day on the practice range. He also spent time on the putting and chipping greens, while playing as many holes as possible from sunup to sundown.

Keenan is coached by The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation’s Director of Golf Adam McLaughlin, whose expertise has been instrumental to his development. Keenan has also met several PGA professionals who practice at Wakefield — and often ask Keenan to join them in a putting contest — along with numerous other high school golfers, with whom he practices and plays tournaments.

“Since becoming a McConnell Golf Scholar, Keenan has made some drastic improvement in his game as shown in the results over the past few months,” says McLaughlin. “I’ve been impressed with his work ethic and attitude during the time that I’ve spent coaching him.

Keenan is a humble young man with excellent manners. He exemplifies the characteristics that we all look for in junior golfers. I expect big things from him over the next few years.”

Since August 2020, Keenan has consistently finished in the Top four from among nearly 150 high school boys, other than two tournaments where he placed 11th and 18th. He plans to not only play collegiate golf, but also work toward competing on the PGA Tour.

“The McConnell Golf Scholarship has seriously taken my entire game to a new level,” Keenan says. “Since starting, I’ve dropped my state ranking about 125 placements, and my national ranking by more than 700 placements. I’ve competed in countless tournaments since then, and I’ve consistently been finishing around the top. The scholarship is the greatest thing that has ever happened to my golf game.”

The youngest Royalty sibling, Sierra, “has always been an overachiever,” says her mother. “(Vice president) of student council and now president of the Beta Club, which is an all-A club in middle school. She is also involved in our church and volunteering in the

community, prior to COVID.” Sierra started competing in sports at age five, and tennis became her passion fairly quickly.

“At first, I experimented with different sports and activities such as dance, gymnastics and tennis, and I did all of them for quite some time,” she says.

“But tennis was the sport and activity that I loved doing the most … At around eight years old, I stopped doing gymnastics and ever since then, tennis is the only sport I’ve really done and enjoyed.”

Before she was awarded a tennis scholarship in September 2020, Sierra was practicing with the tennis coach at NC State. When NC State closed due to COVID-19, Sierra would hit with her father in the street or any tennis courts they could find, until she was able to play at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation.

Now she attends every clinic three days a week with high school players at The Country Club at Wakefield

“From conditioning to drills, Sierra gives us 100 percent effort and focus every time she is on the court. There’s no doubt that her determination and wantto-learn attitude will take her to great heights, on and off the tennis court.”

– Kyle Thortsen, Corporate Director of Tennis at McConnell Golf

Plantation. She also takes private lessons with McConnell Golf’s Corporate Director of Tennis, Kyle Thortsen, who is based at Wakefield.

“Kyle has helped Sierra’s game tremendously, and she absolutely loves playing with his group. Andrew Hodges is the other pro tennis coach who works with Kyle, and he has helped boost Sierra’s playing level,” her mother says.

“Our first opportunity to get to

know Sierra was from a Summer High Performance tennis camp that was being held at Wakefield Plantation,” says Thortsen. “From the start of camp, it was easy to see that this young lady was all business once she stepped inside of the gates. From conditioning to drills, Sierra gives us 100 percent effort and focus every time. There’s no doubt that her determination and wantto-learn attitude will take her to great heights, on and off the tennis court.”

Sierra aspires to play collegiate and professional tennis one day — and believes her McConnell Golf Tennis Scholarship will provide just the boost she needs.

“My goal would be to have a good education, of course, and I would love to take tennis into my future,” Sierra said. “The McConnell Scholarship has definitely made me want to work and train harder. Knowing how much it has already helped me, and how much more it will help me, makes me excited and eager to see what my future in tennis will be like.”

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Member

Directory

AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES American Tree Preservation Terry Raby...................................865.250.4646 ����������������������������������������������airtechtools.com SR&R Environmental, Inc. Richard Smith.......................... 1.800.310.6757 ................................................... srrenviro.com

Contact one of our consultants for a comprehensive policy review!

ASHEVILLE – 828.258.2663 1200 Ridgefield Blvd., Suite 254 Asheville, NC 28806 RALEIGH – 919.781.0200 4505 Falls of Neuse Rd., Suite 350, Raleigh, NC 27609

Syngenta Ben Peters...................................866.796.4638 ...................................... greencastonline.com

GREENSBORO – 336.375.0600 823 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

AUTOMOBILE SALES & SERVICE Leith Toyota Jonathan Hughes........................919.876.5900 ������������������������������������������������leithtoyota.com Lynchburg Mazda Chris Mabry................................434.455.5900 ...................................... lynchburgnissan.com

North East Window Solutions A veteran-owned company that supplies windows and panels for commercial structures – new and rehab.

James Webber...........................646.352.3060 .....................northeastwindowsolutions.com

Lynchburg Nissan Chris Mabry................................434.455.5900 ...................................... lynchburgnissan.com

Overhead Door Co. of New Bern, Inc. Vincent Clifton............................ 252.638.3167 ...........................overheaddoornewbern.com

Lynchburg Powersports Shawn Stinnett...........................434.525.8200 .......................... lynchburgpowersports.com CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING SERVICES Buckner Build David Buckner............................ 910.409.2664 ........................................ bucknerbuildllc.com

Pool Professionals Jody Jones....................................919.787.7878 .................................... poolprofessionals.com TA Loving Ken Gerrard..................................919.461.1710 ..................................................... taloving.com

RALEIGH CUSTOM REALTY Bobbie Callahan Broker/Realtor 919.413.2501 buyandsellwithbobbie.com bobbie@raleighcustomrealty.com 66

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

FINANCIAL SERVICES Capitol Financial Solutions William D. Smith......................... 919.858.2209 ......................................willsmithfinancial.com Main Street Financial Solutions Kerrie J. Debbs........................... 910.585.1848 ............................................. msfsolutions.com PLC Wealth Management, LLC Harnessing Wealth to Impact Lives for Generations to Come Michael Perkins, CPA, PFS.........919.782.0494 .......................................mike@plcwealth.com FOOD & BEVERAGE Highland Brewing Company Contact....................................... 828.299.3370 ..................................... highlandbrewing.com Pepsi Bottling Ventures Customer Care Center........... 1.800.879.8884 ............................ pepsibottlingventures.com US Foods Contact........................................919.404.4100 ..................................................... usfoods.com

FURNITURE & INTERIORS Colorful Concepts Interior Design Full-service residential interior design firm based in Raleigh, serving clients throughout the Carolinas and beyond.

Sally Williams............................... 919.424.2115 ............... colorfulconceptinteriordesign.com

Member

Directory

Furnitureland South, Inc. Blair Ingle................................... 336.822.3000 ...................................furniturelandsouth.com

BHHS Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, Inc.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

See why millions are sold on Jane at the Lake!

Cameron Village Dentistry Dr. Rebekah McConnell.............919.821.2454 ............................ cameronvillagedentist.com

Jane Sullivan Horne 540.493.1690 jane@janeatthelake.com janeatthelake.com

Coastal Companion Care Brian Neubert............................. 910.444.1650 ............................coastalcompanioncare.com Crabtree Valley Dental Matthew Wirick...........................919.783.8887 ............................... crabtreevalleydental.com Hámarki Wellness Travis McKinney.........................865.548.8267 ...................................... hamarkiwellness.com

Youngs Physical Therapy & Sports Performance Michael Edwards, PT, DPT........ 252.565.8812 ........................... youngsphysicaltherapy.com

Oasis Recovery Center Jon Wood................................... 828.330.9535 .......................................................... or-nc.com

INSURANCE Assured Partners Eric Stevens..................................919.781.0200 .......................................assuredpartners.com Costas Insurance Group Chris Costas................................336.292.9992 ........................................thecostasgroup.com

KERRIE J. DEBBS

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM Partner

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE PEACE OF MIND.

kdebbs@msfsolutions.com www.msfsolutions.com 910.585.1848 My Blog: TGIF2minutes.com STAY CONNECTED

HIT ‘EM LONG AND STRAIGHT! Cary, NC • Atlanta, GA • Newtown, PA Washington, D.C. • New York, NY Investment advisory services offered through Main Street Financial Solutions LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. www.mcconnellgolf.com

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We Buy and Sell!

-US Coins -World Coins -US and World Currency -Gold & Silver Bullion -Appraisal Services

Located at 215 E. State St. Black Mountain, NC Dan Lewis

Have Questions? Talk to Us!

Diplomate of Numismatics American Numismatic Association 68

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

(828) 669-0200 blackmountaincoins.com

srrenviro.com SINGLE SOURCE FOR PIPE CLEANING, INSPECTION, & REPAIR CCTV VIDEO INSPECTION

• Versatile pipeline inspection in lines 6”-72”+ • PACP, MACP & LACP Certified Inspectors • PACP Compliant Reporting with GIS Overlay, Asset Management Integration, etc.

COMBO TRUCK SERVICES

• Sanitary sewer and stormwater pipe cleaning • Vactor 2100 Plus units with state-of-the-art nozzles for every application • Remote easement access & hydro excavation also available

SECTIONAL PIPE REPAIR

• • • •

No digging No heavy equipment Fix the pipe in place Safer, faster & cheaper

24 H R H OT L I N E : 1.800.310.6757

• Luxury travel for all of your business, leisure and family vacation needs • Visit another McConnell Golf property or customize your travel destination • VIP experience, including a professional driver • Comforts of home while traveling, including Wi-Fi and in-motion satellite • Assurance of traveling in a clean and safe environment

For leasing opportunities, contact Wendy Russell: (865) 525-3888 | leasing@russellcoach.com | www.russellcoach.com 6344 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924 www.mcconnellgolf.com

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Member

Directory PrimeLending Nick Overcash............................ 919.854.5693 .............................................nickovercash.com

RETAIL

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Innovative Investment Management using Stocks / Options Futures to create portfolios for high net worth clients.

ERIC CERRONE | 561.676.7091 | HARBORSIDE.CAPITAL Hartsfield & Nash Insurance Agency Donald Stroud Jr........................ 919.556.3698 ......................................... hartsfield-nash.com

Paul Stone Art Paul Stone...................................802.258.8535 .............................................paulstoneart.com

The Sorin Group Rand Williams.............................. 919.719.5375 ...............................rand@thesoringroup.com

Telepathic Graphics, Inc. Mark Gauley................................ 919.342.4603 ................................. telepathicgraphics.com REAL ESTATE SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Covalent Chemical Matt Rowe....................................919.825.1400 .....................................covalentchemical.com

Jennifer Vogel, Beverly-Hanks REALTORS Asheville native, experienced realtor, specializing in Asheville, North Carolina, professional service from Beverly-Hanks, Merrimon Avenue.

Jennifer Vogel............................908.930.3399 ............. facebook.com/JenniferFindsHomes

Inspire Sign Contact...................................... 984.200.8043 ........................................csr@inspiresign.com ................................................ inspiresign.com

Old North State Realty Rob Brady................................... 800.252.1005 ..................................oldnorthstaterealty.com

Canter Power Systems Chris Cubbage.......................... 336.448.4000 ............................... canterpowersystems.com

SUMMER 2019

The Magazine

Brandt er Snedek for More Back

SPRING 2020

The Magazine

Take Off

Flying to Sister Prop erties

Nelson’s 1945 Hot Streak Meet the Palmetto Players

Cooking Up Creativity Stars Are Born at the ACC Championship

70

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Palm Coast Coins, Inc. dba Black Mountain Coins Dan Lewis.................................... 828.669.0200 ................................ blackmountaincoins.com Wood Underwear Terresa Zimmerman................... 310.339.4355 .......................................woodunderwear.com STORAGE Extra Attic Self-Storage Mark Ribar....................................919.610.5569 ...................................................extraattic.com TECHNOLOGY Sechrist Technology Group David Sechrist............................. 910.236.9228 .................................................sechristinc.com TRAVEL/LEISURE REX Hospital Open Contact Information...................336.457.9443 .......................................rexhospitalopen.com Russell Coach Wendy Russell............................865.525.3888 ..............................................russellcoach.com

McConnell Golf, The Magazine is McConnell Golf’s official print publication, for the members by the members. We invite you to advertise in our next issue of the magazine with full, half and quarter page ad placements available, in addition to a business listing in the Member Directory.

Contact your club’s membership director if you are interested in advertising or listing your business in our next issue!

Wood Underwear® Underwear, Undershirts & Lounge wear for Men Get your Wood on! www.woodunderwear.com

Fall 2019

PRESERVE & PROTECT YOUR TREE INVESTMENT THROUGH: SOIL FRACTURING ROOT REJUVENATION FERTILIZATION WATER CONSERVATION

Fall 2020

For information contact: Terry Raby 865-250-4646 Tobias Kight 865-360-4888 terry@airtechtools.com

www.mcconnellgolf.com

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Download the McConnell Golf App For

McConnell

Golf

members,

scheduling a tee time or dinner reservation is easier than before. With golf, dining and court reservations as well as bill pay, the mobile app conveniently allows you to manage your membership on the go. The app also features a Digital Membership Card for identification when travelling to sister properties. Did we mention it’s free and available for both Apple and Android devices? To download the app, search “McConnell Golf” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.