± Article volume 101, episode 4
CONT ENTS
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Grayson Hanes, President
4
GENERALLY SPEAKING Jeffrey Kreafle, General Manager
6
CROSSING RIVER ROAD Featuring Ford Martin
9
A NEW TRADITION BEGINS The Congressional Tennis Classic
18
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Golf Courses & Grounds
29
GET IN TOUCH
37
LET TER FROM TH ON SOLID GROUND Fall has a way of sneaking up on me here. The trees start to turn, the Clubhouse lights come on a little earlier, and the Pub fills with friends who spent the summer scattered across the courses, courts, and pool deck. It is my favorite time to walk the Club and take stock. There is a lot to celebrate lately. Over the past few years, you have helped secure the Club’s future direction step-by-step. In 2024, you approved a Long-Range Plan, and you can see the results everywhere. We put the Legacy program for our Junior Members on a secure footing, so the next generation can grow up here with the same access we enjoy. And this year, you extended the Long-Range Plan, so caring for our Clubhouse, courses, and courts proceeds according to a generational plan. Each proposal got better because Members asked hard questions at town halls, over dinner, and in texts to me and other Governors. Thank you for that. The result is a Club whose future grows more secure GRAYSON HANES with every decision we make together. President
HE
President Two big pieces of our capital funding picture remains. We have answered the question of what we should invest as Members, but the majority of Congressional’s capital has always come from beyond our current roster. And the new Entrance Fees paid by those who join us, and the Championships that have been part of our story since the 1964 U.S. Open, are both still handled one decision at a time. The next proposal brings Entrance Fees and future Championships into the same long-range thinking that now guides the rest of our capital. When this last piece is in place, Congressional will be well poised for whatever the next century asks. Enjoy the season. I look forward to seeing you at the Club.
Grayson Hanes President
Generally Spea The Hole That Could Write A Book “ W H AT ’ S T H I S A B O U T A PA R - 3 F I N I S H I N G H O LE I N T H E U. S. O P EN ? ” Golf journalist Jaime Diaz asked that question in Sports Illustrated in June 1997, the week before Ernie Els won our second US Open. The page hangs in the Board Room on the second floor as a testament to how often your Club is underestimated. Nearly thirty years later, the little hole below the Clubhouse is still the most talked-about ground at Congressional. Today it is the 10th on the Blue. It is the shortest hole on the course, and no hole at Congressional has traveled farther. The Blue was built to finish across that pond, with the green tucked into the hillside below the Clubhouse. Championship golf was never sure what to make of it. For the 1964 US Open and the 1976 PGA, two holes were borrowed from Gold so play could end on what was otherwise the 17th hole. The par 3 No. 18 simply sat out. In 1997, the USGA finally asked, “Why not leave it as it is?” The leaders walked off the peninsula green at 17, back up the hill, and played 190 yards over the water toward a hillside full of spectators.
aking Then the hole turned around. Rees Jones flipped it into a 218-yard 10th, played from beside the Clubhouse across the full width of the pond, and the old 17th became our 18th for good. Once the Blue greens were rebuilt, they no longer matched the Gold. There was no going back to borrowed holes. That version asked a lot of Members. Phil Mickelson put it plainly: “The average guy can’t play that hole.” The pros could. On Sunday of the 2011 US Open, with everyone wondering whether Rory McIlroy could still handle No. 10, he hit a 6-iron to within a few inches of the hole. Andrew Green saw the hole differently during our recent restoration of the Blue Course. His 10th drops about 40 feet from the hill beside the Clubhouse to a rippling green that juts into the near side of the pond, close to where the 1997 green once sat. The course already had plenty of “long-long.” Andrew gave it a “short-short,” a hole that changes the rhythm of the round and asks for smarts and a deft touch rather than strength. No. 10 Blue is in good company. The 7th at Pebble Beach is 109 yards. The Postage Stamp at Royal Troon is 123. The 17th at Sawgrass is 137, and the 12th at Augusta is 155. None of them needs length to frighten a tour professional or give an everyday player an exciting challenge. Ours doesn’t either. At the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the 10th played just 138 yards. It still produced twice as many double bogeys as the 192-yard 2nd. The Women’s PGA returns in 2027, and the PGA Championship arrives in 2030, so the 10th has many more chapters to write. SI closed its 1997 story by imagining that “a hole in one wins the Open.” It hasn’t happened yet. The next time you stand on that tee with a short iron in your hand, take a moment to enjoy the view, and the history under it. Thank you for reading, Jeffrey
"I get a sense of peace out there, on the range..."
CROSSING RIVER ROA A Club Champion and one of the top adaptive golfers in the country, FORD MARTIN still counts his best golf memories in fading light at Congressional.
G AD PHOTOGRAPHED BY: LOGAN WHIT TON/USGA
One More Hole.
He learned the game racing the light across River Road with a friend. A Club Championship and three U.S. Adaptive Opens later, that friend is still on his bag. When Ford Martin thinks about growing up at Congressional, he returns to the afternoons
“We’d be out there in the dark on the seven-
teenth hole of the Gold course,” Martin recalls.
spent crossing River Road with his friend
“I remember we just hit the ball and listen, and
grade, the two Norwood School students re-
find our balls in the dark.” Years later, Keegan
Kevin Keegan. During seventh and eighth
hopefully not hear too much and then try to go
ceived permission to play golf instead of soccer
would become Martin’s caddie for each of his
after school and continue until there was bare-
The setting and stakes have changed, but the
in the fall. They would head onto the course ly enough light to follow the ball.
three appearances in the U.S. Adaptive Open. partnership that began with two friends trying
to finish a few more holes before nightfall is still the same.
“
I really didn’t know what I was doing other than just banging balls, but I loved it." Junior golf, Congressional
Martin grew up in Potomac Falls as the young-
“I really didn’t know what I was doing other
tered Congressional’s junior golf program and
Lacrosse was his first love, and Martin fell
est of seven children. Like his siblings, he en-
than just banging balls,” he says, “but I loved it.”
learned the game under Stacy, the Club’s long-
hard for the sport. But golf remained part of
neurogenic clubfeet and now living with two
work, he began practicing more deliberately
about whether he could make the transition
weakness, so he bought a new putter and spent
He did, and the course soon became one of
moved from the mid-single digits to scratch
definitely developed my love of the game in
ress led to a victory in the Congressional Club
time Junior Golf Director. Born with bilateral
fused ankles, Martin remembers some concern from nine holes to 18 while carrying his bag.
the places where he felt most comfortable. “I
his life, and when he returned to Maryland for at Congressional. Putting had always been a afternoons on the practice green. His handicap
and eventually to plus one. In 2023, that prog-
the Junior Golf Program at the Club,” he says.
Championship. His parents watched the final
driving range, hitting ball after ball. His game
the weekend.
During the summers, he spent hours at the
was not yet refined, but the repetition mattered.
match, and his wife flew from Nashville for
Around the same time, instructor John Scott
confirmed his eligibility, Martin entered a U.S.
Rattan asked whether Martin had considered
Adaptive Open qualifier in Atlanta. He shot a
Adaptive Open but had never thought of him-
vanced to the championship in Kansas. With
adaptive golf. Martin knew about the U.S.
bogey-free 65, earned medalist honors and ad-
self as an adaptive athlete. His family had not
Keegan on the bag, he made the cut and closed
years of playing lacrosse had shaped his identi-
leading American.
treated him differently from his siblings, and
ty as a competitor. After a physical assessment
with a 66 to finish in the top five and as the
The U.S. Adaptive Open later moved to
placed by more focused work, including put-
Woodmont Country Club, familiar territory
ting in the garage after Hayes goes to sleep. At
Congressional. The location allowed family,
and Martin looks forward to taking him to
from Martin’s years at Georgetown Prep and
friends and Congressional members to follow
just a year old, Hayes already has a few clubs,
the course one day. The experience has given
his rounds. “It was so cool, these past few years,
Martin a new appreciation for the role his fa-
from high school and family come out to sup-
An Honorary Life Member at Congressional,
10 in both of his appearances at Woodmont.
to the game, taking him to junior golf and of-
having buddies from Congressional, friends port me,” he says. Martin finished in the top
His most recent start came after he moved off
the alternate list only days before the champi-
ther, Hall Martin, played in his own journey.
Hall was the person who first introduced Ford
ten bringing him along as a ringer to play with
friends. Some of Martin’s fondest memories at
onship. He and his family were packing for a
the Club are the rounds he shared with his fa-
USGA called to tell him a place had opened.
the Blue Course. Hall was also walking along-
Fourth of July visit to Congressional when the
Golf now competes for Martin’s time with
a new job and a young family. Martin and his
wife welcomed their son, Hayes, in October
2025. Long practice sessions have been re-
ther, including the first time Ford beat him on side Ford when he won the Congressional
Club Championship in 2023, a moment that carried special meaning for them both.
Martin also loves seeing another generation of talented young players developing
at Congressional, including junior golfer Zoe Cusack, who has “taken my lunch
money a couple times at chipping games
already.” For Martin, the scene is familiar: a young player spending extra time at the
Club, finding competition and gradually making the game her own.
Ford has won a Congressional Club
Championship and recorded multiple top
finishes at the U.S. Adaptive Open, yet his
favorite memories remain the simplest. “I’d
say those summers or fall afternoons in sev-
enth and eighth grade when Kevin Keegan
and I would hop across River Road and go play until it got dark out. Those were
probably the best memories.” Before the championships and rankings, there were
two friends, an open course and enough daylight for one more hole.
AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND AT THE TENNIS HOUSE
T
TENNIS
combining competitive tennis, hospitality,
CLASSIC this September inaugurated
entertainment, and plenty of opportunities
a new tradition at the Club . From the first
for Members to spend time together around
serve on Friday to Championship Sunday,
the Tennis House. The courts stayed busy
the inaugural event brought together
throughout the weekend with Men's and
nearly 100 Members for a weekend that
Women's Singles and Doubles, along with
celebrated great tennis and everything
Mixed Doubles competition across multiple
that makes the Congressional racquets
levels.
HE
CONGRESSIONAL
community special. Main Draw and Back Draw matches provided The vision behind the Tennis Classic was
players with additional opportunities to
simple: to create a championship-caliber
compete, while friends, family and fellow
tournament that offered an incredible
Members filled the sidelines to cheer them on.
experience to Members on and off the court. The result was a three-day experience
BUT THE TENNIS WAS ONLY PART OF THE STORY...
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER PLAYERS
weekend. Hugo Spritzes from a St-Germain
ARRIVED, the goal was to make the
bike that brought a little Paris to Potomac,
Tennis Classic feel like a step beyond the
Honey Deuces, Congressional Seltzers and
world-class
have
a photo booth helped create a festive
every day. Participants were welcomed with
atmosphere as players and spectators
tournament bags and opportunities to win
gathered to celebrate the opening night.
special prizes, while the Tennis House and
Saturday brought a full day of tennis
surrounding courts became the center of
beginning with breakfast and morning
activity for the weekend.
matches, followed by the Championship
FROM
THE
MOMENT
experience
Members
Cookout in the afternoon. That evening, with
afternoon
everyone traded racquets for cocktails as
by
Welcome
Members gathered for the Players Party,
Happy Hour, where Members transitioned
featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, drinks, a
from the courts into the social side of the
DJ and the tennis-themed photo booth.
Friday
set
competition
the
tone
followed
a
On Championship Sunday, the focus shifted to the finalists, with everyone invited back to be part of the celebration. The “Lucky Losers” Bloody Mary Bar and brunch gave players whose tournament runs had ended an enjoyable reason to return, cheer on their fellow Members, and experience one final morning together.
THE BEGINNIN EGINNING G OF SOMETHING SPE SPECIAL CIAL
What made the inaugural Congressional
plenty of ideas for what the Tennis Classic
Tennis Classic such a success wasn't one
can become in the years ahead.
single match, amenity, or moment. It was seeing the Racquets community come
And one thing is already certain:
together throughout the weekend—players competing hard on the court, families
THE CONGRESSIONAL TENNIS
watching from the sidelines, friends
CLASSIC WILL BE BACK.
staying after their matches to cheer for others, and Members simply enjoying
Our Racquets team is already looking
being part of the experience.
ahead to 2027 and thinking about how we can build upon the inaugural weekend,
For a first-year event, the response
introduce new experiences and make the
exceeded our expectations and provided
next Classic even bigger and better.
"I get a sense of peace out there, on the range..."
CROSSING RIVER ROAD A Club Champion and one of the top adaptive golfers in the
country, FORD MARTIN still counts his best golf memories in fading light at Congressional.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR AT THE 2027 CONGRESSIONAL TENNIS CLASSIC!
B
ehind every world class golf course is a dedicated team
and
the
infrastructure
that
supports
them. Congressional's new Golf Course & Grounds
Operations Facility and Staff Housing Building is
being created with exactly that purpose in mind. Significant progress has been made on both buildings. The
entire project is now under roof, site utility
installation is underway, and interior framing and rough-in work within the maintenance facility continues
to advance. While much of the visible work takes
place behind the scenes, each milestone represents
another step toward creating a modern, efficient home
base for one of the Club's most important operations. At its core, this project is about providing the Golf
Courses & Grounds team with the space, resources, and infrastructure they need to perform their work at
the highest level. The new maintenance facility has been intentionally designed around the daily demands of caring
for Congressional's courses. Equipment, tools, materials, and supplies will have dedicated storage and organization areas, allowing the team to work more efficiently while
improving safety and workflow throughout the operation.
T H E FAC I LI T Y W I LL I N C L U D E proper locker rooms, restrooms, and supp
people who work there. For a team that begins its days long before sunrise and often meaningful investment in their daily experience.
port spaces that reflect the professionalism of the operation and the value of the
n works through challenging weather conditions, those improvements represent a
T
his project also includes housing accommodations for seasonal employees, visa students, and interim managers who work throughout the Club during the busiest
months of the year. The staff housing building creates an environment where these staff members can live on property, allowing them focus on learning, contributing, and developing their careers.
Across the club industry, recruiting and retaining talented maintenance professionals has become increasingly competitive. This project provides convenient, high-quality housing allows Congressional to attract exceptional candidates from around the country and around the world.
When completed, the new facilities will provide much more than additional square footage. They will create a purpose-built environment that supports operational excellence, strengthens recruitment efforts, and improves the day-to-day experience of the dedicated team members who work behind the scenes to care for the Club's golf courses.
While Members may see new walls, roofs, and utility lines taking shape today, the lasting impact of this project will be measured in the people it supports and the continued excellence of Congressional's courses for years to come.
GET IN TOUCH
Stacy Miller-Arndt
Jason Epstein
jrgolf@ccclub.org
jepstein@ccclub.org
Director of Junior Golf
PGA Director of Athletics
Justin Bergo
Margarita Gilo
jbergo@ccclub.org
mgilo@ccclub.org
Executive Sous Chef
Assistant General Manager
Noureddine Chirchi
Maxine Harvey
nchirchi@ccclub.org
maxine@ccclub.org
Director of Banquets
Mallory Mathis
Graphic Design &
Communications Manager
mmathis@ccclub.org
Audrey Karas
Director of Restaurants akaras@ccclub.org
Alexandra Donohoe
Director of Clubhouse Operations
alexandra@ccclub.org
Director of Member Services
Alex Justiniani
Director of Racquets
ajustiniani@ccclub.org
Jeffrey Kreafle
General Manager
jskreafle@ccclub.org
Rachel Krueger
Director of Catering & Member Events
rachel@ccclub.org
s
James Lewis
Digital Production Manager jlewis@ccclub.org
Joshua Machicado
Accounting Manager
jmachicado@ccclub.org
Joel Silberstein
Facilities Director jsilberstein@ccclub.org
Theresa Soppelsa
Director of Fitness
tsoppelsa@ccclub.org
Matthew Morrison
Tracey Stearns
mmorrison@ccclub.org
tracey@ccclub.org
Director of Food & Beverage
Christina Brodrick
Director of Team Member Engagement
cbrodrick@ccclub.org
Director of Retail
Chris Tessone
Chief Business Officer
ctessone@ccclub.org
Danny Palmiotto
Pete Wendt
dvpalmiotto@ccclub.org
pwendt@ccclub.org
Director of Aquatics & Bowling
Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
John Scott Rattan
Ethan Gladner
jsrattan@ccclub.org
egladner@ccclub.org
Director of Instruction
Director of Beverage
© Congressional Country Club. All Rights Reserved. Congressional Country Club | 8500 River Road | Bethesda, MD 20817