± Article volume 97, episode 2
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S letter from the president
g e n e r a l ly s p e a k i n g :
here’s to blue beginnings
i n s p i r e g r e at n e s s a k p m g s to ry
f i t n e s s c e n t e r r e va m p
summer sippers
the new tennis house line up
by the numbers: the new blue course
a q u at i c s at c o n g r e s s i o n a l
the chophouse
get in touch
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT In June, I was privileged to be part of the opening ceremony of our new Blue Course. It was a moment not soon to be forgotten. The entire week of activity afforded me ample opportunity to reflect upon the journey that brought us to that morning we all were waiting for. The original Shaping the Legacy vote was in May 2018 and the renovation began right on schedule in the fall of 2019. From the May vote until the last pin was set, the brilliance of our golf course architect, Andrew Green, and the herculean effort put forth by Pete Wendt and his grounds team—were awe inspiring. As I walked down the first fairway opening day, I was struck by an indescribable sense of pride and humility, realizing that Andrew and Pete’s vision had come to life for our Membership to enjoy for years to come. In the Club’s nearly 100-year history there have been other milestones achieved but none were done in the face of troubling times of historic proportions. To successfully accomplish a project of this magnitude during a pandemic is almost unimaginable. The outcome attests to the quality and character of Congressional Country Club and its Members, and how that character shines brightest in times of trouble. Because each of us want the Club to be the best, we are willing to give our best and that includes the Board of Governors, committee members, staff and you, the Members. I do not believe there is a club in the world that embodies the sense of service and camaraderie found at Congressional, and I am grateful my family and I get to be a small part of it. For those of you who have not yet experienced the new Blue, please do so. It is, in a word, magnificent. The new course has some of the wrinkles and foibles you expect from a golden age, major championship golf course—including some blind shots if you put yourself in the wrong position on a hole or choose not to challenge the hazards. Just ask the participants in this year’s US Open, who were faced with several such dilemmas while playing the storied Torrey Pines Golf Course. Of course, as the old saying goes, “It’s only blind the first time you play it.” Andrew Green sheepishly grinned when I mentioned to him I had a Member tell me they hit a ‘perfect’ second shot that left them with an impossible 2-putt coming back, because they were on the wrong side of the green. Welcome to the New Blue—where you must think your way around before you can play your way around. One can enjoy playing golf from a strictly physical perspective, but to fully appreciate our new course, one must combine both the body and the mind. The cerebral element the new course introduces is what will keep us fully engaged for decades to come. These are exciting times, and I look forward to sharing them with you.
GREG LAUBACH
G E N E R A L LY S P E A K I N G
Here’s to Blue Congressional is a special place! Having spent most of my career in private clubs, it was easy to appreciate this professionally; but, ever since becoming your manager six years ago, I have known and felt it personally as well. One of those new and deeply personal moments occurred while commemorating the reopening of the Blue Course—when Congressional had a ceremonial USA flag raising. While most courses hit ceremonial first tee shots, it only made sense that we preceded those much-anticipated swings by lifting America’s colors. When joining Congressional, you represent something much larger than yourself and participate in a unique, shared set of values—so important to our existence. We have all realized over the past 15 months how much this institution means to us through the grounding it affords our hectic lives, for the friendships forged here, and through the life-long memories made with your loved ones. To see our current President, Greg Laubach, along with the three previous Past Presidents, Bev Lane, Rick Sullivan, and Mike Ellis, each of whom played a critical role in getting us to that day, holding our country’s flag, was already moving. To have them standing alongside the staff and caddies that have served our Country, cemented it as a life-long memory.
e Beginnings When combined with the relocation to the course highpoint behind the 16th tee box and remembering my very first decision as your manager (putting the appropriately sized USA flag on our majestic flagpole)—it became overwhelmingly emotional. Congressional evokes strong emotional ties on so many levels and, in the end, what more could we possibly ask for? Thank you for reading,
JEFFREY KREAFLE
Inspire
Greatness
Championship golf returns to Congressional with the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Next June, all eyes will be on the Blue Course as we host our first Women’s Professional Golf Tournament. The theme of the tournament and festivities surrounding the week is ‘Inspire Greatness’ and that spirit can be felt throughout every element. The Championship, offering a purse among the highest in women’s golf, brings together a world-class, annual major golf championship with a women’s leadership summit and an ongoing charitable initiative to inspire and develop new generations of female leaders. Next year’s defending Champion, Nelly Korda, is a model of the ‘Inspire Greatness’ theme. Nelly had a resounding win at this year’s PGA Championship held at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Her 4 day cumulative score of 19 under placed her 3 shots in front of the entire field. The June event played a lengthy and wet 6,700 yards, equivalent to our gold tees on the Blue course. 19 under at 6,700 yards for a 22 year old woman? Impressive, inspirational, truly great.
The Korda family is a sports dynasty. Our defending Champion is currently ranked 1st in the Rolex Women’s World Golf rankings and Nelly’s older sister Jessica isn’t far behind sitting at 13. Mom Regina played tennis in the 1988 Olympics and dad Petr, won the 1998 Australian Open. The youngest Korda, Sebastian, is 46th in the ATP Men’s Tennis Rankings, advancing last month through his first round at Wimbledon. Next up for Nelly and her sister Jessica is a trip to Tokyo representing Team USA in the Olympics, followed by the Women’s British Open at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland. Nelly Korda’s golf swing is pure tempo, excellence and athleticism. Be sure to watch her in these upcoming events as all of us look forward to welcoming her in person on our home course less than one year away. Written by Bev Lane, Past President & General Chair 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
FITNESS CENTER R E VA M P
The ‘New Blue’ is finally open and it’s only fitting that we have a newly revamped Fitness Center to match. These updates were made with you in mind. We wanted to improve your fitness experience, whether it is lowering your golf score or just maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Three and a half years of research and development went into this transformation. We visited several clubs and reviewed many lines of equipment before we made the decision to partner with Technogym to bring you a line of equipment that is more versitle and functional. We also wanted a line that would service our needs for now as well as having the cutting edge technology that would meet and exceed our expectations for years to come. From the wall color to the streamlined new floorplan, you will see a completely new look and feel. We now have a new dedicated stretch area as well as a strength area with a hack squat rack and power lift platform and a kinesis cabling area that is great for rehabilitation as well as strength training. It has a smaller footprint, with a smarter flow. The wave of the future and a huge area of interest for our Members is functional training. We want active workspaces for you to exercise.
OUTRACE 7
6 4
8 5
3
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Some of the features include: 1 Ball Trampoline 2 Plyo Board 3 Smart Dips Bar Ball Toss 4 High On Back 5 Training Ladder Gym Ladder 6 Sky Low, Medium & High Options 7 Jump Up 8 Barbell Landmine 9 Flyo
In the back, you will notice a large, turfed area with a massive fitness playground for functional training known as the ‘Outrace.’ Multiple Members can use this piece of equipment at the same time. With this piece of equipment you have the ability to train in all seven fundamental motions of fitness. This gives you the option to train in any muscle group or plane of motion you like. Suspention training delivers a variation of total body workouts. It helps to build strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and joint stability. The built-in turf helps protect joints from any high impact power movements. It adds to the many different exercises you can perform in the facility. We look forward to continuing to spread the wellness lifestyle here at Congressional.
Phil Mickelson’s TPI trainer, Sean Cochran, states that golf requires you to be a rotary athlete and you need to train your core in three ways: stabilization, anti-rotational capacities and being able to rotate at high speeds. All the equipment in this facility is built for all three components. — Natalie Fuccillo, TPI Certified Personal Trainer
A session Hazy IPA that is low in alcohol which continues to grow in popularity. Tropical hop aromas and a juicy mouthfeel make for a perfect companion out by the pool.
A new offering from one of the country’s premier craft breweries! A session Sour Ale aged on Mainegrown cherries with lime zest added for a citrus kick. A thirst quenching brew with the delicious flavor of tart cherries.
This authentic Trappist Ale has an incredibly unique flavor due to wild fermentation in the brew houses at The Orval Monastery in Belgium. The brew’s effervescent carbonation and bone dry finish make it endlessly refreshing.
On the rocks or frozen, a classic margarita cannot be beat! Ours is made with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, triple sec, house sour mix and salt on request.
Nothing says ‘warm weather’ like a Daiquiri! El Dorado Rum with your choice of fresh strawberry or lime flavor, frozen or shaken.
Made with The Mango Cart Wheat Ale from Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles California and St. Pellegrino Limonata, this spritzy and refreshingly fruity shandy is made to beat the summer heat!
This refreshing and light summer beverage is sure to cool you off. Enjoy Rosebud Rosé of Pinot Noir, vodka and lemon blended with ice.
The Beverage Book at the Tennis House offers you and your companions wines, beers and canned cocktails which specifically accommodate your athletic engagements while delivering on a snapshot of the Club’s beverage trends. As you may have enjoyed a brisk match, the beverages lean towards being colder, lighter and more refreshing...though we hope you will find a complement of more robust offerings too. Our mission is to invite you into an undefined experience of joy and create lasting goodwill for all who seek a fine refreshment while enjoying all the Tennis House has to offer.
The wait is over...
“The culmination of years of preparation, construction and incredible work from our team has come to an end and we are so excited to move from construction, into maintaining this great golf course for our Membership.” – Pete Wendt
The New Blue Course RE-OPENED TO THE MEMBERSHIP ON THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021.
48 ACRES OF FAIRWAYS, 3 . 5 ACRES OF GREENS & 35 ACRES OF FINE FESCU E
UPCOMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
2022 & 2027 WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 GIRLS/BOYS PGA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 & 2033 SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 2029 PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2031 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 2037 RYDER CUP
42 Miles & 2,645
of Irrigation Piping Sprinkler Heads
37 Miles
133 Acres of sod laid 597,600 gallons per day of well capacity
of drainage
16.5 Miles of power infrastructure installed
“It's really important that the vision on the Blue Course encompasses a reconnection to the natural landscape.” — Andrew Green
S
wimming is an
learn several life skills such as
important life skill
camaraderie, communication,
that commonly gets
cooperation, self-esteem, leadership
taught to us early on
and creative thinking. Swimming
in life. So why start kids when
provides challenges and rewards
they are young? Let them learn to
accomplishments, which helps
be safe and comfortable around
children to become self-confident
water, basic swimming and safety
and believe in their abilities. Your
techniques, spend their time
child will have plenty of opportunities
constructively when school’s
to make friends and grow in
out, gain employment experience
confidence here at the Club.
through volunteering or potentially through a first job as a lifeguard.
Learning to swim also opens up the door to a range of other activities.
Water safety is one of the
A few sports children can only
most important yet overlooked
do if they can swim are kayaking,
parts of a child’s development.
canoeing, scuba diving, or snorkling,
Building a strong relationship
surfing, triathlon and yachting/
with water keeps kids safe, active
boating. Learning to swim is a skill
and allows them to have fun!
that once learned is rarely forgotten
Our goal at Congressional is to
and could even save your life or
help every child here become
someone else’s one day by knowing
water safe at a young age, and
how to swim.
eventually be a part of our Swim and Dive Team where they can
Photo by Carol Harrison: George Samman during his Swim Lesson with Coach Sydney on July 20, 2021.
There is almost no other exercise you can do that combines the aerobic workout with low impact and minimal risk of injury quite like swimming. It keeps your heart and lungs healthy, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture. Additionally, it can be a great skill for relieving pain, rehabilitating an injury, or just getting in a good workout. Swimming has been part of the Congressional scene since the Club opened. Throughout the years, the Aquatics program has evolved and transformed to what it is today thanks to the guidance of several people. It continues to be a club activity that is devoted to the development of our youth. The current Aquatics program is under the leadership of Danny Palmiotto who has just wrapped up his first Swim & Dive team season at Congressional! Danny grew up playing at the town pools in Briarcliff Manor and Mt. Pleasant, NY, eventually joining their respective summer league swim teams. His older sister, Jill, was a great swimmer for the summer league team and he was watching on the sidelines, but wanted to be in the action. He started swimming summer league at six years of age, and continued his career through high school, ultimately earning a scholarship to Wingate University in North Carolina. He has spent the last eight years coaching swimming and teaching at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Danny dove (pun intended!) right into his role as Aquatics Director and along with his team, they are devoted to curating a special and enjoyable experience at the pools for everyone. The community here has shown him so much support and love for our aquatics programs and the Club in general.
“You can really feel the pride everyone takes in being able to enjoy time with their loved ones at the Club. The rich history and generational Membership have created such a welcoming environment to be a part of.” — Danny Palmiotto We strive to serve the sun bather, the lap swimmer, the kids, the adults and everyone in between with the highest level of service and care we can provide. Our coaches are experienced and trained in swim and dive instruction and bring a passion for teaching to the pool decks every day. The Aquatics program here has a rich history with many generations of families learning to swim or dive in our waters and we look forward to continuing that legacy.
THE
CHOPHOUSE The ‘chophouse’ concept came about in the 1690’s in London when restaurants chose to specialize in excellent cuts or ‘chops’ of meat. Today, in the US, chophouses often have a decadent and relaxed atmosphere that lends itself to intimate conversations and extended meals. You will find many other meat entreés on our menu that our culinary team has perfected for taste using the best quality ingredients. Over the years, this space has had several different names and concepts but one thing has remained the same...being able to gather together, enjoy one another’s company while enjoying a delicious meal. The Chophouse wouldn’t be what it is today without the amazing Team that dedicates their talent and time making the experience truly memorable.
NELSON PARADA Almost 19 years ago, Nelson’s career at Congressional began. He started in the Banquets & Catering department where he worked for a short period of time before transfering to the Chophouse. Other than serving in the Founders’ Pub briefly when it opened, he has been working in the Chophouse ever since! He has been a part of so many celebrations and important milestones in Members’ lives and feels blessed to have not only witnessed them but to contribute to them. He also has had the opportunity to to serve and meet many of the golf tournaments and championships participants and spectators over the years, such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas. Nelson takes pride in providing an amazing dining experience. Over the past three years, he has developed a much deeper appreciation and understanding of wines and has seen his ability to enhance the experience through his knowledge. It’s apparent that Nelson loves what he does and enjoys doing it along side his fellow Team Members.
ANTHONY GOMES Anthony started at the Club in 2007 and has been with Congressional for a little over 14 years. He was initially hired as a server in the House Grill and did so for two years. After the Clubhouse renovation of 2009, he transfered to serve in the Chophouse and has been there since. Over the years, he has learned how important it is to have a cohesive team working towards the same goal(s). He has worked along side of Nelson, John and Jose for over 12 years! The culinary team has worked hand-in-hand with the front of the house in order to exceed Member expectations. He has also immersed himself in all the wine education, tasting and training that Wine Director, Jeff Turok, has provided the team over the past three years and that has played a huge role in the Chophouse experience. He is grateful when a Member or guest trusts him and selects one of his recommendations and thoroughly enjoys it. One of Anthony’s favorite memories brings him back to earlier in his career while he was serving in the House Grill—a group of young children came running in from a cold rain storm and asked for hot chocolate to warm up. They were so excited and said it was the BEST hot chocolate they have ever had! Fast forward 11 years and he is now serving those once young children, now adults, fantastic bottles of wine and delicious meals. He has since told them that his secret ingredient for the hot chocolate was whole milk instead of water!
JOHN GHANSAH Members have been greeted by John’s infectious smile and laugh at the bar for almost 21 years! He started at Congressional as a Banquet Server and then transitioned to a Banquet Bartender where he spent his first nine years. He then spent some time in the Chophouse prior to the Pub opening in 2009. He was part of the Pub opening team at the bar and worked there for two years. He has been at the Chophouse tending bar since 2012 and wouldn’t have it any other way!
Old Fashioneds and Manhattans are his favorite drinks to make and although he has lost count of how many he has made over the years, he takes pride in his craft and the positive feedback he receives when a guest enjoys it. John has been fortunate to be a part of several special occasions and celebrations over the years. One that stands out, is during the US Open, where he served players such as Ricky Fowler, KJ Choi and VJ Singh healthy smoothies in the morning and then cocktails later that evening. John cherishes the long-lasting relationships he has made with his teammates and the Members. The team has helped create an environment where everyone is always willing to help one other and jump in wherever they are needed to ensure the Member experience always exceeds their expectations. While the Clubhouse was closed because of the pandemic, Members sought John out to see how he was doing and that sentiment is something that especially touched him and he’ll never forget it.
JOSE BENITEZ (Not Pictured)
Almost 14 years ago Jose began his career as a Server Assistant in the House Grill. After a few years, he was promoted to the Capitol Dining Room where he continues to split time serving with the Chophouse. Throughout his tenure, he has also worked in the Founders’ Pub and in the Banquets & Catering Department. Over the years, Jose has learned to as a cohesive team to create unique and experiences for the Members. He when he sees the Members enjoying different aspects of
work better personalized enjoys it he serves the Club.
Jose really enjoys the Bone-in Ribeye on the menu
and says it is absolutely a Member favorite but he also enjoys the fresh seafood dishes as well that are offered alongside the different cuts of meat.
TODD HARRIS Todd has been with the culinary team in the Chophouse for three years now and has been an amazing addition to the team especially in morale. He is always grinning from ear to ear and is happy to see each and every person he comes by. In the past three years, Todd has learned what it really means to be a professional cook and to work as a team. There are many moving parts but he feels that their entire team is synchronized and that really contributes to the overall experience for the Members. His passion is preparing the steaks and he attributes some of that success to the support he is given by his team and leaders along with the best equipment and quality of ingredients. They continue to fuel his passion. There is nothing better than a high quality steak cooked to absolute perfection. Todd’s favorite memory to date is when a large party requested to speak to the cook responsible for seasoning and cooking their steaks as they wanted to complement him on his extraordinary culinary skills.
NUVEE NETAYAVICHITR Nuvee has been the Senior Sous Chef for almost four years now. He is responsible for the House Grill and Chophouse kitchen. He has enjoyed watching his team of culinarians continue to grow and develop. He is also in constant contact with the front of house to be sure he and his team are exceeding expectations. He strives to provide a more elevated style of cuisine which challenges and motivates himself and his team. To keep them engaged and constantly refining and improving their craft. The strong connection between the Members and the Team is something he has really grown to appreciate. We are constantly working to build stronger relationships and learning the preferences of every Member.
Get in Touch Stacy Miller-Arndt Director of Junior Golf jrgolf@ccclub.org
Mario Campuzano Assistant General Manager mcampuzano@ccclub.org
Sarah Dieringer Graphic Design & Communications Manager sdieringer@ccclub.org
Jason Epstein PGA Director of Athletics jepstein@ccclub.org
Kristopher Glaubitz Director of Food & Beverage kglaubitz@ccclub.org
Betsy Gregory Director of Team Member Engagement betsy@ccclub.org
Maxine Harvey Director of Member Services maxine@ccclub.org
Jeffrey Kreafle General Manager jskreafle@ccclub.org
Rachel Krueger Director of Banquets & Catering rachel@ccclub.org
James Lewis Digital Production Manager jlewis@ccclub.org
Trevor Maurer Founders’ Pub Manager tmaurer@ccclub.org
Jason Mills Head Golf Professional jmills@ccclub.org
Matthew Morrison Executive Chef mmorrison@ccclub.org
Nebiyat Natnael Golf Executive Administrator nebiyat@ccclub.org
Michael Ndaradzi Accounting Services Manager mndaradzi@ccclub.org
Danny Palmiotto Director of Aquatics dvpalmiotto@ccclub.org
Alexandra Sarris Director of Membership Events & Front Desk Operations alexandra@ccclub.org
Jenna Schulten Food & Beverage Manager jschulten@ccclub.org
Theresa Soppelsa Director of Fitness tsoppelsa@ccclub.org
Tracey Stearns Director of Retail tracey@ccclub.org
Chris Tessone Chief Business Officer ctessone@ccclub.org
Jeff Turok Wine Director jturok@ccclub.org
Dan Valbak Director of Tennis tennispro@ccclub.org
Pete Wendt Director of Golf Courses & Grounds pwendt@ccclub.org