A Brief History of the Miami Open

In 1983 Butch Buchholz announced at the French Open the first International Players Championships would be held over a two week span for both men and women in Delray Beach, Florida. The purse for the tournament was going to be 1.8 million dollars and the title sponsor would be the Thomas J. Lipton Company. In 1985 it would be called the winter Wimbledon and be the first new two week tournament in over 56 years. Martina Navratilova and Chrissie Evert played to a sold out crowd for the women’s finals and Tim Mayotte captured the men’s singles title. The attendance for the tournament exceeded all golf or tennis events held in Florida with 125,817 people attending the tournament. In 1987 a search for a permanent home for the Miami Open arrived in Key Biscayne. The Metro-Dade County Commissioners planed to build Crandon Park. A new $1 million dollar club house was built. In 1990 it becomes the only 10 day tournament format for men’s and women’s players making it super unique. The facility in 1991 became the USTA National Junior Player Development Center. One of the first campers to play there was 9 year old Andy Roddick.

By 1996, the tournament and site has broken all types of records and won awards for business excellence. The attendance records were over 230,000 spectators. Past champions included tennis legends Steffi Graf, Arantxa Sanchez, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, to name a few.

Gustavo Kuerten x Sébastien Grosjean - Miami Open 2008 by Creative Commons

In 1998, the Miami Open, announced it had it’s top field of 48 out of the top 50 women and 47 out of the top 50 men competing in the championships. It was like being at a grand slam event! In 1999, Buchholz sold the tournament to IMG and it would be renamed the Ericsson Open. Later when Buchholz retired from tournament director he partnered with Nasdaq 100, an index of 100 of the largest non-financial U.S. and non-U.S. companies listed on the National Market tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market. At that same time, Serena Williams defeated her sister Venus Williams to reach her first finals and later capture it.

2006 marked a special moment in the history of the tournament as well! They endorsed equal

prize money for both male and female players of $533.500 for the winner’s check. In 2007 a 50:50 deal was struck with Sony Entertainment and NASDAQ 100, and there was a shift in the marketing. Sony wanted to incorporate entertainment into the fans and players experience. Kick-off parties with famous musicians such as Robin Thicke and fashions shows by world renowned designers Roberto Cavalli, Diane von Furstenberg, Etro and the upscale local Village of Merrick Park made the tournament stand out. Attendance records kept sky rocketing all the way up to 288,000 people! Even sport celebrities and actors came out to watch including Owen Wilson, Eliza Dushku, Meagan Good, Adrien Brody, and Boris Kodjoe; television personalities Star Jones and Al Reynolds; musical artists Common, Chayanne, Sandy “Pepa” Denton, Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, William “WAK” King, Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio, Alejandro Sanz, and Shakira; Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty; sports stars Vernon Carey, Cris Carter, Rick Fox, Thomas Jones, Anna Kournikova, Curtis Martin, Bryant McKinnie, Ed Reed, Tony Gonzalez, Randy Shannon, Kimbo Slice, and Dara Torres; 2003 Miss Universe Amelia Vega and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. It was a place to see and be seen!

Banco Itaú's Agency at Avenida Paulista, São Paulo. Taken by Creative Commons license

In 2014 a South American bank named Itau became the main title sponsor. Itau made sure it was still the best that Miami had to offer to the world with exciting tennis, beautiful weather and the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports. By moving the tournament to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019 the new state-of-the-art home of the tournament provides the best possible experience for fans, players and media alike. The new Miami Open will have 30 show and practice courts; a tennis oasis with the largest video screen of any tennis event; a sponsorship village with expanded and upgraded entertainment spaces; permanent retail facilities; improved WiFi; and state-of-the-art media center, locker rooms and fitness space for players and tennis staff. It will also be able to accommodate over 300,000 spectators over the 2 week winter Wimbledon.

Banco Itaú's Agency at Avenida Paulista, São Paulo. Taken by Creative Commons license

Grey Oaks is hosting a trip to the Miami Open in March. For more details or to participate in the "VIP Trip" please contact the Sports Center at (239) 262 2522.

miami open VIP TRIP

FRIDAY, MARCH 27FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Take a day trip with Grey Oaks members to see the top tennis players in the world. Trip includes a VIP catered suite in the Hard Rock Stadium, all day access to Miami Open grounds, and luxury transportation to and from the event. Contact the Sports Center to secure your spot!

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Transportation Leaves The Grey Oaks Tennis Parking lot at 8:00 am Day session first match starts at 11:00 am

FERNANDO MAYNETTO 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Fernando Maynetto is the longest standing member of the Grey Oaks Staff. This year, 2019, is the year he celebrates his 25th anniversary at the Club. For over two decades, Fernando has proudly served the membership, and has become a vital part of the club. His road to success has been filled with a lifetime of experiences that has led him to truly appreciate where he is today.

Fernando grew up in Lima, Peru. Looking back at his childhood, he fondly remembers accompanying his father to the Lawn Tennis Club daily where he would watch him play tennis with his friends. Tragically, Fernando’s Dad lost his battle with cancer when Fernando was only nine and a half years old. To get Fernando out of the house and cheer him up, his cousin, Alfredo, continued taking Fernando to the Lawn Tennis Club. This is where, for the first time, Fernando was given the opportunity to actually play tennis. Alfredo was ranked number three in Peru and within only a few years, it was clear that Fernando was destined to be right up there with him.

Obviously a natural, it only took Fernando three years before he made the National Team, where he got to go to Bolivia to play in his first international tennis tournament with the top tennis players under the age of 14. Fernando was very quickly hooked on the game and has been ever since. He began regularly representing Peru playing junior tournaments such as the South American Championships, the Orange Bowl and the Banana Bowl and was winning time and time again. At the Orange Bowl is where Fernando had his first great victory by winning the doubles championships and crowning himself World Champion in the 14 and under category.

At just 15 years old, he was invited to be the reserve player for the Davis Cup, The World Cup of tennis. This was the start of an 18- year relationship with the tournament, both as a player and as a Captain (87’ & 88’).

During Fernando’s senior year of high school, the Peruvian Tennis Federation fell on hard times, and didn’t have enough money to send the entire team to the Orange Bowl in Miami for the final tournament of the year. Three young men on Fernando’s team were vying for the spot. Fernando’s coach ultimately made the decision to hold a round robin, in which the winner would earn the one spot that was available to participate. Since Fernando’s family didn’t have the money to send him to Miami, and because he desperately needed to compete in the tournament in order to secure a scholarship for college to be able to continue playing tennis, Fernando

knew he needed to win the round robin. So he did.

Fernando attributes the opportunities he has had to the company that he has kept. Growing up at on hard courts, which is all that the Penn State tennis team had. The pace of play was not familiar to Fernando and he was unable to beat any of the seats on the Penn State Team. Although Fernan

the Lawn Tennis Club he was surrounded by the top players in Peru. He became close with a player two years older, Miguel, who came from a wealthy family and appreciated the talent that Fernando had and helped him along the way. He made sure that Fernando had racquets, balls, and anything else he might have needed to be successful at the sport, as well as encouraged him to study English so they could go to college in the States. He truly wanted the best for Fernando. Miguel ended up at Penn State for university two years before Fernando, but promised him that if he could get into Penn State, he would get him a tryout for the team.

Following the Orange Bowl his senior year, Fernando found his way to Penn State and just as Miguel had promised, he got him a tryout for the team. Fernando unfortunately had never played

do didn’t make the Penn State team, he was given another opportunity with Wingate Junior College..

This is where Fernando met Steve Vaughan, who attended Wingate with a half tennis, half basketball scholarship. Steve immediately took Fernando under his wing. Fernando would travel home with Steve on the weekends to Greensboro and Steve would set Fernando up on dates (Steve’s Dad would even spot Fernando $20 to make sure the girls had a good time). That year playing for Wingate, Fernando would end the year undefeated, winning the Regional Tournament and then the National Junior College Singles Championship.

Steve and Fernando traveled that summer together playing junior tournaments all over the South and during a tournament in Charlotte, NC

Fernando caught the eye of the coach from Clemson. The Division College immediately offered a full ride scholarship to Fernando and a half scholarship to Steve. Fernando refused to take the full ride unless Steve got the same deal. The Coach agreed that if Steve could make the team, he could have a full ride. The rest of Fernando’s college career is history. Fernando played the number one spot and Steve Vaughan was number two.

Immediately following college, Fernando went on to teach for Harry Hopman in Largo and quickly moved up to be one of the top coaches, but without a green card, he soon had to return to Peru. In Lima, Miguel and Fernando joined forces again and started their own tennis academy. After several months of being home, Miguel and Fernando decided that Fernando needed to turn Pro. Miguel then helped Fernando jump-start his ATP tennis career.

Fernando’s professional career brought him so many life experiences and at his highest ranking of 104 in the world in singles and 85 in doubles, he continued to make a living doing what he loved. Fernando played main draw singles and doubles at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

While playing in Chile he met the mother of his first-born son Nicolás. Later, during one of his frequent visits to Chile to visit Nicolás, he was introduced to his wife Paulina of 34 years and mother of his daughters Tania and Natalia.

Fernando had kept touch with his favorite people from over the years. One being, his college brother, Steve Vaughan. After moving back to Chile to be closer to family, Fernando reached out to Steve to see if there were any opportunities that would be a good fit for him. Within weeks Steve called Fernando and asked him to come to Naples, he thought he had something that would be perfect.

Fernando and his family immediately fell in love with Naples and knew in an instant that this would be home. While Steve was setting up the program at Grey Oaks, Fernando took his place at Linville Ridge for the summer and then returned to Naples to help Steve grow the Grey Oaks program.

Fast forward 25 years, Fernando is expecting his first grandchild, his daughters are grown and off on their own, and he still loves pulling into work every day.

When asked what makes Grey Oaks so special, Fernando held no hesitation and immediately responded, “the people.” He mentioned members that have come back from back injuries, brain injuries, new knees, elbow or shoulders. They come back to the court and inspire him to never give up and to embrace this amazing life that we have, and to live each day with joy, enthusiasm and compassion. Grey Oaks is all about the people, the joy, and most importantly, the relationships we build along the way.

Thank you Fernando for 25 years of joy, enthusiasm and compassion. We are grateful for your service and for the program and community you helped build!

SIMPLE EXERCISES TO IMPROVE POSTURE

Use these exercises to help achieve an instant postural adjustment.

Did you know that good posture helps minimize stress on tendons, joints and ligaments? Plus, better posture can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Good posture may improve your job prospects, verbal communication, self-confidence and mood and enhance how others see you .

Ryan Halvorson, chief content officer for Fit Scribe Media and a TriggerPoint® master trainer, explains exercises that can help you improve posture.

5 KEY EXERCISES

These easy-to-implement, equipment-free exercises can help you achieve an instant postural adjustment. The moves can be done seated, but standing yields the best results. Pectoral Massage

Tight chest muscles can make it difficult to pull your shoulders back and down. One way to overcome this is to increase tissue mobility through self-massage. Begin by rolling the shoulders back and down. Make a fist with the right hand and gently press the knuckles into the left pectoral muscle next to the sternum. Place the palm of the left hand on top of the fist for added pressure. Slowly drive the knuckles across the muscle toward the shoulder joint. Lift the hand, returning it to the starting position, and repeat.

Shoulder External Rotations

Internal rotation is a common problem. External rotation can help. Roll the shoulders back and down. Tuck the pelvis slightly to maintain a neutral lower-back position throughout the exercise. Slowly twist the wrists until the thumbs point away from the body. Hold for a few seconds and release; repeat.

Chin Tuck

This exercise stretches the muscles of the neck, allowing the skull to return to a more neutral, balanced position while the spine is lengthened. Stand with your hips and shoulders against a wall. Heels can be an inch or two away from the wall. Lifting through the crown of the head, gently bring the chin down toward the throat while pressing the back of the head against the wall for a few seconds. Rest and repeat. Place a pillow behind the head if the pressure is uncomfortable.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Start in a kneeling lunge position (one knee on the floor and the other leg bent 90 degrees in front of you with foot flat). Lift from the crown of the head to elongate the spine. From here, drive the hip of the kneeling leg in a gentle thrusting pattern to achieve the stretch. Hold for a few seconds, then release and repeat. Perform the exercise several times for both hips. Place a pillow under the knee for added cushion.

Hip Hinge With Fly

This exercise improves your ability to extend your upper back. Place feet hip-width apart, and hinge at the hips while simultaneously angling the upper body forward. Aim to slightly arch the lower back by lifting the tailbone. Retract and depress the shoulder blades. Start with the arms extended and palms clasped together directly in front of the chest. Then slowly swing the arms out to the sides of the body at about shoulder height with a slight external shoulder rotation, and pause when you feel contraction in the upper posterior muscles and a stretch in the pectorals. Release and repeat.

TECH TOOLS OFFER POSTURE HELP

These tech tools and apps can help you sit up straight throughout the day.

Alex+

Alex+ hooks onto the ears and rests on the neck at the base of the skull to assess head and neck position. The device vibrates if the head droops out of its optimal position—based on user settings— for longer than 2 minutes. You can also track progress through the Alex app (alexposture.com).

UPRIGHT®

This device attaches to the small of the back to help you train the back muscles to hold proper alignment for extended periods of time. It will also vibrate if you slouch (uprightpose.com).

ZIKTO

Worn on the wrist, the ZIKTO Walk helps maintain good posture when walking. Through a series of motion sensors, the device analyzes your walking patterns and vibrates gently if the wrist moves out of predetermined alignment parameters (zikto.com).

Stand Up!

Using your smartphone, this work-break timer allows you to set alarms that remind you to take breaks throughout the day. Search for the free timer in the app store (raisedsquare.com/standup).

by Ideafit Authors

INSIDE LOOK YOUR TEAM

TEAM MEMBER HIGHER EDUCATION

In order to succeed at keeping up with the exceptionally high standards we have here at Grey Oaks, making sure our team members are in-line with the company values and expectations is extremely important. We take pride in embracing our core values, and because each and every position at the Club is vital in making the success of Grey Oaks possible, ensuring all employees understand the importance of thos values is essential to us. This means that every employee and team member we hire are reliable and hard-working people.

For this issue of Living Magazine, we wanted to highlight some of the employees that have gone above and beyond to better themselves for their careers and to bring excellence into everything they do. We interviewed a few of the Grey Oaks Team Members that have earned their masters and/or higher in order to further their education, ask them about their experiences as well as how it has helped them within their careers here at Grey Oaks.

ASSITANT PROFESSIONAL GOLF, ANTHONY SWINFORD

Anthony Swinford regripping a golf club. O riginally from Georgia, and after spending some years in New Jersey, Anthony is more than happy to be living in the Sunshine State. Having just graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with an undergraduate degree in Professional Golf Management and Resort and Hospitality, becoming an official PGA Professional, and getting promoted from Professional Golf Intern to Assistant Golf Professional here at Grey Oaks, it’s safe to say that Anthony has had a very successful and accomplished last couple months. However, Anthony feels he is just getting started.

Deciding to carry on with his education came from a couple main reasons. Partly a push from his twin sister (who is also working towards an MBA), partly from the desire to learn more about the business side of Country Clubs, “with my major, I felt like I had a good understanding of the people side of things, but I wanted to dive more into the business topics and aspects,” and lastly, because the Members were extremely supportive of Anthony continuing his education, “when I told them what I wanted to do, it was just overwhelming the response I got.” Anthony is hoping that the deeper he gets in his MBA program, the better he can grow in his career here at Grey Oaks. The most important aspects of a career in Anthony’s eyes are a good team, being valued, balance and the understanding of ‘why’. “I want to know why this job is here, so that I can do my best to make sure the role is a valuable one.” For Anthony, the most rewarding part of working at Grey Oaks is that he gets to help Members in any way he can with the thing he is most passionate about.

“Just the other day I gave a lesson to a Member’s grandson, i got to help them with their golf game, and after the lesson he said “this was the best lesson I’ve ever had.” That stuff happens all the time and that’s what makes this job really cool. I’m able to share my passion with others and help them get to where they want to be.”

Anthony giving a lesson to Grey Oaks Member, Charlie Digges.

“Nothing happens without opportunity, so if you are present

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, DOUG WERNECKE

ed with one, take it. ” O riginally from Maryland, Doug attended Towson University where he received his undergraduate degree in Business. Doug was the first generation of his family to attend college, so the opportunity to him was not only extremely important, but also something he did not take for granted. From there, Doug went on to attend Johns Hopkins University to obtain his Master’s degree in Administrative Sciences.

Human Resources was not something Doug planned on. In fact, the field of study found him. “It chose me. While I was attending college, I was working

Doug Wernecke, Director of Human Resources

for a private/member owned Dining Club, and had an interview for a project manager position with a defense contractor. When I went for the interview, they interviewed me for a position in HR. Long story short, without me knowing, a member of the dining club put in a reference to one of the VP’s and recommended that I be considered for a position in HR.” Doug encourages everyone to take the advice of others and take every opportunity that comes their way. “Nothing happens without opportunity and action”. A story that sticks with Doug to this day is this: “one year in with my first job out of college an executive asked me if I was going to get my masters/MBA. I told him it was my plan to start in a few years, his advice was to start right away, because later you’ll have a house, wife, kids and a dog and you’ll never find the time to start. I started going part-time at night and in 4 years when I graduated, I had the house, wife, a kid and a dog. He was right. I’m glad I took his advice.”

The Scholarship Fund at Grey Oaks gives our Team Members the opportunity to pursue further education which harbors continuous improvment both in their personal lives as well as within their careers. We are always accepting donations and applications for the Scholarship Fund. For any questions email Doug Wernecke, Director of Human Resources at dwernecke@ greyoakscc.com.

Additional Team Members that have pursued Higher Education:

Stacy Marie Burgan

School: Walsh College Major: MBA Human Resources

Marvin O'Neil Gray, Jr.

School: SE Oklahoma State Major: Masters Sports Studies, Athletic

Katie N Kessler

School: Mercy College Major: Masters Education

Nikolay Marinov

School: Florida Gulf Coast University Major: MBA Finance

Vanessa M Borrero

School: Full Sail University Major: MFA Media Design

GENERAL MANAGER, MICHAEL STOTT

Born in Detroit, MI, Michael is one of five children. Michael attended college as an Evans Scholar at Michigan State University studying engineering, but during his junior year realized that his true passion was hospitality. He received his undergraduate degree from MSU’s Business School with a major in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. His first job as a youngster was as a caddie, before working in corporate restaurants upon graduation and then finally entering the club industry at the age of 24.

Deciding to further his education, Michael attended Loyola University of Maryland to get his Master of Business Administration. “So many business basics were reinforced and reintroduced during my MBA program including an important Jesuit practice of reflection which I still use today. My graduate education also provided me with foundational business principles and practices that are not as frequently considered in the club industry.

Also, I continue to implement many of the leadership values and tactics I gained while at Loyola.” Challenges, enthusiasm and opportunity to make a difference are the things that are most important to Michael within his career. “One of the mantras I

General Manager, Michael Stott teaching an Etiquette Class in Grey Oaks.

repeat to myself often is: “bring value” –in any and every way I can. I also believe that there is no substitute for hard work. I have told this story to a few members and staff of my son’s favorite NFL football player, Lamar Jackson, who wore a t-shirt at his latest press conference that read: Nobody Cares, Work Harder. I thought that was a brilliant message of humility, personal responsibility and perseverance.”

Although Michael has had professional success, he says the accomplishment he is proudest of is his family and who they are.

General Manager, Michael Stott

A THOUSAND PAINTINGS PHOTO DESCRIPTIONS

PHOTO DESCRIPTIONS (Artwork located in pages 26-27)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

"What is that?"- Acrylic on Canvas by Andrew Smith

"Favorite Redhead"- Oil on Canvas by Jutta Parsons

"Red Orange Trees, Green Bottom" by Barbara Glicken

"The Marsh"- Pastel by Patricia Gray

"Bamboo Lady"- Oil on Canvas by Carol Spurgeon

"Crossing a Bridge"- Oil on Canvas by Jutta Parsons

"Colorful Flowers in Green Vase" by Barbara Glicken

"Lanna Girl"- Oil on Canvas by Carol Spurgeon

"Cape Hatteras Lighthouse"- Acrylic on canvas by Mary Ann Gadziala

Conceptual photography for book cover by Margie Hurwich

Conceptual photography for book cover by Margie Hurwich

"Amaryllis"- Acrylic on canvas by Mary Ann Gadziala

"Waiting for Eyes" Oil on Canvas by Neal Benham

"Poppy" Oil on Canvas by Neal Benham

"Le Masque"- Oil on Canvas by Carol Spurgeon

A Favorite Aunt- Oil on Canvas by Jutta Parsons

The Artists of Grey Oaks The cover for this Grey Oaks Living Magazine features a collection of paintings by our own Grey Oaks Members' artist community. Below are some notes about the artists:

Patricia Gray enjoys painting still life’s and landscapes. She also loves painting hydrangeas. Her favorite mediums are oils and pastels.

Mary Ann Gadziala has been descried as prolific and eclectic in her paintings.

Margie Hurwich is published in 22 countries with thousands of images available for use in the book cover industry.

Carol Spurgeon has painted many subjects in her work, ranging from flowers to buildings. She also enjoys painting miniatures of dogs and portraits of people.

We would like to thank all the member artists who provided their paintings for this issue of the Living Magazine. If you would like to participate in the upcoming Member Art Show, please contact Dr. Neal Benham or David Dayton. Contact information can be found through the member roster on greyoakscc.com

"BEST EVER" YEAR OF 2020

A message from Grey Oaks Country Club General Manager, Michael Stott.

Dear Grey Oaks Country Club members,

As I begin my third year at your Club and in the beautiful community of Grey Oaks, it remains my great pleasure and honor to lead Grey Oaks Country Club. The Board and I are committed to heightening the level of excellence as Grey Oaks Country Club pursues our Club vision in a fiscally responsible manner.

Recently a member asked, “What do you want Grey Oaks and Grey Oaks Country Club to be for the residents and the Club members in years to come?” While I provided my leadership vision for Grey Oaks when I first began my tenure, I believe it is valuable to again articulate, briefly, the preferred future I see for Grey Oaks.

The Club’s vision statement mentions “healthy and active living” and I believe that will be the foundation for all programs, events, and sporting activities now and in the near future of Grey Oaks. I believe, and intend to lead in delivering a Grey Oaks that is safe for all who enter its grounds and share data with us. The future at Grey Oaks must also be unique, fun and always fostering connections. Your Club has never been and will never be average and we will always attempt to create intimacy (‘sweetest sound someone can hear is their name’) and a feeling of being your home away from home. Ambiance is one of the most important dimensions to any club and community, and an understated yet updated ambiance will be our pursuit for Grey Oaks.

The Grey Oaks staff will be made-up of top-talent who are aligned to the working values of the Club and are part of a Club-wide “training culture” where other hospitality firms and clubs look to staff in our ranks for their most attractive career openings. Here at the Club, we will continue to look to promote staff from within first, and we will build upon our current momentum of recognizing and rewarding outstandingly creative performance and behavior of staff teammates.

All of the future strategies and tactics will support an annual business plan. The Grey Oak Country Club business plans of the future will include capital and operational budgets to deliver a future for Grey Oaks that continues to attract and retain one of the finest and most accomplished memberships in America. I have never been more inspired and determined to lead your Club into what I hope you believe is an extremely exciting tomorrow.

Wishing you and your loved ones a most prosperous, healthy and “best ever” year of 2020.

Michael Stott

General Manager

WELCOME TO THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP Exclusively through Grey Oaks Real Estate

Grey Oaks Country Club offers valuable advantages when you list or purchase your property through Grey Oaks Real Estate.