McConnell Golf, The Magazine - Summer 2018

McConnell Golf The Magazine SUMMER 2018

Henrik Stenson

The Road to Victory

Home Course Heroes Golf Trip Time

Members Hit the Road

L O O K , F E E L A N D P L AY YO U R B E S T. ON AND OFF THE COURSE.

IT WAS 15 YEARS AGO THAT I BEGAN ne-

gotiating with members of Raleigh Country Club about purchasing their club out of bankruptcy that began my new direction in business. Needless to say, I never planned on having a golf company that now comprises 11 clubs with more than 5,000 members. My first goal — to protect the last Donald Ross golf course — has created a legacy for all of us to enjoy.

One of the greatest benefits of being in the golf business is making new friends, rooted in our love of the game.

At McConnell Golf, we host many tournaments, from high school invitational events to the PGA Tour at Sedgefield.

I am fortunate to watch players at all levels compete and follow their dreams of becoming a college golfer or making it to the professional level. They will always have fond memories that this game provides, and lessons learned on the course can be applied in all life settings.

August is always an exciting time for us. Hosting the Wyndham Championship requires many weeks of staff efforts to create a perfect course and venue to provide an amazing experience for PGA players and fans. As a fan, I like this event better than any other major. You can see the pros Swing Control is the perfect bottom to your tops. We offer the unique blendupofclose fashion, function and fit. without having to compete for Our fresh colour palettes, distinctive prints and hidden tummy control viewing space. The covered platforms at

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keep you looking your best, both on and off the course.

W W W. S W I N G C O N T R O L .C O M • 1 . 8 4 4 . 7 1 . S W I N G • I N F O @ S W I N G C O N T R O L .C O M

McConnell family at 2017 Wyndham with winner, Henrik Stenson

Pete Dye, legendary golf course designer

15 Years of Memories IT WAS 15 YEARS AGO THAT I BEGAN

PETE DYE PHOTO: CYDNEY SCOTT/PALM BEACH POST/ZUMA PRESS/ ALAMY

negotiating with members of Raleigh Country Club about purchasing their club out of bankruptcy that began my new direction in business. Needless to say, I never planned on having a golf company that now comprises 11 clubs with more than 5,000 members. My first goal — to protect the last Donald Ross golf course — has created a legacy for all of us to enjoy.

One of the greatest benefits of being in the golf business is making new friends, rooted in our love of the game.

At McConnell Golf, we host many tournaments, from high school invitational events to the PGA Tour at Sedgefield.

I am fortunate to watch players at all levels compete and follow their dreams of becoming a college golfer or making it to the professional level. They will always have fond memories that this game provides, and lessons learned on the course can be applied in all life settings.

August is always an exciting time for us. Hosting the Wyndham Championship requires many weeks of staff efforts to create a perfect course and venue to provide an amazing experience for PGA players and fans. As a fan, I like this event better than any other major. You can see the pros up close without having to compete for viewing space. The covered platforms at three holes that we provide our members makes attending in person a pleasant day. And if you look at the Champions Wall that we built behind hole 9, you’ll see that 18 previous winners are in the Golf Hall of Fame. The history for this tournament is a proud one.

I think Henrik Stenson is the best with his words: “This is the hardest ball-striking pro I’ve had the pleasure to par-3 I ever designed.” play with in a Pro-Am. At Sedgefield last As for some of my fondest Pete Dye year, he set the tournament course record memories? I’ll never forget that day at the and may have not hit a poor shot all week. Ocean Course in Kiawah. Before I went He will most likely be remembered in his out, I called him and asked for his advice. golfing career as winning the Open a few His response? “If I were you, I would stay years ago against Phil Michelson in one in the clubhouse.” My skill level had not of the best dual matches ever. It was the impressed him when I played with him closest thing to a Ryder Cup match that on two occasions! And another: the day I have watched in professional golf for a I played the par-3, hole 17 at Whistling stroke-play tournament.

Straits. I called him after the round and This brings to mind some other top said that this hole was harder than the memories of playing with the pros. There 12th hole in Greensboro, which he had was the time that Tiger Woods looked said was his toughest. I’ll never forget at my golf bag, which has several woods his response: “Mr. McConnell, my wife and hybrid clubs, and said that it looked Alice did that one!” like an LPGA bag. Or, when I first met Carl Enjoy your summer. Let’s all go to Pettersson at the Wachovia Championthe Wyndham this year and make our ship (now Wells Fargo). He must have hit own memories. at least nine greenside bunkers during that Pro-Am and he never made a bogey.

It was Carl that broke my heart at Sedgefield the first year we changed out the John McConnell, CEO & Founder Bent grass for Bermuda, and I expected the course to play much harder. He shot 62 the first day of the tournament! And then there’s the time I played with Rory McIlroy, in awe of how far a guy weighing only 160 pounds could hit the ball.

On another note, it is sad to report that the most interesting person that I have met in this game, Mr. Pete Dye, has reached a stage in his life where his memory does not serve him well. He has designed his last course at age 93.

I will forever be in awe of how excited he was to be reworking the Dye course in Greensboro at the age of 82. We still have the rock and the plaque on hole 12 www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

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Contents MAP

7

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT AJ Newell, Holston Hills Country Club

8

CLUB COMMUNITY Latest happenings

10

#MCGROADTRIP Hit the road with McConnell Golf

16

PLUG IT IN New electric car-charging stations

17

GROWING THEIR GAME Musgrove Mill’s superintendent earns high honor

18

HOME COURSE HEROES Meet one of Tennessee’s top golfers

20

FOOTPRINTS ON THE GREEN Wakefield Plantation’s Senior Men’s Golf Association

22

CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP Event highlights

38

COCKTAIL Providence’s infused liquors raise the bar

44

RISING STARS Two to watch on the tennis courts

60

WHERE ARE THEY NOW Catching up with Stephen Franken

62

THE BACK 9 Roger Maltbie looks back

64

MEMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORY

68

Features

2017 Wyndham Championship, Sedgefield Country Club

STENSON’S ROAD TO VICTORY

24

BEHIND THE SCENES: VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

32

TRACING ASHEVILLE’S ROOTS

40

IN GOOD TASTE

46

WEEKEND GETAWAY

54

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

56

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www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

7

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

By Casey Griffith

On the Big

Stage Former Holston Hills intern AJ Newall reminisces on her time at the club.

AJ NEWALL WAS A LITTLE OUT OF BREATH WHEN I caught up with her for an interview.

“Sorry,” she says. “We were on the course and got rained out, so I decided to squeeze in a gym workout.”

Such is life for a pro on the LPGA Tour.

But before her current eight-week jaunt on the road, and before joining the ranks of the LPGA, Newall enjoyed a slower-paced period of life as a golf operations intern at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville.

“AJ reached out to me shortly after she graduated from the University of Tennessee and was looking to make her way back to Knoxville,” recounts Holston Hills Director of Golf Chris Dibble. “I thought it would be great to have a female golfer on staff and knew that members would gravitate to her as a good player. AJ displayed an incredible work ethic and took time to play with the members whenever she could. In her short time at the club, she made a lasting impression.”

Though she grew up in Tampa, Florida, both of Newall’s parents attended UT – her Dad threw shot and discus for the Volunteers. Their eldest daughter however didn’t necessarily have her heart set on attending her parents’ alma mater.

“I’m a bit of a homebody so the idea of going to college so far away from family didn’t appeal to me at first,” she remembers. But that all changed after a campus tour.

“It was fall when I visited and I absolutely fell in love with Knoxville. The beautiful scenery and something about it being football season added an energy to the city. It was an easy decision for me to attend the University of Tennessee.”

A few years later, her younger sister Anna would join Newall to play golf for the Lady Volunteers during Newall’s senior year.

“That year is probably my favorite memory of golf. I was recovering from back surgery so Anna helped me through that, and I in-turn helped her adjust to college during her freshman year. I won my first college tournament that year and we were both All-Americans.”

Supporting and encouraging an interest in golf is important to Newall. “I had so many women that mentored me and helped grow my interest in golf. The game has opened many doors for me and it’s made me a more comfortable person in talking to people and relationship building.”

During her time at Holston Hills, Newall helped with Kid’s Night Out events where she talked up the sport to the club’s youngest members — most of whom hadn’t yet taken an interest.

“It’s so much bigger than just working at a club,” she says.

“It’s truly making a difference in someone’s life, and to be able to influence a young person.”

mcconnellgolf.com CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND FOUNDER

JOHN MCCONNELL

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

CHRISTIAN ANASTASIADIS MAGAZINE SALES & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES ASSISTANT

KASEY OLIVE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

CASEY GRIFFITH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MEREDITH DONAHUE CHAD FLOWERS BRAD KING JOHN MAGINNES MATT MCCONNELL MIKE PURKEY LAUREN THEDIECK Left: AJ Newall with her sister on the Symetra Tour in Michigan; below: AJ and Anna Claire PUBLISHED BY

With 12-year-old Anna Claire Gibson, Newall made a lasting connection and to this day sends her postcards from every city she visits on the Tour.

“I happened to be in Hilton Head recently and knew the Gibson family was also in the area,” she says. “I was able to surprise Anna Claire in person.

She was so happy that she cried!”

While Newall may have passed through the ranks of McConnell Golf employees rather quickly, the club will always have a place in her heart.

“I miss Holston Hills, it was such a family there. Chris really made me feel like part of the team, and it was an environment that supported me every step of the way. Several staff and members would text me encouragement before tournaments, and I still keep in touch with many of them.

I feel like I could stop by any day and it would be like I never left.”

DESTINATION CREATIVE GROUP 5710 W. GATE CITY BLVD. STE. 237 GREENSBORO, NC 27407 336.601.1271 PRESIDENT

STEVE MITCHEM

steve.mitchem@icloud.com EDITOR

MARTHA-PAGE ALTHAUS DESIGN DIRECTOR

LYNN GIANINY COPY EDITOR

Fuel Her Fire While sponsorships cover some travel costs, steep entry fees fall mainly on LPGA players to cover themselves. You can help McConnell Golf support one of our own online via GoFundMe.com/AJNewallGolf. The funds raised help support AJ’s 2018 Tour as she looks to keep her status for next year.

LANCE ELKO

CLUB COMMUNITY

Club Happenings THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB $5 FRIDAYS Members enjoyed great weather and $5 apps and $7 small plates, including tempura shrimp cocktails, house-cut chicken nuggets, spring rolls, shrimp and grits, seared scallops, salmon tempura sushi roll, country fried steak, and more. Members look forward to the next event in this crowd-pleasing series.

HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB AUTISM PRO AM TOURNAMENT Big names are headed to Knoxville this September for the Autism Pro AM Golf Tournament, with the goal of improving adult-autism services in Tennessee. Scheduled appearances include Marc Leishman, Scott Stallings, Peter Malnati, and Ernie Els.

OLD NORTH STATE CLUB CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT What better way to celebrate summer and living the lake life than with an official cornhole tournament? In May, rows of boards were laid out on the back lawn, and the competition was fun (but fierce!) with a tasty, madeto-order menu enjoyed by all.

RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB FARM TO TABLE June’s farm-to-table night highlighted the health benefits of eating local, shopping organic, and connecting with nature through a Wine and Tapas event featuring JOLO Winery. Kids also learned while they made their own organic grape popsicles!

10

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

GRANDE DUNES MEMBERS CLUB SIP & SWING At the bi-annual Ladies “Sip & Swing,” members enjoyed delicious cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while learning ways in which to improve their golf game.

SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB COMEDY NIGHT You never know who you’ll meet at Sedgefield! British comedian Scott Angrave amused members with his Country Club Comedy routine. Self-described as a “not-so-perfect” English gentlemen, Angrave’s act affords plenty of laughs through his view of all-things American.

MUSGROVE MILL GOLF CLUB A DESTINATION FOR TWO, FOUR OR 18 Two cottages and two suites make for an excellent twoor three-day adventure for groups from four to 16!

PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB FATHER-CHILD CAMPOUT A cherished annual tradition, Providence families always enjoy camping on the front lawn in September for the Father-Child Camp Out! Get ready for s’mores, campfire stories, games, and more.

COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE UNCORK THE SUMMER SOCIAL Friends new and old gathered for this summer wine fête. Local artisans displayed their wares, and our devoted vendors shared some of their most exciting varietals. Chef’s hors d’oeuvres paired perfectly with members’ savings of 50 percent off retail to stock up for the season.

TPC WAKEFIELD PLANTATION INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE RUN This race is not about winning. It’s about joining together to support military veterans and their families through bouncing, running, and sliding around the nine-hole course to the finish line! This October, you’ll find custom inflatable obstacles and fitness challenges on every hole, plus food and beer vendors, live music, and more. Proceeds benefit The Joel Fund.

BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB WINE AND TAPAS ON THE PATIO Live music sets a relaxing atmosphere for tapas on the patio overlooking the peaceful lake. Chef creates a delicious assortment of fare to suit all tastes.

There’s no better way to end the day than relaxing at Brook Valley!

TREYBURN COUNTRY CLUB YOUNG ENGINEER CAMP Aspiring engineers, builders, and tinkerers enjoyed this July camp, which presented different materials and obstacles each day to be built around. Our youngsters brought their thinking caps and found creative solutions while working together toward the end goal.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

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117 117 Canoe Canoe Landing Landing 44 BR BR // 33 BA BA // 11 Half Half -- Lakefront Lakefront $679,000

1727 1727 Southpoint Southpoint Lane Lane 66 BR BR // 55 BA BA // 33 Half Half -- Golf-Lake Golf-Lake View View $995,000 $995,000

197 197 Old Old North North State State Club Club Lane Lane 44 BR BR // 44 BA BA // 11 Half Half -- Golf-Lake Golf-Lake View View $995,000

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124 124 Gatlin Gatlin Knoll Knoll 44 BR BR // 33 BA BA // 22 Half Half -- Golf-Lake Golf-Lake View View $400,000

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SOCIAL

#MCGRoadTrip WHETHER IT’S AN ESCAPE TO THE peace and quiet of Musgrove Mill, or fun-filled lake days at Old North State Club, McConnell Golf members are on the move when it comes to exploring sister properties.

Members in the Triangle hear Country Club of Asheville’s freshly renovated Donald Ross track calling to them — and while you’re in the neighborhood, how could you miss a chance to play the fabled Holston Hills in Knoxville?

In the opposite direction, The Reserve’s coastal wildlife sanctuary lures members to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, with the enticing Grande Dunes Members Club right down the road in Myrtle Beach.

#MCGRoadTrip to Musgrove Mill “Great group visiting the Mill from TPC Wakefield Plantation.”

As you do your own exploring, we invite you to share your experiences with fellow members by including #MCGroadtrip in your social media posts. You’ll notice our host clubs capturing groups as they travel through, so if you’re looking for inspiration for your next getaway, you’ll find plenty on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Happy travels!

#MCGRoadTrip to Musgrove Mill “Lawrence W. Largent Jr. and friends visit Musgrove Mill.”

#MCGRoadTrip to Musgrove Mill “Great ST8 cup event this weekend at #musgrovemillgc. Competition was awesome.”

#MCGRoadTrip to Durham #MCGRoadTrip to Knoxville

“Congrats @TreyburnCC on putting a whippin’ on @HolstonHillsCC @McConnellGolf friendly.

Thank you to all that participated!”

16

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

“The first match of McConnell Golf Interclub was contested today at Treyburn Country Club. Raleigh CC led the way with 19.5 points, followed

by Treyburn with 16.5 points, Brook Valley with 16 points, and Wakefield with 14 points. Traveling to play our sister McConnell Golf courses is one of the many great perks of being a McConnell Golf member. Thanks to the Treyburn staff and membership for being great hosts!”

Raleigh Country Club unveiled two electric car-charging stations in June.

Plug It In

McConnell Golf’s latest eco-friendly venture IF YOU’VE PULLED INTO THE PARKING lot at Raleigh Country Club recently, you may have noticed something new. The club is now outfitted with a ChargePoint Level 2 commercial charging station for electric plug-in vehicles.

Nearby TPC Wakefield Plantation will have two charging stations later this summer, with the possibility of adding more should demand rise. These stations serve all electric vehicles and are free for member use.

“We have several members who are already using the charging station,” says Christian Anastasiadis, McConnell

Golf COO. “It’s our way of giving back, helping the environment, and making it better. It’s a great thing for our members.”

The benefits of owning an electric car are immense — there’s much more to it than a lack of tailpipe pollutants.

For starters, it’s a smooth, quiet ride with stronger acceleration.

Energy efficiency is often touted as the top reason to make the switch from a traditional gas-guzzling car to electric.

Electric vehicles convert between 59 and 62 percent of electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels,

while conventional gas vehicles only convert about 17 to 21 percent of energy stored in gasoline.

Plug-in electric vehicles make a big impact on the nation’s energy security.

In 2017, the US imported about 19 percent of the petroleum used. Energyefficient cars are powered solely by electricity, a domestic energy source.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to a plug-in electric vehicle, rest assured you’ve got two guaranteed places to recharge, with the possibility of more to come.

The impact is substantial.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

17

GOLF

By Brad King

Will Holroyd has served Musgrove Mill for over 30 years.

Growing Their Game Musgrove Mill’s longtime superintendent, Will Holroyd, earns Carolinas GCSA’s highest honor.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

“Will Holroyd has been a staple at Musgrove Mill for as long as I have known,” says Daryl Boe, a course rankings panelist for Golf Digest magazine and member at Musgrove Mill since 1995. “He and [Director of Golf] Jeff Tallman are both, in my mind, the two pillars on which Musgrove Mill holds its lofty perch. When I first joined the club, I don’t think I had ever played many finer greens. Even though we’ve been dealt some very bad hands from significant weather events over the years, Will continues to work his magic on the course.

What Will consistently does, with the hands he is sometimes dealt, is among the finest greens-keeping accomplishments I have ever seen.”

The quality of his work at Musgrove Mill can also be measured by his tenure there. The fact that he has served as its sole superintendent for more than 30 years speaks volumes for his expertise.

Here, Holroyd reflects on his earliest days in the industry, accomplishments, and plans for the future.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROLINA GREENS MAGAZINE

WILL HOLROYD, SUPERINTENDENT AT MUSGROVE MILL Golf Club, received the Carolinas GCSA’s highest designation — the Distinguished Service Award — and was honored during a ceremony at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center last fall.

A veteran of more than 40 years in the golf course superintendent profession, Holroyd commands a stellar reputation for his course conditioning, mentoring aspiring superintendents, and service to the industry. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in horticulture in 1975 and started out as superintendent at Oconee Country Club in Seneca, S.C., the following year.

After stints at Pickens Country Club and Fairfield Glade Resort in Tennessee, he came home to Clinton to help open Musgrove Mill, an Arnold Palmer design on the banks of the Enoree River, in 1988. There, Holroyd hosted some of the biggest events in South Carolina golf, including two State Amateur Championships.

BRAD KING: Congratulations on winning the Distinguished Service Award.

You were the 29th recipient of the award in the 63-year history of the 1,800-member organization. How does it feel to receive such a prestigious honor?

WILL HOLROYD: It is always special to be recognized by your peers. It’s very humbling to be included on a list of the previous recipients, who have meant so much to so many people in our industry.

It’s overwhelming, honestly. The most rewarding thing is to be able to recognize all those who share in the honor. I am grateful to my employers, past and present, for giving me the opportunity and the resources to apply my craft. A special thanks and recognition go to my wife and family. My wife, Carole, has sacrificed so much in allowing me to pursue my passion. She is a very big part of my story. We joke that she raised the kids and I raised a golf course. There is a lot of truth to that.

BK: Your nomination for the DSA was accompanied by 17 letters of support from individuals across the industry who have benefited from your expertise and input. Is mentoring others an important part of your job description?

WH: Mentoring is very important. The most rewarding part of this whole thing was getting to read all the kind remarks in the letters of support. Many of the letters were from former staff members who spent time working with us early in their careers. I don’t know if I taught them anything as much as they just learned from the process. My mentoring style has mostly been by example.

I have always told young people that I would help in any way that I could, but it was their responsibility to observe and to learn from both our successes and our failures. Most of our former “pupils” have learned well and are quite accomplished in their own right. This award is more a reflection of their accomplishments than for anything I’ve done.

Musgrove Mill Golf Club

BK: You’ve been the superintendent at Musgrove Mill since the day it opened 30 years ago. What has it meant to build your legacy there?

WH: It has always been a special place for me. About three years before construction began, there was a press release in newspapers about the formation of the club to be built. I went home from work at the golf course that evening and showed the article to Carole. I told her that this was the job I wanted. It was right then that we focused our sights on Musgrove Mill as the target. We pursued the opportunity through every avenue we could find. Carole was so anxious and nervous about my first interview that she ironed my boxer shorts. Now that’s what I call being “all in!” Fortunately, we were eventually offered and, of course, accepted the job. I came on board halfway through construction.

When I got there, it was nothing but dirt.

Now, agronomists consider dirt a “dirty word,” claiming there is no such thing.

It’s soil! Well, trust me … this was dirt!

It has been most gratifying to build and continue to nurture such a special golf course on a great piece of property.

BK: Who have been some of your most important influencers?

WH: First, my parents. My mother is a retired school teacher/librarian, and my father was a Methodist minister. I learned from them about dedication to your work and about the importance of service to others. I had a lot of help early

in my career from professors and grad students at Clemson. My first job was at a golf course ten miles from campus.

I called on them many times, and they were always generous with their time and expertise. During my time at Clemson, I worked part time at a local course for Herb Edwards, a golf pro/superintendent. He was very passionate about turf science. Everything he did was with playing conditions as a priority. It was this influence that shaped my approach to turfgrass management: agronomics first, but playability in the end.

BK: Future plans?

WH: I plan to continue “raising my golf course,” because, unlike the ones my wife raised, this “kid” never leaves home … and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Ahead of the Game From fairway to fork, McConnell Golf employees challenge themselves to redefine standards of excellence in pursuit of the ultimate member experience.

Next issue, we’re headed into the kitchen where McConnell Golf chefs “turn up the heat” with friendly competition that brings members exciting new flavors.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

19

GOLF

By Matt McConnell

Home Course Heroes Meet one of McConnell Golf’s top players.

FOR HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB MEMBER

Todd Burgan, the game of golf is more than just a leisurely way to spend a few hours on the weekend. This 49-year-old pharmacist played for the University of Tennessee before being known as one of the state’s best golfers. What makes Burgan one of the best? He’s a five-time Tennessee Golf Association Champion winner, and was named TGA Player of the Year in 2011. I spoke with Burgan about his passion for the game.

MATT MCCONNELL: When did you learn to play?

TODD BURGAN: I was introduced to the game by my stepfather and a friend’s father when I was 11 or 12. There were a lot of boys around that age in my hometown, and we all kind of fell in love with golf and played for years at a little nine-hole course in LaFollette, Tennessee. It wasn’t uncommon for ten or 12 of us to play up to 36 holes a day in the summer, almost every day all the way through high school.

MM: What’s been your greatest personal victory?

TB: My first individual State Championship in our state match play in 2009 at Legends Club in Nashville. Not only was it special because it was my first state individual title, but the final match was against Danny Green, who is one of the most

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accomplished players ever in Tennessee. I won in 19 holes by holing a 20-foot birdie putt to win.

MM: What’s your favorite thing about being on the course?

TB: I enjoy the competition of tournament golf the most.

I rarely play leisure rounds, but I do enjoy the camaraderie of being with my friends when I get the chance to play with them either at Holston Hills or on a golf trip.

MM: Is there a favorite Holston Hills moment?

TB: When I won my first Club Championship in 2007. It was a 72-hole event, and I shot 64-66 the last two rounds to catch Steve Golliher, one of our club’s best players. I won with a birdie on the first playoff hole.

MM: And do you have any favorite Holston Hills memories?

TB: My favorite memory of Holston is, and always will be, sitting up in the old 19th Hole after another great “Friday game,” talking trash and reliving the round with 16 or so guys. Those guys, some of whom we have lost in the past few years, and those days, are what I’ll always remember about Holston.

Clockwise from far left: Todd Burgan through the years; Holston Hills Country Club

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

21

FOOTPRINTS ON THE GREEN

By Martha-Page Althaus

Thank You For Your Service Wakefield Plantation’s We Care Golf Classic supports military families.

NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, THE WE CARE GOLF CLASSIC brings together members of the military not only for a day of golf, but also to raise money for North Carolina military charities. The 2017 event distributed $80,000 to USO of NC, the Soldiers & Airmen Assistance Fund, and the Wakefield Senior Men’s Golf Association (SMGA) Scholarship Fund, which provides college funds for kids from military families. Since the first tournament in 2013, the event has raised more than $350,000.

We Care began as a grassroots effort by Wakefield’s SMGA, a group of some 90 men who are very involved with local military outreach. When one of the SMGA member’s grandsons was deployed, the group sent care packages to his unit. They began sending packages to another unit, too; during this time, they decided to launch a new golf tournament with a focus on military outreach, and thus, We Care was born.

For the 2018 We Care tournament, the focus of the golf outing is the men and women in the NC National Guard.

Each foursome will include civilians and a member of the military.

“For our military guests, this is a great day of golf, food, and fellowship,” says Michael Thomas, Wakefield’s club

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

manager. “The joy they get out of this day is incredible.

But it’s nothing compared to the sacrifices they make for us.”

In addition to spearheading the We Care event, SMGA members stay busy year-round. They volunteer as a group at a Raleigh soup kitchen. Each Thanksgiving, they donate turkeys and cook them for the community. And they work with the Special Olympics every year as well.

“They do an extraordinary amount of good stuff both on and off the course,” says Thomas. “It’s the most amazing thing. They’re an unbelievable group of gentlemen with hearts and priorities to help others. They play golf three days a week, and in their spare time, they’re volunteering.

They could easily write a check, but instead they donate their own time, energy, and efforts to make things happen.

Of all the things that have taken place during my 15 years at Wakefield, the Mark your creation of SMGA and all they do calendars for the for our community is what I’m most 2018 We Care proud of. It’s very rare to have such Golf Classic, held a large number of members who at TPC Wakefield share the same vision and passion to Plantation give back without ever being asked. on October 2.

They just jump right in.”

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GOLF

By Brad King

Stenson’s Road to Victory Henrik Stenson lives up to his billing and captures the 2017 Wyndham Championship. His victory is another notch for the stoic Swede, whose career has seen both highs and lows.

HENRIK STENSON ENTERED LAST SUMMER’S Wyndham Championship as the prohibitive favorite.

The strapping Swede, known for his pure ball-striking and savage sense of humor, arrived at Sedgefield Country Club ranked No. 9 in the world, making him the highest-rated player in the 2017 field.

The Wyndham is now the final PGA Tour stop before the FedExCup Playoffs, meaning it’s a mustplay for those looking to earn points to either qualify for, or improve their standing, entering the Playoffs.

However, without the lure of gaining Ryder Cup points, many of the world’s best took the week off in 2017.

So Stenson — the 2016 British Open champion, Olympic silver medalist, and 2013 FedExCup champion — was the man to beat at Sedgefield.

He lived up to his billing early in the week, first joining forces with the McConnell Golf team to capture the Wednesday Pro-Am, then followed by an opening-round 62 that left him one shot off the lead.

Eventually, however, the 41-year-old would need a Sunday back-nine birdie barrage to fire a 6-under 64 and eke out a one-stroke victory over PGA Tour rookie Ollie Schniederjans.

A 24-year-old, former three-time All-American at Georgia Tech, Schniederjans rolled in a 40-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole in Sunday’s final round.

Then, he nearly holed out for an eagle from 163 yards

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

at the par-4 18th. The solo second was the best finish of his career and fifth inside the top 10.

“I had to keep on making birdies,” said Stenson.

“Ollie was surely not backing down. I thought I had a two-shot cushion. As I walked over to the 18th hole and looked around … ‘Oh, OK, Schniederjans birdied it as well. So, I better scramble a par here to get the win.’”

With Schniederjans watching the TV broadcast and hoping for a tie, Stenson missed a 35-foot birdie putt on No. 18 just right of the cup, before calmly draining a 3-footer to clinch his first victory since his historic 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon — where Stenson outgunned Phil Mickelson for his first major in a final-round showdown for the ages.

“When I stuffed it on No. 18, I thought that’s probably going to be a playoff,” said Schniederjans.

“Stenson birdied 17 and got par on 18. Hats off to him — he had a great finish, too. Just one short.”

Low scores and tight leaderboards once again were the norm at Sedgefield. With seven holes left for the final pairing, a quartet of players — Stenson, Schniederjans, Ryan Armour, and Kevin Na — shared the lead at 18 under.

“It was anyone’s tournament on the back nine,” said Stenson, who had four birdies in a five-hole stretch of the back nine on both Saturday and Sunday.

Henrik Stenson and the Sam Snead Cup

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

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GOLF

“This is a great tournament. We’ve been looked after very, very well. They do a lot for the fans and for the players this week.”

Finishing in solo third was former Wake Forest star Webb Simpson, who carded a three-under 67 to finish at 18-under 262. The Charlotte resident and 2012 U.S. Open champion, who claimed his first PGA Tour title at the 2011 Wyndham Championship, recorded his fourth career top-6 Wyndham result.

Meanwhile, 2015 Wyndham champ Davis Love III — who at 53 years old was seeking to become the oldest winner in PGA Tour history — finished eight shots back in a tie for 10th.

Stenson left his Callaway Epic driver in his locker all week and he certainly didn’t need it on the par-70 Sedgefield course. After battling injuries early in the season, Stenson managed to set a Wyndham tournament record — finishing at 22-under 258 to break the Ross course’s 72-hole record set by Carl Pettersson in 2008 and matched in 2017 by Si Woo Kim. In addition, with

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

the victory Stenson not only earned $1,044,000 and 500 FedExCup points, his sixth career Tour victory also made him Sweden’s winningest man of all-time, distancing himself from Pettersson and Jesper Parnevik, who each captured five PGA Tour titles.

Ironically, Stenson wasn’t even supposed to be in Greensboro. The tournament was a late addition because Stenson needed to reach 15 starts on the PGA Tour to keep his card for the new season.

“It’s a bit of a tough stretch to play five in a row, but I wanted to secure my 15 and hopefully pick up some momentum and surely I did,” he said. “It’s funny how it goes. Sometimes it’s just a coincidence why you decide to go to a tournament and make a change in your schedule, and this time it certainly worked out for a lot of good. This is a great tournament. We’ve been looked

after very, very well. They do a lot for the fans and for the players this week.”

UPS AND DOWNS Stenson made his first major stamp on the game in 2013, when he completed a remarkable feat by winning the FedExCup in America as well as the Road to Dubai, the European Tour equivalent.

But things haven’t always run so smoothly for the stoic Swede.

A natural lefty who didn’t start playing golf until he was 12, Stenson turned pro in 1998 and found some early success on the European Tour. But at the 2001 European Open at the K Club in Ireland, his game and his confidence took a major hit. Playing with Miguel Angel Jimenez and Sandy Lyle, Stenson came to the K Club’s 13th hole and hit a massive slice that would not have been so alarming if he had not hit a massive hook on the same hole a day prior.

TOP RIGHT PHOTOS: AFLO CO. LTD./ALAMY; CAL SPORT MEDIA/ALAMY

Stenson said he had no idea where the ball was going and was so spooked by his lack of form that he walked off the course and withdrew.

“After nine holes, I told the guys they’d be better off without me,” Stenson recalled.

“The balls were all over the place.”

In 2002, he managed just eight cuts in 22 events and fell to No. 621 in the world rankings. Yet, Stenson slowly made his way back among the game’s elite, winning in 2004, earning a spot on the European Ryder Cup team in 2006, joining the PGA Tour in 2007, and claiming his then-biggest victory at the 2009 Players Championship.

Stenson would endure another downturn soon after, eventually falling back to as low as No. 230. Much of his second slump was attributed to financial setbacks suffered in a Ponzi scheme from which Stenson was swindled out of more than $7 million. The scam’s mastermind, Allen Stanford, was later convicted of fraud and

sentenced to 110 years in prison.

“After I won the Tour Championship and the FedExCup, I actually flew from Atlanta to my home in Orlando having collected more than $11 million,” Stenson said. “And when I was on the plane, I worked out that I was flying over the federal prison in Florida where Stanford will likely be for the rest of his life. Yeah, there was satisfaction in that. But it was more thinking about all those people who lost a tremendous amount of money to him but weren’t fortunate enough to make a lot of it back.”

For Stenson, the road to his 2017 Wyndham Championship title has not been without the occasional pothole.

But Sweden’s greatest golfer is experienced and mature enough to realize that life is full of ups and downs.

“Of course, I’ve been low and frustrated at times,” he said. “But I’m not giving up.

I’m not a quitter. I’ll always bounce back.”

Stenson through the years (clockwise from far left): 2017 Wyndham, hole 18; 2016 British Open; 2013 FedExCup; 2017 Wyndham Awards Ceremony check; the Cup; Stenson studies the fairway

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

27

THE ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE

RECOGNIZES ITS THREE FORMER GOLFERS THAT HAVE WON THE WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP

AT SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB.

2015 DAVIS LOVE III NORTH CAROLINA

2011 WEBB SIMPSON WAKE FOREST

2008 CARL PETTERSSON NC STATE

FOUNDED AT SEDGEFIELD IN 1953, THE ACC IS PROUD TO CALL GREENSBORO HOME. 28

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

@ACC m g o l f | @ t h e ACC | t h e ACC. Co m

GOLF

By Mike Purkey

See You

at the

Mark Brazil and PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan

Wyndham

The 2018 event is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

THE TRIAD’S BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT HAS also become a rite of summer — and it showcases one of McConnell Golf’s premier properties.

The Wyndham Championship will be held August 16 –19 in Greensboro at Sedgefield Country Club, the city’s annual stop on the PGA Tour. Some of the best players in the world will test their talents on the venerable course created by legendary architect Donald Ross in 1926.

This year’s event will have some familiar features and a few new ones, too. Margaritaville, the popular festive spot just outside the clubhouse, will return. Tito’s Vodka also is back and will have two locations on the course. The BB&T Fan Pavilion, which has been in place since 2008, is back and better, according to tournament organizers.

Sunbrella, which manufactures performance fabric for outdoor furniture, awnings, and umbrellas, will sponsor the Comfort Zone, in which fans can cool off in a concessions tent above the 12th green.

Wyndham, now in its 12th year of sponsorship, will again host the Key to Wyn, in which fans can swipe hotel room keys in a door for the chance to win prizes.

McConnell Golf members who purchase ticket packages for the event have access to Slammin’ Sammy’s Pub in the

clubhouse as well as three skyboxes on the course at holes 15, 17, and 18. Slammin’ Sammy’s Pub offers live music, breakfast and lunch buffets, kid’s activities, and perhaps most coveted — a private place to soak up some air conditioning during the day.

“We are working with the McConnell team to really activate their membership, not just at Sedgefield but around North Carolina, to see if we can get more of their members and friends to come to the tournament,” says Mark Brazil, longtime tournament director. “We’re hoping to grow that.”

Rich Winkler of Brook Valley Country Club in Greenville, NC, has made the Wyndham part of his annual calendar.

“There’s a group of 12 of us whom have made the Wyndham an annual trip. We reserve the lodge at Old North State Club afterwards and head there to play golf and unwind.

All of this is what it means to be a part of McConnell Golf.”

Brazil says that tournament officials and sponsors value what they get every year at Sedgefield.

“We’re very fortunate that Mr. McConnell decided to buy Sedgefield Country Club,” says Brazil. “Every year since he bought it, he’s improved the place. The players love the course, they like what we do for them in the clubhouse, the staff is terrific to work with. You have to have a great relationship with the host facility, and we have that.” www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

29

GOLF HISTORY

By Casey Griffith

Tournament

Teamwork Dedicated volunteers are the secret to theWyndham Championship’s success.

Some 1,600 volunteers worked behind the scenes at the 2017 Wyndham.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Spring 2018

33

HISTORY GOLF

THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT THE WEEKS LEADING up to the Wyndham Championship bring “Tour fever” to Greensboro — a city that fully embraces all the fervor that comes with some 150 world-class golfers. Traffic signs go up, hotels and restaurants brim with fans, and even the local weather is projected on Sedgefield Country Club’s vibrant, velvety greens.

But behind the scenes, the gears that power the weeklong festivities aren’t as visible. Far beyond club and event staffers, it takes an army of 1,600 local volunteers to make sure professionals and spectators alike enjoy the Wyndham, twice named the PGA’s most fan-friendly event.

Since 2008, Bill and Donna Richardson have volunteered alongside fellow Sedgefield Country Club members to man the ninth hole gallery, undoubtedly one of the course’s busiest due to its location just behind the clubhouse.

With his tenure, Mr. Richardson now coordinates the volunteer effort for this area of the course.

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“We enjoy working with the people, and having the same folks back year after year to serve,” he says. “They’re so cooperative and willing to help, it makes the job easy.”

When you think of a tournament volunteer, the first image that pops into your mind is probably a tall, slender sign reading “Quiet.” That, and perhaps a guilty flashback if you happen to have been on the receiving end of a stern “I know you know better” glance when speaking too loudly while players are on the green. Lest we forget, these subtle enforcements preserve golf fans’ ability to be up-and-close with the players. After all, in what other sport can you get close enough to watch the muscles tense in your hero’s arms right before he sends a perfectly connected tee shot hurling down the fairway?

But there’s a lot more to being a volunteer than crowd control. Kellie Rhoney, the volunteer coordinator for the Wyndham Championship, has an intimate understanding of just how much they contribute.

Sedgefield Country Club member volunteers are easy to spot in signature light blue.

Far left: David Tolton; middle: measuring distance with ShotLink; above: Bill Richardson; Mary McQuillan and Cathy Hicks; Billie Bynes

“I wholeheartedly believe that volunteers are essential for the success of the Wyndham Championship. It would be nearly impossible to run the tournament without them.”

“Volunteers play a vital role in every aspect of the tournament, whether it’s preparation prior to the event, gallery control, tear-down after the tournament, or even operating ShotLink,” she says.

Yes, those tripods you see along the fairway are also staffed by volunteers and, thanks to recent tech advancements, shot distances are now measured with digital prowess. The ShotLink System uses lasers and 3D mapping software to calculate how far the ball travels and gives fans fast and accurate stats for each shot a golfer makes on each hole. This data is then electronically sent to scoreboards throughout the

course to ensure fans don’t miss a minute, or an inch, of the action.

To operate the system, volunteers undergo a specific training regimen, and this skill then becomes their discipline moving forward. Formerly, shot distances were recorded by hand and manually populated to scoreboards, which took considerably more time.

With all the moving parts and knowhow involved to seamlessly power such a large event, the value of these volunteer forces is immense.

Rhoney eagerly shares her gratitude.

“I wholeheartedly believe that vol-

unteers are essential for the success of the Wyndham Championship. It would be nearly impossible to run the tournament without them. We are very appreciative of the dedication and hard work that our volunteers put forth, and I consider myself lucky to have such a great group who is determined to make the Wyndham Championship a great experience for all.”

So remember to give them a quick “thank you” while enjoying the tournament this year. Their passion for the sport is a big part of what keeps Greensboro a golfing town, and the Wyndham Championship right here at home.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

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HIT THE

SWEET SPOT

PROUD BEVERAGE PROVIDER FOR

McCONNELL GOLF

GOLF

By Chad Flowers

Championship Recap In 2018, McConnell Golf hosted four notable events that gave others from around the region, and even around the world, the chance to compete on some of our best tracks.

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE Old North State Club on Badin Lake in New London, NC once again hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Golf Championship in late April. Warm breezes from across the lake graced the fairways as some of the best amateur golfers in the country attacked the Tom Fazio layout.

While the finish was down to the wire with Clemson, Wake Forest, and Virginia shooting low final round scores, Georgia Tech continued its domination of the ACC Championship with a 29-under 835 over three days to claim its ninth title in the last 13 years. This year’s title was also the 17th in program history for the Yellow Jackets.

“It’s a great conference with all these teams that are ranked, so any time you win here it means a lot, and this year is no different,” said Georgia Tech coach Bruce Heppler. “We knew that Clemson would come charging up the leaderboard, they always do. It got close and exciting, and this place brings that out. We’re just happy to walk away on top this time.”

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee was proud to again host the local qualifying of the U.S. Open Championship in May. A total of 78 players from all across the U.S. and other countries played for five open spots into the sectional qualifier. Perfect weather, pristine course conditions, and a strong field led to low scoring on the famed Donald Ross design. Sebastian Vazquez of Mexico took medalist honors with a round of 63 while four other players had 66 or better to fill out the five available qualifying spots.

“Holston Hills has played host to this local qualifier for many years,” said Director of Golf Chris Dibble. “Our course is always a player favorite, and we enjoy having all of the different players here each year.”

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Medalist Sebastian Vazquez at Holston Hills

ACC Men’s Golf Championship at Old North State Club

WEB.COM TOUR’S REX HOSPITAL OPEN Moving from the amateur ranks to the professionals, the annual Rex Hospital Open returned to Raleigh’s TPC Wakefield Plantation at the end of May. The Hale Irwin designed, 18-hole championship golf course proved once again to be a great test for some of the up-and-coming professionals on the Web.com Tour. Joey Garber of Petoskey, Michigan, and a Georgia alumni, persevered with a one stroke, 18-under victory. Coming in at a tie for second at 17-under were Hank Lebioda and Scott Langley. Of local interest, Albin Choi, a former player at NC State, and Cameron Percy, a resident of Wakefield Plantation and McConnell Golf member, each finished tied for sixth at 15 under par.

“The Rex Hospital Open has become a mainstay at Wakefield, and our members and staff alike look forward to it each year,” according to Wakefield Club Manager Michael Thomas. “This event has raised some $9 million for patients, programs, and services at UNC Rex Healthcare over the past 31 years.”

KARL VILIPS PHOTO COURTESTY OF AJGA

AMERICAN JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION In June, the AJGA Tournament in Greensboro was played at the Sedgefield Pete Dye Course and has been newly rebranded as the Wyndham Invitational presented by BB&T. If that sounds familiar, it is because the same title and presenting sponsors are also on-board for the annual PGA Tour stop, Wyndham Championship, in Greensboro at McConnell Golf’s Sedgefield Ross course in August.

A week of great golf culminated as Karl Vilips, the No. 1 junior golfer in the Rolex AJGA rankings, blistered the Dye course for a 10-under 270 over the four days. During his third round, Vilips birdied the 18th hole to tie the competitive course record of 8-under 62. Vilips now has five AJGA victories and his is a name we should all remember.

There’s no doubt he will be playing professional golf soon.

2018 Web.com Tour’s Rex Hospital Open Winner Joey Garber

Karl Vilips, AJGA Tournament at Sedgefield

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

39

HISTORY

By Brad King

Tracing Asheville’s

Roots

The long and enduring history of Country Club of Asheville has involved land purchases, gifts, leases, debt solutions, and “The Big Swap.” Today, the club is North Carolina’s oldest in continuous operation, and the second oldest in the South.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

GEORGE WASHINGTON VANDERBILT III COULD BARELY FATHOM THE UNIMAGINABLE BEAUTY HE WAS OBSERVING.

COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE

Above: Original Swannanoa Country Club; right: The old clubhouse weathervane.

The 19 symbolizes the club’s strong tennis program.

THE YOUNGEST OF EIGHT CHILDREN born to industrialist William Henry Vanderbilt and his wife Maria Louisa, George enjoyed a close relationship with his mother. Following his father’s death in 1885, George took on the role of caring for his mother amid growing concerns about her health.

In 1886, Maria Louisa’s malarial symptoms brought the Vanderbilts to the mountains of western North Carolina, as Asheville’s clear air was considered a curative for a variety of ailments.

One day, George found himself looking down upon the Pisgah Forest land from the top of Battery Park Hill. This awe-inspiring view set into motion the process of acquiring land for a country retreat.

Eight years later, that land was incorporated by a group of notable Asheville men as the Swannanoa Country Club — named for one of the rivers bisecting Buncombe County. It was also known as The Hunt Club. It became North Carolina’s first country club and among one of the early private clubs founded in America.

S. Westray Battle, the doctor to whom Maria Louisa Vanderbilt had gone for treatment, became the club’s founding president. The club’s vice-president, Theodore Davidson, was North Carolina’s attorney general. Financial help came from Col. Frank Coxe, a Philadelphia coal baron who had built the Battery Park Hotel. Coxe enlisted E.P. McKissick, the hotel’s manager, to run the clubhouse, which Coxe also owned.

The purpose of the club was not only to provide a social outlet for its members, an enclave for playing poker, drinking whiskey, and smoking cigars — the purchase of a grand piano was very popular — but also to address members’ interest in fox hunting.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

41

HISTORY

Clockwise from top left: Country Club of Asheville sign; enjoying the Oyster Roast, March 2018; view of distant mountains from the course at Country Club of Asheville; swimming pool; tennis courts

GOLF’S EARLY DAYS IN ASHEVILLE Neighboring farmers in West Asheville soon began to complain about the fox hunts causing damage to their property. Noticing that the fox population was declining, the club decided to drop fox hunting in favor of golf ball hunting.

A committee bored several holes in the terrain. The result? Golf became so popular that the same committee built a new five-hole course.

In 1896, the club changed its name to Swannanoa Golf and Country Club.

The club moved its rudimentary golf course three times thereafter, each in search of a more convenient location to the city.

In late 1898, one of Asheville’s prominent citizens, George Willis Pack, whose wife Frances liked to play golf, leased to the club for $1 a year the land

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

it needed to construct a more sophisticated golf facility — including a new clubhouse with showers, locker rooms, lounges, and game rooms — on the site just off Charlotte Street, north of downtown, near the present-day Omni Grove Park Inn. In 1905, Swannanoa Golf and Country Club was renamed Asheville Country Club. Five years later, Asheville’s Grove family helped hire Willie Park Jr., a golf pro and course designer from Musselburgh, Scotland, to take the existing nine holes, add nine more, and present a full 18-hole layout to the club. Park, along with his father, won a total of six Open Championships. They were rivals of Old Tom Morris and his son Tommy Jr., who together won a total of eight Opens.

In 1926, Donald Ross, the renowned

Scotsman who moved to Pinehurst in 1900, completely redesigned the course, which then began playing host to the world’s best players. Soon after the original 1926 Ross design grew in, the likes of Harry Vardon and Ted Ray competed in an exhibition. The PGA’s Asheville Land of the Sky Open ran for 18 years (through 1951), with the legendary Ben Hogan winning three consecutive years from 1940 to 1942.

Another legend, Bobby Jones, also came to Asheville and the Grove Park Inn to play the lower mountain golf course that he so enjoyed.

In addition, two years after Ross’s course opened, the nearby Lake View Park development built its own Rossdesigned layout, Beaver Lake Golf Club, where Country Club of Asheville members enjoyed playing privileges.

“This club has an amazing history, and we’ve seen many changes in the past 18 years,” says Woeckener.

“THE BIG SWAP” In the 1930s, the club survived the Great Depression, but that did not ensure staying in the black. Fast-forward a generation, when another golf-loving newcomer to Asheville stepped in to provide Country Club of Asheville its next big boost. Mitchell Wolfson — a multimedia magnate and horse breeder from Miami — arranged to have the country club sell its course to the Grove Park Inn. He used the profits to buy the Lake View course and build a new clubhouse, tennis courts, and pool.

This led to a 1976 event known as “The Big Swap,” when Grove Park Inn acquired the original golf course, while Country Club of Asheville moved to its current course at Beaver Lake.

During this time, the club also changed its name from Asheville Country Club

to Country Club of Asheville.

Raleigh’s McConnell Golf purchased the club in late 2014. Two years later, McConnell Golf spent $3.7 million on capital projects, including a major course renovation.

ASHEVILLE’S NEXT CHAPTER Ed Woeckener, 83, has been a member at Country Club of Asheville for nearly two decades. He has played more than 350 courses in 26 states — 100 in Florida alone — along with 13 other countries, including rounds with 37 golf-tour professionals. He is a member of the Donald Ross Society, the Golf Collectors Society, and the Society of Hickory Golfers, a distinguished consortium of avid golfers who play only with hickory shafted clubs.

“This club has an amazing history, and we’ve seen many changes in the past 18

years,” says Woeckener. “We are very strong supporters of John McConnell.

His entry here has been most appreciated and he’s done everything he’s said he would do.”

For much of 2016, Country Club of Asheville’s course was closed due to extensive restoration performed by Pinehurst-based golf course architect Richard Mandell, who oversaw numerous improvements such as new 007 Bentgrass on all 18 greens, a restored creek crossing on No. 10, a new practice facility, and rerouted cart paths.

Today, after a long, storied — and occasionally confusing — history, Country Club of Asheville stands proudly as North Carolina’s oldest continuously running country club and the second oldest in the south. With a legacy like this, the future looks just as rich.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

43

DRINK

By Kasey Olive

Raising the Bar Providence’s house-infused spirits elevate craft cocktails.

CRAFT COCKTAILS ARE ALL THE RAGE,

and mixology has become an art form revered by bartenders. Luckily for McConnell members, we’re fortunate to have some amazing bartenders across our properties.

At Providence Country Club, Food and Beverage Manager Steve Windham and his assistant, Levi Bennett, took their behind-the-bar innovation to the next level. The result?

They now produce their own house-infused spirits.

“While touring other venues, I noticed that several were starting to play around with their own house-infused spirits,” says Windham. “But this old-school way of infusing liquor is a very long process that generally yields inconsistent results.

We researched newer processes, and found that with today’s technology, we’re able to infuse our spirits in-house in less than an hour from start to finish with consistent results every time.”

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Liquors are infused with fruits and herbs; most include lime, mango, rosemary, and basil, but the possibilities are seemingly endless.

Providence’s new infusing method allows the cocktails to be infused “on demand” in 15 minutes or less. This quick technique allows the bartending crew to set up “infuse your own” liquor stations at member events, where attendees can get inventive with their cocktails.

The first event was held on New Year’s Eve, and needless to say, it was a hit.

“This infusion program has gained a solid following for us here at Providence,” says Windham. “We are not simply making drinks for our members. We’re creating unique cocktails that they can only find here.”

We’ll raise a glass to that — cheers!

Pineapple Jalapeno

Margarita

“This is one of our more popular summer cocktails,” says Windham. “We start by sous-viding a 750ml bottle of Montezuma tequila with fresh pineapple and de-seeded jalapenos at 135 degrees for 45 minutes. After the infusion, we separate the spirit from the pineapple and jalapeno and set in the fridge to cool down.”

Ingredients 2 oz. house-infused pineapple-jalapeno tequila 2 oz. sour mix 1 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. fresh-squeezed orange juice 1 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 oz. Grand Marnier Instructions Combine the first five ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain contents into a highball glass filled with ice. Top the cocktail with a floater of Grand Marnier. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the good times of summer!

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

45

CULINARY

By Martha-Page Althaus

In Good

Taste

There’s never been a better time to have dinner at the club.

Here, four McConnell Golf Executive Chefs dish on everything from locally sourced ingredients to the best entrée and wine pairings.

PEDRO VILLASANA, EXECUTIVE CHEF, TREYBURN COUNTRY CLUB With 20 years at Durham’s Treyburn Country Club under his belt, Pedro Villasana has crafted countless dinner menus.

“We change the menu monthly to give priority to local items,” he says. “I talk to the purveyors to see what’s available in the coming weeks. This allows us to be creative, plus keeps things interesting for regular diners.”

Villasana’s Mediterranean-inspired menus rely on straightfrom-the-coast seafood, which he orders from a local company.

“I make the order the night before, and it arrives the next morning,” he says. “We do a lot of North Carolina shrimp, plus black bass, grouper, trout … all of our seafood pairs well with Juslyn Vineyards’ sauvignon blanc.”

Villasana’s affinity for the fresh, light flavors of Mediterranean cuisine can be found in dishes like flatbread with pesto, grilled peppers, Kalamata olives, and roasted artichokes, or seared trout with toasted almonds and grilled vegetable couscous.

But ultimately, it’s Chef’s love of good food that dictates what Treyburn diners can look forward to at their next meal.

“I love food!” he exclaims. “What I like is what I put on the menu. When a member of a country club tells me ‘I come here for the food!’ … that’s the best thing they can tell me.”

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Stay the

EVGENYB / ISTOCK

Fresh halibut with smoked tomato sauce

BRUCE MCINTOSH, CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE CHEF, COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE “The halibut we’re serving tonight will fly out the door,” exclaims Bruch McIntosh, who helms the kitchen in Asheville.

“It’s gorgeous. Smoked tomato cream sauce, grilled corn succotash, lemon aioli. You’ve got three different notes on the plate there, and we try to hit that every time.”

Hitting the right notes, indeed. McIntosh and his team earn praise for quality and consistency, two of the most important factors for any restaurant, but especially so in foodie-centric Asheville.

“We try to get North Carolina fish whenever possible,” says McIntosh. “We look at what season is coming up, and that dictates the menu. We have some of the best fish in town.

We’ve been buying from the same fish purveyor for more than 30 years, so they know what I want.”

The citrus notes in Juslyn’s new sauvignon blanc pair well with McIntosh’s seafood plates, especially, he notes, in the calamari and pan-seared fish entrées.

Sourcing locally extends to other ingredients, too. Local mushrooms and produce come from Franklin, NC. The creamy grits in McIntosh’s shrimp and grits dish hail from a nearby purveyor in South Carolina. www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

47

CULINARY

KENRIC HUNT, EXECUTIVE CHEF, BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB It’s safe to say that everyone at Greenville, NC’s Brook Valley knows Kenric Hunt. And he knows them, too.

“It’s a smaller club here, so I know who is in town, who is out on vacation,” he says. “I know who likes what, and when they’re coming in.”

Here are a few other things he knows: His wine-drinkers are loving the Juslyn additions to his wine list through McConnell Golf’s partnership with the Napa vineyard.

He added a grouper with citrus vinaigrette to the menu to complement the wine.

“That’s a bright dish, perfect for the crisp white,” he says.

“There’s no sharpness on the end of these new wines. It’s mellow and smooth, buttery on the finish. We’re all loving it.”

Hunt’s friendly, easy-going demeanor is reflected in his culinary style. His dinner menus change monthly, and the release of new entrées is celebrated with club-favorite “Birthday Night.” Taking advantage of the surrounding farms of eastern NC, Hunt frequents farmers markets to see what he can get for the Brook Valley kitchen.

“We have so much fresh produce from right here that I love working with,” he says. “Zucchini, squash, fresh green beans, baby green onions - love those! And the sweet corn, there’s so many ways to prepare it. My favorite is to shave it off the cob, and get the milk of the corn by scraping the cob. Then, we’ll fry it with bacon fat until its creamy. That’s one of our favorite dishes to do as an appetizer as soon as sweet corn is available.”

A benefit of cooking for a smaller club is Hunt’s ability to seek — and respond to — feedback from members.

“We’re always evolving, always keeping it fresh and interesting for our diners,” he says. “You have to.”

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Stay the

Kenric Hunt’s scallops; below: Juslyn Vineyard wine

JJPOOLE / ISTOCK

Meyer New York strip

MIKE MARQUES, EXECUTIVE CHEF, GRANDE DUNES MEMBERS CLUB Keeping things fresh and exciting for the close-knit Grande Dunes membership is one of the most rewarding, and also challenging, parts of the job for Executive Chef Mike Marques.

“We officially change the dinner menu quarterly, but we’re frequently making changes throughout the year,” he says. “We try to keep things as new and creative as possible for our core group of members who come in often.”

For his latest menu, Marques, who has been at Grande Dunes for six years, offers a light take on classic summer dishes. To start, there’s a refreshing cantaloupe-pecan salad. Entrees include a cold-smoked, grass-fed NY-strip that gives a light, smoky flavor.

“It’s the opposite of a heavier, hot-smoked piece of brisket that would weigh you down,” he says.

Grande Dunes hosts bi-monthly special event dinners, which allow Marques and his culinary team to target a smaller audience of diners who are interested in more high-end cuisine.

“That’s our time to shine,” he says. “We can serve really creative, thought-out dishes.”

At a recent six-course dinner, members were treated to lamb chops, duck-liver pâté, and seared scallops, among other delicacies.

For dessert, Marques wowed the dining room with his version of a “liquid s’more” — graham cracker crumbs, chocolate ganache, smoked whipped cream, and white-chocolate pastry cream.

“One member told me it was the best food they’ve ever had in their entire life,” he says. “That’s the best compliment I could ever hear.” www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

49

CULINARY CULINARY

By Martha-Page Althaus

By Martha-Page James “J.P.” Patterson Althaus III, Executive Chef Sedgefield Country Club

Ranch to Table

McConnell Golf’s latest step in sourcing high-quality ingredients is sizzling.

FARM-TO-TABLE HAS LONG BEEN A CULINARY BUZZ phrase, and it’s no secret that using fresh, locally grown ingredients produces a superior dish. But securing the best ingredients for McConnell Golf’s chefs goes beyond stocking the kitchen with local produce. Thanks to a recent partnership between McConnell Golf and Meyer Natural Foods, highquality steaks and beef are now appearing on all club menus.

What makes Meyer Natural Angus products among the best? It’s all traced back to Meyer Ranch, a 40,000-acre expanse in Montana where cattle are humanely raised, fed vegetarian diets of natural grains and grasses, and never given antibiotics or hormones.

“The only thing we concentrate on is natural, organic protein,” says Reid Swanson, vice president, Meyer Natural Foods. “We’re raising cattle without technology, while utilizing the best genetics to grow a superior animal without pushing it. By allowing cattle to grow naturally, customers taste the difference. Our products are juicier, more flavorful, and more tender.”

James Patterson, one of McConnell Golf’s corporate executive chefs, has been serving Meyer Natural Angus at Sedgefield for several years. When McConnell Golf started looking for ways to further improve its culinary offerings across all clubs, Patterson knew where to go.

“We wanted to find a natural product that would embrace the true essence of what we felt a steak should eat like,” he

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

says. “The quality, consistency, flavor, and overall natural story behind Meyer separates it from traditional commodity beef.”

Now, all McConnell chefs have the flexibility to order any cut of product from Meyer they choose — from strip loin to short rib. The meat arrives in club kitchens with traceability back to the ranch.

When Patterson introduced his peers to the new product, he did a side-by-side butchery comparison of Meyer New York strip and commodity New York Strip.

“The chefs saw a huge difference when we did the comparison,” he says. “We placed the two cuts side-by-side to show the difference in moisture, marbling, color, and texture.

The Meyer cut is absolutely a step above and beyond any other traditional steak you’d see on a menu.”

From top: Meyer Ranch; Tenderloin Diane featuring a Meyer filet mignon

Behind the Vine A closer look at McConnell Golf’s exclusive wines

THIS PAST SPRING, MCCONNELL GOLF BEGAN POURING two new wines — a red blend and sauvignon blanc — the fruits of a partnership with Juslyn Vineyards, located in the heart of Napa Valley. We spoke with Stephanie DeMasi, Juslyn Vineyards’ partner/general manager, to get more information on the varietals and where they came from. Santé!

MARTHA-PAGE ALTHAUS: Juslyn Vineyards is located in Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain District. What makes this region distinct?

STEPHANIE DEMASI: We’re located in St. Helena, California.

Our vineyard was planted in 1998 and harvested in 2000 with just 80 cases that first year. Juslyn’s Spring Mountain Vineyard sits right on and above the fog line, which allows us to avoid much frost, fungus growth, and rapid air and wind movement through the “hourglass” effect of the Napa mountain ranges.

We have steep, southwest-facing vineyards, which provide optimal sun exposure, even in cooler vintages.

MPA: How did the flavors develop for each wine?

SD: We wanted to offer versatile expressions of wine that would be easy to match and enhance McConnell chefs’ dinner menus. We also wanted the wine to be enjoyed on its own.

MPA: What are the flavor profiles of the 2014 McConnell Red Blend?

SD: It’s a Bordeaux-style blend. On the nose, you’ll detect warm plums, blueberry preserves, and spice cake. It’s firm and muscular on the strong, full-bodied palate, with black cherry, cedar, and lavender flavors, framed by light notes of French oak. It’s a ripe, fruit-forward wine with a nice spice to the finish.

MPA: And the 2017 sauvignon blanc?

SD: This tropical fruit-driven, aromatic wine exhibits flavors of ripe citrus, subtle mineral notes, and has a lively dry finish.

Plan a trip

MPA: Tell us about the winemakers behind these new wines.

SD: Craig MacLean has worked with us for more than 20 years now. Our owners, Perry and Carolyn Butler, moved to California from England in 1982 to work in the tech industry. They would come to Napa on the weekends to relax. In 1997, they quit their jobs in the Bay area and opened Juslyn, which is derived from the names of Carolyn and their daughter, Justine.

TOP PHOTO: JUSLYN VINEYARDS

MPA: How did the partnership between Juslyn and McConnell Golf form?

SD: I was introduced to McConnell Golf’s Chief Operating Officer, Christian Anastasiadis, through mutual friends — Martin and Denise Cody of Cellar Angels. Christian and I talked, and the idea grew from there.

McConnell’s Juslyn wines

If Napa Valley is on your travel bucket list, there’s never been a better excuse to go. As a special offer for McConnell Golf members, Stephanie DeMasi has offered to meet privately with members coming to Napa who are interested in purchasing Juslyn wines.

You’ll get an up-close look at the vineyard, and Stephanie will arrange a lunch wine-tasting event. For more information, please contact Stephanie directly: stephanie@juslynvineyards.com

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

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GOLF

By Mike Purkey

TPC Wakefield Plantation

Road Trip

The Sunnyside Turnaround Foursome at Brook Valley CC

THE CREATOR OF THE SUNNY SIDE TURNAROUND is a CPA whose organizational skills calculated the excursion down to the dollar, mile, and hour. But in the end, it all started because Kent McLamb just wanted some oysters.

The desire for a seafood run morphed into a golf trip, and it was the brainchild of McLamb, the chief deputy at the N.C. Office of the State Auditor and a member of Raleigh Country Club. His job often took him to Elizabeth City, N.C., and during those trips, he’d drive past Sunny Side Oyster Bar in Williamston, N.C. The restaurant is a simple clapboard building yet an iconic local spot. But McLamb never stopped, and he was determined to remedy that.

“If you didn’t know about it, you wouldn’t pull in the parking lot,” says Sam Sparks, a member at TPC Wakefield Plantation and part of the first official Sunny Side Turnaround.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

“Most people, when they take a McConnell trip, go to Asheville and Knoxville,” says McLamb. “But I was looking at Brook Valley in Greenville, and wondered what would make it a worthwhile trip besides just driving to Greenville, playing golf, and coming back. Then I saw Williamston on the map.”

The plan was to play TPC Wakefield on Friday afternoon, drive 95 miles on U.S. 64 East to Sunny Side, have dinner, stay in Williamston, and drive 40 minutes to Brook Valley for a mid-morning Saturday tee time. After the round, they’d drive back to Raleigh and be home mid-afternoon.

Before he sprung this idea on anyone else, McLamb and his brother, Donnie, went on a test run last November. Declar-

SUNNY SIDE PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT MARTIN COUNTY

How an unassuming oyster shack inspired two trips to play several McConnell properties — and more to come.

ing the trip a success, the two brothers were joined by Sparks and Kent’s brother-in-law, Gale Adams, in late April for the official Sunny Side Turnaround.

Golf was certainly a big part of the trip, but the destination of emphasis was the Sunny Side. “If you’re looking for a white table cloth kind of place, it probably wouldn’t be your speed,” says McLamb.

The Sunny Side Oyster Bar has been serving fresh seafood in eastern N.C. since 1935. It’s only open in months with an “r,” which means it opens for the season in September and closes at the end of the following April, mainly with an hour or more wait on the weekends.

Oysters are the main attraction and are served only two ways: steamed or raw. They’re accompanied by Sunny Side’s secret hot sauce. Shrimp, scallops, and crab legs make up the rest of the menu. And if you insist on something green, you can get broccoli with cheese sauce. That’s it.

“At most seafood restaurants, you could get a hush puppy or cole slaw,” says Sparks. “Not at the Sunny Side.

The food was great and we had the best time. We’ll be doing that again.”

They returned to Raleigh at about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, as calculated.

“You feel like you’ve had a full weekend, but you still have a lot of your Saturday and all day Sunday to do whatever you want for the rest of the weekend,” says McLamb.

THE GROUP GOES WEST After the inaugural Sunnyside Turnaround trip, the group planned another McConnell Golf jaunt. This spring, the foursome teed-off at Country Club of Asheville. The next day, they were at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, then back to Asheville the following day. From there, they headed to Clinton, S.C., to Musgrove Mill Golf Club, one of the highest-rated courses in the state.

“We stayed in the President’s Suite at Musgrove,” recalls McLamb.

“Everyone at Musgrove makes you feel welcome and special.”

In addition to Musgrove’s hospitality, the group experienced how challenging the course can be.

“I shot 77 at CCA and 97 at Musgrove Mill,” says McLamb, who has a 9.8 Handicap Index.

A second round at Musgrove and a planned final round at Old North State Club unfortunately was rained out in an extremely wet May. “People keep asking me what my favorite course was,” says Sparks.

“Each one was my favorite because they are so uniquely different.”

The second round of the Sunny Side Turnaround is set for October.

And McLamb is already planning a trip to McConnell clubs near minor league baseball parks.

Given his planning skills, it can’t help but be a big hit.

WARNING!

ALL BUSINESS OWNERS CYBER CRIMINALS ARE TARGETING YOUR WEBSITES MORE THAN EVER Did you know

has taken steps to protect your online personal data? In fact, your club website is more secure than any website you will visit including financial institutions.

Contact us to learn how to protect your website like the McConnell Golf Management team has done. www.blindhash.com | info@blindhash.com | 919.922.4171 www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

55

Fro Lis Pa

y Meredith Donahue

Drew Forshey

“ t fi

Strength in Numbers

Need motivation to exercise? Accountability and encouragement is the ecret behind Wakefield Plantation’s thriving group personal-training program.

T’S 5:30 A.M. AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION.

he sun peeks through the clouds, the world wakes to nother busy day, and Drew Forshey’s first group fitness ass is underway.

What motivates someone to show up, day after day, to n early-morning fitness class? The answer is simple: the eed for a healthier, positive change in daily life, coupled ith the support and motivation of like-minded classmates.

Forshey, instructor of the group personal-training program Wakefield, knows just what it takes to change the lives of e class participants. When looking for a way to improve our overall health, a program like Forshey’s is just the thing.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

“I look forward to my daily workouts with Drew and my group because I’ve found that fitness is fun with friends,” says Pam Boyden, Wakefield Plantation member and active program participant.

Wakefield’s group personal-training program has been successful since its implementation in 2014. Each week, there are 16 available workout times to accommodate varying schedules. From 5:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., there is a slot for everyone.

(So no more excuses – “I can’t find the time!”) It’s not unusual for some participants to make it to five sessions each week.

The program’s small-group philosophy is key to creating a one-on-one personal-training style experience — but with

th le

ex al wi an wo an es m

an go al he al a in go ev fo

om left to right: Brook Ayres, sa Cirone, Trude Myhrvold, am Boyden, Marilyn Irish

Benefits of Small Group Fitness • More personal

“To get someone started, then watch them really own their health and fitness … that’s one of the best feelings.”

he positivity and benefit of friends to ean on for extra motivation.

Wakefield member Jill Brennan-Cook xplains: “The people who exercise longside me at 5:30 a.m. provide me ith motivation. They push themselves nd never, ever complain about the ork. It’s an eclectic group of friendly nd supportive people who are intersted in being healthy and making the most of the early morning hour.”

To reach this point of commitment nd dedication, each group member oes through an intake process that llows the trainer to complete necessary ealth and medical history checks. It lso provides the trainer time to design specific workout routine based on the ndividual’s needs, injury history, and oals. Each participant is different, so very program is designed specifically or the individual.

According to Forshey, exercise

routines vary depending on the needs of the client. However, most programs focus on cardiovascular, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training. There’s also emphasis on balance, posture, core strengthening, and injury prevention and rehabilitation, if necessary.

As instructor of the program, Forshey reaps the benefits just as much as his students. “I love my job, I really do,” he says. “I’m excited to get to work in the morning. I love to help others however I can, and personal training has always been a way to do that for me. Prevention is worth a pound of treatment. To get someone started, then watch them really own their health and fitness ... that’s one of the best feelings.”

The classes have been truly “lifechanging,” says student Brook Ayres.

“It’s the most fun hour of my day, and I am in the best shape of my life!”

attention • Meeting new people who share a common goal • The synergy of working in a group • Motivation and support from other members of the group • It’s more economical than one-on-one personal training • Greater focus and workout efficiency • Adherence and accountability • Results!

Inquire with your club to explore personal training and group fitness class options – and don’t forget to bring your friends!

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

57

WELLNESS

By Lauren Thedieck

Mastering the Mental Game How? Through wellness.

UNDERSTANDING WHO YOU ARE and what you want to achieve is the key to success. But what keeps that key in the ignition and the car in “drive” might be something you’ve never considered. The answer is wellness. While wellness is an all-encompassing term, let’s hone in on mental toughness.

In sports, some might notice their anger flares when they play, a visible sign of loss of mental control. Others have negative thoughts or expectations that can bring their level of play down. Here are four tips to stay focused on the golf course, tennis court, and even in the workplace.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

DIET AND EXERCISE – FOR THE MIND It’s also helpful to write down your unhealthy mental habits. As Amy Morin, bestselling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do states, “Mental strength is a lot like physical strength.

If you want to be physically strong, you need to go to the gym and lift weights.

Mental strength is the same. If you want to be mentally strong, you need good habits like practicing gratitude.

But you also have to give up bad habits,like destructive beliefs about yourself and others.”

Letting go of these inhibitors gives you control over your outlook and athletic potential.

ESTABLISHING ROUTINE Focusing on your mental game will help drown out mental noise.

You have control over every shot placement, which club to use, and what strategy to follow. Once you break your concentration and become consumed with things that you can’t control, you reduce your chances of playing your best.

So, how can you start the round off on the right foot? Create a simple routine. Stretch, meditate, practice on the range, eat a healthy meal — whatever it is, find your routine and stick to it.

As psychologist Jim Taylor wrote for Psychology Today, “Routines enable athletes to be completely physically, technically, tactically, and mentally ready to perform their best. I don’t know a world-class athlete in any sport who does not use routines in part of his or her competitive preparations.”

One of my tennis coaches at NC State would always say, “Practice each day like it is a match.

On game day, you focus a little bit more and you prepare a little bit better.”

Make this part of your mental routine each day you are on the course and court.

CHRISTOPH KEIL / UNSPLASH

MEDITATION Mindful meditation can be done anywhere: laying down, sitting in a chair, or walking around the block. It’s a process that teaches us to respond more effectively to negative situations that we face in a sport or in daily life.

Through meditation, we don’t seek to change or correct negative mental experiences; instead, we learn to accept whatever is going on in our minds and refocus our attention on the task in hand. Taking this practice into the sports arena results in an athlete’s increased ability to function “in the zone” by sharpening concentration, accuracy, and precision.

GOALS ON PAPER When you were young, you were probably told to write your goals down and keep them where you could see them every day. The same is true for you today. Keep goals visible to stay motivated and to push yourself.

“Setting goals helps us grow and expand, pushing ourselves to transform in ways that we never imagined,” said Tony Robbins, a prominent figure in leadership psychology. Understanding your heartfelt desires, and affirming you can attain them, is a beneficial tool to staying positive and determined.

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Rising Stars

HRISTINA BRICKER urteen-year-old Christina Bricker is a young, powerful ayer at Wakefield Plantation. A right-handed hitter, hristina started playing tennis when she was just eight d quickly advanced through clinics, lessons, and actice time on the courts.

During her short, impressive tennis career, Christina s placed first or second in a total of 12 USTA tournaents at 12u and 14u. She’s also contributed on three akefield JTT championship teams.

One of her most memorable matches occurred uring a 14u USTA tournament. She lost the first set 1-6 d was behind in the second set 1-4 against a tough

McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

player. But she defied the odds. Christina came back and won the second set before pulling out a win in the third set tie breaker.

Christina plays a big part at Wakefield in the highperformance group. Four days a week, this group works for two hours a day pushing players physically and mentally in all aspects of competitive tennis. It’s a great program to be a part of now as Christina enters high school tennis this fall at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh.

Besides the competitive side of tennis, one of her favorite things about the sport is playing doubles with her family. No doubt, the future is bright for Christina in the years to come as she continues to grow her game.

RACHAEL RICE PHOTO: JOSEPH HUSK

wo to watch on the tennis courts.

RACHAEL RICE Treyburn Country Club’s Rachael Rice, 18 years old, has been playing tennis since she was only eight, and it all started at Treyburn’s tennis camps. At age 10, Rachael began taking one-on-one lessons from VP of Tennis Operations Kyle Thorsten, who has helped develop her skills as a competitive player.

“You hear coaches talk about a dream player to coach, and that’s Rachael,” says Thorsten. “She gives 100 percent effort every time she walks on the court.

She takes instruction seriously and applies it until it is perfected. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to see her play at the next level.”

Rachael’s hard work led her to star on her middle

and high school tennis teams. She won the North Carolina Regional 2A High School Tournament twice, made it to the semifinals in the State Tournament, and she’s currently ranked 25th among USTA junior girls in North Carolina.

And her tennis success doesn’t end there. This fall, she’ll be playing tennis at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She plans on majoring in pre-health and biology, with a minor in foreign languages.

“I enjoy the competitiveness and physicality of the sport … and there is nothing like the smell of a freshly opened can of tennis balls!” says Rachael.

We look forward to hearing more great things about Rachael on and off the court.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

61

GOLF

By Brad King

Franken at the 2017 Wolfpack Intercollegiate, which he won at 15 under par.

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

Where Are They Now? A rare trajectory: from McConnell Golf, to college champ, to Men’s Golf ACC Player of the Year

NC STATE ATHLETICS

NC STATE JUNIOR STEPHEN FRANKEN is on a roll few young golfers ever get to experience.

From Raleigh, NC, Franken — the former Millbrook High standout and McConnell Golf Junior — was named the Men’s Golf ACC Player of the Year. In addition, Franken was a semifinalist for the 2018 Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year award and has been selected for the U.S. team to compete in the Arnold Palmer Cup competition in France this summer.

“I’ve put in so much hard work the last six or seven years,” says Franken, who is studying business administration at NC State.

“We are proud of Stephen,” says first-year NC State men’s golf coach Press McPhaul.

“He has been so consistent in effort and mindset in his golf and academic work. He is a great representative of NC State. Daily, he gives great energy and effort to our program. His work and this recognition show what is possible here at NC State. It serves to show the program’s best days are ahead.”

In his junior campaign, Franken put together one of the best seasons in NC State golf history.

His 70.27 round average is second in school history, while his 62 in the first round of the Puerto Rico Classic in February is tied for State’s lowest-ever round. In October, the 2017 All-ACC selection also tied for the lowest score related to par in school history when he fired a 15-under par to win the Wolfpack Intercollegiate.

“I’ve been watching Stephen Franken since he was a beginner and I have never seen anybody work as hard as he has to get to this level,” says Richard Sykes, who retired in 2017 after 46 years as the Wolfpack coach. “He plays at a high level, is a good student, and is a very solid young man.

He has a chance to be a really outstanding player because of how hard he works.”

Franken was a coach’s selection to be on Team USA for the Arnold Palmer Cup in July. The annual Ryder Cup-style competition, featuring the top men’s and women’s collegiate golfers matching the United States against a team of international players, takes place this July in Évian-les-Bains, France. Franken is one of 24 golfers (12 men, 12 women) that will represent the U.S.

Good Beginnings at Raleigh Country Club RCC’s junior golf program is transforming into a pipeline for college golfers. Franken, Parker Gillam (Wake Forest), Preston Ball (Loyola), Gray Matthews (Sewanee), Alex Ehlert (UNC Greensboro), and Sam Stephenson (UNC Pembroke) are all RCC alumni who have played collegiate golf.

“During the last five or six years, it’s been good to see juniors from Raleigh Country Club playing big-time college golf,” says Brian Kittler, McConnell Golf’s vice president of golf operations. “This year has been fantastic for our juniors with Franken winning ACC Player of the Year, Gray Matthews finishing third in the Southern Athletic Association conference championship, and Parker Gillam qualifying for the 2018 REX Hospital Open at Wakefield Plantation. We look forward to seeing these young men succeed both on and off the golf course. They have laid a solid foundation for our younger juniors to follow.”

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

63

THE BACK NINE

By John Maginnes

The Golf Whisperer One of the game’s great voices reflects on the past and looks ahead to a new challenge.

ROGER MALTBIE TURNED 67 YEARS OLD THIS SUMMER — and he’s still going strong. He amassed five wins during his PGA Tour career, but Maltbie’s leaving his mark in the broadcasting world as an on-course analyst for NBC Sports. His comfortable style of walking the fairways has endeared “Rog” to golf fans across the world. I caught up with Maltbie during his break from PGA Tour coverage.

JOHN MAGINNES: What do you remember about Sedgefield and the old GGO? ROGER MALTBIE: Well, I’ve played it with friends since and love the golf course. Going all the way back to the mid 70s, I don’t remember much. I remember that it was cold. Maybe Greensboro in March or early April wasn’t such a great idea.

August makes a lot more sense, and the golf course looks great during the tournament.

with the utmost respect — you can call Phil a lot of things, but you can’t call him doubtful. Phil’s confidence is his greatest asset, whether the rest of the world follows along or not.

JM: What have you made of the return of Tiger?

RM: It’s great that he’s healthy again. Whether he catches Jack or not almost doesn’t matter. Who knows? But it’s a shame to see someone get robbed of the opportunity because of a physical problem. Now he seems to have that cured and he can go after it hard, so now we might get to see if he can do it, but that is going to be the burden for him.

JM: For a long time, the flagship event for NBC was the US Open. How hard is it for you to watch someone else do the event?

JM: How has it been working with Bones, Phil Mickelson’s former longtime caddie?

JM: As part of the shuffle of television contracts, NBC now does the Open Championship. What is that like?

RM: We did an experiment at Sea Island with Bones and John Wood, who caddies for Matt Kuchar. I took them out on the course and showed them how to do this job — this is where you stand, this is what you do. Bones is a quick learner and he does a good job. A caddie really does offer a different perspective. We ask him, “What would you tell a guy, what would your advice be?” It’s been a nice fit.

RM: It’s different for me, because I only played in the British Open twice. Back then, we called it the British Open, but now it’s the Open Championship. Both times I played in it were at Turnberry, so I’m learning courses like Carnoustie for the first time, which is fun. [He pauses and smiles.] And it’s the next time that I work.

JM: Tell us about the core group at NBC that you’ve worked with for so long.

JM: And inevitably, we have a little more insight into Phil Mickelson’s thinking.

RM: Really, who looks at life or golf like Phil? How do I say this

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John Maginnes is a former PGA player and hosts the popular Katrek & Maginnes on Tap broadcast on the PGA Tour Satellite Radio Network.

COURTESY OF GOLF CHANNEL

RM: We’re getting a little long in the tooth there, pal. We’ve been together a long time. This is my 27th year, Johnny Miller’s 29th year, and Mark Rolfing was there before me. Gary Koch has been there since 1997. Dan Hicks has been in the booth since 1993. And of course, the rookies are Peter Jacobsen, Notah Begay, and Jim “Bones” Mackay.

RM: It was a business decision. We understand that money talks and everything else walks, and that’s fine. We were outbid, so the USGA took their TV affiliation to a different place.

Do I miss it? Yeah, I miss it. It’s our national championship, and certainly our first major. What I do is great fun. But there is some golf that is more meaningful, and we are talking about the US Open. To have those opportunities to cover the events was special. They are special events. They were special when we played, and special when we broadcast. So yeah, it’s a little painful to watch sometimes.

Roger Maltbie, 2017 PLAYERS Championship

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Spring 2018

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McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE

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Extra Attic Self Storage David Colquitt, Jr. ..........................................919.610.5569 extraattic.com

Buddy Quinn Electrician........................................................919.796.0807

TRAVEL/LEISURE

Telepathic Graphics, Inc Mark Gauley....................................................919.342.4603 telepathicgraphics.com True Value Rental (Contractor/Homeowner Equipment Rentals) Mark Whitesell................................................336.852.0881 truevaluerentaltriad.com REAL ESTATE SERVICES Beverly-Hanks & Associates Asheville Jennifer Vogel................................................908.930.3399 jvogel@beverly-hanks.com Cooke Property Elizabeth Allardice.........................................919.624.3423 elizabethallardice.com The Litchfield Company Karen Lappas..................................................843.237.4000 Look at Myrtle Beach Sabra McNeill..................................................843.424.1655 lookatmyrtlebeach.com Old North State Realty Rob Brady.........................................................800.252.1005 oldnorthstaterealty.com Remax Beach & Golf Real Estate Angie Shoemaker............................................843.237.2314 pawleysisandrealestate.info angieshoe5311@gmail.com

Atlantic Coast Conference Alyssa Francona..............................................336.854.8787 theacc.com McConnell Golf, LLC John McConnell..............................................919.231.5501 mcconnellgolf.com TURF & LAWN D & K Franchise Sales — Weed Man Lawn Care Kenneth Heltemes..........................................919.781.5365 heltemes@bellsouth.com Davis Landscape LTD Scot Davis..........................................................919.662.1009 davislandscapeltd.com WEBSITE DESIGN & CONSULTING Frontier Capital Solutions Sara Benedict..................................................704.746.3809 frontiercapitalsolutions.com

Website Design & Development Sara Benedict 704.746.3809

frontiercapitalsolutions.com Providing website design, brand strategy, and digital marketing with cutting-edge technology to create custom sites that increase user engagement with stunning results.

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All it takes is a $5 deposit and you’ll have access to a full range of loan1 and savings products including ...

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Federally insured by NCUA. Not a member? Visit RelaxJoinFounders.com to see if you qualify for membership.

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You must be 18 years or older to qualify for a loan. Qualifications for a loan are based on the credit union’s criteria, including applicant’s income and credit history.

Requires credit evaluation. Teens under the age of 18 are required to have an adult sign as joint owner. Accounts without eStatements will be charged $2 for periodic statements by mail.

Not all account types are eligible for this service. Only members in good standing that have the option to deposit a check within Founders Mobile App are eligible.

Surcharge fees may apply when Founders Visa Debit or ATM Card is used outside of the CO-OP ATM network or at non-Founders owned ATMs. Loyalty Bonus based on various factors including dividends earned, finance charges paid, and product usage. Loyalty Bonuses will be distributed to members in good standing and may not be distributed to accounts which have unpaid mortgage late fees, caused Founders a loss, have been modified through troubled debt restructuring or dormant accounts. A member in good standing must have an open account, at least $5.00 in a Founders Savings Account and have no charge-offs or delinquency.

www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2018

L O O K , F E E L A N D P L AY YO U R B E S T. Using Our Years Excellence O N 30+ AND O F of F T HE COURSE.

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Swing Control is the perfect bottom to your tops. We offer the unique blend of fashion, function and fit.

Our fresh colour palettes, distinctive prints and hidden tummy control keep you looking your best, both on and off the course.

W WMcConnell W. S W I NGolf G C THE O N MAGAZINE T R O L .C O M 72

• 1 . 8 4 4 . 7 1 . S W I N G • I N F O @ S W I N G C O N T R O L .C O M

A GREENSBORO FAVORITE FOR 15 YEARS

Welcome to Phoenix Asian Cuisine Restaurant!

SUSHI, CHINESE, THAI, VIETNAMESE, HIBACHI

Asian cooking.

Phoenix Asian Cuisine Restaurant of Greensboro offers a unique approach aproach totoAsioan cooking.

Phoenix Asian Asian Cuising Cuisine in Greensboro is a traditional Phoenix traditional Asian Asian restaurant restaurant in inaacontemporary contemporarysetting setting featuring lounge serving serving Asian-inspired Asian-inspired drinks. drinks. Each Each distinctive distinctive dish is handcrafted featuringaafull-service full-servicecocktail coctail lounge to kitchen, prepared with nest and to order order in in our ourimmaculate, immaculate,open openkitchen, with only only the theďŹ finest andfreshest freshestingredients. ingredients

336.855.5156 336.855.5158 | | 1641 1641 New New Garden GardenRoad Road | | Greensboro, Greensboro,NC NC Visit phoenixgreensboro.com formenus, menus,reservations reservationsand andorders orders Phoenixgreensboro.com for Openfor forlunch lunchand anddinner dinnerevery everyday day Open