Bradenton Country Club is honored to host the LPGA Founders Cup this February, a remarkable event that highlights the talent and dedication of women’s golf. It’s a privilege to welcome such inspiring athletes to our course, and we look forward to celebrating the spirit of the game. As the LPGA continues to inspire future generations, we’re excited to be part of this special moment in golf’s history. "This is more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of the game we all love," shared one of our members.
As we begin a new year at Bradenton Country Club, I am honored to share our vision for the future and the key initiatives we aim to accomplish in the months ahead
Our Board of Directors, in collaboration with Signature One and Club Leadership, is committed to delivering the exceptional membership experience that we all expect and deserve While we take great pride in our Club’s rich history and traditions, we must also continue evolving to meet the changing needs of our members.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many members who generously volunteered their time and expertise this past year. A special thank you to Carl Callahan for his dedication in analyzing the Club’s financial position, as well as to Noel Ebrahim and the Strategic Planning Committee for their leadership in shaping our future The enthusiasm and commitment of our members are truly inspiring having 60 members step up to serve on committees speaks volumes about the energy and passion within our community. This level of engagement is what drives positive change and continued growth
Through ongoing conversations and feedback, we recognize that our committee process is improving, but we must continue refining it to ensure all voices are heard and that every interested member has the opportunity to contribute
With your support, committee collaboration, and Board leadership, my two primary goals as your Club President are:
2
Elevating your member experience to the level you expect and deserve. 1. Strengthening the Finance and Strategic Committees to ensure Bradenton Country Club remains strong for the next 100 years, just as it has for the past century
Thank you for your trust and support. It is an honor to serve as your Club President, and I look forward to an exciting year ahead
Yours truly,
JOHN J. PRIESTER
LETTER FROM THE CLUB MANAGER
Dear Members,
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you who attended our Annual Meeting Your presence and engagement are what make Bradenton Country Club such a remarkable place It was great to come together, reflect on our progress, and look ahead to the exciting year in store
As we step into February, we have much to look forward to most notably, the LPGA Founders Cup. This tournament celebrates the incredible legacy of women’s golf, and we are thrilled to see it kick off right here in Bradenton. It’s an honor to have such a world-class event in our backyard, and I know many of you are as eager as I am to watch some of the best in the game compete at the highest level
We are also incredibly excited to introduce Chef Stephen Justry, who has joined us as our new Executive Chef With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for culinary excellence, Chef Stephen is bringing fresh creativity and outstanding flavors to our dining experience Whether you're stopping in for a casual lunch or a special evening out, I have no doubt that you’ll be impressed by what’s to come
February is shaping up to be a busy and vibrant month at the club From golf to dining, tennis and pickleball to social gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy The energy, camaraderie, and sense of community here at Bradenton Country Club continue to make this place feel like home.
We look forward to seeing you around the club and making this month truly special.
Respectfully,
ROB HUBBARD
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Welcome Chad and Diana!
Chad and Diana Reeves, along with their three boys Chad Jr , Trystan, and Jaxson are excited to join the Bradenton Country Club community Formerly living in Colorado, the Reeves family owns a construction company and looks forward to enjoying all that BCC has to offer
Full Members
Chad and Diana Reeves
Welcome Reese!
A native of the Manatee/Sarasota area, Reese is excited to officially join Bradenton Country Club after growing up here A former Division I collegiate athlete turned financial advisor, Reese enjoys fishing, golfing, attending live sporting events and concerts, and, most importantly, spending quality time with family and friends
Legacy Member Reese Vita
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Dear Members,
With the weather improving, we are excited to see increased golf activity at the club! This is a perfect time to get out on the course and enjoy the game we all love We also want to remind you that multiple events are open for registration on Golf Genius for February Be sure to check out the flyers attached for more information on these exciting opportunities to compete and connect with fellow members
Additionally, we are taking full advantage of the LPGA closure by refreshing the Golf Shop New fixtures, carpet, and counters are being installed to enhance your shopping experience and elevate our merchandise offerings Once the reset is complete, all pre-booked merchandise will be displayed on Tuesday following tournament week Expect to see an array of new apparel, headwear, golf bags, leather goods, and accessories. We are eager to hear your feedback on these new selections!
As we forge ahead into 2025, I will begin implementing changes to our department’s Standard Operating Procedures, staff scheduling, and overall daily operations to enhance efficiency and improve the member experience. While these updates may bring some changes to what you are accustomed to, they are necessary steps toward achieving the level of service and excellence I was brought in to create We understand that training and transitions in-season can be challenging, but we are confident that the immediate benefits will far outweigh any temporary adjustments
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm We look forward to seeing you out on the course and in the refreshed Golf Shop soon!
Warm regards,
NICK CAMPBELL
GOLF GENIUS & EVENT REGISTRATION
As we dive into February, we’re excited to share the upcoming golf schedule and events for 2025! From weekly tournaments to special member-only events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Our calendar is packed with opportunities for competition, camaraderie, and plenty of fun on the course. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay up to date with all the exciting activities we have planned! To view the full event schedule and register, simply click the button below to access Golf Genius.
"The secret of good golf course design is to make the player think, but not make them think too much."
— Donald Ross
"I’M NOT SAYING MY GOLF GAME IS BAD, BUT IF I GREW TOMATOES, THEY’D COME UP SLICED."
One quiet February morning at Bradenton Country Club, the course was wrapped in a soft mist, with the first rays of sunlight casting a warm glow over the dew-kissed fairways. A group of early risers made their way to the first tee, their breath visible in the cool air, sharing quiet nods and easy conversation as they prepared for their round.
As the day unfolded, the sounds of crisp drives, the gentle thud of putts dropping into cups, and the occasional burst of laughter blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the course. There was no rush—just the steady rhythm of the game and the peacefulness that comes with being outdoors, surrounded by friends and familiar faces.
Later, gathered on the clubhouse patio with coffee cups in hand, the players reflected not on their scores but on the simple joy of the morning. It was a reminder that at Bradenton Country Club, it’s not just about the game itself. It’s about the moments in between—the shared smiles, the quiet appreciation of a beautiful view, and the sense of belonging that makes every day at the club feel special.
A G R O N O M Y U P D A T E
We have been excited about the upcoming Lpga event at the club. Preparations went well and the staff have shown considerable pride tending to the necessary details to show off the course. The weather has been a challenge from an agronomic standpoint. Just as in December, January proved to be even colder and lacking sunshine. The average daily high was 68 degrees while the average low was 49 degrees. As I mentioned last month, the proactivity of extra fertility throughout the golf course has helped us avert major dormancy. As we move into February and approach the course being highlighted on national television, golf course color is great considering.
With weather pattern mentioned, we went through a 7-10 day stretch of battening down with the putting greens. We did not mow them and, for a few days, did not roll them. They completely ceased growth and color during that period; however, with recent temperature increases, the greens are perking up, and as we progress into the spring, I look for them to continue to thrive. We have gotten helpful feedback so far on our new pin placement program. When we start getting into our new pin placement software more, we will be able to regularly create new placements to further distribute fair pins throughout the entire green surface.
On the golf course, fairways and tees are showing good health. However, roughs went into a semi-dormant state, holding on to decent density. Again, the roughs will bounce back once the weather breaks, along with recent fertility efforts. It’s always helpful for any golf course this time of year when you do not have cart traffic for three straight weeks, including tournament week.
Moving forward, we will be working on applying spring preemergent weed control, bermudagrass mite control, and more spring fertility. We have continued to improve our bunker raking practices and provide a smoother, more consistent sand base. We finally made substantial progress on topdressing cart path material and plan to continue through February. On a great note, we were able to clean up the tree line down hole number 3 and install new fencing down holes 3 and 2. This was due to two generous members who donated our funds to accomplish this. We greatly appreciate their generosity; it will be such an improved feature for our golf course.
In the golf course maintenance department, we understand that beyond the LPGA event, we plan to continue to work diligently to prepare for many more special member events. We look forward to further preparations and a successful event season.
Yours truly,
JAMIE MCCROSKY
TENNIS UPDATE
The Tony Rogers – Our first Bradenton Country Club Racquet Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.
The Racquet Sports Hall of Fame program is to honor our rich history at BCC and highlight our past members who brought the Racquet Sports program to where we are today.
I want to thank our Racquet Sports Committee (Melissa Chambers, Tabitha Hager, Liz Cashen and Tom Brey) and the Racquet Center staff Cande Brugger and Rob Blackburn for helping us pull this fantastic event together for Tony and our members within a two-week period.
We had 20 players plus family and friends enjoying the social mixer which was one of Tony’s favorite events. Our winners for the evening were: 1st Liz Cashen; 2nd Rebecca Del Monte; 3rd split Melissa Chambers; Tabitha Hager; Perri Howard; Julie Gillenwaters; Chris Westberry; Tom Brey and George Manson.
Congratulations to our ladies 3.5 team who recorded their first win last Monday evening in the newly formed USTA League. Players registered for this team are: Melissa Chambers; Tabitha Hager; Jacki Dezelski; Dannie Sherrill; Liz Cashen; Amy Berdusco; AnnMarie Nicholas; Dina MercOsburn; Kara Moates; Kris Carter; Lisa Knisley; Maghan Fox; Rebecca Del Monte; Atefeh Carpenter; Catherine Moye and Stephanie Coppes.
SIGNUP
Our next big tennis event is a member favorite, “Ladies Chocolate Lovers Round Robin”
This delicious event is on Wednesday, February 12th and will start at 9:00am followed by a luncheon over at the main club. Players can sign up on the Team Reach App. Member guests are allowed depending on availability.
A reminder that all events, social plays and clinics are on the Bradenton Country Club TeamReach App. You can access the app with this code: BCCTENNIS2024
To register for any of the events, clinics, etc., please visit the TeamReach app, select the event on the calendar button and select “yes” “no” or “maybe”. If the event involves partners or lunch, you can use the “comment” button below your response and put your choices/comments there.
Should you need any assistance getting into TeamReach or help with registering for any of our events or clinics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Racquet Center by calling or texting (941)920-6805.
Respectfully,
TENNIS HIGHLIGHTS
PICKLEBALL UPDATE
Congratulations to our 2025 Pickleball Club Champions!
Ladies Doubles:
1st: Debi Blankenship & Lorraine Klein
2nd: Adell Erozer & Mirian McGinnis
Men’s Doubles:
1st: Jim Price & Nathan Kragt
2nd: Rick Fox & Brian Flynn
Mixed Doubles:
1st: Adell Erozer & Dave Leslie
2nd: Bobbi Rosenbloom & Joe Poplowski
On Saturday, January 25th, Jill Rocklein and David Leslie led our new beginner pickleball group. This group is designed to introduce new players to this fantastic and popular sport. New players included Nikol Miller Joe Christensen; Suzanne and Paul Coneys; Dawn and Samantha VanRohr.
A new drop-in pickleball clinic will start on Thursday, February 13th, from 9:30AM-11:00AM. The clinic will feature drills and match-play situations. It will be limited to the first six players that sign up. There will be a waiting list each week. The sign up is on TeamReach.
The trip to Palm Aire Country Club for a social match has been postponed until March. Look out for the new date on Team Reach.
The next EVENT is the Pickleball Family Fun Day on Saturday, February 1st. No playing experience necessary. Ages 7 and up are welcome to join us for a great family experience. Individual participants are also welcome. The Event starts at 1:00PM and wraps up at 2:30 PM. Please Sign up on TeamReach.
To top off February we host our annual BCC Open on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. Tournament players travel from near and far to play in our doubles and mixed doubles events. See attached flyer for details.
A reminder that all events, social plays and clinics are on the Bradenton Country Club TeamReach App. You can access the app with this code: BCCPB2024
To register for any of the events, clinics, etc., please visit the TeamReach app, select the event on the calendar button and select “yes” “no” or “maybe”. If the event involves partners or lunch, you can use the “comment” button below your response and put your choices/comments there.
Should you need any assistance getting into TeamReach or help with registering for any of our events or clinics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Racquet Center by calling or texting us at (941)920-6805.
TENNIS & PICKLEBALL
WEEKLY PROGRAMMING
TENNIS
Tuesday:
9:00 AM Tennis: Ladies 3 0+ Play
6:15 PM-7:45 PM Tennis: Men's Singles and Social Doubles
Wednesday:
9:00 AM Tennis: Ladies 3 0+ Play
5:30 PM- 8:00 PM Tennis: Men's 4 0+
Thursday:
9:00 AM-10:30 AM Women's 3 5+ Tennis Clinic with Jack 6:15 PM-7:45 PM Men's Social Doubles
*Please note - Sunday February 2nd through Monday February 10th the club facilities are unavailable due to the LPGA Tournament*
PICKLEBALL
Monday: 8:00 AM Pickleball Open & Advance Play
Wednesday: 8:00 AM Pickleball Advanced Players
Friday:
8:00 AM-9:00 AM High Intermediate-Advanced Pickleball Clinic - Places Limited, Sign Up Online 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Advanced Beginner- Intermediate Pickleball
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, Bradenton Country Club stands as a tranquil escape While the world outside may continue at its usual pace, within the club's gates, members find a rare sense of peace. Whether it's a quiet round of golf or a relaxing afternoon on the courts, the club has become a sanctuary a place where time slows down and the stresses of everyday life seem to fade away
“I’VE LEARNED THAT THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IN GOLF IS LAUGH AT YOURSELF.”
- MAX HOMA
THE 16TH HOLE ADVENTURE
FEATURING “CHESTER” (A FICTITCIOUS CHARACTER)
- Anonymous
It was a brisk Saturday morning at Bradenton Country Club, and the sun was just starting to break through the trees, casting a golden glow over the fairways. Chester, who had been talking a big game all week but hadn't exactly backed it up, was feeling unusually confident. He'd played a solid front nine, and after making it through the back nine without a complete meltdown, he was determined to finish strong.
The guys stood frozen as the ball slammed into the path with a loud thud, careened off the concrete like it had a personal vendetta, and flew straight toward the water hazard. It skipped across the surface like a stone on a lake—one, two, three perfect bounces—before it finally sank with a resigned plop into the murky depths.
There was a long pause before one of his buddies burst out laughing. “Well, Chester, that’s one way to avoid the bunkers! At least the ball’s staying hydrated.”
Chester stood there, blinking, as the sound of the water slowly died down. “That ball’s got more courage than I do. At least it made it across the water without hesitation,” he said, scratching his head. “Meanwhile, I’ve been standing here, thinking about it for 20 minutes.”
With a shrug, Chester grabbed another ball, ready to take his second shot. “Alright, I’m going for the safe route this time,” he said. “No more Mr. Fancy Skip Across the Water. This hole's not winning today."
But as he lined up for the next shot, his friend leaned in and whispered, “Chester, I think your ball’s just doing a little soulsearching out there. Maybe it’ll come back to you next time with a better attitude.”
With a chuckle, Chester took the shot, realizing that sometimes the course doesn’t just throw you a challenge—it throws you a few laughs along the way, too.
approached the 16th hole—a tricky par 3 over water intimidating bunkers on either side—his friends gave him usual friendly ribbing. Chester, however, felt strangely unshakable. “This hole’s mine today,” he muttered, a little more to himself than anyone else.
the flag tucked just behind the water and a breeze up, Chester surveyed the green. He pulled out his 6trying to keep his nerves at bay. The crowd of trees the tee box seemed to close in around him, but hey, this was just another shot, right?
a deep breath, lined up, and swung smoothly. The off, soaring through the air… and then, like it had a its own, took a sharp left and flew directly toward the cart path.
"Golf
is a game in which you yell ‘Fore!’ shoot six, and write down five."
BRADENTON COUNTRY CLUB
QUOTE BY PAUL HARVEY RADIO PERSONALITY
THE GAME WITHIN THE GAME
Tiger Woods once said that his practice sessions aren’t about perfecting a single shot—they’re about making sure he’s prepared for whatever the course throws at him. That mindset is something every golfer can relate to.
We all know that golf isn’t just about executing a perfect swing—it’s about staying mentally strong, adapting to each hole, and adjusting when things don’t go as planned. Tiger’s commitment to practicing in a variety of conditions reminds us that no matter how experienced we get, there’s always something new to learn or a new way to challenge ourselves. Just like in our own games, it’s about persistence and pushing forward, even when the shot isn’t perfect.
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A BAD ROUND OF GOLF. SOME ARE JUST BETTER THAN OTHERS.
- Tiger Woods
Golf is a game of constant surprises. You’re always up against the course, your competition, and the most unpredictable opponent of all—yourself.
It teaches you resilience, focus, and the value of staying calm under pressure. No matter how well you think you're playing, the course has a way of keeping you grounded. But when you finally nail that perfect shot or sink that tricky putt, it’s that sweet moment of success that makes it all worthwhile—the excitement, the beauty, and the pure joy of the game
Member photo highlights from 2025 events and days at Bradenton Country Club
Where the greens are always perfect, the courts are never empty, and the competition is as strong as the camaraderie. Here’s to another unforgettable year at Bradenton Country Club!
Format -Two player team, competing in 18-hole stroke play 1 better ball of partners. Ties for overall low gross will be broken by sudden death playoff starting on #1.
Team Registration - Teams comprised on a couple that is either married or in a relationship.
Handicap Details - Handicaps will be adjusted based on USGA Guidelines for a better ball of partner.
Appetizers & Drinks / Awards Following play cart fees +
BRADENTON COUNTRY CLUB PRESENTS
FLAMINGOS, FAIRWAYS & FOURSOMES
H A L F - R O U N D E R S
M E M B E R / G U E S T S C R A M B L E
1:00 Gather your Flock
2:00 Shotgun start
4:30 Shop-a-Thon
5:30 Welcome & Awards
FEBRUARY 20 DAY INCLUDES: Flocktails, hors d’oeuvres, cart fees, dinner, gifts & prizes. Limited to 60 players.
