CCFRIENDS
THE COUNTRY CLUB OF FLORIDA WINTER 2025
OPENING NIGHT ALL THAT GLITTERS
Jay Allen President
Meredith Sadler Vice President
Chip Wilson Vice President
Bill
Aliber Treasurer
Chris Wheeler
Secretary
Cindy Crocker
Susan Duane
Joe Laughlin
John Noesen
Allen Prichard
Neill Taylor
Marc Tremblay
Alyson Walker
Dear Members,
It is hard to ignore the “buzz” around CCF. Our golf course remains the best in the area and has significantly seasoned and matured just one year after completion of the renovation. Dining at CCF is back in full swing and Chef Eric promises new menu items and features for the coming year. With the entire staff returning, the Lifestyle Center is offering expanded programming and wellness options. We can also look forward to another great line-up of distinguished presenters for our highly popular Speaker Series, as well as many other great Member activities and events. New landscaping along Country Road at the Village entrance blends beautifully with the ninth green and next to the valet parking lot, together providing Members and guests a first glimpse of the unique experience that is The Country Club of Florida. Enthusiasm across the Club is palpable and energizing!
I am thrilled to see so many familiar employee faces across all Club operations, and excited to meet new team members who have joined us for the season. Our employees, led by John Collier and his outstanding senior staff, make CCF a truly special place and bring the Members great enjoyment and comfort. Special thanks to the 76% of our Members who contributed to the Employee Fund last spring enabling us to raise a record $135,000 to reward our employees for their service and loyalty to our Club and Members.
We have completed the renovation of the Lower Level of the clubhouse. This project provides our employees with significantly enhanced working, dining, lounge, and locker room facilities, and will certainly
upgrade the workplace experience and satisfaction for these treasured members of our CCF family. I encourage you to take a minute to visit the Lower Level to experience this much-needed improvement.
We will soon be communicating with the Membership about our plans to renovate and rebuild our Golf Maintenance Facility. This investment is long overdue and is necessary to properly care for both our most important asset, our golf course, as well as the staff who work tirelessly, day-in and day-out, to provide us unequaled golf course conditions and playability.
Our Membership pipeline remains robust, due largely to the good work of our Members in identifying potential new CCF members who embrace the culture and traditions of our Club. Please contact Ashley Adametz or a member of the Admissions Committee with questions or a recommendation of a new potential Member.
CCF’s outstanding amenities, strong financial stability, “service with a smile” employees, and kind and humble Members have been a source of pride from the day of our founding in 1956. We are bound by a unique culture based on our shared values and beliefs, and keeping that culture is critically important. Our Culture Statement can be found on the first page of our beautiful new CCF Calendar and at the front of our new Member Guide. Please take a moment to review it and share it with your families and guests.
Play fast and enjoy the Club!
Jay Allen
President, CCF Board of Governors
It was great to see all the families here at the Club during the Christmas holiday. We offered many great family events, such as Family Tree Golf, Legacy Reception, Chamber Music: Peter and the Wolf with narration, and the New Year's Eve "Under the Sea" Family Bash. I want to thank you all for your cooperation during the holiday season with dress code and cell phone policies with your guests and family. It was one of the best holiday seasons I can remember, and although not perfect, it was much improved.
As we begin the heart of our season, I look back on the first few months, and how impressed I am with our staff's dedication to offering membership and guests the highest level of service. The department heads have done a wonderful job of not only bringing back familiar faces, but also replenishing their ranks with some amazing new talent. From the international staff in the F&B department, to the Bag Room and Caddies in Golf-all have performed at the highest level. A special thank you to the department heads-many that have been here for decades-who continue to care about the culture of this club and set such a positive example for their staff.
A question I get every year is, "How does the Club calendar come about?" Well, the easy answer is the department heads and committee chairs work to populate the months, ensuring no overlap of multiple events. This is not as easy as it sounds; this is a very active club, offering robust programs in many different areas. Almost every day there is something happening at CCF.
Now comes why most of you ask this question in the first placea conflict with something outside of our Club. We try our best to avoid conflicts within our own club events, and do look at what else is happening around us. With that said, as best we try, conflicts will still occur at times. We hope you are enjoying the programming we have developed for you this season in Golf, Fitness, Tennis, Croquet, Pickleball, Activities, Entertainment and F&B.
Sincerely.
John Collier
CCF 1956 FUND: PLANNED GIVING
Planned giving programs are offered by numerous clubs throughout the country, including clubs where several of our members also belong. The primary purpose of the 1956 Fund is to assist in supporting the long-range capital needs of the Club and to help protect against unforeseen fiscal challenges the Club may experience. It was designed for members that may want to make a non-deductible contribution to the Fund to express their love for the CCF and the impact the Club has had on their lives.
Bequests at death or donations during life will go a long way to maintain the quality of the Club’s assets for future generations
In general, the Fund is a voluntary-funded Club asset, where the primary investment objective is the preservation of capital, the potential for long term growth and the accumulation of income. It might be viewed as a “head start” for future capital needs or a source to fund a specific project, combined with the benefits of long-term compounding.
Our Board of Governors hopes that you will take the opportunity to scan the barcode below, and review the 1956 Fund Policy Statement and Frequently Asked Questions. Should you be interested in making a bequest or donation to the Fund, please contact Jim Good at (847) 226-0707 or jim.good111@gmail.com.
Scan this barcode to access the 1956 Fund Policy Statement and Frequently Asked Questions
We are thrilled to welcome you back to your home away from home here at the club. We’re excited to share some fantastic news and updates about the improvements we’ve made to enhance your experience this season.
Renovations Completed: A New Look for Our Lower Level
While you were away, we’ve been hard at work making some significant upgrades to the lower level of the clubhouse, designed to improve functionality and comfort for our employees and provide a fresh, modern aesthetic that reflects the welcoming, high-end environment that you expect from our club. Here’s a quick tour of what’s new:
• New Office Spaces: We’ve redesigned our administrative offices, providing a more efficient and contemporary workspace for our team. This upgrade will help us serve you better, with improved systems in place to ensure your membership experience is seamless and enjoyable.
• Employee Cafeteria: We’ve also made thoughtful upgrades to the employee cafeteria, creating a more comfortable and inviting space for our hardworking staff. This will allow them to recharge and continue delivering top-notch service to you, our valued members.
• Locker Rooms & Decor Room: Our locker rooms have been completely refreshed with updated finishes and modern amenities. We’ve also redesigned our decor room, providing a more functional space for storing and maintaining our club’s beautiful decor.
• Conference Room: Whether hosting a committee or department head meetings, this space is perfect for a variety of events.
A Season to Look Forward To
There’s so much to be excited about-new events and social activities and a packed calendar of golfing, dining and fitness offerings. Whether you’re getting back into the swing of things on the course or looking forward to a cozy meal with friends, we’re ready to make this year unforgettable. We encourage you to come in and explore our newly renovated areas. If you would like to learn more about the updates, our team is always happy to chat. Here’s to a great season ahead!
Best Regards,
Jordan Rambin
The Golf “Stories” for the 2024-2025 Golf Season at The Country Club of Florida
As we welcome you all back to another wonderful Golf Season at The Country Club of Florida, I would like to take this opportunity to share and highlight what you’ve all looked forward to since May, the story of our Golf Culture, Golf Course and Experience.
“A place of fine people, plenty of room, golf and contentment.” These words spoken by our Club’s founder Carleton Blunt are, without a doubt, the guiding and driving force behind what makes The Country Club of Florida so very special. It informs our members, guides our staff and establishes, through 11 simple words, an exclusive and fine culture, through golf, of graciousness to be respected, followed and enjoyed.
The Experience and Environment
You begin to experience this fine culture when you arrive for a round, either via valet at the clubhouse front entrance or by your personal cart if you are a Village of Golf resident. Your Golf Staff Family, our team of young career-driven professionals stand at the ready to welcome you, your family and guests. PGA Professionals, Starters, Golf Bag Service and Caddies all will stand, with a warm smile and handshake, ready to help you with anything and everything that is in their power to provide, and thanks to not having tee times, it is (generally-speaking) whenever you would like. Our Golf culture and Experience begins with this team-wide example of graciousness, availability, readiness and service, the environment is where it continues. During my time as your Golf Director countless members have remarked at how much they treasure our beautiful, comfortable and serene environment. Walking onto the main practice tee and hitting balls to warm up while visiting with friends in advance of a round and wishing one another good wishes before the ball is teed up primes the experience. The range is certainly a melting pot of swings, ages, athletic abilities and backgrounds, but remains somehow conservative, jovial and elegant. What then awaits is our world class Golf Course.
The Golf Course
Thanks to the foresight of our founder, original course architect Robert Bruce Harris’ course routing, the incredible vision and creativity of current course architect Lester George and the tireless efforts of Jeff Klontz and the Golf Course Maintenance team we have a truly superior on-course experience. The next time you play may I encourage your awareness of some significant details. Each 9 no two pars repeat and no two consecutive hole contours or doglegs repeat. This was completely intentional and allows every round to be a fresh experience. The course conditions are of the highest quality and it is the culture of our membership to leave all conditions better than they found it. The repair of ball marks, raking of bunkers and the sanding of divots are not what would be considered “normal” by modern country club member standards but thankfully OUR members are exceptional!
The Finish and the Fellowship Following
Our Pelican Grill patio overlooking the 18th green. The setting sun creating an incredible backdrop and portrait. The end of a round of golf at The Country Club of Florida. Lining up and stroking final putt and seeing it fall into the cup provides a thrill, a sense of accomplishment, personal fulfillment, but if many of us share honestly, relief and contentment at the end of a magical experience. It is the love of the game of golf where this begins, but a traditional and healthy Golfing Culture, with the removal of hats, handshakes or hugs (or both) that further amplifies how special and important the time spent on our Golf Course truly is. This is fellowship and enjoyment, all through golf. Established by our founder, perpetuated by our team, and experienced by our members, all thanks to our Golfing Culture.
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the golfing season! We’re thrilled with how the course has held up so far, especially with the incredible amount of guest play and practice we saw over the holidays. One of the key changes that have made a noticeable impact are the Monday afternoon closures on the range, which have significantly improved the condition of the range tee. It’s in the best shape we’ve seen at this time of year, and as we move past the slowest part of the growing season, we expect it to only get better.
We’ve also made substantial progress with the bunkers, having recently packed the sand across both the course and the practice area. This has improved the firmness of the sand, reducing those frustrating “fried egg” lies. The “Better Billy Bunkers” are designed to maintain a consistent 3-4 inches of sand for optimal drainage. Any less can lead to drainage issues, resulting in wet, inconsistent sand. During this process, we also ensured the sand depth was consistent throughout each bunker.
Additionally, we’ve trained our staff on the best techniques for raking bunkers, which helps maintain a firm face. A significant amount of time and effort goes into keeping the bunkers in top shape, but the results are worth it.
None of these improvements would have been possible without the hard work we put in over the summer. We’re excited to see the positive impact these efforts are having and hope everyone is enjoying the course’s continued improvements this season.
• Short Game Area: We replaced the incorrect grass variety, improving both playability and appearance.
• Croquet Court: We leveled the court for a smoother experience.
• Clubhouse Lawn: The front circle was re-grassed, enhancing the beauty of the entrance.
• Cultural Practices: As always, we’ve kept up with essential practices like aerification and verticutting to maintain healthy turf.
• Drainage & Irrigation: New drainage systems were added to the tees on #11 and #14 fairways, ensuring better playability.
• Landscaping: We’ve refreshed the main entrance with new landscaping and lighting to make a welcoming impression as soon as you arrive.
As the season progresses, we kindly ask that you take a moment to repair your own ball marks, as well as those of your playing partners. Our maintenance team works tirelessly to keep the course in top condition, but we need your help to maintain the best possible playing surface. Your cooperation makes a real difference, and we appreciate your commitment to preserving the quality of the course. Together, we can continue to provide excellent playing conditions every day.
A PEEK AT THE PAST: OUR OWN “MANIAC HILL”
There is little resemblance between today’s practice facility and the one that occupied it in 1956. Architect Robert Bruce Harris placed the range between the first and third holes as well as the clubhouse. Harris may well have copied Iconic architect Donald Ross, who had created a similar location for Pinehurst’s Number One course in 1913! The proximity of the range made it easier for golfers to warm up, beat balls to death and raise club revenues for their hard work! Carly really liked the revenue part! When I arrived in 1975, “Home on the Range” hadn’t changed an iota. The total distance from its front to back was a mere 220 yards! There was no practice tee at the east end of the range. Between the end of the range and the Etherington, DeGagne/Legg homes, over 50 yards of wild bushes and tall fescue grasses grew. That area belonged to the Club, but it was just wasted space. The range fairway didn’t have any target trees or greens surrounded by bunkers. There were only four flag sticks stuck in the ground at different distances. Wow! There was, however, a small oval chipping and putting green that included a clamshell bunker behind the main teeing area. The upside-down saucer shaped green was occupied with four putting green flags. It was a mess when folks wanted to practice their chips and putts. If more than three people attempted to use it at the same time you’d swear you were in rush hour traffic! There were a mere one dozen hitting stations on the teeing ground. That area was the only place that lessons could be given! Johnny Farrell & Jim Searle, the Club’s first professionals, retained their teaching privileges when they retired in 1976. Midway through 1977, lessons were robust. A major problem arose if my assistant professional, Johnny, Jim and I had lessons at the same time. Teachers and pupils’ constant conversations weren’t what those who just wanted to practice looked forward to hearing. It was the perfect time for a “change on the range!”
1978 saw the first alteration to the practice area when the 50 plus yards of wild grass fescue was cleared and elevated by five feet as it is today. Four main teeing areas were formed as well as a small, short game practice green that was protected by two challenging bunkers. To quell member unrest for lack of practice space, the back end of the range was, get
this, reserved for lesson use only! A huge problem was solved for the time being! In 1982, the natives were getting restless. Members not taking lessons wanted use of the area designated for “lessons only.” A plan to enlarge and re-contour the small short game practice green at the west end of the range was presented and approved by the Greens and Golf Committee. The new green at that time was located where today’s Golf Learning Center stands. It was a home run with constant use. All was well except for two people…the Golf Professional and Greens Superintendent.
The year was now 1986. For ten years I had looked at a bare sand hill that ran along the fourth fairway. It was the perfect setting for a full-service short game complex. Enough bare land existed so that 80-yard wedge shots could be hit to 3 or 4 greens of different elevation, size and contour. Jeff Klontz loved the idea, so we made up amateur drawings of the area. We felt it was worth a try because in actual sense the bare hill that existed was an eye sore! We knew the change would improve the members’ games and beautify the Club at the same time. In 1986 Arthur Hills remodeled the golf course. There wasn’t anything on his plans regarding the range or the sand hill adjacent to hole number four. We asked him if he would look at our “amateur drawings,” to see what he thought of our idea. Shock struck us when he said he liked the way we were thinking! It took six more years for final approval of our idea, but much to the delight of the membership a new short game complex was opened in 1993. That design lasted for twelve years until Lester George remodeled the golf course and practice areas in 2005. The areas you work on your game with today were again redone when Lester revisited us to “tweak” the Country Club of Florida in 2024. His visit last summer only made minor modifications to the range proper and short game area. At this point in our Club’s history, these areas should be good for many more years of use, in which you can perfect your very own game of golf!
FYI: Last season only 17,200 dozen golf balls visited the practice areas. That breaks down to a mere 206,400 individual balls being struck again and again. Go get ‘em all you “Maniacs!”
See you soon for another trip down Memory Lane.
John Fleming, Club Historian (Also a Maniac)
The Sand Hill near the driving range in front of the 4th hole in 1986. Preparations for the Club’s 1st true Short Game Area. The project took 6 months to complete after John Fleming, our Golf Professional and Jeff Klontz, our Greens Superintendent had their "Amateur Drawing" plans approved. Four target greens of different size
We are off to another exciting season filled with delicious meals, unforgettable events and the continued joy of sharing great food with great company. My team and I worked hard over the summer to ensure this season will be our most memorable yet.
Throughout the offseason, my Sous Chef, Andrii, and I have dedicated ourselves to exploring new flavors, techniques, and inspirations to bring a fresh, vibrant approach to our menus. We researched and tested a variety of dishes, incorporating innovative flavors that we’re eager to share with you. The result is a carefully curated menu that offers something for everyone. This season, we’re especially excited about the range of vegetarian and vegan options we’ve added to our lineup. We understand that many of you are looking for lighter, plantbased options, so we’ve made it a priority to expand these offerings without sacrificing flavor or creativity. For lunch, we have introduced a house-made grain burger—a hearty and satisfying dish that is quickly becoming a member favorite. For dinner, our wild mushroom risotto is rich, earthy and comforting, with a blend of seasonal mushrooms and a silky-smooth texture. We are thrilled with our new team members, who have already proven to be invaluable additions to our kitchen. Their passion, energy, and commitment to excellence are evident in everything they do, and it's clear that they share the same dedication to quality that defines the dining experience at The Country Club of Florida. It’s inspiring to see our kitchen come alive with fresh ideas and enthusiasm, and I know that you’ll notice the difference in every dish.
Our Wine & Spirit Dinners are proving to be a highlight of the season, and are an opportunity for us to try new pairings and courses that showcase the very best of our culinary expertise. It’s a thrilling process to bring together fine wines, spirits, and carefully crafted dishes.
Sushi Night has returned every Thursday! Andrii, who has an incredible passion for Japanese cuisine and sushi, is particularly excited to bring this back-including expertly crafted rolls, sashimi, and all the delicious accompaniments that make this night so special.
Whether you’re joining us for a casual lunch with friends, a special dinner with loved ones, or one of our exciting themed events, I want to express how grateful I am for your continued support. It’s an honor to serve you and to share our love of food with such a vibrant and passionate community.
We’re all looking forward to a fantastic season ahead, filled with new experiences, flavors, and memories. From Andrii, our talented team, and myself, we can’t wait to share all the exciting culinary adventures we have in store.
Warmly,
Chef Eric
Our season opening party, “All that Glitters,” was a hit from beginning to very exciting end, including a free fireworks show from our neighboring club!
As usual, the Speaker Series, with Mr. Lytton's insightful interviews and guests, are a "wow." Next up, former Vice President Mike Pence in February (which sold out in just 20 minutes).
New Year's Eve was "Under the Sea,” with over 350 people-decor, food and activities were stellar. A huge thank you to Mrs. Devers, who always provides such fun themes! We are looking forward to more exciting social and dining events, and another memorable season. If there is anything that we can do to make your experience at the Club more enjoyable, please let us know!
Helpful Tips for Dining at The Country Club of Florida
To make the most of your dining experience, here are a few tips:
1. Reservations: Many restaurants, especially fine dining or high-demand venues, ask guests to reserve a specific time for seating. This means the time listed on your reservation is the moment you'll be shown to your table. If you plan to enjoy cocktails before dinner, it's a good idea to arrive early and allow yourself ample time to enjoy the pre-dinner atmosphere.
2. Dress Code: Gentlemen - Collared shirts, Bermuda shorts or pants, and closed-toe shoes are required. Golf, tennis, and croquet attire is permitted, but not fitness or athletic attire.
Ladies - Dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, leather sandals and tennis, golf and croquet attire are permitted. Fitness attire, rubber or plastic flip flops, fringed and ripped pants are prohibited.
Engage with the Team: Our talented staff is here to enhance your dining experience. Don’t hesitate to ask about the dishes, the wines or any special details for an event. We are always happy to share our passion for exceptional food and beverages with you!
Best, Dave
The Wine and Spirits program here at CCF is an ever-evolving project, which is guided by our passionate Member Committee, committed to curating exciting events for the entire season. The success of the program is driven by the continued gratification of re-living the pleasures of the event when opening one of the bottles that you purchased at home.
We have been entertained and educated by winery owners, wine makers, master sommeliers and industry professionals, which have all imparted their unique perspectives, depth of knowledge and shared their passion for the world of wine and spirits that is their passion in life. If you have not been able to join us at one of the more formal dinners or scholarly seminars, please stop by an informal pre-dinner tasting and get a sneak peak into what we are offering at the more structured events.
According to Lord Byron “Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, and makes weariness forget his toil.”
This seems like an ideal outlook, one you can experience for yourself by attending one of our Wine & Spirits events-you can find them all on our online calendar. If you have any questions, please let us help you join the journey through the ever evolving wine and spirits program here at the club.
Cheers,
John
As we turn the page to a new year here at The Country Club of Florida, it’s wonderful to welcome each of you back! After my first full season and summer, I feel more grounded and energized, ready to continue building upon the club’s proud traditions while enhancing our experience together.
The summer was a wonderful time of growth in the Membership and Communications department. We are so fortunate to welcome Robert Aleman to the CCF Team as our Communications Manager. With an extensive background in graphic design and the hospitality industry, we have already seen impressive work from Robert, and we know that the future of Communications looks very bright!
The past few months have been busy, with a focus on updating and improving our communication efforts. Your feedback has been invaluable in guiding this progress, and while there’s still room to grow, each step forward brings us closer to the high standard we want to foster at CCF.
On the Membership front, we have worked tirelessly to solidify our Admissions process and New member intake practices. These improvements will ensure that we continue to perpetuate the traditions and culture that are the cornerstone of our beautiful Club.
Looking forward, the upcoming season promises exciting events, renewed camaraderie, and countless memorable moments. We’re so glad to have you as part of this special community, and I look forward to sharing a wonderful season with each of you.
Kindly,
Ashley
Scan this barcode to access our exciting Photo Gallery of this seasons' events.
