McConnell Golf, The Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

McConnell Golf the magazinc

years

a letter from John McConnell

Twenty years ago, I made the decision to acquire Raleigh Country Club at the encouragement of my golfing buddy, Benny Dean, who once had been a member. Playing the course as a guest had always been a treat for me as well. I had watched the drama unfold in the newspaper about how the club was in debt for over $6 million. The lending bank was concerned about being repaid its loan proceeds and had sold its club note to a local real estate developer for a discounted value.

Obviously, Raleigh CC’s location in a rapidly growing city would be a prime real estate investment, and certainly not for golf, even if the course was the legendary Donald Ross’ last design. And now the rest of the story can be updated.

Oftentimes, as I reminisce about that unplanned decision to get into the golf and country club business, I am reminded of that country music song by Dierks Bentley, “What was I thinkin’.” This new career direction was a business decision I had not planned or seen coming. Having been involved in software for over 35 years, this venture would prove to be unlike any other experience I had participated in. I was a novice in this industry and made several early mistakes, but we kept our vision of building “Clubs of the Future” at the top of the goal list as we moved forward.

Fortunately, McConnell Golf has benefitted from both a strong capital position and a dedicated management team that took a long-term strategy for building the company. Today our peers view us as a leader and innovator, and we are proud of that reputation and industry standing.

How did we get from one club purchased in bankruptcy to today having 14 owned properties and two managed clubs? Needless

to say, it has been a challenging endeavor, but I think the key to our success today is having built a business based on trust with the club boards and members who voted to become part of McConnell Golf. Selling a member-owned club is usually an emotional decision for the board and its membership. Certainly not every member agrees with the decision, and it is important to demonstrate early after closing the benefits of becoming a McConnell Golf property.

For each club we have acquired, we have invested more capital in facilities and operations than our contracts required. This past year we provided $6.2 million in capital improvements among our clubs, and since inception of our company back in 2003, that total is $65 million, and no member assessments were ever implemented to pay for these improvements. Certainly, this is an appealing proposition for all our members.

Our plan for 2023 is to invest several million dollars in facility upgrades and our major focus will be a complete renovation of Old North State Club to regain the status and playability this club enjoyed at its founding. I cannot wait to see the updated golf course that will open for play in early September. We will be updating the greens with Bermuda, rebuilding traps, adding new tees and other improvements which should make summer play more enjoyable.

At our recent company-management retreat, I was impressed with our team’s enthusiasm that creates value for the membership. Today we have over 7,600 members which extrapolates to over 20,000 family members we serve on a routine basis. I am very excited to see the great ideas that will be happening at club events this year to celebrate our 20th year for your participation and enjoyment.

Many of you may remember the old Chinese proverb that, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Twenty years ago, we began a journey at Raleigh CC and after many challenging years, we have a solid business and bright future. It is always a good idea to measure progress in the short term and especially long term as well. In the past 10 years, our revenue growth has been 213% while monthly dues have increased by 194% with all our new acquisitions and membership additions. Thanks to you, our members, for helping us succeed in our journey. We are not at the end of the trip by any means and may the next 20 years be just as much fun for all of us.

Warm regards,

John McConnell, CEO & Founder

PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB

GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS:

1989 Dan Maples / 2018 Kris Spence

LOCATION:

15 miles south of uptown Charlotte, 21 miles northeast of Fort Mill and 34 miles southwest of Concord

OUR COURSE:

“Since joining Providence 22 years ago, I watched it evolve from a good club to one of the premier clubs in Charlotte. We were attracted to PCC because it was a great family-oriented club. My children who grew up in the club are now members as well. The golf staff is phenomenal as they run a first-class operation. As an avid golfer, averaging over 150 rounds per year, PCC is always a great experience. The Kris Spence renovation five years ago provided us with tremendous greens that are tough but fair and consistent. The course’s professional styled bunkers are strategically placed with a layout that presents a challenge to golfers at all skill levels. The large green complexes offer many pin choices that can make each hole seem like a new hole on any given day. Guests are in awe of our course and facilities.” – Arlin Perry, member at PCC

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS:

The sixth hole paints a relatively new picture. This volcano green complex, surrounded by six flashed bunkers, did not exist before the 2018 renovation. The short par 3 is always worth a snapshot. For a view that’s as good as it gets throughout the golf course, stand at the highest point on the property and look down to the 16th green. Springtime pictures are best when the large azalea bed behind the green is in full bloom. Take in the view behind the clubhouse, overlooking a well-kept lawn. The small putting green, shortgame practice facility and 18th green are all in plain view. You can also see the 11th green across the pond in the distance. Finally, a sunrise photo from the veranda is one of Providence CC’s best-kept secrets.

DID YOU KNOW?

The golf course at Providence CC was built on swampland. There are five par 3s and five par 5s on the course, and only 90 feet of elevation change across the property.

DIGITAL PRINTING

OFFSET PRINTING

WIDE FORMAT PRINTING

SADDLE STITCHING

DIE CUTTING

PACKAGING

FULFILLMENT

PERFECT BINDING

FOLDING & GLUING

MAILING

VARIABLE DATA

WALL GRAPHICS

VEHICLE WRAPS

GRAPHIC

Many veterans brought military memorabilia such as parachutes, field mess kits and tools, flight helmets, and other items to share with each other.

“It was an incredible night of celebrating those members who have served our country,” says Kelley Williams, General Manager at ONSC. “Listening to their stories gave me goosebumps.”

Before dinner, the Montgomery County High School JROTC presented the colors, Williams and ONSC member John Papadopulos gave welcome introductions, and member Candace Fleece made remarks honoring veterans. During dinner, a mail call was announced, and veterans received a special note of thanks from Papadopulos and McConnell Golf CEO, John McConnell.

“It was extremely well coordinated with exceptional speakers and even student participation,” said Dave Wuertzer, a member at ONSC. “It afforded us time to exchange old veteran stories and share experiences. I’m looking forward to this event in 2023.”

“It was an incredible night of celebrating those members who have served our country. Listening to their stories gave me goosebumps. ”

Kelley Williams

Raleigh Country Club

Hosts Cameron’s Mobile

Sensory Station

Beth and Steve Jarvis have been members of Raleigh Country Club since 2002. They are active in social events at the club and were involved with the Stingrays swim team when their kids were growing up. Their daughter Cameron was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was two years old. For Cameron, RCC has been a safe place for her to visit and enjoy over the years.

Nearly 20 years ago, Cameron inspired Beth to start Spare Some for Autism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission of improving the quality of life for children with ASD. This nonprofit funds programs that directly impact individuals with ASD and allows them to achieve their highest level of independence within their homes, schools, and communities,

FOOTPRINTS ON THE GREEN

while gaining respect and support for themselves. Spare Some for Autism also supports families affected by ASD by educating them on topics such as literacy and coping with disabilities so they will be better equipped to support each other.

“While Cameron is no less capable than any neurotypical individual, as an Autistic person, sometimes commonplace things in the world, like fireworks and loud music, can be a little overwhelming for her,” says Beth.

For her senior project at Franklin Academy Charter School in 2018, Cameron partnered with PNC Arena and KultureCity, a nonprofit that helps venues, organizations, and small businesses learn more about sensory needs and obtain Sensory Inclusive certifications. This partnership aimed to offer people with autism and other sensory processing disorders, such as PTSD, dementia, and ADHD, a calm experience at special events and festivities without becoming overstimulated.

Through private and public donations, including funds from KultureCity and Spare Some for Autism, Cameron successfully met her fundraising goal of $30,000 to secure a mobile sensory unit for special events across North Carolina. Of the total, $25,000 was used to purchase the vehicle with the remainder to go toward fuel and incidentals.

“KultureCity called to let us know they had received a donation that helped Cameron reach her fundraising goal,” says Beth. “They surprised Cameron and brought the station all the way to North Carolina from Alabama and presented it to her as a gift to share with others.”

In April of 2022, Cameron’s Mobile Sensory Station visited RCC and was a part of their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Cameron suggested RCC as a location to visit, and the staff welcomed the idea as an engagement opportunity for Footprints on the Green. Kids were able to participate in activities and ask questions while visiting the unit.

“I was shocked to hear from several members who had grandchildren with ADHD and other cognitive disorders,” says Beth. “They were very appreciative of us having the station at RCC as the children had a place to come in, regroup, and relax. Everyone is affected by autism, and we need all the help we can get to raise awareness and make events more sensory friendly.”

Today, Spare Some for Autism supports Cameron’s Mobile Sensory Station by paying for gas and general upkeep of the unit. For more information about Spare Some for Autism and Cameron’s Mobile Sensory Station, or to make a donation, visit sparesomeforautism.org. Online donations for Cameron’s Mobile Sensory Station will be accepted by Spare Some for Autism and will go directly to support the vehicle.

Notable 2022 Footprints on the Green initiatives:

Holston Hills CC

Every December, Holston Hills Country Club partners with Bucky’s Bikes to raise money and donate bikes to Mission of Hope, a local charity that provides services for underprivileged people in East Tennessee and the Southern Appalachia region. In 2022, 344 bikes were donated by people in the Knoxville community.

The CC at Wakefield Plantation

The 10th Annual We Care Golf Classic, hosted by Wakefield Senior Men's Golf Association, hit a major milestone with more than $1 million in funds raised and $820,000 being donated to multiple causes over the last decade. This year's tournament highlighted PTSD and two charities that specialize in caring for North Carolina National Guard soldiers and

veterans: Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund Inc. and The Joel Fund. Proceeds raised from the tournament also benefited the We Care Scholarship Fund, USO of North Carolina, and Purple Heart Homes.

Porters Neck CC

The Porters Neck Homeowners Association partnered with members and staff from Porters Neck Country Club to help the people of Ukraine in 2022. Thanks to the help of PNCC member, Bob Walsh, they were able to have a location for residents and community members to make donations.. There was an outpouring of generosity from many people in the community, including some who volunteered to help categorize and pack donations in boxes. Donations consisted of winter clothing items, baby

supplies, first aid supplies, blankets, eyeglasses, sleeping bags, towels, and food. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, over 60 containers were filled with donations that were shipped out of Moto Leader Global in Nevassa.

The Water’s Edge CC

We Care began in 1990 with the goal of providing Christmas to a few underprivileged children in Franklin County. The goal was met that first year, with the help of some local businesses and individuals. Since then, We Care has grown to provide gifts to more than 1,000 underprivileged children each Christmas. As part of The Water’s Edge FOTG initiative, members and staff helped We Care by collecting new and unwrapped toys in November and December 2022.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

by Stephanie Trotter

Reeling in the Years

Reflections on golf and life with Raleigh Country Club’s longest-serving member

The year: 1973. Stove Top Stuffing hit store shelves, “All in the Family” was the top show on TV and the U.S. economy was plagued by an oil crisis and inflation. In the midst of changing times, Jim Barnes joined Raleigh Country Club. “Oh, it wasn’t like it is today,” he reflects with a chuckle. “It was really just a golf club, there wasn’t much more, and it wasn’t in the best of shape. They had some kind of a deal during a membership drive. It cost $200 to join and dues were $47.50 a month.”

And just like the Doobie Brothers song, Barnes became a “Long Train Running.” Today, the 76-year-old is the longest-serving member at RCC, with this spring marking 50 years. The sites and stories he’s witnessed could fill the clubhouse locker room and then some. “I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly,” he laughs. “The golf course back then was only good six months out of the year because the greens didn’t drain well. In the early days, when we had the Parent/Child Tournament, there were only three teams. The pro and his son, one other father-son, and my son and I typically finished third in the field!”

Despite dubious numbers and conditions, his love of golf and family never wavered. As he told his

Jim Barnes

“In the early days, when we had the Parent/Child Tournament, there were only three teams. The pro and his son, one other father-son, and my son and I typically finished third in the field!”

Jim Barnes

Clockwise from left: Paul Billow, Kent McLamb, James “Jim” Barnes III & James “Jimbo” Barnes IV; Jimbo, Avery, Jim & Camden Barnes; Jimbo, Avery, & Jim Barnes

wife Beth back then, he just needed a course and the opportunity to play. He’d grown up with the sport in Fayetteville, North Carolina. “I started playing with my mother when I was about 12 years old. We played a lot,” he says. “I played in college at Louisburg (College) and then The University of North Carolina. It’s always been an important part of my life.”

He confides there were years he was embarrassed to bring friends to play RCC, but then, John McConnell came along.

“When I first talked to him about purchasing the club, he told me those days were over,” Barnes shares. “I was hoping for green greens and fairways, but his vision was to redo the clubhouse and purchase land to expand the range. Major renovations and so much more. I’m honored to say our visions were miles apart and his was so much better!”

Barnes is in awe of not just the physical improvements, but programming and membership growth. “When I joined, we had probably 200 members. Now we’ve more than doubled in size, we have a wait list,” he says. “And the juniors program? To see all the kids lined up for the Parent/Child nowadays? And the Operation 36 program? To see these great numbers is great!”

Three generations of Barnes now play the course, with the retired cement-executive’s son and grandson picking up the sport. Barnes himself tees it up at least four times a week. He

doesn’t hold any club titles but has sunk two holes-in-one on 17.

While the aces were great, Barnes says his most treasured golf experience was a trip to St. Andrews in Scotland, which the club pro put together. “When I got out on the first tee, I was so nervous,” he reveals. “To know every great golfer, from Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan, to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, has stuck their tee in the ground right where I stuck mine? I couldn’t get my breath; I was so excited.”

He’s also excited to have been part of the club’s transformation to one of the premier clubs in the region. “This is my home,” he explains. “I was just telling my grandson; this is a special place, and we need to take care of what we’ve been given. When you’re a member of Raleigh Country Club, you can say it with pride. It’s a wonderful place to be. It’s been a privilege to have been on this 50-year journey.”

Jim Barnes, Cecil Davis Jr., Dick Parent and Bob Carroll

Jim Peck, Jim Barnes & Dr. Bob Wayland

Jimbo & Jim Barnes

by Stephanie Trotter

DownHome

Meet the man creating memories and more for families at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation

Michael Thomas walks the range, chatting with new members and veteran players alike. He asks about a grandchild’s arrival, a daughter’s wedding, a husband’s promotion. Knowing such personal details and taking time to talk? It’s all in a day’s work. “He makes everyone feel at ease,” explains employee-turned-member Mark Saharski. “It’s like a ball rolling down a hill, picking up everything. He’s a joy to be around and he’s always on top of things.”

And there it is. The General Manager’s warm, engaging demeanor disguises a brain whirring with a massive to-do list at one of McConnell Golf’s biggest clubs. With courses, courts, aquatic and fitness centers, as well as full-service amenities serving more than 900 member families, the ability to efficiently multitask is paramount. “We have lots of moving parts,” Thomas says. “There is always something to do. I credit our management team, which has been intact from day one, for our success. We all support one another. I just try to keep everyone moving in the same direction.”

“Team” and “family” come up a lot when visiting with Thomas. It becomes apparent that it’s intentional to cultivate the laid-back environment found at Wakefield, which has 100 full- and part-time employees. “For as long as I’ve been here, the club has been fun and casual,” he says. “It’s a place for people to get away from the daily grind of work. And as for my team? We work different hours. It’s a challenge. It’s stressful. But with me, family is always first and we are one big family.”

He discovered golf at the age of 10, growing up with his family in State College, Pennsylvania. His folks joined a country club, where he learned to play and later caddied. “Growing up in a country club is a great opportunity for people to create memories,” he says. “You

learn about manners and have really cool experiences. That’s what I try to replicate here.” He came South for college to attend North Carolina State University. Stints as a banker and private school CFO pre-dated his move to Wakefield. “I grew up a sports fan,” he shares. “I always wanted to work in the world of sports in some way, shape or form.”

When a friend was leaving a sales spot at the club, Thomas applied. He spent the next 14 years in marketing and membership recruitment with Tournament Players Club Wakefield and Treyburn Country Club, before moving up to the top spot. Along the way, Country Club replaced TPC, when McConnell Golf purchased the property. “I can’t say enough good things about the McConnell Golf family,” he says. “They put good people around us and support us every step of the way. It’s comforting to know I have reins of the club, but the support of our corporate team by my side at all times.”

And times are good. Membership is at an alltime high, bumping up against a full cap. The Breaker Bar & Grill opened two years ago at the pool. Staff is now running as many as 30 camps during the summer and four pickleball courts are currently under construction. Thomas has also guided his team in hosting the REX Hospital Open, which, since 2005, has raised more than $9 million for local patients in need. Similarly, the Wakefield

Michael Thomas has been a part of the McConnell Golf family for nearly 12 years; however, he has impacted the Wakefield community much longer

“I credit our management team, which has been intact from day one, for our success. We all support one another. I just try to keep everyone moving in the same direction.”

Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas with member and President of The Joel Fund, Brooke Dickhart, along with member John Securcher.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Senior Men’s Golf Association has raised more than $1 million for local charities. “It’s incredible the work they do and the funds they donate to the community,” says Thomas. “We’ve donated to the USO of North Carolina, the Purple Heart Foundation, The Joel Fund, scholarships for military kids. It’s a pretty impactful program honoring those in uniform who make our dreams and freedoms possible.”

When it comes to the freedom to play golf, the 11-handicapper admits he gets out only about once a month nowadays. But he’s OK with that, as long as he gets to keep helping his “family” of hundreds play on the course and courts themselves. “I’m fortunate,” he says in closing. “One of the things I enjoy the most is seeing smiles on members’ faces. Each and every day, we have the opportunity to create a memory. That’s the highlight for me.”

2023 GATHERINGS

Each year, Thomas and his team add new items to the calendar beyond golf, tennis and pickleball events and club championships. This year’s events include:

• Comedy Night

• Family Disney Brunch

• Wine Society Dinners

• Family Music Bingo

• Taco Tuesday

• Father-Daughter Dance

• Mother-Son Dance

• Dueling Pianos

• Easter Extravaganza

• Wine & Design

• Bourbon Bushes & Barbeque

• Fall Festival

• Family Camp Out

SIDENOTES:

After 19 years, the REX Hospital Open was rebranded as the UNC Health Championship and moved to sister McConnell Golf property, Raleigh Country Club.

“We’re excited the tournament will continue, while having an even bigger impact on the community,” shares General Manager Michael Thomas.

Thomas admits he’s the only golfer in his family. He’s been married for 28 years and has two, adult children.

(Top photo) Michael Thomas with member Jim Weathers at We Care Golf Tournament. (Below) Elizabeth, Michael, Britt and Cooper Thomas.

A Rare Feat

It’s a whole new game when a golf ace sinks a hole-in-one

by John Jeter

An ace in a deck of cards. An ace on dice and dominoes. An ace in tennis. An ace on a school exam. An ace baseball pitcher. An ace combat pilot. And, of course, a hole-inone is an ace.

“I was planning on being an Air Force pilot after college, so my goal now is five aces,” says John McConnell, noting that those daring young men in their flying machines during World War I had to down that many enemy planes before being considered an ace.

The president and CEO of the eponymous company says he was 62 years old before sinking his first of three holes-in-one. That was on July 15, 2012, on hole No. 3 at Raleigh Country Club, where several members have made that golden tee shot.

One of them is Jack Lehmann. The former high school science teacher from New Jersey scored two of his three lifetime holes-in-one … in the same round. And he was playing not on his home course of 14 years — Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina — but at another McConnell Golf property.

Lucky 13 he called that Wednesday, July 13, last year, when he and his wife, Mary Lynn, were playing Country Club of Asheville during a three-day trip celebrating their 26th anniversary. Mary Lynn was born on the 13th, the couple married on the 13th, and Jack sank his first ace that day on the 13th hole.

“The odds are something like 67 millionto-1,” he says, matching PGA numbers. “I said, ‘I couldn’t believe it. I absolutely cannot believe this, two in one round.’”

Asked how he did it, he chuckles, “A lot of luck.”

Layne Foor, a 12-year member of Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina, echoes that.

“I’ve always said, all my life, ‘I’d rather be lucky than good,’” says the senior account representative for a global medical instrumentation company.

“Obviously, I think, the better golfer you are, the better your chances are because you’re going to be around the hole a lot more often. But a lot of it does come down to luck.”

Luck swung twice in 2022, first in April with a 5-iron drive on the 187-yard No. 3. Then, in November, he sank a hole-in-one on 17 — but then, that’s where his luck, as it were, ran out.

That afternoon, Foor zipped around the back nine by himself. When he reached that 117-yard par 3, he took out his 45-degree wedge and hit “a beautiful shot, it was all over the flag.”

He had just played through a foursome on the 16th hole, and when he saw them

“The odds are something like 67 million-to-1.

I said, ‘I couldn’t believe it. I absolutely cannot believe this, two in one round.’”

Jack Lehmann

Jack Lehmann, PNCC

at the next green, he asked if they would play as witnesses in case …

“Lo and behold, it’s in the hole. I have to write down their names. I take the card with their names on it as witnesses, and I go into the clubhouse,” he recalls. But he says the pros told him, “‘Layne, this doesn’t count, it’s got to be an 18-hole round.’ I’m like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding. You have got to be kidding me.”

Enough daylight remained to complete the front nine before he had to get to his son’s soccer game.

“My dad was a scratch golfer his whole life and he never had one hole-in-one and here I am,” says Foor. “It’s a little crazy.”

Kevin Kaylor’s youngest son, Jackson, was part of a threesome with him last Father’s Day. After Kevin’s 5-iron shot on the 187-yard No. 3, Kevin says, the 16-year-old “looked into the hole, and he just yelled, ‘Dad, it’s in the hole!’

So that was pretty cool. We all just kind of let out a big holler,” Kevin says.

A member for 11 years of The Reserve Golf Club at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Kevin, a Wells Fargo financial advisor, took his second ace to the bank last year on No. 7 with a 6-iron — another feel-good moment after playing 35 years.

“You haven’t had one for your whole life, and then you get one and get another one six or seven weeks later. So it was pretty exciting,” he says; he also mentioned his oldest son, Chris, was 15 when he shot two holes-in-one within two weeks.

Like the others here, those two Kaylors beat the PGA’s 12,000-to-1 odds of acing a hole.

“It’s a jubilant feeling,” Foor says, adding, “It’s cool. You know that you’re part of this elite group, that things like that don’t happen very often.”

Kevin Kaylor, RS

Layne Foor, RCC

Gail Currin, PNCC

John McConnell

Hole-In-One Club

Gary Thompson: No. 16 at Porters Neck (2/2)

Dennis Buckley: No. 17 at The Reserve (2/3)

Frank Branca: No. 12 at The Reserve (2/11)

Barbara Kee: No. 12 at The Reserve (2/17)

Steve Campbell: No. 4 at Porters Neck (2/17)

Thomas Seawell: No. 18 at Brook Valley (2/18)

Paul Koralishn: No. 11 at Wakefield (2/19)

Olivia Erazmus: No. 11 at Wakefield (2/22)

Orrell Saulsbury: No. 3 at The Reserve (3/10)

Carlo Mainardi: No. 13 at Asheville (3/11)

Arlin Perry: No. 6 at Providence (3/25)

Cathy Gajewski: No. 7 at Old North State (3/30)

Gail Currin: No. 4 at Porters Neck (4/12)

Rod Patefield: No. 12 at Sedgefield (4/12)

Ken Reece: No. 7 at Wakefield (4/14)

Joe Gross: No. 3 at Asheville (4/15)

Brooks Barwick: No. 12 at The Cardinal (4/16)

Drake Leonard: No. 12 at Sedgefield (4/16)

Layne Foor: No. 3 at Raleigh (4/16)

Connor Boughton: No. 7 at The Water’s Edge (4/19)

Tony Terry: No. 15 at The Water’s Edge (4/21)

Joe Scott: No. 6 at Asheville (4/22)

Austin Parrish: No. 16 at Sedgefield (4/23)

Chris Cox: No. 12 at Sedgefield (4/23)

Wendy Bugbee: No. 15 at Porters Neck (4/24)

Bob Adams: No. 17 at Asheville (4/27)

Scott Friday: No. 7 at Musgrove Mill (4/29)

Harry Floyd: No. 6 at Providence (5/3)

John McConnell: No. 14 at Wakefield (5/13)

Scott Keesee, WP: No. 17 at Treyburn (5/17)

Anne Hawkins: No. 16 at The Cardinal (5/20)

Phil Roach: No. 17 at Asheville (5/25)

Bill Randall: No. 11 at Porters Neck (5/26)

Sean Potter: No. 6 at Providence (5/27)

Carter Kiser: No. 11 at The Water’s Edge (5/28)

John Jackson: No. 4 at Holston Hills (6/8)

Ed French: No. 4 at Providence (6/9)

Greg Raphel Jr.: No. 4 at Providence (6/11)

Ralph Polson: No. 7 at Musgrove Mill (6/14)

Kevin Kaylor: No. 7 at The Reserve (6/19)

Patricia Huff, ONSC: No. 12 at The Reserve (6/21)

Stephen McElwee: No. 7 at Wakefield (6/22)

Linda Leary: No. 7 at Wakefield (6/23)

Rick Matthews: No. 3 at Old North State (6/23)

Lenwood Ryan: No. 6 at Raleigh (6/28)

Floyd Merryman: No. 15 at The Water’s Edge (6/29)

Jesse Watkins: No. 13 at Treyburn (7/1)

JoLee Carpenito: No. 14 at Wakefield (7/1)

Dan Pollman, RCC: No. 7 at Musgrove Mill (7/4)

Darin Bailey: No. 16 at Providence (7/4)

Bill Hogan: No. 4 at Providence (7/10)

Phil Carrasco: No. 7 at Wakefield (7/10)

Mark Saharski: No. 7 at Wakefield (7/12)

Jack Lehmann, PN: No. 13 at Asheville (7/13)

Jack Lehmann, PN: No. 17 at Asheville (7/13)

Steve Hooks: No. 2 at The Cardinal (7/15)

Bill Greco: No. 11 at Providence (7/17)

Jeanne Saulsbury: No. 12 at The Reserve (7/20)

Sam Sparks, WP

Larry Fleece, ONSC

Bobby McLemore, RS

Ken Benson, RCC

Julie Burton, PNCC

Daniel Pollman RCC

Drake Leonard, SCC

Lisa Sepesi, ONSC

Scott Friday, MM

Phil Roach, CCA

Wendy Bugbee, PNCC Lenwood Ryan, RCC

Lisa Sepesi: No. 14 at Old North State (7/20)

Don Lee: No. 14 at Wakefield (7/21)

Jacob Morris: No. 4 at Porters Neck (7/21)

Mitch Kay: No. 11 at Providence (7/23)

Steve Wilson: No. 5 at Brook Valley (7/25)

Sam Jacubowitz: No. 2 at The Cardinal (7/28)

Liz Johnston: No. 12 at Brook Valley (8/6)

Gregg Acri: No. 3 at Wakefield (8/8)

Rock Saraceni: No. 4 at Holston Hills (8/10)

Cory Combs: No. 4 at Porters Neck (8/10)

Rudy Ally: No. 16 at Providence (8/11)

Drew Turner: No. 6 at Raleigh (8/12)

Kevin Kaylor: No. 12 at The Reserve (8/13)

DeDe Foody: No. 2 at Providence (8/24)

Jane Fesperman: No. 3 at Old North State (8/26)

John Fox: No. 7 at Wakefield (8/27)

Karen Davis: No. 15 at The Water’s Edge (8/28)

Brandon Belisle: No. 6 at Porters Neck (9/1)

Dan Gaudiano: No. 4 at Providence (9/2)

Ken Lloyd: No. 13 at Treyburn (9/10)

Woody Benner: No. 12 at The Reserve (9/17)

Julie Burton: No. 16 at Porters Neck (9/29)

Lane Riley: No. 13 at Treyburn (10/8)

Stan Durham: No. 17 at Musgrove Mill (10/8)

Spencer Pringle: No. 2 at Providence (10/15)

Erik Chapman: No. 13 at Treyburn (10/22)

Ryan Sharpe: No. 16 at Sedgefield (10/23)

Scott Tilley: No. 16 at Sedgefield (10/23)

Trude Myhrvold: No. 3 at Wakefield (10/23)

Walter Flynn: No. 6 at Porters Neck (10/28)

Michael Finnerty: No. 7 at Wakefield (10/31)

Layne Foor: No. 17 at Raleigh (11/3)

Jim Atchley: No. 8 at Holston Hills (11/4)

Leo Moretz: No. 13 at Treyburn (11/29)

Sam Sparks: No. 12 at Wakefield (11/29)

Hayden Hunneke: No. 8 at Holston Hills (11/29)

Hank Bauer: No. 16 at Providence (12/3)

Michael Porter: No. 2 at Treyburn (12/3)

John Hepner: No. 16 at Porters Neck (12/6)

Larry Fleece: No. 3 at Old North State (12/10)

Rob Beasley: No. 16 at Sedgefield (12/11)

Bobby McLemore: No. 7 at The Reserve (12/17)

Ken Benson: No. 3 at Raleigh (12/17)

Roger Newsome: No. 17 at The Reserve (12/31)

(PGA of America)

AVERAGE YEARS OF PLAYING GOLF BEFORE MAKING AN ACE

June 1 - 4, 2023

RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB

Golf • Hospitality • Community

the comforts of Raleigh Country Club. This year, watch the future stars of the PGA Tour compete on our very own course.

unchealthchampionship.com

MAKING MEMORIES

THROUGOUT MCCONNELL GOLF

Share your moments and memories from the club! Use #MCG20 in your social posts and email Faith Inman at finman@mcconnellgolf.com to submit photos for McConnell Golf, The Magazine.

Patricia Gray, CCA

Dan Epperson, Nathan Ballentine, Robbie Carroll & Gene Robertson, MM

Scott & Livia Keesee (HIO at TCC), WP

Callie the Cat & Hampton Owings, MM

Cadence & Brian Cohen, CCA Robin & Bill Hurd, PCC

Derek Olson, CG

Clem Venable, SCC

Simon Myers, TCC

Lucy, Amanda & Jennings Hagwood, PNCC

Crew Hardy Donovan, PNCC Bishay, Kristy & Evangeline Faris, PCC

Mary & Hal Garland, PCC

Andrew Swanson, Rick Swanson, Graham Chase & Barry Chase, PCC

Madison Younginer & Ray Black, MM

Steven Bienstock, PDRC

Larry Fleece, ONSC

Lyn Simons; Paige & Matt Robertson; Karen & John White, PCC

MAKING MEMORIES

THROUGOUT MCCONNELL GOLF

Share your moments and memories from the club! Use #MCG20 in your social posts and email Faith Inman at finman@mcconnellgolf.com to submit photos for McConnell Golf, The Magazine.

Matthew Smith & Eoin Cass, MM

Randy Screen, Becky Screen, Jim Weathers, Betsy Weathers, Shannon Saharski, Ruth Reece & Ken Reece, WP

David Wilke, RCC

Remy Miller, HH

Michael A. Harris IV & Michael (Mike) A. Harris III, PNCC

Christal Talcott, Victoria Rosenberg, Evelyn Vaden & Marilyn Hanover (Visiting The Cardinal), WE Kim O’Brien, BV

Lynn Fornes, Mary Garland, Carla Griffin, Carolyn Styons & Melanie Kee, BVCC Eileen & Daniel Parker, PCC

Frank & June Washburn, PDRC

Ali Lynch & Activities Director Jenn Hancock, PNCC

Luanne Paolini, WE

Nykky & Bill Harper, HH

Frank Washburn, PDRC

Jim Frasca, RCC

Members visiting Litchfield Beach, RES

PNCC member Rich Miller, playing at RCC Theo Grimes, PCC

Andrew Liebelt, TCC

Lincoln Eller, Yanira Posada, Santa & Troy Eller, WP Dylan Askew, WP

Champs Repeat

by Brad King

Longtime Treyburn Country Club member

Kathy Porter is a former field hockey and lacrosse coach. So, she is naturally energized by competition, particularly team competition.

That’s one of the reasons she is such a fan of McConnell Golf’s annual Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup competitions between clubs.

“The (two cups) provide an opportunity to compete with your friends and bring the team dynamic to a game that is typically an

individual sport,” she said. “It’s also a chance to expose our wonderful golf course to other McConnell Golf members.”

During three beautiful days last July, Porter and her Treyburn CC team hosted the Solheim Cup in Durham for the first time. Eleven clubs from across the company sent one golf professional and seven female members to compete in the 36-hole rung event. Treyburn, the 2018 champions, managed to hold off Raleigh Country Club

with a score of 67.5 points to 64 points.

“Dalton Rich paired our team well both days,” Porter said. “He had us pumped to play the entire weekend, displaying positive energy to us all. Susan Owens, our club champion, always plays a steady game and came through as usual. Sally Burke had her best round ever on Saturday (while playing with Porter). Ann Amlin and Harriet Portnoy complemented each other as partners with Ann leading the charge to close out their match. Debbie

Pitman, who was playing in her first Solheim Cup, was paired with Kathy Pittman on Sunday and piled on the points.”

“Treyburn is a challenging but fair course,” said Owens. “If you hit the ball well and stay out of trouble you can score low. However, the penalty for a miss hit can be severe and take a mental toll when you have lots of golf left to play.”

“One of our ladies, Harriet Portnoy, modifies her annual family vacation so that she can play. Debbie Pitman was our rookie this year, stepping up at the last minute when one of the ladies had to drop. She really embodied the spirit of the competition, she played hard and won points while still having lots of laughs. Sally Burke, Kathy Porter, Ann Amlin, Kathy Pittman, and Susan Owens are veterans and know each point in the rung-and-

ladder format is important and does make a difference. Dalton Rich did a great job of pairing the ladies to maximize our individual strengths and creating teams that could carry one another when needed. We grinded when we needed to and cheered when that long putt fell.”

All the competitors complimented Treyburn Superintendent Mark Snell and his staff, who had the course in superb condition. “Being our home course, local knowledge did help a lot with some of the more difficult pin placements you only see during a competition like the Solheim Cup,” Owens said. “We knew we were doing well, but held our breath until the winners were announced.”

“Our head chef, Sean O’Neill, planned three days of extraordinary meals to feed the competitors,” said Porter. “The all-important desserts were outstanding!”

“I would also say it’s a great weekend of golf for our team as well as all the other teams who participated. Great attention was paid to all of us with competitions on the course, all the very special food and drink and all the little extra pampering we received. We’re sorry when the weekend is over and look forward to next year!”

Kathy Pittman

“The food was outstanding,” echoed Owens. “It’s always fun to see how creative and tasty the food is for these events. I love it that the chefs really showcase their talents and make the meal and presentation very memorable. The special drinks are a big hit too. The band and music were a perfect ending to a great day of golf and dining. Our ladies have some moves!”

2022 RYDER CUP MARKED BY COMPETITION, CAMARADERIE

For the 2022 men’s competition in mid-November, another host club, The Reserve Golf Club, captured its second consecutive McConnell Golf Ryder Cup. “Everyone played well,” said Reserve member Dennis Wahl, who has played in four Ryder Cups including the past two consecutive wins for The Reserve. “Pretty much the entire team finished in the top half every day with a number of guys first or second, which is why we won.”

Wahl turned 72 years old last August, yet averages playing more than 300 rounds per year including 332 rounds (mostly walking) in 2021. He runs the men’s group at The Reserve on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and his own group on Wednesdays and Fridays. He’s also the Senior Interclub Captain, as well as the Handicap Chairman.

Wahl played two days during the 2022 Ryder Cup event with Bob McLemore and Tom Tyndall, whose son, Ryan, was also on the team. “We have a lot of very competitive guys at the club which is one of the things that appeals to me,” Wahl said. “I certainly am a big part of that competition culture.”

“What rang out was that the team was solid from the participating pro on down to the highest handicapper,” said McLemore. “Everyone on the team played hard and punched their weight, scoring points that added to the overall total. It was a true team event.”

Team Wakefield, from left: Todd Chadwick, Jimmy Paulakuhn, Patrick Smith, Tom Law, Patrick Holloman, Antonio O’Ferral, Adam McLaughlin and Scott Campbell

“We have a lot of very competitive guys at the club which is one of the things that appeals to me. I certainly am a big part of that competition culture.”

Dennis Wahl

Before moving south, McLemore spent many years racing sailboats. He compared The Reserve’s effort to a successful nautical side. “I learned early that you can win a regatta without ever winning an individual race,” he said. “You just keep banging away at your competitors, and that is what we did.”

McLemore was a member of The Reserve’s 2018 winning team (a 10-man team then versus an eight-man team now) and he was also on the squad in 2010 — the very first Ryder Cup that The Reserve played. “It was held at Musgrove Mill,” he recalled. “Back then, The Reserve was new to McConnell Golf and we couldn’t field a competitive team of scratch players, so we were given a pass and all played in the net division. No matter, we got creamed anyway, but carried on.

THE ORIGINS OF THE SOLHEIM AND RYDER CUPS

With history and pride as a foundation, the inaugural McConnell Golf Ryder Cup event was played in 2008 at Musgrove Mill Golf Club between the four McConnell Golf clubs at that time — Musgrove Mill, Raleigh Country Club, The Cardinal by Pete Dye, and Treyburn.

Following two days of heated competition, Raleigh and Musgrove tied at 81.5 points apiece. It took a sudden-death playoff before Raleigh CC emerged as the inaugural Ryder Cup champion. In 14

From left: Brian Kittler, Kevin Reardon, Jeff Tallman, Chris Dibble

Team Holston, from left: Kevin Teeters, Jake Ryan, Phillip Woods, Eric Roten, Preston Hawkins, Chris Dibble, Jon Marshall, Russ Sharpe

years of competition, The Cardinal has won five Ryder Cups, while Raleigh CC and The Reserve have each won three times.

Once the McConnell Golf portfolio and its female membership began to grow, the Solheim Cup was added in 2012 at The Reserve. It has been played at several McConnell Golf properties through the years.

The Reserve has captured a trio of Solheim Cup victories followed by Raleigh CC and Treyburn with two each.

Despite their competitive nature, the two cups are viewed across the board as a fun way to meet new friends, get reacquainted with old, and enjoy some fun competition on McConnell Golf’s outstanding courses.

“It’s really all about meeting people and about having fun and just building McConnell Golf and building everyone’s enjoyment of all the other courses,” said Raleigh CC member Elly Matteis, who has played in all 10 Solheim Cup competitions (the 2020 Solheim Cup was canceled due to COVID).

“The big party is Friday night, but … it’s really a party all weekend.”

“The Solheim Cup is always a much-anticipated event for the women at Treyburn. I have been lucky to be able to play this event for several years now. I have always been encouraged to play even though my handicap is quite high. It is definitely a team event with everyone having a chance to contribute. The competition was challenging but Treyburn pulled off the win in 2022 which was awesome! The chance to meet and get to know the women and golf professionals from all the other McConnell Clubs is always a lot of fun. The events are always well planned and organized. Thanks to all the staff for a great time!”

Sally Burke

Susan Owens; Front row,

left: Dalton Rich, Kathy Pittman, Sally Burke, Harriet Portnoy.

BOTTOM PHOTO – Team Reserve, front row, from left: Ben Dunn, Ryan Tyndall, Donald Clement, Dennis Wahl; Back Row, from left: Maxwell Opper, Rich Weston, Bob McLemore, Derek Ausherman, Tom Tyndall, Justin Morris

TOP PHOTO – Team Treyburn, back row, from left: Ann Amlin, Debbie Pitman, Kathy Porter,

from

River-Bound in Radford

BY J. MORGAN MCCALLUM

A deeper look into the rewarding challenges of the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

GOLF

On twisting links-style greens in Radford, Virginia, everything leads to the river: your gaze, the next challenge, and the sloping fairways.

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech sits on a uniquely scenic site, tucked onto a horseshoe-shaped peninsula that for 2.5 miles is fronted by the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world — and one of only a handful that flow north. Perched on a ledge overlooking the front nine from one direction and the back nine from another, a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse offers sweeping views and delicious post-round bites in a relaxed upscale atmosphere.

“You’re never more than about 400 yards away from the river at any given point on the entire golf course,” says TJ Baggett, PGA, General Manager. “We’re considered core golfing in that there are no homes within the middle of the course — just the game and

nature. It’s a unique experience for everyone.”

“When was the last time during a round of golf you saw bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, kingfishers, green herons, or Baltimore orioles? That can happen any day at the river,” insists member Bobby Swain. “Or even a flyover by the Navy or Air Force, all while enjoying the peaceful, tranquil surroundings,” adds Swain.

It was this naturally immersive — and challenging — layout that captivated Pete Dye. “The River Course originally opened in 1999, and the Virginia Tech Foundation purchased it in 2002,” says Baggett. “A Virginia Tech alumnus named Bill Goodwin brought in Pete Dye to redesign the course in 2006.”

When Pete Dye stepped onto the fairways, “he was just taken with the river,” says Pete Beller, a member and Rad ford local. “Of course, he put his

Pete Dye

PHOTO BY HUNTER MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Jay Hardwick, Pete Beller, Mike Emery and John Norton

“You’re never more than about 400 yards away from the river at any given point on the entire golf course.”

TJ Baggett

“I believe we have about eight holes that bring the river in play, which speaks to the difficulty—and keeps you focused.”

TJ Baggett

signature into it with the bunkers and the layout of the course. It’s unique for golfers because this isn’t a basic course with no undulations or bunkers. It has professional design features built into it, and we’ve had to learn those features by playing them, which is fun for me,” laughs Beller.

Those same challenging features are why The River Course’s fiercely loyal members can’t seem to stay away — even in the winter months, when the practice facilities, indoor simulator and driving range are bustling. “The course has a very unique character: it has a links ‘flavor’ to it that you see in European golf courses, but isn’t a links course as you would know one to be,” says Beller. “You need to really place your shots and control your misses. That’s one of the hallmarks of the course, in that it makes you think when you play — the way a real championship golf course should.”

Bentgrass turf keeps the course firm and fast in the summertime, where “golfers can get a tighter lie, with lots of opportunities to run the Flat Stick around the greens,” adds Swain.

“And the Pete Dye design features four par 3s that all go in different directions. There is basically a 90-degree bend in the river between holes 9 and 10.”

The result? Golfers truly have to plot the course ahead of time. “Golf is the hardest game ever, in my opinion, and Pete Dye courses are more difficult than most,” says Quinton Nottingham, member. “When you’re approaching any hole on The River Course, you have to carry the ball all the way onto the grid — otherwise, you’d better have a really good short game, because they’re not going to roll up on the greens. Plus, there are very few trees on the course, so you need to keep the ball in play. It really does make you think through every hole, rather than just gripping and ripping. You need to play the hole in your head before you can really attack it. It certainly forces you to become a better golfer.”

“When was the last time during a round of golf you saw bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, kingfishers, green herons, or Baltimore orioles? That can happen any day at The River. Or even a fly-over by the Navy or Air Force, all while enjoying the peaceful, tranquil surroundings.”

Bobby Swain

“I believe we have about eight holes that bring the river in play, which speaks to the difficulty — and keeps you focused,” says Baggett. “I’d argue that the most challenging hole on the course is the fourth hole. It’s about a 415-yard par 4, but it’s a 90 degree dogleg left around one of the lakes that sits on the golf course. So, most players are going to have to carry the lake a little bit on their second shots,” adds Baggett.

MakingMemories

Matt McConnell reminisces on an unforgettable 20 years at McConnell Golf

BY MATT MCCONNELL

I will never forget where I was when it became public that my father, John McConnell, agreed to pay off creditors and fund operations in return for ownership of Raleigh Country Club. It was August 2003 and I was working at Bennie Dean’s driving range, Falls Golf Complex, in North Raleigh. Golfers would come inside to cool off after hitting balls and casually discuss the possible sale of Raleigh CC. As I stood behind the cash register, they’d ask, “Wait, are you related to that McConnell guy?” With a red face I would answer, ‘Yes, that’s my dad.’ This would be the first of many times I’d find out through the newspaper that Dad was looking to acquire a golf course. Looking back, I would never have imagined his company would start with Raleigh CC and grow to what it is today.

In December 2003, Dad officially acquired Raleigh CC and McConnell Golf was born. That next summer I had my first job for the family business at the club’s pool grill. My dad would come around the turn to find me sitting inside the air-conditioned grill on a hot, slow day. And when I say “slow” it was slow compared to today’s member count. It didn’t take long for him to pull me out of there and say, “I’m not

paying you to do this job anymore.” Soon after, I started working for the Director of Outside Operations, Maryland Scott, and for many summers to come, I loved it. I got to meet the members who made the club great.

Sam Ruby, who joined Raleigh CC in the early ’50s, was certainly one of those great members. I remember Mr. Ruby coming into the golf shop one day and asking Brian Kittler, “Where are those new clubs I ordered?” Brian replied, “I’m sorry Mr. Ruby, they haven’t come in yet. “Damn it I could be dead by now,” Mr. Ruby jokingly responded.

Jokes aside, many would remember Mr. Ruby as a great man who didn’t need any attention. He loved to go out by himself and play a few holes, usually on the back side. There is no telling how many times he played No. 12 in his lifetime! If your group came up on him, he would emphatically wave you through and as you passed, he’d say “Go ahead, I’m just messing around.” And Mr. Ruby would head back to 12 tee and start the process again.

“This would be the first of many times I’d find out through the newspaper that Dad was looking to acquire a golf course. Looking back, I would never imagine his company would start with Raleigh CC and grow to what it is today.”

— Matt McConnell

FEATURE

Mr. Ruby was there when Raleigh CC opened its new practice facility in 2004. Dad wanted him to hit the first golf balls on the range at the opening ceremony. It was a really special scene to watch Mr. Ruby look down the range, aim his driver and then smack the ball. Even though he was in the spotlight for this, which he generally preferred not to be, you could tell Mr. Ruby really appreciated the moment. He was a true Raleigh CC legend!

In 2006, Dad expanded McConnell Golf by adding The Cardinal Golf & Country Club to the portfolio. The investment was a big one as he hired the original course architect, Pete Dye, to fully restore the golf course he created in 1974. After the renovation was complete, Pete and his wife Alice came to the grand opening to play

golf with my dad and brother, John McConnell Jr. My brother would be paired up to play with Alice while dad rode with Pete. I recall how proud my brother was when he smoked his drive on the first tee box in front of spectators and birdied No. 1. In his excitement, my brother hit the gas quickly on the golf cart and Alice said to him, “You need to slow down, you’re going to give me whiplash!” Alice would have the last laugh as she beat my brother on every hole from there on.

In February 2011, the portfolio grew to add Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, the host of the PGA Tour’s Wyndham

Sam Ruby teaching a young Alex McConnell about the game of golf.

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Dad got to play with him [Tiger Woods], NBA All-Star Chris Paul, and Wyndham Worldwide CEO Franz Hanning in the Pro-Am Tournament. The number of fans who came to follow Tiger that Wednesday, and for the rest of the week, was remarkable.

Championship. That first year Dad played with local fan favorite Webb Simpson, who at that point, hadn’t won a PGA e vent. I recall Simpson struggling on the course that day and Dad whispered to my brother Will and I, “This guy is not even going to make the cut.” Well, he proved Dad wrong and won his first PGA event that Sunday.

There are too many memories from the Wyndham Championship to mention, but without a doubt my favorite would come in 2015 when Tiger Woods attended. Dad got to play with him, NBA All-Star Chris Paul, and Wyndham Worldwide CEO Franz Hanning in the Pro-Am Tournament. The number of fans who came to follow Tiger that Wednesday, and for the rest of the week, was remarkable. Tiger had been injured for quite some time and decided to play at the last minute, which brought better TV ratings to the Wyndham than the British Open that year. I was fortunate to be at Sedgefield during the ProAms but this day was different.

John McConnell, Rob Brady, Webb Simpson and Matt McConnell

“It’s crazy to think that is where we are today. Only in America you can go from growing up on a farm in southwest Virginia milking ole’ Bessie to this. Opportunity presents itself every day in a country we are so lucky to live in.”

— John McConnell

Everyone was there to see Tiger. I remember standing there on No. 1 with my sister Kasey Outen and McConnell Golf CFO Stephanie Howard. When Tiger approached the tee the announcer yelled, “From Jupiter, Florida, please welcome Tiger Woods!” and the crowd roared. I still get chills thinking about it. Tiger proceeded to hit a great shot with cheering to follow. As the crowd calmed down, the announcer would take control and say, “Now please welcome President and CEO of…” With much anticipation, my Dad went ahead to tee up his golf ball in front of everyone and heard, “… Wyndham Worldwide!” Dad immediately picked up his golf ball and tee to get out of Franz’ way. Stephanie, my sister and I died laughing as if we were the only ones who noticed this.

Finally, the announcer said, “Please welcome President and CEO of McConnell

Golf, your host John McConnell!” Dad then teed up his golf ball nonchalantly and striped it down the middle with a perfect draw. Chris Paul immediately yelled, “I’m taking that one. I’m dropping next to him.”

The crowd may not have been as loud as they were for Wood’s tee shot but it was a drive I will never forget from start to finish.

Most recently, McConnell Golf added Pete

Dye River Course of Virginia Tech in Radford, Virginia, to the portfolio. It is the closest property to where Dad grew up on a farm in the southwest part of the state in Abingdon.

Last September, we went up to The River Course to make the announcement to the employees there on how McConnell Golf would be managing the property. Vice President of Membership

Lauri Stephens would present a video to educate the staff on what it’s like to work at the company. As the video went through the history of McConnell Golf, I looked at Dad and could see a lot of emotion on his face, something he has always protected. After it ended and he gathered himself, I just remember him going “Wow.” He paused, then added, “It’s crazy to think that is where we are today. Only in America you can go from growing up on a farm in southwest Virginia

Hole No. 10 at RCC pre-renovation in 2016.

Maryland Scott and Brad Johnson

John McConnell with COO Christian Anastasiadis at McConnell Golf’s 10th anniversary celebration.

milking ole’ Bessie to this. Opportunity presents itself every day in a country we are so lucky to live in.” Dad would continue to inspire the employees with his words, but that was a fascinating moment.

It is crazy to think what started with one club 20 years ago has grown into this with continued growth on the horizon. Cheers to 20 more years of great memories with members, staff and John McConnell as the President and CEO of McConnell Golf!

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Hole No. 10 at RCC today.

McConnell Golf Milestones

Established in 1948, Raleigh Country Club boasts the last golf course designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. In December 2003, John McConnell acquired the club to save it from bankruptcy and McConnell Golf was born. Today the company owns 14 private clubs with championship golf courses, including four Donald Ross and three Tom Fazio courses, in addition to courses designed by Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Hale Irwin, Ellis Maples, Dan Maples and R.F. Loving, Jr.

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation

Established: 2000

Acquired: 2011

Raleigh Country Club

Established: 1948

Acquired: 2003

The Cardinal by Pete Dye

Established: 1975

Acquired: 2006

The Reserve Golf Club

Established: 1997

Acquired: 2010

Treyburn Country Club

Established: 1988

Acquired: 2006

Musgrove Mill Golf Club

Established: 1988 Acquired: 2007

Old North State Club

Established: 1991

Acquired: 2009

Sedgefield Country Club

Established: 1926

Acquired: 2011

“In everything we do, we believe in thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are innovators in the club industry. We believe in ‘Building Clubs of the Future’ with our members and staff being a club’s true product. We believe in being environmentally responsible and a pillar in our communities. We believe in being more inclusive than exclusive. We believe in pure golf for the true golfer and that every day is an opportunity to make a difference.”

— McConnell Golf Creed

Country Club of Asheville

Established: 1894

Acquired: 2015

Providence Country Club

Established: 1989

Acquired: 2016

The Water’s Edge Country Club

Established: 1988

Acquired: 2020

Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

Established: 1999

Leased: 2022

Holston Hills Country Club

Established: 1927

Acquired: 2016

Brook Valley Country Club

Established: 1966

Acquired: 2014

Porters Neck Country Club

Established: 1991

Acquired: 2020

On Tour with Cristie Kerr

McConnell Golf and Kerr Cellars partner again to bring Beyond Rare Vintages wine dinners to clubs

by Faith Inman

From tastings to multi-course dinners, McConnell Golf members enjoy more than 60 wine-related events across the clubs each year. Whether the wines served were from South Africa, Australia, Napa Valley, or even North Carolina, these McConnell Golf events served up variety by tapping into distinct elements of history and culture. At each event, McConnell’s culinary staff set the tone for creativity and excellence with the food and wine. And at some events, members were treated to educational insight by wine experts. This included the return of Cristie Kerr and her team from Kerr Cellars as part of McConnell Golf’s Beyond Rare Vintages wine tour.

You do not have to be a connoisseur of wine to appreciate the story behind each glass. Wine dinners provide an experience that is sure to teach culinary art from the range of flavors and colors in the wine to how the wines match their course food pairings. For the second consecutive year, three McConnell Golf clubs and chefs from multiple properties joined together to host a one-of-a-kind dining experience with LPGA legend, World Golf Hall of Fame nominee and sommelier Cristie Kerr. Kerr is the founder of Kerr Cellars, a small micro-producing high-end winery, centered around single-vineyard-designated wines and appellation wines.

As McConnell Golf COO Christian Anastasiadis said during his introduction at the first Beyond Rare Vintages dinner of 2023, “There’s no better way to kick off the culinary season than with a five-course dinner prepared by our wonderful chefs.” His enthusiasm was contagious as McConnell Golf’s partnership with Kerr Cellars started with Anastasiadis. “This is the second year we’re doing this and it’s almost like a roadshow, and what can be better than passionate McConnell Golf chefs and LPGA royalty?”

“This is the second year we’re doing this and it’s almost like a roadshow, and what can be better than passionate McConnell Golf chefs and LPGA royalty?”

Christian Anastasiadis

Under the direction of McConnell Golf Corporate Chef James Patterson, executive chefs from Treyburn Country Club, Brook Valley Country Club, Sedgefield Country Club, The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, and Old North State Club teamed up to coordinate a five-course dinner, paired with wines from Kerr Cellars, starting with passed hors d’oeuvres and Kerr’s 2020 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Patterson’s experience hosting wine dinners and tastings has allowed him to develop

relationships with winemakers while introducing unique cuisine for members to enjoy. Beyond Rare Vintages was no different for Patterson and his team.

Like other tastings and dinners, chefs sampled the allotment of wines Kerr Cellars chose for Beyond Rare Vintages. “Once we had the wine list set, we sat down and talked about each one,” says Patterson. “We talked about how we should pair the wines with each course, what it looked like from a visual

standpoint with the event theme, and then we planned the menu around the wine.”

McConnell Golf benefited greatly from hosting the wine tour with Kerr Cellars in 2022 as it built trust between the staff and Kerr’s team. The leadership team allowed the host club chefs from Wakefield, Sedgefield and Old North State to choose their food pairings first. Next, they worked with the visiting club chefs to determine what flavors were missing

from the menu that would complement each wine and cleanse the palate between courses.

The traveling band of chefs had to bring their own ingredients and servings to each club location. Other culinary staff from outside properties had to be strategic and plan the best options for transporting wine, tableware, and glassware to each property, ensuring every place setting was ready for each dinner. “Once the dinner actually begins and the wine has been poured, we start to execute the plating and then it’s all hands on deck where everybody jumps in to help as needed,” says Patterson. As Kerr explained the background story behind each wine, the food and beverage team choreographed its own dance to ensure every varietal was paired not only with its course but the right glassware.

Kelli Kuehne, Vice President of Events & Business Development at Kerr Cellars, joined Kerr for her second McConnell Golf tour. Like Kerr, Kuehne has an impressive golf résumé of her own as she enjoyed a run of amateur and professional golf titles, joining the LPGA tour in 1998 and playing for 13 years, including a Corning Classic victory in 1999. Her expertise has now shifted to wine and special events, and having her on hand once again for Beyond Rare Vintages elevated the dinners.

“Once the dinner actually begins and the wine has been poured, we start to execute

plating and then it’s all hands on deck where everybody jumps in to help as needed.”

James Patterson

Wakefield members Randy and Becky Screen met Kuehne at their club’s wine dinner. Beyond the fact that Kerr is Randy’s favorite LPGA player, he said his favorite part of Wakefield’s dinner was, “Finally meeting Kelli Kuehne.” The Screens have known Kuehne’s brothers since the ’90s so they knew of her, however, meeting her at the wine dinner made for a memorable experience.

The Screens, who have their own collection of fine wines, shared their favorite dishes from the menu. Becky’s highlight was the first course prepared by Old North State’s Chef Isaac Spencer. Spencer’s seared sea scallop and coriander shrimp offered a colorful combination of flavor that matched well with Kerr’s 2020 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Randy’s favorite dish was the seared wagyu sirloin prepared by Wakefield’s Chef Todd Jackson and paired with Kerr’s 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

This year’s tour brought new flare to Kerr’s wine menu as Sedgefield’s Chef Ron Gordils’ second course with olive oil poached swordfish paired well with Kerr’s 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. “This was the first wine dinner we hosted with a swordfish pairing and it

was a huge hit,” says Kuehne. “The flavor profile worked incredibly well with our chardonnay. Several members suggested it was their favorite pairing.”

Kuehne touted the dinners noting, “The chefs did an amazing job with pairing creative and delicious food with each wine. They showcased flavors from around the world that complemented our wines beautifully.” Kerr Cellars hosts around 25 live wine dinners throughout the country each year. “The key to hosting a successful wine dinner is working with great partners,” says Kuehne. “The McConnell Golf staff is (and always has been) incredible to collaborate with.”

There’s no doubt Cristie Kerr and Kerr Cellars have left their mark on McConnell Golf. Beyond Rare Vintages was one of many wine dinners the chefs and culinary staff will not soon forget. This event allowed the culinary staff to network with other clubs and gain knowledge from a sommelier who shares a connection with wine and golf. Outside of perfect pairings, this trio of wine dinners presented members with a rare offering of expertise in wine, food, and golf, making for one unforgettable tour.

Menu

Passed Hors d’Oeuvres – Sean O’Neill | Executive Chef at Treyburn Country Club

Za’atar Cast Iron Chicken, Caramelized Onion, Naan, Mint Gremolata, Greek Yogurt, Pistachio Dust

Shrimp and Red Drum Peruvian Ceviche, Pickled Ginger, Wonton Crumbs

2020 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

1st Course – Isaac Spencer | Executive Chef at Old North State Club

Seared Sea Scallop & Coriander Shrimp

Asian Pear Mole, Cured Zucchini, Smoked Pork Jowl Bisque, Chile Oil, Crispy Rice, African Diaspora Foam

2020 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2nd Course – Ron Gordils | Executive Chef at Sedgefield Country Club

Olive Oil Poached Swordfish, Sushi Rice, Cucumber, Avocado, Miso Broth

2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

3rd Course – Kenric Hunt | Executive Chef at Brook Valley Country Club

Berbere Lamb Rack

Caramelized Pearl Onions, Roasted Grapes, Pinot Noir Gastrique, Crispy Carrots, Rosemary Potato Purée

2019 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

4th Course – Todd Jackson | Executive Chef at Wakefield Plantation

Seared Wagyu Sirloin, Parsnip-Leek Purée, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Pickled Mustard Seed, Black Garlic Jus

2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

5th Course – James R. Patterson III | McConnell Golf Corporate Executive Chef

ABC’s of North Carolina Cheeses

Ashe County Cheese “Mountain Cheddar 5 Year Extra Sharp”

Boxcarr Handmade Cheese “Nimble”

Chapel Hill Creamery “Calvander”

Paired with Buttermilk Crackers, Local Jam, NC Honey, Dried Fruit and Nut Medley

2017 Napa Valley Reserve Red

Birdies and bogies and bears, oh, my!

...Bears?

Bear snacks on a golf ball during round at Country Club of Asheville

by John Jeter

It’s a late morning in August, a day so lovely you can hardly “bear” it, and perfect for a Ladies League Day outing at Country Club of Asheville. Ingrid Dicastri takes her second shot on the par 4 ninth hole.

“Ingrid was flying high after crushing her drive and hitting a beautiful approach shot to the middle of the green,” according to a report from Sara and Bill Mitchell, fellow members of the McConnell Golf course. “She was picturing an easy birdie as she got into her cart. Just as she stepped on the accelerator, her partner cried out for her to stop and pointed towards the fairway.”

That’s when she sees that her golf ball is now … a snack … for a bear.

Though she had shot for the green with a seven or eight iron, her ball veered to the left.

“I said, ‘Oh, no. It rolled up right close to the bear,” Dicastri says of what she supposed was a juvenile male black bear. She adds with a chuckle, “And he picked it up. I happened to hit it right towards the bear — not on purpose, I tell you.”

A native of a small town in northern Bavaria, Germany, Dicastri moved to Asheville from Minnesota with her husband, Wayne, about six years ago.

She immediately joined the country club, where she also shot one of her three aces during her 30 to 40 years playing the game. “But that doesn’t mean I’m a good golfer,” she laughs, “I was just a lucky golfer three times.”

Joan Sussex, who was part of Ingrid’s threesome that day, along with member Lynn Israel, snapped a photo of the bear nosing the ball — a true Kodak moment.

“Ingrid was flying high after crushing her drive and hitting a beautiful approach shot to the middle of the green. She was picturing an easy birdie as she got into her cart. Just as she stepped on the accelerator, her partner cried out for her to stop and pointed towards the fairway.”

Sara and Bill Mitchell

Dicastri’s was a neon yellow ball; the others were white.

As the Mitchells’ report says, “The bear must have thought he’d stumbled upon a turkey egg laid by an especially symmetrical hen, or maybe he just hated golf or waited just for Ingrid’s golf ball.”

In any case, Sussex says, “We just stood there, frozen and kind of enamored with the whole thing.”

Bears, Dicastri and Sussex say, are a common sight in and around the links in that neck of the woods, while a “pretty red fox,” Sussex says, dashes through from time to time, too.

“It’s not the first time we’ve seen a bear right on the course,” Dicastri says. “We just keep playing. I’m not the only one who would do that.”

As for that particular bear, Sussex says he pulled up one of the stakes that designate where golf carts aren’t allowed near the green. He played with it for a few moments.

“And then he sat down and scratched his tummy and his shoulders and his legs,” she says, adding, “Normally, they just kind of run through or stop for an instant and then go back in the woods, but oh, no, he was having a playtime.”

“I said, ‘Oh, no. It rolled up right close to the bear. And he picked it up. I happened to hit it right towards the bear — not on purpose, I tell

Ingrid Dicastri

Then he loped off, leaving the ladies to wonder how to score the hole: ace, birdie, bogey, double-bogey, albatross? Bruin-in-one?

Just so happens a club pro was at the green at the time. Dicastri says she told him: “‘We just had a little incident here. I think the bear ate my golf ball, can you give me a ruling?’ And he goes, like, ‘I’ve heard of alligators eating golf balls,’ but a bear eating one was his first. So he says, ‘No, just drop it within a reasonable amount from where you still feel safe from the bear.’”

The Mitchells’ account tells a slightly different story. Dicastri’s playing partners, so the report goes, chime in:

“‘You have to wait for nature to take its course and play it where it lies.’ ‘You can’t play it as a lost ball since, technically, you know where it is.’ ‘You could pour honey in the hole. If the bear sits down to eat the honey, we’ll let you putt from where his butt was.’ ‘Does anyone have any ex-lax?’”

Says Sussex, “We were wondering how his intestines were going to react”; they saw him later at the snack shop.

As for Dicastri, after she was “a little shook up by the bear,” she says she went on to bogey the hole — or perhaps double-bogey.

“I lose many a golf ball,” she says, “but that was the first to a bear.”

Aside from golfers on the course and neighbors in the community, the agronomy staff at CCA often sees bears during the fall months. “Most male bears hang out by themselves throughout the spring, summer and fall months,” says Brandon Ingle, superintendent at CCA. “We usually see the females and their cubs in the spring when they break out of hibernation.”

Ingle has had his fair share of bear sightings during his time working in the mountains. However, one encounter sticks out in his

memory above all others. He was locking up his shop one evening as the sun set. “Once the door was pulled shut, I happened to notice something moving out of the corner of my eye,” declares Ingle. “A mother and three cubs were walking toward me. By this time, they were within 15 feet from me. I quickly put my key in the door and ran inside.”

The biggest challenge for the agronomy staff involves protecting the greens, especially during the fall months, at CCA. “The bears like to play with the flagsticks and dig the hole cups up,” says Ingle. “We have to lay the flagsticks down at night to prevent this from happening.”

“The bears like to play with the flagsticks and dig the hole cups up. We have to lay the flagsticks down at night to prevent this from happening”

Brandon Ingle

Bears live and venture on most public land across the United States. They are very intelligent and curious and have an excellent sense of smell that can span for miles. According to Recreation.gov, in their natural habitats, bears prefer to avoid humans but will react aggressively when startled. If you are outside in the open, do not run. Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human and not another animal. If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible and making loud noises.

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One day in May, ___________________ and I decided to make a tee time at ___________________. We chose this McConnell Golf course because it was designed by __________________. Since the course was busy, we booked the last available ________________ at 5:30 PM. We went to the ________________ range beforehand. It was a ________________ day. The club’s chef even brought us ________________ so we had a snack on the range. It tasted ________________! Afterward, we decided to have a ___________________ competition. I forgot my ________________ and had to borrow one from another golfer. Everything worked out so we could play a full round of golf, however, we were ______________ minutes late for our tee time.

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___________________ had a good outing with two eagles. I beat my best score by __________ strokes. Both of us putted well on hole _____________. The highlight of the day was my hole-in-one on No. ___________. I have my lucky ________________ to thank for how well I played. To celebrate, we went by the ________________ clubhouse and enjoyed the May Cookie of the Month for dessert. This was a day I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to play at ________________ again.

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BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Greenville, NC | 252.751.1960 | BrookValleyCC.com

GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT: Ellis Maples

LOCATION:

30 miles northeast of Kinston, 39 miles southeast of Wilson and 46 miles northeast of Goldsboro

OUR COURSE:

“We both enjoy the challenging Ellis Maples layout at Brook Valley. The course is well maintained, and the superintendent and his team are constantly working to improve areas as needed. The professional golf staff is always available to help us with equipment needs, lessons, the latest apparel or setting up a game with friends. After golf, we enjoy joining other members for the many offerings from Chef Kenric and his team while we share tales from the course! We have also really enjoyed the ability to play at other McConnell courses and particularly in competitive events like Ryder and Solheim cups and the McConnell Golf Couples Championship.” – Leo and Mary Beth Corbin, members at BVCC

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS:

The best views at Brook Valley are around the lake at the clubhouse. Golfers cross the bridge teeing off on No. 10 to start the back nine and finish crossing back on No. 18, our signature par 3 finishing hole. Our back patio and main dining room are great spots to enjoy the scenery. The views from “The Lakeview Room” are often referred to as “the best views” in Greenville. Many weddings are held at the lake near the 18th green. If you visit us, ask someone to take your photo with the lake when you finish your round!

DID YOU KNOW?

When Brook Valley opened in 1966, an exhibition match was played between Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. Snead partnered with PGA Tour player Mike Souchak and Hogan with a top-ranked amateur of the time — Charlie Smith. Reynolds May, an original investor of the club, organized the match. May invited Hogan and Snead to play the match without letting the other one know; he figured it would be the best way to get them to play at the same time! It was one of the last times the two legends of the game played together.

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Helping clients find the best solutions for their Medicare, Health and Life Insurance needs. Proud to serve the entire McConnell Golf landscape and beyond since 2007. CHRIS NEAL Owner/Principal | 336.601.6325 chris@summitbrokerresource.com | summitbrokerresource.com