McConnell Golf, The Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024

McConnell Golf the magazinc

a letter from John McConnell

It is spring in North Carolina, and golf season has arrived with the annual Masters Tournament. This year’s field will include our first McConnell Golf Scholarship winner, Grayson Murray, who won the Sony Open (his second PGA TOUR win) in January with as dramatic a finish as I have seen. Grayson has enjoyed many successes on the course and suffered from personal setbacks off the playing field. We are proud of his efforts in overcoming these challenges and would love to see him in a green jacket in the future.

We recently concluded our annual McConnell Golf Symposium for our managers, which was held at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation. Some of the highlights are as follows: Holston Hills Country Club was recognized as our Club of the Year for 2023, which is a tribute to the organization in place there today. The club was struggling financially when we acquired it but has grown tremendously in the past five years. The golf course is a mustplay for our members.

I asked our club managers what events worked best for member participation. Bourbon dinners, along with wine tastings, seemed to generate the most enthusiasm. Imagine that! The worst idea that we witnessed was the fake coyote at Porters Neck Country Club watching 150 geese eat grass on the golf course within five feet of his position!

In 2023, McConnell Golf invested almost $8 million in capital improvements highlighted by the very successful course renovation at Old North State Club. Pickleball courts were added at several clubs and tennis revenue had its biggest year in company history. Many clubs received new interior updates from my wife, who is now known in the company as “Santa Claus.” Our club managers know who to contact if they want new furniture, chandeliers, and other appointments without going through the normal budgeting process where a “no” is often given by our COO who approves these types of requests.

At the end of 2023, our membership roster exceeded 8,300 patrons, and we again showed growth in our clubs. Our team certainly understands the importance of recruiting and retaining members. Once again, we exceeded 92% in member retention, which is certainly higher than the national club average. I am very proud of the value we provide in our dues and do a competitive study in all our markets on how our fees compare to other country clubs. In almost all cases, our dues are 10%-30% lower than our peer group by market.

We have many new projects planned for 2024, highlighted by a bunker renovation at HHCC, pickleball courts at Sedgefield Country Club and ONSC, and

the final attempt to get working cart paths at Raleigh Country Club. I am confident you will see new improvements at your clubs as well, along with these major capital projects.

When I looked back at the clubs we acquired over the past 20 years, I thought it might be interesting to outline my opinion of some of these properties. So, here are my thoughts:

1. The most interesting golf course to play is Musgrove Mill Golf Club, as every shot makes me sweat.

2. Which course is most scenic? I consider that to be a tie with The Water’s Edge Country Club and Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech with honorable mention to both ONSC and the back nine at Country Club of Asheville.

3. What golf course has made the most improvement since we acquired it? My vote goes to Providence Country Club, which has been greatly enhanced with its renovation. Honorable mention goes to RCC.

4. Which clubhouse has the best street appeal? I give that to SCC as that front lawn showcases the stately building. The fitness center and new short-game area also give the venue appeal. Finally, the water tower with the club logo looks great on TV during the Wyndham Championship, which showcases this historic property.

5. What’s the best idea I’ve had? Hiring great staff members and letting them run the clubs. The second-best idea was adding the new four-hole short-game area at PNCC with the revamped practice area, adding to its membership value.

6. What clubhouse has changed the most? Wilson Country Club wins that one—but WECC is a close second.

7. What has the best view from the clubhouse back patio? My vote is HHCC first with an honorable mention to ONSC.

8. Which golf course do I like the most? That is an easy one as it will be the first course where I shoot my age!

2024 should be a great year for all our clubs. We look forward to providing many events for your enjoyment and building memories with your family and friends. Until next time—wishing you a great year ahead.

John McConnell, CEO & Founder

McConnell Golf the magazinc

10 Luck and Love

Connections with loved ones leave their mark on members’ holes-in-one

22 Acing Retirement

Virginians discover a precious jewel entering their golden years

26 West Coast Cool

How a California boy seared his way into Carolina hearts

30 Excellence Across the Map

Traveling members reflect on what makes the McConnell Golf experience memorable

44 Aces on the Court

Team Wakefield completes amazing run to USTA National Championships

55 Collegiate Connections

McConnell Golf’s ties to local universities, colleges run deep

64 Pride Over Par

Cups runneth over at McConnell Golf’s interclub Ryder, Solheim tourneys

72 Member-Submitted Photos

Capturing McConnell Golf memories

77 Footprints on the Green 2023 Community partnerships

85 Member Business Directory

by J. Morgan McCallum

A Well-Read

Vintage

A look at the long-awaited ’06 Monticello Vineyard

Napa Valley red wine library selection

blend, featuring cab franc and merlot at equal terms, which is a typical French bordeaux style. Corley has done a great job—the ’06 is powerful and round, you’ll love it.”

mcconnellgolf.com Patience, experience and creativity come to striking fruition in the latest wine from the M Signature Series which features the M Anniversary Collection: McConnell Golf’s Monticello Vineyard red wine library selection, Napa Valley 2006.

The unusual blend of 54% cabernet franc, 35% merlot, and 11% cabernet sauvignon was a risk that has since delivered lasting rewards in the glass—and reflects the type of “stroke of genius” that winemaker Chris Corley has become widely known for.

“For over two years, McConnell Golf has partnered with Corley to offer members access to a truly boutique portfolio of limited vintages,” reflects Christian Anastasiadis, McConnell Golf COO. “I would describe [Corley] as never afraid to challenge the norms or do things differently. He’s very innovative, intuitive. And the ’06 is quite an interesting

Serving up Success

The grape varietals in the Napa Valley red wine library selection were hand-picked, then destemmed and berry-sorted on the crush pad. The wine was aged in new one-third French oak barrels for 26 months. The primary blend was assembled at 12 months, with secondary blending at 18 months, and final blend-strokes being done at 26 months. Beams of blackberry and red cherry fruit on the nose, with a wonderful velvety mouthfeel on the palate, make the 15-year library selection ideal as a “food wine”—best enjoyed with hearty flavors that can rival it in body and complexity.

William Noblitt has big plans for Providence Country Club

WILLIAM NOBLITT KNOWS TENNIS. EARNING ALL-ACC HONORS

during his time at N.C. State University, the record-holder is considered one of the greatest tennis players in school history. But beyond his talents as a player, he understands the needs of his members and has ambitious goals for his tennis program.

FROM THE KITCHEN:

Pairing The ’06

In his current role at Providence, Noblitt oversees the club’s 14 tennis courts, including 12 clay courts, and the pro shop. His largest duty however is tennis instruction, at which he indeed excels. The thrill of competition was certainly a factor in his success as a collegiate athlete and that same competitive spirit now helps him teach and inspire others.

“With an older vintage like this, time and air allow the once-hidden fruits to come to life, including nuances of forest berries along with hints of spice. These give way to a complex mouthfeel with a potential for a lingering finish. One can truly appreciate the evolution of this wine over time. My pairing suggestion with the ’06 is Braised Beef Cheek Bolognese over Handmade Pappardelle with a Splash of Ricotta, drizzled with a little EVOO and topped with a Basil Chiffonade.”

James R. Patterson III

Noblitt’s favorite part of his job? Doing what he loves every day.

“I get to go to work and share my knowledge and passion for a sport that has been a part of my life since I was six years old,” he says. “I love seeing members improve and always hope to instill that same lifelong love of the sport.”

“This kind of wine, in particular, begs to have something delicious with it—it’s a pretty heavy wine, and best enjoyed with a meal. It really complements food,” adds Anastasiadis. “Experience this wine with anything grilled, as well as with sautéed vegetables or rosemary roasted baby potatoes. You will be pleasantly surprised just how powerful this creation is with dinner. Due to its age, however, it does need to be decanted in order for the flavors to come out. It needs to breathe, and then it can be enjoyed.”

An average day for Noblitt is a full one. He spends the majority of his time on the courts. In the morning, he’s busy with private lessons, cardio tennis clinics, and ladies’ team clinics. In the afternoon, he’s working with junior players through private lessons and clinics.

Looking back on his first year at Providence, two events stand out. In 2018, the Make-A-Wish Pro-Am fundraiser and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Ladies Member/Guest were held at PCC. Noblitt was fortunate to work alongside members for these events, enjoying a fun day of tennis while raising funds and awareness for important causes.

Looking ahead, Noblitt has big plans for the future of PCC’s thriving tennis program.

“My goal is to create a fun, enjoyable atmosphere where people want to come out and play, and participate in what we have going on,” he says. “The junior program in particular is something I want to build. I believe that with the facilities we have and the staff in place, we could have one of the best junior programs around.”

A vision for program enhancements, coupled with the addition of new clinic offerings, social events, and tournaments, is a recipe for the continued success and growth of the tennis program at Providence. Heading into his second year at the club, Noblitt serves up a winning program with no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

Maya Panayotova, Director of Wine Services at McConnell Golf, agrees. “After opening the bottle for an initial taste, Chef Patterson and I allowed the wine about 15 minutes to breathe before taking the next sip. The difference was night and day for both of us, as is usual with any older vintage,” says Panayotova. “Our first take was the wine was tight with a rich burgundy hue. After the wine had opened up the bouquet of aromatics was much more noticeable and brought life into this oncedark juice.”

mcconnellgolf.com

PRESIDENT

DESIGN DIRECTOR

LYNN GIANINY

COPY EDITOR

LANCE ELKO

“For over two years, McConnell Golf has partnered with Corley to offer members access to a truly boutique portfolio of limited vintages. I would describe [Corley] as never afraid to challenge the norms or do things differently. He’s very innovative, intuitive.”

Christian Anastasiadis

Like other wines in the Monticello Vineyard Collection, the label is adorned with 19th-century-inspired artwork, in this case, referencing Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting “Beethoven Frieze.” Anastasiadis intentionally selected masters of the Art Nouveau style for each label due to their innovative ideas and approaches at the time—which he believes the M Collection wines reflect in beauty, depth and creativity.

As it continues to age well, the library selection is an ideal vintage to keep on hand or in cellar for many future meals—especially as wine club members at select clubs enjoy a heavily discounted price, including first dibs on newly released bottles. “I have many favorite wines, and this is one of them,” smiles Anastasiadis.

“[Winemakers like Chris Corley] are like artists. They have a gift: the ability to finish a wine in their mind, before they can taste it. It’s amazing. It’s just like Mozart drafting sheet music without any corrections.”

Luck and Love

by J. Morgan McCallum

For some of this year’s hole-in-one stories, connections with loved ones played a memorable part

JOAN HANNAH: GUIDED BY MOM

Joan Hannah has played Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech countless times—but never expected to hit holes-in-one in two different holes on back-to-back days. She credits a few potential factors with her incredible stroke of luck: good company, cool weather, skill, and the love of her mother.

“The first day [a Saturday], it was on hole number 14. It’s a short par-3 on the backside right beside the river. It’s beautiful,” reflects Hannah. “We had five that day: myself and my husband David, our good friends Bobby Swain and John Clary, and a friend from out of town named Bruce Hedrick. Everybody’s very familiar with the course.”

The only person missing? Hannah’s best friend, Brian Kitts, who she’d never imagined hitting a hole-in-one without— especially after years of friendly rivalry and companionship on the famously scenic course, of which they were some of the very first members to join.

“Brian was out of town that weekend, and as soon as I made the hole-in-one, everyone started texting him. I mean, his phone was blowing up! He’s part of our regular foursome, so I was so disappointed that he wasn’t there because I knew how excited he would be,” adds Hannah, who remembers the moment as if it was yesterday. “I thought, this is my second hole-in-one, it’s great, but it won’t happen again.”

Joan Hannah

On hole number 17 the following Sunday, when Hannah hit the shot, she knew it was close, but was in shock when it went in. “That was June the 4th, and the anniversary of my mom’s death. And I told the guys, ‘She willed it. She willed that ball in the hole.’ So, it was a very, very special day, and unbelievable to have them be back-to-back,” smiles Hannah. “My mom was not a golfer. My family were dairy farmers— but she would have been rooting the hardest of anybody for me. She was my biggest fan.”

JOE AND JANNA: A LOVING RIVALRY

“From what I can tell, we’re the fifth couple in history to do this. Worldwide,” says Joe Moran. “I think the odds of that are just astronomical. It’s got to be well into the billions.”

Members of Country Club of Asheville who happened to be in the Raleigh area for the day, Joe and Janna Moran were golfing at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation when the married duo accomplished a truly rare feat: back-to-back hole-in-ones. “We played the same tees. On hole 11, a 130yard par-3, I had a really nice shot with my 8 iron. It rolled right in,” says Joe. “Now, [Janna] is a more excitable person than I am, so she starts jumping up and down, all this stuff. Then she gets up and she hits with her 7 hybrid. I’m watching and thinking, ‘that’s a good-looking shot, almost exactly like mine.’ And the darn thing went in. We went up to the ball marks, and they were only about 18 inches apart, about six feet from the hole. So, they’re practically identical shots.”

While Joe credits the duo’s skill level just as much as luck, he admits that the day and time were unusual: “What’s interesting is that this was on May 4th and happened at 5:04 in the afternoon. So, for about 30 seconds, I had three holesin-one under my belt to her two. And then she hit, and we were tied again,” he laughs. “And then two weeks later, she got another one. So, she’s in the lead.”

Janna, however, credits her lead to hard work. “I didn’t know anything about golf until I met my husband, and I didn’t start playing until 2009. I was late to golf, at almost 50, and I was really bad, because I never played any American-style games with a ball—even now, I don’t even know how to throw a ball,” she laughs. “[Joe] told me that because he started as a child, I will never beat him, so don’t even try. So, my goal was always just to beat him. It took me six years [to do it]. Now, I would say my index is lower than my husband’s index.”

Joe and Janna Moran

GOLF

“I’m competitive, but he [usually] isn’t. As soon as I beat him, however, he started taking lessons to [catch up with me],” adds Janna, who still remembers the feeling of disbelief and incredulity the moment she made the shot. “Even now, if I close my eyes, I can see his ball going in the hole. I know the trajectory, how it happened—I was so excited because I’ve played with other people who have had a hole-in-one, but I’ve never actually seen the ball go into the hole. And then I also hit the perfect ball—but [my brain couldn’t process what I was seeing], I wasn’t sure if it hit or rolled over. I couldn’t believe it went in, literally right after his did, it was that incredible. It’s luck and it’s skill, all together.”

The couple looks forward to more chances to one-up each other through their McConnell Golf membership. “We joined McConnell Golf in 2015, and really enjoy being able to play many golf courses, not just one,” says Janna. “Every year there’s something new. It’s really nice.”

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

There are 7.5 billion people in the world. Each year, we are joined by 80 million more. We need to grow more food. We must also protect the ecosystems that are vital to our planet’s health. As part of The Good Growth Plan, Operation Pollinator is one way golf courses can provide pollinating insects the habitat they need to thrive. OperationPollinator.com

©2021 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. The Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owner.

#OperationPollinator

Hole-In-One Club 2023

Steve Jarvis, RCC: No. 17 at Raleigh (1/1)

Mike Sylvester, WP: No. 3 at Sedgefield (1/3)

John Wagner, TCC: No. 7 at Treyburn (1/5)

Ken Mann, HH: No. 11 at Holston Hills (1/11)

Tom Cavallino, RS: No. 7 at The Reserve (1/13)

Daniel Berry, SCC: No. 7 at Sedgefield (1/15)

Bradley Schumacher, PCC: No. 11 at Providence (1/20)

Martin Haller, PN: No. 4 at Porters Neck (1/26)

Heff Heffernan, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (2/8)

Mike Micciche, CG: No. 2 at The Cardinal (2/11)

Mark Saharski, WP: No. 3 at Wakefield (2/14)

Paul Sutherland, CG: No. 16 at The Cardinal (2/16)

Jim Wade, PN: No. 6 at Porters Neck (2/17)

Dennis Buckley, RS: No. 2 at The Reserve (2/18)

George McNabb, BV: No 12. at Brook Valley (2/23)

Craig Meck, PN: No. 6 at Porters Neck (2/23)

Mike Shenigo, PN: No. 4 at Porters Neck (2/23)

Eric Womack, SCC: No. 16 at Sedgefield (3/5)

Rick Roberts, BV: No. 8 at Brook Valley (3/5)

Jack Lehmann, PN: No. 4 at Porters Neck (3/9)

Doug Wehrkamp, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (3/9)

Mike Shenigo, PN: No. 4 at Porters Neck (3/11)

Dwight Lee, RS: No. 12 at The Reserve (3/12)

Tong Ingle, WP: No. 3 at Wakefield (3/17)

David Shrewsbury, TCC: No. 2 at Treyburn (3/18)

Eric Giffen, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (3/24)

Tracy Kane, PN: No. 6 at Porters Neck (3/24)

Jay Hendler, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (3/25)

Rod Larmee, PN: No. 6 at Porters Neck (3/28)

Kevin Cosgrove, RS: No. 17 at The Reserve (3/29)

Marty Heck, WE: No. 2 at The Water’s Edge (3/29)

Steve Wheeler, RCC: No. 17 at Raleigh (4/4)

Ron Gilliland, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (4/5)

Leon Eschenbach, WE: No. 7 at The Water’s Edge (4/11)

Ryan Wilson, SCC: No. 12 at The Cardinal (4/13)

Zach Thornton, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (4/13)

Travis Hitchings, PCC: No. 11 at Providence (4/15)

Nishith Patel, PCC: No. 11 at Providence (4/15)

Haywood Hill, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (4/16)

Micah Ball, BV: No. 12 at Brook Valley (4/16)

Jimmy Clarke, CG: No. 8 at The Cardinal (4/16)

Mike Barnoski, WP: No. 14 at Wakefield (4/18)

Mike Woodard, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (4/19)

Michael O’Callaghan, PCC: No. 4 at Providence (4/20)

Knox Gustafson, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (4/22)

Christian Seamster, RCC: No. 6 at Raleigh (4/23)

Chad Cody, RS: No. 7 at The Reserve (4/28)

Phil Keith, PDRC: No. 14 at The River (5/2)

Mike Cavallino, RS: No. 3 at The Reserve (5/3)

Tom Hickman, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (5/4)

Marty Hartsell, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (5/4)

Joe Moran, CCA: No. 11 at Wakefield (5/4)

Janna Moran, CCA: No. 11 at Wakefield (5/4)

David Bilbrey, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (5/6)

Bill Hoffman, RCC: No. 14 at Raleigh (5/6)

Marianne Hedgpeth, CG: No. 12 at The Cardinal (5/7)

Robert Hawkins, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (5/11)

Bill West, WE: No. 15 at The Water’s Edge (5/11)

Spencer Haskell, RCC: No. 17 at Raleigh (5/11)

Ben Miller, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (5/13)

GOLF

Jim Frasca, RCC: No. 17 at Raleigh (5/16)

Greg Harris, BV: No. 11 at Wakefield (5/16)

Mark Donaldson, HH: No. 8 at Holston Hills (5/17)

Don Troutman, SCC: No. 2 at The Cardinal (5/19)

Eric Chapman, TCC: No. 2 at Treyburn (5/21)

Terry Mills, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (5/21)

Lew Davis, PDRC: No. 7 at The River (5/22)

Allen Burr, CG: No. 16 at The Cardinal (5/26)

Sandra Tupurins, WP: No. 3 at Wakefield (5/26)

Joe Cala, SCC: No. 7 at Sedgefield (5/26)

Mike Adams, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (5/26)

Bob Gelder, CCA: No. 3 at Asheville (5/31)

Joan Hannah, PDRC: No. 14 at The River (6/3)

Joan Hannah, PDRC: No. 17 at The River (6/4)

Deitra Dean Froody, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (6/4)

Zim Hagan, WCC: No. 6 at Wilson (6/5)

Zim Hagan, WCC: No. 7 at Wilson (6/7)

Steve Gilland, RCC: No. 17 at Raleigh (6/10)

Scott McDonald, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (6/10)

Shane Robinson, BV: No. 12 at Brook Valley (6/16)

David Dooley, HH: No. 8 at Holston Hills (6/17)

Madan Lal, WP: No. 14 at Wakefield (6/17)

Ingrid DiCastri, CCA: No. 3 at Asheville (6/18)

Lea Couch, TCC: No. 17 at Treyburn (6/20)

Blaine Biggs, SCC: No. 16 at Sedgefield (6/21)

Mike Hoskins, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (6/23)

John Pace, CCA: No. 17 at Asheville (6/23)

David Dooley, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (6/25)

Larry DeMoss, SCC: No. 12 at The Cardinal (6/25)

Rick Griffler, PN: No. 4 at Porters Neck (6/29)

Robert Brimmer, WP: No. 11 at Wakefield (6/30)

David Pittman, TCC: No. 7 at Treyburn (7/4)

Stephan Waldt, TCC: No. 17 at Treyburn (7/5)

Hope Bryant, RCC: No. 3 at Raleigh (7/5)

John Pace, CCA: No. 17 at Asheville (7/5)

Cecil Dupree, RS: No. 12 at The Reserve (7/8)

Jody Garaventa, WCC: No. 17 at Wilson (7/9)

Mike Cavallino, RS: No. 7 at The Reserve (7/12)

Susan Johnson, PCC: No. 4 at Providence (7/14)

Gregg Cox, CG: No. 16 at The Cardinal (7/16)

Ken Bass, WP: No. 14 at Wakefield (7/20)

Don Pastor, PN: No. 11 at Porters Neck (7/21)

Jeff Cargnel, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (7/28)

Chip Finneran, SCC: No. 2 at The Cardinal (7/29)

Don Lee, WP: No. 7 at Wakefield (7/30)

Craig Wehinger, HH: No. 4 at Holston Hills (7/30)

Paul Mirakaj, WCC: No. 6 at Wilson (8/1)

Sam Jacubowitz, SCC: No. 3 at Sedgefield (8/8)

Marv Burkle, TCC: No. 17 at Treyburn (8/13)

Jason Wilburn, TCC: No. 13 at Treyburn (8/18)

Dan Zanella, WP: No. 7 at Wakefield (8/19)

Glenn Futrell, WP: No. 7 at Wakefield (8/20)

Ward Lambeth, SCC: No. 16 at The Cardinal (8/20)

Gina Adams, WE: No. 15 at The Water’s Edge (8/20)

Barbara Biddle, WCC: No. 3 at Wilson (8/22)

Rob Fisher, CCA: No. 17 at Asheville (8/22)

Haywood Edmundson, WCC: No. 3 at Wilson (8/24)

Randy McKinney, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (8/27)

Michael Porter, TCC: No. 17 at Treyburn (9/1)

Michael Chastain, CCA: No. 6 at Asheville (9/3)

Doug Rich, RS: No. 17 at The Reserve (9/4)

Bob Abt, PN: No. 6 at Porters Neck (9/8)

Sam Higdon, WP: No. at 3 at Wakefield (9/13)

Mike Marino, RS: No. 7 at The Reserve (9/13)

Chris Cox, SCC: No. 16 at Sedgefield (9/16)

Layne Fuller, SCC: No. 12 at Sedgefield (9/23)

Steve Baker, RS: No. 17 at The Reserve (9/28)

John Ellis, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (9/30)

Pat O’Leary, WP: No. 7 at Wakefield (9/30)

Robert Wilde, PCC: No. 2 at Providence (10/1)

Frankie Faile, MM: No. 12 at Musgrove Mill (10/4)

David Crowley, SCC: No. 16 at Sedgefield (10/8)

Steve Romano, SCC: No. 7 at Sedgefield (10/8)

Nate Degoede, TCC: No. 13 at Treyburn (10/16)

Evan Singleton, PDRC: No. 7 at The River (10/18)

Kerry Hunt, TCC: No. 13 at Treyburn (10/20)

John Bradsher, TCC: No. 2 at Treyburn (10/21)

Phil Kazer, MM: No. 12 at Musgrove Mill (10/21)

Adam Hathaway, BV: No. 18 at Brook Valley (10/28)

Michael Rowe, WP: No. 14 at Wakefield (10/29)

Jean Leclerc, RS: No. 17 at The Reserve (11/1)

Glenn Futrell, WP: No. 3 at Wakefield (11/2)

Blaine Biggs, SCC: No. 16 at Sedgefield (11/3)

Dan Montgomery, HH: No. 8 at Holston Hills (11/4)

Joe Vagelakos, RS: No. 7 at The Reserve (11/5)

Bob Tassone, WP: No. 7 at Wakefield (11/10)

Claude Reid, CG: No. 2 at The Cardinal (11/14)

Robert Lyon, RS: No. 7 at The Reserve (11/14)

Bret Meyers, HH: No. 8 at Holston Hills (11/15)

Jacob Garner, PN: No. 12 at The Reserve (11/17)

Matthew Poore, MM: No. 17 at Musgrove Mill (11/18)

Jerry Horton, PN: No. 11 at Porters Neck (11/21)

Oscar Suarez, CCA: No. 13 at Asheville (11/25)

Jerry Jessee, SCC: No. 16 at The Cardinal (11/30)

Chris Howard, SCC: No. 16 at Sedgefield (12/2)

Tom Smith, ONSC: No. 14 at Old North State (12/5)

Bob Fielding, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (12/7)

Nishith Patel, PCC: No. 6 at Providence (12/31)

Micah Ball, BV

Mike Micciche, CG

Tom Smith, ONSC

David Shrewsbury, TCC

Tracy Kane, PNCC

Jody Garaventa, WCC

Jerry Horton, PNCC

Spencer Haskell, RCC

Mark Donaldson, HHCC

Colonel Dwight Lee, RS Bill West, WE

Marianne Hedgpeth, SCC

Sandra Tupurins, WP

An Appfor That

Operation 36 helps drive McConnell Golf’s ‘Clubs of the Future’

by John Jeter

OP 36

The Links at St Andrews, in Scotland, as we all know, set the course for modern golf more than two and a half centuries ago. Ever since, the game has been fascinating, captivating, frustrating, confusing, and challenging. So, McConnell Golf has adopted, well, let’s call it Golf 2.0.

Yes, there’s an app for that now: Operation 36—a smartphone-driven instructional program McConnell Golf uses at 15 of its country club properties.

In essence, Op 36, as it’s informally known, starts students closer to the green, rather than, more traditionally, having them suffer duff after disheartening duff before even getting close to the first hole.

As Zach Maybank describes it, the playerdevelopment technology “reverse engineers” how the game has always been taught. Students drop the ball 25 yards from the center of the green and play a round of nine holes until they score a typical 36 par— hence the name. Students then progress at 50-yard intervals back to the tee.

“Just think about it: if you’re a brand-new golfer stepping up on the tee box where you’re 400 yards away from the hole, it becomes really intimidating,” says Maybank, who serves as PGA Associate at Providence Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In essence, Op 36, as it’s informally known, starts students closer to the green, rather than, more traditionally, having them suffer duff after disheartening duff before even getting close to the first hole.

ABOVE: Taylor Watts & RJ Mathis at Holston Hills CC. BELOW: Taylor Watts pauses with junior golfers Sadie Hayse, Reed Jordan, Xavier Wright, Steele Wright and Thomas Jordan.

As part of McConnell Golf’s drive to build clubs of the future, Operation 36 is also attracting more people to—and back to—its clubs in Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas, according to Brian Kittler, the company’s Vice President of Golf Operations.

Likewise, with everyone carrying a cellphone nowadays, Op 36 has powered a significantly stronger social component and, thus, a broader use of club facilities, he says.

For instance, he has noticed that more and more ladies’ groups are texting each other to gather for a 10:30 a.m. round of Operation 36, after which, he has heard them say, “‘When we get done, why don’t we spend an hour or so and have lunch together?’”

Taylor Watts, who arrived a year ago as Assistant Golf Professional at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee, has seen women’s participation in golf rise like a well-hit drive. More than 35 women participate in Op 36, she notes.

WP Op 36 ladies from left to right: Erin Parker, Stephanie Solise, Melissa Landry, Gail Jordan and Kristen O’Connell

Instruction starts the new golfer 25 yards from the center of the green, with the goal to chip and putt to a standardpar 36 score through nine holes—hence the name Operation 36.

Once you achieve that, you drop the ball at 50 yards, then 100 yards, then 150 yards, then 200 yards from the green’s center, until arriving at the tee box. Students learn and improve all skills required during each level.

“Unfortunately, the way golfers are introduced to the sport is fundamentally flawed. Beginners are set up for failure before they even start,” the company’s website says, adding, “This keeps golfers motivated through automated and achievable milestones.”

In a word, players shoot through increasingly difficult levels—much like, say, the Overwatch video game.

Operation 36’s curriculum offers 72 goals to guide golfers, teaching 12 skills through six ranks, according to the company founded in Raleigh, North Carolina.

She mentions one particular group of four or five women that progressed to the 150yard division: “None of them knew each other before Op 36, and now they all text, get together and go out and play together regularly.”

Needless to say, the technology is a hit among the internet-centric generation. Kittler, who has been with McConnell Golf since its inception 20 years ago, says juniors’ programs have more than doubled across the country clubs.

“Instead of just grinding everything out in the dirt, we’re combining technology and software to help attract these kids and their parents,” he says, noting that parents also use the app to follow their children’s progress (and know precisely where they are).

McConnell Golf buys an annual subscription to Operation 36, whose curriculum offers a vast library of teaching tools, which include videos from clubs’ usage to golf etiquette. Members pay a $40 annual fee to use the program, which requires professional

ABOVE: Wakefield Op 36 ladies tee off at the driving range. BELOW: Providence junior golfers show off their Op 36 certificates.

instructors’ involvement. Students may use the app at their own pace, but they also must participate in regular clinics with the pros.

“A lot of the professional staff have been able to combine golf instruction and teeing it up with the social element,” Kittler says.

Maybach, who has earned Operation 36’s national Top 50 Coaches Award–along with Watts and Erica Britt, a Master Op 36 Coach and the Director of Instruction at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation–says the program’s results make him feel awesome.

“It’s like, hey, I’m helping grow the game, creating increasing interest in the game that I love.”

Haddie and Erica Britt share a high five at Wakefield.

Op 36 Junior Golf Series participants at Wakefield.

by Stephanie Trotter

Retirement Acing

Virginians discover a precious jewel entering their golden years

Jack Carroll still remembers the first time he played golf at The Water’s Edge Country Club in Virginia. Retirement was a very dim light at the end of a very long tunnel, but a feeling washed over him. He knew it’s where he wanted to settle when he punched the clock for the last time. “It was peaceful,” he says. “The lake, Christmas Tree Island. Every hole had a different challenge. I thought, ‘I’ll never get bored playing here.’ It’s a wonderful golf course.” Ten years later, he and his wife, Marilyn, made Penhook home.

“At first, we came down on weekends to play golf and would return to Salem on Sunday nights,” she says. “It was a lot, and we considered selling. But then we sold our home in Salem and moved here permanently in 2003.” The Water’s Edge family quickly embraced the couple, and the Carrolls have been active members at the club ever since.

“Every night, I’d come home and when I’d drive through those gates, I’d feel like I’m on vacation. It’s our little piece of the world. A gem in the middle of nowhere Virginia.”

Jack Carroll

“Friends are like our family here. That’s the community vibe. Most who live at The Water’s Edge will say the same thing. Friends, and friends that are family, make up The Water’s Edge.”

Marilyn Carroll

“The first five years, I still worked, and drove back and forth every day,” the former CFO at Carter Machinery recalls. “It was over an hour drive, one-way. Every night, I’d come home and when I’d drive through those gates, I’d feel like I’m on vacation. It’s our little piece of the world. A gem in the middle of nowhere Virginia.” And what a gem it is.

Marilyn immediately started polishing the precious stone, joining books clubs, bridge and golf groups. Her improving golf game made Jack retire that much more quickly. “I retired when Marilyn started playing more golf than I was,” the 4-handicap player admits with a hearty laugh. “You can’t have that! Golf has now become my full-time job. I play four to five days a week.”

The couple quickly started socializing and met others to dine, travel and golf with, visiting courses each fall in Charleston, Hilton Head, Kiawah and Pawleys islands in South Carolina. “Friends are like our family here,” says Marilyn. “That’s the community vibe. Most who live at The Water’s Edge will say the same thing. Friends, and friends that are family, make up The Water’s Edge.”

In ’21, the Carrolls downsized from their home on the water to a townhome at Island Green Point. “We’re on the 8th hole and I can see straight down the fairway,” Jack says. “We just weren’t that much into boating. If it was a pretty day, we wanted to be on the course!”

Just as the couple has made changes over the 20-plus-years at The Water’s Edge, they’ve witnessed the club change too. “It was good before, but since McConnell Golf has owned it, there have been such continual, nice improvements,” Marilyn says. “The clubhouse has been completely redone. It’s just lovely.”

They enjoy hitting the “Meet Your Neighbor” nights on Fridays, Member-Guest events and the New Year’s Eve party – that is when they’re not traveling. The two have hit the road and courses in Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Tahiti, even Tasmania. “You know what? We are always happy to come back home,” Marilyn says. “The places we’ve been to are beautiful, but nothing compares to The Water’s Edge. It’s home.”

“The places we’ve been to are beautiful, but nothing compares to The Water’s Edge. It’s home.”

Marilyn Carroll

by Stephanie Trotter

West Coast Cool

How a California boy seared his way into Carolina hearts

After years of providing exceptional service to the culinary industry, Bruce McIntosh is hanging up his chef’s jacket. The Executive Chef at Country Club of Asheville has worked tirelessly to ensure his staff is ready for his successor as he moves into retirement.

With a new chapter on the horizon, McIntosh looks back on his start in the culinary world. “It’s pretty bizarre,” the chef says with a laugh. “I was in high school in Chico, California, and started working at a steakhouse. I really didn’t cook that much. When I graduated, I moved out this way, and I’ve been in the kitchen since 1981.”

“Kitchen” should read “kitchens,” plural. He and his wife moved 31 times over 15 years, working at seasonal culinary jobs. During an early career stop at Country Club of Asheville, he earned his executive chef certification at Asheville-Buncombe County Technical College. The easy-going West Coast boy learned to embrace Southern fare, while

honoring his roots. “I like to say I have a Cali-French style of cooking,” he says. “California cooking is different—lots of fish, a lot of lighter stuff compared to the South. I never had grits, or biscuits and that stuff, until I was 20 years old!”

The first time around, he didn’t stay long in Asheville, moving on to perfect his recipes and sharpen his management skills from coast to coast. Stops included The Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World Resort (where he fed 7,000 visitors a day), Indian Wells Country Club in Palm Springs (where uber-private celebrities dined hidden from view), and Northstar California Resort in Lake Tahoe (where he could ski when not creating new dishes). But the moving got to be too much, and the mountains called. “I like Asheville,” McIntosh says. “It’s big enough to have fun, but not so big it’s hard to get around. And the people are a lot of fun here.”

Since returning more than 16 years ago, he’s become an institution at Country Club of Asheville, walking through the dining room, visiting with members, watching generations grow up. “I have friendships here that date back to 1981,” he says. “It means a lot to have those connections, and be asked to cook for family events like weddings and anniversaries.”

“I have friendships here that date back to 1981. It means a lot to have those connections and be asked to cook for family events like weddings and anniversaries.”

Bruce McIntosh

McConnell Golf chefs, from left: Todd Jackson (WP), John Crawford (RCC) and Bruce McIntosh.

Bobbie and Brady Blackburn had a special request for their grandson’s wedding reception: the groom wanted to have his grandma’s treasured cake. “Oh, it’s one of my favorite things,” shares Bobbie. “Bruce asked me for the recipe and made the cake into cupcakes. It was perfect! Everybody was talking about it. It was a fun addition. Whenever we ask for something a little different, Bruce tries to make it happen.”

Over the years, he has guided a 14-person staff that is creative and fluid with specials that change every other week, and a menu that rolls over once a quarter. The Wellness Salmon with Ponzu sauce is most-requested, yet General Manager Aaron James prefers to order McIntosh’s California Tacos. “His food brings families together,” James says. “Chef Bruce has made it a point to understand members’ dining preferences and restrictions. Some of my favorite touches are when he sends home some light food with older members.”

The 62-year-old knows he’ll miss being in the kitchen as it’s time for him to pass his favorite knife and sauté pan to his executive sous chef. “I’m going to stay right here because I love it. I have a beautiful home; I love the mountains and I love the people.” And the grits have grown on him.

“Chef Bruce has an aurora about him that makes those around him want to be around him. He truly cares about not only his staff, but all those he works with. His care and compassion set him apart and it shows in the tenure of his kitchen staff, some of whom have been working with him for almost 15 years.”

Aaron James

Excellence

Across the Map

by J. Morgan McCallum

Traveling members reflect on what makes the McConnell Golf experience memorable

“What I love hearing from our members is, ‘gosh, I went to a sister property and I felt like I was at my home club,’” says Lauri Stephens, Vice President of Membership at McConnell Golf. “That’s the biggest compliment we can get. Because each property has its own identity and amenities, from small and intimate to grand—but they are all committed to making you feel like you are family, and this is your home club.”

Attention to detail. Individualized treatment. A passion for great golf and even better service. Across all of the McConnell Golf properties, truly exceptional experiences that echo each other aren’t an accident. That intentional approach to consistent, remarkable hospitality is just as rewarding for the team who delivers it as it is for the members who experience it. “That culture of hospitality, that family-first environment, comes straight from the top,” says Stephens. “It starts with our owner, John McConnell. He’s so present, and in a way that doesn’t mean sitting in an office. He just shows up on property, and mixes and mingles in because he cares. We all care.”

“What I love hearing from our members is, ‘gosh, I went to a sister property and I felt like I was at my home club.’ That’s the biggest compliment we can get.”

Lauri Stephens

For Clem Venable IV, member of Sedgefield Country Club, variety and consistency go hand-in-hand with camaraderie. “For me, the biggest benefit—outside of the clubs all being unique and a fun, different challenge—would be the level of professionalism and courtesy that we get from other members of the teams at the other McConnell Golf courses,” Veneble says. “They know that you’re coming and where you’re from, and they want you to have the best experience. They really go out of their way to be accommodating and make you feel comfortable.”

While Venable admits to being biased toward his favorite club, Sedgefield, the ability to travel and play other clubs often never grows old. “I’m a big fan of Musgrove Mill, and I think Old North State has the best three finishing holes in the state. The Cardinal makes for a unique challenging alternative, too. The McConnell Golf brand and portfolio is just strong…it’s really centered around golf, and that’s what I enjoy. I know what to expect every time, and I can get to most places on a day trip—it’s exciting knowing that on any given day, you can decide to go somewhere else and play and have an enjoyable experience.”

Treyburn Country Club

Musgrove Mill Golf Club

Porters Neck Country Club

Clem Venable IV strikes his signature flag pose while visiting various McConnell Golf clubs.

Treyburn Country Club member Luke A. Gibson has made these trips a tradition. “Every fall, a group of us make the pilgrimage to Musgrove in South Carolina. We drive down on Thursday and stay until Sunday. The professional staff is amazing and the course is breathtaking. We’ve nicknamed it “The Burn to the Grove” and even had a trophy made up for the weekend’s winning team. We always joke around that McConnell Golf is the best deal in the land—we have access to some of the best courses in the Southeastern U.S. and everywhere we go, we feel like we are playing at our home course.”

Dana Kovich, the Assistant Golf Pro at Porters Neck Country Club, loves helping forge more connections like this. “I usually put trips together for members,” she shares. “It’s a great way for the members to visit our other clubs, but more importantly, it allows the membership to meet other members they might not know—and hopefully, lead to new friendships and new playing partners.”

Stephens joins Kovich in celebrating this open-doors attitude often shared by the breed of golfer attracted to the McConnell Golf brand. “Another thing I’m really proud of is that our members are very inviting and welcoming. If I have a new member I’m showing around,

it’s not uncommon for a current member to introduce themselves, and that’s always a good thing,” adds Stephens. “All of our members have a voice. I tell them, if you have an idea, please share it, and we [may even] execute it across the other clubs.”

“We always joke around that McConnell Golf is the best deal in the land—we have access to some of the best courses in the Southeastern U.S. and everywhere we go, we feel like we are playing at our home course.”

Luke A. Gibson

A group from Porters Neck Country Club visiting Old North State Club.

For Sedgefield member Yuliya Kraftchick, the McConnell Golf property portfolio might as well be a passport. “[In 2022], myself and my significant other, David Wilhoit, made a New Year’s resolution to play 10 McConnell Golf courses in the coming year, as we were both fairly new members.” The duo worked their way down the list from Old North State in February, to Treyburn in March, then on to Porters Neck in June and Asheville in October. Despite running out of time to hit all 10, the couple had an unforgettable year of experiences—and extended their resolution into 2024.

“[In North Carolina], we enjoyed the breathtaking views of Badin Lake and the Uwharrie National Forest despite the chilly and misty weather…the charming clubhouse ambiance at Treyburn, and peak fall foliage in Asheville…and Porters Neck in Wilmington was definitely one of my favorites with beautiful water hazards and wildlife,” reflects Kraftchick, who is looking forward to playing Virginia Tech in the fall. “David and I created our little tradition when visiting new golf courses. He would buy a golf ball as a souvenir and I would buy some golf attire with a club logo. I think that’s fair!”

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation Country Club of Asheville Providence Country Club

Old North State Club

Treyburn Country Club

The Cardinal by Pete Dye

“The McConnell Golf brand and portfolio is just strong…it’s really centered around golf, and that’s what I enjoy. I know what to expect every time, and I can get to most places on a day trip—it’s exciting knowing that on any given day, you can decide to go somewhere else and play and have an enjoyable experience.”

Clem Venable IV

Travel Time Across Properties

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

Through McConnell Golf’s strategic vision, we aim to provide members access to pristine properties that complement the areas in which we are located. Undoubtedly, the Southeast region offers some of the most scenic views in the U.S. Whether our members are traveling to sister properties for a round of golf, interclub tennis, or even a drop-in meal, they are guaranteed to not only enjoy the destination but also the beauty each road trip brings.

NEW RIVER

Just north of Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech, you can find immaculate views while driving alongside one of the oldest rivers in the world.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

The trip between Holston Hills Country Club and Country Club of Asheville features a windy, yet breathtaking drive through the Great Smoky Mountains.

VIRGINIA COUNTRYSIDE

Removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, your trip to The Water’s Edge Country Club will take you past picturesque farmland en route to Smith Mountain Lake.

Holston Hills Country Club was named McConnell Golf’s 2023 Club of the Year by John McConnell, and when you start listening to what members love most about the property, it’s clear why this distinction is so well deserved. “I’d say that Holston Hills is the ‘hard core’ golf course in this part of the world, and the experience of playing it certainly draws people here. But it’s the staff, the community [they’ve created], that keeps people here,” reflects Scott Fisher, a Holston Hills Country Club member. “We’ve only been members for three years, but from day one, everyone has been welcoming—from the staff to other players.”

His wife, Andrea Fisher, wholeheartedly agrees. “The staff puts a lot of work into creating experiences. One of our favorites is Couples Golf. It’s always a great time getting to know other couples while we play the creatively themed games the staff has thoughtfully planned for each event and there’s always live music, great food, and a specialty cocktail to follow.”

Traveling to other properties is always on the table, too. “Scott and I have now enjoyed several ‘McConnell Golf Road Trips,’ where we hit the road for a few days and play other McConnell Golf courses along the way,” smiles Fisher. “This has become one of our favorite ‘quick trip’ activities to do together when we just want to get away—all the courses we have played are so unique, beautiful, and challenging in their own way, and the fellow McConnell Golf members that we have met along the way have been great.”

For prolific golfer Gus Gusler, Holston Hills was a welcome surprise. “A friend once told me, ‘as much as I love Raleigh Country Club, I really think Holston Hills is the best [property] in the whole [McConnell] group,’” says Gusler. “Being a diehard Raleigh Country Club fan myself, it was difficult to believe, but the first time I played it, I thought, ‘this is absolutely one of the most incredible courses I’ve

ever played in my life.’ I love that golf course, and the people there are so nice and welcoming. They treat you like you’ve been a member of the club your entire life. I have a smile on my face as I’m pulling into the parking lot every time.”

The marriage of caliber and convenience sealed the deal for Gusler. “Being a [McConnell Golf member] makes everything so easy. We just call the club and say, ‘these are the dates we’re going to come up there.’ I play all over the world, and I’m a member of four courses in Scotland. So, I guess I’m breaking the ‘14 club rule’ because I’m technically a member of more than 14 golf courses when you count the McConnell Golf [properties],” laughs Gusler. “When I tell people what we have as members, they always say, ‘that’s the most incredible deal in the country. That’s crazy.’ And it really is—we are the luckiest golfers in the entire world, as far as I’m concerned.”

Greg Perna, a Treyburn CC member, is partial to Holston Hills as well. “I’ve been to every McConnell Golf property, and Holston Hills is just unique—it’s kind of like a walk back in time. There’s some great golf vistas on that golf course, and a few spots where you can look out and see six, seven holes consecutively. The framing on the course is phenomenal, and the green complexes are fantastic. It’s really an enjoyable course, with some truly memorable par fours and par fives.”

Perna credits the community as much as the opportunities to play for his favoritism. “The Holston Hills staff is very friendly and nice. We’ve played ‘home and homes’ with them where we’d go up and play, and then they’d come to Treyburn and play us, so I’ve gotten to know some of the members there—it’s a fun group, with some really good players. Here’s the truth: The people who appreciate [membership] the most are the people who travel. If you go out and utilize all the properties, and you experience everything it brings to the table, it’s the best golf investment in the area. Nothing else comes close.”

“When

I tell people what we have as members, they always say, ‘that’s the most incredible deal in the country. That’s crazy.’ And it really is—we are the luckiest golfers in the entire world, as far as I’m concerned.”

— Gus Gusler

• 7 bedrooms (sleeps up to 16)

• 6.5 bathrooms

• Waterfront dock

• Walking distance from WECC

✳

Plan

While McConnell Golf is pure golf at heart, consistently great experiences on the green are just the beginning of why members love to travel. Food and wine play a big role, too. With corporate executive chef James R. Patterson III overseeing culinary arts at all of the clubs, members can expect personalized service as they property-hop even as menus evolve and new M Signature Series wines are released. Sedgefield member Venable adds, “while I love the Greenside Grill here, I’ve spent some time at Raleigh Country Club and their lounge, and when I do go to other clubs, it’s the same: it’s easy. They’re always accommodating and convenient, whether you’re making the turn and you want to grab a post-round meal or drink, or if you just want to come by for lunch during the work week.”

Building Clubs of the Future calls for g rowing a like-minded community, and more than anything, the McConnell Golf team loves hearing stories like this from members with reciprocal access— especially when those members are the ones telling the story. “The most healthy of clubs grow from within, and we do, too,” insists Stephens. “Instead of spending money on marketing, I would much rather spend it on a member-relations gesture, on ‘wowing’ someone. And then in turn, that member goes and refers three new families into

the club. We hope that we create an environment that they want to tell everybody about, so we strive to take care of members in ways that matter, that are real and genuine.”

“We hope that we create an environment that they want to tell everybody about, so we strive to take care of members in ways that matter, that are real and genuine.”

Lauri Stephens

Aces onthe Court

Team Wakefield completes amazing run to USTA National Championships

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation’s Women’s 3.0, 40+ USTA team recently wrapped up an unforgettable run. Starting its season with local play in Raleigh, the team advanced to compete in Charlotte for State Championships and then moved on to Auburn, Alabama for

Southern Sectional Championships, with a final stop in San Diego, California for National Championships.

With a 2-2 record at the USTA National Championships Adult 40 & Over 3.0, the Wakefield ladies finished the season as the No. 9-ranked team in the nation.

“I’ve worked with a good number of these ladies since they first started playing tennis,” said McConnell Golf’s Corporate Director of Tennis, Kyle Thortsen. “I’d say probably half of the group started together about

“They work hard and attend clinics or lessons together just about every week. They’ve just done it the right way, and it has paid off for them. This is a special group of ladies.”

Kyle Thortsen

seven years ago. People have joined the group over time, and they truly are a unit. They work hard and attend clinics or lessons together just about every week. They’ve just done it the right way, and it has paid off for them. This is a special group of ladies.”

For team captain Ashley Walton, going to nationals was like a homecoming as she moved to Raleigh from San Diego with her family in 2017. They joined Wakefield because they wanted to start playing tennis.

“Jen Duerr and I were co-captains for the 2023 spring season, and that alone was a highlight for me,” she said. “Having a partner to make decisions with, enjoy the highs and lows with; and to have gotten so far, I think is a testament to how well we work together as a team.”

“We also had a ton of support from Kyle throughout the season. He spent so much time preparing us and even came to the state tournament in Charlotte and nationals in

[Coach] Kyle Thortsen fist bumps an opposing team’s player during the USTA National Championships.

San Diego. He was there for us anytime we were looking for encouragement, coaching, strategy—it was truly a blessing,” Walton said.

In June, Team Wakefield competed in Charlotte for the State Championship and came in second place. They beat the topseeded team in the semifinals but dropped a 3-1 decision in the final match.

However, when the winning team declined to go to Auburn for sectionals, Team Wakefield was offered the opportunity to go and the members promptly accepted.

“Unfortunately, we only had a skeleton number of players available to go to sectionals in Auburn in July,” said team member Kate Canavan. “Depending on the

day, we only had one to two extra players. We had record high heat and periods of rain, so matches were delayed and a few of them were moved indoors. Many of our players, including me, had never played indoors.”

“After the second day of playing, we thought we were in fifth place and only the top four teams went to semifinals. We made plans to

ABOVE: Team Wakefield (from left to right) – Stacey Giglio, Kate Pirrung, Kat Kiel, Summer Dumont, Melissa Green, Jen Kazmierczak, Jen Duerr, [Coach] Kyle Thortsen, Ashley Walton, Marilyn Slaymaker, Emma Coblentz, Katie Percy, Kate Canavan, Kristine Arora, Amanda Viele and Tara Spina. LEFT: Kate Canavan

TENNIS

go out for dinner and take our minds off of tennis. We were well into our second round of drinks when an email came through saying that we were in fact in fourth place and had to play the next morning in the semifinals against South Carolina.”

The next morning, Team Wakefield upset higher-ranked South Carolina in the semifinals, before battling Louisiana in the scorching heat for the championship.

“Louisiana was a fun team to play,” Canavan said. The competitors shared resources to ensure everyone was properly hydrated and ready for play. Having a nurse on Louisiana’s team greatly benefited the ladies from North Carolina.

Prepped and ready for play, Team Wakefield performed well and topped Louisiana 3-1. “It

was such an exciting match and so amazing to beat the team we had previously lost to,” Canavan said. After a delayed flight and early-morning arrival in North Carolina, the team was greeted at the airport by Thortsen with congratulatory flowers.

In October, the entire team, including Thortsen and his wife, Lauren, flew to San Diego for the USTA National Championships at the award-winning Barnes Tennis Center.

There, it dropped its first match to Pacific Northwest before facing a powerful Florida team.

The evening match against Florida came down to one court, No. 1 doubles, where Canavan and her partner, Stacey Giglio, were down 6-2, 5-2 and facing match point with

Marilyn Slaymaker

Stacey Giglio

Walton & Katie Percy

one point determining a winner and their opponent serving at 40-30. “It wasn’t looking good,” Canavan said. “But somehow, we won that game. It was then 3-5 and we just kept

Playing under pressure in front of a huge crowd of fans, Canavan and Giglio won the set 7-6 in a tiebreaker and pulled out the final set to lead Wakefield to an amazing come-

“That one was awesome.” Thortsen said. “It was quite a night with a good crowd and lots of cheering. I know it was a club match, but it had a college match feel to it as the spectators cheered and were behind literally every shot.”

The final day, Team Wakefield dropped a tight match against Midwest before wrapping up the competition with a win over Mid-Atlantic.

“We made it here not only because of our tennis ability but also the camaraderie and love we have for each other off the courts,” said Giglio. “We had some tough matches, but I think our ability to dig deep in those moments is what helped us pull out the wins.”

Playing the No. 1 doubles position, Canavan and Giglio went 4-0 at nationals. “I think you would have no problem

Ashley

the nation,” said Thortsen. “They showed up and showed out for every single match.”

Due to the team playing at nationals, USTA rules prevent them from competing together in the future. While they can no longer compete on the USTA stage as a unit, some of the ladies joined forces to compete on various teams in 2024. The good news? They still have Wakefield as a base to continue playing together, even if it’s just for leisure.

Added Walton: “The experiences of going to states, sectionals and then nationals with this particular group of women will forever be the highlight of my tennis career.”

“It will be fun to play all together socially and compete against each other on teams as well,” says Canavan. “I was a member

“It was truly an amazing experience. Our team really is a special group of women who are supportive of each other on and off of the courts.”

Kate Canavan

at Hasentree when I played a singles match against Ashley. We had such a long, fun match that I decided to ask for her number to play her again. That turned into me reaching out to her to see how she liked Wakefield. Her ringing endorsement prompted me to switch clubs. I joined Wakefield in the fall of 2021, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Kate Pirrung & Emma Coblentz

McConnell Golf Creed

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.

EXPERIENCE my club

A TASTE OF MCCONNELL GOLF

At McConnell Golf, we strive to provide our members with one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences. We also aim to get to know our members on a personal level, making them feel at home when they enter any of our club properties. In this edition of McConnell Golf, The Magazine , we asked our members to share details from their favorite club dining experiences. Once again, they delivered with mentions of dishes, special occasions, and the staff who make their club visits worthwhile.

PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH

“We love the family atmosphere that McConnell Golf, Michael and the PDRC team have established over the last year. There is real momentum, and we continue to meet new young families who are enjoying the different activities. My children especially love seeing ‘Mr. Dan’ in Preston’s whenever we are enjoying a drink or meal with the family. He makes them feel very special every time.”

THE WATER’S EDGE COUNTRY CLUB

— MARK WOODS

“I have lived at The Water’s Edge Country Club since 1988, which was before we even had a clubhouse. I have seen lots of changes over the years, and it just keeps getting better. Our latest was the beautiful clubhouse renovation. One of my favorite events we have monthly is our ‘Meet your Neighbor.’ We meet in our great bar area for drinks, appetizers and social time. We have a buffet with delicious food, salads and dessert. We all wear name tags, and it is so much easier to get to know people. Our management and all the staff are really easy to work with. Please come visit us, play golf, have dinner and enjoy Smith Mountain Lake.”

—

LINDA SIMPSON

PORTERS NECK COUNTRY CLUB

“I am a huge supporter of the entire culinary team JP has put together at Porters Neck. JP not only supplies McConnell Golf with his exceptional skills but demonstrates the rare quality of being able to manage a tight kitchen while still being compassionate to his staff; a combination not often seen in the hospitality world, I’m afraid. He has elevated Porters and shows exceptional creativity in the Grape Expectations monthly series, along with the Birthday Pastabilities which is without a doubt the best deal I have ever enjoyed at any country club of the caliber of Porters Neck. Many of my friends at other clubs are envious. So, keep an eye on JP, he is one in a million.”

—

PATRICIA CRAWFORD

RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB

“Raleigh Country Club is our go-to spot for a casual dinner as you can get a small bite or gourmet meal depending on your current taste buds. Reservations are easily obtainable, but not mandatory, and on every visit, we are treated like royalty with the wait staff feeling like family. Chef John has been a friend to us for such a long time and will always try to accommodate you when a dish is not exactly to your liking. Where else can you get that much individualized attention? Special event nights are also very well attended and on a personal note, my favorites are Lobster Night and King Crab Night. My husband John will always opt for a burger! Thank you RCC for keeping me out of the kitchen!” —

BECCA MCKINNEY

OLD NORTH STATE CLUB

“Betty and I have been Old North State Club members since 2006. We built our house opposite the 17th green about six-seven years ago. We’ve been spending most of our time here since my retirement as a lawyer several years ago. We both have culinary backgrounds. I worked in my parents’ Chinese/Polynesian restaurant in New Jersey when I was in college/law school, and I also co-founded the Commonwealth Brewing Company in Boston. Betty also helped me entertain clients at our Charlotte home. Our guests have included celebrities in the culinary world, among notable corporate and political leaders, in addition to family and friends for large holiday gatherings. Bottom line, because of our experiences in restaurants, business and law, we can personally attest that the talents of our chef and his kitchen far surpass that of his predecessors and certainly equal or surpass many of the white tablecloth restaurants I’ve been to. Thumbs up from my perspective!”

—

JEFF & BETTY LEE

WILSON COUNTRY CLUB

“We enjoy going to Wine Down Wednesday in the newly renovated clubhouse. It is a great way to break up the work week. The staff and food are always excellent!” —

JENNIFER JONES

SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB

“We began attending Thanksgiving at Sedgefield perhaps 15 years ago when my nephews were old enough to decide they probably preferred prime rib and ham to turkey. We then realized that Sedgefield checked all the boxes. Our numbers have grown over the years as a wife, fiancée, and friends from other countries, and, this year, 18-month-old twins were added. All 13 of us were delighted! From the charcuterie tray to the seafood selections to all the traditional favorites plus some new options, everything is outstanding, especially the service (and we were not an easy table). My family and I look forward to making happy, new holiday memories at Sedgefield.”

— LESLIE DAISY

HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

“Since joining Holston Hills, we have had the absolute best dining experiences and are so impressed with Patrick, the Executive Chef, and his staff! From the winter mixology event to the New Year’s Eve wine pairing dinner, and a family Christmas gathering in between, we continue to be impressed. Chef Patrick’s attention to detail and creativity with his dishes have made each experience incredible and memorable.” —

CASEY IRWIN

TREYBURN COUNTRY CLUB

“I’m adventurous when it comes to food. I always look forward to Birthday Night so I can try out the new menu. I like to try something different and exciting, like the rack of lamb, while my husband, Steve, usually goes with the tried-and-true options. Nothing’s better than a night out with a group of friends and neighbors enjoying great conversation with a drink and great food! Being at Treyburn on our Birthday Nights is my perfect go-to place.” —

SUSAN OWENS

MUSGROVE MILL GOLF CLUB

“We host several corporate events at Musgrove Mill every year with anywhere between 20 and 100+ people. Cookie and the team always go above and beyond to make sure people leave talking about how great the food and beverages are at The Mill.”

JONATHAN COLEMAN

THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION

“My family enjoys dinner at Wakefield at least one to two times per month. Audrey, Whitney, Lauren, Crystal, Morgan and Chad do an outstanding job taking care of my expanding family with up to 10 people at any given time and a new one on the way. Our menu tastes vary with my wife Stephanie normally choosing the fish and I go with the steak. The meals are always top notch with Todd, John and the crew in the kitchen going out of their way to make it a delightful evening. The family agrees that the meals are always a treat with the skillet cookie finishing off a great night. I would be remiss not to mention Tommy Kofler, who keeps us updated on the latest wines and liquid refreshments. We love the atmosphere with its cozy and elegant environment. We enjoy the wine dinners and tastings with Bourbon Night being a close second. On larger events that I am involved with, Courtney and her team are “Johnny on the spot” with functions going like clockwork. Everyone there should feel very proud of the club, my family sure does.”

— JOHN RABBY

Collegiate

by Brad King

Connections

McConnell Golf’s ties to local universities, colleges run deep

McConnell Golf VP of Golf Operations Brian Kittler recalls his earliest days in the golf industry working as an assistant professional at Old North State Club. He started the job in April 1998, just two weeks before ONSC was slated to host the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Golf Championship.

The star power arriving at ONSC that year was an eye-opener for Kittler. Highlighting the event, Georgia Tech’s Matt Kuchar was the defending U.S. Amateur champion and had made the cut at the Masters Tournament the week before. Clemson’s Charles Warren was the defending NCAA individual champion, while Tim Clark from N.C. State was the defending U.S. Public Links champion.

“We literally had people from ESPN, CNN and some other national outlets calling us and, since this was in the early days of the Internet, we had to fax in the results,” Kittler recalled. “So, I was in my first month, and I’m thinking, like, ‘Wow, this is the big time.’”

The most recognizable connection between McConnell Golf and collegiate golf is the club owner’s relationship with the ACC. It’s a hand-in-glove fit between a company whose portfolio includes many of the finest golf courses and clubs in the Southeast and a conference that has produced some of golf’s best players. Now in its 71st year of competition and 15 members strong, the ACC has long enjoyed the reputation as one of the strongest and most competitive intercollegiate conferences in the nation.

COLLEGIATE

From 1995-2019, ONSC played host to the ACC Men’s Golf Championship for 22 of 24 years. The 2017 men’s ACC Championship was played at the Arnold Palmer-designed Musgrove Mill Golf Club, following 15 consecutive years at ONSC.

Also in 2017, the ACC held its women’s golf championship for the first time at The Reserve Golf Club, following a nine-year run at McConnell Golf’s Sedgefield Country Club—the site where the ACC was originally formed in 1953 and annual host to the PGA TOUR’s Wyndham Championship.

The ACC women returned to The Reserve in 2022, and held the conference championship at Sedgefield in 2019, 2021 and 2023.

“Overall, especially the men’s and women’s ACC schools, you get to see these junior golfers, whether it’s Matt Kuchar or Brooks Koepka or Daniel Berger, Bill Haas, Webb Simpson, Lucas Glover, you can go down the line,” Kittler said. “You see these young men playing Old North State and then going on to have careers on the PGA TOUR.”

“At the same time, attending women’s ACC events at Sedgefield and The Reserve, we’ve seen the likes of Leona Maguire, Céline Boutier and Jennifer Kupcho. They’ve each had success in college on their way to the LPGA Tour,” Kittler added.

PHOTOS

Florida State University — 2008 ACC Men’s Golf Champions at ONSC

Clemson University — 2023 ACC Women’s Golf Champions at SCC

This year, the ACC Women’s Championship will be played at another McConnell Golf property, Porters Neck Country Club. “I think they’re going to enjoy Porters Neck,” Kittler said. “It’s down at the beach, it’s a challenging course, good restaurants to choose from, in addition to lodging. It should be an ideal venue for them.”

In early February, the ACC announced that Charlotte, Greensboro, Cary, Durham and Raleigh will play host to numerous future neutral-site conference championships as approved by the league’s membership.

“We are incredibly proud to announce this tremendous package of neutral-site championships that will be held in the state of North Carolina, where the league was founded more than 70 years ago,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. “We are pleased to have been able to deliver so quickly on our commitment to continue to hold numerous tournaments and championships in cities across the state of North Carolina as part of the ACC board of directors’ decision to relocate the conference office headquarters to Charlotte.”

With the announcement, the ACC Women’s Golf Championship will return to Sedgefield in 2025, ’27 and ’29, and will be hosted at yet-tobe-announced McConnell Golf properties in 2026 and ’28.

“We enjoy seeing the best players when they’re young, building those relationships, and then when you happen to see them 5, 10, 15 years down the road, it’s neat to relive those memories.”

Brian Kittler

Sedgefield will also play host to this year’s inaugural High Point Invitational, in association with nearby High Point University, in October. “High Point’s coach was a former assistant coach at Virginia Tech,” Kittler said. “We’re creating an invitational, hosting it at Sedgefield and we may host it at Old North State in the years to come, but there will be a brand-new event this October.”

“The collegiate golf connection just goes back to what McConnell Golf stands for,” Kittler said. “It goes with the philosophy that we always want the best players playing at our properties. We enjoy seeing the best players when they’re young, building those relationships, and then when you happen to see them 5, 10, 15 years down the road, it’s neat to relive those memories.”

“With the colleges and universities that are in close proximity to a lot of our courses, it’s good to have these elite players at our facilities,” he continued. “And in addition, when they’re hosting their events, you get to see junior players from all around the country come play at our courses. It’s a great opportunity, a great atmosphere, for these kids to come play.”

Old North State Club also serves as a home course for Pfeiffer University’s men’s and women’s golf programs. Pfeiffer has honed its competitive skills on Tom Fazio’s masterpiece along a 2 1/2-mile peninsula in Badin Lake, which is regularly ranked among the Tar Heel State’s top 5 layouts. “When I was [at ONSC] back in the late ‘90s, early 2000s, Pfeiffer was one of the top Division II programs in the country,” Kittler said.

Brook Valley Country Club has a close relationship with East Carolina University and its men’s and women’s golf programs, as well as the ECU Pirate Club. Each March, Brook Valley plays host to some of collegiate golf’s top players during the ECU Intercollegiate.

“Hosting a home tournament is very important to our program,” said Kevin Williams, ECU’s director of men’s and women’s golf. “Conducting a true championship experience is a must for our program and I could not be prouder of the experience we have given the competitors at Brook Valley.

“The staff as well as the members of the club have taken a lot of pride in the event and it shows,” he continued. “Hosting the home event allows us to save money from a travel standpoint plus we are able to provide extra revenue for the club who gives so much to us throughout the year. This extra revenue is our way of giving back and showing our appreciation for what Brook Valley means to our program.”

Williams said the ECU Intercollegiate competitors tend to rave about Brook Valley and the improvements to the club made by McConnell Golf.

“As someone who has been in this area a long time, I’m constantly amazed at how far the club has come under the McConnell Golf umbrella and love the passion and pride the members have in the club,” Williams said. “This golf course is a beast—if there is a harder 6,700-yard course in the country, I want to see it.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (ECU)

“As someone who has been in this area a long time, I’m constantly amazed at how far the club has come under the McConnell Golf umbrella and love the passion and pride the members have in the club.”

Kevin Williams

COLLEGIATE

The newest club in the McConnell Golf stable, Wilson Country Club, enjoys a longstanding relationship with Barton College, with its men and women practicing and playing there, and the club also plays host in the spring to the college’s Barton Intercollegiate. In addition, Barton College also participates in the ECU Intercollegiate at Brook Valley.

Another recent addition to the McConnell Golf portfolio, Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech, is considered one of the country’s best college golf courses and has particular significance to McConnell Golf CEO John McConnell.

“As a Virginia Tech graduate, John McConnell has always had a love for the university,” said Michael Abraham, General Manager and Director of Golf at Pete Dye River Course. “His passion for golf coupled with the opportunity to add one of the best collegiate golf courses in the country to his portfolio of courses was just too good to pass up. We are ecstatic to be a part of the McConnell Golf team and look forward to what the future will bring.”

The River Course, which also serves as the home course for nearby Radford University, earned a fourth-place award from Golf Digest in its “Best Remodel” rankings of 2006, the highest of any public facility. “The River Course is also proud to be the home of Virginia Tech men’s and women’s golf teams along with Radford

University’s men’s and women’s golf teams,” Abraham said. “The golf course and practice facilities provide these athletes a wonderful opportunity to hone in their skills and compete among the best players in the country.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF RTS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS

The Cardinal by Pete Dye in Greensboro enjoys a longstanding relationship with the highly regarded Guilford College men’s golf program. Guilford annually hosts its own Division III tournament, the O’Briant Jensen Memorial, at The Cardinal in October.

UNC Asheville’s women’s program practices at Country Club of Asheville. In addition, last year, CC of Asheville played host to the Bulldog Athletics Association (BAA) Scholarship Golf Classic presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with all proceeds going to support the UNC Asheville student-athlete scholarship fund.

In South Carolina, Musgrove Mill Golf Club serves as the host course for the Presbyterian College Intercollegiate golf tournament held in the fall, as well as one of two practice sites for the Blue Hose during the year.

On any given day, you will see golfers at The Mill donning Blue Hose gear as the club has a handful of collegiate members who are also on the golf teams at Presbyterian.

“We’re proud to host the men’s and women’s golf teams at The Mill regularly, including the student members from both teams, who take advantage of our fun, challenging layout,” said Jeff Tallman, Club Manager and Director of Golf at Musgrove Mill Golf Club.

“The partnership we have with Presbyterian also allows the parents of the student athletes to use the facilities when they come to visit their kids at college,” said Tallman.

One might argue that the town of Clinton is the perfect fit to be the home of Musgrove Mill as the two complement each other with support and exposure during special events.

The 2017 ACC Men’s Golf Championship provided a lot of excitement for the local community. Duke University took home the trophy that year as Alex Smalley, who is now a PGA TOUR player and member at Sedgefield Country Club, led the way for the Blue Devils with a 4-under 212 to finish.

“The ACC Championship brought an unbelievable boost of energy to

the area and we could not have been more proud to host this event in Clinton,” Tallman said. The city of Clinton as well as Laurens County rolled out the welcome mat for the 12 participating schools and their spectators. “Everyone was excited and humbled to host such a prestigious event,” said Tallman.

ACC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS (2013-2023)

MEN

2013 — Duke *

2014 — Georgia Tech *

2015 — Georgia Tech *

2016 — Clemson *

2017 — Duke *

2018 — Georgia Tech *

2019 — Georgia Tech *

2021 — Clemson

2022 — Wake Forest

2023 — Georgia Tech

WOMEN

2013 — Duke *

2014 — Duke *

2015 — Virginia *

2016 — Virginia *

2017 — Duke *

2018 — Duke

2019 — Wake Forest *

2021 — Duke *

2022 — Wake Forest *

2023 — Clemson *

* Hosted at a McConnell Golf property

SCC member and PGA TOUR player Alex Smalley tees off during the 2017 ACC Men’s Golf Championship at Musgrove Mill.

“They are the future of golf.”

Brian Kittler

Last but not least, Holston Hills Country Club has a close relationship with the neighboring University of Tennessee and its Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouse men’s and women’s golf teams, which often play and practice on the classic Donald Ross layout.

Former McConnell Golf Scholar Caleb Surratt enjoyed a brief, yet historic college career in Knoxville. Surratt became the first University of Tennessee player to receive first-team All-American honors and won the 2023 SEC Championship individual title—the first freshman to do so since 2012. He recently turned professional and was recruited to join Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf team, Legion XIII.

“It’s very fulfilling to see juniors like Caleb Surratt play at the University of Tennessee, utilizing Holston Hills,” Kittler said. “It’s good to see them at that age. They are the future of golf.”

• Walker Cup Team USA Member

• PING First Team All-American

• SEC Freshman of the Year

• All-SEC First Team

• SEC All-Freshman Team

• Arnold Palmer Cup Team USA Member

• SEC Individual Champion 2023 HONORS

Pride Over Par

by John Jeter

Cups runneth over at McConnell Golf’s interclub Ryder, Solheim tourneys

The Ryder Cup for men and the Solheim Cup for women are considered two of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Each pits the best American and European players against one another, competing for a purse that totals zero dollars— astonishing in a world where huge money is the norm.

The same holds true with McConnell Golf, which uses the internationally branded names in its annual Ryder and Solheim Cup tournaments. These events are held exclusively for members who compete for fun and club pride, which come with being a member at participating McConnell Golf clubs.

“It’s just a lot of pride—from playing well for your club and the bragging rights for the next year,” says Eric Ferguson, PGA Director of Golf at Sedgefield Country Club.

Last November, the Sedgefield team from Greensboro, North Carolina, won that Ryder Cup pride for the first time, edging out all but three McConnell Golf clubs that participated in the tourney at The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. There were 90 golfers total, who each had to qualify or be invited to compete.

“It’s really amazing to see because basically what’s happened with this event, it’s become one of the top—if not the top—one within McConnell Golf that all the members want to play in,” says Ferguson, who has worked over 18 years for the 21-year-old company.

McConnell Golf’s PGA pros accompany—and play alongside— their club’s team members. Ferguson has brought Sedgefield members to The Reserve for the last three years.

Ryder Cup Trophy

GOLF

“It’s just a lot of pride—from playing well for your club and the bragging rights for the next year.”

Eric Ferguson

Ryan Oxendine, a member since 2018 of Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina, says a fellow club member invited him to play—his first McConnell Golf Ryder Cup outing. “I happily accepted, and it was a great experience,” Oxendine says.

The format is essentially modeled on the international versions, with twosomes from each club being divided into rungs. Depending on where they finish within their rung determines how many points they earn for their respective clubs. This allows one twosome to face every other club in the tournament.

Oxendine, who has a nine handicap, plays five or six times a week during the summer. Even still, he says, the Ryder Cup event turned up the pressure. Nervous? “Ab-so-lute-ly.” Watching his fellow McConnell Golf members at the start, he says, “I was so nervous with them because they were just killing the ball off the tee.”

He fumbled the first few drives, he says, but soon relaxed. “I just didn’t care anymore and started slamming the ball down the fairway. I was nervous for sure, and then on the last day, I was just very calm and collected,” Oxendine says.

As much as he enjoyed playing the 54-hole tournament, he says he especially relished

playing alongside McConnell Golf’s best golfers.

“The clubs we played, we had so many mutual connections, it actually led to some business for me, as well,” he says. “It’s a great networking event, you meet new people. Each round, people knew people, and afterward, you would end up having dinner or lunch and be talking to people from all these clubs, and I really like that.”

At the Solheim Cup, Andrea Fisher sounded like she had more fun off the course than on it.

A Holston Hills Country Club member for about three years, she competed in her first-ever golf tournament last July at McConnell Golf’s

“It’s a

great networking event, you meet new people. Each round, people knew people, and afterward, you would end up having dinner or lunch and be talking to people from all these clubs, and I really like that.”

Ryan Oxendine

Participants share a high-five during the 2023 Solheim Cup event.

ABOVE: Solheim Cup participant hits an approach shot on No. 17 at Treyburn Country Club. BELOW: Team Wakefield celebrates its Solheim Cup win, from left to right: Stella Bae Cho, Susan Jackson, Trude Myhrvold, Alex Varner, Krista Moore, Terresa Zimmerman and Courtney McKim. Not pictured: Sheryl Hakes.

Solheim Cup at Treyburn Country Club in Durham, North Carolina. She and her husband, Scott, a financial planner, live in Lenoir City, Tennessee, just a five-hour drive away from Treyburn.

“There’s no better way to get to know somebody than to live with them for a few days,” she says of the event that provided more than just golf.

The first evening, she says, “Several of the Holston girls came to my room and we just kind of hung out there. Other ladies from other hallways heard that we were hanging out and ended up coming to my room and hanging out with us. And so that was a lot of fun, too. We just turned music on and socialized and laughed and told funny stories and got to know each other.”

Although Holston’s team didn’t win—The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation captured its second Solheim Cup title in

Solheim Cup trophy

“It’s just the will to want to win and play in these events that keeps them coming back.”

Eric Ferguson

2023 after a 10-year dry spell—Fisher says she wants to encourage other women to hit the links.

“My experience has been, when you start meeting other women, women start encouraging each other: ‘Come play with us on such-and-such day,’” she says. “And then you see that everybody is full of grace when it comes to golf because we know how hard it is.”

Difficult, yes, but not off-putting enough for her and Oxendine to even consider missing this year’s McConnell Golf Ryder and Solheim contests.

No surprise to Ferguson.

“The guys love it. They want to get there every year, and as soon as it’s over, they start talking about the next year,” he says.

His Sedgefield members, just like the international pros at the Ryder Cup

tournament, aren’t in it as much for the prize, but for the satisfaction—and, yes, club glory, more than anything else, he says: “It’s just the will to want to win and play in these events that keeps them coming back.”

Solheim Cup participants enjoy festivities at Treyburn Country Club ahead of competition.

Making

MEMORIES THROUGHOUT MCCONNELL GOLF

Connect with us on social media by tagging your home club and sharing your favorite club memories using #McConnellGolf.

David III, Washy, August & David Johnson Jr., RCC

Karen Pickles, Kristie Wooten, Austin Wood, Rhonda McCoy, Maria Satira, Lisa Hearn & Ashley Van Liere, BVCC

Charlie & Bob Hiatt, PNCC

Remi & Shaun Liggett, TCC

Mike Abraham & Al Wojtera, PDRC

Gwennie & Bree Brunetti, HHCC

Charlie, Erin & Everly Mallow, WE

Edward, Evan, EJ & Ethan Lee, WP

Randy Brownlow, SCC

Cole, Caleb & James Moneyhun, HHCC

Joe & Joseph Mapson, PNCC

Mike Kirchmeyer –“Chili Dippers” Jingle Jangle annual outing, CCA

Jim Weathers, Mark Saharski & Tom Carpenito, WP

Lisa Anderson, Cindy Landon & Adair Allen, HHCC

Hudson Bracamonte, WP

Dylan Sheehan & Harper Wanner, PNCC

Bob, Ellen, Robert Jr. & Richard Wayland, RCC

(Back, L to R) My-Chau Tran, Ann La, My-Chau Nguyen & Yen Nguyen; (Front, L to R) Binh Tran, Boone La, Thong & Hoan Nguyen, RCC

Oscar Suarez, Jack Marshall & Anders Carlson, CCA

Laura, Indie, Merrick, Hogan & Valan Hagy, PNCC

Callie & Andrew Johnston, PNCC

Darren Going, Kevin Lascalette, Joey Lascalette & Joe Larson, TCC

Loretta Wilkins, Mandy Barringer, Carolyn Dunne, Paula Siegel & Sheri Kempel, TCC

Tom Schoenberg, Kelly Vick & Don Watson, WCC

Wendy & John Lawrence, ONSC

Sunset over ONSC. Photo by Betty Lee.

Skip King, Jeff Nossen & Tom Bowles, CCA

Regina Castillo, Dina Castillo & Claudia Spruill, WE

Jes Snyder, Billy Yarborough, Tanner Scarborough & Doug Socie, PNCC Olivia, Josie, Stephanie & Ron Casey, RCC

Mary Beth Corbin, Doug Getsinger, Cheri Getsinger & Liz Johnston, BVCC

DID YOU KNOW?

• Every day in the U.S., 42 families hear the words, “Your child has cancer.”

• Only 4% of all money raised to fight cancer is devoted to childhood cancer.

• Charlotte, N.C. is home to one of eight St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital affiliate clinics (Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital).

• The cost of Olivia’s treatment from diagnosis to bell ringing was over $1.2 Million...100% COVERED BY ST. JUDE.

To all McConnell Golf and Providence Country Club members, and all our friends and family, thank you for your support of our foundation. OliviaStrong was created nearly two years ago during our daughter Olivia’s battle with cancer. Your generosity during our inaugural golf marathon helped ignite the fire that has given our foundation the ability to donate over $400,000 to date to other families in need. Your contributions have allowed us to give back to local children’s hospitals, St. Jude and MakeA-Wish. Without your support, none of this would have been possible!

— Kevin & Christie Reardon

Drive for $500,000

A major donation goal for our foundation is to reach $500,000 by the end of 2024. Never did we imagine we could donate half a million dollars in less than three years. Because of you, we can easily achieve this goal. If you would like to help us reach this goal, you should know 100% of the money donated will be used to support St. Jude or Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. Let us continue to make an impact in fighting childhood cancer. All donations are tax deductible as we are an exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

on the Green Footprints

McConnell Golf is committed to playing a meaningful role in the communities surrounding our clubs. We achieve this through our Footprints on the Green program, where both members and staff engage in various forms of philanthropy. This includes financial contributions, volunteerism, event coordination and donation efforts. We take pride in the collaborative efforts of our clubs to positively impact those in need.

RCC – Salvation Army

Country Club of Asheville

Country Club of Asheville hit the ground running with its Footprints initiatives in the Asheville community in 2023. Under the direction of staff members Brittani Lucas, Director of Catering and Events, and Liz DeKoyer, Director of Communications, CCA put forth a strong effort to give back. From the annual polar plunge and pie toss events to membership drives, its involvement not only enhanced charitable events but also helped increase participation. Through various donation efforts, CCA raised over $16,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. CCA also partnered with B.E.A.R. Closet to help provide basic supplies such as

strollers, baby highchairs, car seats and cribs to families in need. CCA also continued its partnerships with Folds of Honor, Hope Chest for Women and Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry.

Holston Hills Country Club

Throughout 2023, Holston Hills Country Club dedicated resources to serve the Knoxville community. Jim Disney, former Clubhouse Manager at HHCC, was instrumental in leading the annual Bucky’s Bikes donation drive with Mission of Hope. Since 2013, HHCC and Mission of Hope have partnered to give 2,258 bikes as Christmas

CCA – Wounded Warriors

CCA – Hope Chest for Women

CCA – B.E.A.R. Closet

gifts to area children. Beyond Bucky’s Bikes, the culinary team, led by Chef Patrick Budniewski and Chef Frankie Thomas, prepared and donated food to Honey Rock Victorious Church International for its annual Compassion Dinner, which feeds over 100 people. Finally, the club partnered with HHCC member, Nykky Harper, and three Knox County schools to gather toys and donations for children in need.

Porters Neck Country Club

Whether it involved charitable contributions or acts of service, Porters Neck Country Club gave back to the Wilmington community through various Footprints initiatives in 2023. The leadership staff

helped clean up a 2-mile stretch of roadway multiple times during the year through NCDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway Program. Due to the generosity of members and staff, $3,000 was donated to paws4people to provide people customized training with highly qualified assistance dogs. Additionally, Porters Neck hosted a Swing for the Stars tennis tournament that raised over $65,000 for Welcome Home Angel. This nonprofit organization assists children with chronic and physically debilitating illnesses or injuries by creating a healthy and cheerful home environment. However, the Porters Neck team did not stop there as they once again hosted marines from Camp Lejeune for Thanksgiving as part of their Operation Semper Gratus event. Members and staff raised over $26,600 during their annual Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament in partnership with the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation, which provides breast cancer screenings to people who cannot afford health insurance in the region. Finally, PNCC partnered with Toys for Tots during the holidays and gave back to children in need.

Providence Country Club

In 2023, Providence Country Club continued raising awareness for various nonprofits that are centered around cancer research and financial aid for people impacted by cancer. Members and staff joined forces to raise approximately $250,000 for Susan G. Komen. The club also partnered with OliviaStrong Foundation for a golf marathon, led by Kevin Reardon, and raised over $22,000 to help people affected by pediatric cancer. Additionally, PCC helped organizations such as Thompson Child & Family Focus, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Loaves & Fishes, and OneBlood throughout the year.

HHCC – Knox County Schools

HHCC – Bucky’s Bikes

PNCC – Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament

RCC – Fire Station 12

WP – Salvation Army

PNCC – Operation Semper Gratus

PNCC – Operation Semper Gratus

PNCC – NCDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway

PNCC – Swing for the Stars

SCC – Angel Tree

PNCC – Swing for the Stars

SCC – Backpack Beginnings

Raleigh Country Club

Raleigh Country Club kicked off 2023 with a wine and tapas event benefiting Shield NC—a nonprofit organization that unites communities to actively protect their citizens from human trafficking. The event was a success in January, so the club hosted a second event later in the year. Ronald McDonald House Charities benefited from a special fundraiser led by the RCC Stingrays swim team. In honor of the tragic events of 9/11, in September, Chef John Crawford and his food and beverage team prepared barbecue plates for local firemen at Raleigh’s Fire Station 12 as a token of appreciation for their service to the community. In 2023, RCC members and staff also gave various donations and gifts to Stough Magnet Elementary School, Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, Soldiers Angels’ Treats for Troops program, Alzheimer’s Association, The Salvation Army of Wake County, Make-A-Wish, and Toys for Tots.

Sedgefield Country Club

Sedgefield Country Club gave back in a big way to multiple charities in 2023. Efforts included the SCC Women’s Club and club staff packaging food for children in the community for their BackPack Beginnings partnership, a donation drive for hygiene items benefiting

Partners Ending Homeless. For the fourth consecutive year, SCC partnered with members Ron and Karri Gaffé to provide 250 meals to the health care heroes at Cone Health Cancer Center. Additionally, members and staff teamed up to raise over $110,000 for The Salvation Army of Greensboro’s Angel Tree program. This included involvement in the annual Angel Tree Golf Tournament at SCC with help from our 2023 Footprints on the Green Award winner, Eric Ferguson, and his staff.

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation had an eventful year, filled with community initiatives for members of all ages to join. This included multiple blood drives with The Blood Connection, in addition to Yoga for a Cause during Breast Cancer Awareness Month which benefited Susan G. Komen. Members of the Wakefield Senior Men’s Golf Association were busy during the fall hosting another successful WE CARE Golf Classic which raised $95,000 for local military charities. In November, they also raised $12,000 to help provide resources to Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen during Thanksgiving. Finally, in December 2023, members and staff helped make children’s Christmas wishes come true through their donations to The Salvation Army of Wake County.

Views FROM THE TO THE MOUNTAINS COAST

SPECTACULAR VISTAS

Whether you find yourself within the clubhouse or out on the golf course, a visit to a McConnell Golf property promises some of the most stunning views in the Southeast. Exquisite dining meets a golfer’s paradise, where you’ll immerse yourself in meticulously designed courses seamlessly integrated with nature. The same dedication extends to our culinary team, crafting unforgettable dining experiences with the finest ingredients. Moreover, McConnell Golf’s properties are ideal settings for creating lasting memories, enjoying quality family time, and indulging in top-tier country club service. Each aspect is carefully curated, ensuring a refined and thoughtful experience. So, the next time you step onto one of our properties for a meal, a round of golf or simply a change of scenery, take a moment to soak in the ambiance and escape from the rest of the world.

AUTOMOBILE SALES & SERVICES

MARBURGER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Chadd Marburger 704.699.9769

cmarburger@marburgerauto.com

CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

ARTISAN ROOFING COMPANY

Brian Sibbett

336.842.0438 artisanroofingcompany.com

CREATIVE STRUCTURES, INC.

Tyler Slack 865.688.1335 creativestructuresinc.com

LIVE GREEN

Roland Blaise 919.453.6411 livegreeninc.com

MOSS CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

James Moss 910.622.3431 mcdraleigh.com

NC CONSTRUCTION & HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC 336.740.9509 myncconstruction.com

NC WATER & FIRE RESTORATION 336.740.9509

ncwaterfirerestoration.com

PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS OF NORTH CAROLINA

Chad Chimiak 336.842.0438 pella.com/locations/north-carolina

TIMBERLINE CONSTRUCTION

Nathan Diehl 828.303.5186

timberlineconstructionsc@gmail.com

Member Business Directory

COMMUNITY & NON-PROFIT

OLIVIASTRONG FOUNDATION

Kevin Reardon 704.819.0246 osfgiving.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LLC

Kerrie Debbs 910.585.1848 msfsolutions.com

MARLOWE PASARILLA WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP

Providing expert guidance to help you plan and achieve financial freedom to live your best life.

Jennifer Marlowe 828.210.3826

northwesternmutual.com/financial/ advisor/jennifer-marlowe

TRINITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Jim Wilkie, CFP®, ChFC® 336.814.3328

trinitywealthmgt.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE

COCA COLA CONSOLIDATED

Jennifer DeAngelo 800.260.2653 cokeconsolidated.com

US FOODS

Darrell Hall 919.417.8301 usfoods.com

WAKEFIELD TAVERN

Anthony Scalese 919.554.0673 wakefieldtavernraleigh.com

FURNITURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

GOOD’S HOME FURNISHINGS

Dana Mathews 910.340.9756

goodshomefurnishings.com

jeffreyjackman.nm.com

FURNITURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

FURNITURELAND SOUTH

336.822.3000 furniturelandsouth.com

INSURANCE

LATORRE INSURANCE

Richard Latorre

844.566.8181 rl@latorreinsurance.com

THE SORIN GROUP

Rand Williams 919.719.5375 thesoringroup.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

BENNETT GROUP

Real estate agent focused on helping real estate investors buy, sell, and manage properties in Greenville. Drew Bennett drew@bennettgroupnc.com bennettgroupnc.com

LUMOS

336.886.3600 lumosfiber.com

RALEIGH ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Daniel Grossman 919.847.6364 raleighorthodontics.com

RICHARD MURRAY & CO. 804.761.1294 richard-murray.com

SYNGENTA PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS

336.632.6000 greencastonline.com

TELEPATHIC GRAPHICS

Mark Gauley 919.342.4603 telepathicgraphics.com

Member Business Directory

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES SMITH

MOUNTAIN LAKE REAL ESTATE Jane Sullivan Horne 540.493.1690 janeatthelake.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES SMITH

MOUNTAIN LAKE REAL ESTATE

Ronald L. Willard II 540.721.8659 smithmtnlake.com

THE JAREE TODD TEAM

Jaree Todd 336.601.4892 jareetodd.bhhscarolinas.com

OLD NORTH STATE REALTY

Rob Brady 919.349.3013 oldnorthstaterealty.com

RETAIL MERCHANDISING

PETER MILLAR 888.926.0255 petermillar.com

STORAGE

EXTRA ATTIC STORAGE

Roger Honbarrier 919.610.5569 morrisville@extraattic.com

TOURNAMENTS

UNC HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP

Kevin Bender –Business Development / Sponsorships kevin.bender@unchealth.unc.edu unchealthchampionship.com

VISIT KNOXVILLE OPEN

Charlie Clarkson –Tournament Director 615.574.9082 visitknoxopen.com

TOURNAMENTS

WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Mark Brazil

336.457.9443

wyndhamchampionship.com

Member Business Directory

TRAVEL/LEISURE

LODGING AT MUSGROVE MILL GOLF CLUB

Jeff Tallman 864.833.6921

jeff@musgrovemill.com

LODGING AT OLD NORTH STATE CLUB

Roxann Phillipy 336.461.2477

lodging@oldnorthstateclub.com

LODGING AT SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB

Angela Ayers 336.299.5324

aayers@sedgefieldcc.com

THANK YOU MEMBERS

On behalf of the entire staff at McConnell Golf, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who make our network of clubs the vibrant and distinctive community it is today.

Each year, McConnell Golf holds a symposium— a collective gathering of our footprint from the mountains to the coast—in which we explore new and innovative ways to deliver the “McConnell Golf Experience,” exceeding your expectations through best-in-class destinations with exceptional golf and revitalizing amenities.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE LUXURY RENTALS

Omar Zinn 919.422.6475

luxurysmlhomes.com

Interested in advertising with us, visit our website for more information: MCCONNELLGOLF.COM/CONTACT

In the same vein, with each issue of McConnell Golf, The Magazine, we endeavor to not only exceed your expectations but to encapsulate your experiences as members through immersive print and imagery. To our advertisers and dedicated members, we cannot thank you enough. You are the driving force behind our magazine’s success. Your support enables us to create something truly special, within— and beyond—the glossy pages.