7 minute read

Celia Ansell

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

I was born in Tennessee (Go VOLS!) but we moved to Florida when I was very young. Even though I grew up on the east coast of Florida, Tennessee will always hold a special place in my heart.

Is “acting your age” overrated?

Absolutely overrated!! Life’s too short not to have fun & enjoy it. I’ll always be a kid at heart.

What do you do for a living?

After working in the hospitality industry at a large golf resort for the last 10+ years in different capacities from Executive Assistant to Revenue Project Manager, I’ve been offered the opportunity to switch industries and recently accepted a position at Organic Matters, Inc

What would you like to do for a living?

I would love to run my own non-profit corporations: one a resource/ treatment center to assist children and veterans get the help they need for mental illness, it’s a very tough system to navigate & can be difficult to get people the help they need, when they need it. And would love to have an animal rescue.

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?

I try to stay active and love doing pretty much anything outdoors: sporting events, mountain biking, hiking, paddleboarding, you name it (and of course golfing). I also like to hang-out with family & friends, play with the “rawgs” (aka my 3 dogs Roman, Cleo & Harley) and listen to live music or play trivia at a good brewery. And travelling... love to travel & experience different cultures & cuisines.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty?

My mom & aunts! They are some of the most beautiful women inside & out, who would do anything to help others. They have and will always be my role models & what I aspire to be like.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know.

My closest friends know I’m a goofy dork that is an introvert at heart but can also be the life of the party. They’ve been known to call me the Shenanigator because you never know what I’ll say or what crazy ideas and adventures I’ll come up with. They’ll also say I make life fun and have one of the biggest hearts there are.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy?

Success... doesn’t that cover almost everything?..Successfully in love & in a successful relationship, Successful in my career, financially successful... Successful in all aspects of life

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?

As much as I love playing with my Team Shenanigans golf crew, I’d have to say my fantasy foursome would include my dad, Tiger & Bill Murray... what a fun day that would be.

Last book you read?

I’m currently reading The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

Favorite charity to support?

There are so many amazing charities that I support, I can’t pick a favorite. Polk Bully Project, Help Now Osceola, Logan’s Hope, K9’s for Warriors, LungForce, just to name a few.

ELEVATING THE NEW GENERATION OF GOLFERS FOR NEXT-LEVEL PLAY

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2 oz duke & dame

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz simple syrup one egg white (or aquafaba)

Shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon peel and maraschino cherry.

Duke & Dame Salted Caramel

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2 oz duke & dame | 1/2 oz red wine

1 oz fresh grapefruit juice

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz agave

Shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and strain into coupe glass. Garnish with edible flower.

2 oz duke & dame

1 oz espresso

1/2 oz coffee liqueur

1/4 oz simple syrup

Shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.

By Jason Becker

Let’s face it. Talking about the business of golf isn’t exactly exciting. Even for those of us involved on the management side, it generally takes a coffee (or two) to get prepped ahead of club procedures and budget talks. But then a few months ago I was introduced to Denny Corby. Denny is the new owner of Private Club Radio, a podcast that includes the best-of-the-best in the industry with topics any private golf member would want to tune in to. I spent five minutes with him and said to myself, “this guy is going to completely change the way we talk about managing clubs. He’s going to make it fun!”

The cool thing about Denny? He isn’t a club manager. He isn’t a golf professional. Hell, he doesn’t even play golf. But he is one entertaining dude that will have listeners glued to his show and members rolling with laughter at one of his on-site comedy events.

Yup, Denny is the funniest guy you’ll meet in the golf industry. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down with Denny and talk about his new show, Private Club Radio, and get some insight on what he is hearing about the market for golf.

Denny, you’re quickly becoming a common face in private golf. How did you get there?!

I’ve managed to become a familiar face in the private golf industry through my passion for entertainment and connecting withpeople. My journey began as an entertainer, bringing magic and comedy to clubs across the country.

As I performed at various private clubs, I built meaningful relationships with club managers and members.

I may not play golf, but I surely know how to create magical moments on and off the green!

You are the proud owner of Private Club Radio and have really elevated it to a new level across the industry. Give readers a taste of what they would expect to see/ hear during one of your episodes.

This podcast is like a treasure trove of industry insights, expert advice, and captivating interviews. When you tune in, you’ll find yourself in the front row of engaging conversations with top leaders and innovators in the private golf world. From general managers to membership directors, we dig into all things golf businessrelated. But it’s not all serious talk; we mix in some laughter and magic along the way! We also have episodes on PCR called Board Chats, which specifically dives into club board room chatter.

From the perspective of a consumer who may be in your shoes learning everything they can about the private golf business, what are a few things you learned that you had no idea about prior to sitting down with a general manager of a club?

I’ve been blown away by the insights I’ve gathered. One key thing I had no idea about before these conversations is the incredible importance of personalized experiences in private clubs. From tailored events and top-notch hospitality to creating a sense of belonging, clubs put tremendous effort into making every member feel like part of a close-knit family. Another eye-opener was the level of dedication and creativity club managers bring to the table, constantly striving to exceed expectations and stay ahead of the game. It’s like a magical symphony of hospitality, business acumen, and genuine care for their members.

4.) What is you sense of the future of private golf demand? Are the industry leaders you are speaking with optimistic, concerned, here nor there?

I sense a mix of optimism and cautiousness, as with anything. While many are hopeful about the growing interest in golf and the potential for new members, there’s also an awareness of the everchanging landscape. The industry has to adapt to the changing preferences and expectations of the modern golfer. It’s like trying to predict the next magic trickyou can’t always see it coming, but you must be ready to amaze your audience! Overall, though, the passion and commitment of club leaders to elevate the private golf experience give me confidence that the industry is in great hands.

5.) Outside of Private Club Radio, you are well known as an entertainer that brings magic and comedy to the stage for members at their clubs. Are you still performing? How can a reader get ahold of you to learn more about your shows?

Oh, you bet!

Entertaining clubs with my magic, mind reading, and comedy show is a passion that keeps me going. There’s something truly special about engaging with the members, making them a part of the show, and witnessing their amazement and laughter. I thrive on the crowd work and interaction! Anyone curious can learn more about me at DennyCorby.com, subscribe to PrivateClubRadio.com or look for me on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

So, there you have it. A new take on talking private golf that is clearly the wave of the future. Whether you are a member of club, in club management, or simply love listening to golf podcasts, be sure check out Denny’s show. One suggestion however, skip prepping with caffeine, grab a beer and be ready to laugh!

If you or your family truly embrace the beauty of the ‘Great Outdoors’ and treasure all that ‘Mother Nature’ has to offer, then make the trek to Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Callaway Resort & Gardens, dubbed Georgia’s Authentic Outdoor Escape, is about an hour’s drive west/southwest of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Situated on more than 2,500 acres, Callaway offers an amazing and entertaining range of activities, attractions, and accommodation for visitors of all ages.

When you head to Callaway

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