1. Universal Recognition
Greensboro Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, is known as a distinguished and prestigious institution on local, regional and national levels. The club holds significant recognition within the community and among those familiar with upscale country clubs and golfing destinations.
The club in Irving Park was officially founded in 1909, making it one of the oldest country clubs in the state of North Carolina.
Greensboro Country Club’s second location, Carlson Dairy Farms, a former dairy farm turned children’s camp in 1957, is a stone’s throw away from the club in Irving Park. The two merged into one in 1969, and today it is aptly named the “Farm.”
Greensboro Country Club is nestled in Irving Park - one of Greensboro’s oldest and finest neighborhoods
Since 1921, Greensboro Country Club has stood as a proud host and partner of the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA), fostering a legacy of championship golf that spans generations. Hosting the Carolinas PGA (CPGA) Open and the Senior Open are distinguished traditions at Greensboro Country Club.
Greensboro Country Club’s remarkable journey from being recognized as a Platinum Club of America, receiving the Distinguished Club Exceptional award from BoardRoom magazine, to being hailed as one of the best golf courses in North Carolina by Golf Digest is a testament to its unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Matthew M. Rankin, Greensboro Country Club President, was named one of BoardRoom magazine’s Top 21 Private Club Presidents of the Year for 2023 for his “...outstanding leadership to maintain best practices and an extraordinary member experience...”
Each season, the members of Greensboro Country Club’s Blue Dolphins swim team channel their competitive energy to inspire the club and the community to contribute to the Swim for Cancer campaign benefiting the American Cancer Society. Their dedication fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose that extends beyond the pool. To date, Greensboro Country Club’s Swim for Cancer donation grand total is over $1.18 million!
2. Excellence in Amenities and Facilities
Greensboro Country Club unfolds its story through the lens of two distinct campuses situated at Irving Park and the Farm. This unique duallocation approach showcases the club’s commitment to offering its esteemed members the best of both worlds, creating experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences and lifestyles. Together, the clubhouses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ten dining establishments, and spaces for both formal and informal gatherings, ensuring that members can fully embrace the club’s offerings, regardless of their location preference.
Greensboro Country Club boasts a golfing legacy that includes two distinct 18-hole golf courses, each with its unique charm and character. With roots tracing back to the club’s earliest days, the Donald Ross-designed Irving Park course is a treasure trove of history and tradition. On the other hand, the Donald Steel-redesigned Farm course embraces a more contemporary approach to golf course design.
Two racquet sports facilities ensure that racquet sports aficionados find a playground that suits their preferences year-round. Members may choose from nine outdoor tennis courts, four outdoor pickleball courts and two outdoor platform tennis (Padel) courts. For indoor play, the club offers three tennis courts that are also lined for pickleball.
Greensboro Country Club members have two distinctive choices of swimming facilities. The Irving Park pool complex features two new poolsa family pool and a heated adult pool - as well as a splash pad for the little ones. The Farm pool is a six-lane, 25-meter Olympic-style short course pool.
A newly renovated and new addition to the Fitness, Health and Wellness Center at Irving Park is a haven for members seeking a great workout or a relaxing massage. The new Youth Activities Center at Irving Park offers Greensboro Country Club children a place of their own.
Irving Park
The Irving Park clubhouse stands as a historic cornerstone of Greensboro Country Club. A $20M renovation completed in 2022-23 stands as a remarkable testament to the club’s commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for the members. This comprehensive transformation encompassed various aspects of the club, from the interior clubhouse to the outdoor aquatics facilities to the expansion of a brand new wing, bringing forth a new era of luxury, functionality and family-friendly amenities.
The Farm
Nestled amid the serene landscapes of the Farm course, Greensboro Country Club’s second location embodies a more nature-inspired aesthetic. Its panoramic views and seamless integration with the picturesque surroundings offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of everyday life.
3. Caliber of Staff and Professional Service Levels
A dedicated workforce of over 300 employees embodies the values and ethos of Greensboro Country Club. These individuals, working in tandem across various departments, are the backbone of the club’s services, ensuring that members experience the highest level of hospitality, culinary excellence, recreational offerings and overall satisfaction.
At the heart of this commitment lies a comprehensive and informative orientation program that every staff member undergoes, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to uphold the club’s renowned reputation for excellence.
The culture at Greensboro Country Club fosters an environment that encourages continuous improvement, providing opportunities for ongoing training, skill development, feedback and professional growth. This commitment ensures that the staff remains at the forefront of industry trends and member expectations, enhancing their ability to consistently deliver exceptional service.
The leadership team boasts a diverse spectrum of tenures that embody a rich tapestry of experience and dedication. From individuals who have served for two years to those with an impressive tenure of over 30 years, the team’s varied tenures reflects the club’s commitment to both nurturing emerging talent and retaining seasoned expertise.
Staff Certifications, Programs and Recent Accolades
• CCM and CCE-certified Chief Operating Officer/General Manager
• CPA and CGMA-certified Chief Financial Officer
• PHR and SHRM-CP-certified Human Resources Director
• PGA-certified Director of Golf
• Culinary staff includes a World Master Chef from the World Master Chefs Society, three Certified Executive Chefs, a Certified Executive Pastry Chef, all with additional culinary certifications from accredited associations
• Three ACF certification evaluators and test administrators on staff for students at various institutions, including the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute, Providence Culinary School and Guilford Technical Community College
• Club Mentoring Program producing one Certified Executive Chef each year
• Wellness Program for all full and part-time club staff members
• Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation President, 2022
• PCMA Piedmont Chapter President, 2023, 2022, 2021 and Vice President, 2024
• Carolinas PGA Special Award Winner Golf Merchandiser of the Year (Private), 2023
• Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation President’s Award, 2023
• Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation Pastry Chef of the Year, 2023
• Golf Digest Best Teachers by State 2024-2025 ranked #7 in NC; 2022-2023 ranked #7 in NC; 2019-2020 ranked #5 in NC.
• Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America, 2021-2022
• Carolinas PGA Section Player Development Award, 2023
• US Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Coach, 2023
• Golf Range Association of America Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, 2023, 2022, 2021
• Operation 36 Master Top 50 Coach, 2023, 2022, 2021
4. Engagement and Commitment of Membership
Celebrating 115 years, Greensboro Country Club has earned a reputation as a prestigious and inviting establishment that warmly welcomes new members into its fold. Founded on principles of family, tradition, community, camaraderie and excellence, Greensboro Country Club has fostered an atmosphere where members not only enjoy top-tier amenities but also form lasting friendships and connections. The club’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment is evident in the way it has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs and interests of its diverse membership base.
Greensboro Country Club has cultivated a legacy of providing exceptional recreational and social experiences for its members, spanning multiple generations of families. These generations of families have chosen to become members of Greensboro Country Club, creating a sense of continuity and tradition. Parents who were once junior members now find themselves introducing their own children to the club’s activities, facilities, and events. This multi-generational involvement speaks to the club’s ability to maintain its timeless appeal while also adapting to modern trends.
The club’s calendar is studded with events that encourage members to come together and forge connections. From elegant galas and themed parties to family-oriented gatherings and community outreach initiatives, Greensboro Country Club actively creates opportunities for individuals and families to engage in meaningful ways.
But, what truly sets Greensboro Country Club apart is its emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging. Members often describe the club as an extension of their own homes, a place where they can unwind, connect and celebrate life’s milestones with others who share their values and interests.
Greensboro Country Club Membership at a Glance
• 1290 families in 2024
• Increased legacy membership to 21% in 2023 from 15% in 2022
• 2023 attrition rate 3.7%
• Average age of 61 in 2023 with younger families joining the club in 2024
• 1909 Club - Complimentary member recognition events throughout the year for those whose age plus tenure equals 100 years or more
• JUST 1 Campaign - Program awarding and recognizing members who sponsor friends and family for new membership
• Over 170 families are members of Platinumclub.net
• Annual fundraiser benefiting the Alight Foundation
5. Governance & Prudent Fiscal Management
Strategic Oversight and Governance: At the helm of the club’s oversight is the Board of Directors, a body of visionary leaders who guide the club’s strategic direction. Comprised of 15 individuals with diverse expertise, the Board’s collective wisdom shapes the club’s long-term vision, policies and growth strategies.
• Governance by updated By-laws, Rules & Regulations, and Board Policy Manual
• The Board is structured into 10 committees, each led by a Board member, serving as a crucial bridge for each department’s strategic growth
• Currently engaged with the international consulting firm, Global Golf Advisors to strategically adapt for present usage and anticipate future trends
• Completed a $20M clubhouse renovation in 2023 at Irving Park
• Capital reserves in place and maintained
• Quarterly communication to the membership regarding the club’s financial position as well as strategic and facilities updates
Management and Leadership: With a wealth of world-wide experience, COO/ General Manager, Friedrich Eder, CCM, CCE, oversees the day-to-day operations and spearheads the club’s implementation of the Board’s strategic vision. Supporting the General Manager is a roster of 13 senior staff members, each managing various departments critical to the club’s success.
• $16.5M annual budget and $20M in annual revenue
• Annual audits with positive results
• Open communication with Board, membership and staff
• Encourage educational opportunities and professional growth
Synergy and Excellence: The interaction between the Board, committees, senior staff, and the larger workforce is characterized by synergy and collaboration. The alignment between oversight and management channels the Board’s strategic insights into actionable plans, while the committed management team and staff execute these plans. This cohesive approach ensures that every department is interwoven with the club’s vision, creating an environment that prioritizes member satisfaction and well-being.
6. Adapting to Changing Times
Technology is at the forefront of Greensboro Country Club’s strategic plan to update, upgrade and adapt to the ever-changing world of technological advances:
• Implementation of new member micro-site to enhance new member experience through an online orientation reference
• Consolidation of online services to the existing back-office Northstar platform to provide a new, seamless website and mobile app experience that now includes poolside and curbside food and beverage service, lessons bookings, lightning warning and countdown clock, with more modules scheduled to be launched in the near future
• Implementation of Happometer email survey platform for all dining outlets, with the objective of providing members with this feedback tool for all departments by the end of 2024
• Implementation of an assessment software platform to assist in finding new staff candidates that are a good fit for the culture of Greensboro Country Club
• Looking forward, the club will invest in Northstar’s Nexus platform to upgrade the back-office systems as well as implement Northstar’s employee app for staff members to have access to new tools, functions and communication
Embracing a family-centric approach to attracting new members, Greensboro Country Club has expanded its scope to provide activities, amenities and facilities that catered to all generations. With the completion of the recent renovation in 2023, a Health and Wellness Center and Youth Activities Center (with child watch) were introduced with complex programming.
Expanding the racquets complex, Greensboro Country Club constructed four pickleball courts at the Irving Park location as well as lined three indoor tennis courts for pickleball at the Farm location to meet the growing trend.
7. Overall Experience
Greensboro Country Club’s commitment to providing a special and memorable member experience is evident in every facet of its offerings, making it truly a home away from home.
But what truly sets Greensboro Country Club apart is the sense of community it fosters. It’s the laughter of children at family events, the camaraderie on the greens, the shared excitement at tournaments, and the friendships forged over a meal. It’s the feeling of being part of something larger, of having a place where one’s presence matters, and where memories are woven into the fabric of life.
In the end, being a member of Greensboro Country Club is about more than amenities; it’s about the intangible moments that create a sense of joy, belonging, and shared experiences. It’s about a tennis match that stretches into the golden hours of the evening, a round of golf that turns into a bonding session, and a festive event where laughter and connections thrive.
Greensboro Country Club isn’t just a club; it’s an embodiment of community, camaraderie, tradition and cherished memories that make every member feel truly special and fortunate to call it their own.
