JazzGordon | jgordon@holstonhills com FitnessTrainer
JimDisney | jimdisney@holstonhills com PoolManager(seasonal)
HHCC STAFF - From Breakfast with Santa Photo taken by: Gina Marie Photography
LETTER FROM CHRIS DIBBLE
Dear Members,
We hope this letter finds you well and anticipating a wonderful 2025! Our team is looking forward to another great year with you and your families. As always, please do not hesitate to let us know how we can improve your membership experience at Holston Hills Country Club
What an incredible year 2024 has been! We had the privilege of watching Kris Spence and his team restore over 100 of our bunkers and even add a few many of which, as some of you have pointed out, seem to be perfectly placed right where you often hit the ball. It’s funny how that happens! We would be remiss if we did not extend a heartfelt thank you to McConnell Golf for their significant investment in Holston Hills and all of the McConnell Golf courses We also want to extend our sincere thanks to all of you, our members, for your incredible patience, support, and understanding throughout this lengthy project.
We are also excited to announce the extension of the contract with the Korn Ferry Tour and Visit Knoxville through the year 2030 to continue hosting the Visit Knoxville Open 2024 brought another exciting year, with Harry Higgs as our champion and a very impactful speech after the finish, as he reflected on life following the golf community’s loss of Grayson Murray. We were all saddened by the loss of Grayson, and our prayers continue to be with his family.
2025 looks to be another great year for our club. We have many exciting activities and events planned for our members, and we will host the Tennessee State Amateur Championship for the 10th time, dating back to 1931. This year’s event will take place from June 24-27.
Our Activities Team, led by Karlissa Kertchaval, will be putting together many fun events for 2025 Karlissa will work closely with our new Clubhouse/Food and Beverage Manager, Josie Lewis, and the entire team to bring exciting new events for all of our members
Our amazing 18-hole Ladies’ team defended their title in 2024 by once again capturing the Knoxville Interclub crown, led by Captain Ginny Leete! We are so proud of their accomplishments, and look forward to a three-peat in 2025
Congratulationstoour2024ClubChampions:
Golf
Josh Collins, Men's Club Championship (Black Tees)
Kevin Teeters, Men's (Blue Tee) Club Champion
Scott Kammann, Senior Men's Club Champion (50+ Orange Tees)
Jim Srite, Senior Men's Classics Club Champion (50+ Blue Tees)
Wes Payne, Senior Super Senior Club Champion (60+ White Tees)
David Dooley, Senior Men's Legends Club Champion (70+ Green Tees)
Kenneth Creed, Senior Men's Super Legends Club Champion (80+ Yellow Tees)
Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank all of our staff members for the hard work they put in daily at Holston Hills. You, as members, are so great at making us feel like family, and this sentiment resonates throughout the team We are dedicated to providing you with a positive experience each time you enjoy the club
2025 is shaping up to be another great year of growth and fun at Holston Hills Country Club We hope to make you proud of your club We look forward to another year of growth and success
Sincerely, and on behalf of our entire Holston Hills CC team,
Chris Dibble, General Manager/Director of Golf
Melissa Walsh, Ladies Club Champion (11 years in a row)
Betsy Bacon, Senior Ladies Club Champion
Roddy Sturgeon, Junior Club Champion
Tennis
Andy Foust, Men’s Singles Club Champion
Glenn Crocker & Jacob Gonzalez, Men’s Doubles Club
Champions
Shawn & Marty Mason, Mixed Doubles Club Champions
Please help us in welcoming our newest Holston Hills Country Club team members.
Josie Lewis Clubhouse | Food & Beverage Manager
Curtis Henderlight Horticulturalist
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
This year has been one for the books! We kicked off 2024 as McConnell Golf’s “Club of the Year” and celebrated Harry Higgs’ thrilling victory at the Visit Knoxville Open. I still can’t believe he drained that putt on the 2nd playoff hole for an Eagle! Summer brought the pool opening, our July 4th Celebration and our massive bunker restoration project. We wrapped up the season with our Brews & BBQ member social over Labor Day
Fall highlights included our Ladies’ Golf Guest Day, Beat the Tennis Pro for charity, Club Championships Match-play, the Boo Bash Fall Festival. Where the front-9 turned into a parade of golf carts full of princesses and super heroes Our Turkey Trot & 1-mile Fun Run officially kicked off the Holiday season for us The Christmas cheer was over flowing with Breakfast with Santa, our Christmas Wishes, Bucky’s Bikes and lots & lots of parties! A huge thank you to all our members, guests, staff, and McConnell Golf for an unforgettable 2024. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!
Quick 2024 membership numbers, we welcomed a total of 86 new (or returning) members to the Holston Hills CC and McConnell Golf families Membership breakdown: 21 - Resident Golf, 14 - Young Executive Golf, 9 - Non-resident Golf, 26 - National Golf & 16 - Sport Memberships. Thank you again for all the member referrals, its truly amazing and makes me smile to know how proud you, our members, are of your club
As we look ahead to 2025, I’m excited to see you and your family out at the Club. We want you to participate in upcoming events, Golf tournaments, Tennis socials, and create memories that will bring a smile to your face when talking or thinking about them in the future. Please know we are here to serve you and your family If you have any questions, suggestions, and/or issues making a reservation, please reach out to us!
DaraJenkins,Membership&CommunicationsDirector
herrinKrebs,NationalGolf
HHCCMembersChristmasParty!
Hosted by William (Bill) Lee
Members (with their significant other) in the photo: JackAmyx,DonBolen,JamesCard,StewartCarnes, PhillipGriffin,StanleyGriffin,ThomasHickman,Norman Majors,BoMcVay,EarlPierce,JohnSchwartz,Robert Small,&KevinTeeters Photoby:PatrickBudniewski
Mike & Jennifer Thomas Resident Golf
Pat Bahls & Caitlyn Swiston Young Executive I Golf
Jack & Paige Holmgren Young Executive I Golf
HH buzz
Never miss out on a club event, the latest McConnell Golf news or the chance to share your member experience Stay connected to Holston Hills Country Club and McConnell Golf on social media and join the conversation today
@holstonhills @holstonhillscc @holstonhills
@brinson.chase Gave our list to Santa today
Revamping Holston Hills: Bunker Renovation Elevates the Golf Experience in Knoxville
In this conversation with Ryan Blair, who has served as HHCC’s Golf Course Superintendent for 24 years, Blair discusses the goals of the project and offers a preview of what members can look forward to on the course moving forward Click the thumbnail above to watch the video, or visit youtu.be/g0FFr5Dc5K0
@kristie johnston Happy Thanksgiving from the Johnston family!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
LETTER FROM THE CHEF
2024 was a year filled with ups and downs. Starting with the snow storm in January that saw the Club shut down, along with most of Knoxville for a week to the bunker renovation project. From the entire Food and Beverage team, we would like to say Happy New Year and thank you to all of those that come dine out with us, join us for our many events and take time to bring a smile to our faces.
Post-holidays, we usually slow down a bit with the weather, but don’t let that stop you from coming on by for lunch, dinner, or a cocktail. On February 8th, we will host our annual Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner. Space is limited and RSVPs are required.
I also want to share a recipe in this newsletter for a popular cocktail created by our bartender, Montgomery Moore: the White Christmas Margarita This was one of our featured cocktails for our Holiday Mixology Class we held in November If you have not had it yet, we will be running it throughout the winter, but be careful these go down very smooth
~Patrick Budniewski, Executive Chef
VALENTINE’SWINEPAIRINGDINNER
SATURDAY,FEBRUARY8 | 6:00pm $65++perperson
Join us for a 4 course Wine Pairing Dinner Bring your significant other or a small table of friends for this fun evening Reservations are required 6:00pm arrival with the first course served at 6:30pm A full menuandwinepairingwillbereleasedsoon
Thisisanadultonlyevent withalimitednumberofreservations ou
Montgomery Moore
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ oz Tequila (Silver or blanco style)
½ oz Triple Sec
3 oz White Cranberry juice
½ oz Lime Juice By:
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice Shake until cold and strain into a glass half filled with ice and garnish with sugared cranberries
HolidayMixology
MONTHLY HAPPENINGS
WINTER BREAK ART CAMP
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 & FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 | 9:00am-3:00pm Ages: 5 & up $60++ for both days
HHCCBIRTHDAYNIGHT
WEDNESDAY,JANUARY8andWEDNESDAY, JANUARY22
WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY5andWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY19
Calling all members that have a birthday in January and February Come celebrate your birthday with us at the Club, and enjoy a complementary Entrée and Club dessert! Simply make a reservation on one of the scheduled Birthday Nights.
LIVE MUSIC with Fredda Valentine Temples
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 | 6:00pm (start) Free
Fredda is a Piano Entertainer/Artist She has played with Ava Barber from the Lawrence Welk Show. You might have heard her around town, she plays weekly at Finns Restaurant & Tavern
Check out her Facebook page: @FreddaValentineTemples
WINTER FAMILY BINGO
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 | 6:00pm (start)
It’s time to shake off the Holiday hangover and join us for a FUN Winter themed family Bingo night at the club We will play 6 games with fun winter prizes
Dine-in with us and let us create your pasta for you! Our Chef attended Live Action Pasta Station will feature Marinara Sauce, Parmesan Cream Sauce, Nut Free Basil Pesto, two types of noodles and a variety of toppings
Dinner includes: Garlic Bread and a Dessert *Reservations encouraged Dine-in Only
NATIONAL PIZZA DAY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 | 1:00-2:30pm
$18 variety of unlimited toppings | flatbread (perfect for kids) $7 cheese & pepperoni
Join us at the Club to get ready for the Big Game! Build your own pizza, choosing from your favorite toppings A Family-Friendly Fun event, great for kids, parents, and pizza lovers of all ages!
OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Take & Bake: Assemble your pizza to take home and bake later for the Big Game.
Dine-In Option: Prefer it fresh and hot? Enjoy your pizza in the Donald Ross Dining Room!
LIVE MUSIC with Sarah Williams
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 | 6:00pm (start)
Free
Sarah Williams is a talented singer/musician born in Aberdeen, Scotland and now lives in the small town of Tellico Plains, TN She is a high energetic, upbeat performer and loves being on stage Music style: A little bit of everything! Dolly Parton, Janice Jolin, CCR, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc
Check out her Facebook page: @SarahWilliams
TEE IT UP
New Tee Marker system and scorecards for 2025
This new system will go into effect January1,2025
GOLF COURSE TEE MARKERS:
Starting January 1, 2025 we will be reducing the number Tee Markers on the Golf Course This does not mean any of the available yardages are being taken away Only reducing the number of Tee Markers
The Green Tee Markers and the Red Tee Markers will no longer be on the Golf Course.
The yardages and ratings for these tee options will still be available and listed on the scorecard
HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:
The Green Tees and Red Tees have always been a combination of other colored Tees So, now the scorecard will tell you which colored tee to play from for each hole if you choose to play those particular Tees
The Green Tees will now be shown on the scorecard as a combo Tee of White and Yellow
Each hole will be the color of the Tees you should play from If the box on the scorecard is colored White then play from the White Tee Markers If the box is colored Yellow then play from the Yellow Tee Markers
The same goes for the Red Tees They are a combination of the Yellow Tees and the Family Plates If the box on the scorecard is Yellow then play from the Yellow Tee Markers If the box on the scorecard is Blue then play from the Family Plates
WINTERWARMUPADULTCLINICS
THURSDAYS | JANUARY 9-MARCH 13
4:00-5:00pm
$35weeklydrop-inrate
HHCC Men’s & Women’s Golf Academy is warming up this winter with a drop-in clinic series for all levels of players! Whether your brand new to golf or a regular on the course, this program is sure to get your game ready for the spring!
Please reach out to Christian Melson, PGA at cmelson@holstonhills com with any questions!
*Classwillbecancelledifinclementweather
SPRINGOp36REGISTRATIONS
Spring Semester runs March-May
SIGN UP NOW FOR 2025 HHCC GOLF ACADEMY HTTPS://OPERATION36GOLF COM/LANDING/611
Now is the time to reserve your space in the Holston Hills CC Golf Academy for 2025! HHCC is proud to offer programming through the Operation36 framework for FutureBirdies (Age 3-6),Juniors(7-14), Men, and Women!
Take the next step in your golfing journey today. Coach Christian can be reached with any questions at cmelson@holstonhills com
REGRIPPING SERVICE
Grips: MSRP $7-15/grip
Re-Grip: buy grips from HH: FREE
Re-Grip: Bring Your Own Grip: $3/club
Save a Grip: $5/grip
Keep your game sharp this winter with a fresh set of grips! Whether you're tackling the cold or prepping for spring, our regripping service ensures better control, comfort, and performance. Swing with confidence – visit Holston Hills and let us handle the rest.
TEE IT UP
HHCC 2024 Golf Club Champions
Please help us congratulate all our 2024 Golf Club Champions!
9-Hole
6-Hole
Learn more about Breast Connect: https://breastconnect org/
HHCC LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION
APRIL - OCTOBER
The HHCC Ladies Golf Association wrapped up their season with the Ladies Halloween Scramble on October 30th. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ladies’ Golf Association partnered wit the local organization, Breast Connect. They donated warm socks and blankets and organized a raffle to raise monetary donations for women battling breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy
Ladies’ Club Champion: MELISSA WALSH
Men’s (Blue Tee) Club Champion: KEVIN TEETERS Se Cla C J
Senior Men’s Club
Senior Ladies’ Club Ch i
Junior Club Champion: RODDY STURGEON
Junior
Club Champion: MAKENA NORVELL
Junior
Club Champion: STEELE WRIGHT
MCCONNELL GOLF NEWS
MCCONNELL GOLF TO HOST BACK-TO-BACK KORN FERRY TOUR EVENTS AGAIN IN 2025
McConnell Golf properties will once again host Korn Ferry Tour events in consecutive weeks when the Visit Knoxville Open and UNC Health Championship showcase the game’s rising stars. Visit Knoxville Open, which as been contested every season since the Korn Ferry Tour’s establishment in 1990, will run from May 22 - 25 at Holston Hills Country Club. UNC Health Championship will take place at Raleigh Country Club for the third time from May 29 - June 1 Watch last year’s Korn Ferry Tour recap here: https://www youtube com/watch?v=qhrFFPg0qrk
2025 GOLF SCHEDULE BOOKLET COMING SOON
MAGAZINE
SHARE YOUR STORY IN THE SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE OF MCCONNELL GOLF, THE
We want to hear from you! Share your most memorable moments from the course, courts, or clubhouses across McConnell Golf for a chance to be featured in the upcoming Spring/Summer issue of McConnell Golf, The Magazine Whether it's a tournament triumph, family tradition, or unforgettable trip, your stories are what bring our magazine to life If you have an interesting story to share with us, contact Communications Director, Faith Inman at finman@mcconnellgolf.com for a chance to be featured in our next edition.
Hitting your mailboxes in January, the 2025 McConnell Golf schedule booklet features all the information you need to get ready for the upcoming golf season From club tournament dates to pro shop hours and instructional lesson rates, you’ll have a compact guide right at your fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, stay in the loop with a calendar that will take the hassle out of planning your next golf adventure.
TENNIS
HHCC Couples Tennis Retreat at Old North State
MESSAGE FROM OUR TENNIS DIRECTOR
Hello Holston Hills Tennis Members,
First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for making the 2024 tennis season here at the club such a memorable one As I enter my fourth year as your Director of Tennis, I am filled with gratitude for my incredible team, our dedicated members, and the entire Holston Hills CC community I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!
Now, as we know, winter is officially here, and tennis naturally slows down when the colder temperatures arrive With that in mind, I’ve put together a new winter schedule for clinics, as well as private lesson packages Please note that all clinics through March will be weather permitting.
For those interested in private lessons, I’m offering two lesson package options. (See below) Keep in mind that all packages must be used by March 1st
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, I’m beyond excited for all the new opportunities we’ll have to grow our tennis program. I’m working on offering even more clinics, match play, games, and some events that will be a first for HHCC!
As always, I’m here for any questions or suggestions you may have. Wishing you all a Happy New Year let’s make 2025 our best tennis season yet!
Warm regards,
Jacob Fuqua USPTA I Director of Tennis
Cell: 828.808.3122 I Tennis Shop: 865.523.4131
Email: jfuqua@holstonhills com
TRY TENNIS DAYS
Are you new to tennis? Would like to learn? Or are you new HHCC member? Contact me directly for a TRY TENNIS�� DAY!
Photo by: Kyle Thortsen
FITNESS
YOGACLASS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 6:00-7:00pm
Holston Room
$10perclass
An introductory yoga class that is accessible to most people, this class follows an Iyengar-style format that is focused on form, detail, precision, and alignment Class generally moves at a slower pace with controlled movements and stretches that align with the breath You can expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease of movement
Contact Suzanne Dismukes at 865 256 8903 with any questions or concerns.
FUNCTIONALTRAININGCLASSES
WEDNESDAYS: January 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th, February 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th | 5:15pm (start)
$15perclass
Join Jazz for a group functional training sessions, in the Fitness Center. The classes emphasize building and maintaining components of strength, endurance, and mobility. It targets the total body with a combination of weighted and body weight exercises
Questions? Contact Jazz at 865 237 1975 or email: Jgordon@holstonhills.com
FITNESSCENTERKEYFOBS
Free | Replacementfobsare$25
If you are needing a fitness center key fob, please swing by Dara Jenkins’ office (located in the Golf Shop) Key fobs are only issued to members (the primary and secondary) with a signed agreement form
Additional key fobs and/or replacement fobs will be billed to the Member’s account at a rate of $25 per key fob
Contact Dara Jenkins at Djenkins@holstonhills.com, if you have any questions
KIDS CLUB
MESSAGE FROM OUR ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
Thank you for a wonderful end to 2024! As we look forward to 2025, I m excited about the upcoming vents lined up here at Holston Hills
CC From Winter Break Art Camp to Nerf Night for Kids Night Out to the oyal Father Daughter Dance, there’s o much to look forward to.
hope to see you and your family at he Club as we kick off the new year with some fun and memorable xperiences!
If you have any questions and/or feedback, please reach out to me at Activities@holstonhills com
Karlissa Kertchaval, Activities Director
KNO: NERF NIGHT
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 | 5:00-8:00pm
Ages: 6-12
$30
Come join us for a fun night of nerf battle wars! Kids must be 6 years or old to play in the nerf battle wars If you would like a child under 6 to attend, please know they will have a separate activity and a discounted rate of $20/ kid
*Dinner and a fun night included
EARLY RELEASE DAY DROP-IN
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 2:00-6:00pm
Ages: 6 & up
$20
This will be an open play day with crafts, activities, and games Kids must be registered at least 24 hours in advance of the Drop-in day, due to staffing Late Lunch can be ordered from the Donald Ross Dining Room or kids can also bring a packed lunch from home
*Snacks included
KNO: Movie Night in the Ballroom
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 5:00-8:00pm
$25 per kid
KNO: Santa’s Workshop
Photos by: Karlissa Kertchaval
Pack your sleeping bags, wear your pajamas and join us in the ballroom fo g a family-friendly film. Chef Patrick, will b ast for Dinner spread
HHCC Boo Bash Fall Festival
Photos by: Dara Jenkins & Karlissa Kertchaval
HHCC Ladies' Guest Day - Groovin’ Time! Congratulations to the winners: TeresaHatmaker,Sherri Murphy,NoiMcKay,andRobin F isco!
UT vs Vandy Football Game Celebration!
McConnell Golf Ryder Cup
Team Holston Hills CC
Photos by: Brian Kittler
HHCC Parent Child 9-Hole
Photos by: Christian Melson
HHCC Breakfast with Santa - featuring the Holston Middle Show Chorus
For members and staff, Holston Hills Country Club wants to share your good news with everyone. Have you won an award? Or has someone in your family won an award? Did you get a Hole-in-One? Welcome a new baby? Say your “I do’s”? Celebrate an anniversary? Send your good news to Djenkins@holstonhills com! Please include a high resolution photo when possible and a short write-up about your good news
Todd Burgan, 2024 Tennessee Senior Men’s Player of the Year
Congratulations, to Anna Claire Gibson!
Class of 2025, Committed to continue her golf & academic career at Sewanee, The University of the South!
PGA Kentucky Junior Tour 2024 Middle School Championship (held at Henry County Country Club) & became Middle School State Runner Up
Congratulations, Isabella Coughlin! 2024 Knoxville Girls Junior Player of the Year!
HHCC Members at Madison Square Garden “Cheering on the VOLS!”
Congratulations to Austin Jenkins!
Class of 2025, Committed to continuing his soccer & academic career at Bryan College!
*Austin is the son of Dara Jenkins & PT Seasonal Golf cart attendant
