Tee It Up

2021 Match Play Championship & Member/Member Recap

The 2021 Grande Dunes Members Club Match Play Championship in May had a record turnout. We doubled our participation from the last time this event was held. The event had 58 members competing for the top title of Match Play Champion. The field was split into Men’s and Ladies’ Divisions. So far this year, no Major golf tournament has been decided in regulation. This was no exception. Both divisions championships were decided by playing multiple Sudden Death Playoff holes. Our 2021 Match Play Champions, Carol Beard and Jason McWhorter, excruciatingly battled through fierce competition all weekend long to claim the crown of the club. The Member/Member Championship was played on June 12th and 13th. We hosted our largest Member/Member field ever at the club. Ninety-six members participated in this year’s event. The eventual winners, Matt McCormick and Richie Salerno, fought tooth and nail through four additional sudden death holes to end up winning as the sun was setting on the Members Club. Upcoming Events July 4th Red, White, Blue and You Golf Event Format: Team Scramble Time: 9:00 AM Shotgun Start Cost: $50 per player. Includes Golf, Prizes, and Lunch

July 5th through July 9th Golf Course Closed – Summer Aeration, clubhouse will be closed on July 5, 6, 7.

July 24th & 25th Tradition Golf Tournament Format: An Eclectic- Each two-person team (same or mixed gender)

plays 2 rounds, and each golfer compares their scores on each hole per round. The lowest score made on each hole is recorded, producing an 18-hole score. Time: 9 AM Shotgun Start on Saturday and Sunday Cost: $100 per player. Includes Golf, Prizes, and Lunch on Sunday.

August 21st & 22nd 2021 Club Championship Format: 36-Hole Medal Play Cost: $150 per player. Includes Golf, Prizes, and Lunch on BOTH days.

News from the Golf ShopWith the increase in membership, we wanted to pass along some important information regarding our expectations when at the club. When arriving to the golf club to play or practice, we continue to ask that all members and guests utilize the bag drop. This allows our staff to provide the highest level of service to everyone visiting the club. Additionally, when arriving to the club, please do not use the parking lot to change your shoes. We have a full-service locker room, with lockers available for you to place your shoes and valuables in while you are on the golf course. Please take advantage of the services provided by the club.

Furthermore, we understand that golf clothing trends have changed over the years, however, our golf club’s policy is the same for the golf course, as well as the practice facilities. Athletic wear, including jogging pants or mesh shorts, t-shirts, tank tops or halter tops, and any type of jeans, while playing or practicing is strictly prohibited. Please remember to keep your golf shirts tucked in and hats facing forward.

As much as we appreciate our staff, members, and guests being fashion forward and keeping up with current trends, we feel it is extremely important to maintain the integrity of the game and wear clothing that abides by our Club Rules and Regulations. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with a member of the Grande Dunes Professional Staff for clarification.

Lastly, in August of 2020, after the course renovations were complete, the Carolinas Golf Association completed a review of the golf course and provided us with new course and slope ratings as well as their assessment of stroke hole allocations. The club’s Handicap Committee at the time accepted these recommendations, with only some minor changes in stroke hole allocation. The Committee stated its intention to review the stroke hole allocations in 2021 after we had some data regarding our member play on the renovated golf course.

The Handicap Committee has completed that review following the USGA recommendations in determining these allocations, and has reallocated the stroke hole distribution using scoring data from our member postings. Starting July 1st, the updated Stroke Allocations will take effect. The scorecards are on order and the reflected changes will be introduced into all of the official Members Club golf events starting in July.

Thank you!

Warmest regards, Joe De Maio, PGA i Head Golf Professional