McConnell Messenger March 2024

BUILDING CLUBS OF THE FUTURE

"Every day, there is an opportunity to make a difference."

CONGRATULATIONS

Holston Hills CC Recognized as 2023 Club of the Year

Holston Hills Country Club achieved great success in 2023 as John McConnell recently awarded them with the Club of the Year title Congratulations to Team Holston for not only exceeding their goals but also for hosting a first-rate Korn Ferry tournament with the Visit Knoxville Open! McConnell Golf is excited to see Holston's success and looks forward to watching the club grow in 2024.

Greener Course, Greener Earth

GREG CALDWELL - GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT, PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH

Greg was the recipient of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, Virginia Chapter, Environmental Stewardship Award! He received this honor through his commitment to ecological balance, wildlife conservation, and exceptional course maintenance, symbolizing a harmonious blend of his love for golf and environmental stewardship

Wedding Bells in Asheville

CCA bartender and server, Harely Middleton married longtime boyfriend Thomas Hale on February 17 Congratulations to Harley and Thomas!

Going Above & Beyond at PCC

Karl-Heinz Reichert is celebrating one year working as the Fitness and Activities Coordinator at Providence Country Club He not only uses his administrative skills with fitness as he earned the varsity soccer coaching position with the local high school of Porter Ridge. Working with McConnell Golf allows him to use his afternoons to give to the community and the girls varsity high school soccer team During the offseason, we are fortunate to see Karl-Heinz in activity camps, leading staff at the pool, Providence soccer clinics, and building soccer skills and drills with personal training students He is an asset to our team and we are glad that he offers his talents to Providence Country Club!

Operation 36 Recognizes MCG Employees

Recently, three McConnell Golf employees received well-deserved recognition from Operation 36. Erica Britt, Director of Instruction at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, was acknowledged as a Master Op 36 Coach, showcasing her exceptional skills in mentoring aspiring golfers Additionally, Taylor Watts, Assistant General Manager at Holston Hills Country Club, and Zack Maybank, Assistant Golf Professional at Providence Country Club, were both honored as Top 50 Coaches by the organization. Their dedication and expertise in guiding golfers toward improvement have earned them this prestigious spotlight. These accolades not only reflect the commitment of these individuals to their craft but also highlight McConnell Golf's commitment to fostering excellence within its staff

Scott Stuart, CCM, CCE

Join us in congratulating Scott in receiving a new designation from the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) - Certified Chief Executive (CCE). The CMAA developed this designation to recognize managers who have shown the ability to successfully serve as the most senior manager in a club While the CCM designation is still the "hallmark of professionalism" within the club industry, the CCE designation is meant to augment the CCM designation, not replace it, according to the CMAA.

2023 Employee Awards at Sedgefield Country Club

110 Percent Award

Cody Sayers

Newcomer of the Year

Noah Sabo

Newcomer of the Year

Madison Triplett

Most Dependable Sineat Howell

Hospitality Award

Brian Miranda

Employee of the Year

Charles Posey

EMPLOYEES IN ACTION

2023 Footprints on the Green Award

Eric Ferguson, Director of Golf - Sedgefield Country Club

Plunging for Good in Asheville

In January, Country Club of Asheville held a variety of events to support MANNA FoodBank. Between donations made to their Annual Polar Plunge, online donations, and a food drive, the CCA community was able to supply 10,040 meals to Asheville area families in need!

Every year, McConnell Golf recognizes staff for their efforts to build community and give back through our Footprints on the Green program. Through his work with Sedgefield Country Club members for the Angel Tree Golf Tournament, Eric Ferguson was instrumental in helping to increase donations and raise $110,000 for The Salvation Army of Greensboro This helped the Salvation Army of Greensboro fulfill Christmas for 1,800 children this year, with our community filling 450 of them! Eric worked tirelessly to promote this event and ensure it was a success Congratulations, Eric! We appreciate the hard work and dedication you put forth to help others.

MCG ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM RECAP

RECENT REVIEWS

BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Great course and very challenging! Greens rolling true and quick for this time of year Staff was great and on top of everything Shout out to Mr Rich meeting every need and expectation

Brad Rimmer

MUSGROVE MILL GOLF CLUB

Beautiful course & nice employees a great vacation spot ��

Glenn Gabriel

CLUBS CONGREGATE FOR MCCONNELL GOLF ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

Each year, McConnell Golf holds an annual staff symposium a collective gathering of our footprint from the mountains to the coast With an underlying dedication to providing best-in-class destinations with exceptional golf and revitalizing amenities, the staff has a unique opportunity to collaborate, share perspectives, and stay ahead of the curve of the modern-day country club

The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, the 2022 recipient of the Club of the Year award, hosted the three-day endeavor McConnell Golf staff got the chance to unwind, recharge from traveling, and network at Wakefield’s Western Night From mechanical bull rides, axe throwing, and lasso tossing to themed-eats from the culinary virtuosity of the Wakefield F&B team, it provided a much-needed break from the daily grind Day two commenced the corporate presentations, which created an open dialogue and transparent conversations on what is involved in keeping operations functioning at top efficiency while remaining profitable After a morning of presentations, the staff headed to The Factory in Wake Forest for some friendly competition and team-building activities, crowning team orange the champion. Day 3 involved club presentations, which highlighted membership growth initiatives, notable events, and plans for the calendar year to put them on an effective trajectory

Overall, it was a successful occasion for clubs to have a platform and break the geological barriers between the properties to brainstorm and drive change within the industry Thank you, Wakefield, for all your time, dedication, and top-notch hospitality, and congrats to Holston Hills Country Club for taking the crown as 2023’s Club of the Year

PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB

Fantastic grilled shrimp!��

Aurora Houseman

THE OLD NORTH STATE CLUB

Beautiful property William Davis, the Food and Beverage Manager, does an incredible job, and the clubhouse dining is fabulous, as is the service The views overlooking the lake are stunning

Penny Kipper

THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB

We love the Pawleys Island music and art festival held at The Reserve every year Wonderful music event!

Pamela Minoski Runac

THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION

Such a gorgeous venue, I was in attendance at a banquet and thought this is a beautiful place for a wedding reception.

Barbara Hauber

WILSON COUNTRY CLUB

Course is in fantastic shape Kudos to the maintenance crew!

Robert King

PORTERS NECK COUNTRY CLUB

Great club for all ages clay tennis courts, pickleball courts, nice pool and workout facility

Bill Peeler

MCG ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM RECAP

MCG ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM RECAP

MCG ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM RECAP

WELCOME ABOARD (PROMOTIONS + ADDITIONS)

PETER WOOD

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE PWOOD@CCOFASHEVILLE COM

CCA is excited to announce the addition of Executive Sous Chef Peter Wood to their culinary team. Chef Peter attended le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude While in Atlanta, Chef Peter learned from the best at several high-end restaurants such as Kevin Rathbun Steak, JOEL, and Restaurant Eugene. After school, he relocated to Islamorada on the Florida Keys as Sous Chef for the grand reopening team of Cheeca Lodge and Spa After the successful reopening, Chef Peter traded the beach for the southern Appalachian Mountains transitioning to Highlands, North Carolina at Old Edwards Inn and Spa, learning southern inspired farm to table cuisine Over the course of eight years, he was promoted from Sous chef to Executive Banquet Chef and finally Executive Sous Chef Moving to Asheville, he accepted the Sous Chef position for Vue 1913 at the Grove Park Inn

ASHLEY SMITH

ACTIVITIES & CATERING DIRECTOR

TREYBURN COUNTRY CLUB

ASMITH@TREYBURNCC COM

Ashley has been with McConnell Golf a total of six (6) years before transferring to Treyburn She had her start at Holston Hills Country Club, then moved to the Charlotte area and began working at Providence Country Club, and relocating to the Raleigh area when she met her husband to be and continued her career at Raleigh Country Club Ashley studied at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte for Culinary Arts. She married her husband, Ravelle, two years ago in May and has an eightyear-old Akita dog to round out her family She loves traveling and reading, and will make a great addition to Treyburn’s team.

DAVID DONOVAN ASSISTANT GOLF PRO PORTERS NECK COUNTRY CLUB

DDONOVAN@PORTERSNECKCOUNTRYCLUB COM

David Donovan is excited to join the golf staff at Porters Neck Country Club David brings eight years of private club experience: Windsor Club in Vero Beach, Salisbury CC, and Trump National Charlotte. David spent most of his youth living in Kitty Hawk, NC before moving to Hampstead in 2007 He is a 2010 graduate of Topsail High School where his golf team won a state championship David attended Cape Fear CC where he played on the golf team and qualified for two NJCAA National Championships. He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a sports management degree and was a member of the golf team from 2013-2015 David was tasked with many responsibilities during his four years at Trump Charlotte. He was responsible for the junior golf program, the ladies golf program and member/guest. David also taught many private lessons, and is well-versed in tournament operations and Golf Genius

WELCOME ABOARD (PROMOTIONS + ADDITIONS)

BUCKLEY BROCKMANN GENERAL MANAGER/GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

BBROCKMANN@BROOKVALLEYCC.COM

Buckley Brockmann has been named General Manager at BVCC after holding the interim title during a transitional period at Brook Valley in addition to maintaining his position as Golf Course Superintendent Congrats Buckley! We appreciate everything you’ve done at Brook Valley and look forward to watching you grow in the future

KEVIN CARTWRIGHT CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

KCARTWRIGHT@BROOKVALLEYCC.COM

Kevin says from an early age he has enjoyed creating memorable experiences for family, friends, and anyone he encounters. He followed that passion by graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality Business After 26 years in management, he plans to continue his dedication to ensure members’ expectations are met and more importantly exceeded at Brook Valley ,

WELCOME ABOARD (PROMOTIONS + ADDITIONS)

HARTLAND JONES DIRECTOR OF TENNIS WILSON COUNTRY CLUB HJONES@WILSONCOUNTRYCLUB COM

Hartland Jones is an elite athlete, and strong leader on and off the court. He has been in the racquets industry for six years teaching tennis and pickleball Hartland is also a professional pickleball player He has competed on both the APP and PPA tours with his highestranking peaking at 35 in the world in singles, and 44 in mixed doubles! In addition, he spearheaded the pickleball program at the Daniel Island Club His natural talent, unrivaled work rate, and passion for learning has propelled him to an elite level in multiple sports including padel, collegiate lacrosse and team handball where he is a member of Team USA Hartland has worked with all skill levels and age groups He is excited to bring maximum energy and fun to the entire WCC Racquets program.

AMY HAGAN

FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR WILSON COUNTRY CLUB AHAGAN@WILSONCOUNTRYCLUB COM

Originally from Rocky Mount/Nashville, NC, Amy graduated from Appalachian State in 2020 with a bachelor's in hospitality management Throughout her career, she has worked in the restaurant industry, starting with her first job Since graduation, she has gained valuable event, banquet, and bar management experience Amy’s passion is hospitality, and it is her goal to make members feel well taken care of, and to provide the best experience possible. In her personal life, she enjoys cooking, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends. Amy is overjoyed to be a part of McConnell Golf, and it is her pleasure to provide excellent service to the members of Wilson Country Club and her team

DANIEL GORDON

MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR

WILSON COUNTRY CLUB

DGORDON@WILSONCOUNTRYCLUB COM

Daniel Gordon was born in Stephenville, Texas After graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps He honorably served for four years and was deployed twice as an Infantry Assaultman with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines After being discharged, he made a living working as an industrial pipe fitter He was fortunate to work on multiple projects, including Pfizer's COVID vaccine as well as refueling 13 nuclear reactors Daniel is married to Lindsey, and they have two daughters together, Elizabeth and Katherine They moved to North Carolina in May 2023 from Texas. Daniel is very excited to have joined the team at Wilson Country Club The opportunity has given him the ability to see his two girls every day, unlike in his previous profession

AQUATICS MANAGER HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB JIMDISNEY@HOLSTONHILLS.COM

The end of 2023 brings an adjustment (we’ll say) to an era at Holston Hills CC Our friend, team member, and rock, Jim Disney, has decided to step away from the day-to-day operations of the club effective the end of December With this announcement comes the exciting news that he will transition into a seasonal role as our Aquatics Manager for 2024 This transition enables us to continue to enjoy Jim, his friendliness and professionalism during the upcoming summer season at the pool Jim has been at Holston Hills CC since April of 2002 He could not be more loved and respected by our members and staff Holston Hills is forever better and indebted for having worked with and known Jim for all these amazing years We could not be more thrilled with the fact that he is willing to stay on in his new role and we will miss him so much as part of our day-to-day operations year-round Jim, from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do for Holston Hills CC.

Holston Hills is proud to announce that Taylor Watts has accepted the position of Assistant General Manager Taylor’s professionalism and work ethic have been at a very high level since she arrived at Holston Hills CC in November, 2022, as a PGA Assistant Golf Professional She has a degree in accounting from Carson-Newman University and this new position lines up directly with her professional career goals She will be heavily involved with every facet of the club and will provide the support needed to help all departments excel and operate at an even higher level Taylor will be over all clubhouse departments, including: food & beverage, activities, fitness, tennis, housekeeping and the pool. Taylor will also continue to oversee Operation 36 programs, in addition to overseeing the merchandising for the golf shop. Holston Hills is very excited to have Taylor as new Assistant General Manager and cannot wait to see her detail-oriented work ethic come to fruition. Congratulations, Taylor!

HOLSTON HILLS FOOD & BEVERAGE TEAM

With Jim’s departure from the day-to-day, the food & beverage department will also see changes for 2024 Patrick Budniewski, will take on a dual role of Food & Beverage Director/Executive Chef. Cynthia Burrell, will move to Restaurant Manager and assist Patrick with the day-to-day operations of the Food & Beverage department including: events, weddings, outside parties, and banquet bookings Patrick has been with Holston Hills CC since September of 2016, and Cynthia joined our team in March of 2010. We are very excited to see such talented team members move into these roles that help them with their careers and offer us new ideas as we transition into this new era Patrick, produces high quality food and has proven to be a leader at McConnell Golf in the overall performance of the food & beverage department Cynthia, of course is well loved by both members and staff She will continue to bring her warm smile and positive attitude to our team Cynthia will also oversee the training of new staff members and leading by example to continue to offer high quality customer service Congratulations, Patrick and Cynthia!

TAYLOR WATTS, PGA

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB TWATTS@HOLSTONHILLS.COM

JIM DISNEY

WELCOME ABOARD (PROMOTIONS + ADDITIONS)

ROD ANDREW

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL PROFESSIONAL THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION TENNIS@CCWAKEFIELDPLANTATION COM

Rod was born in Florida but grew up playing tennis in Columbia, South Carolina, where he trained in the Gamecocks Junior Academy After high school, he went on to play at Limestone University where he earned his professional certification by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Rod is also a certified Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) instructor and is USTA Elite Professional He previously worked at Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club here in Raleigh and joins Wakefield’s team after spending the last two years working at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas Rod is well-versed in both the tennis and pickleball worlds and we are very excited to have him!

DAVIS HUMPHRIES

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TENNIS THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATIO DHUMPHRIES@CCWAKEFIELDPLANTATION COM

Join us in congratulating Davis on his promotion from Assistant Te Professional to Assistant Director of Tennis!

ERICA PENDERGRAFT

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION ACTIVITIES@CCWAKEFIELDPLANTATION COM

Erica comes to The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation almost a year after working as a server at Raleigh Country Club She was born in Buffalo, NY but has been a proud resident of Raleigh, NC since 2001 where she graduated from Leesville Road High School. She is a proud alumna of Meredith College where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a focus in Developmental Psychology She also completed a Master’s Degree in School Counseling at NC State. After three years as a school counselor with the Wake County Public School System, Erica embarked on a career change to hospitality, an industry she has enjoyed working in since she was a teen Her time at RCC introduced her to the McConnell Golf community where she found great companionship with staff and members When the Activities Director position at Wakefield became available, she was excited to jump on an opportunity that would allow her to continue working with children and teens as well as McConnell Golf In her spare time, Erica enjoys cheering on the Buffalo Bills as well as the Rolesville High School football team where her husband coaches. She is an avid pet lover who enjoys spending time with her dog and two cats

WELCOME ABOARD (PROMOTIONS + ADDITIONS)

Aft th f i t C t Cl b f A h ill R L ll h s

Promoted to Sous Chef, Jordan has been a mainstay in the CCA kitchen for many years Learning under Chef Bruce has given him a skill set and y e

Promoted to Director of Tennis & Pickleball, Leon originally joined the CCA team in 2008 as a Tennis Shop Attendant After a six-year hiatus as a tennis instructor the UNC Chapel Hill Faculty Club, he returned to CCA in 2022, as the Head Tennis Professional He is excited to have the opportunity to take CCA’s tennis and pickleball programs, and community, to new heights.

Promoted to Assistant Director of Tennis & Pickleball, and born and raised in Boone, North Carolina, Landon started playing tennis at the age of six. Landon attended Appalachian State University where he worked as an Assistant Tennis Pro and Assistant Grounds Maintenance Manager, growing into the Men’s Tennis Coach at Watauga High School. He is looking forward to continuing the growth of the tennis and pickleball community at Country Club of Asheville

JORDAN JAROSZ

SOUS CHEF COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE JJAROSZ@CCOFASHEVILLE.COM

ROSS LALLY

HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE RLALLY@CCOFASHEVILLE COM

LANDON TAYLOR

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TENNIS & PICKLEBALL COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE LTAYLOR@CCOFASHEVILLE.COM

LEON POPLAWSKI

DIRECTOR OF TENNIS & PICKLEBALL COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE LPOPLAWSKI@CCOFASHEVILLE COM