MCCONNELL MESSENGER MCCONNELL GOLF EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER I OCTOBER 2021
RAFAEL MARTINEZ
FERGAL O’SHEA
KATIE RICHARDSON
HARRY BASILE
ADAWEHI PARKER
JON TATUM
MARY DARBEN
CHRISTIAN MELSON
JAMES TAYLOR
BRITTANY ALLISON
WARREN SMALL
MARYLAND SCOTT
KALLIE LEONIK
CHERI COPPOLA
GRADY MCNEIL III
THIRD QUARTER STAR EMPLOYEES Thank you for all you continue to do for McConnell Golf. Your hard work does not go unnoticed! ACCALIA MCFELLIN
TRACY COTRELL
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
MCG CHEFS ARE ON THE MOVE RECENT REVIEWS Chef Greg took over Raleigh Country Club's kitchen brigade in late summer of 2019 and what a difference his culinary leadership has made since then. Often you can see the direction of a restaurant in the dishes that lurk on the periphery of the menu. Creative and inspiring menu ideas were subtle, enticing and they brought new life to our club’s dining rooms.
HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Beautiful course and friendly staff! Exceptional value! - Ken Hagler
RALEIGH GOLF ASSOCIATION Staff is professional, love the layout, amazing hilly course, great layout...not super long but worth every penny ..and green fees are reasonable....will be back...way more fun than the flat Florida golf..go here! You'll love it. - Brian Briones
Chef Greg has returned “back home” to The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, reclaiming the title as the "Chef of the Reserve" at our club in North Raleigh. Chef, you have been awesome and we thank you for all of your hard work!
CHEF GREG LYONS
SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB Beautiful golf course, the amateur players in the pro-am were very happy. Great food from peppermoon catering, and great teamwork with all aspects of the course and tournament. - Judy Harrelson
THE WATER'S EDGE COUNTRY CLUB While Chef John was at Providence Country Club just over a year, he did a fantastic job and made a big impact. He greatly improved culinary operations at PCC, including the food’s quality and consistency. John’s outstanding service to PCC, in addition to his desire to return to his roots, is an overture to a new culinary beginning at RCC. Now, John has returned home to Raleigh as the club’s Executive Chef. With his former role as RCC’s sous chef, he was excited to learn an opportunity was available. His response was, “I am finally returning home!” Welcome back, Chef John!
CHEF JOHN CRAWFORD
Top notch in every category. Staff was amazing. And even though the conditions have been extremely rough on golf courses recently, the course was in amazing shape. Pace of play was A++. - Brenton Farrar
OLD NORTH STATE CLUB Incredible club and outstanding management. One of the most beautiful places in America and a truly amazing golf course. Dining on the patio of the club overlooking the 18th green, and the lake, will just dissolve all your worries… - Bret Peters
THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB Beautiful course, what a great community! Wouldn't be surprised if we retire there! - Gary Mathew
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
MCG CHEFS ARE ON THE MOVE INTRODUCING CHEF PETER SPEAR Please join the PCC staff in welcoming their new Executive Chef, Peter Spear, from Orangeburg Country Club in South Carolina.
Chef Spear, who is originally from Chicago, Illinois, lived in Florida for 20 years while also making stops in Boston, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina. He comes from a Greek and Italian heritage, however, his philosophy of food is strongly grounded in French techniques, as well as many other global influences. He enjoys being outdoors doing things like hiking, kayaking and camping with girlfriend Bree and their dog River. He is the proud father of two sons, Angelo (AJ) and Jonathan. Chef currently holds multiple certifications, including Worldchefs Certified Master Chef (WCMC), Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) and Pro Chef Level 2 (PCII). Chef Peter also holds 30 national, as well as international, medals for the American Culinary Federation (ACF) sanctioned competitions and has won several statewide competitions. He is an approved candidate for the ACF CMC program and hopes to join the ranks of American Certified Master Chefs in which only 72 chefs currently hold this title in the United States. Welcome to the Providence family, Chef Peter!
Chef Ron first joined the McConnell Golf family at Old North State Club where he served as Executive Chef for two years.
He acknowledges growing up in a multicultural family dynamic as the foundation for his passion for food. Namely, his Grandma Gordils’ Ecuadorian dishes and his stepfather’s preference for hunting wild hogs were two early influences whose different styles and cultures shaped his career. After high school, Chef Ron landed his first culinary job as a line cook and fell in love with the hustle of the kitchen. This led him to the prestigious Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he established his career working with many talented chefs throughout the area. In 2015, Chef Ron made the move to North Carolina and transitioned to country clubs where he has continued to grow his skillset over the last six years. Chef Ron and his wife Emily reside in Greensboro. On August 17, 2020, the couple welcomed their first child, Maverick, into the world. He looks forward to building camaraderie with Sedgefield Country Club members and staff alike. Please join us in welcoming Chef Ron Gordils to SCC!
CHEF RON GORDILS
Isaac Spencer, who recently held the sous chef role at SCC, has now transitioned into the Executive Chef role at Old North State Club. Chef Isaac has been a part of the McConnell Golf family for 10 years.
In addition to his time at SCC, he has served as Executive Chef at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. The SCC team will miss Chef Isaac’s culinary talents, however, Badin Lake is a short drive from Greensboro. He looks forward to seeing many of you visit him at his new club. As we send Chef Isaac well wishes at ONSC, let us also give our best to his family as he and Ashlee, his amazing wife of three years, are expecting a baby boy in late January 2022. He also has two teenagers, son Malachi and daughter Nairobi, who are growing into great young adults. Please join us in wishing the Spencer family all the best in the next chapter of their journey.
CHEF ISAAC SPENCER MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
CONGRATULATIONS Finding Love at the Lake
HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Katie Meade, server at Holston Hills Country Club, recently got engaged!
SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB Iva Panayotova, part of the wait staff team at Sedgefield, graduated from the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law May 2021 and passed the bar exam shortly after! Congratulations, we are proud of you!
THE WATER'S EDGE COUNTRY CLUB
Celebrating MILESTONE EMPLOYMENT YEAR Angela Ayers, Administrative Assistant at Sedgefield Country Club, celebrated her 30th Work Anniversary in September! You are an outstanding employee and an integral part of the SCC team. Congratulations Angela and thank you for all you do!
In the summer of 2019, Executive Chef Michael Dontigney met Olivia, who worked on the waitstaff. As the years went on, they grew to become great friends inside and outside of work. It was during this time as friends that they saw how deeply they both loved Jesus, serving others, and of course, waterfalls. They began hiking to waterfalls and deepening their friendship in the fall of 2020. As their friendship blossomed, so did their hearts for each other. Michael began hiding sweet notes in Olivia's car, pockets, book bags, and well...anywhere he could get them! Olivia began a journal of his sweet sticky notes and started to hide them for him as well, not knowing he was also keeping a journal of the notes she wrote him. They met in June of 2019, went on their first date in December 2020, got engaged on July 6, 2021, and will be married on December 18, 2021! They both still have all of the notes they’ve ever written to each other and will continue to fill up journals full of them for the rest of their lives! Congratulations Chef Michael and Olivia!
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
EMPLOYEES IN ACTION CONGRATS TO CARMEN GANOE! PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB'S NEW CLUBHOUSE MANAGER Congratulations to Carmen Ganoe, who was recently promoted from Food and Beverage Director to Clubhouse Manager! He's enjoyed 33 years in the hospitality industry to date, working for Bloomin’ Brands’ restaurant concepts for 22 years and as Managing Partner for three different restaurant concepts within the brand. Carmen also received the “Managing Partner of the Year” award four times. In this capacity, he was the beer, liquor and wine trainer for 16 Bonefish Grill restaurants throughout North and South Carolina. He received his Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers in June of 2012. Just prior to coming to PCC, he spent the last two years in fine dining with Ruth Chris Steakhouse where he was the General Manager of the Training Restaurant for the East Coast.
CONGRATS TO COLE OLIVE RALEIGH GOLF ASSOCIATION'S NEW SUPERINTENDENT RGA is excited to announce the promotion of Cole Olive to the maintenance department as their new Superintendent! In the past year, Cole has accomplished great things at RGA and his leadership will be a great asset to McConnell Golf. We look forward to watching the improvements he’ll make to the oldest public course in Raleigh.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB'S NEW ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB'S NEW ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
HOLSTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB'S NEW FITNESS DIRECTOR
Paige Holman graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Originally from outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Paige now resides in Fort Mill, South Carolina. She is a strong believer that leisure and play is an essential part of one’s well-being. Paige enjoys watching Clemson Football, spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and doing arts and crafts.
Caroline Venable graduated from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, where she earned a BS in Education, Recreation and Sport Management with a special concentration in business marketing. Caroline discovered her love for club operations and management while working as the Golf Operations Intern at Holston Hills, where she built strong relationships with members and staff. Caroline enjoys playing trivia, pickleball and golf, in addition to spending time with friends and family.
Austin Blair has been a personal trainer for four years. He is a ISSA Elite Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist and CPR/AED Certified. His goal as a trainer is to assist individuals in reaching their fitness goals, while giving them the knowledge that they need in order to be successful not only now, but also in the future. When Austin isn’t at work, you can find him at the gym, relaxing by the pool or with his family and dog, Lylah.
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
EMPLOYEES IN ACTION WELCOME BACK TO THE WYNDHAM! In August, Sedgefield Country Club welcomed back the public to the Wyndham Championship after a year without fans in 2020. This year’s tournament was a huge success thanks to the hard work of volunteers, food and beverage, agronomy, golf and administrative staff throughout McConnell Golf. The days leading up to the Wyndham involved a lot of preparation in order to market the event and also provide a fun and safe experience for everyone. It truly was a team effort to ensure our members and guests enjoyed their time at the Wyndham, whether they were visiting our member areas on the course or Slammin’ Sammy’s for a delicious meal. Thank you to everyone for your efforts!
TOP COACH AWARD Congratulations to Porters Neck Country Club's Assistant Golf Pro, Jordan Tennent! Based on his hard work and dedication to creating golfers in 2021, he has earned a nomination for the 2021 Top 50 Coach Award! This nomination is based on the measurable stats that are tracked in his Operation 36 Community. The winners of this award will be unveiled in December. We are rooting for you!
OPERATION 36 FOR ADULTS! Dana Kovich, Assistant Golf Professional at Porters Neck Country Club, recently started an Operation 36 program for adults! Just like in the junior program, members receive certificates when they complete a division. It has become very popular with our members and a great addition to our playing lesson clubs such as Bogey Girls, Bogey Boys, and Par Gals.
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT AT THE RYDER CUP
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Montana Wiggs, the head Tennis Professional at Porters Neck Country Club, hosted a Bocce Demonstration and Clinic for the residents of Liberty Senior Living Retirement Home in Wilmington, NC. They heard about our program and asked Montana if he would help them. What a great fella!
Jason Seehafer, General Manager at Porters Neck Country Club, got his start 23 years ago as one of the first caddies at Whistling Straits. In what can only be described as a 'full circle moment,' he returned to Haven Wisconsin with his dad in September, and witnessed the U.S. team win the 2021 Ryder Cup by the largest margin of victory in modern history of the event.
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
The staff at Sedgefield Country Club threw a party for members on September 11, 2021, celebrating 10 years as a McConnell Golf property. The evening began with a “Never Forget” tribute to the heroes of 9/11, followed by a trip down memory lane with “before and after” photos, great food, dancing and lots of fun.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WHAT SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB HAS PUT TOGETHER OF BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS OF THE CLUB!
WELCOME TO THE MCCONNELL GOLF FAMILY
Elizabeth "Cookie" Gault, Cook at Musgrove Mill Golf Club, welcomed her Granddaughter, Vayda Elizabeth Miller.
Beverly Marler, Triad Regional Director of Sedgefield Country Club, Old North State Club and The Cardinal by Pete Dye, welcomed her great niece, Chandler Kay.
Keep up with the latest news from corporate by following McConnell Golf on social media!
Randy Templeton, Maintenance Engineer at Musgrove Mill Golf Club, welcomed his Granddaughter, Blakely Marie Templeton.
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ MCCONNELL-GOLF-LLC
FACEBOOK.COM/MCCONNELLGOLF
INSTAGRAM.COM/MCCONNELLGOLF
TWITTER.COM/MCCONNELLGOLF
YOUTUBE.COM/MCCONNELLGOLF
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST... FOR THE KIDS! McConnell Golf would like to invite you and your employees to participate in a fun holiday tradition! We will be sending postcards to all McConnell Golf members wishing them happy holidays. Please ask any employees with children and/or grandchildren, between the ages of 3 and 10, to draw a picture to be featured on the cover of the postcard. With this year’s addition of The Water’s Edge Country Club, located on Smith Mountain Lake in Penhook, VA, our theme is “Deck the Docks.”
Please note submissions must be original hand drawings by children (no helping grown-ups!). Coloring book pages will not be accepted. Every child who submits a drawing will receive a $10.00 gift card. The overall winner will have their drawing featured on the cover of the holiday cards, along with a small write up of the employee and their family, and receive a $50.00 American Express gift card! To get these cards in time for the holidays, we ask that all drawings be submitted no later than Tuesday, November 30. Drawings can be sent by mail, fax or email to: By Mail: Fax: Email:
Raleigh Country Club. 400 Donald Ross Drive. Raleigh, NC 27610 Attn: Alicia Lockard Raleigh Country Club - 919.231.5502 Alicia Lockard at alockard@mcconnellgolf.com
Upon receiving all photos, an internal committee will review the photos and award the winner. To help get the most participants involved, we ask that you reach out to all of your employees within your department that have children interested in taking part. Thank you in advance for all your help in sharing this note and spreading holiday cheer!
2020 HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST SUBMISSIONS
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
MCG BENEFITS - OPEN ENROLLMENT
LOG INTO PAYROLL.TOASTTAB.COM Click on Myself – Benefits – Benefits Open Enrollment and then click on Enroll in Benefits
Once you are in the Enrollment page, please check and correct your address and your beneficiaries and dependents. If you need to, please add any beneficiaries or dependents and then click the blue Add button. This will add your dependents and beneficiaries so that you can elect them for benefits.
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021
MCG BENEFITS - OPEN ENROLLMENT Go through each benefit and enter in your initial and then Opt In or Out your election choice.
Once you have gone through and completed all benefit elections, click the Submit button.
MCCONNELL MESSENGER I OCTOBER 2021