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Contents
WINTER 2020
08 From Chaos Comes Opportunity
Member Dr. Joe Yun PAG E 6
While COVID-19 has cer tainly proved challenging, it has also offered some impor tant oppor tunities for the Club going forward.
Member Kelli Baker
14 Coffee at the Club
Member Kevin Pagel
Albatross Coffee, UCC’s new specialty coffee space will open with the new Resor t and offer outstanding coffee and tea options .
16 Home for the Holloways
PAG E 1 2
PAG E 2 4
Member Tracy Brucks Employee Spotlight: Derek Remillard PAG E 4 0
26 Coach Ray Eliot
PAG E 5 0
20 Winter Dining at the Club UCC has made changes to make dining at the Club during the colder months so much more enjoyable.
36 Health and Wellness
The Resor t will feature some amazing new amenities that will help you take care of your body and mind all year long.
42 Love in the time of
COVID-19
COVID might have changed the game a bit, but there’s still so much you can do to find love and keep it during this unique time.
34 We Grow People
The grounds team at UCC is cultivating the new generation of agriculturally-minded students via their summer program.
A NEW SERIES FOR THE SCENE. FIVE QUESTIONS TO DIVE A LITTLE DEEPER IN ON YO U R F E L LOW MEMBERS.
PAG E 3 4
After several years away, Ember and Mike Holloway have returned to UCC to continue their golf journey.
A quick “hello” from UCC’s ghostly resident coach, Mr. Illini himself.
The UCC Questionnaire
In the Scene UCC Holiday Gift Guide PAG E 5 4
Business Success PAG E 5 6
Coffee at the Club
PAG E 1 4
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WINTER 2020 | WWW.UCC1922.COM URBANA COUNTRY CLUB | URBANA, ILL.
PGA GENERAL MANAGER Scott Szymoniak scott.szymoniak@ucc1922.com
MEMBER BUSINESS DIRECTOR Taylor Gabree taylor.gabree@ucc1922.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR Noe Rodriguez noe.rodriguez@ucc1922.com
RESORT DIRECTOR Amber Talbott amber.talbott@ucc1922.com
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PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL Zach Canfield zach.canfield@ucc1922.com
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT Scott White scott.white@ucc1922.com
CLUB CONTROLLER Thomas Riley thomas.riley@ucc1922.com
DESIGN GROUP Robb Springfield Jose Galue EDITOR Lily Stanicek
Clubhouse: 217-344-8670 Golf Shop: 217-344-8673 All ar ticles in The Scene are written by UCC staff members unless otherwise noted.
Manager’s Welcome A QUESTION OF IDENTITY Wow, what a year for us all. It is amazing how fast things can change, and, more importantly, how fast you need to react to stay relevant. While we have all gone through a roller coaster of emotions and have all reacted differently to the many life-altering situations that have come about, I’m certain we have all at some point questioned our own health, social beliefs and our future: who we are currently and who we want to be —our identity. Throughout all of this, one thing has become abundantly clear about UCC —the Club is truly your home-awayfrom-home. It should be the safest place you can be outside of your own home, and while some things we cannot control, the ones we can we are doubling-down on. Cleaning, sanitizing, air-purifying and utilizing the great outdoors as much as we can has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for us. We have and continue to make physical changes, as
well as add resources to better control our environment. Pandemic or not, these measures will only set the bar higher when it comes to the health and wellness of our membership. Years like the one we just had will always make you think about what is important in life. Sometimes it drives people to re-prioritize what is important to them. I would guess that health and wellness is at the top of most people’s list. It is certainly at the top of mine. With the amenities that will be launching in 2021 and beyond, UCC is uniquely positioning itself to be your one-stop-shop for health and wellness, and your exclusive opportunity to indulge in luxury. It is our privilege to provide this canvas for you and our hope that you will utilize it to its fullest capacity. Be well!
S C OT T S Z Y M O N I A K
P G A G E N E R A L M A N AG E R
UCC1922.COM | WINTER 2020
Valentine’s Weekend FEBRUARY 12th thru 14th
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Office Hours Sunday – Monday Closed Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm
Clubhouse Hours Monday Club Facilities Closed Tuesday – Saturday Lunch 11am – 3pm Tuesday – Saturday Dinner 4pm – 8:30pm
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Sunday Breakfast/Lunch 9am – 1pm Limited Menu 1pm – 5pm
Golf Shop Tuesday – Friday 7:30am – 7pm Saturday – Sunday 7am – 7pm
2020 Winter Hours UCC1922.COM | WINTER 2020
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MEMBERSHIP
Dr. Joe Yun Dr. Joe Yun and his family currently live in Savoy, Illinois. He is a research assistant professor and the director of a data science initiative in the Gies College of Business. He is also the co-founder of a marketing data science start-up at the Research Park called Marketing AI Partners.
What do you most value in your friends?
What is your greatest extravagance?
I would say there are many things, but maybe two of the most important things for me are mutual patience with one another as well as a commitment to hash out sensitive issues privately and personally rather than out in the public (e.g., social media). In this social data age where seemingly everything gets made public, and being that part of my academic and professional research is analyzing societal data patterns/ethics/issues, I even moreso value people that appreciate private and caring one on one direct conversation.
To be honest, it is probably being a member of this Club. I definitely did not have access to these kinds of resources growing up, but it has been a joy to golf with my father when he visits town and we talk about my childhood and even his own childhood of growing up in war-torn South Korea. It has been a pleasure to have “in-person” Sunday dinner with my family at the club after a morning/afternoon filled with “YouTube/ Zoom” church during this COVID-19 period. It has been exciting watching my six year old and four year old girls take golf lessons from Ember, believing that Ember will lead us all the way to Division One golf scholarships for college. The club has been “extravagantly” joyful for us.
Which living person do you most admire? This is a very tough question because I would always first just jump to my parents who pushed hard as immigrants to provide for my sister and I to have a wonderful education and pathway in life. But I would like to choose Robert (Bob) Easter, who is a member of our club. I have only gotten to know him in the past few years, but just looking at the impact that he had in this community overall through decades of service, I just really respect that. He has mentored me in so many ways without probably knowing that I looked to him as my mentor. I do not just believe in his impact because of stories I have read on the internet, but I have seen him firsthand live it out in our community, so I admire him quite a bit. Who are your favorite writers? This is an impossible question to answer for me because there are just too many, but I will choose Malcolm Gladwell for today. I do not choose him because I necessarily agree with all his conclusions, but rather because I find him to be one of the best examples of someone digesting social psychological research (which is not necessarily written in a easily digestible way all the time) and fashioning it into very clear and compelling stories. A fellow named Andy Field does similar translational magic for inferential statistics, but his stories are semi-bizarre at times. My six year old daughter just started writing, so maybe she will be my next favorite?
What talent would you most like to have? I think we are talking about non-superhero talents? If so, then I would love to have the talent of being able to speak multiple languages at a very high level for each. In fact, whenever I see polyglots demonstrate their proficiency in 5+ languages, that makes me very envious. Imagine in this interconnected globalized world, how much you could see, do, and experience if you could speak 5+ languages.
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From Chaos Comes Opportunity
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UCC1922.COM | WINTER 2020
HOW UCC IS REACTING AND THRIVING IN THE NEW COVID-19 WORLD.
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OT TOO MANY PEOPLE WILL ARGUE THAT THIS PAST year has been one of the most trying times of their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some form or fashion, some more seriously than others. Routines have changed drastically and time-tested institutions like schools and churches have not been exempt from changes to attempt to control the virus. Businesses all across the country are operating day-to-day, wondering if and how they will be able to make the necessary shifts to survive.
the beliefs of Urbana Country Club were established, ultimately leading to the foundation of our brand. Strength and vitality are required to sustain growth and provide luxury and positive activity. The UCC stakeholders need to champion this strength and vitality, and the Club as a whole will facilitate how that energy comes together to create an elevated environment.
While it is easy to be consumed by all of the negativity around us, fighting to remain in control of yourself and your attitude is a must. Opportunity will always come from change. Staying focused on what is in front of you while looking for that opportunity will keep you from falling victim to all of the chaos. For the Urbana Country Club, we saw change on the horizon back in late March. We had started 2020 off very well, coming off a year where we improved operations financially for the third straight year. As the impending pandemic was becoming a reality, we needed to act quickly in order to keep the Club operating to the extent it was allowed while controlling our expenses as aggressively as possible to help offset the loss of revenue that we were sure to see. While never easy to do, we made the decision to furlough all but five of our employees to maintain the to-go meal business we suddenly found ourselves in. As UCC members always do, they did what they could to support the Club by keeping us busy providing food for them. When asked, they also pitched in to help us supply grocery gift cards for all of our employees who we did not currently have work for. I always say that UCC members are a special group of people, and once again it was proven by their generosity and genuine care for our staff. UCC operated in this stripped-down mode for two months. During this time, we took the opportunity to evaluate our business, where we were headed, and most importantly, identify the windows of opportunity that we believed would become apparent to us. To do this, it was necessary to define our beliefs as a Club and understand why these beliefs would make us successful. After a great deal of focused thought and conversation,
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AT U C C , W E B E L I E V E … • A club is a beacon of opportunity. • Engagement, environment and execution creates unity.
• Sustainability is our responsibility. • Comfort, quality and luxury play a role in one’s success.
• Mutual respect amongst stakeholders. • In the power of positivity for capitalizing on opportunities.
• Work and relaxation are not mutually exclusive.
We have the utmost confidence in our ability to execute with these beliefs as a foundation. We know that like-minded people who seek the finer things in life and who rally together will produce an energized environment that fosters health, wellness growth and success—the foundation of a fulfilled life. People that focus on fulfillment will attract opportunities and seek out an elevated environment that is committed to their well-being. All this said, UCC will continue to be member-focused, but with even more intensity and determination than ever before. To do this, creating an exclusive environment will be key to the member experience. Eliminating business driven by non-member entities is one place to start. No longer can an event be booked by someone who is not a dues-paying member or strategic business partner of UCC. While this will initially decrease revenue coming into the Club, it ultimately will provide more availability to the membership and actually drive new membership sales—two very important components to the long-term sustainability of UCC.
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We have also implemented an Application Fee for any new person looking to join the UCC family. Currently set at $10,000, this fee ensures that anyone interested in joining will see themselves being an active member of the community, and will be committed to the Club long-term. From a marketing standpoint, we have furthered the exclusive feel by eliminating any public-facing social media channels, and redesigning the UCC website to only allow access to current members via a password protected site. Anyone who may be interested in UCC is instructed to contact the Club’s Membership Director for information and to schedule tours. We have found that almost 90 percent of new membership sales come from current member referrals, which adds another layer of protection when bringing new people into the Club family. So at the end of the day, all of the restrictions that COVID-19 had placed on our normal Club operations and environment has given us the opportunity to shift focus and redefine goals and beliefs that are important to us. UCC continues to get stronger both financially and in member count. Yes, it has been a crazy, chaotic year. Through it all, we remained diligent, looked for opportunities and seizing the moments that we knew would make a difference. Bring on 2021 and beyond!
NEEDLEPOINT BIPOLAR I O N I Z AT I O N C O M E S TO UCC UCC has partnered with Global Plasma Solutions and A&R Mechanical to install needlepoint bipolar ionization systems in both the Clubhouse and Resort. GPS is the leader in indoor air quality, with over 30 patents and more than 150,000 installations worldwide, including many hospitals, schools, theatres, stadiums and government buildings—including the White House. Needlepoint bipolar ionization works to safely clean indoor air, leveraging an electronic charge to create a high concentration of positive and negative ions. These ions travel through the air, continuously seeking out and attaching to particles. This sets in motion a continuous pattern of particle combination. As these particles become larger, they are eliminated from the air more rapidly. Additionally, positive and negative ions have microbicidal effects on pathogens, ultimately reducing the infectivity of the virus. The system is also ozone-free, and does not produce any harmful byproducts. So what does this mean for the members and staff at UCC? Independent lab results show that this system reduces, at a minimum, 90 percent of harmful pathogens that flow through the air, including Human Coronavirus. This is just one more way your Club is investing in the health and wellness of everyone who calls UCC home.
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MEMBERSHIP
Kelli Baker Kelli Baker grew up in Carlinville, Illinois and Champaign has been her home for the past 26 years. During the stay at home order, she decided to follow her lifelong dream of opening a clothing boutique. On May 28, 2020, she and her two daughters launched Common Thread Boutique, which you can find at commonthreadboutique.com.
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What do you most value in your friends?
What is your greatest extravagance?
When I think of my friends, one word that comes to mind with each of them is “genuine”! I value someone who is just themselves, not trying to impress anyone, but just true to who they are and what is important to them.
I’d have to say that’s my Louis Vuitton bag. I love it so much and have always wanted one but thought what a frivolous way to spend money. On our 10 year wedding anniversary, my wonderful husband surprised me with the bag and I shamelessly carry it every day! Besides the bag, it is shoes and clothes!
Which living person do you most admire? Brad Baker! My husband is literally the hardest working individual on the face of this earth. He has the biggest heart for people and would do anything for anyone. I love that about him so much. Brad is such a wonderful husband and father and spiritual leader of our family. He has always pushed me to be better, to not give up, but all the while to be happy where I am at the moment, enjoy the ride and keep striving to become my best.
What talent would you most like to have? If I have to choose one talent, I most wish that I could sing. I love music and I do sing, but, for those of you who may have had the opportunity to be around when this has happened, I apologize!
Who are your favorite writers? I’d love to answer this with some intellectual answer, like William Shakespeare (I had to google famous writers haha), but truth be told I love to read random fiction. My favorite book that I have finished recently was Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. A great book and highly recommended! However, with opening a new business, a lot of my reading revolves around research on how to build a website, how to buy and sell merchandise, and how to do social media, etc. I am hopeful to get back to pleasure reading soon.
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Coffee at the Club
Check out the Resort’s new coffee experience, Albatross Coffee, for the best specialty coffee right in your own Club.
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HERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE in the morning—the aroma, the sounds, the anticipation of the first sip and the clear mark of the start of the day. It’s a feeling, an experience, that the Urbana Country Club is excited to extend to its membership with the opening of the Resort. Like everything else at UCC, the coffee experience will be of the utmost quality, centered around expert equipment and industry leading product partnerships. All of this in order to create a comfortable space for work and relaxation—and with the best specialty coffee in town.
What to expect from Albatross Coffee at UCC
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The new building provided the Club the opportunity to think of all the ways to elevate the members’ experience. With the new dining space, the ability to add specialty coffee options was an opportunity that the Club leadership jumped on right away. The goal is to be able to provide the membership with the ability to wake up in a second floor suite and walk down to sip on a latte on the patio, or grab an americano on their way out to the golf course, or pair their after-dinner dessert with a cappuccino. For the past year, Club leadership has made sure all the elements are in place to create the best specialty coffee experience in town. This involves everything from the equipment, the coffee itself, and all the additional offerings—from tea to high quality milk options.
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Bringing Metropolis to Central Illinois
The centerpiece element that will bring both the aesthetic tone and the industry-standard quality and efficiency is the highlight of the space: the fully customized La Marzocco espresso machine. Bringing in glittering metallic navys and golds, the machine will perfectly complement the Resort. That, along with La Marzocco’s almost 100 years of expert development in espresso machine construction, gives the space the ability to produce excellent beverages with the luxurious comfort members expect from their Club. Of course, menu development and training are two huge aspects of introducing this new coffee experience. Much like beer, wine or spirits, coffee is a complex beverage that can be enjoyed simply or deeply, depending on one’s interest. The goal is to offer those varying experiences to membership, and that starts with a well-developed menu and the right training for baristas.
The Club’s main partnership is with the Chicago coffee roaster, Metropolis Coffee Company. The largest family owned and operated coffee company in Chicago, Metropolis began in 2003 when father and son, Jeff and Tony Dryfuss, bought a small coffee roaster and started a small cafe in the neighborhood of Edgewater. Now they operate out of an 18,000 square foot roastery which houses three large roasters and a group of dedicated and hardworking employees producing some of the best coffee in the city. Metropolis, with its years of experience, has dedicated itself to producing consistently high quality roasts. They offer everything from single origin options (coffee that is produced in one region—eg. Ethiopia) to their signature blends. Their blends (roasts created from mixing coffee from different regions) have been developed and optimized to create specific tasting notes and flavor profiles. Albatross Coffee will primarily be serving Metropolis’s Spice Island Blend, a medium-dark roast that has a bold, full-bodied kick with tasting notes of nutty caramel and chocolate. Served as espresso, this blend will compliment even the sweetest UCC dessert or morning pastry. Finally, for those who aren’t a fan of coffee beverages, the Resort space will be offering tea options from Rishi Tea & Botanicals out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rishi has been in the tea business for over 20 years and focuses on providing superb tea and botanicals imported directly from gardens across the world, drawing inspiration from both ancient artisanal practices that use organic cultivation techniques as well as modern culinary innovation. They will provide everything from standard black tea to the chai and matcha for anyone who is a fan of non-coffee lattes. Whether you’d like to sip on a latte on the patio to start your morning, grab an americano after a workout or before teeing off, or finish your work day with a cup of tea in the Resort’s lounge area, the new specialty coffee space at the Resort will have everything you need to fill your coffee and tea needs.
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Home for the Holloways
After years away, UCC’s new Assistant Golf Pro and Assistant Golf Superintendent have finally returned to where they both grew up and got their start.
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IKE AND EMBER HOLLOWAY HAVE RETURNED TO Urbana, Illinois after four years away. Mike is the new Assistant Golf Superintendent and Ember the Assistant Golf Professional. Mike is originally from Paris, Illinois, and he attended EIU and then Rutgers University where he received his Turf Management Degree. Mike worked at Urbana from 2016–2017 and then worked at TPC Scottsdale followed by Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas. Ember is originally from Sterling, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois, was on the golf team from 2010–2014 and received her degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism. She turned pro after graduation, playing on the Symetra Tour and other mini tours until getting into the PGA program. She previously was an Assistant Golf Professional at Boot Ranch in Texas before coming here to Urbana Country Club.
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Golf Tip from Ember Short Game Advice A lot of golfers out there make the mistake of using only one club when they have missed the green. They go to their bag and pull out the same club and try to make their shot work from wherever their ball has landed. But not all lies are made equal, especially around the green. So to get up and down you have to get creative. I like to imagine all types of shots once I’ve missed the green. And to decide on what shot you need, follow these steps: 1. Evaluate the situation. What is the lie like? Thick rough, tight lie, up against the edge of the rough? All these things make a difference in club selection and then shot selection.
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2. Where is the pin? Do you have a lot of green to work with or is the pin close to you? 3. How far do you have left? Are you right off the green or 30 yards away? Once these questions are asked and you have an idea of what might be required, go into your bag with a plan. If I have a tight lie, some room to get to the pin and I’m 5-10 yards away from the green, I might take an 8 or 7 iron and bump and run the ball to the hole. It’s an easy setup and execution where I hit my chip like a putt and let it roll out to the cup. If I have a thicker lie in the rough where I have a short-sided pin location and a bunker in my way, I’m taking out a lob wedge and hitting a flop shot to hit it high and land soft. I’m setting the ball position up in my stance, opening up the clubface and trying to swing underneath the ball, keeping the clubface open through the whole swing. So next time you are out practicing or playing, go through these steps and experiment. You might just find a better way to make more up and downs. Hit high shots and low shots, try to hit down and create more spin or practice the flop shot. Anything is possible when hitting these types of shots around the green.
How did you two meet? E: This is always one of my favorite stories. I was working part-time at Dick’s Sporting Goods after graduating from U of I to make money before heading out on the Symetra Tour. Mike came in looking for a new golf bag and I was lucky enough to be working in the golf department that day. I sold him a golf bag, a few other accessories that he probably didn’t need and apparently sold Mike on my personality. A few more trips into Dick’s throughout the season and a golf date almost a year later, and the rest is history. I clearly remember talking to my mom about dating and she said you will find love the moment you least expect it, and sure enough I did—I found it in a Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Mike, how did you get into the golf industry? Did you always want to be a Superintendent? M: I grew up racing horses and never thought I’d get into golf course turf management. I had always had dreams of being a successful horse racer but had to veer off that path once the economy crashed in Illinois. I came upon golf when my family had opened up a restaurant in my hometown of Paris and were successful enough to take over the restaurant at our local golf course as well. Being stuck inside while everyone else was outdoors, enjoying the course I realized I needed to change up my career. I wanted to be out there as well, so I worked my way up to become an Assistant Superintendent at Eagle Ridge Golf Course. I fell in love with the career and at that point knew I wanted to continue my knowledge and education in this field. I found a job posting for Urbana Country Club and was the Assistant Superintendent for Scott White in 2016. He encouraged me to go to a turf management program so I enrolled at Rutgers University and received my turf management degree there. After that I wanted to travel and gain more experience, so I
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accepted a position at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. We spent a year there before I took an Assistant Superintendent position at Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas. Then finally, after two years in Texas, we came back to Urbana when the position became open again. It ended up working well for both Ember and I.
Ember, how did you decide to get into the PGA program? E: By chance actually. When Mike got offered a position at Boot Ranch I was already “quitting” the professional golf life and looking to decide what was next for me. I had always had part-time odds and ends jobs: substitute teaching, coaching, mowing at a golf course. But I hadn’t decided on a career after my playing career was done. I had always thought coaching would be my route because I loved that aspect of golf and growing the next generation of golfers, but moving to the middle of Texas with no colleges close I knew I had needed to figure something else out. I had a meeting with the GM of Boot Ranch and he said I should join their pro staff and start the PGA program. It made sense for me and has been a great decision since. I get the best of all the golf worlds; I get to teach, I have been able to create lots of different events and programming and I get to interact and play with members.
Why come back to Illinois? E: Funny enough, we both swore we would never come back to the Midwest after spending a year in Arizona and two years in Texas. However family won out as we both have our families still here in Illinois. And Urbana just made sense for us to come back to. Mike had already been here a few years ago and this is
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where he decided to make Turf Management his career. And I bleed Orange and Blue, so getting to be back here at a place that is so familiar and a second home to me—it was a no-brainer. My parents are still in Sterling and Mike’s parents are still in Paris, so it’s nice to see them both more than twice a year. And when we start our own family it will be nice to be closer to home. M: I think at the end of the day, it was a chance for us to spend more time with the people we love. It’s now just a car ride away instead of a flight away. This holiday season will really be the cherry on top because we won’t have to decide on which holiday we come home for—we will get to celebrate them all. But eventually I think we would like to end up back in the warmth of the south.
What do you two do when you have time off together? Both: Golf! E: That may seem crazy since we work all the time at a golf course, but it is one of our favorite things to do together. M: We do love to golf together. We made a bucket list for golf courses to play together that we are slowly working on when we get the chance. We also love to spend time with our two dogs, OB and Ace.
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E: My favorite hole is #7, I love the tunnel feeling from the back tee box looking down at the hole. It makes it feel like a runway. I love stepping up to the tee and blasting one down there.
What’s your favorite part of your job? M: My favorite part is teaching a team member a new task in our day to day operations and seeing them grow in their position. This year was a good example. We had a group of high school students from Mahomet that had never worked on a golf course and by the time they left at the end of the summer, they were able to complete any job we threw at them.
What’s it like both working in the golf industry? E: Time-consuming. We make our days off together count. We knew getting into the industry, from both sides, that it is a lot of long hours and that holidays and weekends don’t exist. But at the same time, we both love golf and what we are doing that I can’t imagine doing anything else. So, we make it a point to spend our off time together doing something we love. M: I agree. It is a lot of hours apart on our end but you have to have a partner that can handle that and we do. We cherish the moments we have time together that much more.
Do you talk shop at home? E: We do. It’s nice to have both sides covered when it comes to the golf industry. The communication between the golf maintenance and the golf pro staff is vital in making a great club work. So having a husband/wife team that communicates daily is such a huge bonus. I can let him know what the tee sheet looks like for the following day, we can plan ahead as far as tournament scheduling goes and I always have that number on speed dial when I need to call in a favor. And vice versa. M: We bounce ideas off each other all the time. Or discuss other options if something isn’t working out. It’s just nice to have someone to share your workday with especially when you work for the same company.
What’s your favorite hole out at UCC? M: My favorite hole is #2. I like the elevated tee so you can see all your options. I like the risk and reward of the hole. Where if you take a driver and cut the corner you set yourself up with a short second shot into the green, but if you leave it out to the right, you could easily block yourself out and end up with a high score.
E: My favorite part of my job is getting to create events and programming. I love trying new things and thinking outside of the box when it comes to doing something that has never been done before. I’m always looking at new ideas and figuring out how to incorporate golf and make it fun for everybody.
Ember, with the new addition of the Resort, how will this enhance the members’ experience? E: This new building will have so many features that its value to the membership is endless. From suites for guests to stay in, to a world-class spa and indoor golf simulators I cannot express how excited I am to be a part of UCC and watch the Club grow even more. Obviously the golf simulators have more of a direct impact on me, so I am most excited about having these open for members to play on throughout the winter months. I am also looking forward to creating events, whether that be new winter leagues, different tournaments or designing packages for lessons so members can improve their golf game all winter long. Not many other clubs can offer these things to their members, so to have all of this available is beyond exciting.
Mike, with a possible renovation to the golf course, how would that benefit the membership? M: It will take UCC to a whole new level of championship caliber golf. I believe it would be the premiere golf experience in down state Illinois and would rival anything Chicago has to offer as well. The construction of the new practice green was a great addition as it allowed everyone to see what all the greens on the course were like. Not only would the golf course see a major upgrade, but the plans for the practice facility will be some of the best anywhere. These two things, combined with the Resort, will provide members with benefits that far exceed what can be offered anywhere else in the area.
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Lawn care advice from Mike What’s In The Bag
Everyone knows that in order to sustain life you need water and food. Your lawn is no different! So when deciding what type of fertilizer you should use, you are faced with an overwhelming number of different formulations when you go to your local garden center. What Do the Numbers on Fertilizer Mean?
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So what do these three numbers on the bag actually mean and how are we going to confidently choose the right fertilizer to implement into our lawn care plan? On the front of fertilizer bags you’ll find three bold numbers, called N-P-K numbers. These represent the three primary nutrients in fertilizer: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These exist to help you quickly compare products. So to read these numbers, take for example a mixture labeled as 18-24-12. This means the mixture contains 18% nitrogen, 24% phosphorous, and 20% potash.
How to Choose the Right Lawn Fertilizer Numbers When choosing the right fertilizer for your lawn you’re trying to return nutrients to soil that have been depleted over time. In order to do this, once a year you should have a soil test performed by a professional. They will take samples from various areas in the yard and send them off to a laboratory (I recommend contacting the U of I Ag Extension office in your area). They will return a soil test to you, guiding you on what grade of fertilizer you may need. For a currently healthy lawn, most people use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen number to promote greener and more vigorous growth. Most of the safest fertilizer you can use come in a form of slow-release fertilizers that try to meter out the nutrients over the course of weeks. So by starting your first application in March around the time of the first mow, and then again in late May or June, you will be giving your yard the tools needed to fight off disease, harsh summer heat and drought and save on water usage throughout the year. Typically, the grades you’ll find recommended for the average lawn are: 5-10-5
How Do These 3 N-P-K Numbers Benefit Plants? These three macronutrients are critical to plant health. Nitrogen (N) provides the ability to grow at a normal rate with a rich and plentiful green lawn. Phosphorus (P) helps drive roots deep into the soil and aids the utilization of efficiently using all of the nutrients provided to the plant. Potassium (K) promotes all around well being. It also helps with disease and pest resistance as well as from cold weather and drought conditions.
10-10-10 5-10-10 6-6-18 8-0-24 These formulations represent what I would say is a balanced approach to lawn care maintenance that, when started in early spring, will provide a happy, healthy lawn for next year. Just remember to use a good quality rotary spreader and thoroughly water the fertilizer in.
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MEMBERSHIP
Kevin Pagel Kevin Pagel lives in Mahomet with his wife and two sons. He is the owner of Midstate Excavation Inc.
What do you most value in your friends? I value the personal and business advice I receive from my friends. I believe it is important to hear many different perspectives. My friends always provide me with new ways of thinking about things. Which living person do you most admire? My wife, Angie. She is a great mother, partner, and friend. Who are your favorite writers? Brian Jacques was my first favorite author. Now, I mostly like to read about history. What is your greatest extravagance? That’s an easy one: travel and golf. What talent would you most like to have? I often think I would really enjoy knowing how to play the guitar.
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Coach Ray Eliot, UCC’s Famous Friend Hear from the ghost of Mr. Illini himself during one of his spooky visits to the UCC Clubhouse.
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BET YOU’RE THINKING, HOW DO you interview a dead man? Well, for the spirit who haunts the UCC Clubhouse, Coach Ray Eliot, all you have to do is summon him and let him guide you through the world of the unknown. Let’s get to the history of Coach Ray Eliot first. He was born Raymond Eliot Nusspickel on June 13, 1905. Nicknamed “Mr. Illini”, he was one of the most popular and inspirational personalities in Fighting Illini
history. Coach Eliot was the Illini football coach from 1942–1959, with a record of 102-82-13. So Coach, I have just a few questions for you if you have time (I had the answer to that when the lights flickered). Were you the first coach of the Illini to win the Rose Bowl? Yes I was, back in 1947. That was when the Big Ten was actually the Big Nine.
The Big Nine? *laughs* Michigan State wasn’t part of it until the next year. So Coach, what do you recall about the 1947 Rose Bowl? Well, we played the UCLA Bruins—it was the Big Nine debut. We were 7-2 and the underdog. We went on to win 45-14 and I played all 42 players on the roster. Did you play football when you were in college? I sure did! I actually played football and baseball. I lettered in both in 1930.
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T H E P R O P E R S TAT E O F M I N D
If you think you’re beaten, you are After coaching what did you do? Well, I went on to serve as an associate director and the interim athletic director for the University of Illinois.
If you think you dare not, you don’t If you’d like to win but think you can’t It’s almost a cinch that you won’t
In 1969 you delivered a famous speech titled “The Proper State of Mind”. Was this speech about football?
For out in this world you’ll find
No, though it did center around football. However, it was really about a man’s life and what it is to be a real man and live a big life with courage.
It’s all a state of mind.
Coach, one last question before you go back to haunting. What may be something that we don’t know about you?
Before a step is run
Well my dear, I was the first head coach of the University of Illinois hockey team from 1937-1939.
Success begins with a fellow’s will
For many a race is lost And many a coward fails Before his work’s begun Think big and your deeds will grow Think small and you’ll fall behind
Thank you, sir, for your time.
Think that you can, and you will
You are welcome. I’ll see you around the Club. Good night.
It’s all a state of mind.
And poof just like that he was gone. So next time you hear a sound at the Club or feel a presence around, more than likely you are being visited by the great “Mr. Illini” himself. Just say hi and watch the lights flicker. Goodnight Coach Eliot. Until we see each other again.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are You’ve got to be sure of yourself before you win the prize Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man But sooner or later the fellow who wins Is the fellow who thinks he can It’s all a state of mind. - Ray Eliot
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Winter Dining at the Club NEW ADDITIONS TO THE CLUBHOUSE AND TO THE MENU BRING A BIT MORE WARMTH TO CHILLY WINTERS AT THE CLUB.
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HERE’S A LOT OF CHANGES HAPPENING AT THE Club—some expected, some unexpected. The pandemic has of course taken a toll on normal Club operations, as well as on the overall wellness of its members. But in the midst of all that, we want to make sure the Club is always a safe and comforting environment to sit with family, relax and grab a bite to eat. As the days get shorter and the weather gets a bit chillier, the Club is taking steps to create that perfect winter getaway for you and your family.
A Little Piece of Aspen A huge new addition to the clubhouse is the installation of the adaptive roof for the patio. The roof, along with the addition of heaters and the standard fire pit, will allow for new and exciting options for dining at the Club. The new roof is provided by Shade Solutions, out of Tolono, Ill. The system sits right on top of the current pergola and works via a motorized louver system. This allows for the roof to either be open, letting in sunlight similar to the current pergola, or closed. When closed, the roof creates a watertight barrier to buffer against any precipitation. With this addition, along with propane heaters and the fire pit, the outdoor dining possibilities will be extended by several months. Whether your picture of autumn is of you wrapped in a chunky blanket by the fire or simply reading a good book and sipping on a hot beverage courtesy of Lesley, our goal is to make sure the Club is always here waiting to comfort you. Of course, more
outdoor chats and dinners with family and friends are still to come. And with both safety and comfort in mind, our goal is to make sure the patio is an inviting place to spend the fall, winter and spring months at the Club moving forward.
Comfort Food, The Healthy Way And that of course means the picturesque views of the golf course will be paired with our talented culinary team’s dishes. With membership now experiencing winter weather, it’s vital to take care of one’s self—both physically and emotionally. We know that a craving for comfort food is part of the Midwestern culture and, in a time like this, comfort seems essential for one’s mental health. So, in developing our new menus we considered only the tastiest food to speak to your soul and palate. But of course, never compromising in quality, our offerings remain of the highest order in freshness; from our organic olive oil and produce, to our fresh fish and prime meats, we always research ways for our food to promote self-care through healthy and clean eating. We have focused on developing recipes and obtaining ingredients that speak both to the comfort-food craving and healthy, clean-eating. This year has been undeniably unique for everybody. With the challenges and opportunities we faced in both our indoor and outdoor dining services, casual fare had a resurgence in popularity, emerging as a welcome option even for those members seated in the main dining room. And so, our food and
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ROASTED HALF DUCK WITH GINGER PUREE
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beverage department adapted to the current state of affairs, not only in following health-centered guidelines, but by developing new dishes that had an emotional warmth at their core. With winter already at our doorstep, and looking forward to what next year has in store, we want to continue focusing on offering warmth to both the body and soul. We hope the membership is enjoying our Baked Brie en Croute or Roasted Half Duck with Ginger Puree. Along with that, stews, soups and warm spiced pastries will be featured as the winter continues. Those foods are a great reminder of the kind of food Chef Obdulio grew up eating, and he loves being able to share those memories with the membership. And with plenty of veggies and lentils, it’s a nice cozy meal without feeling heavy.
Cold Weather Beverages Rounding out the winter weather additions to the Club, there’s nothing quite like sipping a warm apple cider or cappuccino as the leaves change colors or the snow falls around you. The opportunities, with the roof addition to the patio and the opening of the new building, for expanding and enhancing the beverage options to members is another exciting change at the Club.
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The biggest change will be the addition of specialty coffee and tea options located in the new Resort. The new space will feature a top-of-the-line, customized espresso machine from La Marzocco as well as specialty roasted coffee from Metropolis Coffee Company in Chicago and tea options provided by Rishi Tea & Botanicals. Whether you’re a cappuccino person, a caramel mocha person or a green tea person, the new space will have something for everyone. READ MORE ON PAGE 14. And of course, look out for new cold-weather inspired recipes, whether it’s a cocktail from Lesley at the bar, or an espresso drink from the new coffee space. Pair it with a pastry filled with warm spices, a decadent dessert after a meal or simply sip it by the fire. We’re excited for all the new additions to the dining experience at the Club, and we’re thankful for all the suggestions and feedback from membership about what they’d like to see on the menu.
B AKED BRIE EN CROUTE
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Combine:
Add:
3 cups of flour 2 cups of sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts 2 mashed ripe bananas 1 cup of blueberries
Mix in:
Do not beat. Pour into an 8 inch greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.
1 ½ cups coconut 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 cup diced pineapple 8oz pineapple juice
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Here at Carle, we’re building our healthcare around you. Because improving your health means constantly striving to innovate new solutions. That’s why we provide a seamless insurance experience with Health Alliance. It’s why we’re investing in technology and research and established the Stephens Family Clinical Research Institute and Carle Illinois College of Medicine. And it’s why we’re committed to offering all levels of care when and where you need it. To optimize our healthcare. To always be at the forefront. To ensure you have exactly what you need to thrive.
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MEMBERSHIP
Tracy Brucks Tracy Brucks is from the Champaign-Urbana area, married, and a mother of two with a wonderful addition of three step kids and four adorable grandkids. She has been a hair stylist for 31 years and now owns Style and Grace Salon & Spa in Champaign.
What do you most value in your friends? I appreciate the opportunity to be 100 percent myself with my friends and the relaxation, the laughter, and the good times that we have making priceless memories! Which living person do you most admire?
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My Dad! He has never stopped chasing his dreams. He has been a strong role model for me. I also admire my children and their bravery, confidence and independence to be 100 percent true to themselves and their goals and dreams. Who are your favorite writers? I read solely for pleasure; Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Stephen King and so many more. I love to read! What is your greatest extravagance? When my wallet matches my purse. What talent would you most like to have? I wish I had the innate ability to make someone feel like they always have my undivided attention and like they are the only person in the room. I have met a handful of people in my life that have literally drawn me in and instantly made me feel comfortable and heard. I would love to be able to have this gift.
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Health & Wellness
Check out all of the new amenities the Resort has to offer for your health and wellness needs—all year long!
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ITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW Resort facilities, the membership will gain access to a vast new array of services and amenities to improve their quality of life. Many of you are more than aware of this and are simply counting down the days. And like a kid on their way to Disney World planning out the rides they’ll go on, the time leading up to this grand opening has provided the opportunity for you to brainstorm the many ways in which you will utilize the amenities.
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Everyone will have a different plan of attack, but all of these plans have the same need in mind: how will these new experiences improve my enjoyment of life? This is the driving force behind many of life’s decisions. Whether it is a more immediate joy, such as eating a filet mignon topped with a crab-stuffed lobster, or longer-term joy such as grinding 60 hours a week at the office to be able to enjoy retirement at an age where both hips still function without titanium. Frequently this becomes a balancing act, often where choosing one form of happiness in the moment negates the potential for the other to occur. However, it just so happens there exists a place where these forms of joy coexist, where living for the moment also ensures you will be grinning ear-to-ear at the age of 85. All of this is possible at the Urbana Country Club. At the Club, we have partnered with TechnoGym, High Definition Golf and WTS International to provide state-of-the-art spa, hotel, entertainment, leisure and fitness amenities that are designed to meet the needs and wants of each and every member. These facilities work in harmony to provide experiences that promote long, healthy and happy lifestyles.
Spa IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT SPAS PROVIDE TREATMENTS that are enjoyable and relaxing. But often the related health benefits are overlooked and understated. Of course, relaxation is key to allowing the body to de-stress and relieve tension, but this relief of tension has a direct effect on lowering blood pressure. Reduced blood pressure then results in a slower heart rate and improves blood circulation throughout the body, helping to improve overall cardiovascular health while reducing the risks associated with heart disease. Regular spa treatments have also been directly linked to improved quality of sleep, a result of the lowered blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, improved circulation is proven to reduce the occurrence of headaches by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain. In addition, spa treatments have a multitude of additional health benefits related to brain chemistry. Massages have been proven to help release serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, behavior, appetite and other bodily functions. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, addiction and other serious issues resulting from chemical imbalances in the brain. Proper serotonin levels help to promote feelings of happiness, better sleep and increased energy.
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Fitness
BUT AS GREAT AS SPA TREATMENTS ARE, THEY alone won’t necessarily put you in peak physical condition. Of course you’ll feel amazing after receiving a massage every week for a year, but you will probably not be on your way to running that 10k you’ve been eyeing, or losing those last few stubborn pounds or lifting just a little more weight than before. To reach those goals, and for overall physical health, regular exercise is essential. The UCC fitness facility powered by TechnoGym is the perfect place for all of our members to begin, or continue, their fitness journey. Our goal is to make sure the environment is fun and welcoming, no matter what fitness level you’re at.
38 There is nothing more important for physical and mental health than regular exercise; not only for yourself, but the ones that love and depend on you. Whether it be low-intensity exercises to slow the ageing process, cardio training to prepare for your first 5k or marathon, yoga to improve balance and core strength, light weight lifting to maintain muscle mass, or moderate weightlifting to increase strength, UCC has the equipment and trainers perfect for you.
There are a million ways to enjoy the various amenities that UCC offers, all of which are intended to improve yours and your loved ones’ quality of life. It will always be easy to enjoy a tennis set with friends, a specialty cocktail at the bar, a few laps in the pool, sunning on the pool deck, playing a few holes at Pebble Beach on the indoor sports simulator, or even a round of real golf. It may not always be as easy to maintain a regular exercise schedule, and life may even get in the way of your weekly 2 p.m. massage, but you owe it to yourself to maintain and improve your mental and physical health. We will ensure you always enjoy yourself in the present, so you can focus on what is necessary to enjoy this wonderful Club for years to come.
Members will also have access to an additional workout room specifically designed for a variety of fitness classes. Best of all, when you are finished with your workout you can walk conveniently downstairs to the spa to relax in the wet or dry sauna, cool down in the ice bath, get a 30 minute massage to aid in muscle recovery and take a shower before tackling the day or preparing for a luxurious night in one of our first-class suites.
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E M P L O Y E E
S P O T L I G H T :
Derek Remillard Equipment Manager. Five years at UCC.
What brought you to work at the Urbana Country Club? I was looking for a change of pace from my previous job. After I interviewed with Scott White, it just felt like the right fit. What is your role(s) at the Club? I maintain and repair the golf course equipment and the facilities. Most times I am the first person everyone contacts if something breaks. I am the certified pool operator. And fun fact: I have served as the photographer for several events at the clubhouse. What is a typical day like?
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My work day usually starts about 5:45 a.m. I spend most of my time performing preventive maintenance, but I have done everything from rebuilding engines to building wine lockers in the clubhouse to mowing. What is your favorite part of your job? The crew we have here is a great bunch of people to work with. My job is full of variety, so everyday there is something different to do. Favorite memory from work? Taking my son Gavin to his first NFL game to see the Jaguars defeat the Colts (it was a company sponsored trip to Indianapolis). What do you like to do in your free time? Spending time with my wife and family, fishing, kayaking, karate and golfing. What’s something members might not know about you? I was born and raised in western Massachusetts and didn’t move to Illinois until 2010.
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Love in the Time of C O V I D - 1 9
PROV I NG TO BE MOR E T H A N J UST A physical threat, whether it’s mental health or your personal and romantic relationships, the COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably affected every aspect of people’s lives.
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Months of sheltering in place, and the subsequent restrictions as things began opening up, didn’t bode well for anyone in, or looking for, a relationship. Restrictions on touching and even seeing people face-to-face put a damper on single people looking for a partner. And those already in serious relationships were thrust into spending all their time with or around their partner. Here at UCC, there were many weddings postponed and the degree of uncertainty was overwhelming. Many brides who were determined to wed in 2020 greatly reduced their dreams and expectations of what the day might be in order to make it happen.
Just because we’re in a global pandemic, doesn’t mean we have to discourage romantic pursuits. Safety and awareness is key, of course, but don’t let that discourage you from diving in with a new romance, continuing your weekly “date night” with your partner or keeping your marriage strong through all the chaos.
But, although the pandemic has been terrifying, for some it has served as a reminder to go after what you want while you can. We have had a few engagements stem from quarantine —congratulations to Jason Krieg, Laura Henneman and Grant Ghighi! And 2020 has made for an interesting first year of marriage for newlyweds that married at the Club in 2019 like Christine and Bruce Barber, Kelly and Bobby Morena, and Darren and Ashley Powell. Speaking with members about how their relationship has been impacted, thankfully most of the feedback is positive. Many people reported that it has made their relationship stronger or that it’s been so nice to spend time together.
Fun dates ideas at UCC: 1 Attend our social programming; wine dinners, music nights, etc.
2 Take a cooking class with Chef Obdulio 3 Schedule a wine tasting with Lesley 4 Come out and shoot a photo shoot at the club
5 Take group golf lessons with one of our golf pros 6 Host a private movie night in the banquet room (this would be great with friends and family too!)
7 Host a private custom dinner in the Kismet room
8 Schedule a stay-cation in the new resort 9 Book a couples’ spa day
With a new romance, the initial phases might take a little longer than usual. Video calls and texting are replacing long nights out at restaurants and bars. But matchmakers and other experts point out that this can allow more time to evaluate what is important to you in a partner, making this an exciting time to embark on a new relationship. Whether you’re taking the plunge with a new love interest or planning dates for you and your spouse, make sure to seek out creative ways to deepen a connection during this unique time.
UCC Superintendent Scott White and his team are growing the foundation for a new generation of students passionate about golf and agriculture. OUR STORY STARTS AT THE BREAK OF DAWN EACH DAY at Urbana Country Club, long before the first golfer tees it up. A few minutes before sunrise, you can find an army of lighted equipment traveling down a gravel road and onto the golf course to prep the playing surfaces for the day. A select few players will get the opportunity to witness the morning dance routine of the crew, as mowers zip from side to side. What makes the scene unique is the story behind this amazing group of individuals—these early birds are the unsung heroes in the golf industry. Most players will admire the golf course, noticing the lush green turf, pristinely raked bunkers and smooth putting surfaces without any thought of the daily
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We Grow People UCC1922.COM | WINTER 2020
process to maintain the conditions. In order to be successful on the golf course, it takes having great people. And at the Urbana Country Club, they are growing more than just grass, they are in the business of growing people too. If you ever get an opportunity to talk to a golf course superintendent, you will find they all have similar stories on how they got into the golf business. For UCC Superintendent Scott White, the path started while he was still a high school student. His after school job working at a country club, as well as his involvement in his school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program and the Agriculture department, is what eventually led him to his passion for golf and agriculture. Now, in his position at UCC, Scott is connected tightly to the Mahomet FFA program to continue to foster that same passion for the next generation of students.
Normally a golf course maintenance crew is made up of a melting pot of people from all walks of life. But through the years, finding general labor became harder to come by with every season. Starting in 2016, Scott and his team forced themselves to get more and more creative on where they were sourcing potential employees. They hit the pavement with flyers, posted ads, offered flexible scheduling and extra benefits. They spent an hour or two every week for the entire winter stopping in at the local restaurants, stores, churches, colleges and more searching for the next team member. They began by focusing their attention on ChampaignUrbana solely, hoping to pull from the neighborhoods surrounding the Club. Unfortunately few successes came from that, and they decided to branch out to area high school counselors, teachers, and golf coaches looking to connect to kids the following off-season.
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HE REAL TURNING POINT IN THEIR search came later that spring when Scott was connected with Mahomet Seymour High School agriculture teacher, Jennifer Wherley. Mrs. Wherley was a fairly new teacher to Mahomet Seymour High, but she had shown amazing success in growing the Ag department and the FFA chapter from 17 students to over 100 in just a couple years.
Through several emails and conversations, Scott began speaking to students twice a year about his life in turf, working in the golf industry and managing honey bees at the golf course. In one of the classes, two students reached out for employment the following year. And so, the first connection between UCC and MSHS was officially made.
So, after multi-seasons of searching and trying different avenues for employee recruitment and engagement, Scott went all in on connecting with MahometSeymour Bulldogs. And, working with Mrs. Wherley, Scott continued to speak to classes, assisted in FFA projects and attended the school’s new annual FFA career fair or STEAM career night. In 2019, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) partnered up with the FFA to help connect students to careers in turf management. At the 2019 MSHS STEAM career night, the regional GCSAA representative joined forces with the UCC staff, which resulted in UCC connecting with eight students for the upcoming season.
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In order to build a successful program with high school students, you have to be organized and have a plan similar to an internship. You can’t just throw a shovel in their hand or stick them on a string trimmer daily for the entire summer. What fun would that be, no matter the age?
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So it is the goal of the staff to create an opportunity for the students to really dive into the world of turf management while still keeping it an enjoyable experience. Working on the golf course isn’t always easy when it’s 90 degrees and humid, and you don’t want to burn them out and sour them towards the whole experience.
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We Grow 48
At UCC, the staff wants to show the students how amazing working outside can be. You never know what you will see on a given day. A golf course is a living laboratory—a real life agriculture class right in front of your eyes. But of course, there’s another element to working which is building life skills for these young employees. It was a team effort of superintendent, assistant and equipment technician playing mentor roles for each employee. Equipment technician Derek Remillard would speak about equipment care and maintenance, tying it into real world scenarios like taking care of your own car. Derek also trained nearly every student on driving a manual transmission, which seemed to be a lost skill.
Assistant Superintendent Mike Holloway scheduled and trained 90 percent of the daily jobs. Hesitant at first, Mike quickly came around to the idea of high school employees after seeing the great strides the students made in the initial weeks. UCC staff started with the basics of job
training on the primary daily jobs, like mowing greens and bunker raking, but they used the entire summer to add new tasks when others were mastered. They found that teaching the “why” of a job is as important as the actual training itself, frequently resulting in better engagement and a better end product. Daily engagement with the students, encouraging questions, and exposure to life working on the golf course and off, helps the dialog and breaks down the barriers for everyone involved.
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Simple discussions in regards to communication, working with others and personal appearance on the golf course help mold employees. Their approach was that if you simply tell an employee to wear a belt without explaining why, it comes off as simply an order from the boss. But explaining why the belt is important and why it’s bigger than a rule helps bring a new level of professionalism and pride to the team.
Scott notes that working with the students was especially rewarding because you can see them grow throughout the season—the quiet kid starts to talk or the once out-of-shape kid now walk-mows 5.6 miles faster and better than the athlete. Even the classic gender assumptions of golf course employees is broken down with the girls brought on to the team. “I really enjoy getting out of my car in the morning and looking across the parking lot to see a young lady walk-mowing greens,” said GM Scott Szymoniak. “The golf industry needs female participation to be healthy. I’m glad that Scott has created an inclusive environment in the Grounds Department so we can continue to provide opportunities to young people interested in the business of golf. ”
By adding in rewards, flexible scheduling and time off for students to be young and enjoy their summer, UCC staff made sure that they’re providing a summer of enjoyment in the workplace. All students who complete the summer program have a priority for returning. But by mid-summer, word had spread to
other students, and there have been even more students requesting jobs for the 2020-2021 season. The foundation for the 2020 season has already been laid with a core group of students ready to return—and a waiting list for the next crop of students to be added. As UCC staff has seen the program grow, and the students grow too, somewhere in the middle of summer a new motto was born: “We grow more than grass. We grow people too.”
more than grass
By the end of summer, Scott found that from all the training, retraining and cross training, all eight students could maintain the entire golf course from tee to green on their own. The students had every specialty task covered, from course set up to moisture management and hand watering. Having a passion for what you do makes it easy and exciting to share and teach your craft to anyone, and the hope is that during their time at UCC that passion is fostered in the students as well.
Specialty jobs were often a focus for each employee, playing into their particular skill set. For example, the senior golf team captain was the main golf course set-up guy because of his higher level knowledge of the game. Each student had a strong skill in a particular area, of course, but by the end of the summer, the students were as good overall, if not better, than most past transient employees who have come and gone through the years.
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THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
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IN THE
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THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Still searching for that perfect holiday gift? Or looking ahead to Valentines day? Whatever your gift needs are, look to the UCC Golf Shop to find the perfect custom gift. IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR gift buying this year and the next, the key to success is personalization. The following guide will show you some of the unique possibilities you might not realize are available to you as a member. Let UCC help you get the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
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UCC Holiday Gift Guide
For the whiskey or wine aficionado, you cannot go wrong with the etched carafes, decanters or stemware. Sterling Glass also offers a vast selection of other useful household items including jewelry boxes, cutting boards, serving trays and clocks. The options for personalization are endless, but allow for a few extra weeks to have these items personalized and shipped. Leather goods are another item that are often overlooked in gifting. These are a small sample of items that offer full
personalization, but all of the products have utility and will last a lifetime. Links and Kings is one of the finest bespoke leather companies around. We carry a selection of leather goods in house, but come visit the Professional Staff to see the full array of customizable products. For the avid golfer in your life, wedge customization is a great way to show you know what is trending in the golf world. Stamping wedges has become a popular personalization choice amongst elite golfers. Your loved one may not be able to play like a pro, but at least they will look like one before starting their round. Shopping for loved ones, or anyone for that matter, can be a challenge, but utility is something everyone enjoys. Gifting a specialized item that is used for years to come creates lasting memories. And don’t forget, we offer the best gift wrapping in town—complementary for members of course!
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Travel that works on your schedule, from the ground up. Visit flightstar.com to explore how charter flights give the flexibility to make any travel possible, when and where you need it to happen.
Business Success
T H R E E T I P S F RO M M I C H A E L P. C O M E T, P R E S I D E N T O F P E P S I - C O L A C U B OT T L I N G C O.
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ABILITY TO ADAPT, TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIE S
UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE FROM MY WIFE AND SONS. My wife is the most patient, kind and understanding person I know. Like many others, I spend more time at work than I do at home with my family some days. Knowing that my wife and family support me and my business unconditionally allows me the time to spend with my leadership team to mentor them through the challenges of our industry. Without the sacrifice, love and support from my family I would not be able to run my company successfully. God has truly blessed me.
BUILDING THE BEST TEAM OF EMPLOYEES IN THE INDUSTRY. Building a team of leaders that are capable of guiding their staff through difficult times is a key skill set to have in any growing company. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced challenges upon my leadership team that were unexpected and unprecedented. My team leaders have been able to manage the fears and anxiety of individuals with the implementation of proper protocol and messaging. Daily sanitizing of the facility, adequately supplying staff with PPE and weekly communications with staff and customers allowed us to remain operational during the toughest months of this year.
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During the life of any company a true test of success is the ability to adapt and change course during challenging times or industry fluctuations. Most recently our product sales were hit hard by the changing trends of consumer purchasing habits due to COVID-19. Within a few weeks of this change my staff had designed and implemented an online portal for the consumer to order our products directly from our warehouse, with “contact free� delivery to their homes. This ability to create new sales directly to the consumer is a new trend for our specific industry. Most companies utilize outside services like Amazon or Shipt to sell products directly to the consumer. To my knowledge, we are the only beverage distributor in our industry selling products directly to the consumer.
WHEN
your heart CAN’ T
WAIT
OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute boasts a team of respected specialists who have served the Champaign-Urbana area for years. They are heart and vascular experts committed to seeing you today and getting you the treatment you need with no delay.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT Call (217) 337-3240 or visit osfhealthcare.org/get-seen
Sept. 10, 2021
Proceeds will be donated to FOLDS