Contents FALL 2019
Departments MEMBERSHIP
Member Spotlight: Jill Anderson PAGE 10
How to Connect at UCC PAGE 54
Member Spotlight: John Calderon PAGE 56
Club Ambassador: Carlos Jiménez PAGE 61
Member Spotlight: Dr. James Shepherd PAGE 64
In the Scene: Event Photos PAGE 68 SPORTS
Wingman Classic PAGE 58
Features
16 Weddings at UCC 20 Blueprint for the Future
UCC GM Scott Szymoniak recounts the process it took to get the Club to this point and describes the many plans for the future.
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Beyond the Chef Coat
UCC’s head chef analyzes trends in the restaurant industry to improve the dining experience for the membership.
32 A Blueprint for Success
How Head Coach Mike Small turned the University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team into a program marked by continued success.
38 Club Fitting with TrackMan 42 Redefining an Industry
Tony Khan's latest endeavor involves spandex, a four corner ring and a tad more showmanship than a typical Jaguars game.
STYLE
Fall Golf Fashion PAGE 6 T R AV E L
ClubCorp International Travel PAGE 62 BUSINESS
WTS International: Spa and Wellness PAGE 26
Business Success PAGE 72
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Frenchie:
Reinventing Hydration The newest in hydration beverages makes the perfect healthy mixer for your favorite cocktail.
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Anatomy of a Great Meeting
50 Time to
Tee it Up!
The unofficial field manual for all golfers bringing home their new bundle of joy.
FALL 2019 | WWW.UCC1922.COM URBANA COUNTRY CLUB | URBANA, ILL.
Manager’s Welcome
GENERAL MANAGER Scott Szymoniak scott.szymoniak@ucc1922.com
HEAD PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL Kevin R. Hildebrand kevin.hildebrand@ucc1922.com
EXECUTIVE CHEF Noe Rodriguez noe.rodriguez@ucc1922.com
MARKETING & SALES Carissa Nelson carissa.nelson@ucc1922.com
MEMBER & GUEST RELATIONS Amber Talbott amber.talbott@ucc1922.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MEMBERSHIP Tyler J. White tyler.white@ucc1922.com
GROUNDS SUPERINTENDENT Scott White scott.white@ucc1922.com
CLUB ACCOUNTANT Thomas Riley thomas.riley@ucc1922.com
DESIGN GROUP Robb Springfield Jose Galue Isaac Mitchell Lily Stanicek
Office: 217-344-8670 Golf Shop: 217-344-8673 Dining Room: 217-367-8449
F
all is my favorite time of year. The temperature begins to cool down, leaves change colors and make the golf course beautiful and the football starts to fly! It is kind of a “rebirth” of sorts, as we all wait in anticipation to see how our Fighting Illini and Jacksonville Jaguars will fare. And let’s not forget watching the Cubbies in postseason play (thinking positive thoughts)! Any successful organization has a plan, a “blueprint” if you will, to help them execute to their fullest potential. In this issue of the Scene, I have taken the time to share some of the details on how UCC has solidified its place in the market over the past two years. I share some thoughts on our industry, club culture and the importance of showing the value of membership. It is something I am passionate about, and I am thrilled to be able to give you a “look under the
hood” and share what drives myself and our team every day. As always, we also feature a few of our members who lead successful businesses and share their stories about what has gotten them to where they are today. I am inspired by them every day. One of the best things about being a country club member is that you are surrounding yourself with proven, high-quality people that are doing their best to achieve greatness in their respective fields. I urge you to participate in UCC and take advantage of the community you have at your disposal. As one of golf’s greats, Bobby Locke, said, “Always have dinner with good putters. They always talk about holing putts, never their misses.”
SCOTT SZYMONIAK GENERAL MANAGER
ALL THE CLUB INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
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VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS AND ADD THEM TO YOUR CALENDAR.
VIEW YOUR STATEMENT. VIEW HOURS AND LOCATION. CONTACT SPECIFIC STAFF MEMBERS.
DOWNLOAD THE UCC APP TODAY! QUESTIONS? EMAIL CARISSA.NELSON@UCC1922.COM
CHECK OUT THE MOST RECENT BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS.
O F F I C E
H O U R S
Saturday – Monday Closed Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm
C L U B H O U S E
H O U R S
Monday Club Facilities Closed Golf Course Available for Walking After 12pm Tuesday – Saturday Lunch 11am – 3pm Tuesday – Saturday Dinner 5pm – 8pm Sunday Breakfast/Lunch 9am – 1pm Limited Menu 1pm – 5pm
G O L F
S H O P
Monday Golf Shop Closed Tuesday – Saturday 8:30am – 5:30pm Sunday 9am – 5pm
* All new hours begin Sep 3 rd
2019 Fall Hours
Activities Calendar S E P T E M B E R
N O V E M B E R
D E C E M B E R
F r i d a y 2 0 Th
T h u r s d a y 7 Th
S u n d a y 1 St
T u e s d a y 2 4 Th
S u n d a y 1 0 Th
No Shadows Night Golf
Power Lunch Business@UCC Series
W e d n e s d a y 2 5 Th
UCC Moms Meet & Greet
Euchre Night
Jazz Breakfast Buffet
Home For The Holidays Breakfast Buffet
S a t u r d a y 1 4 Th
UCC Holiday Party
Tuesday 12
Th
Power Lunch Business@UCC Series
S a t u r d a y 2 3 Rd
O C T O B E R
Chicago Shopping Luxury Bus Trip
T h u r s d a y 3 Rd
W e d n e s d a y 2 7 Th
Euchre Night
W e d n e s d a y 2 3 Rd
Club Connections Business@UCC Series
Dinner On The U-C-Sea
F r i d a y 2 9 Th
Black Friday Golf + Bingo
S a t u r d a y 2 6 Th Halloween Party
S u n d a y 1 5 Th Euchre Night
S u n d a y 2 2 Nd
Breakfast With Santa
T u e s d a y 3 1 St
N e w Ye a r ’ s E v e D i n n e r
2020 CALENDAR PREVIEW 3/29
JUNIOR CAMP SIGN-UP F E AT U R I N G K I D S C O O K I N G WITH CHEF NOE
4/11
E A S T E R E G G S T R AVA G A N Z A
4/12
5/24
M E M O R I A L D AY P A R T Y
6/25–6/27
M E N ’ S I N V I TAT I O N A L
7/5
I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY C E L E B R AT I O N
EASTER BRUNCH
5/10
M O T H E R ’ S D AY B R U N C H
7/18
L A D I E S I N V I TAT I O N A L
STYLE
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Golf Fashion Trends Country clubs sell a new image these days. In an effort to capture millennials and young families, clubs around the world have begun to evolve from their antiquated, stuffy traditions into more relaxed, casual environments. This evolution has had a noticeable impact on all facets of country club life. From craft cocktails and casual dining to themed dances and Easter egg hunts, the country club aesthetic has become dependent on more than just the traditional country club gentleman. As traditional values and culture evolve in the country club setting, fashion has followed suit. Starched cottons and generous fits have made way for trim cut performance fabrics and versatile designs. These, and other prominent fashion trends, are leading the way in the 2019 golf industry.
VERSATILITY On average, Americans between the ages of 25–54 work much longer hours than any other age demographic. As a result, they have much less time to enjoy the amenities and services country clubs have to offer. If a millennial, burdened with loan debt and no free time, still decides that country club life is right for them they will most likely not waste time changing outfits from work to the gym to the club. Cue the evolution of versatile performance golf attire. No longer is it necessary to plan multiple outfits for the day. Instead, just throw on a Nike Golf polo and be ready for the course, gym, work or street. These crossover lines don’t just feature your traditional golf attire either; hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, pull-on shirts and spikeless golf sneakers are all at the center of these collections as well.
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PATTERNS & PRINTS
FIT
THROWBACK
Paisley is no longer reserved only for your grandmother’s curtains. In the recent years, prints have taken the golf industry by storm. Last year, big and bold botanicals reigned supreme. This year it is all about intricate microprints. There is no better way for a golfer to show that they know a little something about fashion but don’t take themselves too seriously. Brands such as FootJoy, Peter Millar and Fairway & Greene have all found ways to work prints into their collections.
The way apparel fits continues to evolve in golf fashion as well. Younger generations tend to be influenced by more European styles, which favor trimmer fits and shorter sleeves. Brands such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines and Hugo Boss are popular amongst the younger crowd that value style as well as performance. The traditional American golfer still prefers more generous fitting attire common in brands such as Donald Ross, FootJoy and Peter Millar. Multiple options for style and fit allows golfers of all shapes and sizes to find something that complements them.
Remember when color-blocking was fly, Biggie was rapping, high-waisted mom jeans roamed the streets and the Olsen twins were slaying with denim overalls. That’s right, the 90s are making a comeback! It was a simpler time, but it’s back and influencing fashion trends once more. And the golf industry has not been spared this influence, as brands such as Nike and Travis Mathew feature color-blocked pieces with regularity. Along with color-blocking, cottons have made their way back into many lines. Lisle and pique cotton designs provide a more versatile look and performance than traditional cotton blends. The 90s influence in apparel is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, so here’s your chance to break out the neon fanny pack and get ahead of the trend.
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So, with all of these varying trends, how do you choose what to wear? The answer is, simply, whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. However, there are still some basic rules to follow: • Patterns on top of patterns is a no-go. Wearing an argyle sweater with plaid pants will make you look like an optical illusion. • Mixing styles and fits can have awkward results. Baggy pants or shorts with a trim fit polo will have you resembling a pear. • Black shoes and a brown belt is an absolute never. You can get away with not having exactly the same color shoes and belt today, but the closer the better. • White belts are on their way out. Owning a couple nice leather belts goes a long way. Woven belts are another less expensive option.
As new trends begin to push out the old, there are still those who hold tight to their traditional garb. Because of this, fashion in the golf industry is going through an extreme polarization in what is popular. In an attempt to meet the demand for patterned, casual crossover apparel favored by millennials, as well at the traditional, solid cotton shirts and cashmere favored by the old school country club gentleman, golf retail spaces are forced to maintain a wide selection of brands and styles. Finding the right balance of traditional and modern attire can be challenging, often requiring much trial and error. Once a club has chosen what to bring in for the year, it’s up to the golfer to build their wardrobe. Region, climate, club culture and demographics are all factors to be considered when choosing what styles are a good fit for you. The Golden Rule for members is: when in doubt, consult your PGA Professional. They will have all the insights into what is trending and get you looking your best.
• No cargo shorts unless you want to look like a child. The standard 4-pocket Bermuda short has plenty of carrying capacity for wallet, balls and tees. • Always tuck your shirt in. • NO DENIM!!!!!!! • Owning a steamer is a necessity for a clean look.
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M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
Jill Anderson Jill Anderson is one of those people that you’ll see almost everywhere at the Club. She is a busy woman with two kids and a job that keeps her on her toes. When she is not on the clock you can probably find her relaxing at the Club with her lovely family. She sat down for a moment to talk a little bit about herself and what she loves about UCC.
MEMBERSHIP
Tell us a little about yourself. Are you from the area? You mentioned you’re a veteran, do you mind telling us a little about your time in the service? I’m originally from Lincoln, Illinois. After high school I served in the U.S. Air Force from 1998–2004 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, the Air Force’s bomb squad, stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington. One of the many unique things about EOD is that all four branches of the military attend a joint school to receive their training together at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. While in the Air Force I served two deployments; one in peacetime to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and one in wartime to Jordan. As an EOD technician I was responsible for detection, disarming and detonation of a broad spectrum of explosive threats including Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Another duty as an EOD technician was to provide support to the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) for the protection of the President, Vice President and other U.S. and foreign dignitaries. While in the Air Force I provided USSS support for George W. Bush’s Presidential Inauguration, the Democratic National Convention in L.A., the World Trade Organization summit in Seattle and numerous other missions. A perk of working all of these events was getting to hear and see great bands as well. After separating from the Air Force, I continued to serve as a civilian in the U.S. Army Technical Escort Unit responsible for demilitarization of chemical agents and UXO support for recovered chemical warfare material sites. Following that, I served as a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives Operations Specialist at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. While working there, I met my husband, Josh, who was an Assistant Golf Professional at the Carlisle Country Club. We continued to live in Pennsylvania for a few years, then lived in California briefly, before settling down here in Central Illinois. Tell us a little about where you currently live and work. Josh and I currently live in St. Joseph with our two kids, Jovie (7) and Jax (5). I’m the Emergency Manager at the VA hospital in Danville, Illinois. I’ve worked there since 2011 and primarily focus on disaster planning as well as business continuity and staff preparedness through exercises and training events.
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The Wreath Symbolic of the achievements and laurels gained minimizing accident potentials through the ingenuity and devotion to duty of its members. It is in memory of those EOD personnel who gave their lives while performing EOD duties. The Bomb Copied from the design of the World War II Bomb Disposal Badge, the bomb represents the historic and major objective of the EOD attack, the unexploded bomb. The three fins represent the major areas of nuclear, conventional and chemical/biological interest. Lightning Bolts Symbolize the potential destructive power of the bomb and the courage and professionalism of EOD personnel in their endeavors to reduce hazards as well as to render explosive ordnance harmless. The Shield Represents the EOD mission: to prevent a detonation and protect the surrounding area and property to the utmost.
Why did you join the Urbana Country Club? Josh and I decided to join UCC mainly for the golf, but I didn’t realize at the time how much I would enjoy the social aspect of the Country Club as well. We’ve built great friendships here, either on the golf course, by the pool or in the clubhouse. We would have joined sooner if we knew how much fun our whole family would have here. It’s an experience that is hard to duplicate. Both you and Josh are golfers. Did you grow up golfing, or is it something you learned later in life? Any other hobbies you enjoy? Golf is a sport that has been a part of my life since I was young. As a child the main draw to golf was riding in the golf cart and hanging out with my dad. But then growing up, I started to understand the game more, and I would get that one shot out of twenty that would keep me coming back. Golf was mostly a social activity for me until I met Josh. He gave me more confidence in my game and I began to take it more seriously and push myself to try and play better. There’s something about being outdoors with good company while getting a little exercise that is hard to beat.
From the top to the bottom, left to right •
Air Force Achievement Medal w/ 1 OLC
•
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ Valor and 1 OLC
•
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
•
National Defense Service Medal
•
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
•
Air Force Expeditionary Service ribbon w/ Gold Border and 1 OLC
•
Air Force Longevity Service Award
•
Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon
•
Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
•
Air Force Training Ribbon
•
Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC) denotes subsequent decorations.
Other hobbies we have include going to concerts and music festivals. Many of our evenings are spent sitting on the front porch watching our kids play.
Favorites at UCC: Meal: Blackened Grouper Special Drink: Leslie’s Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives Social/Golf Event: Too many to choose from. I’ve had so much fun at so many different events here!
WINGMAN CLASSIC A N A N N U A L U C C E V E N T, B E N E F I T I N G F O L D S O F H O N O R
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Frenchie is more than a cool name and a cute dog. It’s a brand new lifestyle beverage that doubles as an amazing alcoholic drink mixer. And all by design. Founder Justin McCabe recognized a need for a healthy mixer that would optimize hydration. Tired of the morning-after effects he experienced after entertaining clients, he sought to create an energy and hydration drink that also fit his healthy lifestyle. With the help of his wife, Shanna, and with the inspiration of their french bulldog, Frenchie was born. Whether you’re recovering from a long night, gearing up for round two or just hitting the links, Frenchie is the perfect way to make sure your electrolytes are balanced without being bogged down by sugar and carbs. The formula comes from the World Health Organization’s guidelines for Oral Rehydration Solutions which optimizes your body’s retention of water and electrolytes. So, Frenchie not only maximizes your rate of rehydration but also allows you to make the most of the water you consume. And all under 20 calories! At UCC, you can find Frenchie in the new signature drink, The Fox and the Hound. Full of orange and citrus flavors, Frenchie brings a bright, sparkling element to the drink, while still keeping it “skinny”. But the possibilities for amazing drinks don’t stop there.
Founder Justin McCabe and his wife, Shanna, at the packaging facility for Frenchie.
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H E R E A R E S O M E R E A L LY TA S T Y W AY S T O U S E F R E N C H I E T O M A K E Y O U R F AV O R I T E C O C K T A I L S A B I T H E A L T H I E R .
PALOMA • • • • •
1.5 oz. Your Favorite Blanco Tequila 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice .50 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice .25 oz. Simple Syrup Top with Frenchie.
Combine all ingredients in a glass. Garnish with grapefruit.
M A R G A R I T A • • • • •
1.5 oz. Your Favorite Tequila .75 oz. Cointreau (or Triple Sec) .50 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice .25 oz. Simple Syrup Top with Frenchie.
Combine all ingredients in a glass. Garnish with lime. 17
C H A R L I E H O R S E • • • •
1.5 oz. Buffalo Trace Bourbon .75 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice .50 oz. Simple Syrup Top with Frenchie.
Combine all ingredients in a glass, add ice. Garnish with lemon and cherry.
M O J I T O • • • • •
1.5 oz. Don Q Rum .50 oz. Simple Syrup 1 Lime Wedge 4 Sprigs of Mint Top with Frenchie
Clap your hands with the mint in between them to release the essential oils. Place the mint in the bottom of a glass. Squeeze the lime wedge on top. Add rum, simple syrup and Frenchie. Stir lightly for five seconds. Garnish with lime and mint.
STYLE
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE Whether you’re a small intimate gathering or a lavish affair, read more about how UCC can take your special day to the next level.
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• DJ advice: Don’t skip the personal connection and just communicate through email. Connect, make sure you understand the vibe and be clear about expectations. DJs can make or break receptions. • Guest count: You do not have to invite everyone to dinner. Invite them to the reception. • Not every Pinterest idea is for you. • Pick a menu that YOU like, not your guests. Include a family-style head table for maximum enjoyment! • Open bar for bridal party and family only. Don’t feel obligated to get everyone tipsy.
STAR T OCT S I N OBE R!
EVERY
connection
EVERY
conversation
EVERY
TOUCH
When you welcomed OSF HealthCare into your community, we took it to heart. From offering new primary, online and urgent care options to providing pediatric specialists and advanced cardiac care, OSF HealthCare is there for you and your family every step of the way. With every decision we make, there is one purpose – to provide you with a better tomorrow. OSF HealthCare – serving the heart of your community.
Explore our services at osfhealthcare.org/heartofcommunity.
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U T U F
E R U
With innovations and improvements on all levels and a brand new $15 million building on its way, the Urbana Country Club is recreating what it means to be a country club in the modern age. General Manager Scott Szymoniak recounts the process it took to get to this point and describes the many plans for the future of the Club.
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n the past two years, the Urbana Country Club has seen a rebirth of sorts. In January of 2017, a search for a new General Manager culminated in the hiring of Scott Szymoniak, a PGA Professional who had branched out into club operations. After four years managing the Fort Collins Country Club in Fort Collins, Colorado and overseeing an $8 million tennis and fitness expansion, which grew membership by over 200, he was ready for the next opportunity.
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“I remember standing in the ballroom of the Fort Collins Country Club looking out at the Rocky Mountains, having just returned from Champaign to meet with the selection committee,” Szymoniak said. “I noticed I had a missed call on my phone from a 217 number, and, lo and behold, it was Mr. Khan! Luckily when I called back, he answered, and we discussed the state of the Club and his goals and vision for the future. It was easy to align with his thoughts, and I could immediately sense this was a special opportunity that doesn’t come along very often.”
CREATING A CULTURE From that very first conversation, a culture was already beginning to form. Before Szymoniak even stepped foot onto the Urbana Country Club property, he was taking phrases and thoughts from Khan, formulating a plan to address the operational priorities as well as future growth.
“Mr. Khan has a way of making you feel comfortable, while at the same time, motivating you to get after it," Szymoniak said. "In a very humble way, he can give you a tremendous amount of energy in a short conversation. Even two
Scott Szymoniak (General Manager) and Shad Khan (Owner) discussing future plans for the Urbana Country Club.
years later, I still relish every opportunity I have to converse with him. I feel like I am getting an MBA without going through the classes.” Using these conversations as a model, Szymoniak quickly started to address staffing at the Club. Observing and getting to know the current staff took some time, though. As did hosting member input sessions to get their valuable perspective. “I knew right away that if I could make our employees feel the same way Mr. Khan made me feel, our potential would be limitless,” Szymoniak said. “There were some cases where we had the right people on the bus but in the wrong seat. There were also some cases where we had to get some people off the bus. Anyone who owns or runs a business knows the dance. But when you have the right people, all buying into the vision you set before them, a culture is created. In the country club world, that is half the battle.” The other half of the culture equation is the membership. How a membership interacts with each other, as well as how they interact with the staff has a huge impact on success. A major factor is whether the club is member-owned, run by a management company or has a single owner like the Urbana Country U CC1 9 2 2 . CO M I FA LL 2 0 1 9
Club. These will all determine the culture and energy that the club has. “Having reported to a Board of Directors at a member-owned club, then being employed by a management company and now working for a single owner, I get asked all the time which is the best scenario.” Szymoniak said. “The truth is, they all have their pluses and minuses.” In Champaign-Urbana there are three private clubs: one member-owned, one member-owned but run by a management company and the Urbana Country Club. Szymoniak notes that all have three distinctly different cultures. So the question always is, what club should you join? “The one you feel most comfortable at. It’s really that simple,” Szymoniak said. “For me personally, I can tell you the single-owner model gives you the opportunity to make change and create growth the fastest. When I was at Fort Collins, the Club President was Mark Smith. He is a great guy, someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for, and he had just retired from being the CFO of the PC Division of Hewlett Packard. Going through the fundraising and financing process for the tennis facility with him was an invaluable experience. That said, it took a long time and some strategic politics to get the support of the membership to approve the project.” Szymoniak explained that as Boards change, maintaining any sort of continuity or long-term strategic plan becomes a
challenge. The club will fluctuate based on the people that make up the Board and their agendas. At a club with a single owner, the process moves faster.
In the wake of this, the clubhouse renovation in 2015 was the first step for UCC to begin to add value back to the membership.
“For someone in my position,” Szymoniak said, “Creating a vision and having the support of the ownership both philosophically and financially allows you to execute in a way consistent with the long-term goals of the club.”
“Since then, for every decision we make we ask ourselves: Is this adding value to the membership, or are we taking something away from them?” Szymoniak said. “The 2015 renovation was huge because there was no assessment to the membership for it. The fact that UCC is committed to not assessing the membership for capital projects or operational shortfalls, and the fact that there are no monthly minimums, are two value-adds that are extremely rare among clubs.”
When it comes to club culture though, there are a lot of factors that play a role in developing the vibe of a club. Type of staff, how they are trained, makeup of the membership, how they interact with the staff and the way the club is governed—these all produce a particular environment. And that environment will attract certain types of people and not others. Szymoniak thinks that is just fine. “Our culture is something that we as a Club need to own and hold sacred,” he said. “It is our identity and what defines us. Clubs that have stood the test of time have strong cultures and also have the ability to address anything that may threaten that culture. The right culture will produce good energy, and good energy attracts good members.”
ADDING VALUE Since the economic downturn in 2008, many clubs lost their relevance in people’s lives and their value proposition in the marketplace. Members started to leave, and, as funds got tight, many clubs cut operating budgets and stopped investing back into the club. Now, with an inadequate number of members and facilities and grounds that are worn and outdated, clubs cannot maintain their dues structure or initiation fee model. And so the discounting begins just to get people in the door, creating a culture shift that is difficult for a club to pull themselves out of.
Another added benefit for members is UCC’s participation in the ClubCorp Club Benefits program, allowing members to experience a huge network of clubs and amenities all around the world. “We are the only club in our area where the members have access to over 300 ClubCorp affiliated private clubs across the globe,” Szymoniak said. “This is tremendous for business travelers or avid golfers who like to play different courses. It’s a huge value.”
enabled the Club to not only charge application fees again but actually increase them over the past two years. Szymoniak has seen membership continue to grow, which he attributes to the members seeing the value in what the Urbana Country Club is providing. He notes that this can only happen by investing back into the Club to continue to be relevant to a wider range of people.
DEFINING A BRAND As UCC continues to renovate facilities and add new amenities, its position as a golf and country club is slowly beginning to change as well. While the entire country club industry is making a shift to a more casual atmosphere to attract a new demographic of people, UCC is focusing on creating a unique blend of old and new. Szymoniak pays very close attention to other country clubs locally and nationally to keep a pulse on what is happening in the industry.
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The growth and additions that UCC have made has
Details of the new resort and spa building which began construction in May 2019. Courtesy of Ratio Architects.
In June, Szymoniak went to visit Robert Sereci, the COO of Medinah Country Club in Chicago. They spent half a day discussing the industry, what Medinah has done over the past four years to reinvent their brand and the results they have seen from it. “It is a great story. It highlights that even world-renowned places like Medinah have challenges, and that often outof-the box ideas are needed to sustain positive energy and stay relevant,” Szymoniak said.
"When it comes to branding, Robert [Sereci] said, ‘Purpose first, function second’. So, as UCC continues to evolve, so does our brand," Szymoniak
Zach Canfield (PGA Golf Professional) offering pointers during a UGolf session on the UCC course.
said. "There are a lot of 26
different things we can do and directions we can head, but whatever we decided to engage in must support our identity and purpose. Forging a new path, while at the same time celebrating the Club’s heritage, is the task at hand." AUTHENTIC GOLF, ENJOYED BY ALL The latest data from the National Golf Foundation indicates that after a long period of decline, activity at on-course properties is up 14 percent, and offcourse golf equivalents, like simulation golf or Top Golf, is up 10 percent. More
and more, facilities are trying different avenues to engage new players, in addition to getting the experienced player to play more. Most importantly, clubs that are investing, not only in the course, but in great people who can implement innovative and fun programming, are the ones seeing the most growth. “I started in the club industry as a PGA Golf Professional, and my focus early on was instruction, so this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart,” Szymoniak said. “Working with players of every level, from beginner to PGA Tour professional, taught me that in order to see improvement in their golf, you had to be a positive part of their life. You can’t truly help someone unless you know what they bring with them to the lesson tee. While I tried to treat every client like family, the truly successful ones actually accepted me as such. Our golf operation at UCC is in great hands with Kevin and Zach.
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Both of them have the ability to put you in that state of comfort that is required to maximize learning and discovery. And that principle is the foundation of our golf outreach program, UGolf. It is about enjoying a golf lifestyle that enhances all aspects of your life. And it’s fun!” In the two and a half years Szymoniak has been at UCC, $1.5 million has been invested in the Tom Bendelow-designed course. And more is planned for the future. “I learned very quickly after coming to UCC that the members had a passion for the Club and the layout of the course,” Szymoniak said. “Immediately, the dialog revolved around restoring the course to its original design and improving the conditions to championship quality. UCC is an easy walk and can be played quickly—two attractive features that many courses can’t tout. Restoring
the course is a wonderful way to maintain the history of the Club. It is part of our DNA and can live on for years to come. Even though we must be progressive when it comes to engaging more people with the game, we can balance it by providing an authentic experience on the course. I know that sounds a bit contradictory, but the clubs that can figure out the balance and maintain it will be the ones to sustain success.”
A CLUB RESORT LIKE NO OTHER Ground broke this past May on what will prove to be an amenity that will help to sustain the Urbana Country Club for years to come. It was a concept that was born from a visit to Erin Hills in Wisconsin and a discussion about the Four Seasons in Toronto. A plan was formulated to not only improve a current amenity but to also add new amenities— and all in one project. “From the minute I got to UCC, I thought one of the prettiest pieces of our property was the area where the grounds maintenance facility sits,” Szymoniak said. “It’s wooded, along the creek and wedged between the 11th and 12th holes. It is the
perfect setting for some type of lodging. At the same time, we were looking at the state of our facilities and we identified the pool house as a high priority for improvement. I thought if we could combine two projects into one we could add tremendous value to the membership in a much shorter time period. I made a simple sketch of what it could look like, showed it to Mr. Khan and the rest is history. We had a few hurdles to jump initially, but we’re now well on our way. We should be up and running summer of 2020.” The concept combines a high-end spa experience, a bar with a quick-service menu (serving the pool, fitness center and golfers making the turn), eight luxury guest suites and a game room that includes two indoor sport simulators. The structure will resemble an English cottage, utilizing the same mixture of stone and brick to blend with the current clubhouse. The interior, however, will have a bit of a different feel. “The focus of the new facility is rest, relaxation and wellness in an awe-inspiring atmosphere,” Szymoniak said. “While many of the same cues of the
current clubhouse interior are being considered, a more contemporary and elegant element is being added. The Khan’s involvement has and continues to be crucial to the design. Mr. and Mrs. Khan and their daughter, Shanna, have personally selected finishes, fixtures and furniture to create the ambiance we are envisioning. There will be nothing like it around. I am certain it will be nothing short of spectacular.” The future is certainly bright for the Urbana Country Club. While it is easy to get caught up in everything to come, Szymoniak’s challenge is balancing longterm planning with short-term execution, forcing him to rely upon and grow the new wave of Club leadership. “I am so proud of the way our team has stepped up to help each other grow and take on the new challenges that present themselves,” Szymoniak said. “Combine their desire to improve daily with the positive energy and support of our membership, and I know this will prove to be the greatest reinvention and reimagining of a country club that has ever been experienced.”
Aerial view of the current Urbana Country Club clubhouse and construction of the new resort and spa.
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BUSINESS
W T S
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
Premier Spa & Wellness F o r ove r f o u r d e ca d e s , W T S I n t e r n a t i o n a l h a s d eve l o p e d a n d h o n e d t h e i r p re m i e r s p a a n d we l l n e s s m a n a g e m e n t s e r v i ce s t o h e l p ove r 3 0 0 f a c i l i t i e s wo r l d w i d e. A n d s o o n , t h ey ’l l b e b r i n g i n g t h a t ex p e r t i s e t o t h e U r b a n a C o u n t r y C l u b.
From its beginnings as a plucky startup managing tennis programs, WTS International has turned itself into the invisible backbone for over 100 premier spa and wellness properties all across the world. With the new expansion of the Urbana Country Club’s facilities to include a spa and wellness center, WTS is vital in bringing that vision to fruition. The company has grown immensely since 1973, when WTS was still Washington Tennis Services and had to pave their way with no other company to look to for guidance. 28
“It was a brand-new concept,” founder and president, Gary Henkin, said in an interview with Leisure & Hospitality Magazine. “There was no model to go by and we were the first of its kind anywhere in the world.” By 1988, though, WTS had expanded to include private golf and country clubs and, in 1992, health and fitness properties as well. Today the consultation and management of their spa and wellness properties represent the largest part of the WTS managed portfolio. WTS offers many services to its customers, including feasibility studies, concept and brand development, design consulting, pre-opening and daily management. Their focus is to prepare facilities for a successful opening with the strong foundation necessary to achieve operational and financial success. “Everything a hotel, resort or restaurant does to open their doors, WTS does to open a spa, fitness or wellness complex,” Henkin said in an interview with Leisure & Hospitality Magazine. “We hire and train the entire staff, create a spa or fitness menu, develop protocols and standard operating procedures. We do virtually anything needed to effectively open the doors through the grand opening.” After the opening, WTS can operate on a turnkey basis for the client, stepping in when needed. Their overall approach to management and operation rests on the shoulders of their
2,500-person strong team and their commitment to support, training and education of all involved in the operation. They work to create systems that impact revenue generation as well as maintain constant focus on the high quality experience of the member or guest.
Gary Henkin, founder and president of
WTS International To do this, WTS creates an environment that allows their staff to seamlessly integrate into the fabric of the property. Clients retain all identity, control and authority—WTS can offer a la carte services when needed. And employees are offered plenty of resources and support through the company, as well as opportunities to discuss new trends, ideas, initiatives and recommendations.
In the recent years, WTS has moved into the health and wellness sector, as spas are focusing more and more on the medicinal benefits of their services. It's a focus that is exceedingly important to the Urbana Country Club management as the development of the new spa and fitness center gets underway. “Our core philosophy is to provide members with a luxury spa and wellness experience with a focus on a diverse and thoughtful array of leisure facility programs, menu offerings and services,” Henkin said. “We look forward to employing our vast resources and methodologies to create a highly successful spa and wellness experience for members of the Urbana Country Club.”
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or any business, staying on top of new trends is imperative to staying relevant and engaging. With all the growth the Urbana Country Club has seen, Executive Chef Noe Rodriguez spends more and more time analyzing these trends of new technology, new processes and new innovations to figure out what can (and cannot) be provided to the membership to elevate their experience. There are a few areas trending in the industry right now that Rodriquez is researching to potentially implement for the membership. While not every brand-new shiny thing can be incorporated into the Club’s processes, Rodriguez makes sure to consider which changes in the industry will benefit the membership the most. For him, and for the Club, health and wellness and the elevation of the experience are always top priorities. While these are simply considerations for the future, the focus is always on what is the benefit to the Club and to the membership.
Imagine sitting in the dining room at the Club, ordering a caprese salad for lunch, and, when you’re finished, being able to walk outside and enjoy the warm summer air on a bench across from the garden growing the tomatoes that were just in your salad. More and more the restaurant industry is moving towards more dramatic interpretations of the “farmto-table” movement. Some restaurants have moved beyond sourcing from a local farmer or farmers markets, and instead have cultivated their own small supply chain by growing their food directly. And on the flip side, farmers have moved into the restaurant industry, using their own product to supply their new business. While it’s not feasible to directly supply every ingredient necessary for a restaurant to function, the benefits of this for the Club are evident immediately. First and foremost, the members’ health is
Knowing exactly where your food comes from always makes you feel a little bit better about eating it. The same as on-property gardens, chicken coops have become popular both in the restaurant industry and in people’s own homes. The benefits of on-property chicken coops are surprising and yet somewhat expected. First and foremost, organic eggs used in all areas of the cooking process will only serve to benefit the flavor and the quality of the food. Healthier chickens, raised organically with no antibiotics or hormones and not cooped up in tiny cages, result in a dramatic increase in the taste of the eggs. Eggs picked fresh from the coop every morning will have firmer whites and bright orange yolks. And not only that, but farm-raised chickens produce eggs that have 25 percent more vitamin E, 33 percent more vitamin A, 75 percent more beta carotene and more omega-3 fatty acids.
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paramount, and the implementation of organic-based farming on the property will provide members with the freshest possible food with the least amount of chemical impact. Ingredients grown on-property will also incorporate a convenience in sourcing not seen before at the Club, making processes that much more efficient. And of course, Rodriguez would love to take advantage of the opportunities from a flavor standpoint. In the places where the UCC garden couldn’t support the dining experience, Rodriguez’s focus is always to source as much from local farmers as possible. But a garden on the property could provide not only an elevated flavor and freshness to members but also new inspiration for the chefs at UCC.
The Club wants its members to feel like they’re at home having the best meal in the area, no matter what. Top quality food, but with a casual, at-home feel.
There are more intangible benefits that chickens bring to the property that aren’t directly food related. Chicken compost is high in nitrogen and is great for fertilizing gardens. And their foraging for food can help dig for grubs and aerate the land they’re living on. There is, of course, the benefit of knowing that the animals producing your food are well taken care of and are able to actually be animals. And just as the Club would work to increase the well-being of the animals, the animals can, in turn, enrich the lives of the members. Members and their kids could feed the chickens, collect eggs, interact with them and watch as they grow, making the connection between farm-to-plate that much clearer. On-property chicken coops, while having numerous benefits for the quality and taste of the food at the Club, would also speak to the Club’s dedication to continuing local and sustainable food systems.
Another trending initiative in the industry is the move towards “fine casual” dining. In the wake of busier and busier lives, people have found it necessary to eat quick and casual but don’t want to sacrifice quality. Without compromising on the quality of food, considering new innovations on making dining convenient and comfortable for members is a top priority for the Club. One aspect of consideration is simply in the presentation of the dining room. The days of white linen tablecloths signifying fine dining are fading fast. Dressing every table with bulky tablecloths—at lunch too, no less—is unnecessarily cumbersome to the staff and to the members. Tablecloths get damaged and cost money to be replaced, can be messy and hard to manage and take up valuable time for staff that could be allocated elsewhere. Not
to mention the waste of electricity and water in a time where care for the planet is an absolute must. Adapting to design trends is an important aspect of keeping up-to-date, but also improving, the aesthetic of the dining room. The Club wants its members to feel like they’re at home having the best meal in the area, no matter what. Top quality food, but with a casual, at-home feel. The introduction of the Chef’s Table Express Lunch is another implementation of the “fine casual” movement that’s becoming so popular recently. Geoffrey Zakarian, Chopped judge and restaurateur, has noticed the advent of fast, casual dining, saying, “My prediction is that fast casual will make significant inroads. We’ll continue to see luxury ingredients served in a very simple fashion with self-service.” As the Club analyzes the experience of the members and adapts to what they need, the Express Lunch caters to the business crowd who may only have a short period of time to grab lunch. Quick, robust meals bring the casual element while always providing the top quality food that members expect.
With concern for animal welfare and the impact on the environment increasing in the recent years, vegetarianism and veganism have become more popular lifestyle choices for many people, including UCC members. The UCC staff is always considering members' dietary needs when developing menu items and flavors. With that in mind, the advent of vegan meat, in brands like Beyond Meat and others, has given Rodriguez and the other UCC chefs new potential avenues to provide members with delicious dishes. Everyone craves a burger every once and awhile. Beyond Meat is one brand that has made it exceedingly simple for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy the experience of a (vegan) burger. Made with all plant-based products, Beyond Meat focuses on four main issues with their product: human health, climate change, constraints on natural resources and animal welfare.
For members that are completely vegan, or for ones who may just want to cut down on meat, Rodriguez wants to figure out ways they can still enjoy classic UCC dishes. These plant-based alternative options are great potential solutions to that. And they contain around 20 grams of protein (compared to the approximately 30 grams in the same amount of ground beef) allowing members to still get their daily allotment of protein. That combination of providing taste and nutrition is what Rodriguez is always looking for with any new ingredient considered for addition to the menu.
New technology is nice and all, but at the end of the day everyone just wants delicious food. And not just delicious, but different. Beyond the steak or burger that will always be staples of the menu, Rodriguez and the UCC chefs are constantly looking for new ingredients that haven't made their way into a UCC dish yet. Rodriguez notes that Latin American cooking in particular is becoming more and more popular across the country. Whether it's adding a little guajillo or habanero pepper heat to a dish, or using chayote (a squash-like latin american ingredient) in a salad or in place of potatoes, different cultures and techniques are making their way into the minds and recipes of the UCC chefs. Rodriguez is always thinking of ways to introduce the membership to new experiences in cuisine. And incorporating new and interesting flavors and ingredients into dishes is just one way of achieving that. The overall growth of the Club is leading to improvements on every level. And keeping his eye on trends in the industry speaks to Rodriguez’s commitment to elevating the dining experience for the membership. While these trends offer new considerations for the Club that could possibly be implemented in the future, be sure to keep an eye out for them at your local restaurants and around town as well.
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HOW HEAD COACH MIKE SMALL TURNED THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEN’S GOLF TEAM INTO A PROGRAM MARKED BY CONTINUED SUCCESS. The University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team has had quite a bit of success over the last decade. Winning the Big Ten Tournament 10 of the last 11 years, as well as advancing to the NCAA Championship each of those 11 seasons, is an impressive run. These successes did not come by chance, but rather through a well-thought-
out program and culture developed by Head Coach Mike Small. Small’s commitment to a plan—a blueprint—that focuses on dramatic progress and improvement has led to a complete reinvention and sustained success for the team.
Prior to Small taking over in June of 2000, the program had only won the Big Ten Tournament once since 1941. Located in the Midwest, there never was much of an expectation for the team to be successful. It had always been thought that schools that didn’t have the ability to play golf year-round would naturally be inferior to schools located in warmer climates, such as Alabama or Arizona State. When Small took the helm, that mentality changed.
"We had a game plan. This was not a fly-by-night operation. You had to recruit the talent, build the facilities, increase budgets and raise the money,” Small said. “We had to create and change the perception of a northern program—that it can’t be done."
And since day one, Small had that game plan. He knew he had to recruit the talent, but he also had to figure out how to acquire the necessary facilities to do that. After building relationships, Small was able to raise the money to build the facilities needed. And after opening in 2007, the Demirjian Indoor Facility was just the beginning to the continued success of the team. The indoor facility and other new practice areas allowed Small to begin recruiting the talent needed to see success on the course. Players such as Scott Langley, Thomas Pieters, Zach Barlow and Chris DeForest joined the fold and excelled in the environment created by Small. From there, the program was off and running and never looked back. This group of players had major successes, allowing the program to continue its upward trend. In 2010, Scott Langley captured the NCAA Individual Championship. This was followed by Thomas Pieters winning the Individual Championship in 2012. Invariably, successes like these allowed the program to continue to improve facilities, with the building of the Lauritsen/Wohlers Outdoor Practice Facility in 2014. And so, Small’s plan to improve and progress at every level had been realized.
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Coach Small (far left) with Assistant Coach Zach Barlow (far right) and the 2018-19 University of Illinois Men's Golf Team.
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Building new facilities, along with initial success from players, was a great start, but attention and planning couldn’t be neglected in the face of success. The collegiate athletic industry is competitive and there are always other programs making improvements, trying to recruit the best talent and prove that they have the correct blueprint for turning a young athlete into a professional. At the University of Illinois though, Small puts a strong emphasis on building a team atmosphere and culture. It’s a focus that’s relatively unfamiliar and challenging for a lot of golf programs where golf is seen as a highly individualized sport. But it sets the U of I program apart and sets its players up for success in college and beyond.
And looking beyond collegiate competition, Small always considers how he’s preparing his players for a potential professional career. Life on the PGA Tour can be difficult: playing somewhere different every week, traveling around the world constantly, playing in all different conditions and competing for your job every time you tee it up. Small fosters an atmosphere at Illinois that teaches players to handle those future situations, allowing them to ultimately be successful at the next level.
“You have to get the mentally tough people that don’t look for excuses and don’t have to have everything perfect to be great,” Small said. “You have to learn to make a successful career and successful business by fighting through all the adversity. If a person wants to be successful on the PGA Tour, they have to “We have to do our best to compete and exist as a team,” Small learn how to play golf when they are uncomfortable.” said. “It’s very important that you get players who subscribe to that theory. In order to be a National Champion, your team must make Nationals. You have to thrive as a team. I believe players will play better when they play for someone else and not just themselves. When you figure that system out, it is a huge strength.” So, how does Small build that team atmosphere? “It starts from the minute you meet your players in recruiting,” he said. “You have to find out if they are compatible with what you want to do. If their dreams and desires aren’t the same as yours, then who cares how talented they are? We preach every day that you are playing for someone else more than yourself. And that is a big deal.” Looking at the program’s success, there hasn’t been one year where they have had the “top recruits” in the country coming to Illinois. Of course, top junior golfers would all like to come to a program that has had recent collegiate success and has successful alumni on the PGA Tour, but that doesn’t mean that they will necessarily be a good fit with the program culture. It takes the right type of person to fit the culture at Illinois, and Small makes it a point to weigh both skill and culture cohesion when evaluating potential incoming players.
"We use visits to get to know them better," Small said. "Once we determine that they can’t fit into our culture, it doesn’t do anyone any good to be a part of an organization if they don’t fit. We have to be more accurate in surveying personalities because more people want to get in and we can be more selective."
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As in sports, business and life in general, the team and players will only be as good as their leaders. Building a leadership team fitting of the program culture and standards is an enormously important piece of the puzzle. For Small, his biggest focus is on acquiring assistant coaches that fit the mold he’s created. Zach Barlow, a former player, had been an assistant for Small since 2014 but left in the summer of 2019 for the head coaching position at the University of Michigan. And so, in search of a new assistant to fit the role as a leader of the program, there are specific traits Small looks for. “Optimism and accountability. They work hand in hand,” he said. “You can’t be so positive that you fake yourself out. You have to be encouraging, but you have to be real and truthful. That’s accountability.” Small went on to say, “Too many coaches try to be so positive they never are accountable for what’s going wrong and they gloss over the negative things. Turning a negative into a positive is a great thing, but you still have to recognize the negative.”
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First and foremost though, Small understands that the leadership standards he holds others to, he must be held to those as well. That accountability is a defining factor of his success as a coach.
"One question I ask our assistants every year in their evaluation is ‘Are you working harder than me?'" Small said. "If they’re not equal to me, then we have a problem, because I need to be working hard. As a leader you have to be accountable to yourself."
In building a successful golf program, each piece has to come together to create a plan not only realized on the course, but in day-to-day life as well. No matter the application, whether it’s on the course, in the office or in their home, the traits and skills a player learns under Coach Small will stay with them long after their competitive golf days are over. And with his eyes always on the full blueprint, Small continually makes sure those pieces come together to create sustained success year after year.
Kevin R. Hildebrand (Head Golf Professional at UCC) and Coach Mike Small having a pre-round conversation before teeing off.
Check out all the details of how UCC PGA Professionals worked with members, Luke Sherman and Brad Baker, to improve their shot using TrackMan technology.
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olf is a challenging game. In an effort to enjoy this game as much as possible, there are several tools and technologies that can help make the game that much easier for a player. Getting fit for your golf clubs by a UCC PGA Professional paired with a TrackMan Launch Monitor is one of the best methods to do just that. Gains and improvements can be found in numerous ways during a fitting using TrackMan. Sometimes, the number one thing everyone wants—to hit the ball further—actually happens. That can come in
larger numbers than others and with irons or metals. But another item that we note as an improvement would be the shot dispersion. Where the ball goes directionally is every bit as important as distance—if not more. If you can find a shaft, clubhead or a combo of both that improves the consistency of your shot dispersion, you will shoot lower scores. Before jumping into analyzing the data, let’s first define some of the main terms used during a fitting and how they affect ball flight.
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Spin rate: A measure, in RPM, that is created when a golf club contacts the ball. Ideal spin rates will differ based on the club being used. Launch angle: The angle that is formed between the ground and the flight of the golf ball immediately following impact. Total height: The pinnacle that the golf ball reaches throughout its flight. Ball speed: The rate, in MPH, that the golf ball leaves the clubface. Club speed: The rate, in MPH, that the club head is traveling at the moment of impact. Smash factor: A ratio between ball speed and club speed that informs the efficiency of your swing. In other words, how well the shot was struck.
Mr. Sherman came into the fitting with an open mind looking for a new set of irons. The first thing we always do with any fitting is take some baseline data from the current set of clubs. In the image labeled “Prior to Fitting”, you will see that Mr. Sherman was averaging 151.7 yards of carry with his 7-iron. Another thing you will notice is that he was sometimes missing it to the left of the target and sometimes missing it to the right of the target. Typically, we refer to that as a two-way miss, and that can be challenging to control. The question everyone asks at this point is, "Do you think we can find anything better than my current set of clubs?" As a fitter, we begin to analyze all of the data that truly creates the ball flight. Using the information above, we could analyze Mr. Sherman’s data in the following manner:
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An average Spin Rate of 6104 rpm is a little low. Typically, with a 7-iron, we are looking for around 7000 rpm. Launch Angle of 21.2 degrees is pretty good, however, total height of 94 feet could be a little bit higher. Lastly, Ball Speed of 112.3 mph with a Smash Factor of 1.28 is a little low. With a 7-iron, we are looking for a Ball Speed that is at least 1.30 times the club head speed. Now that we have all that information gathered, we need to figure out what works best for that specific player. Based on the data, it becomes apparent that in order to get the most out of Mr. Sherman’s game, we will need to slightly increase his spin, which in turn should increase the total height. A simple solution would be trying a similar shaft with a different head model. Once Mr. Sherman hits a few shots with some different head models, we will again evaluate where he still needs to improve. As we do this, we are also taking into account the lie angle of the club. The goal is to create a shallow and even divot. If we notice that either the toe or the heel is digging into the ground more, we will adjust that angle which will help ball flight and dispersion. After we narrow the club head model selection to just a couple ones that we like the look, feel and performance of, we can really start to hone in on the best fitting shaft for that player. Remember, with Mr. Sherman, we were looking to hit it higher with more spin. So, as a fitter, we would begin to try different shafts that fit that profile.
Prior to fitting
After fitting
With his swing speed, he definitely needs a stiff shaft. However, typically, stiff shafts fly lower with less spin. To fit both the need for a stiff shaft but also one that would increase spin, there are a couple options. One option is to find a lighter stiff shaft, which helps increase launch angle and spin. Another way to affect launch in a shaft without changing flex or weight is shaft kick point. The height at which a shaft launches—with weight and flex remaining constant—is determined by where the shaft actually flexes in the downswing. This is something that is created during the development and manufacturing process of the shaft. The closer to the grip the kick point is, the higher the golf ball will launch. The closer to the head the shaft flexes, the lower the flight. We were excited to see the incredible distance gains Mr. Sherman gained simply by increasing his Spin Rate, total height and Smash Factor. Mr. Sherman gained an average of 15 yards with his 7-iron, as well as narrowed his shot dispersion significantly.
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Mr. Baker came to us with a great golf swing, but with a driver that was not performing up to expectations. During the initial evaluation, the first thing that became glaringly apparent was that Mr. Baker’s distance was nowhere near appropriate for the swing speed he was generating. Diving into the numbers, Mr. Baker’s Spin Rate of 2450 rpm was almost perfect but his Launch Angle was a little low at 11.2 degrees. His height of 75 feet was also too low, a result of the lower Launch Angle. Because the Spin Rate and Smash Factors were in a great range, we knew that shaft flex, weight and kick point could not have been too far off. We started by switching Mr. Baker to a slightly lighter shaft, all other things being relatively equal. There was an immediate improvement in his Launch Angle which correlated directly to a gain in carry and total yardage. This gain was relatively similar across the board, with the various different heads and manufacturers, until Mr. Baker tried the Ping G410. Immediately, Mr. Baker’s club head speed increased on average 4 mph, which correlates roughly to an increase in 12 carry yards. The combination of a slightly higher Launch Angle and the increase in club head speed equaled out to an incredible average gain of 27 yards. You will notice from the images that not only was Mr. Baker hitting the ball significantly longer, but that he was also hitting his drives much straighter. Many golfers tend to believe that distance and accuracy are a zero sum game, where, as one improves, the other is bound to worsen. However, Mr. Baker’s numbers prove that with the proper fitting tools and professional evaluation, you can in fact have the best of both worlds.
Prior to fitting
After fitting
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For our members, and most golfers, the ultimate goal of golf is to have fun and improve your quality of life. UCC is constantly looking for ways to facilitate the highest quality experiences for members and their guests. TrackMan fittings are one of many additional services that have been added as we continue to embark on our relentless journey to make our experiences, and our members’ lives, better than they were the day before.
schedule a club fitting CONTACT THE GOLF SHOP AT (217) 344-8673 OR EMAIL ZACH.CANFIELD@UCC1922.COM
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It seems that entrepreneurialism runs in the Khan family blood. Tony Khan, son of billionaire entrepreneur Shad Khan, has spent his life capitalizing on opportunities and pursuing his passions. His latest endeavor involves spandex, a four corner ring and maybe just a tad more showmanship than a typical Jacksonville Jaguars game. After much speculation, on January 1, 2019, Khan’s new professional wrestling company, All Elite Wrestling, entered the arena.
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ince then, AEW has made a lot of waves in the industry, attracting top tier talent from all over, most notably from other wrestling companies. With multiple sold-out events across the country and a just-announced prime-time spot on TNT, AEW is poised to set a new bar for the entire industry. “I don’t want to compare ourselves to any other wrestling company,” said Tony Khan in an interview on Chris Van Vliet’s YouTube Channel. “We are AEW. We are doing things differently.” The core of AEW is its commitment to the wrestlers from the top down. While Khan is the president and CEO of the company, the Executive Vice President roster features Cody Rhodes (pro-wrestler and son of WWE hall-of-famer Dusty Rhodes), Matt and Nick Jackson (tag-team brothers known as The Young Bucks) and Kenny Omega (2017 Sports Illustrated Wrestler of the Year). These four, called The Elite, serve as both in-ring performers as well as on the executive board. With Khan and The Elite at the helm, AEW debuted its first live event on May 25, 2019 with its “Double or Nothing” showdown. The event sold out almost immediately, filling the MGM Grand Garden Arena to capacity. It also had the largest audience for an American pro wrestling show not
affiliated with WWE or WCW since 1993. And the media took notice, as ESPN, CBS Sports and other outlets marked the event a resounding success. In an article for CBS Sports, Brian Cambell wrote about the event: “From the blood and tears exchanged by the Rhodes brothers to the theatrics and aerial exploits of Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and The Lucha Bros, this felt very much like a historic card that boldly announced new competition for the long-time industry leader WWE.” AEW is reinventing the world of wrestling in interesting ways. The direction of the company is moving, rightfully, towards a classification of the in-ring talent as employees. This includes various benefits and healthcare packages depending on the level of involvement in the company, generous compensation for all in-ring talent and a commitment to covering in-ring injuries for wrestlers. While the details of any benefits packages are still in early phases, the news of this has shook up an industry where the standard has always been to treat wrestlers as independent contractors without benefits. For many, having health insurance for pro wrestlers seems like a necessity in a profession where body slams in rings are about as common as paper clips in cubicles. In general, AEW’s approach to putting
46 Tony Khan and Kenny Omega on the red carpet of the WarnerMedia Upfronts on May 15, 2019 in New York City.
COURTE SY OF D I M ITRIOS K A MBOURI S/GE T T Y I M AGE S
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the wrestlers happiness and well-being first has become an attraction for both the top talent and for fans of the league. “I think happy wrestlers only encourages happy fans…” said EVP Cody Rhodes in an interview with Breaking Kayfabe (h/t to Wrestling Inc). Rhodes then went on to note the importance of open communication between the management and talent in AEW. This, he says, will help keep talent nurtured, supported and will hopefully begin the path to a higher profile industry. This direct communication and support is a new development for the industry, and another way for AEW to set themselves apart from competitors like WWE. In fact, numerous former WWE stars are jumping onboard the AEW train, including Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose in WWE), Shawn Spears (Tye Dillinger in WWE) and Pac (Neville in WWE). All in all, AEW’s roster contains approximately 45 wrestlers coming from WWE and numerous other national and international promotions. With better benefits, commitment to the fans and wrestlers first and the overall excitement for the new league, AEW is causing a lot of commotion in the pro wrestling world. With the success of AEW’s first two events, they already have a huge presence in the market. Their live events continue to sell out, and a lot of the hype is coming from their viral marketing push. Chief Brand Officer, Brandi Rhodes, is pushing the new message and tone of AEW to all corners of the industry. And fans are loving it. At the most recent event, “Fight for the Fallen”, a fundraising effort for Jacksonville’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council (VAAC), AEW raised approximately $150,000 with the help and support of the 5,000 fans in attendance. Building on its successful live events, AEW is geared to launch a new weekly prime-time spot on TNT with a deal that was struck earlier this year with WarnerMedia. The show will debut on October 2, 2019, pointedly, the same week as WWE’s fall debut of “SmackDown Live” on Fox. WWE has returned the slight, scheduling pay-per-view shows on the same date at AEW’s next live event, “ALL
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OUT”. But as the tension grows between the veteran wrestling company and the youthful newbie, AEW is poised to take every hit and keep on rolling. The journey to get here for Khan didn’t happen overnight. It was, of course, full of planning, setbacks and coordination with the many people involved. Khan, though, has grown up realizing the value of perseverance and dedication to continued success. “I remember Tony receiving his “I-got-it-over-ball” for the first time serving the tennis ball over the net when he was around seven years old,” said UCC Tennis Pro, Dave Fauble. “It wasn’t easy for young kids, but, if they were determined and practiced often, all of them found that it only took one time to realize it was possible.” That determination is a key driver to all Khan’s endeavors, past, present and future. And it certainly is key for AEW. The fans are excited, the wrestlers are excited and it seems that the future is written in bright neon lights for the fledgling wrestling company.
AEW's successful live events, like "Fight for the Fallen", have led to a prime-time spot on TNT.
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he Urbana Country Club is perfectly equipped to assist any company or business in providing a premium experience for its clients, partners, prospects and employees. Most of all, the Club recognizes the need for comfort in conducting any type of business. Whether you’d prefer your boardroom feature a lush expanse of grass and 18 holes, a nice meal on our patio or a private room and a grand wood table, at UCC you’ll be doing business surrounded by others who are striving for success and in a place that always feels like home. Check out some of the tips from our pros to make your next business meeting at the Club a successful one.
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Make sure both your event venue and your attendees know the goal of the meeting. Is the focus of the meeting a day-long presentation where attendees will be listening more than talking and taking a lot of notes? Is the goal to create networking opportunities and getting a group of people talking and connecting? Communicating this ahead of time helps set your meeting up for success from two perspectives:
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The Club puts a lot of thought into setting up a room for your event and, if you communicate what the goal is, the Club will ensure the proper environment is created. From where tables are placed to the number of seats at each table to the timing of breaks, all of this plays a behindthe-scenes role in setting your meeting up for success.
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Make sure your attendees know what to expect and, if possible, provide an agenda. If a long presentation is planned, make sure to provide ways for attendees to take notes, or ask them to bring plenty of paper and a pen. If the goal is networking, make sure to give them a reminder to pack plenty of business cards and anticipate moving around and speaking with many people.
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Think ahead about your attendees and if there are any special needs that need to be accommodated. From accessibility to a nursing space for new mothers to any food allergies, knowing these needs ahead of time will prevent any unexpected hiccups during the meeting. Your comfort and the comfort of your guests is key, and the Club can help accommodate most special requests. When people are comfortable, it helps keep the focus on the meeting agenda.
Send your final headcounts, special centerpieces or handouts ahead of time so that the Club can ensure the room is set to your specifications. Arrive early if you’d like to run through your presentation or AV setup in the actual meeting space before attendees arrive.
• September 24th Power Lunch Speaker Series • October 23rd Club Connections, Guest Edition 6pm–8pm Enjoy complimentary beer and wine for you and a guest at our open networking event. • November 12th Power Lunch Speaker Series
The best meetings also stick to the timetable and agenda as much as possible. Some organizers use a “parking lot” method to manage any off
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topic questions to be discussed at a later date, and sometimes they even have someone dedicated to managing the clock to ensure everything stays on track. Overall, the Club wants you to experience amazing service so you can focus on what only you can do: run an amazing meeting, presentation or retreat. Staff at the Club always runs through service expectations before events. For instance, would you like service during a presentation, or would you prefer no interruptions? How often would you like us to check on you? No matter the questions, the goal is for service to happen seamlessly behind-the-scenes in whatever way necessary for a successful meeting.
EAT AND RUN. AT UCC.
TUESDAY–FRIDAY 11AM –1PM
REGULAR LUNCH MENU ALSO AVAILABLE
The unofficial field manual for all golfers bringing home their new bundle of joy.
W
hen you embark on the adventure of parenthood, you usually read a book or two and take a baby class of some sort before your little bundle of joy arrives. The experts will tell you all about how to feed the child and change diapers—among other things. So you are prepared for everything you need to know to be a good parent, right? Well, not exactly. What they always forget to tell you is how to get your child ready for a life at the Club and on the golf course. Some of your best memories as a parent can be times with your children on the golf course and around the club, so you want to be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity. Just because life gets faster and a little crazy doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a round of golf or dinner out. Here are a few tips to help you fully utilize all the Club has to offer with your entire family.
S TA R T T H E M Y O U N G We all know the horror stories of babies on a plane, but bringing a baby to the Club is different. Sure babies cry, but who doesn’t love seeing a baby at the Club? So how about a quick three holes or maybe even nine? Monday afternoons are a great time for taking your young one for a walk in a stroller around the course.
Make it a family adventure and start with playing a few holes, maybe working up to nine holes later. There are plenty of opportunities to play a few holes and make it back to the parking lot if you need to stop the round early. It’s great to see parents playing golf together and taking turns pushing the stroller around the course. The fresh air seems to always do the body and soul good—while also helping to keep your baby asleep or getting your toddler tired for the ride home. There are days and times which don’t work, but UCC is very fortunate to have limited play and a very accessible golf course for walking. Don’t hesitate to contact the Golf Shop in advance to see what the best times and days are for taking a stroll. But remember, safety first, and be aware of other players on the course, especially on adjacent holes. Late evenings are perfect to enjoy the Club together. Whether it’s hitting a few balls on the range, putting on the practice green or hitting a few chips, it’s truly the best time to be out. Remember to be courteous to other players, and please position the stroller in a safe location to avoid unexpected errant shots or trips to the emergency room.
S TA R T S M A R T As your children become mobile, it’s important to establish two basic rules for time at the Club or on the golf course. If you can remember back to when you were a child and your parents would get you ready to go to church, what would they say?
Rule #1: Be presentable It’s typical to dress up for church and so the same should happen for a trip to the Club. Maybe not a shirt and tie, but a polo and khakis set the tone for the trip to the Country Club.
Rule #2: Be serious and use your church voice Many parents and grandparents have always whispered in their child’s ear, “You better be on your best behavior in church.” Carry the same thought to the Country Club and onto the golf course. It is always good to be quiet and calm with no joking around or craziness. For you and your toddler, being at the Club can be very enjoyable, and it becomes easier for both parent and child with each year older. You’re creating some of the best memories of their childhood, regardless if there is a hiccup or two along the way.
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So at what age do you start to bring your little ones out onto the golf course? While it depends on the demeanor of your child, parents can share the experience as early as two years old. They may only be able to sit and watch you putt, but soon after a few sessions, they will start to putt too. Sure, there will be times of kicking or throwing golf balls or picking grass. It is only with patience and teaching that those actions will stop. At first though, you can expect to get only a few minutes of putting or hitting golf balls or maybe a hole or two with your young one. Make sure to keep the expectations low and enjoy the time no matter what.
S TA R T S M A L L If you are nervous about taking your child onto the golf course at the Club at an early age, try a local public course putting green. The other option is always the local putt-putt course. What kid doesn’t like going there? To make the process that much smoother once you do make it to the Club, here are some helpful tips for conduct with your child on the course.
Around the Clubhouse Establish a quiet rule, no running and always use manners. May we even suggest no electronics from the beginning? It may not work all the time, but it’s a rule that may also be good for dinners and around the clubhouse.
The Golf Shop is a great place to practice addressing adults and hand shaking while making eye contact with the Golf Professional and their staff. Children need to be able to engage with adults and it’s a great place to start.
On the Range When practicing with your child on the range, always keep them in the hitting bay in front of you. This makes sure you can always see them and avoids the chance of a backswing meeting a forehead.
On the Course Demonstrate and use proper golf etiquette toward golfers at all times. It’s never too early to start instilling these key principals. Set riding in a cart as a privilege and do not play around while driving. Teach them that golf carts can be just as dangerous as a car can. Avoid parking the cart on slopes and remember to remove the key whenever you exit the cart. Children always happen to find their way back to the cart and no one wants to see anything bad happen. Carts are a major liability, and we ask you to refrain from allowing your children to drive them at any time. Teach your child about all aspects of the golf course and what it means to be a golfer. Things like how to hold a club still when you are not swinging, and so on. In regards to the course, teach your child how to walk without dragging their feet on the putting surfaces and the importance of properly raking footprints out of a bunker if they walk through it. Practice leaving the golf course in better condition than you found it.
Playing Golf Keep the game fun. There’s a time for instruction and a time for fun. You will have many years to turn them into the next Tiger or Rory. They will naturally gravitate to the game and the last thing you want is for them to begin to hate playing golf. A college scholarship is a realistic attainable goal for any child, but give them time to grow into the game. Teach them etiquette—how to pick up their feet, how not to swing a club on the putting green, placement of the flag, marking the ball and retrieving the ball out of the cup, etc. Play less golf. Play from the forward tees or junior tees with them and play fewer holes. It’s a great way to speed up the game and work on your short game at the same time. They want to be like you and be a part of the group, so everyone should play from the same location. Starting at the 100 yard marker is always a good idea, too, if they are new to the game.
Show them any wildlife and teach them to be good stewards as you play. There’s a lot more out on the golf course than just the game of golf.
FOSTERING THE LOVE OF THE GAME Attending a professional golf event during a practice round is a great way to expose your child to another golf course, the pros and even to get a few autographs. The pros are more accessible, and they are often more kid-friendly than you could ever imagine. We are lucky to be near a major market like Chicago and we usually get a major event about every year. Living in Central Illinois, we are two and a half hours from the John Deere Classic in the Quad Cities and 90 minutes from the Web. com event at Panther Creek in Springfield. All PGA and LPGA events are free for kids under 16, and each event usually has a variety of free activities for kids to participate in. The small events are easier to navigate and you can usually attend any day of the week. If you have an opportunity to attend a major event like The Masters, PGA Championship, a US Open or even a Ryder Cup, Wednesday is a great day to go. Sometimes avoiding the actual tournament days can make for a more enjoyable experience. Kids can interact with pros, it’s more fun and stress-free and there are a lot less people to navigate through. Photography is also allowed on practice days, so you’ll be able to snap a few pictures to mark the occasion.
TREASURE THE MEMORIES Your kids and grandchildren grow up fast, and these memories at the golf course are priceless. It’s important for you to maximize the time you have with them because in a blink of an eye they won’t be little kids anymore. You’d be surprised at what they remember years later—making that really long putt uphill on #5, their first par, Noe’s wood-fired pizza or just having lunch outside on the patio with grandma and grandpa or mom and dad on a Tuesday afternoon. Sure, the pool is always the easy place to take the kids at the Club, but there is so much to offer your child by exposing them to golf. Golf is a game played from age three to 103 and you can compete on a level playing field with anyone. It’s global and connects people from all walks of life. It’s founded in principles of honesty and integrity, not to mention it’s one of the healthiest activities you can do in life.
Proper club sizes are important. Talk to the golf professionals and size your children correctly. Bad habits can form from improperly sized clubs. Too heavy, long or even short clubs can affect their swings. It's a good idea to change golf clubs for It’s a little daunting at first, navigating the Club or the golf kids about every two years. US Kids is probably the leader in course with them. But keep it simple. Set the expectations low junior clubs, but there are other great options in the Golf Shop and realistic. In a short amount of time, you’ll find that bringas well. ing those now not-so-little kids to the Club is stress-free. Well, that is until you reach the point where you can no longer beat Junior camps and lessons are a solid foundation for a long them on the putting green and you’re the one headed to the life of enjoying the game. Be sure to continue lessons on a Golf Shop to schedule an extra lesson. But no matter the point regular basis. you are at in you or your children’s lives, the Urbana Country Avoid demonstrating any anger, frustration or club throwing. Club is a family-friendly club first, and we all look forward to Your child or grandchild is always watching. seeing you and your little ones on and off the golf course.
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Whether you are new to town or to the country club scene, or whether you’ve been here for decades, the Urbana Country Club is the best place to connect with people, make new friends and create lifelong memories. There are numerous ways to get involved at the Club. Whether you’re sporty or crafty, have kids or are single, own your own business or are looking to start one, at UCC the opportunities are endless.
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A perfect way to connect with other members is through our golf clinics and UGolf programming. If you are a beginner, the Begin Clinic Series is designed specifically for members who are brand new to the sport and want to learn more. The seven-week series starts with making you comfortable around the clubhouse, golf shop and practice facilities, then moves to putting, chipping, irons and woods, and finally transitions to playing on the course. Begin Clinics are the perfect opportunity to grow your game and connect with other members with similar golfing abilities. The Enjoy Golf Program is focused on instruction for those looking to get the most out of their game and is directed toward more experienced golfers. With the Enjoy Clinic Series you can connect with golfers, improve your game
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and then meet on the weekend for a round to test out your new skills. The Uncorked and Under Par Events are a more relaxed series for the intermediate golfer—a perfect mix of good company, excellent instruction and enjoyment of various cocktails, beers and wines. We also host a number of golf events for the more competitive players. There is Ladies’ and Men’s Member-Guest, T.U.M.S Tournament, the Wingman Classic benefiting the Folds of Honor charity and the Flag Tournament, just to name a few. We program golf events to not only allow you to enjoy the game with your closest friends, but also to expose you to new people.
If golf is not your thing, don’t worry, we have Dave Fauble on staff as our tennis professional to help you “get into the swing of things” on the tennis court. The junior tennis program focuses on inclusion for all kids, group participation in learning skills, and games with continual positive reinforcement. At UCC, we try to emphasize that, as each child improves, everyone has more success and more fun. This same principle is used in adult tennis programming as well. For adults and kids alike, it can be a really great way to stay active and make connections both here at UCC and outside of the club.
Engaging in one of our groups that meet regularly is a great way to get to know fellow members in a non-intimidating, casual atmosphere. Below are a few of those groups. Our Business @ UCC Series are the perfect networking events for all business professionals to meet and mingle. The Power Lunch events consist of lunch and a short presentation by a featured speaker, and all in an hour so you can get back to work on time. The Club Connections events are an evening of open networking, allowing members to enjoy refreshments while mingling with other members and their guests in the business community. For all the moms out there, the UCC Moms Meet and Greet is a monthly meet-up where you can enjoy shared activities like a painting party or a creme brulee clinic or a bus shopping trip to Chicago. Plan play dates and kids activities or just use it as a much-needed excuse to get out of the house to relax with other moms. Euchre Nights are an adults-only, once a month get together for a night of cards. These nights are full of strategy, switching tables, prizes and unexpected twists. Join the fun and meet others to set up more card nights in the future.
We especially like to get festive around the holidays here at the Club. We offer a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner prepared by Executive Chef Noe Rodriguez, and exciting cocktails to start your new year off with a bang. Mother’s Day Brunch is always a big hit, and guaranteed to put a smile on mom’s face. And the Easter Egg-stravaganza is an event where kids rule the Club, complete with an Easter Bunny visit and a massive easter egg hunt. Summer events are always a blast at UCC. Memorial Day features great BBQ, pool activities, inflatables for the kids and live entertainment. Fourth of July continues much of the same fun, but it is highlighted with one of the best firework shows around. And our once-a-year blowout party is not one you will want to miss. Past parties have featured an elegant pool-side affair, a neon-powered Miami nights soirée, a red carpet Hollywood bash and cowboy-themed hoedown. These are can’t-miss events! Halloween is a particularly spooky time at UCC. Be prepared for ghostly activities and a Haunted Hayride that’s not for the faint of heart. There is also a costume parade, Trick or Treat in the dining room, pumpkin decorating and a spooky buffet. And to round out the year, the annual Holiday Party is an event you won’t want to miss! With everyone dressed to the nines, a rockin’ band, incredible food and, of course, the signature Mini Martini Bar, this event is always one for the ages.
Connecting at the Club is easy if you use one of these activities to hang out with your fellow members. So, mark your calendars, join a new club, get more involved in a sport or just strike up a conversation with your neighbor at the bar. At UCC, there are so many ways to walk away with wonderful memories and friends that feel like family.
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I can’t go into a thrift shop, secondhand shops or antique show and see a phone that I am not going to buy.
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MEMBERSHIP
M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
John Calderon In the club industry, customer service means going above and beyond to keep members happy. Whether that means resolving issues with a positive attitude or picking up the phone even during busy dining service, customer satisfaction at the Urbana Country Club is a top priority. Every member touchpoint is examined by the Club’s leadership to make sure the experience is what’s intended.
With the help of John Calderon and his staff at Digital Network Development Companies (DNDC), UCC has implemented an entirely new telecommunications system to help the staff better service its membership. Calderon notes that technology has narrowed the window of opportunity for response time in the service industry. And with a high standard of service at the Club, it is detrimental for phone communication to remain down for any significant period of time. “The Club was experiencing issues with different telecommunication providers over the years, one main issue being recurring phone outages,” said UCC General Manager, Scott Szymoniak. “Fortunately, a member referred John to us, knowing how accountable DNDC’s phone systems were, and we have not had an outage issue since.” With over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Calderon has developed DNDC Telephone Company into one of the community's leading telecom providers. He developed his knowledge from studying communications at Kawasaki University in Japan, traveling the world as a leading communicator in the Marine Corps and then being one of the lead communicators on the New York and Chicago Stock exchanges. “It has become my life, and I love it,” Calderon said when asked about his passion for telecommunications. “I can’t go into a thrift shop, secondhand shops or antique show and see a phone that I am not going to buy.” After being awarded a contract from Christie Clinic many years ago, Calderon brought his company down to Central Illinois from the Chicago area. He was looking for partnerships and long-term relationships. Since then, the familyowned business from Downers Grove has grown immensely. Taking his unique, virtualized network, Calderon has differentiated DNDC from other phone companies in the area. And customers can see his passion and love for telecommunications in his passion for DNDC, product knowledge and, overall, in his commitment to servicing his customers.
Besides service, their product specialization keeps them on the forefront of the telecommunications market. DNDC does not have every product under the sun. They instead have a limited selection, and Calderon’s entire team is extremely knowledgeable regarding their specialized products: Mitel and Crexendo (backed by Microsoft and Amazon, respectively).
Unlike some companies where lines can be down for hours, phones backed by DNDC do not go down for longer than 5–10 minutes. Although the product line is specialized, DNDC provides all the necessary applications needed for high-end service. “The majority of the competitors are higher priced but offer less,” Calderon said. Calderon lives his life with integrity and has tried to instill this into his family as well. As a family owned and operated business, with Calderon as CEO, his wife as CFO and son as the lead engineer, they have built a company of integrity, commitment and honesty. “I don’t like giving surprises,” Calderon said. “If I commit to a client, I am going to honor it without making them ever reach back into their pockets.” Before taking the step to integrate DNDC’s products into the Club, Calderon wanted to create a beneficial relationship with UCC by enrolling his family as members. In just a short time, he has used the Club as a vehicle to spur his company’s growth. Calderon plans to continue using the Club to entertain his clients, develop new relationships and enjoy the personal benefits of being a Club member. This year Calderon and DNDC are one of the main sponsors for the annual OSF Healthcare golf outing hosted by UCC. He sees this as only a small stepping-stone to how he can use the Club to foster growth in his company and personal life. “This is where I am going to live,” Calderon said. “I am coming here to work out, to go swimming, to hit golf balls. I am excited with the golf professionals, Zach [Canfield] and Kevin [Hildebrand], and all of the Food and Beverage staff. When I entertain my clients, I bring them out to the Club. UCC is a great country club and I have great phone service. Together we will grow.”
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SPORTS
Wingman Classic T H E
S E C O N D
A N N U A L
The Urbana Country Club is proud to partner with Folds of Honor for our Second Annual Wingman Classic on September 11, 2019. Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to family members of fallen or disabled service men and women. Over the last 12 years, Folds has awarded nearly 20,000 scholarships in all 50 states, including the Central Illinois area. UCC’s goal this year is to raise enough to change the lives of five families in our community. WHAT IS FOLDS OF HONOR?
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Since 2007, Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission: to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. Their motto says it best: Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy. WHY FOLDS? It is very important that we thoroughly vet any charity attached to the UCC name and we’re so proud that Folds of Honor is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and platinum on GuideStar. For every dollar raised, 86 percent goes directly to their scholarship program. We chose the “Wingman Classic” as the name going forward because a wingman is someone who helps and supports—in this case in the pursuit of educational opportunities for family members of those who protect our freedom. Or as Folds says, “Their need is great. Their battle is ours. Join our ranks.” We will continue to report on the 2019 Wingman Classic and watch for sponsorship opportunities to be announced for the 2020 Wingman Classic. YOUR ONGOING IMPACT Watch your emails in the coming weeks as we will continue to report on the impact of this year’s Wingman Classic. Outside of the Classic, there are opportunities to support Folds of Honor for as little as $13 per month. Go to www.foldsofhonor.org to learn more.
Top: Plaque awarded to UCC for Top Performer in the 2018 Patriot Golf Day. Middle: UCC and Flightstar representatives with the final donation to Folds of Honor; 2018 Patriot Golf Day at UCC. Bottom: Helicopter ball drop on the 1st hole at the 2018 Patriot Golf Day.
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Let us handle dinner after shopping! We'll have a Pizza Buffet available 5pm-8pm in lieu of the regular dinner menu and BINGO kicks off at 5:30pm with the chance to win fun prizes. Cost is $16 for adults and $8 for kids. This is a family friendly event and all ages are welcome!
11.29.19 come on down RSVP @ reservations@ucc1922.com
C L U B
A M B A S S A D O R
Carlos Jiménez Carlos Jiménez, the Head of Maintenance at UCC, is someone you may not see on a day to day basis at the Club. But he is an integral part of creating an amazing experience for all members and guests. From small repairs, to room set up and everything in between, Carlos helps make the logistics of all private and social events happen. And, all the while, continually keeping the overall Club in great repair. Carlos’ time here began 10 years ago after his coworker at the Champaign Country Club, where he worked at the time, suggested he come to UCC. During his time at the Club he’s seen many changes. The one that stands out the most (besides the clubhouse renovation a few years ago) is the increase in younger families. Recently, he’s been seeing more and more families with kids come into the Club versus years past.
On a typical day, Carlos arrives by 6 a.m. and walks the clubhouse to look for any needed repairs that haven’t already been requested. After assessing needed maintenance and reviewing any Banquet and Event orders for the day, he makes a list and begins to work his way through it. Every day is different, but it could include tasks as varied as setting up the main banquet room for a large party, washing and maintaining the patio or getting the tennis courts cleaned and ready for the day. While he says there is a small amount of routine to the job, every day is different at UCC. His favorite thing about working at UCC is his coworkers, especially Maria and Donna on the Housekeeping team. He also enjoys the fact that every day is busy with lots to do. When he’s not at the Club, you’ll find Carlos spending time with his wife and daughter, doing DIY projects around his house or salsa dancing with friends.
TRAVEL
C L U B C O R P
International Travel
Next time you’re traveling the world, check out some of the amazing international clubs that offer ClubCorp benefits.
SWITZERLAND
CANADA
LIPPERSWIL
MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC
Lipperswil Golf Club
ENGLAND LONDON Club Quarters Hotel, Gracechurch Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul’s Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
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Club de Golf Hautes Plaines Eagle Creek Golf Club GreyHawk Golf Club Kanata Golf & Country Club
TORONTO, ONTARIO
FRANCE
Blue Springs Golf Club
PARIS
Caledon Woods Golf Club
Saint James Paris Hotel
GERMANY
-Clinton Naugle
OTTAWA, ONTARIO
St. James’s Hotel & Club
Paris International Golf Club
One of the perks of membership at UCC is not only enjoying an outstanding membership experience at home, but also I have the opportunity to experience first-class clubs across the country and even abroad. I often travel for both business and leisure, and since I have utilized ClubCorp as a part of my UCC membership, I’ve had access to experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise, like playing Lipperswil Golf Club in Switzerland. Playing this new course, trying different cuisines and taking in all of the beautiful views behind each hole made for an unforgettable experience.
Club de Golf Islesmere Le Maître De Mont-Tremblant Rosemere Golf Club
Cherry Downs Golf & Country Club The Club at Bond Head DiamondBack Golf Club Glen Abbey Golf Club
FRANKFURT
Glendale Golf and Country Club
Frankfurt Airport Club
Greenhills Golf Club
INDIA
Hidden Lake Golf Club
NEW DELHI
SCOTLAND
Le Cirque
ST. ANDREWS
MEXICO
Old Course Hotel St. Andrews Golf Resort & Spa
CANCUN Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas Omni Puerto Adventuras Hotel Beach Resort
COZUMEL Cozumel Country Club Melia Cozumel All-Inclusive Golf & Beach Resort
SINGAPORE SINGAPORE The American Club
SOUTH AFRICA JOHANNESBURG The Rand Club
Playa Azul Golf, Scuba, Spa Hotel
SWEDEN
Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort Spa
STOCKHOLM Vidbynas Golf Club
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Dr. James Shepherd M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
J A M E S S H E P H E R D A N D H I S P A R T N E R , M A T T H E W G I P S O N , H AV E B E E N M E M B E R S A T U C C F O R J U S T A B O U T A Y E A R . Y O U M AY S E E T H E M D I N I N G O N T H E PAT I O I N T H E WA R M E R M O N T H S W H E N T H E Y ’ R E N O T S P E N D I N G T I M E AT T H E I R H O U S E I N F L O R I D A . D R . S H E P H E R D T O O K A B R E A K F R O M H I S B U S Y S C H E D U L E D E L I V E R I N G B A B I E S AT C A R L E H O S P I TA L T O A N S W E R A F E W Q U E S T I O N S A B O U T H I M S E L F A N D H I S T I M E AT U C C . U CC1 9 2 2 . CO M I FA LL 2 0 1 9
MEMBERSHIP
How did you know you wanted to become a doctor? I’ve actually never not wanted to be a doctor. I chose my high school because it had an emphasis on science and my college was chosen because it had a high matriculation into medical school. I feel really fortunate that I always knew what I wanted to do. How did you come to live in Champaign? After my residency, Carle contacted me and at that time my youngest sister was at the U of I, so I gave Champaign a try. I was only planning to stay for two years, but it’s been 27! We also have a place in Chicago, so it’s easy to visit family and friends up in Chicago, but I stayed in Champaign because I love my job and the people I work with. I couldn’t ask for a better group of co-workers. How did you and Matthew meet? It was actually in Chicago, although he was living in California at the time. He was a private rail car chef and was in Chicago finishing a trip with a client and I was on my way to the Cayman Islands with my best friend. We met at a bar and started talking and he put a piece of paper in my hands with his number when I left. I called right when I arrived in the Cayman Islands and we talked every single day. We were long distance for about two years before he moved to Champaign. Do you have any pets? We have two dogs. Sydney is a beagle mix and Macy is a yorkie. What are your hobbies? We love to travel. We have a place in Florida where we go a lot, but we used to love to pick up and go to Amsterdam or somewhere similar just for the weekend. How many babies would you say you’ve delivered over the course of your career? I’ve actually lost count. But if I had to guess, I’d say close to 4,000. Why did you join UCC? A friend invited me to lunch at the Club and we came with her, met with Tyler and it was done! It’s so quiet here and relaxing, which I love, and everyone is so friendly. I like having a place to go where people know me.
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COMM NITY Dedicated to our
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At Carle, we’re building our healthcare around you. That’s why we provide a seamless insurance experience with Health Alliance. It’s why we’re investing in technology and research. And it’s why we’re committed to offering all levels of care when and where you need it. To optimize your healthcare. To ensure you have exactly what you need to thrive.
2019 SEASON SCHEDULE 09/08 09/15 09/19 09/29 10/06 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/03 11/10 11/17 11/24 12/01 12/08 12/15 12/22 12/29
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals New York Jets Houston Texans BYE Week at Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans Tampa Bay Buccaneers Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Raiders at Atlanta Falcons Indianapolis Colts
All games are available to watch at the Urbana Country Club.
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Thanks
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for the Memories!
Business Success THREE TIPS FROM LORI PATTERSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PIXO.
EMPLOYING A DIVERSE STAFF IS A COMPETITIVE REQUIREMENT Today’s customers expect your products and services to be designed for a diverse user base, and young talent expects to work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Employing a diverse staff is no longer a benevolent act—it’s a competitive requirement.
EMBRACE THE CREATIVE PROCESS
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Ever feel like quitting right before you have an amazing ah-ha moment? That’s actually normal and is a key step in the Creative Process. Here are all the steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
This is awesome. This is tricky. This is sh*t! I am sh*t! This might be ok. This is AWESOME! I AM AWESOME!
ENGAGE EXPERTS...WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT As a small business owner, I often thought my business structure and processes were unconventional and that traditional service providers were too formal and expensive for our company. We learned to do everything for ourselves (payroll, legal contracts, accounting, HR, etc.). However, as we matured, we understood what we needed and learned to leverage exceptional experts, allowing us to concentrate on strategy and growth. Don't move too quickly, but don't wait too long!
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