Grey Oaks Country Club Winter LIVING Magazine 2022

Grey Oaks Welcomes New Director of Racquets

Grey Oaks Living Magazine is an internal publication produced seasonally by the Grey Oaks Communications Department for the enjoyment of Grey Oaks Members. Copyright 2022.

Mike Curran (dressed as Bobby Riggs) and Beth Occiano (dressed as Billie Jean King) compete for bragging rights at the Battle of the Sexes racquets event held on November 19, 2022.

The heart and soul of the company

— BOB IGER, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company

Dear Grey Oaks Members, Disney has been known as an innovator since its beginning. The same is true for the top clubs which rely heavily on innovation. The Grey Oaks Board of Directors asked the club leadership team to constantly look for ways to innovate to help maintain and advance the Club’s market position. This year, as a response, the team put together a plan called A New Leaf which focuses on presenting new ideas and upgrading the Member Experience.

Every season, we ask our department heads to think about innovation in the following two distinct ways:

• Sustaining innovation:  Sustaining innovation enhances Grey Oaks’ processes and technologies to improve the experience for the Members. We do this to keep abreast with what is happening at other clubs and in different industries. An example of sustaining innovation can be found in our expansion of the pickleball facilities or in the addition of new technology for ordering food and drinks at the pool.

• Disruptive innovation:  To the team, this is the most fun part of innovation. It means we are looking ahead and helping the Club create new concepts to provide the Members with cutting edge experiences not found at other clubs. An example of disruptive innovation is the recent installation of InRange technology at our Golf Performance Center, and in the past, the commitment of leadership and the Members to build the Wellness Center and Pool Café, years ahead of that trend in the industry.

I have found the most successful clubs incorporate both types of innovation into their plans and strategies. Innovation helps Grey Oaks stay ahead of the curve and grow. We become more adaptable. Innovation fosters growth which enhances the value of membership. It separates Grey Oaks from our competition.

In this issue of the LIVING magazine, we celebrate some of the creativity and innovations which help us maintain Grey Oaks as the preeminent club in SW Florida.

is creativity and innovation.

“ ”

NEW AMENITY AT GREY OAKS

Radar Technology at the Driving Range

The Club continues to be at the forefront of creativity and innovation for the Member Experience. The latest in that regard is the pending installation of Inrange technology at the South Driving Range.

This technology offers golfers both an entertainment-focused experience with the Inrange+™ multiplayer gaming and virtual course offering and technologically-aided practice sessions for more experienced players with Inrange and the Inrange App.

Track More Accurately

You can track every club in your bag and see how well you’re hitting it with pin-point accuracy.

Improve Your Consistency

By choosing a target to aim at, we can let you know how consistency you’re hitting the right spot.

Practice At Your Level

Once you’ve earned your Inrange Handicap, the targets on the range will automatically adjust with your handicap, meaning you’re always practicing at your current skill level.

Premium Ball Conversion

Our smart ball conversion turns your range ball into a real one. That way, you’re getting the true course stats you need before your next round.

GREY OAKS IS THE SECOND PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUB IN THE U.S. TO INSTALL INRANGE RADAR TECHNOLOGY

The new space will feature two covered hitting bays, indoor bays in the performance center, and synthetic grass hitting stations each with radar technology and sensors spread throughout the range. Each sensor tracks the flight of the ball within its field of view. The system identifies which bay the ball was hit from and relays data to that bay’s logged in device.

“We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our Member Experience and to stay ahead of the demand for the most advanced amenities and technology.  The InRange Suites will serve as Grey Oaks’ version of golf entertainment, with a pavilion for Members to use while eating, drinking and listening to music. Also, Bob Usher and the instruction team can use the bays in the day time, so it’s a new twist to the performance center,’’ Don Emery said.

Bob Usher shares, “I’m thrilled to add the Inrange technology to our instructional program. One of the many benefits of Inrange is golfers can practice and confirm their yardage with the new system’s radar technology. The system can even tell you how far you are from your designated target. This information gives golfers a huge advantage over just hitting balls on the traditional range and guessing. Now you know for sure! My favorite part of the new Inrange system is the combine test. This test takes you through a series of targets with different yardages. After 60 shots from different yardages, you will be given a handicap. Each time you practice, you can try to improve your last performance to lower your handicap. Inrange is going to be the future of driving ranges. Not just an area to “warm up,” the driving range will now be a place of productive practice as well as entertainment.”

GOLF TECHNOLOGY

Club Fitting & Teaching BENEFITS

By Mike

What is TrackMan?  TrackMan, which is installed at our Performance Center, is the world’s leading launch monitor used to analyze a player’s swing and ball flight with detailed and specific numbers. Its innovative analysis, practice, and benchmarking tools are revolutionizing the teaching and club fitting industry. The player’s club and ball data can be integrated into video, providing each swing with 3D imaging of the ball flight, club path, face angle, ball speed and more. There is a total of 26 variables recorded for each shot hit.  These variables can be analyzed to help determine what is the best golf club for your swing and to help recognize swing flaws.  When using TrackMan for club fitting, there is no guesswork. With TrackMan’s precise and accurate data of launch angle, backspin, and ball speed, each player will have the correct configurations for the shaft and head style.  TrackMan provides the carry distance and total distance of all the clubs in a bag. TrackMan measures the full trajectory of any shot, from 6-foot pitches to 400-yard drives.  A common mistake that players make is improper gapping from club to club. The ability to know within a yard of how far each club travels is priceless. Another variable to consider when club fitting is the land angle with your driver. Land angle is descent angle of a ball as it lands measured relative to ground level. An ideal number for maximum carry and roll out is an angle less than 40 degrees.

Vanover, PGA

(l to r:) Bob Usher, Director of Instruction, and recent recipient of the 2022 Southwest Florida PGA Player Development award and Mike Vanover, Master Club Fitter, and recent recipient of the 2022 Callaway National Fitter of the Year award, view the TrackMan® screen at the Performance Center.

IMPORTANCE OF CLUB FITTING

By Mike Vanover, PGA

Why should all golfers be professionally fit for their golf clubs?  To have more fun playing golf!

There are over 10 million ways to build a set of golf clubs based on specifications such as loft, length, and lie.  Club fitting is the number one fundamental for providing consistency throughout a set of clubs.

Many golfers produce a set of clubs that work for them through mixing and matching. At the expense of considerable time and determination, they hit many different clubs always looking for a certain feel or trajectory.  Having the brand or model of your golf clubs match, or properly gapping the clubs in your bag, can make a dramatic impact on your consistency.  With today’s technology, including sophisticated launch monitors that track and measure a ball throughout its flight, it is possible to identify a favorite club and dynamically match it with every other club in the set.

There are often many myths that enter golfer’s minds about club fitting.  The old saying that graphite is for distance and steel is for accuracy is not necessarily true.  Graphite shafts have greatly improved with today’s technology.  They are very consistent from shaft to shaft.  A professional fitter can determine out whether you should be playing steel or graphite.

Even though fitting remains a mystery to some players, the overall message is clear: Golfers can benefit tremendously from proper fitting.  Customized clubs are in. Offthe-shelf clubs are out.  Enjoy the game and have more fun with golf clubs that fit your swing.

To schedule a club or swing analysis session, contact Master Club Fitter Mike Vanover at mvanover@greyoakscc.com.

It’s called culinary arts for a reason, and to Derin Moore, Director of Culinary Operations, and Thomas Vaccaro, Executive Pastry Chef, presentation means everything. “Visual appeal is just as important as the tasting experience. Before you even take that first bite, you’ve already judged the meal in front of you. The presentation makes an impression, even a promise, to the diner.” Moore says.

THE ART OF

Culinary Presentation

Unique Breakfast Presentations

With our twelve beehives on club property, honey is plentiful and used in many dishes at Grey Oaks. In a recent breakfast buffet, Certified Master Chef Derin Moore and his team presented a creative display with a honeycomb and sweet droplets of honey sliding down into a mason jar. Spoonfuls of this natural sweetener were then used by members in their morning coffee and tea.

That breakfast buffet also included a unique poached egg display. In place of the traditional omelet station with frying pans over heat, a sous vide technique – cooked under pressure at low heat in water – was used for this particular presentation. Eggs in mason jars were placed in a water bath with an immersion circulator. This slow cooking technique, with the circulation of water, led to a perfectly soft “over easy” consistency. Diners were offered a choice of egg whites with spinach and feta cheese or Shakshouka, a Maghrebi dish of eggs poached in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper.

Creative Displays of Protein & House Charcuterie

The use of alternative cuts of protein and fresh creative presentations are replacing the club industry norm of years past. From veal steamship rounds and churrasco-style skewers of jumbo shrimp and diver scallops slow-cooked on an open flame to hanging jumbo tomahawk ribeye steaks and slow-cooked beef hind shank carved with a long sword, the inspired and distinctive presentations offer members a culinary show that has become an appreciated and customary part of the evening’s entertainment. This presentation of the protein enhances the WOW factor of the display and foreshadows the layered flavors and refined textures that altogether characterize an exceptional experience for members.

Delectable Desserts & Pastries

From breakfast pastries and hearth breads to after-dinner desserts, Certified Master Baker Tom Vaccaro and his team work to create visually stunning offerings that look almost too beautiful to eat. He describes his signature culinary style as thoughtful, refined elegance expressed through memorable – and often surprising – combinations of flavors. Members see this style demonstrated throughout the Club from handcrafted packaged chocolates and confections available for sale in the Pool Café to elegant plated desserts and wedding cakes. Each sweet is truly a work of art and a fantastic visual complement to the meal.

Meals Bring People Together

With a reputation for delivering excellent culinary presentations that are a feast for the eyes and the stomach, members delight in gathering together at the Club to share unforgettable dining experiences.

“When a guest leaves our dining room after a great meal, it’s the product of so many little things that are done right, for a memorable experience or special occasion.”

— CHEF MOORE, CMC

REDEFINING the Role of Human Resources

By Don Emery, General Manager

Human resources has long held the reputation of “work police” or a place employees are sent when they’ve done something wrong. To the detriment of our industry, this perception is no different within private clubs. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to stay this way. Imagine a work environment that advocates first for the employee — a place that encourages and facilitates personal and professional staff development. The human resources function has a direct impact not only on organizational performance but also on employee behavior and attitudes. Especially in the current tight job market, club management must assess how the HR department serves its employees in order to attract and retain the best employees.

In 2021, following an extensive review and comprehensive analysis, Grey Oaks Country Club initiated a complete transformation of the HR department. With assistance from workforce strategist Eric Swenson, CEO of Symmetry HR Outsourcing and Tanzanite Leadership Development, we revamped the role, structure, location and even name of human resources.

“At the best places to work, HR advises managers and develops employees and culture. Many companies, including almost all the private clubs I’ve worked with, do it backwards. Managers refer problem employees to HR for handling. It needs to be just the opposite: managers need to be managing employees with guidance from HR,” shared Swenson, who has helped hundreds of businesses, including private clubs, improve their performance and gain stronger employee engagement.

Grey Oaks’ new Culture, Training and Development department was relocated from a small, dark, windowless space to an expansive area with a lakeside view. Floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as glass doors, created an open, inviting space, as did the natural lighting and Grey Oaks branding and imagery covering the walls. An employee resource center and conference room were also placed in the large space.

“Of course, you don’t just snap your fingers and say ‘change HR to Culture, Training & Development,’” said Swenson. “It’s more than a name or location change. There’s a significant culture shift that has to take place throughout the organization, and it starts with the managers and department heads. Most managers get promoted because they’re the hardest worker, or they’re the smartest person, or they sell the most widgets. But those factors have nothing to do with being an effective leader. Managers need to be trained and developed. That was the path that Grey Oaks created.”

As Director of Culture, Training and Development, Hannah Tynion and her team immediately embraced the new philosophy and implemented the following programs: Manager Onboarding Program: All newly hired managers and directors complete a required onboarding program where they hold in-depth meetings with each club department head and discuss opportunities and challenges within the organization. Once the onboarding program is completed, they meet with the Director of Culture, Training and Development to discuss their observations from their first 45 days in the role.

Continuing Education Program: The Grey Oaks leadership team tailors educational opportunities for each employee. For example, employees who express an interest in obtaining a job-related certification or those who could benefit from attending a particular industry conference are encouraged to register and participate to further their education and skill set. “When interviewing potential candidates, we listen to their future goals and try to adapt part of the job offer to what they are looking to complete in the coming years. We also pair them with mentors in the industry to obtain guidance and feedback regarding their long-term career goals,” shared Tynion.

Ambassador Program: The goal of this soon to be launched program is to train and empower employees to serve as Club ambassadors. Educational sessions provided by this program focus on the Club’s history and purpose, answering questions such as:

Once employees understand the vision of Grey Oaks’ founders and why certain protocols and methods are followed, they can become strong, impactful ambassadors for the Club, serving to promote its mission, legacy and traditions. Another benefit of the Ambassador Program is the development of mentors among the employee ranks. Peer-to-peer conversations further educate new staff members by pairing them with seasoned employees who can help guide them during their orientation process.

Rotational Internship Program:

Top university students from hospitality programs across the country are invited to join the Club’s internship program, where they have the opportunity to work alongside employees and managers in multiple depart-

ments. This helps them narrow down their career field of choice. The Culture, Training and Development department hosts monthly development sessions for the interns based on their unique backgrounds and interests for continuing education. In her role as Director of Culture, Training and Development, Hannah also serves as a mentor to the interns and assists in recruitment efforts at universities.

With all of these changes, a significant paradigm shift has occurred at Grey Oaks as the Culture, Training, and Development department space has become a sanctuary for employees. Team members stop in to say hello, share their concerns or feedback and seek guidance from the department team. They find they relate to one or all members of the team, which reassures them

that their concerns are heard and valued. Employees have also recently expressed their long-term intentions with the Club and many have begun charting their career trajectory within the management team. By empowering the employees and shifting our focus to developing the whole individual, we are giving them the confidence to succeed and the opportunity to grow within Grey Oaks.

As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Any transformative change that is worthwhile will take time. Particularly in the private club industry, our business success is predicated on people. The impact such a change to the human resources department will have on our staff will carry outward, strengthening and enhancing the entire club from the inside out.

• Why was the Club founded?

• What type of environment did its founders hope to create for its Members?

• Why does the Club follow certain traditions?

WELCOME BACK Wine Social

BACK PARTY AROUND THE WORLD

On the Court with Curran

AN INTERVIEW WITH MIKE CURRAN,

DIRECTOR

OF RACQUETS

By Mira Hale Crigler

Q: Congratulations on being named Grey Oaks Country Club’s Director of Racquets. Describe your experience during your first few months as a team member.

Mike: My first few months at Grey Oaks have been incredible! The membership and staff welcomed me with open arms. Everyone has been so helpful during my orientation and transition into my new role. I am so impressed by the racquets expansion project and thrilled to be utilizing the new courts. I’m also very impressed with the extensive experience and professionalism of the racquet team members in all facets of tennis and pickleball.

Q: Why has pickleball grown so strongly in popularity? How does it compare with tennis?

Mike: Pickleball is a phenomenal addition to the racquets industry and appeals to a broader segment of players. With a smaller racquet and shorter court, anyone can play the game and enjoy themselves – regardless of age, skill level or previous experience. Our brand-new pickleball complex has been very well-received by the membership with courts buzzing with activity throughout the day!

Q: What are you most excited about in 2023?

Mike: I’m extremely excited to launch some new events and experiences that are unique and different for our Members, like upscale visits to world-renowned tennis tournaments. More details to come soon! The team and I are also delighted to support our Members’ passion for pickleball with expanded programming, including recreation and league play. More Members are picking up the sport every day because of how easy it is to learn and play. We will also expand our tennis programming, including more events, social play, leagues, and private coaching. We want to see everyone on the courts, and I look forward to connecting with Members who haven’t previously participated in the racquets program.

The Racquets Team at Grey Oaks Country Club

(l to r): Felix Alvarado, Jay Zuccarello, Beth Occiano, Mike Curran, Fernando Maynetto, Kyle Angelov and Austin Daglis

If You Are 70 or Older, This Is One Feature That No Other Country Club in The County Can Offer You...

Moorings Park at Grey Oaks

There is something special about the Grey Oaks Country Club. You’ve felt it when you enter the two stately clubhouses full of friends. You’ve enjoyed the understated elegance, exclusive social opportunities, three championship golf courses, the state-of-the-art Wellness Center, exceptional dining venues, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and a resort-style pool. Why would you ever want to leave this behind?

Fortunately, you don’t have to. Grey Oaks members who want to continue to enjoy this unique lifestyle while having the added benefit of having a healthcare plan in place can take advantage of Moorings Park at Grey Oaks.

Masterfully designed residences, incredible healthcare programs, exceptional location and amazing amenities -- both on and off campus -- are just a few of the

many reasons Baby Boomers are enjoying the incredible lifestyle at Moorings Park at Grey Oaks.

Twice the Fun

The beautiful Life Plan Community of Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, located just across the street from Grey Oaks Country Club, is known for its amenity-rich lifestyle.

Members can choose casual or formal dining in one of the community’s three restaurants: The Vynes Restaurant & Bar, the SandWedge Bistro and The 105 Restaurant. Together they feature savory, unique menus, celebrated wine lists and impeccable service. Additional indoor amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Rejuvenate Salon and Spa, a ballroom for dances and lectures, a creative arts studio and numerous places to enjoy socializing.

Outside you’ll delight in covered outdoor terraces, rooftop gardens and fire pits, a resort-style pool and spa with cabanas, rubberized petfriendly walking paths, and open multi-purpose lawn areas that host a variety of activities, including friendly games of bocce ball and lawn bowling.

Outside you’ll delight in covered outdoor terraces, rooftop gardens and fire pits, a resort-style pool and spa with cabanas, rubberized petfriendly walking paths, and open multi-purpose lawn areas that host a variety of activities, including friendly games of bocce ball and lawn bowling.

But, that’s just a fraction of the exciting lifestyle at Moorings Park at Grey Oaks. Members actually have twice the fun as those living in other Life Plan communities due to a Sports Membership to Grey Oaks Country Club that’s included with residency.

enjoy the Grey Oaks lifestyle as they age that they need to join the waiting list.

Concierge physicians and personalized healthcare are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of the monthly service package. Peace of mind will be yours, knowing that higher levels of care are available and are included with residency.

Concierge physicians and personalized healthcare are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of the monthly service package. Peace of mind will be yours, knowing that higher levels of care are available and are included with residency.

Physical therapy programs, as well as home health services can also be contracted on an as-needed basis. Beautifully appointed Assisted Living and Memory Care suites are available on a month-to-month basis at a daily rate and for those who live here, are included.

enjoy the Grey Oaks lifestyle as they age that they need to join the waiting list.

With a 42-year tradition of excellence that is complemented by A or A+ ratings by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings, Moorings Park at Grey Oaks helps members live an integrated lifestyle of health and wellness, as well as a myriad of social opportunities.

But, that’s just a fraction of the exciting lifestyle at Moorings Park at Grey Oaks. Members actually have twice the fun as those living in other Life Plan communities due to a Sports Membership to Grey Oaks Country Club that’s included with residency.

Simply the Best® Homes and Healthcare

Simply the Best® Homes and Healthcare

Opportunities to move into Moorings Park at Grey Oaks are as rare as the lifestyle you’ll find at this exclusive Life Plan Community. Which is why astute boomers take a preemptive approach to securing their residency. They understand that if they want to continue to

Opportunities to move into Moorings Park at Grey Oaks are as rare as the lifestyle you’ll find at this exclusive Life Plan Community. Which is why astute boomers take a preemptive approach to securing their residency. They understand that if they want to continue to

With a 42-year tradition of excellence that is complemented by A or A+ ratings by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings, Moorings Park at Grey Oaks helps members live an integrated lifestyle of health and wellness, as well as a myriad of social opportunities.

Physical therapy programs, as well as home health services can also be contracted on an as-needed basis. Beautifully appointed Assisted Living and Memory Care suites are available on a month-to-month basis at a daily rate and for those who live here, are included.

To learn more or to schedule a personalized tour, call 239-643-9111, visit MooringsPark.org/Events or scan the QR code.

To learn more or to schedule a personalized tour, call 239-643-9111, visit MooringsPark.org/Events or scan the QR code.

Mission : To enrich the lives of our Members by providing outstanding facilities, amenities and experiences in a welcoming, beautiful community that provides a rich culture of friendship and service.

Vision : To be the preeminent Country Club and Golf Community in Southwest Florida for active, healthy living.

Core Values : Community, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Transparency, Stewardship and Service.