After starting a career in psychology, Jared Viarengo let the tug of a lifelong love of golf course work redirect him on a path that led to dual responsibilities as GM/Director of Grounds at Applebrook GC.
CMAA Announces 2019 Officers and Board
Randy Ruder of the Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. will head the Club Management Association of America as its new Chairman. Mark Bado of Myers Park CC will be Vice Chairman and Brian Kroh of John’s Island Club will be Secretary-Treasurer.
New Certified Club Managers Announced
Thirty-eight club management professionals have achieved the CCM designation after completing the required course of study and training and demonstrating a dedication to proficiency and expertise in club management.
Paa-Ko Ridge GC Sold to New York Turnaround Specialists
The Sandia Park, N.M. property has been acquired from Roger Cox & Associates by the principals in the Manhattan firm of Alvarez & Marsal. The new owners have already informed home and lot owners in the Paa-Ko Communities of their plans to build a 62-room lodge and 18 guest cottages to attract tourists to the state’s top-rated golf course.
New CMAA Officers and Board Announced
Bobby Crifasi of New Orleans CC has been elected as President of the Club Managers Association of America for 2018, Randall Ruder of the Beach Point Club will be this year’s Vice President, and Mark Bado of Myers Park CC will be Secretary-Treasurer. Four Board members were elected or re-elected as Directors, with five others continuing to serve.
Merion GC’s Wicker Basket Emblem Wins “Logo Madness” Poll
In a nod to college basketball’s “March Madness,” PGA Tour pro Zac Blair and “The Fried Egg” website had social-media followers cast votes for “Logo Madness” bracket pairings. Merion GC’s iconic flagstick logo ousted Winged Foot GC’s in the final; other clubs that made the “Final Four” included Pasatiempo GC and Sleepy Hollow GC.
Club Cents Interviews Chefs Moosmiller, McAllister
In the latest two episodes of VGM Club’s podcast, Cam Schultz interviews Katie McAllister, Pastry Chef of Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., about pastries, and Jonathan Moosmiller, CMC, about his journey to Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.
Elmwood CC Sold to N.J. Developer for $13M
The member-owned White Plains, N.Y. club has been up for sale for several months and announced plans in June to lay off employees and close on September 30th. The property’s zoning allows residential development, but it is possible that at least a tennis club operation would be retained.
Ruling to Allow Hampshire CC to Run Non-Member Events Upheld
A coalition of neighbors had sued the village of Mamaroneck, N.Y.’s zoning appeals board for granting a special-use permit to the club, claiming that evidence about traffic, parking, noise and safety problems had been ignored. The suit was dismissed in 2015 and appellate judges found that enough evidence existed to justify both the board’s original decision and the dismissal.
CMAA Announces New Officers and Master Club Managers
Robert C. James, CCM, CCE, CHE, Chief Operating Officer of Westchester Country Club, Rye, N.Y., was elected President; Robert J. “Bobby” Crifasi, CCM, CCE, CPA, General Manager of New Orleans Country Club was elected Vice-President; and Randall J. Ruder, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y. was elected Secretary–Treasurer. The association also announced that C. W. Cook, MCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of North Hills Club, Raleigh, N.C., and Mac Niven, MCM, CCE, General Manager, Almaden Golf & Country Club, San Jose, Calif., have completed the requirements for the Master Club Manager designation.
Winged Foot GC Hosts Friends of James Beard Benefit in Honor of Golf Kitchen
During the event at the Mamaroneck, N.Y., property, club and resort chefs from across the globe prepared dishes at live action stations to celebrate the launch of the 568-page coffee table book, which features recipes, photos, and interviews from the kitchens and fairways of 16 golf destinations.
Standing the Heat
Making room for improvement in club kitchens translates to greater productivity and expanded dining options.
Oakmont (Pa.) CC Lands 2025 U.S. Open
As the storied western Pennsylvania club wrapped up another successful hosting of the 2016 Championship, the United States Golf Association announced that it will only have to wait nine years for the next one. It was also announced that Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southhampton, N.Y., will host the 2026 U.S. Open.
Shareholder Lawsuit Against Winged Foot GC Gets Green Light
A federal judge chose to allow a lawsuit filed against the Mamaroneck, N.Y., club to move forward, denying the defendant’s summary judgment motion. The suit, filed in June 2014, alleges the club has had a decades-long deal to lease the real estate from the holding company for a fraction of its value, and the plaintiffs allege they have been misled about the true value of the shares.
Winged Foot Takes Flight
Winged Foot GC has elevated its culinary profile to match the club’s storied golf reputation.