Belle Meade Country Club is in the thick of its most ambitious capital project stretch yet, from a full pool complex rebuild to expanded casual dining and refreshed tennis facilities. General Manager/COO Michael Seabrook, CCM, CCE, has been steering the club for 14 years, and his focus now is as steady as ever: communicate clearly, keep the culture tight, and deliver upgrades that feel true to the club’s traditional Southern identity.
In this Q&A, Seabrook walks through the work, the why, and the leadership approach behind it all.
General Manager/COO Michael Seabrook, CCM, CCE, has led Belle Meade Country Club for 14 years.
Club + Resort Business (C+RB): You’ve been at Belle Meade for 14 years. What’s new on your plate right now?
Michael Seabrook (MS): We’ve had irons in the fire ever since I arrived in 2011. Most recently, we wrapped up several interior projects, including multiple dining rooms, an outdoor porch, and the ladies’ locker rooms. What’s next is a major two-phase renovation of our pool complex and outdoor tennis pro shop, along with updates to the entry area for casual dining and an expansion of the pool snack bar and adjacent dining.
C+RB: How many members does Belle Meade have today?
MS: We’re at 1,261 members, and we’re on a wait list.
C+RB: Are these improvements part of a long-range plan?
MS: Yes. Several years ago, we mapped out a multi-step plan and have been knocking out projects one by one. This final stretch includes the pool complex, the outdoor and indoor tennis pro shops, a comfort station on the golf course, an expanded casual dining kitchen, and upgrades to outdoor casual dining. It’s a mix of hospitality, recreation, and operational improvements that will finish the full campus refresh.
C+RB: What drove the decision to rebuild the pool complex?
MS: The short answer every GM gives: the pool leaks. And it really did need a full renovation. We didn’t want a resort-style pool—Belle Meade is a traditional Southern club—but we did want to add niceties that elevate the member experience without changing the soul of the space.
C+RB: How will closures work?
MS: The pool will be down for the entire summer because the work simply can’t be done in a shorter window. For other areas, like the casual dining kitchen, we’ll use temporary kitchen trailers and create alternative dining options for families. The idea is to keep the experience as seamless as possible, even while construction is happening.
C+RB: How are you preparing your team for the disruption?
MS: We’ve been communicating the plan for a long time through staff meetings, membership updates, newsletters, and upcoming closure notices. During construction, we’ll send weekly Friday updates with photos. It’s worked well, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say, “We could really use more information.”
C+RB: How would you describe your leadership style?
MS: A member once told me, “If there were a picture of your team, they’d be in the center and you’d be off to the side cheering them on.” That’s accurate. My role is to guide, support, communicate, and give managers the tools they need. We meet weekly to talk through operations and ideas, especially around budgets and improving the member experience. Bring your ideas, and let’s get things done.
C+RB: What do you look for in director-level hires?
MS: Warmth. Presence. Someone who won’t let a member walk by without a greeting. Someone who mentors well and helps people grow. And someone who gets things done. A number of our employees have been here 20-plus years, and others use Belle Meade as a stepping stone to larger roles elsewhere. Both paths matter.
C+RB: How are you using technology across the operation?
MS: AI has changed a lot of our committee work and reporting. We also produce a weekly one-minute video called “Club Connect,” hosted by our assistant GM, that covers quick updates. Short, friendly, to the point. Beyond that, we use the app heavily, and new members consistently say it’s a great communication tool.
C+RB: Where does your website fit into that strategy?
MS: Members lean on the app for quick access, but the website continues to support key services and stays part of the overall experience.
C+RB: What is your onboarding process like for new members?
MS: I give a two-hour tour that covers history, culture, rules, and amenities. Often, two new members join at the same time, and by the end of the tour, they’ve already made plans to have dinner together. We’re a very social club, and the staff does an excellent job introducing people and helping them settle in.
C+RB: You mentioned you’re similar to many traditional clubs, but what makes Belle Meade different?
MS: We’re a traditional Southern club with deep legacy membership. Many members grew up here, so they already understand the culture. But what sets us apart is how carefully we execute projects. We aim to do things right, not cut corners because a budget gets tight. Even members skeptical of a project early on tend to be among the most pleased when it’s finished. Our employee culture is another strength. Surveys consistently show that our staff understands the purpose of their work in creating a genuine, high-quality experience for members and guests. That clarity shows up in service.
