Laid back or buttoned up, there’s room for both types of clubs in today’s world. How would you describe the atmosphere at your club and what are you doing to either foster that reputation or change the perception?
As I was watching the recent Waste Management Phoenix Open, PGA Tour professional Sam Ryder carded a hole-in-one on the famous (and infamous) 16th hole. As you would expect, the fans at TPC Scottsdale erupted in excitement and various beverages rained down throughout the unique stadium setting.
The atmosphere for the Phoenix Open is more like a Ryder Cup than any other event on the schedule. Players who miss the green on 16 are roundly jeered, as are those who 3-putt or leave a makeable birdie putt short. It’s fantastic and always must-see TV.
On the other side of the country … and other end of the spectrum … is the Masters, played at Augusta National Golf Club. I can’t imagine what would happen if Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen parade around topless after one of them drains a birdie putt on No. 12.
The Masters and Augusta National are filled with tradition and reverence, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The WM Phoenix Open and TPC Scottsdale were built for a party, which is what makes that week so special. There’s room for both.
That’s a long lead-in to my actual point—the golf industry can be all things for all people, even if individual properties want to cater to a certain crowd.
I haven’t been invited to Augusta National or Pine Valley Golf Club, but if I ever am, I’ll be sure to conduct myself in a manner that’s expected. Likewise, if a club has a (much) more relaxed attitude, I wouldn’t be averse to cracking a frosty beverage and enjoying some music while taking my swings.
C+RB wrote about Red Feather Golf and Social Club in November 2021. Opening in the summer of 2023, the Lubbock, Texas club will boast an 18-hole golf course being designed by Rob Collins of King Collins Golf and amenities will include food-and-beverage venues, a resort-style pool with lazy river, spa services, private cabanas and pickleball.
While the membership fees are considerable (three times that of 100-year-old Lubbock Country Club, where Red Feather owner Brad Ralston is a member), he’s confident “people are looking for high-end, but not stuffy.”
According to Lubbock Lights, Ralston’s inspiration for Red Feather is Bluejack National near Houston, Texas, where he has a national membership.
“It’s a Tiger Woods-designed course with a unique environment and vibe. It’s very laid back and I think that’s what probably pushed me over the edge of wanting to do [Red Feather],” Ralston said. “I wouldn’t build a golf course that didn’t take this laid-back approach.”
Laid back or buttoned up, there’s room for both types of clubs in today’s world. I’m curious to hear from our readers. How would you describe the atmosphere at your club and what are you doing to either foster that reputation or change the perception? Please drop me an e-mail and share your story.
Rob Thomas, Editor
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