Helping Clubs Recover From Chaos

Long before Hurricane Helene reached the Big Bend region of Florida’s Gulf Coast, rain began to fall in North Carolina. And it didn’t stop.

We soon read words like “catastrophic” and “biblical devastation.” 

The Sunshine State was still recovering from Helene when Hurricane Milton began forming in the Gulf of Mexico. It quickly grew from a Category 3 to a Category 5 and threatened to overwhelm Southwest Florida. 

I realize this is Hurricane Season and that region of the country is on high alert every year, but it doesn’t make it any easier for the people affected. As hard as it is to watch from the comfort of my home in Ohio, I can’t imagine the fear so many people must experience and the crushing sense of dread once all that’s left behind is destruction.

I spoke with Aaron James, General Manager of the Country Club of Asheville, shortly after he was able to return to the club following Helene. While storms are a familiar occurrence on the East Coast, the mountainous region of Asheville was caught off guard by the sheer force of Hurricane Helene, compounded by multiple tornadoes. 

“We weren’t prepared for this. The sheer force of the storm wasn’t something anyone in this area was ready for,” James explained. Despite widespread damage, the safety of his family, staff, and club members remained his top priority. “The club and staff are all accounted for and safe,” he said.

In the wake of the destruction, the focus quickly shifted to recovery. Teams prioritized cutting down trees, clearing fairways, and removing debris. “We’re trying to give people that sense of normalcy,” James noted, highlighting efforts to clean up the course and restore some semblance of routine.

Throughout the crisis, communication was a major hurdle. Power outages and infrastructure damage left the club without cell phone reception and internet for several days. Despite this, James and his team found ways to connect with members and staff. “Myself, my Communications Director, my Executive Chef, my Superintendent, and my Director of Golf were all out in front of the club, talking to people, making sure they knew we cared,” he shared.

Amid the chaos, the club staff has gone above and beyond, with McConnell Golf orchestrating supply drives and providing daily hot meals to ensure employees were taken care of. “Watching this team come together has been one of the proudest moments of my career,” James reflected.

As the Country Club of Asheville begins to recover, plans for fortifying the club’s infrastructure are already underway. James acknowledges that this storm exposed vulnerabilities, but it also provided a valuable learning experience. “We’ve got to look at fortifying our infrastructure … McConnell Golf and myself are creating new operating procedures as we go forward,” he said. Emergency communication systems, staff safety protocols, and tools for recovery will all be enhanced as part of this process.

While the club remains temporarily closed due to damage to the local water infrastructure, James is optimistic. “We’ll be just as strong, if not stronger,” he stated confidently, as he looks forward to reopening and welcoming the community back in the coming weeks.

If you’re looking to help and have it in your means, please consider donating to some reputable organizations that are actively involved in relief efforts:
American Red Cross: Provides shelter, food, and other essential supplies to affected areas.
Salvation Army: Offers emergency services, including shelter, food, and emotional support.
United Way: Supports local organizations and communities in need.
Feeding America: Provides food assistance to those affected by the disaster.
Habitat for Humanity: Helps rebuild homes and communities damaged by the hurricane.
And don’t forget about all of the affected animals. The Humane Society of the United States does wonderful things.