Reflecting their elevated professional status, superintendents are now getting in on the ground floor to provide brains, and leadership, for golf course construction and renovation projects. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor SUMMING IT UP Superintendents now routinely take the lead in course renovation projects—but their higher profiles bring a need for expanded expertise. No two construction projects…

While some golfers might ask golf course superintendents for the occasional lawn care tip or landscaping advice, they can now get the real thing from golf course maintenance staff members at Rocky Bayou Country Club in Niceville, Fla. Last year, the club’s maintenance department started offering lawn and landscape services to members who live in…

By Diana Mirel, Contributing Editor A thriving social scene can be a club’s most valuable asset— and the greatest value now often comes from social programming that’s not geared to adults. Creating activities and events for kids is one of the best ways to boost member satisfaction and establish an enthusiastic youth presence, while readying…

Planning a culinary event incorporating local produce may center on vegetables—but in the case of the “Dinner on the Roof” event held by Blackhawk Country Club in Madison, Wis., the affair was anything but garden-variety. The menu for Blackhawk CC’s dinner featured locally grown produce, and all but the steaks were prepared “sul tetto” (on…

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, Tenn., less is now proving to be much, much more. Wednesdays draw in members with a delicious pasta bar. Similarly, Fridays and Saturdays are—and have always been—popular a la carte dining nights. This left Tuesdays and Thursdays with lower profit margins and less foot traffic…

Outside of high school cafeteria food fights, produce rarely goes airborne, much less in a club atmosphere. But The Ivanhoe (Ill.) Club turned a dash of chaos into a family-oriented lesson in composting and recycling at its first Pitch the Pumpkin event. It all started with a very large pumpkin. One element of the club’s…

Palatial spas have become a hallmark of high-end resorts—but clubs of all shapes and sizes can learn a design tip or two from these luxurious wellness centers. By Pamela Brill, Contributing Editor What golfer couldn’t benefit from a post-links massage, or a weary traveler from a rejuvenating yoga session? In-house spas and treatment rooms have…

[Food & Beverage] Scratch-Made Flavor Product: McCain® Fresh-Style Fries Features: Cut from whole russet potatoes. Delivers the fresh potato taste and authentic hand-cut quality that customers are looking for, in response to consumer demand for “natural” and “made-from-scratch” foods. Eliminates the waste and inconsistency of prepping fries from scratch. Allows operators to choose from a…

[Golf Course Supplies] Waving the Flag Product: Standard Golf Event Flags Features: Revolutionary, state-of-the-art dye sublimation process. Produces vibrant colors using photo-quality digital reproduction. Just $13.33 per flag and no set-up charges if you qualify. Every flag can be customized at no additional cost (minimum orders of 9) Perfect for events, member-guests, and corporate outings.…

Make Events Special Product: Event Flags Features: Rich, full-color, photo-quality reproduction at $13.33 per flag. Cloth tube design lays flat; ideal for framing. Available on white polyester only. Limited 30-day warranty. Every flag can be customized at no additional cost (minimum order of nine). Perfect for club events, weekly golf leagues, member-guest golf outings and…

Legendary golfers and prestigious events are integral to the history of Portland Golf Club, which is gearing up for its 100th anniversary—and a course-and-grounds team, led by a superintendent who is well-schooled in tradition, is properly preserving the past while preparing for new chapters to come. By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor The list of legendary…

Hard work is said to be its own reward—and earlier this year for Michael A. Chase, Jr., CCM, that’s exactly what it had to be. As the 2012 Rising Star recipient for  the Excellence in Club Management (ECM) Awards co-sponsored by the McMahon Group and Club & Resort Business, Chase, Clubhouse Manager of The Loxahatchee…

Despite a snowstorm that was severe enough to cancel hundreds of flights into the usually weather-proof Denver International Airport, over 200 executive chefs, general managers and other industry food-and-beverage leaders from 37 states and Canada made their way to Colorado for Club & Resort Business’ Fifth Annual Chef to Chef Conference, held March 10-12 at…

Center Club’s thoughtful tabletop décor showcases attention to the finest detail. By Diana Mirel, Contributing Editor The design inspiration for the clubhouse renovation at Center Club, a ClubCorp property in Costa Mesa, Calif., was found just around the corner at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The clubhouse décor revolves around a musical theme, which…

Back-to-back shows in San Diego gave course superintendents and club managers ample opportunity to peruse this year’s displays of productivity-enhancing and revenue-producing products. A C&RB Staff Report The weather was unseasonably cool, to the point where local Southern Californians could be seen on the street in full overreaction gear, complete with mittens, ski hats and…