The Wyndham Championship Everything You Need to Know
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Summer 2015 McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE Outside the Gate Outdoor adventures in Uwharrie means the sky is the limit A Game Changer The man who impacted golf’s course The Wyndham Championship Everything you need to know 001_Cover Selection.indd 46 7/30/15 4:17 PM Contents Chatter Culinary Your feedback from social media 4 Sedgefield Executive Chef James “J.P.” Patterson on summer grilling 22 Member Notes What you’ve been up to 6 Bartender Cocktail A refreshing, fruity cocktail Footprints on the Green for the summer 26 Environmentally friendly “engineered” water is replacing Sign Me Up traditional cleansers and sanitizers 8 Notes from our junior club community 34 Club Profile Brook Valley’s restoration unearths Beyond Golf the club’s original splendor 10 For The Country Club of Asheville tennis program, the past, present, Map and future are bright 44 A guide to all of McConnell Golf’s properties 13 Member Business Directory 62 Features This magazine arrives Wyndham Championship 14 Super’s Corner 48 in conjunction with the 76th annual Wyndham Along the Trail 28 Championship, hosted Wilderness Package 52 August 17-23 at Sedgefield Country Club History 40 Fitness 58 in Greensboro, N.C. GILLOOLY JOHN PAGE: THIS PHOTO PHOTOGRAPHY; MICCICHE PHOTO: COVER 2_TOC.indd 2 7/27/15 9:57 PM August 17 - 23 ESCAPE TO THE WYNDHAM Get your tickets at wyndhamchampionship.com or, for McConnell Golf member badges and tickets, please contact Sedgefi eld Country Club at 336.299.5324. Proud Title Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Wyndham.indd 1 7/27/15 1:26 PM Letter from John McConnell MEMORABLE MOMENTS Wow, what a finish at the U.S. Open this year. Perhaps you, like me, are thinking of Dustin Johnson’s three putts to lose (unless you’re simply still in awe of Jordan Spieth’s brilliant 3-wood shot onto the 18th green to take the lead). We shouldn’t forget that Johnson hit the best drive of that day and also an unbelievable second shot under immense pressure — personally, I give him credit for hitting his first putt past the cup; I most likely would have snubbed my putter into the green while millions worldwide watched. Why do we seem to remember the failures more than the successes in golf, and in life? I think it’s how we prepare ourselves for the next challenge: We give ourselves an opportunity to come back from adversity. I’ll bet this close miss for Dustin Johnson will propel him to win a big tournament soon, rather than be the beginning of a downward trend in his golf game. After all, Americans love to pull for the underdog. I’ll be rooting hard for Johnson’s future success. Two years ago in the Wyndham Championship, Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth were tied at the end of regulation. Both young players were expected to have bright PGA futures. Selfishly, I was rooting for Spieth to win and add his name to the Sedgefield Country Club Wall of Champions alongside Hogan, Nelson, and Snead. But then, on the second playoff hole, Spieth hit a solid drive down the middle of the fairway and Reed pushed his drive to the Favorites of right, which appeared to go out of bounds. When I saw the agony on Reed’s face, his slumping John McConnell shoulders, and tears forming in the eyes of his wife (who was caddying for him that day), I shifted my allegiance. Countless times in many years of golf, I’ve felt that same feeling of Where did you learn failure while trying so hard to be a winner. to play golf and at what age? How many of you can also identify with Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson? When have you Abingdon high school golf let the pressure overwhelm your ability to hit a great shot? At that Wyndham Championship, team. Age 13 it turned out Reed’s golf ball was still in play; I remember being truly thankful that he still had a slim chance to win. Most of us remember what happened next: Reed hit the shot of his life, Dream foursome making a birdie to win his first PGA title. Tom Morris, Donald Ross, For his part, despite the difficult Wyndham loss two years ago, Spieth has clearly gone Pete Dye — and me on to build a successful career at a young age. I wonder if he remembers that Sunday at Sedgefield, and if it helped make him a better future competitor. Favorite golf club Life always brings challenges — sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. I’ve played Putter golf for so many years because lessons learned on the course apply so well to life. As I write Favorite vacation spot this, I’ve just finished playing in the Father’s Day father-child tournament at Raleigh Country Telluride Club with my three sons. As we walked up on the green of hole 9, we remembered a specific memory with my late son, John Jr. Favorite activity Intensely competitive, John Jr. never could beat me on the golf course. Once, on that same with your family hole 9 of Raleigh Country Club, we were tied for the match: His ball was 10 feet from the hole (other than golf) and mine was 10 yards short of it. I remember asking him if he’d like to just call it a tie. Smiling, Skiing he replied, “No Dad, I finally have you.” I proceeded to chip in for a birdie and he two-putted to lose the match, much to his dismay. Recalling that match on Father’s Day, though, wasn’t about Favorite song A tie between Amazing who won or lost; it was about the time spent together. I like to think John Jr. was smiling while Grace played by a Scottish we reminisced, too. We all treasure the memories created on the golf course. This summer, bagpiper and the Va. Tech focus on the memories. I hope they’re great. fight song, Tech Triumph Sincerely, When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Banker or lawyer John McConnell CEO & Founder 2 McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE COASTAL LUXURY from the COURSE to the COAST Your coastal resort dream home is at Grande Dunes. With homesites from the mid $150’s, villas from the low $300’s and custom homes from the upper $400’s, this breathtaking community has it all. Add in the exclusive, Nick Price-designed Members Course and the stunning Ocean Club, and your luxurious coastal resort lifestyle is complete. Unique and elegant, Grande Dunes features championship golf, tennis, fitness, a marina, superb dining and private beach access, all located within the heart of Myrtle Beach. Discover coastal luxury - discover Grande Dunes. MODEL HOME TOURS AVAILABLE DAILY • SALES AND INFORMATION CENTER OPEN DAILY 843-692-2323 • G RANDED UNES.COM PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY | WORLD-CLASS GOLF, BEACH CLUB, MARINA | EXCITING LOCATION HOMESITES from the mid $150’s | VILLAS from the low $300’s | CUSTOM HOMES from the upper $400’s Prices, plans, products and availability are subject to change without notice. Use of recreational facilities and amenities may require separate club membership. Models and lifestyles depicted in photographs are representative and do not reflect any racial or lifestyle preference. © 2015 Grande Dunes Properties. All rights reserved. Grand Dunes.indd 1 7/27/15 1:27 PM With over 50 years of combined experience in home building and remodeling, and as this area’s exclusive member of Southern Chatter Living’s prestigious Member/Builder program, Classic has built over 800 homes in the Carolinas. In addition, they have handled remodels that have included kitchens, baths, and outdoor living areas. mcconnellgolf.com Whether you are building or remodeling, choose the team that will work with you Chief Executive Offi cer from concept through completion to make and Founder your home uniquely your own. John McConnell Chief Operating Offi cer Christian Anastasiadis PLUGGED IN Marketing and Member Relations Director Lauren Barry 524 Broadway, Myrtle Beach • (843) 839-0537 Website Services and WHETHER YOU ARE ENJOYING A ROUND OF GOLF AT ClassicHomeBuilding.com • Communication Manager your home club or visiting one of your 10 sister properties, it’s Kasey Olive never been easier to stay connected to McConnell Golf! Share your member stories through our social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Classic Home Bld..indd 1 7/27/15 1:50 PM Published by PACE COMMUNICATIONS 1301 Carolina St, Greensboro, NC 27401 paceco.com 336.378.6065 Publisher Steve Mitchem [email protected] Editor Jessie Ammons Copy Editor Lance Elko Hashtag Locator #CCAsheville Art Director #BrookValleyCC Erin Lucas #RaleighCC #TreyburnCC Account Manager #TheReserveGC Alyssa Gatto #MusgroveMill Vice President of #TPCWakefi eldPlantation Production #Sedgefi eldCC James A. DeCata #OldNorthStateClub #McConnellGolf Production Manager Sharon Linder PHOTOGRAPHY FISHERS RICK PHOTOGRAPHY; MICCICHE Starnes rev.indd 1 7/27/15 2:01 PM 04_Social option 2.indd 4 7/27/15 10:08 PM With over 50 years of combined experience in home building and remodeling, and as this area’s exclusive member of Southern Living’s prestigious Member/Builder program, Classic has built over 800 homes in the Carolinas. In addition, they have handled remodels that have included kitchens, baths, and outdoor living areas. Whether you are building or remodeling, choose the team that will work with you from concept through completion to make your home uniquely your own. 524 Broadway, Myrtle Beach • (843) 839-0537 ClassicHomeBuilding.com • Classic Home Bld..indd 1 7/27/15 1:50 PM www.mcconnellgolf.com | Summer 2015 5 Starnes rev.indd 1 7/27/15 2:01 PM 04_Social option 2.indd 5 7/27/15 10:08 PM Member Notes 1 4 6 8 FACES OF THE CLUB McConnell Golf is made up of exceptional members with engaging stories, victories, and achievements 10 6 McConnell Golf THE MAGAZINE 6-9_Member Notes.indd 6 7/27/15 10:10 PM 1.Sedgefield Country Club’s 6.