MEMBERABILIA: On the Road Again 

 Readers write to share their experiences at Associate Clubs during their travels.

CHINA DELIGHT
My wife and I just returned home from an exciting trip to China and a cruise on the Yangtze River. During our stay in Beijing we decided to try the Capital Club for dinner. Friends joined us for a truly delightful night. The club is on the 50th floor in the center of the city and has a spectacular view.

The food was delicious and was beautifully prepared. A highlight for us was meeting Terrence Theberge, the executive chef. He made us feel very welcome and was especially friendly. His knowledge of China was useful and appreciated. It is a great club.
John J. McDonnell, Ph.D.
Member, Metropolitan Club
Chicago, Illinois

HAPPY GOLFER
I recently returned from a trip to Southern California to visit my son. While there I decided to play golf at a ClubCorp club. The people and golf course at Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge, California, were terrific. A local member played with us and helped make our day a wonderful event.

Everyone we met made us feel that we were truly members of Porter Valley. I will definitely visit again.
Steve Saux
Member, Hunter’s Green Country Club
Tampa, Florida

COFFEE AND TEE
Once again I was reminded ClubCorp has some of the greatest employee partners in the service industry. During a recent visit to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, my wife and I took the opportunity to play the Melrose Course on Daufuskie Island Club & Resort.

On the boat ride to Daufuskie, a young woman was standing behind the coffee bar. As I approached the bar, I was thinking, “This is really service; ClubCorp even has staff onboard the boat.” I requested coffee for our group and the woman asked if I would like her to bring it to our table. I replied in the negative and returned to my seat with the coffee.

Later in the morning at the hotel I was introduced to Colleen Cummins, membership sales manager for Daufuskie Island Club. Colleen was the “server” from the boat. My wife said I was finally at a loss for words.

Thanks, Colleen, you made my wife’s day, and the Melrose Course — with the fantastic finishing hole along the inland waterway — made my day.
Jim Carr
Member, Spring Valley Lake Country Club
Victorville, California

SURPRISE PACKAGE
As a surprise for my husband on our anniversary, I planned a trip to Daufuskie Island Club & Resort in South Carolina. Laura Catanese handled all the arrangements, making sure my anniversary surprise was extra special. When we arrived, my husband was greeted with “Happy Anniversary, Colonel Norrell.” Laura booked us on a tour of the island; and a wonderful tray of cheese and crackers, along with my husband’s favorite wine, waited for us after our tour.

The food in the Stoddard Room in the Inn and the food in Jack’s Place Grill in the clubhouse was fabulous. Our room had a breathtaking view of the ocean and every person on staff gave us the most pleasant attention.

I told my husband to take his golf clubs, but having no idea where we were going, he didn’t. When we go again, and we will, his most momentous decision of the day will be deciding whether to play golf on the award-winning Melrose Course designed by Jack Nicklaus along the oceanside or the low-country masterpiece at Bloody Point, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. Knowing my husband, after seeing the courses, he’ll play both.
Vannah W. Norrell
Member, Capital City Club
Montgomery, Alabama

FEEDBACK
New Year’s Eve 1999
Y2K and, more specifically, New Year’s Eve 1999 seem to be on everyone’s mind. Tell us about your plans. Send your comments to the address listed below. Please include your name, address, and club.

Your reactions to the magazine and the Associate Clubs are important to us. So please send a note to The Editor, Private Clubs Magazine, 3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75234. Fax us at 972-888-7338. Or send e-mail to privateclubs@clubcorp.com. And don’t forget to check out our new website, Private Clubs Online, at www.privateclubs.com. We want to stay in touch!