Dear Members and Guests,
In 1957, Robert Dedman Sr. essentially created the modern golf management industry and the company that I now proudly represent. Equally significant (at least to me), I was born in 1957.
What a difference 50 years makes. Ozzie and Harriet Nelson have become (yikes) Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle have morphed (double yikes) into Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire.
Fortunately, there have been a few constants. Americans still value community and a sense of place. Frankly, that is why ClubCorp exists. Our clubs and our great Employee Partners are here to provide you with a home away from home. As we celebrate our Golden Anniversary, nothing is more important for us to reinforce. We fervently want each of our clubs to be the place where “everyone knows your name,” where you feel special and appreciated.
Please let me know how we can improve in this area and examples of how we already are doing so.
Undoubtedly, the best part of my job is saying thanks to our Employee Partners for their exemplary service. Earlier this year, for the first time since 1985, we treated our general managers (and their spouses) to an awards celebration at our beautiful “sister” resort, La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California.
As I continue to travel around our network (52 out of 152 clubs visited as I write this in early March), I also cherish the opportunities to visit with our Board of Governors representatives, as well as our Members. With every club visit, my pride grows. (Note: In this issue of Private Clubs, we honor our Circle of Excellence winners.
Again, thank you and please let me know how we may better serve you.
With a fond farewell,
Eric Affeldt
President and CEO
ClubCorp
Photography by Quad/Photo Dallas