Members share tales from the road.
BEST CLUB MEMORY
I have played golf at clubs from Florida to Massachusetts to California, but most memorable was the Paris International Golf Club. We visited Paris in 2001 and thought this looked interesting in our Private Clubs magazine. We made our reservation and took the train from Paris to the small village of Baillet-en-France. Getting off the train, we called for a taxi and learned it would be an hour or more wait, so we went to Plan B and called the club. A quick answer was: “We will come to the station to get you.” After arriving at the club, we inquired about the position of our driver, who responded, “I am the club manager.” Upon dropping us off, he advised us to contact him after our round, and he would give us a guided tour of the facility before driving us back to the train station. The pro shop had our reservation and directed us to our golf cart upon which rested a beautiful set of Callaway clubs as our rental. After a delightful round, we contacted the manager, got our tour, a return ride to the train, and a parting comment: “If you need anything in Paris, just call.” As I said, we have used our Associate Club benefits many times, but this was the best of many club memories.
Robert C. Wagner
Member, Spring Valley Lake Country Club
Victorville, California
CALIFORNIA FUN
We have just returned from the 2007 Acura ClubCorp Couples Championship held at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California.
We had a blast and are a true testament that you don’t have to be low-handicappers to play in this fun event. Since the event is flighted into three distinct groups, couples of all handicaps can enjoy the play days and play with couples of like handicaps. Just in our two years of playing in the event, we have met so many nice couples and look forward to many more friendships.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
TR and Beth Ross
Members, Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Austin, Texas
MEMBER CONFESSIONS
Am I going through a mid-life crisis? I don’t know, but recently I decided to take the long way home from California. I was in San Diego for a company conference and rather than take the “easy” way of flying back to Virginia, I decided to do something that I haven’t done — drive. Now this might seem strange for a man who’s approaching the backside of 40, but some people want to climb Mt. Everest or hike the Grand Canyon or jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Me? I want to navigate from one end of the country to the other.
Signature Gold benefits make this kind of travel very appealing. The trip can be measured by the dining and golf opportunities. I travel a lot for business and definitely use my Signature Gold Unlimited benefits. Just a few examples in the last six months: Philadelphia (Pyramid Club), Kansas City (Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate), Nashville (Nashville City Club and Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club), Cincinnati (Bankers Club), and Vail (Aspen Glen Club). It’s nice to know that wherever I go, Signature Gold is with me to give me the creature comforts of my home club, Greenbrier Country Club, in Virginia.
My journey really started the night before I left San Diego, when I dined at the University Club Atop Symphony Towers (there’s a great view of downtown San Diego). If you’re ever at the club, try the Seafood Martini with crab, lobster, and prawns in a tomato cognac cocktail sauce.
The next day, I got up early to start my journey. I stopped, however, to play 18 at Morgan Run Resort & Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California. (The new spa they’re building will be great). After golf, I followed Interstate 8 along the Mexican border, and, after crossing into Arizona, I connected to Interstate 10. The next evening, I made it to San Antonio and the Plaza Club atop Frost Bank Tower for my Signature Gold dinner. (The Lamb Wellington was excellent.) The next day, I drove up Interstate 35 to Interstate 20 for my “stretch run” to the east coast. That evening, I dined at University Club of Caddo Parish in Shreveport, Louisiana. (Try the Oysters Bienville.) The next day, I traveled along Interstate 20. As I approached Atlanta, I couldn’t resist the Buckhead Club. There’s a great view of this upscale area from the 18th floor of the Atlanta Financial Center.
After three days of travel, I had a new appreciation for travel by open road. My concept of time and distance had changed. So at 4 in the afternoon, I wasn’t thinking of stopping at a hotel. I did the travel math in my head, as a truck driver would — thinking another 600 miles until I’d be home? That’s only nine hours of travel time. Interstate 20 to Interstate 95 to Route 58 east to Interstate 264 to Route 17, then Route 60, and I was home again in Virginia Beach.
So I traveled 2,500 miles and visited five clubs where I enjoyed my complimentary Signature Gold benefit. Using Signature Gold was a great way to create a first-class rest stop to re-energize. And the good news? I’ve already paid for my benefit in my monthly dues (not including cart fees, taxes, gratuity, and alcohol, of course) and billed to my master account at my home club.
So what’s next on my list of things to do? Next time, I’ll fly first class, not on a commercial flight, but on my new Signature Gold private jet service. Now that’s traveling! Stay tuned.
Rick Mayo
Member, Greenbrier Country Club
Norfolk, Virginia
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