MEMBERABILIA: PERSONAL TOUCH
Members experience one-of-a-kind moments at clubs.

MORE ON FOURS
Driving the green on a par-4 [“Dream Drives,” January/February 2008] is something I never dreamed of and never expected to do at my age. I’m 77. But it did happen on the No. 14 hole (270 yards) of the Currituck Club on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Anyone who has played there knows the wind can be a friend and very often a foe — this fine April day it helped give me the thrill of a lifetime.

Because I wasn’t expecting to get there, I didn’t even think about doing it. That’s probably why I didn’t try extra hard and end up with the usual bad result. Putting was a different story. I really wanted that eagle, so I ran it past the hole about 10 feet and settled for par. Still a memorable occasion at a very fine ClubCorp location. My wife and I have a storehouse of good experiences gained from the use of our Signature Gold membership.

Dominick Demarco
Pinehurst Resort
Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

MAGIC MOMENT
“A Moment in Time” was the phrase written in chocolate around the rim of our dessert dish while dining recently at the Capital City Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. What an incredible “moment” it was! Our dining experience was absolutely perfect from start to finish. We were there to celebrate a most special event as our 25-year-old daughter, along with my wife and I, met her biological mother for the first time since being given up for adoption at birth.

Everyone was so gracious and sensitive in their participation in making this occasion the most memorable evening for all of us. The private events director arranged for us to have our own beautiful private dining room overlooking the city. Her attention to detail was superb and much appreciated. We were afforded all the privacy necessary in a lovely, comfortable setting. Our waitress was especially sensitive to our every need and desire, including giving us the time and privacy needed for quiet conversation, as well as a few tears. The food prepared by the chef and his staff was outstanding in every way. The dining room manager kept a watchful eye from afar just to be certain all was going well and that our every need was met. What a fabulous staff of professional people!

The Capital City Club definitely went above and beyond in making this occasion an unforgettable one for our family. We extend a big thank you to all of them and to ClubCorp for affording us the opportunity to have such a grand evening.

Name Withheld
Member, Woodside Plantation Country Club
Aiken, South Carolina

AT YOUR SERVICE
I have been a member since 1987. Since that time, I have experienced various levels of service and professionalism at the many ClubCorp clubs I have visited. Recently, I invited two guests from a nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature Course to Canyon Crest. When we made the turn after the 9th hole, we stopped to get some refreshments at the snack bar. Unfortunately, it was closed (about 1 p.m.).

Steve Bossard, assistant pro, was giving a lesson on the range. He noticed that we were unable to get refreshments and offered to request some from the clubhouse and have them sent out to us. My guests and I were very pleased by Steve’s thoughtfulness and problem-solving attention. My guest remarked that this would have never happened at his club. He also said that Steve obviously understands that he is in a service business and who’s the customer. It had been more than nine months since I had played golf at Canyon Crest, and this is the kind of service Steve provides to an infrequent member. I can only imagine what the regular members receive.

Scott Gardiner
Member, Canyon Crest Country Club
Riverside, California

BEIJING SHIMMERS
Five couples from our club, plus a guest couple, recently traveled to the Far East with our starting point in Beijing. I arranged a dinner at the Capital Club for the whole group from long distance, with the club attaché orchestrating from the Capital Club.

They have a magnificent club in Beijing and the private dining room they arranged was just superb, with spectacular views. The food and drinks were outstanding and the waitstaff performed flawlessly. I must also recognize dining room manager Diana Zhou for her outstanding hospitality and for making the whole experience one we will not forget. The evening was a highlight of our nearly monthlong trip to Asia.

Ernie Squarzini
Member, Woodside Plantation Country Club
Aiken, South Carolina

WANTED: TRAVEL TIPS
Attention, Travelers. Private Clubs is looking for your best tip about life on the road (or in the air). Do you have a secret about getting through security lines or making connections at airports? Do you know how to book the best hotel value? Do you travel with golf clubs? Do you buy travel insurance? What do international shoppers need to know about the VAT refund? Do you have advice about using airline and hotel loyalty programs? Send your tip, along with your name, contact information, and home club to privateclubs@clubcorp.com or go to www.privateclubs.com and click on “Travel Tips” under Online Extras! on the home page.