With his foresight, Graffis helped advance the game in numerous ways, from founding the National Golf Foundation and the Club Managers Association of America to his work advocating on behalf of superintendents and elevating their profile. Alan was totally upfront with us about this, and we frankly viewed it as an opportunity for him as a valued employee and for us as a club, Heller says. The home hole at the soon-to-be opened Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York, is a natural beauty, a par 5 that dips, rolls and rises atop a cliff overlooking Peconic Bay. <> If you find yourself in the deep rough, keep an eye on your ball as it'll be difficult to find in the fescue. But the benefits versus the costs didnt make it worthwhile, in my opinion, FitzGerald says. Whats more, he didnt buy Blinder Bunker International. Golf Courses, Sinking Spring, PA Photos by John Reitman As a kid in Ireland, Alan FitzGerald discovered more than 25 years ago that the best route to becoming a golf course superintendent would include going to the United States - at least for formal education. Page content. All these closures have naturally widened the circle of what wed consider our market. Your typical local, member-owned club is finding it harder and harder to survive. LedgeRock captures the essence of a classic, old style course by maintaining the scenic beauty and elegant rustic nature of the original landscape. 2 0 obj We built an entire putting course at Mt. Great layout that is very challenging. More surprising, perhaps, is his full-time employers belief in the venture. Im going through the U.S. citizenship process right now, FitzGerald says with a wry smile. Alan FitzGerald (Photo courtesy of Alan Fitzgerald). The events are fun for the kids because they are not highly-focused on golf skills. <>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Required fields are marked *. And he liked the product so much, he signed up to import Blinder Bunker in North America a unique arrangement, considering that once hed made that commitment, he stayed on as head superintendent at LedgeRock Golf Club, the property hes looked after since 2004. With 60 men in their Wednesday league, and frequent Nine and Dines and Couple events, Halvonik is successfully promoting their Food & Beverage services as part of these special events. The approach is sound. (Photo: Fernando Gaglianese). I think having to continuously resell the same dining experience is a tough challenge. endobj "The first year there was miserable, but then it became fun. "I just shake my head and say 'Don't ask. Something O'Hara said stuck with FitzGerald, who got the assistant's job at Pine Valley in 1998 on the recommendation of Dick Bator, before graduating to LedgeRock in 2004. Essentially, the base is compactable road stone, a solid, consistent surface that water runs along and does not penetrate, he says. That's when I decided I wanted to do this as a career. Coming from a place like Pine Valley, theres an expectation and hes fulfilled those expectations, because LedgeRock is as good as Pine Valley. Play is limited to members at this private facility. But we havent lost any either. I think we had 23 inches of rain that first July. O'Hara, the superintendent at Mount Juliet Golf in Kilkenny, learned the Jack Nicklaus way of greenkeeping under Mike McBride at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin . There are no tennis courts or swimming pools just its nationally ranked golf course and one of the Northeasts most expansive practice facilities. In short, private golf clubs should take care of their members wellbeing. The course plays through wooded and open areas with streams and ponds coming into play on several holes. Indeed, things didnt stabilize for FitzGerald and LedgeRock until about 2011. With those seven years of relative chaos behind them, the superintendent knew it was time to address two issues of primary importance: the clubs perennially contaminated bunkers and his pending dual citizenship. Located about 90 minutes from Philadelphia, in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, LedgeRock Golf Club is a private 18-hole facility with 340 members who enjoy exemplary golf and dining services. The par-4 17th is slated for renovation next year. Miller utilizes some of the best teaching technology on the market in his lessons and player development programming so members can improve their skills year-round and practice throughout the cold Pennsylvania winter. LedgeRock was designed by Rees Jones and captures the essence of a classic old style course with scenic beauty and original landscapes. All rights reserved. During the Great Recession, LedgeRock focused on a regional strategy to help broaden its membership base, though the course didnt stabilize until 2011. Like a car dealer, Kiam starred in his own commercials. Please complete the following information below so that we can contact you regarding membership. But I also do something called Fall Junior Team Golf, which Ive done presentations about during [Philadelphia PGA] Section meetings, Miller added. Its perhaps no surprise that FitzGerald believes in the Blinder product; on some level, every entrepreneurial venture requires that belief. Its a big investment no matter what product you choose, so its got to last. These are essential for both sides. And here I am 25 years later.". If you're planning to play four times a week, 52 times a year, then golf club membership is almost certainly worth it. The bunkers at LedgeRock couldnt wait that long. Blinders short answer was Yes. But leaving it there would gloss over and considerably shorten a pretty good, thoroughly trans-Atlantic story. The Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year Award is named in honor of Golfdoms founder, World Golf Hall of Fame member Herb Graffis. Wed fix everything after a storm and everything would just wash out again, FitzGerald says with a shrug. LedgeRock Golf Club has been crafted from 210 acres of pristine land from a former nursery, farm and estate, featuring open fields, ponds, elevation changes and wooded areas. As a kid in Ireland, Alan FitzGerald discovered more than 25 years ago that the best route to becoming a golf course superintendent would include going to the United States - at least for formal education. Our premier event of the year, The Rock Member Guest, was an absolute blast! Alan FitzGerald wasnt born until 1976 and grew up in Ireland, so he doesnt know Victor Kiam from Omar Khayyam. It also tends to build up the diverse, real-world experience that sets elite golf course superintendents apart. He finally considered greenkeeping as a career when at age 16 he got a job at Mount Juliet when his mother was named human resources manager there. He described Fall Junior Team Golf as a combination of Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Jr. League skills contests with a college football theme. As it is, he says, Id say 97 percent of my day is still centered on LedgeRock and day-to-day maintenance operations and the renovation we have going here. I think the world of Alan, he did a wonderful job here, says longtime Pine Valley GC Superintendent Rick Christian. The cost/benefit analysis I made back then is really the same analysis every superintendent must make today even 15 years later, with the development of so many additional technologies: fabric liners on their own, polymer-sprayed gravel, porous asphalt, concrete or Blinders flexible crumb-rubber/polymer mix. The big thing, obviously, is to be sure the club is on board. Inhindsight, meeting Dick Bator was huge for me. For the first few years, the maintenance staff did a great job removing the contaminants, but eventually it got to the point where the sand needed replacing, FitzGerald says. But after some 15 years of research, test bunkers and cost-benefit analyses, he believes hes found the best bunker liner system out there. Miller highlighted the special programs he offers, especially the junior golf opportunities. Golf Courses. days before the event. Ledgerock Golf Club Targets May Reopening For New Hole, Rees Jones Returning To Enhance Southeast Pennsylvania Course. LedgeRock GC opened for play in June 2007. With meeting space indoors and a spacious patio outdoors that overlooks the range, its a popular member gathering spot. "I had just returned from Ireland when I met him. In fact, his signature pitch line made him a minor celebrity: I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.. Your email address will not be published. When it comes to golf, members practice year-round on the indoor putting and chipping green. If we want to build a community in our private golf club and not just manage a private golf club then we have to help our members to build relationships with each other. Starting his 3rd season at LedgeRock, Halvonik highlighted the great support his membership provides the golf shop. Golf Courses, Reading, PA The Rees Jones design has top-to-bottom elevation changes of some 80 feet and severe slopes at every turn that make mowing a real-life adventure. All rights reserved. If you dont, it would get real awkward, real fast., Your email address will not be published. You'll discover it's more than just a golf lesson. Slopes are so severe that one hillside is named in honor of the Toro mowers used to keep it clipped. LedgeRock Golf Club opened in 2006 on 212 acres of terrain marked by striking elevation changes and riven by half a dozen roaring brooks. The Great Recession hit the following autumn, and private clubs started dropping like flies all over Pennsylvania and across the nation. . Welcome To Your Club Watch on Golf About Amenities Guest Information 4.4 The 18-hole "Ledgerock" course at the LedgeRock Golf Club facility in Mohnton, Pennsylvania features 7,191 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The bunkers here regularly washed from the time the sand went into them. Hybrid tees are also an option. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Even though the greens were just aerated last week, they still rolled pretty true and were very receptive to approach shots. Its about engaging the young kids, often between 6 and 13 years of age, in a fun and supportive environment. This is why I thought to bring a positive example of the LedgeRock Golf Club (in suburban Philadelphia: 15 minutes southwest of Reading). At the time, I was young, and I had no idea how huge it was. During construction here at LedgeRock, fabric liners were the only things on the market, really. LedgeRock Golf Club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania is flush with wide, sweeping views. Be it standard, regional or national, membership in LedgeRock Golf Club is offered by invitation only and remains subject to the board of managers approval. The LedgeRock Learning Center is located on the clubs practice range and offers heated indoor practice bays that open directly onto the range. Thats what I did with most of these companies selling the liner technologies, FitzGerald recalls. As Jones explains, There are a lot of sites for elevated tees and greens, and that means the course will have spectacular visibility. How will that work for you? We had that kind of relationship. And we pretty much refuse to compromise on quality, which justifies the long-term investment prospect, in our view. He called and told me I was hired," FitzGerald said. This naturally builds up the old rsum. LedgeRock provides a sanctuary for golfers of all ages and . But B-list clubs like their member-owned, equity brethren across the nation are fighting like the dickens to survive. While Jones doesnt recall that exact moment from 15 years ago, he does remember how easy it was and still is to work with the Irishman. Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists, Fantastic golf course. Estimates for the cost of membership at Augusta National cover quite a range, with Golf.com estimating a club initiation . Members kick back and watch golf or football, have a snack or even set up their home office, especially now that so many individuals are working from home. Smaller courses could be as little as $200 per month, while more prestigious clubs are much more. 1 Greenbriar Dr , Mohnton , , 19540-9307. FitzGerald arrived at LedgeRock during the tree-clearing process, and despite his in-house construction credentials, was not expecting to be involved in building LedgeRock. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . LedgeRock is a Golf Club owned by its Members. It allows me to bring in fresh product throughout the year knowing that its going to sell, he said. Registered previously? Where Miller handles most of the instruction, Halvonik, who does conduct a handful of lessons each season, facilitates the custom club fittings that serve as a catalyst to hard goods sales in the golf shop. Even though it is within tolerance, they never thought they would be used to mow anything like this.". Individual Golf Membership Monthly Dues $195.00 This membership includes unlimited Golf and Club Amenities, listed on page 2, for the They stayed with it, so thats what we did as well.. It was Aidan O'Hara who convinced FitzGerald of the importance of learning the turf management trade at an American turf school. National candidates for LedgeRock GC membership cannot live within 100 miles of the club. Community building is about relationship building. Final payment will be charged to the member account or can be paid by personal check no later than 14 days of the event. LedgeRock Golf Club | 549 followers on LinkedIn. Mt. Its not about thriving. 6 one day and asks me, Will you be able to mow that bank? The golf shop is open year-round and between Halvonik and his PGA Assistant Professional, Bill Kindoll, someone is always on duty to help members with their retail needs, or in the winter, to make sure the indoor hitting bays, located in the clubs Learning Center, are stocked with balls for member practice. %PDF-1.5 Thats due to the cost of the raw materials and that we install it. I recently spoke with Halvonik and Miller, and they were all too willing to share some stories from their club, as well as details of their golf shop, member events and Learning Center. Miller sends video recaps with color commentary to add to the kids (and their parents) experience. 4 0 obj The approach is sound. TUNKHANNOCK, PA | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at Shadowbrook Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Shadowbrook Golf Course. Your email address will not be published. "I did my two years of basic greenkeeping at Mount Juliet, then I got into the two-year program at Penn State," said FitzGerald. The most outstanding feature at Ledgerock is the dramatic topography. The golf course at LedgeRock GC was designed by architect Rees Jones. Golf Courses, Denver, PA 1 Greenbriar Dr. Mohnton, PA 19540-9307. (Photo: Larry Lambrecht), Eventually, Aidan said that if I was serious about getting into the profession, I should get a basic greenkeeping education, then attend university in the States. So, the standards were very high, and we did a lot of in-house construction: tees, nurseries, driving range, the shelling and shaping of bunkers. I had a much better year. "I spent the summer there, then went back to Penn State. That is as important today as growing grass., Jones notes FitzGeralds pedigree, but adds that having Pine Valley on ones rsum doesnt do any good unless that superintendent can deliver. "Most superintendents, when they come here, ask 'how do you do that?' Cost is a massive issue. lzu. Monthly Fees. Its FitzGeralds desire to keep LedgeRock looking pristine while also striving to make Blinder a success in the American market that has earned him the 2019 Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year Award, awarded annually for eight years by Golfdom. Like their member-owned, equity brethren across the nation golfers of all ages and and environment! And asks me, will you be able to mow that bank golf skills is full-time., Kiam starred in his own commercials FitzGerald says with a shrug that? much, I was young and. Fitzgerald says with a shrug the only things on the indoor putting and chipping green and offers heated practice. 1 Greenbriar Dr. Mohnton, Pennsylvania is flush with wide, sweeping views, Kiam starred in his own.., in my opinion, FitzGerald recalls and here I am 25 years later..... 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