Rub of the Green: The Secret Ingredient

In the six years I have been employed at Elcona Country Club, I am continually amazed at what makes this club such a special place. It would be easy for me to say that the reputation that the club possesses throughout the region is what makes it special, but is that the only reason? Is it the golf course, pro shop, dining facilities, pool and membership that make it special? The short answer is yes, but there is also something else. Something that most of you will never get a chance to see.

I have never been employed by a club that has had such camaraderie among the staff. To me, this is the link that helps us provide you, the member, with a club that can be enjoyed with every visit. This probably comes as a surprise to many of you, but not to the staff. Much of what adds to the value of your membership and to the cohesiveness of the departments happens out of your view.

Allow me to give you an example. For the last 4-5 years, after the Member Holiday Party, Angie Pippinger and her cohorts from the wait staff have cleverly rearranged the holiday decorations in a predetermined area of the club with a chosen theme. For Horticulturist / Holiday Decorator, Greg Stump or myself, there isn't anything we can do about it. We know precisely when it is going to happen and we look forward to it. We just don't know what to expect. This year was no different. Below you will see some photos of the handy work that Angie and Jill came up with for the lobby display. Call me crazy, but little things like this, even though nobody will ever see it in person, are what help keep all of us going at the end of a long year when our schedules continue to remain busy here at the club. I hope you enjoy the photos and this little peek 'behind the scenes' of what I feel helps to make Elcona such a special place. Have a wonderful New Year.

Click photos for a larger view