I have mentioned in previous notes that, here on Cat Island, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for warm nights to heat up the ground temperature. This will kick our Bermuda grass into gear. This past week, we’re seeing some very positive changes from dormant to active in many areas. We really need “sustained” warm weather before we get too excited, but these past several days have certainly gotten our attention. Again, Spring is indeed around the corner…and with Spring comes golf at Cat Island Club.

Please understand, that Cat Island Club is more than just a golf course. Sure, we have a spectacular pool complex where our members will relax and enjoy the warm weather. We also will have a fantastic restaurant that will also be available to members to compliment the Cabana Grill. Here you will be able to enjoy a quiet dinner with a few friends in our private wine room or outdoor dining on the magnificent Live Oak patio which overlooks the 18th green. The bar area will be a great place to spend time with your fellow members while watching a game or enjoying a special cocktail or pizza after a long day of relaxing.

Cat Island Club is also more than a private club for our members. We’re also members of the Beaufort Community. We wish to play a significant role in developing junior golfers in our town by hosting events where the community grows together and helping various charitable organizations in our area raise awareness and funds for their causes. It’s critically important to us to be a positive member of the Beaufort Community. We have already contracted with a few organizations to host charity golf events, and even some weekly and monthly breakfast meetings. Tomorrow Cat Island will be the host site for the Race 4 Love 5K run and 3K walk that raises awareness and much-needed dollars for the Hopeful Horizons organization. Please check their webpage at www.race4love.com for more details. We are expecting over 200 athletes and volunteers at the event tomorrow morning; weather permitting.

The forecast for Sunday is looking better and our Super Bowl pre-game party will be a nice warm-up to the big game later that evening. Stop by the Cabana from 3:00 until 5:00 for great drink specials, wings, burgers, nachos, and chili dogs all made to order. Whether you are pulling for the Eagles or the Chiefs, wear your favorite NFL colors to join the festivities. We also have live music from the world-renowned, Mark Turner! You don’t want to miss this special pre-game performance that will make you forget the game’s halftime show. We’re so pleased and proud to have Mark play at our party!

This week on the golf course our team continues to enhance the natural beauty of the property. We decided to remove the steps to the Championship tee on #16. They looked out to place in that setting, so now there is a more ecological pathway to the tee box through the native grasses on that tee. Ben is also rebuilding a waste bunker to the left of the landing area on hole number 3. We’ve opened up some vistas that showcase the spectacular oaks. By adding that waste area the blend of the manicured fairway to the wild spaces of the oak forest is much more appealing.

This winter has been about weed control and keeping the Bermuda fairways fed and healthy in preparation for the warm weather forthcoming. Ben’s team has also been slowly lowering the heights on the putting surfaces over the past few days and weeks. Within the next three to four weeks, we’ll be adding sod to many areas around the golf course that need some extra love and additional healing. The warmer weather will ensure that sod takes root quickly and before you know it, we’ll be playing golf!

I’ve promised so many of you that I’ll alert you prior to any increases in membership fees. Please call my office at 843-524-2000 or send me an email at tmervosh@resortdevpartners.com for the most up-to-date plans on membership fees as we get closer and closer to opening.

Have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend and hold the one you love close on Valentine’s Day—and every day! As always, stay safe and I’m looking forward to hearing from many of you soon.

With warmest regards,
Tim Mervosh
General Manager