While we’re at it, let’s define a soft opening for the golf course. First, it will be limited times and limited days. Second, it will be a day-to-day decision on when the first peg is in the ground and balls are in the air. Our team has been meeting each day and will continue to do so as we evaluate the golf course. Once we make the decision, we’ll give our members a few days’ notice to prepare and book tee times.

So, in other words, the soft opening will be a chance for members to “peak behind the curtain”. As we’ve all been patiently waiting and, now that we’re in the middle of “the tradition like no other” and next week’s RBC Heritage in Beaufort County, golf is on everyone’s radar. As a result, our members and our team are all anxious to get started.

Also note, the soft opening is just the first “exhibition season” for us. It’s by no means the “regular season” and far from the “play-offs.” This is simply the first step in the journey and we’re here to enjoy the ride. It will give all a chance to learn, grow and produce the best results as we experience any kinks and needed adjustments along the way. We won’t be posting scores or hosting events; it is just getting out on the track for some fun and dreams about future strategies.

As for the clubhouse, now that we have our management team in place, we are only waiting on kitchen equipment. I say only, like that’s a little thing. It’s the most critical element to our clubhouse operations. It includes not only the actual kitchen equipment, but a new fatigue minimizing commercial floor and an outdoor walk-in refrigerator and freezer to save valuable kitchen space. Our new kitchen will be completed with state-of -the-art equipment as nothing from the former kitchen remained behind. We are unfortunately at the mercy of the suppliers. I will keep everyone updated with schedules for the kitchen and, ultimately, the clubhouse plans for opening as they become more available. During the soft opening of the golf course, we will utilize the turn room for beverages and grab-and-go fare.

With the pending weather this weekend, we made the decision to host our Easter Egg hunt at the Clubhouse, where we’ll have plenty of eggs for the children and a few morning libations for the parents and grandparents. The hunt will begin at 11:00 AM and don’t forget to bring your Easter basket!

Our plans for Sunday at the Cabana have been adjusted. Again, the forecast does not look favorable for an outdoor event on Sunday. So plan on enjoying the “tradition like no other” from your most comfortable couch and let that inspire you to stop by the range next week and prepare for the soft opening. If the weather breaks, we will communicate plans on Clubster to members regarding the adjusted plans for the Cabana.

Our team, led by our Club Engineer, Bill St. Martin, installed the new flagpoles today that will welcome patriots—one and all—to the Cat Island Club. These majestic poles will hold the flags that were flown around the coast in F-35’s with Colonel Chris Brandt at the controls. It will be a very special day when those flags rise to the top of those poles to showcase our pride and gratitude for living in the greatest country in the world.

From all of us at Cat Island Club and RDP, we wish you and your families a blessed Holiday Weekend.

With warmest regards,
Tim Mervosh
General Manager