I remember setting up a temporary office in what was to become the golf shop. I met so many new people who were curious about our plans. Today many of those people I consider close friends. Our team developed a plan for the golf course similar to the old adage of “how to eat an elephant.” We have such wonderful leaders and knowledgeable professionals who built a menu for that “elephant” and here we are on January 6th with a much clearer vision of what’s to come. Another old adage comes to mind when it comes to setting timelines for a project of this magnitude, “Men plan—God laughs.”
As we sit here today, we’re looking into the proverbial crystal ball for delivery schedules and checking weather predictions everywhere from the “Farmer’s Almanac” to NASA in order to zero in on a plan that is becoming more clearly defined each week. As we read those tea leaves, we feel that our timetable for a soft opening of the golf course will be anywhere from Mid-March to Mid-April, weather dependent. Our renovation team for the clubhouse will be back on-site next week after their holiday break and we’ll have a better idea on the opening of the clubhouse for dining. Based on where we are currently and what we wish to accomplish prior to opening the clubhouse, we are focused on a Mid-February to early March timetable. A major element of that plan is the delivery of indoor dining room furniture and our new kitchen equipment. We have received our outdoor dining furniture so we can check that box as completed. Once we get through these final stages of golf course construction and clubhouse work, we’ll announce a date for a Grand Opening later in the spring.
The message is this—if you are considering joining Cat Island Club or upgrading your membership, now is a really good time to make that decision. We instituted a program last month that remains in place through this month where we have a special financing option for Full Family Golf Memberships. Plus, with the opening of the clubhouse soon and the golf course not long after that, the current Initiation Fees are expected to increase. So, if you wish to discuss the options that we have for membership, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the club. My office number is 843-524-2000.
Last week, we had an awesome New Year’s Day celebration at the Cabana Bar with a full house of members enjoying a traditional Southern New Year’s day menu. I am not one to take chances on fate, so I even made it a point to try the Hoppin Johns for luck and prosperity. I’m just looking for a few putts to fall and perhaps a favorable bounce or two on the golf course.
Speaking of the golf course, our Golf Course Superintendent, Ben McNair wants to remind everyone that the golf course is off-limits to everyone (and their four legged friends) when frost is present this time of year. Walking on the turf in frosty conditions kills the plants with each footstep. So please, use the roads in the community for your morning exercise to ensure our golf course is in the best possible condition when we are ready to play.
Don’t forget to stop out at the Cabana. We continue to host Happy Hours each Thursday and Friday with lunch and dinner specials each weekend. Soon, the weather conditions will no longer be a factor as we’ll be enjoying a view of the 18th green and a magnificent Live Oak, adorned with Resurrection Ferns. Just looking into the near future of 2023. I can’t wait to reflect on the memories of opening this wonderful club next year!
Have a great week everyone and stay safe and warm.
With warmest regards,
Tim Mervosh
General Manager