Earlier this week, we made a key hire for our Head Golf Professional. I am so pleased and honored to announce that Mr. Keith Maher will be leading the golf operation at Cat Island Club. Originally from Manahawkin, New Jersey, Keith graduated from the Campbell University Professional Golf Management program in 2005. He completed his final internship during the 2004 U.S. Amateur at the Winged Foot Golf Club (New York). In 2005 Keith was promoted to assistant professional and worked during the 2006 U.S. Open at The Winged Foot Golf Club. His resume also includes employment at Somerset Hills Country Club, White Beeches Golf & Country Club, and Edgewood Country Club. Keith has worked at many upscale private facilities and is committed to building a successful world-class, customer focused operation that utilizes superior service and innovative program development for Men, Ladies, and Junior golfers. Keith joins the Cat Island Club with 17 years of experience as a PGA golf professional. For the past three years Keith had worked as the Head Golf Professional at Greenville Golf & Country Club in Greenville, Mississippi.
Keith is married to the love of his life, Heart, who is originally from Thailand and is an accomplished Yoga instructor. The Maher’s will be moving to the Lowcountry over the next few weeks and Keith should be on board before the end of the month. I’m so pleased to bring Keith to this team as his knowledge, professionalism and charisma will fit perfectly into the culture of the Cat Island Club team. We’ll be hosting a “Meet the Pro” night at the Cabana bar when the time is right in his schedule. Look for those details in upcoming weekly updates.
Speaking of parties, we’re hosting a member party at the Cabana tomorrow night with Live Music and Wings. Mark Turner will be providing the entertainment and we’ll have a variety of wings with Happy Hour pricing at the Cabana Bar! The party starts at 4:00 and will wrap around 7:00. No reservations are required. I’m confident that the talent scouts from Nashville will be in attendance as they try to lure Mark off of Cat Island!
Tomorrow is also our first Cat Island Club Ladies’ clinic on the range. We’re sold out for this first clinic, which is a great reason to do more. We’re serving Mimosas after the clinic which is another great reason to sign up! I’ll be teaching the clinics starting at 9:00 on Saturday morning and soon, I’ll pass the baton back to Keith to continue the clinics for our ladies—and juniors as well.
I’ve been discussing ‘soft opening’ during April for a few weeks. As we get closer and closer to April, the picture becomes more clear as the dust continues to settle. Once we get to a point where we feel the golf course will be enjoyable to play by members, we’ll make the announcement. The available days and tee times will be limited initially. As days turn to weeks, the days and times will increase until we get to Memorial Day weekend where we will celebrate our Grand Opening as we also honor the heroes of Memorial Day. The clubhouse opening will mirror the golf course times and availability. So, we’ll go from a very limited lunch option in our turn room and then grow to happy hours and such as equipment arrives. Then by Memorial Day, we’ll be serving lunch and dinner to members and their guests six days a week.
On the golf course, the focus now has shifted from project work to “preparing to open” duties. Instead of replanting native grasses and working on lake banks, our team will be cutting down fairways and greens to get them prepared for play. Bunkers are taking shape as we clean up the edges and add sand to fairway bunkers as needed. We’re also getting areas ready for sod and sprigs to fill in any weak areas. Sprigging around green surfaces will keep the areas firm which will result in better playing conditions after opening.
As a reminder, the Initiation Fee will increase on March 10th. Our membership is growing at a steady (rapid) pace as we get closer to the opening of the club. Once we open for play and dining, the Initiation Fee will continue to increase as members join. So, there is no better time than today to join the Cat Island Club. Feel free to contact me at tmervosh@resortdevpartners.com or in my office at 843-524-2000 for more information.
So, now that March Madness is upon us, it takes on a slightly different meaning this year. Each day is a giant leap forward and the pressure is on to prepare for our members just like advancing in the tournament; each day, the challenges increase, and the pressure intensifies. I’ve never been one to let pressure get the best of me. I am always looking forward to sprinting to the finish line. I haven’t been this excited since my beloved Blue Devils won the National Championship a few short years ago during March Madness! (I can’t wait to see the emails that that comment generates!).
Have a great week friends, and don’t let a little pollen keep you inside during such beautiful weather. The range is open, and you need to be ready as well.
With warmest regards,
Tim Mervosh
General Manager