Eleven months ago, I sat in what would become our Golf Shop and met with so many people who told me the stories of Cat Island. Each of them had a certain twinkle in their eyes when they told me tales of playing golf and enjoying this club in the past. I knew then that we were on to something very special.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve hosted a soft opening for members to get out and play the course while we continue our work to restore this George Cobb masterpiece. Today, we asked our members to invite their guests to enjoy the club as they have been and will continue to do for many years to come. This afternoon I had the privilege of meeting so many new golfers and listening to their stories of days gone by and the gratitude directed at our company for restoring this club. I saw more than a twinkle in some eyes today; I even saw a tear or two. This club had such a special place in the history of Beaufort, and we could not be prouder of the restoration that has been accomplished to date.
It’s an amazing feeling when you touch so many emotions of people who have had such great memories at this club in the past. To see their eyes as they relive those days is truly inspirational. Everyone who reads this weekly message knows that we are offering memberships at the Cat Island Club. Many of you have contacted me to inquire about the details of membership, while many have already joined the club. You and your families have been enjoying the benefits of membership for some time. That said, what I witnessed today truly made me realize just how much this club really means to so many more people.
Sure, I can write about our brand-new fatigue free floor that we installed in our kitchen—or even the new patio furniture that we placed on the Oak Patio for golfers to enjoy. But those things are not overly exciting (to most). Watching members with their guests today and reminiscing of “when the trees were a bit shorter” is WHY we re-built this club. Let’s face it, club membership is not a tangible asset; having the ability to call the golf shop, get out and play on a spectacular layout with your family and friends, is in fact…priceless. It’s about coming to a place where you truly belong, a place to call home where you will create more memories and share precious time with your friends and family. When people ask me what I do for a living, I simply say, “I’m in the fun business.” Note: business is good!
We’re going to have some real fun over Memorial Day weekend when we celebrate Golf’s Grand Opening. Everyone reading this letter and your friends and neighbors are all invited to the Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Friday, May 26th at noon. On Sunday, May 28th at 2:30 our hearts will be beating out of our chests with pride as we raise the flags over Cat Island Club with the help of some of our friends. This day will certainly stir your patriotism. More details about the weekend ceremonies are coming soon, but please circle those two days as everyone will be invited to those two events.
Upcoming Member events will include Brats & Brews at the Cabana Bar on Thursday the 18th! Chef Lucas will be grilling a delicious array of brats while Pawley’s Island Brewing Company serves up the libations. Campfire Tyler will be entertaining everyone present for this special night.
Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all the moms out there. We’re hosting a ladies trunk show and rose’ and bubbles at the clubhouse tomorrow from 2:00 until 5:00. We’ll have a complimentary craft station for the children as well.
One last item to address in this message is how proud we are of one of our own. When we hire staff at Cat Island Club, we demand that we hire people who have a warm heart and a smile to match. We’ve been so blessed with all of the people on our team who wear the Cat Island Club logo, but there is one individual who I’d like to recognize and congratulate. This person exemplifies the culture of Cat Island Club, and we could not be more proud of Nick Abrams. Nick is a sophomore at Beaufort Academy and this past week, Nick won the Core Value Award for Respect which is a school wide award presented to him by Cat Island Club members, Kristi Black and Maureen Butler, along with Headmaster Richards. Congratulations Nick and the entire Abrams family. The Club is a better place thanks to you!
So again, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms (and especially the mother of our children!). I hope you have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love. Maybe even spend some time at the Cat Island Club on your special day!
With warmest regards,
Tim Mervosh
General Manager