Our biggest issue is cost: Weve done a lot to bring it down, but on a straight square-foot price, our product is 30 percent more expensive that most of our competitors. Alan FitzGerald (Photo courtesy of Alan Fitzgerald). Thats what the club gets out of it, and we see that as a pretty good deal., Most recently, Blinder outfitted all the bunkers at Skippack GC in Eastern Pennsylvania, but FitzGerald is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. In 2019, new tee locations were added on the par 3 10th hole allowing the hole to play from as many as six new angles and elevations. Larry Hirsh, the owner of Conshohocken, Pa.-based Golf Property Analysts says. It was a big moment," said FitzGerald. "Then coming to Penn State was a culture shock because I was 20, and I couldn't get into bars. <>>> The bunkers here regularly washed from the time the sand went into them. My standing joke has been, The members here have never played in brand-new bunkers.. That inquisitive nature is what led FitzGerald to Blinder, FitzGerald says. 2023 North Coast Media LLC, All Rights Reserved. During construction here at LedgeRock, fabric liners were the only things on the market, really. For instance, kids will have to run forty yards, make a two-foot putt and run back. It was a magnificent place to work. He's from Ireland, so I felt sorry for him. We have to do a lot more volume in order to make any real money. The course plays through wooded and open areas with streams and ponds coming into play on several holes. I dont see a reason why other superintendents couldnt swing the same sort of arrangement, if the right opportunity comes up. I was researching irrigation systems and setting up the shop when Rees calls me out to No. Input Score That debt burden is the reason so many clubs have, in the last decade, sold out to corporate management companies like ClubCorp (North Hills CC, Hartefeld National in Avondale) and Concert Golf Properties (White Manor in Malvern, Philmont in Huntingdon Valley). With brands like Peter Millar, Polo, Straight Down and Donald Ross, Halvonik ensures the highest quality in mens and womens apparel, and keeps the golf shop looking fresh and new by frequently updating displays and enhancing his visual merchandising efforts. Course acreage is simply worth way more as housing if the zoning allows it. But costs could climb above $1000 per month when you add in various fees such as storage and golf cart fees. He was that guy.". Miller gets jerseys made up with the LedgeRock logo AND the logo of the college football program represented by each team. days before the event. At the same time, the club would like to retain its members and acquire new ones. With his foresight, Graffis helped advance the game in numerous ways, from founding the National Golf Foundation and the Club Managers Association of America to his work advocating on behalf of superintendents and elevating their profile. And quite honestly, there are a lot of folks out there whose clubs are housing developments today. But we havent lost any either. His short game schools and womens practice club are very popular and he plans on implementing a create your own clinic program in 2021, allowing members to customize their own instruction. Golf Courses, Wernersville, PA It just gets done.' tennis courts, swimming pools, spa & wellness services, fitness, etc.). The transition to life in the United States was difficult at first, mostly due to cultural differences between the U.S. and Ireland, where no one much cares how old you are when ordering a beer. FitzGerald, 45, was seemingly destined for life as a golf course superintendent. I think having to continuously resell the same dining experience is a tough challenge. And he remains philosophical about how this outside business project plays into his natural ability to multitask a trait most superintendents develop early in their careers. Search for fun things to do in your area led by PGA Professionals. Wed fix everything after a storm and everything would just wash out again, FitzGerald says with a shrug. During the Great Recession, LedgeRock focused on a regional strategy to help broaden its membership base, though the course didnt stabilize until 2011. But were getting there.. LedgeRock Golf Club in Cumru Township, Pa. announced on March 26 that Zach Halvonik, a graduate of Wilson High School in West Lawn, Pa. outside of Reading, has . Whether you are interested in a premier golf experience, new friends, camaraderie, and an active social calendar of events, or simply an exceptional place to dine and entertain, we have the membership for you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Get started on your journey with a PGA Coach who specializes in your experience and needs. Hes been (at LedgeRock) since the beginning and theyre glad they hired him there.. Miller offers a variety of adult programming for members of all skill levels as well, helping them play better golf and increasing the enjoyment they derive from the game. The success of the LedgeRock Golf Club is really interesting as they only offer: As we can see the LedgeRock Golf Club is not offering those services that are available at the leading private golf clubs (e.g. <> In high-value communities, according to property appraiser and broker Larry Hirsh, the issue is real estate value. (Photo: Larry Lambrecht), I wasnt hired as any sort of construction superintendent. Registered previously? There are a lot of elevation changes that'll require correct calcuations or you will find yourself in trouble. The club management should enable the growth and deepening of the relationship among its members. While private clubs regionally and nationally struggle, LedgeRock is reinvesting. Individual Golf Membership Monthly Dues $195.00 This membership includes unlimited Golf and Club Amenities, listed on page 2, for the LedgeRock is a Golf Club owned by its Members. . 1 track on the planet. I was of age and able to enjoy college life more.". TUNKHANNOCK, PA | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at Shadowbrook Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Shadowbrook Golf Course. Essentially, the base is compactable road stone, a solid, consistent surface that water runs along and does not penetrate, he says. LedgeRock employs three PGA Professionals, including PGA Head Professional, Zach Halvonik and PGA Director of Instruction, Andy Miller, a 2020 GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional. Weve had people switch clubs to take advantage of our junior golf program or join LedgeRock in addition to their original club, Miller mentioned. Alan was totally upfront with us about this, and we frankly viewed it as an opportunity for him as a valued employee and for us as a club, Heller says. WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Kingsmill Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Kingsmill Resort - Plantation & River Courses. endobj Loch Lomond in Scotland where Penn State grad Ken Siems was superintendent, was deemed the perfect fit. The more rugged the property is, the more spectacular the possibilities for the final product. stream "I had just returned from Ireland when I met him. But the benefits versus the costs didnt make it worthwhile, in my opinion, FitzGerald says. Indeed, it is a hidden gem among the many fine courses in southeastern Pennsylvania. Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists. In fact, his signature pitch line made him a minor celebrity: I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.. In that sense, the interaction was just the same: Can you send me a sample? LedgeRock Golf Club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania is flush with wide, sweeping views. He was 20 years old when he arrived in State College, his first trip to the United States. Jake Straub, who first met FitzGerald at Penn State the day he walked off the airplane from Ireland, says that the reason FitzGerald has been so successful is because he is always asking, Why?, He didnt just want an answer, recalls Straub, now working for Performance Nutrition on the companys agriculture side. LEESBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Lansdowne Resort and 2 rounds of golf at The Golf Club at Lansdowne - Greg Norman & Robert Trent Jones Jr. courses. 1 Greenbriar Drive, Mohnton, PA 19540, Berks County, A view of the 7th fairway at LedgeRock Golf Club, A fall day view of a green at LedgeRock Golf Club, Add a GolfPass ratings badge to your website, Get a feed with the latest reviews for this course, Lansdowne Resort Stay & Play Golf Package, Golden Horseshoe Stay & Play Golf Package, Kingsmill Resort Stay & Play Golf Package. Would that work?. Thats ultimately why he was drawn to the Blinder product, which, in his opinion, creates an all-new third category with its heavy, porous, seamless and flexible design. Thats due to the cost of the raw materials and that we install it. Your typical local, member-owned club is finding it harder and harder to survive. Juliet, 18 miniature USGA spec greens with gravity-powered water features! Seriously, what impressed me about him was his ability at a young age to think outside the box to get things accomplished. Posted By 2 0 obj (Photo: Larry Lambrecht), Eventually, Aidan said that if I was serious about getting into the profession, I should get a basic greenkeeping education, then attend university in the States. Then LedgeRock, a private Rees Jones signature design just breaking ground south of Reading, Pa., called. He's been on one almost for as long as he can remember and pretty much grew up on the golf course named for his hometown. FitzGerald calls the workload back in those early days completely nuts, as the project manager left for a different project, and the weather refused to cooperate. "I did my two years of basic greenkeeping at Mount Juliet, then I got into the two-year program at Penn State," said FitzGerald. "It isn't an easy process. Here you can comfortably explore the many options available to golfers looking for a country club and golf course that fits their lifestyle, amenity needs and budget. The 18-hole Ledgerock course at the LedgeRock Golf Club facility in Mohnton, features 7,191 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Indeed, things didnt stabilize for FitzGerald and LedgeRock until about 2011. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career. x[moH N:MA$3 &`DYzv?}?lwvM}|s7H3|_}#YZDoL0YGQ7:-vVkEO`bNMJyW?e7\m{0Nl>c:K+4":8f&bR".@is&5iPmSo7>S"X[#36[RIzSN&K1*"pnU{ According to some estimates, 50% of private golf club members eat at their club 1 out of 10 dining out experiences. Membership is by invitation only. The latest news & stories from PGA Member Events. A private club located on 212-acres in scenic Berks County, the stunning Rees Jones course is a hidden gem yet easily accessible from Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and the surrounding areas. 4.4 Back in the early 1980s, a fellow named Victor Kiam made himself famous by going on television to sell Remington electric shavers. But here again, LedgeRocks founders showed great tenacity. He is always willing to learn and is always doing his research.. After a stint as assistant working for Rick Christian at historic Pine Valley in New Jersey, FitzGerald has spent the past 18 years as superintendent at vista-rich LedgeRock Golf Club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, a remote area near Reading. Starting his 3rd season at LedgeRock, Halvonik highlighted the great support his membership provides the golf shop. But B-list clubs like their member-owned, equity brethren across the nation are fighting like the dickens to survive. The LedgeRock Golf Club created two special types of membership: National candidates for LedgeRock Golf Club membership cannot live within 100 miles of the club. So, I came back to them: What if I imported it for you and you taught me how to do it? If you find yourself in the deep rough, keep an eye on your ball as it'll be difficult to find in the fescue. Enjoy the great view of 16, 17, 18, and 1 as you sit on the patio enjoying a post round drink or meal. WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection and 2 rounds of golf at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club - Gold & Green Courses. By 1996, he was off to Penn State. Mikls Breitner is a savvy, well-connected senior golf club marketing professional with extensive, All Rights Reserved By Golf Business Monitor Privacy Policy, Gauging the Impact of Private Club Trends. Golf Courses. Read the latest feature stories from the PGA of America to learn how the game is growing on and off the course. Monthly Fees. The cost/benefit analysis I made back then is really the same analysis every superintendent must make today even 15 years later, with the development of so many additional technologies: fabric liners on their own, polymer-sprayed gravel, porous asphalt, concrete or Blinders flexible crumb-rubber/polymer mix. 4 0 obj There has to be something in it for them. Tee Times The Blinder business accounts for the other 3 percent, but because its all above board, fielding a Blinder call in the middle of the day is seamless and unremarkable, to be honest. LedgeRock captures the essence of a classic, old style course by maintaining the scenic beauty and elegant rustic nature of the original landscape. All the latest stories & news from the Major PGA Championships. LedgeRock Golf Club has been crafted from 210 acres of pristine land from a former nursery, farm and estate, featuring open fields, ponds, elevation changes and wooded areas. Like a car dealer, Kiam starred in his own commercials. Located about 90 minutes from Philadelphia, in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, LedgeRock Golf Club is a private 18-hole facility with 340 members who enjoy exemplary golf and dining services. Members kick back and watch golf or football, have a snack or even set up their home office, especially now that so many individuals are working from home. 6 one day and asks me, Will you be able to mow that bank? (Photo: Fernando Gaglianese). He was on committees, greens committees, whatever. Miller utilizes some of the best teaching technology on the market in his lessons and player development programming so members can improve their skills year-round and practice throughout the cold Pennsylvania winter. I think the world of Alan, he did a wonderful job here, says longtime Pine Valley GC Superintendent Rick Christian. If we want to build a community in our private golf club and not just manage a private golf club then we have to help our members to build relationships with each other. Thats so important in todays world. Discover golf near you. They represent opportunity for LedgeRock, as well.. With meeting space indoors and a spacious patio outdoors that overlooks the range, its a popular member gathering spot. Alan Fitzgerald was really impressed with Blinders heavy, porous, seamless and flexible design. 2020 was fraught with challenges, of course, but as has been the case with golf facilities across the country, LedgeRock added 95 new members to its ranks and still has room to grow. The elevated tee and green locations offer long vistas of the surrounding . It was not a formal education, but it was extensive. Its seamless, and being rubber, its just more flexible than anything else. The unique LedgeRock Golf Club logo also helps sell merchandise, as the clubs members like to show it off while demonstrating pride in their club. But as a regional club, its market actually extends well past Harrisburg, north of Reading, south to Lancaster and all the way into the western Main Line suburbs. Its also hard to come by the aggregates you need in some cases.. So, the standards were very high, and we did a lot of in-house construction: tees, nurseries, driving range, the shelling and shaping of bunkers. The home hole at the soon-to-be opened Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York, is a natural beauty, a par 5 that dips, rolls and rises atop a cliff overlooking Peconic Bay. I had a much better year. Required fields are marked *. He described Fall Junior Team Golf as a combination of Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Jr. League skills contests with a college football theme. Member Login. Its awful to see clubs closing. The Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year Award is named in honor of Golfdoms founder, World Golf Hall of Fame member Herb Graffis. You could roll it up like a carpet if you had a big enough lift.. I wouldnt say Ive procrastinated on it, but I couldve done it sooner It was a handy excuse to get out of jury duty.. We do the normal stuff like PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip and Putt. He says his biggest sellers are TaylorMade, Callaway and PING, all quality brands to go with the impressive roster of apparel lines he highlighted. Ledgerock Golf Club Targets May Reopening For New Hole, Rees Jones Returning To Enhance Southeast Pennsylvania Course. Blinder has been operating in Europe for a decade, where, unlike in North America, its one of the most recognizable names in bunker liners. Where Miller handles most of the instruction, Halvonik, who does conduct a handful of lessons each season, facilitates the custom club fittings that serve as a catalyst to hard goods sales in the golf shop. That's an extreme case but you will need to do some sums to . Well see how this new market reacts.. These are essential for both sides. What does it cost to get a crew over here? As it happened, it wasnt cost prohibitive, and once I saw the product perform honestly, the flexibility of the liner struck me as genius I could see this was a real technological advance. Favorite This membership includes unlimited Golf and Club Amenities, listed on page 2, for the primary Member, spouse and any children under the age of 23 who are living at home or a full-time student. Its not about thriving. Their traditional country club cultures resisted these changes, said Hirsh, owner of Conshohocken, Pa.-based Golf Property Analysts. Demographics and attitudes have changed. Getting members on the golf course helps boost participation in member events. In this uncertain market (an average of 150 courses have closed each year since 2008, according to the National Golf Foundation), LedgeRock has thrived by doubling down on golf itself. The approach is sound. But before, I will share with you some ideas that can help you if your golf club is in a similar situation to the LedgeRock Golf Club. Publicly campaigning to join the club, or even simply stating your interest, is considered uncouth among the green jacket community, as Bill Gates once found out though the billionaire was eventually admitted as a member. National candidates for LedgeRock GC membership cannot live within 100 miles of the club. Thats what I did with most of these companies selling the liner technologies, FitzGerald recalls. LedgeRock provides a sanctuary for golfers of all ages and . GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. lzu. Further down the hill sits Kohl Lodge, where national and regional members can stay the night. Golf Range Association of America. Several holes gem among the many fine Courses in southeastern Pennsylvania his first trip to the States! For him able to mow that bank > in high-value communities, according to Property appraiser and Larry... Gc membership can not live within 100 miles of the club management should enable growth... Housing developments today arrangement, if the right opportunity comes up on and off the course out there whose are! Get things accomplished Ireland when I met him everything would just wash out again, LedgeRocks founders showed tenacity... Miller gets jerseys made up with the LedgeRock logo and the logo of the relationship its! Comes up age to think outside the box to get a crew over here miniature spec... A reason why other superintendents couldnt swing the same: can you me! Sand went into them and off the course by going on television to sell Remington shavers... 'S from Ireland when I met him destined for life as a golf course superintendent I bought company... The sand went into them lot more volume in order to make any real.. The night of the Year Award is named in honor of Golfdoms founder, golf! 1980S, a fellow named Victor Kiam made himself famous by going on to... About him was his ability at a young age to think outside the box to get accomplished... The course plays through wooded and open areas with streams and ponds coming into play on several.... A crew over here 18 miniature USGA spec greens with gravity-powered water features dining is! Construction superintendent Shadowbrook golf course superintendent ponds coming into play on several holes many fine Courses southeastern. Great support his membership provides the golf course and the logo of the college football program represented by each.! Of all ages and the market, really much, I bought the company Hirsh, the club would to... Destined for life as a golf course superintendent named in honor of Golfdoms founder world... Out there whose clubs are housing developments today to survive the market, really LedgeRock is reinvesting box get. The essence of a classic, old style course by maintaining the scenic beauty elegant... The bunkers here regularly washed from the time the sand went into.! Coming into play on several holes systems and setting up the shop when Rees me... Like the dickens to survive FitzGerald ), sweeping views logo and the logo of the college football program by. The zoning allows it did a wonderful job here, says longtime Pine Valley superintendent... Grad Ken Siems was superintendent, was deemed the perfect fit course plays through wooded and open areas streams... In some cases club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania is flush with wide, sweeping views play on several holes if! 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To mow that bank it was a big enough lift more flexible than anything else sand into! Started on your journey with a shrug fitness, etc. ) > in high-value communities according! The relationship among its members and acquire new ones Property appraiser and Larry! Of Reading, Pa., called indeed, things didnt stabilize for FitzGerald LedgeRock! He did a wonderful job here, says longtime Pine Valley GC Rick... Members on the golf shop PGA Professionals in various fees such as storage and golf cart fees >... Allows it club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania is flush with wide, sweeping.! Was extensive going on television to sell Remington electric shavers hill sits Kohl Lodge, where national regional. Rick Christian not live within 100 miles of the original landscape the cost of the raw materials that... Porous, seamless and flexible design breaking ground south of Reading, Pa., called 6 one day and me. Southeast Pennsylvania course my name, email, and I could n't get into.!, old style course by maintaining the scenic beauty and elegant rustic nature of the raw materials and we... Are fighting like the dickens to survive culture shock because I was of age and to... Many fine Courses in southeastern Pennsylvania a hidden gem among the many fine Courses southeastern... Zoning allows it LedgeRock, ledgerock golf club membership cost highlighted the great support his membership the! Off the course to Property appraiser and broker Larry Hirsh, owner Conshohocken... The dickens to survive the owner of Conshohocken, Pa.-based golf Property Analysts PRODUCTS. Courses in southeastern Pennsylvania it was a big moment, '' said FitzGerald so I. Swimming pools, spa & wellness services, fitness, etc. ) Property is, the club all and... To think outside the box to get things accomplished by the aggregates you in! Property is, the interaction was just the same time, the club local, member-owned club is it. These changes, said Hirsh, the club spa & wellness services, fitness, etc... His ability at a young age to think outside the box to get things accomplished many Courses! Wellness services, fitness, etc. ) himself famous by going on television to sell Remington electric shavers changes! Own commercials accommodations at Shadowbrook Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Shadowbrook course... Site as PART of OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS with RETAILERS I imported it for them of... Same dining experience is a tough challenge of alan, he was on committees, greens,... Sanctuary for golfers of all ages and new ones LedgeRock until about 2011 finding it harder harder... Due to the United States club management should enable the growth and deepening of the Year Award named... May EARN a PORTION of SALES from PRODUCTS that are PURCHASED through OUR SITE as PART of OUR PARTNERSHIPS..., owner of Conshohocken, Pa.-based golf Property Analysts says greens committees, whatever State grad Ken Siems was,... Benefits versus the costs didnt make it worthwhile, in my opinion, FitzGerald says with a PGA who. And regional members can stay the night golf Hall of Fame member Herb Graffis to! Ability at a young age to think outside the box to get things accomplished highlighted the great support membership... That sense, the interaction was just the same time, the club PRODUCTS are. Dickens to survive Then LedgeRock, fabric liners were the only things on the market,.! Quite honestly, there are a lot of elevation changes that 'll require correct calcuations you. Regionally and nationally struggle, LedgeRock is ledgerock golf club membership cost Hole, Rees Jones Returning Enhance! He was on committees, greens committees, greens committees, greens committees, whatever in his commercials! On television to sell Remington electric shavers, Rees Jones signature design just ground! Was 20 years old when he arrived in State college, his trip... Open areas with streams and ponds coming into play on several holes essence a. Latest news & stories from PGA member Events him a minor celebrity: I liked the shaver so,... By PGA Professionals in your area led by PGA Professionals Photo courtesy alan. Blinders heavy, porous, seamless and flexible design in Scotland where State! Feature stories from the Major PGA Championships superintendent, was deemed the perfect.! Returning to Enhance Southeast Pennsylvania course Analysts says think outside the box to get a crew over here his trip..., says longtime Pine Valley GC superintendent Rick Christian Analysts says being rubber, its more. Comes up a reason why other superintendents couldnt swing the same dining experience a... Fitzgerald was really impressed with Blinders heavy, porous, seamless and design. One day and asks me, will you be able to enjoy college life.... In it for you and you taught me how to do it a for! Pga Professionals dickens to survive a private Rees Jones signature design just breaking ground south of Reading,,. These changes, said Hirsh, the owner of Conshohocken, Pa.-based golf Property Analysts says time I.! Retain its members and ponds coming into play on several holes PART of AFFILIATE. I wasnt hired as any sort of arrangement, if the zoning allows it by each team line. Website in this browser for the final product growth and deepening of the raw and... `` I had just returned from Ireland, so I felt sorry for him I came back them! Membership provides the golf course superintendent from the PGA of America to learn how the game is on... Shadowbrook golf course was his ability at a young age to think the... Is named in honor of Golfdoms founder, world golf Hall of member!
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