James Passant Celebrates 25 Years
Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville, Va., recently celebrated Events Server James Passante, who marked 25 years of service to the club.
Passante started as a busser in Taproom Restaurant in 1997, then became a server at The Grill and then moved to being an attendant at the 10th Tee Snack Bar before being promoted to his current position. He has witnessed and adapted to the many transformations across the Club, and has continued to provide members with quality attention and service. He is an integral component of food and beverage operations and is consistently recognized by club members and guests, management and colleagues for his dedication and hard work.
Congratulations, James!
St.Andrews Country Club Selects Marc Ray as General Manager/COO
St. Andrews Country Club, Boca Raton, Fla., appointed Marc D. Ray, CCE, CCM, CHAE as its new GM/COO. Ray began his career as assistant general manager at Oakland Hills Country Club in Detroit. where he put on the U.S. Amateur and Ryder Cup, and has advanced in management at private clubs and communities throughout the country. He is a long-time private country club industry leader, serving more than two decades as GM/COO at clubs including the Vintage Club, the Hammock Dunes Club and the Metairie Country Club.
“Marc understands the importance of food and beverage in a club environment and that services provided are just as important as products served. He has developed strategic plans, overhauled IT systems and navigated through hurricanes and natural disasters,” said Mike Leven, president of the St. Andrews Country Club Board of Governors. “His success in building and enhancing teams in diverse, transformational environments fits well with our club’s long-range strategies, our membership and our strong staff culture. We look forward to his expertise elevating our executive leadership team and welcome his innovative perspective as our new general manager and COO.”
Glen Oak Country Club Unveils New Sports Complex
Glen Oak Country Club, Glen Ellyn, Ill., recently celebrated the opening of its new Sports Complex, the result of a long-range plan to build a new, state-of-the-art facility for paddle tennis and golf simulators. The Sports Complex at Glen Oak is a two-level building situated off the club’s No. 9 Fairway. The main level of this new venue contains a bar, fireplace and viewing area that overlooks the four courts surrounding the complex as well as the 9th fairway. Though primarily used for paddle tennis, two courts will be converted for pickleball play during summer months.
The facility’s lower level features three Full Swing golf simulators along with comfortable seating for interaction and camaraderie between shots. Both levels also enjoy adequate outdoor space with additional accommodations for entertaining, including an outdoor fireplace on the upper level and large fire pit and sitting area on the lower level. The newest amenities have answered the call from members for added space to gather and enjoy the club’s wonderful community year-round. With an attractive and contemporary design, the facility will encourage members to spend more time at their club and interact with others in new and exciting ways, even as Chicago winters hit the golf course. The Sports Complex checks the box on many fronts and is a welcome new addition to Glen Oak Country Club.
Roger Kennedy, Jr., PGA, Qualifies for Senior PGA Professional Championship
Roger Kennedy, Jr., director of golf at The Country Club at Mirasol, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., recently qualitied for the 2022 Senior PGA Professional Championship, Oct. 13–16 at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. This is Kennedy’s fourth consecutive year qualifying for the tournament—he finished in a tie for seventh place during the South Florida PGA Section Senior PGA Professional Championship. Kennedy has been with Mirasol for 20 years and the club’s director of golf for 12. Well done!