Hes personable, and a hard worker thats why he is where he is today. Bator remembered hearing about the tough transition in FitzGerald's early days at Penn State, and was impressed by his willingness to see it through to graduation. 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. I wouldnt say Ive procrastinated on it, but I couldve done it sooner It was a handy excuse to get out of jury duty.. 1 track on the planet. The Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year Award is named in honor of Golfdoms founder, World Golf Hall of Fame member Herb Graffis. "I spent the summer there, then went back to Penn State. The more rugged the property is, the more spectacular the possibilities for the final product. "Our biggest issue is cost: We've 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. 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. He was that guy.". He wanted to make it to the top and make himself better at the same time. Blinders short answer was Yes. But leaving it there would gloss over and considerably shorten a pretty good, thoroughly trans-Atlantic story. And, its our strong feeling that national and regional memberships are part of the reason why. Its about engaging the young kids, often between 6 and 13 years of age, in a fun and supportive environment. Ledge Rock Golf Club, Mohnton, PA About Andrew Andy Miller is the Director of Instruction at LedgeRock Golf Club in Mohnton, PA. For more information please contact Andrew Schoenblum, Membership and Communications Manager, at AndrewS@ledgerockgolf.com. 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. Aidan told me 'if you want to do this, you need to go to the States.' In fact, his signature pitch line made him a minor celebrity: I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.. He called and told me I was hired," FitzGerald said. The events are fun for the kids because they are not highly-focused on golf skills. TheGolfMembershipSpot directory includes thousands of golf & country clubs offering regional, national and corporate golf membership opportunities. Your data protection & privacy is important to me! 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. 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. 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. 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. That opened our eyes, said Heller, who arrived at LedgeRock in early 2018 from Philmont CC. There has to be something in it for them. What none of these clubs did was adjust proactively to what has become a new, broader, and still evolving market, one that includes more millennials, minorities and women. Indeed, things didnt stabilize for FitzGerald and LedgeRock until about 2011. At first, I just wanted to get it done, but when I did it, it was very emotional. LedgeRock Golf Club opened in 2006 on 212 acres of terrain marked by striking elevation changes and riven by half a dozen roaring brooks. The exacerbating factor is often club debt, much of it accrued prior to the 2008 recession. 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). Its also hard to come by the aggregates you need in some cases.. I was of age and able to enjoy college life more.". So, I came back to them: What if I imported it for you and you taught me how to do it? Thats what I did with most of these companies selling the liner technologies, FitzGerald recalls. LedgeRock was designed by Rees Jones and captures the essence of a classic old style course with scenic beauty and original landscapes. Hes been (at LedgeRock) since the beginning and theyre glad they hired him there.. In 2020, he had 36 kids comprising four teams and competing in various skills competitions. If I were a private golf clubs manager in addition to investing in customer experience development, I would also try to create a sense of community. By looking at the course and speaking with its PGA Professionals, Im sure if they opened it up to more outings, groups would be knocking down their door. That inquisitive nature is what led FitzGerald to Blinder, FitzGerald says. LedgeRock Golf Club has updated its national and regional membership categories to complement its standard membership programs, in a move that reflects widespread disruption in private club markets not only in eastern Pennsylvania but nationally. Juliet, 18 miniature USGA spec greens with gravity-powered water features! <>>> The Founders recognized that the finest golfing venues available to local . Weve had people switch clubs to take advantage of our junior golf program or join LedgeRock in addition to their original club, Miller mentioned. LedgeRock captures the essence of a classic, old style course by maintaining the scenic beauty and elegant rustic nature of the original landscape. The golf shop is open year-round and between Halvonik and his PGA Assistant Professional, Bill Kindoll, someone is always on duty to help members with their retail needs, or in the winter, to make sure the indoor hitting bays, located in the clubs Learning Center, are stocked with balls for member practice. With those seven years of relative chaos behind them, the superintendent knew it was time to address two issues of primary importance: the clubs perennially contaminated bunkers and his pending dual citizenship. A young club that opened in 2007, LedgeRock sports three holes of more than 600 yards and measures over 7,200 yards from the tips. It was Aidan O'Hara who convinced FitzGerald of the importance of learning the turf management trade at an American turf school. There, he encountered Aidan OHara, CGCS, who had learned his trade, in part, at Muirfield Village in the other Dublin (Ohio), and whom FitzGerald and others credit for first bringing U.S. agronomic standards to Ireland. 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. 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. The club member wants to thrive and grow and feel the value of his membership. The challenge for LedgeRock is its location. With the programs that Miller has in place and the high level of service and selection in Halvoniks golf shop, the stage is set for the growth experienced in 2020 to continue well into the future. Because of his rough transition to life in the U.S. his first year in State College, FitzGerald said the late George Hamilton, Ph.D., then director of Penn State's two-year program, wanted him to intern over the summer for a PSU alumnus. A pair of golf experts are teaming up to lead one of Berks County, Pa.'s private golf clubs through its first major renovation, WFMZ 69 News out of Allentown/Reading, Pa. reported. Their dues and initiation fees are slightly higher full membership is more expensive still but regional member may play up to 50 rounds a year. Not a boring course to play. Please know that it is the responsibility of the host to advise the vendor of our club policies. Golf Courses. 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. Cost is a massive issue. Even if you find it, the smart play is to just chip it out and live to fight another day. 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. Please complete the following information below so that we can contact you regarding membership. How will that work for you? We had that kind of relationship. 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. Course has a ton of character. TUNKHANNOCK, PA | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at Shadowbrook Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Shadowbrook Golf Course. LedgeRock Golf Club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania is flush with wide, sweeping views. Book Tee Times Graffis was one of the first people to think of golf as a business when he and his brother Joe founded Golfdom in 1927. <> Its awful to see clubs closing. LedgeRock is a Golf Club owned by its Members. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Be it standard, regional or national, membership in LedgeRock Golf Club is offered by invitation only and remains subject to the board of managers approval. Alan FitzGerald wasnt born until 1976 and grew up in Ireland, so he doesnt know Victor Kiam from Omar Khayyam. 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. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Seaview, A Dolce Hotel and 2 rounds of golf at Seaview Golf Club - Bay & Pines Courses. 1 0 obj 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. Initiation Fees. He still asks Why? and as hes gotten older, he also asks Why not? And thats a great thing.. We havent made any real money on this venture yet. 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. I would also think about how could the club help their members grow not just on a social level, but on a financial and intellectual level. Request Membership Information Membership at LedgeRock Golf Club is by invitation only. 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. Bator, a consultant and former superintendent at Pine Valley, had recently returned from Ireland when he met FitzGerald in 1998 and recommended him to Christian. 2019 Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year: Alan FitzGerald. While Jones doesnt recall that exact moment from 15 years ago, he does remember how easy it was and still is to work with the Irishman. Miller sends video recaps with color commentary to add to the kids (and their parents) experience. Welcome To Your Club Watch on Golf About Amenities Guest Information WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Kingsmill Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Kingsmill Resort - Plantation & River Courses. As you know, private golf clubs are closing, redeveloping and converting to public play in record numbers. "The first year there was miserable, but then it became fun. Heller reports that several members, rendered clubless by the Harrisburg closings, have already joined LedgeRock. While that arrangement is unique, the fact that hes also gone into the venture 50-50 with LedgeRock Golf Club itself is even more unusual. If you want to hit all the clubs in your bag play here.". Miller gets jerseys made up with the LedgeRock logo AND the logo of the college football program represented by each team. Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists. Play private golf, access private courses, and book private Tee Times at Ledgerock Golf Club in Mohnton PA with Boxgroove stream I think having to continuously resell the same dining experience is a tough challenge. Its FitzGeralds desire to keep LedgeRock looking pristine while also striving to make Blinder a success in the American market that has earned him the 2019 Herb Graffis Businessperson of the Year Award, awarded annually for eight years by Golfdom. " FitzGerald said. Jones and his associates were in Mohnton all year revamping the par-3 10th. It is a hub of activity that includes private and group instruction, practice sessions and various social gatherings. FitzGerald grew up in Castlecomer, in the southeast of Ireland. LedgeRock captures the essence of a classic, old style course by maintaining the scenic beauty and elegant rustic nature of the original landscape. Its a big investment no matter what product you choose, so its got to last. Required fields are marked *. Mt. It also tends to build up the diverse, real-world experience that sets elite golf course superintendents apart. <>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Even though the greens were just aerated last week, they still rolled pretty true and were very receptive to approach shots. The Ledgerock Golf Club is a private 18 hole facility located near Reading, Pennsylvania. But we havent lost any either. They may play up to 20 rounds of golf per year and have access to all club facilities, including overnights at Kohl Lodge, the club's on-site guest cottage . Then LedgeRock, a private Rees Jones signature design just breaking ground south of Reading, Pa., called. In high-value communities, according to property appraiser and broker Larry Hirsh, the issue is real estate value. March 2, 2021 GRAA Award Winner Profile: LedgeRock Golf Club By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA 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. But here again, LedgeRocks founders showed great tenacity. 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. But B-list clubs like their member-owned, equity brethren across the nation are fighting to survive. 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{ Welcome To Your Club Watch on Golf About Amenities Guest Information The most outstanding feature at Ledgerock is the dramatic topography. And here I am 25 years later.". FitzGerald, 45, was seemingly destined for life as a golf course superintendent. 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