News Release: 7/27/2018
July 27, 2018
Thursday evening, the Gainesville Country Club hosted almost 200 people at the Chamber's Business After Hours. The event was a huge a success. The Club gave away 2 rounds of 18-hole golf, including carts, to four lucky recipients. In addition, the Club also conducted a putting contest, where each participant was given three chances to sink a putt on their indoor putting practice "green." Each person who sunk their putt was given the opportuntiy to win one of three special prizes: A one hour lesson with Golf Professional Mark Blakewood (2 available) and a team building putting event for up to 10 people with Golf Professional John Reger. The Club also announced a special opportunity for Chamber Members: The first ten Chamber Members who join the Gainesville Country Club will have their $250 application fee waived, if they join before September first.
The evening kicked-off with music provided by Tom Collett of TDC Entertainment. Sarah Lentz, daughter of Chamber member and Club member Franklin Lentz, was also onsite to serenade the crowd with her wonderful singing. The food and beverages were all provided by the Gainesville Country Club. As the evening was coming to a close, some of the attendees even took the opportunitty to sing karaoke, provided by TDC Entertainment. The Business After Hours was sponsored in part by Savanna Pointe, a gated residential community with prairie views adjacent to the Gainesville Country Club community with lots currently available for development.
During the event, the outgoing General Manager, Gordy Carlson, introduced the incoming General Manager, Mark Blakewood. Mark is not new to the Gainesville Country Club. Blakewood grew up as a member and Junior golfer with the Club. He served as Assistant Golf Pro in the 80's and returned to the Club as Head Golf Pro and Interim General Manager from 2003-2005.
Recently, the Club has added some great new talent, in addition to Mark Blakewood. Just last week, the Club announced a new Interim Tennis Director, Chris McDonald, the owner of the Junior Elite Tennis Academy in Gainesville. Chris will be stepping in to continue the current tennis programmng and also adding new and exciting tennis offerings for Juniors and Adults alike. In addition, Eric Tiner was promoted to Director of Events at the Gainesville Country Club. Eric has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including working for Disney in Orlando in some of their highest rated restuarants. The Club also announced Gordy Braund, owner of two local restaurants, will be the new Food & Beverage Manager for the Club in the interim. Braund is focused on improving the efficiency of the kitchen and ensuring the Club provides an excellent and consistent dining experience to its members and guests.
The Club underwent an extensive renovation two years ago. The newly reconfigured bar and dining area, along with the new decor, has transformed the Club. Additionally, new programming has brought back an engaging social atmosphere that has always been the cornerstone of membership at the Gainesville Country Club.
The Club offeres multiple membership options ranging from Social Membership, which includes access to their Olympic sized pool, to a Family golfing membership, which allows all family members unlimited golf throughout the year plus unlimited access to all social, dining and tennis facilities and activities. Additionally, the Club has a Corporate Membership option available for our local businesses. The Club is truly a home for families, a great opportunity for business networking, and a fun place in Gainesville.
The Gainesville Country Club was founded in 1921 to serve as a social hub for business and community leaders. The current location, built in 1963, has one of the only championship golf courses in Gainesville, designed by the world-renown golf architect, George Cobb, designer of the Augusta National Par 3 course, among others. In addition, the club boasts six lighted Har-Tru clay tennis courts and one of the best private pools in North Central Florida. For more information about hosting an event at the Club or becoming a member, please contact Erin Henderson by email at membership@gainesvillecc.com or calling 352-372-1458 x. 205.
The evening kicked-off with music provided by Tom Collett of TDC Entertainment. Sarah Lentz, daughter of Chamber member and Club member Franklin Lentz, was also onsite to serenade the crowd with her wonderful singing. The food and beverages were all provided by the Gainesville Country Club. As the evening was coming to a close, some of the attendees even took the opportunitty to sing karaoke, provided by TDC Entertainment. The Business After Hours was sponsored in part by Savanna Pointe, a gated residential community with prairie views adjacent to the Gainesville Country Club community with lots currently available for development.
During the event, the outgoing General Manager, Gordy Carlson, introduced the incoming General Manager, Mark Blakewood. Mark is not new to the Gainesville Country Club. Blakewood grew up as a member and Junior golfer with the Club. He served as Assistant Golf Pro in the 80's and returned to the Club as Head Golf Pro and Interim General Manager from 2003-2005.
Recently, the Club has added some great new talent, in addition to Mark Blakewood. Just last week, the Club announced a new Interim Tennis Director, Chris McDonald, the owner of the Junior Elite Tennis Academy in Gainesville. Chris will be stepping in to continue the current tennis programmng and also adding new and exciting tennis offerings for Juniors and Adults alike. In addition, Eric Tiner was promoted to Director of Events at the Gainesville Country Club. Eric has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including working for Disney in Orlando in some of their highest rated restuarants. The Club also announced Gordy Braund, owner of two local restaurants, will be the new Food & Beverage Manager for the Club in the interim. Braund is focused on improving the efficiency of the kitchen and ensuring the Club provides an excellent and consistent dining experience to its members and guests.
The Club underwent an extensive renovation two years ago. The newly reconfigured bar and dining area, along with the new decor, has transformed the Club. Additionally, new programming has brought back an engaging social atmosphere that has always been the cornerstone of membership at the Gainesville Country Club.
The Club offeres multiple membership options ranging from Social Membership, which includes access to their Olympic sized pool, to a Family golfing membership, which allows all family members unlimited golf throughout the year plus unlimited access to all social, dining and tennis facilities and activities. Additionally, the Club has a Corporate Membership option available for our local businesses. The Club is truly a home for families, a great opportunity for business networking, and a fun place in Gainesville.
The Gainesville Country Club was founded in 1921 to serve as a social hub for business and community leaders. The current location, built in 1963, has one of the only championship golf courses in Gainesville, designed by the world-renown golf architect, George Cobb, designer of the Augusta National Par 3 course, among others. In addition, the club boasts six lighted Har-Tru clay tennis courts and one of the best private pools in North Central Florida. For more information about hosting an event at the Club or becoming a member, please contact Erin Henderson by email at membership@gainesvillecc.com or calling 352-372-1458 x. 205.
Contact:
Erin Henderson, Director of Membership and Marketing
membership@gainesvillecc.com, (352) 372-1458
