pine orchard yacht club membership fee

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club Branford CT | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting

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Welcome to Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, a hidden gem nestled in the charming coastal town of Branford, Connecticut. With its rich history, stunning waterfront location, and a wide range of amenities, Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club is a premier destination for those seeking a unique blend of leisure and luxury. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a boating aficionado, or simply looking for a welcoming community to enjoy fine dining and social events, our club offers an exceptional experience for members and guests alike. Join us in exploring the beauty and warmth of Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club as we invite you to discover all that our remarkable club has to offer.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club History and Founding

The Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club (POYCC) is a private club in Branford, Connecticut, with a rich history dating back to 1901. It was founded by Alden Young, a prominent New York businessman, as a summer retreat for his family and friends. Young envisioned a club that would offer a variety of recreational activities, including sailing, golf, tennis, and swimming, in a beautiful setting on the shores of Long Island Sound.

The club’s initial facilities were modest, but they quickly expanded to include a clubhouse, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Over the years, POYCC has continued to grow and evolve, adding new amenities and programs to meet the changing needs of its members.

The original clubhouse, built in 1901, was designed by the architectural firm of Davis & Brooks. It was a grand Victorian-style structure with a wraparound porch and stunning views of the Long Island Sound. Unfortunately, the clubhouse was destroyed by a fire in 1972.

The current clubhouse, built in 1974, was designed by the architectural firm of Roth & Weinberger. It is a modern, two-story building with a more casual atmosphere than the original clubhouse.

Architect of the Golf Course:

The original nine-hole golf course was designed by Willie Watson , a renowned Scottish golf course architect. Watson designed the course to be challenging but fair, with a variety of holes that would test golfers of all skill levels.

In 2002, the club hired golf course architect Robert D. Pryde to redesign the course. Pryde lengthened the course to 3,131 yards and added several new holes, making it more challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club is a historic club with a rich tradition. The club’s commitment to providing its members with a variety of recreational activities in a beautiful setting has made it a popular destination for generations of families.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club

Unfortunately, there aren’t any famous professional golf tournaments held at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford, CT. The club is primarily a private club for its members and their guests, and it doesn’t host any major professional tournaments. However, the club does host several smaller member-guest tournaments and other events throughout the year.

Here are some of the notable golf tournaments held at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club:

• The POYCC Men’s Invitational: This is an annual event that takes place in June and is open to members and their guests. It is a two-day tournament with a variety of formats, including stroke play, scramble, and best ball.
• The POYCC Women’s Invitational: This is an annual event that takes place in August and is open to female members and their guests. It is a one-day tournament with a variety of formats, including stroke play, scramble, and best ball.
• The POYCC Junior Golf Classic: This is an annual event that takes place in July and is open to junior golfers of all ages. It is a one-day tournament with a variety of formats, including stroke play and scramble.

These are just a few of the many golf tournaments that are held at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club. While the club doesn’t host any major professional tournaments, it does offer a variety of fun and competitive events for its members and their guests.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club (POYCC) is a private club, and as such, membership costs and dues are not publicly available information. However, here is some general information and estimates based on what is publicly known about the club:

Estimated Initiation Fee:

• Full Golf: $50,000 – $75,000
• Social: $15,000 – $20,000
• Tennis: $10,000 – $15,000
• Yachting: $25,000 – $35,000

Estimated Monthly Dues:

• Full Golf: $800 – $1,200
• Social: $300 – $400
• Tennis: $200 – $300
• Yachting: $400 – $500

Membership Types:

• Full Golf: This membership level gives you access to all of the club’s amenities, including the golf course, pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and marina.
• Social: This membership level gives you access to the pool, fitness center, and social events.
• Tennis: This membership level gives you access to the tennis courts and programs.
• Yachting: This membership level gives you access to the marina, boat storage, and social events.

Additional Costs:

• Food and Beverage: There will likely be additional costs for food and beverages purchased at the club.
• Cart Fees: You may also be required to pay cart fees when you play golf.
• Lessons and Programs: If you take lessons or participate in programs, there will be additional fees.

These are just estimates, and the actual costs may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of membership, the applicant’s family status, and the current waitlist.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club Amenities

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford, Connecticut, offers a range of amenities for its members and guests. These amenities may have evolved or expanded, but here are some of the typical amenities you might find at the club:

• Golf Course: Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club features an 18-hole golf course that offers both recreational play and competitive events for golf enthusiasts. The course is known for its scenic beauty and well-maintained fairways and greens.
• Tennis Courts: The club typically offers tennis facilities with well-maintained courts for members to enjoy. Tennis enthusiasts can often participate in leagues, tournaments, and casual play.
• Marina: Pine Orchard has a marina on Long Island Sound, making it a popular destination for boating and water-related activities. Members may have access to dock space and various boating amenities.
• Dining: The club typically has a restaurant and dining facilities that offer a range of culinary options, from casual dining to fine dining. Members can enjoy delicious meals in a welcoming atmosphere.
• Swimming Pool: Many country clubs have swimming pools for members and their families to relax and cool off during the summer months. Pine Orchard may have a pool for members to enjoy.
• Social Events: The club often hosts social events, parties, and gatherings throughout the year, providing members with opportunities to connect with others in the community.
• Fitness Facilities: Some country clubs offer fitness centers or gyms for members interested in staying active and maintaining their fitness routines.
• Pro Shop: If golf is a major focus of the club, there may be a pro shop on-site where members can purchase golf equipment, clothing, and accessories.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club typically hosts a variety of events and celebrations throughout the year to cater to the interests and preferences of its members. While specific events may vary from year to year, here are some common types of celebrations and occasions that you might expect to be celebrated at the club:

• New Year’s Eve Gala
• Fourth of July Fireworks and Barbecue
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• Christmas and Holiday Parties
• Summer BBQs and Cookouts
• Wine Tasting Events
• Themed Parties (e.g., Luau, Roaring Twenties)
• Live Music and Entertainment Nights
• Family Fun Days
• Member-Guest Tournaments
• Club Championships
• Charity Golf Events
• Junior Golf Programs and Competitions
• Tennis Tournaments
• Tennis Clinics and Workshops
• Social Tennis Mixers
• Regattas and Sailing Races
• Boating Parades
• Marina-Related Events and Parties
• Themed Dinners (e.g., Italian Night, Seafood Feast)
• Wine Dinners and Pairing Events
• Sunday Brunch Buffets
• Chef’s Table Experiences
• Weddings and Wedding Receptions
• Anniversary Parties
• Birthday Celebrations
• Graduation Parties
• Junior Golf and Tennis Camps
• Youth Activities and Summer Camps
• Family-Focused Events

Dining options at Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club can vary depending on the club’s facilities and current offerings. However, typical dining options that you might find at a country club like Pine Orchard include:

• Formal Dining Room: The club often has a formal dining room where members can enjoy upscale, elegant dining experiences. This dining room may offer a menu featuring a variety of gourmet dishes, often prepared by a skilled chef. Members can expect a fine dining atmosphere with impeccable service.
• Casual Dining: In addition to the formal dining room, the club may have more relaxed and family-friendly dining options. This could include a grill room, lounge, or casual dining area. Here, members can enjoy a more laid-back dining experience with a menu that might include burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other casual fare.
• Outdoor Dining: Some country clubs offer outdoor dining areas, patios, or terraces with scenic views of the golf course, marina, or other picturesque surroundings. Outdoor dining can be particularly popular during the warmer months and is a great way to enjoy the club’s beautiful setting.
• Special Events and Theme Nights: Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club often hosts special dining events and theme nights. These can include wine tastings, themed dinners (e.g., Italian night, seafood feast), holiday brunches, and more. These events add variety to the dining experience and provide opportunities for members to socialize.
• Sunday Brunch: Many country clubs offer a traditional Sunday brunch buffet or à la carte brunch menu. Members can gather with friends and family to enjoy a leisurely brunch on weekends.
• Private Dining: The club may have private dining rooms or spaces available for members to host special events, parties, or business meetings.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, like many private clubs, typically has a dress code and guest policy in place to ensure a pleasant and respectful atmosphere for all members and guests. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect regarding dress code and guest policy at Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club:

Dress Code:

• Casual Attire: Casual attire is often allowed in certain areas of the club, such as the golf course, tennis courts, and casual dining areas. This typically includes neat and clean golf or tennis attire.
• Business Casual: Business casual attire is typically required in formal dining areas and the clubhouse. This may include collared shirts, slacks, dresses, skirts, and closed-toe shoes.
• Formal Attire: Some special events, such as formal dinners or gala nights, may have specific dress code requirements, which could include jackets, ties, cocktail dresses, and formal footwear.
• Swimwear: Appropriate swimwear is typically required in pool and beach areas, while cover-ups and shoes are often necessary when moving through the club.

Guest Policy:

• Guest Privileges: Most private clubs, including Pine Orchard, allow members to bring guests. However, the number of guests and frequency may be limited or subject to club rules. Some events may be designated as “members-only.”
• Registration: Guests usually need to be registered by a member and may require advance notice or reservations, especially for dining or special events.
• Fees: There may be guest fees associated with bringing non-members to the club. These fees can vary depending on the type of membership and the guest’s activity (e.g., golf, dining).
• Etiquette: Members are typically responsible for ensuring that their guests adhere to the club’s rules and etiquette, including dress code and conduct.

Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club is a distinguished haven of leisure and community nestled along the picturesque coastline of Branford, Connecticut. With its rich history, exceptional amenities, and commitment to providing an inviting and refined atmosphere, Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club offers its members a unique blend of golfing, boating, dining, and social experiences.

Whether you’re drawn to the elegant clubhouse, the challenging golf course, the serene marina, or the vibrant social scene, this club invites individuals and families to create lasting memories in an idyllic coastal setting. As a haven for both relaxation and recreation, Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club continues to be a cherished destination for those seeking the best of coastal living in Connecticut.

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Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club

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“ Most gorgeous place on the shoreline , that's for sure. ” in 2 reviews

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2 Club Pkwy

Branford, CT 06405

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About the business.

Founded in 1901, Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club is a private club and a member owned facility located on the coastline of Branford, Connecticut, bound to the south by a deep harbor with views across the Long Island Sound. Always having been a very family oriented club, Members enjoy a full range of amenities including golf, tennis, poolside and waterfront activities as well as dining and social programming in a comfortable, informal atmosphere. …

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I attend a fundraiser here today and what a beautiful spot. It's has spectacular views of the water. The grounds and the area is well manicured. I did not play golf, but the course looked well maintained. I also saw some great tennis courts. Parking is off the street, but what I could see it is limited. I was here for finger food, socialize, and drink. The food and service were excellent. My two favorite foods was the smoked salmon over cream cheese on a piece of bread, topped with avocado and the prime rib over a potato cake.

Front of the building

View out the window

We had my bridal shower at Pine Orchard. Event coordinators were easy to work with and accommodating. The food was delicious and also offered a variety of selections. The view was also beautiful, in the outdoor space as well as in the room our event was. I look forward to attending another event here.

Someone on the train told me he was not wanted there because he isn't white. Just saying...

Went to a wedding here last night and had a great time. The lawn outside was great for the ceremony & cocktail hour, and the inside was clean and bright. The staff were very friendly and helpful, especially Sam the coordinator, and Anthony, one of the waiters. There was a buffet dinner and all of the food was delicious.

Just rocking the wedding dance floor

The food is amazing, and nearly three years after getting married there we still get compliments from our guests about the food. Plus the views are spectacular both in summer and winter. The marine lounge is cozy and warm, while the downstairs is elegant and modern with a yacht feel.

The gorgeous summer view from the restaurant

A good way to spend a summer afternoon

Most gorgeous place on the shoreline, that's for sure. My family has a membership and let me just say, it's money well spent. Not only are the ground immaculate and breathtaking, but the service is incredible. Everyone who works there knows you by name, remembers what your like to order, and they're all so friendly!

The reviewer above obviously has an ax to grind. The food can be spotty, but not awful. The statement about renovations needed, again leads one to believe that he didn't want to like the club as the club is immaculate and well maintained. I can see if he plopped down his own money he has the right to a negative public review, but his host paid the bill and had his club slammed by his guest. Bad form!

My family has been a member here for years. The service, food and view is top shelf. The employee always remember your name which makes you feel welcome and relaxed. I have taken many friends, family and business associates here and all were very happy and impressed. The Club is a family oriented organization you will notice many young couples with children. Most gorgeous place on the shoreline, that's for sure. If you are a member it's money well spent. This is a great find. Enjoy!!

Was at my Niece's wedding and everything was outstanding. Food was very good, service was seemless (with the only exception being that our shots of Jameson's turned out to be Fireball shots .... but this was quickly rectified). The biggest kudo's goes to the function manager (Chris) and the Chef who prepared three vegan dishes for my daughters. They were not only delicious but visually stunning. To any contemplating a function here, I would not hesitate based upon my experience this past Saturday.

Played golf and tried food again. Gotta say food sucks. Low quality and bad seasoning. How hard is it to make a chicken sandwich. I make better ones at home. Great golf course and pretty views but don't come for the food. The drinks are strong so I am assuming people come here to drink and can't taste the food. I have been to many country clubs this one hands down has the worst food.

I was invited to a dinner here. The place is ok and needs a renovation. But the food is what set it's mark. I ordered the fish and a salad to start. The salad was something out of a pre mix bag I could have made at home with some low quality dressing. When the meals came my dish looked ok until I began eating. The food had no taste to it. The fish was so bland I could not eat it. The vegetables were from a can. The home made potatoes were even bad. I was polite to my host but I will never come here again. I was not the only one that felt that way. Everyone's dinners were hardly touched but no one wanted to be rude to the host. Also the food was not cheap my dinner was over 25 and paid for salad too. We all went to eat after we left. Really that bad.

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Turning the Tide at Pine Orchard Y&CC

By Betsy Gilliland | February 26, 2021

Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club

After the completion of a water-diversion project that was years in the making, golf course maintenance and conditioning have been smooth(er) sailing for the grounds crew at the Branford, Conn. property.

Having a water view is a desirable feature for any golf course. Being water-logged, though? Not so much.  

At Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, a private club founded in 1901 on Long Island Sound in Branford, Conn., the first and ninth holes of its picturesque nine-hole, regulation golf course flooded for years after storms and during high tide. Those days, thankfully, are now a thing of the past, however.  

In May 2020, the property completed a nine-month, $1.2 million water-diversion project to improve the golf course, which plays as an 18-hole course because of different sets of tees on each hole. The primary goals of the project were to raise the first fairway, expand the pond on No. 2, raise the fairway on the ninth hole to eliminate full-moon and high-tide flooding, and reduce or eliminate flooding after major storms.  

In addition, the project included removing phragmites, an invasive species that grows along shorelines, and opening up course views on multiple holes.

“We took the two or three worst spots on the golf course and made them the best,” says Golf Course Superintendent Wes Mackie, who joined the staff in January 2019.

While the work took less than a year to complete once it finally got underway, the complex project was years in the making. Pine Orchard’s staff members credit the dogged determination of longtime member Nick Torello with making it happen.

“Nick and Wes really headed up the project,” says General Manager Chris Goodwin, CCM. “Nick was the driving factor. When I became involved, everything was more or less in place at that point.”

Soggy History

The $1.2 million water-diversion project at Pine Orchard Y&CC took less than a year to complete once it finally got underway, but planning it required years of dogged determination.

Sports have always been a driving force at Pine Orchard Y&CC. The property, which also includes a marina, tennis courts, food-and-beverage services, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool on the ocean, was deeded to the club in the 1950s by the family of Sid Noyes’ wife, with the stipulation that it be used as an athletic facility. Its golfing credentials are impeccable, as Noyes, an amateur golfer and Pine Orchard member, was invited by Bobby Jones in 1934 to participate in the inaugural Augusta National Invitation Tournament, which later became the Masters.  

The golf course underwent changes when it was rebuilt in the early 1960s. The first and ninth holes were constructed on wetlands, and the creek on No. 1 was rerouted. As the years went by, however, the holes became increasingly prone to saltwater flooding.

“The first hole and the landing area on the ninth hole would flood with every full moon, and it would take two holes out of play on a nine-hole course,” says Tim Gerrish, the project architect.

Certain greens would flood as well. “We had to water so much to flush the salt off,” says Mackie. “We didn’t have the ability to do that everywhere.”

Torello, who started his fourth stint on the Pine Orchard Board of Governors in December 2020, says the golf committee had its first meeting about the water-diversion project in 1999. A 2003 plan to renovate the golf course, he adds, met with opposition from members who felt that the creek, even though it was man-made, should not be changed.

In 2010, however, the Board of Governors gave Torello seed money to hire an engineering firm to explore the possibility of working with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to create a project that, based on aerial photos of the original course, would move tidal water in and out of the property.

“In the 2000s, we had started using more sand to build up the fairways,” says Torello. “The course never dried out again after hurricanes. One inch of rain would shut down the course.”

Drainage issues came to light again in 2012 with the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, which, along with memories of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene in 2005, increased the urgency to renovate the golf course.

“The storms left saltwater all over the property, and we couldn’t move it quickly,” Mackie says. “There are still high-water marks left, to remind us where the water was at the time.”

The membership ultimately approved the renovation project in 2012. However, there was no timetable for the plan, and it was shelved until 2019.

“Seven years later, things had changed since the approval,” says Goodwin, who has been General Manager for three years and was an assistant GM at the property in 2012. “But the members weren’t going to be assessed, and the original vote stood.”

Prolonged Process

Head Golf Professional Joe Starzec, who has worked at the club for 45 years and along with his uncle is one of only two pros Pine Orchard has ever had, is well-acquainted with the flooding history of the course and the lengthy approval process for the project. “It was a sell to the membership. We had to sell the project to make sure everybody was on board with it,” Starzec says.

“[The golf course] is beautiful now. [The renovation] opened it all up and it’s much more playable, and we got a lot of new players because of COVID.” — Joe Starzec, Head Golf Professional

“You have to have all your T’s crossed and your I’s dotted, and you have to know exactly what you’re doing,” says Starzec.

Routine leadership changes to the Pine Orchard Board of Governors, as well as personnel changes within the other stakeholder organizations, also prolonged the permitting process. The two hurricanes, climate change, concerns about what flows out of a property, and flooding also altered state DEEP rules through the years. Pine Orchard had to get in the queue for state permits, and insurance policies changed because of flooding.

“Every person had to start from scratch, but they never lied to us,” Torello says. “They said, ‘Do what we tell you to do and don’t vary, and you’ll have no problem.’”

The Pine Orchard staff took that advice to heart. “Everything we were asked to do, we did every bit of it, and we went a little bit further,” notes Mackie, who also credits an engineering firm, BSC Group, and Lavoie Horticulture with key roles in helping the club through the process.  

Elevation & Enhancement

As part of the renovation, the first and ninth holes, which drained poorly, were redesigned to improve their “uninspiring golf strategy,” says Gerrish.

On the first hole, the creek that had been rebuilt in the 1960s was filled in and moved about 65 yards away from the first tee to its original location, which could be seen in aerial photos from the 1930s through the 1950s. The creek was widened and deepened to increase water flow as well.

“We could see the natural route the water used to take,” says Mackie. “It was more straight lines in the creek and the pond.”

The project included removing bunkers and regrassing the first fairway with a more salt-tolerant bentgrass, and new irrigation was installed on the first and ninth holes.

“Most of the work was in the areas closest to the water—No. 9, No. 1, and the driving range,” says Mackie. “There was a lot of earth-moving. We completely lifted the elevation of the driving range.”

After digging a two-acre, 25-foot-deep hole, referred to as the “borrow pit,” and performing soil tests, the value of the soil on the property was discovered, notes Mackie. It was used to lift up the first, ninth and 18th fairways, which were then capped with sand-based soil.

“We took out all of the phragmites that were in the center of the golf course and buried them in the borrow pit,” Mackie says. “If you don’t bury phragmites at least six feet, they can resurge. But we didn’t have to move them off the property, so it saved us a lot of money.

  “We made the area a water feature and replaced the phragmites with more native species like Spartina that are more desirable and less invasive,” he adds. “We added a lot more water features.”

The removal of the phragmites between the first and ninth holes increased the capacity for stormwater and floodwater storage. In addition, it gave the areas a more natural look. By nearly doubling the size of the tidal marsh pond on the second hole, where the tees were also rebuilt, the water feature has a more visual presence.

“On our property, the water level of the creek and the pond is different based on the tide,” Mackie says. “It’s almost full at high tide.”

A tidal water holding area on the left of the 18th fairway offers aesthetic appeal. “It’s almost empty at low tide, and you can see native plants,” Mackie says. However, the second half of the ninth hole, which is high and dry, didn’t require major changes.

Other aspects of the renovation included the addition of subsurface drainage to help move water; the relocation and renovation of tees on some holes, including Nos. 1, 6, 9, and 13; enlargement and regrassing of the tees on the second and 11th holes; and reconstruction of all of the bridges on the golf course.

Changing the Course

“It’s beyond what everyone thought it was going to be. It’s still evolving. It will probably take two years before the golf course is really filled in. But already we can introduce [younger golfers] slowly to the game, and have small clinics where people can play three or four holes.” — Chris Goodwin, CCM, General Manager

In addition to improving the playability of the layout, the renovations enhanced the seaside character of the golf course and the strategy of playing it.

“I want players to think when they’re standing on the tee. I don’t want them to just whack it down the fairway,” Gerrish says. “Any time you do a renovation, you want to find ways to make it more interesting and give golfers more options.”

On No. 1, for instance, the tidal creek previously forced women and seniors to lay up. Now with its realignment, golfers can hit to a landing area over the creek or play it safe.

“On No. 1 and 10, the creek was not in play before,” says Mackie. “Now you have to consider the creek location on your tee shot because the water is a reality. It can even affect your second shot.”

The renovation enhanced the aesthetics of the golf course as well. Tree work, which was performed by the Pine Orchard maintenance staff, highlighted natural features of the property. The removal of some trees showcased a rock outcrop feature on the ninth hole, and also on No. 9, the green is now visible from the tee after trees were taken out and the tee was shifted to the left.

“A hole is more desirable if you can see the green from the tee,” says Mackie.

With the removal of trees around the eighth green as well as the seventh and ninth tees, the golfers now have a view of the clubhouse and the ocean behind it. “It’s beautiful now,” Starzec says. “It opened it all up.”

Part of the property is covered with fescue, and many native plants have been installed. On a portion of the course called Birch Island, which is surrounded by water except for a land bridge, more native vegetation such as rose mallow, a type of hibiscus, has been planted.

“Now it’s a highlight of the first and second holes,” says Mackie. “We’re still adding plants to give it color. The plants can grow here, but not in other parts of the state.”

Pine Orchard also has other distinctive features. With different greens for the fourth and 13th holes, the golf course has 10 greens. The other holes share a putting surface.

A two-lane state road runs through the golf course, and golfers have to cross it on Nos. 3, 4, and 12. With a separate set of tees for the second nine, golfers get a different experience on the front and back nines.

“The holes are quite different because we have different tees,” says Starzec. “They create different angles, and the tees are 30 to 40 yards apart.”

Reaping the Rewards

All of the planning, teamwork and effort have come to fruition since the Pine Orchard course reopened on May 1, 2020. The staff says feedback has been positive from the members, including those who were skeptical of the project.

The renovation has benefited the maintenance staff as well. “Because we don’t have the flooding issues we had before, we have no problem mowing the fairways on Nos. 1 and 9, the landing area on the 18th fairway, or the driving-range rough,” says Mackie. “It’s so much easier to maintain areas now that they’re well-drained and dry.”  

With improved drainage, the golf course is better equipped to handle rain events as well. “If we have giant hurricanes hit us, there’s nothing under the sun that can help us,” says Mackie. “But we’re more prepared for a 100-year storm than we were.”

The property has already been tested by Hurricane Isaias in 2020. Although the forecast called for three inches of rain, Mackie says, the property suffered more damage from wind than from precipitation. “We lost power, and we lost trees,” he adds. “But there was no flooding.”

Since the renovation was completed, Torello notes, “We haven’t lost one day from sitting water. We used to lose eight to 10 days a year.” Golfers can now take carts on the course after it rains in a matter of hours instead of days, Mackie adds.

Along with enhancing playability, the project has increased the membership’s enjoyment of the property. “Our members brought guests in droves [in 2020],” Torello says. By the end of the year, the number of rounds at Pine Orchard, typically 6,500 to 7,000 annually, more than doubled and were closing in on 14,000 for the year. “We got a lot of new golfers because of COVID,” notes Starzec.

The enhanced playability also lets Pine Orchard focus on capturing younger golfers who don’t have the time to play 18 holes, Goodwin notes. “We can introduce them slowly to the game,” he says. “We have small clinics where people can play three or four holes, and we coach them on the rules of the game.”

The renovation “is beyond what everyone thought it was going to be,” Goodwin adds. “It’s still evolving. It will probably take two years before the golf course is really filled in.”

Torello agrees. “It was the right thing for the club to do,” he says. “We have a beautiful piece of property. We have a lot to offer.”

Golf Scorecard

Superintendent Profile

Wesley Mackie

WESLEY MACKIE Years at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club: 2 Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee day-to-day operations of golf course; coordinate and set up all golf events/tournaments; manage staff and their duties; create mowing schedule; prepare and implement pesticide/fertilizer applications; manage watering schedule; oversee all construction projects; manage annual budget. Responsible for implementing the long-term capital and organizational planning of the golf course maintenance department. Years in Golf Course Maintenance Profession: 12 Previous Employment: > Senior Assistant Superintendent at The Stanwich Club, Greenwich, Conn.; Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Scarsdale, N.Y.; and The Bayonne (N.J.) Golf Club. >   Second Assistant Superintendent, Brae Burn Country Club, Purchase, N.Y. Education and Training: B.S. in Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee Certifications: Supervisory Pesticide Applicator License in Connecticut and New York Honors and Awards: Graduated from UT with a 4.0 GPA

Course + Grounds Operations Profile

PINE ORCHARD YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB Annual Course Maintenance Budget: $763,000 Staff: 5 full-time, 7 seasonal, 1 part-time Other Managers: George Forte, Mechanic; Joe McSherry, Assistant Superintendent; Kelsey McSherry, Foreman; Mark Palmieri, Asssistant Mechanic Irrigation System: Toro Lynx VP, about 500 heads Water Source and Usage: City water source; average usage, 5.5 million gallons Equipment: Primarily a Toro fleet, from walk mowers to fairway units and sprayers; club owns the equipment Technology: Playbooks (pesticide recordkeeping); Toro Lynx Irrigation software Maintenance Facility: Composed of two buildings. The first houses the office, parts repair area, lift station, storage of the most important machines, breakroom, bathroom, lockers, and tool-storage area. The second building houses irrigation parts, staff carts, and supply items such as fertilizer and pesticides. A washwater recycling system is located outside the shop. Aerating and Overseeding Schedules: Greens, tees, and approaches aerated each spring and fall. Greens are needle-tined monthly through the summer, and fairways and rough are aerated in the fall. Upcoming Capital Projects: Renovation of sixth fairway and the golf maintenance facility. The fifth green is currently under consideration for redesign.  

About The Author

Betsy Gilliland

Contributing Editor

Betsy Gilliland, a contributing editor for Club & Resort Business since 2005, primarily covers golf course maintenance and management for the Course & Grounds section of the publication. She also serves as executive editor of Columbia County Magazine, a monthly lifestyles publication in the Augusta, Ga., area. Betsy lives in Augusta with her husband, Gary, who is a golf course superintendent.

Betsy previously worked as a newspaper reporter for Main Line Life in Ardmore, Pa., the Daily Local News in West Chester, Pa., and the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle. During her newspaper career, Betsy covered a variety of beats including government and politics, education and law enforcement. She has won awards for spot news, non-deadline, and series/special projects reporting.

She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

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