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Now that it’s November, Fall has truly arrived in the South: the temperatures have lowered, the humidity is mercifully gone, and the trees are showing beautiful colors. At Greystone Golf & Country Club, it’s the perfect time to be outdoors, and the driving range is full of golfers who have waited all summer long.
Steve Smith, PGA, Greystone’s Director of Golf, knows how special a season it is, so he and his staff make sure to plan many opportunities welcoming members and their guests. “Everything we do is to maximize the fun factor,” Smith said. “With temperatures in the mid-70s, it only makes it more enjoyable to be out there in the elements.”
Smith likes to offer a pressure-free prelude to the Ladies Member-Member tournament held each November, by lighting up the practice putting green for a Glow Golf Putting Night, complete with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and glow jewelry. For the men, there’s a par-3 tournament followed by a steak dinner.
Then there’s The Annual Pigskin Classic, to let golfers celebrate football season by showing their team spirit: organizing teams of members and their guests, wearing a favorite team’s colors, and even adding tailgating with food and beverages. This year’s Pigskin Classic was again a success, Smith said. “It was 54 degrees and rainy on the final day, and we still had 74 players want to play in the tournament.”
Another new tradition started up this November at Greystone - the first Members Car Show. Motor-loving Members parked their pristine vintage cars along the Founders Driving Range and Plaza.
Looking ahead to next Fall, Members will be able to enjoy the new Lakeside Activities Center. It will include new pickleball courts, a regulation-sized basketball court, and more. A dock will be built out over the water and the lake will be dredged and stocked so Members can fish too.
GREYSTONE GLOWS WITH THE WARMTH OF THE SEASON
Up at the clubhouse, November begins with the warm glow from three Southern traditions – Bourbon, BBQ & Bluegrass – during a mixer on the Legacy Patio that features pairings of the South’s signature drink with various barbecued bites.
When the temperatures dip even more, and the daylight starts to shorten, it’s time to head indoors and be cozy. Inside the Greystone clubhouse, warm and cozy awaits with fireplaces and a calendar full of festive events, so families and friends can gather together.
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the club hosts a Turkey Trot Bingo night, complete with cash prizes and no turkeys. Instead, a delicious Italian feast is served, so your palate stays eager for the big bird.
On Thanksgiving Day, members can eat a midday meal in the Founders Main Dining Room, with a delicious buffet full of roast turkey, fresh Gulf fish, and glazed ham alongside favorite side dishes such as sweet potato casserole and braised brussels sprouts. The whole family will find much to put on their plate at this next-level buffet, including a chilled fish station, breakfast items, a kids’ section, and many homemade desserts.
Some members may opt to have the benefit of beautiful, Greystone-prepared food in their own home, by ordering from the Club’s Thanksgiving Carry-Out menu. The talented chefs at Greystone offer a turkey meal complete with all the trimmings. Members can choose to have their turkey herb-roasted or Cajun-fried, and even add oven-roasted tenderloin or prime rib.
For those whose favorite part of Thanksgiving is Black Friday, Greystone has you covered. Members gather for a special pre-shopping, mimosa-infused, brunch before hitting the Summit together to score great deals. And Members never miss our Holiday Open House in the Founders Golf Shop, scheduled for December 2nd. This holiday extravaganza is an all-day golf shop sale with complimentary gift wrap for all. Evening shoppers also enjoy a wine expo with complimentary hors d’ oeuvres, live music, and a tree-lighting ceremony.
After Thanksgiving, Greystone hosts a month full of heart-warming activities for the holidays. Several of these events have been held for decades and become cherished traditions among the Greystone community.
It’s all these gatherings and families who spend quality time together that makes the Club feel extra warm as temperatures outside begin to dip.
