4 min read
For Dale Gorham, golf has been a constant since age seven, when he first swung a club on Birmingham's par-three courses. But his Greystone story began in 1990 while volunteering at a PGA tournament.
"I was driving golfers from the hotel," Dale remembers, "when I saw them building Greystone. I drove Hale Irwin to the course one day and pointed it out as we passed."
Though nervous about the investment, Dale took a leap—joining the club, buying a home "a wedge shot from the clubhouse," and immersing himself into Greystone life. Over three decades, he's moved from member to board member to club president, but his most cherished role is commissioner of "The Digits," one of Greystone's oldest golf groups.
"A year after joining, Mom and Dad visited, played some golf, had dinner, met people," Dale shares. "We sat at the same spot watching another sunset, and Dad said, 'It's a pretty good thing you joined here.' I just smiled and said, 'Yeah, give your son some credit.'"
Through the story of Dale and The Digits, we can see how Greystone's golf traditions built a brotherhood, welcomed newcomers, and created a legacy.
The Digits Legacy
Started in 1993, the group was originally called the "Single Digits," because every member had a single-digit handicap.
"We played the blue tees similar to the black tees now," Dale explains. "It was an open group, but you had to be a pretty good player to get in at the time."
As the years passed (and handicaps inevitably rose), the group dropped "Single" from their name but the camaraderie remained.
Now as the third commissioner, Dale manages the weekly pairings. He sees his role as fostering connections.
"Usually one day I'll put people with who they like to play with, and then I'll mix everybody up the other day. The purpose is to meet other people," he says.
Dale authors the weekly "Commissioner's Corner" update—a tradition he inherited. These messages recap memorable moments, share funny stories, and keep the community connected. "I enjoy doing it because if it makes them happy, then I'm happy, too."
The Digits has flourished for over 30 years, becoming a cornerstone of Greystone's member experience.
Building "2:00 Friends"
"Having been around some of these digits now for 32 years or 33 years, these are my closest friends," he explains. "We call them 2:00 friends. If you need something at 2 o'clock in the morning, these are the people you're going to call."
When one member undergoes surgery or faces health challenges, others rally around with check-ins and practical help.
"We watch out for each other and take care of each other," Dale emphasizes. "If we need something and somebody can do something, then we'll get together and do it. So, it's akin to a Sunday school class in some respects for churchgoers, but for us it's more than a social club. It's kind of like a brotherhood."
Dale has created traditions, including birthday celebrations that include spouses.
"We have candles and cupcakes and sing happy birthday to them," he says. Allowing partners to meet the people their golfers spend weekends with and become part of the extended Digits family.
It's these little touches–the text messages checking in, the mixed-up foursomes ensuring everyone plays with everyone, the celebrations beyond the course–that turn rounds of golf into something more.
Growing the Game: From Nick Dunlap to Michael Jordan
You can always listen to Dale’s stories–like the one about a 12-year-old phenom named Nick Dunlap who joined the Digits for some competition.
"Nick wanted to play with the digits because he wanted some competition. He was 12 years old at the time," Dale recalls with pride. "Nick had shot, I think, a 58 at 12 years old."
That same kid who was "too good" to play with the Digits anymore? He went on to play in the Masters and made history as the first amateur since 1991 to win a PGA Tour event before turning pro.
Then there's Dale's unforgettable round with Michael Jordan during the club championship in 1994. His heart was racing, and he barely teed up his ball as he stood next to the basketball legend.
"I got off on the side of the fourth green off to myself and I said, 'If you don't calm down, you're going to shoot a hundred,'" Dale laughs. After settling his nerves, Dale rallied with a spectacular back nine while Jordan struggled.
Later in the clubhouse, MJ approached with a quip that Dale still treasures: "He said, 'You played a different golf course than I played today.' I said, 'Michael, I was so nervous. I've never been so nervous on a golf course.'"
These stories highlight something special about Greystone: its ability to bring anyone together through golf. Dale's involvement in organizing the Bruno’s Memorial Classic and chairing the Greystone Invitational helped cement the club's reputation while deepening his own connection to the place.
But as Dale puts it, "We have all skill levels. We have some that are just starting out and we have some that are very accomplished players." The common denominator? The love of the game.
The Next Generation: Dale's Vision for Greystone's Future
Dale sees legacy as the club's beating heart.
"It's important from a legacy standpoint that if you can get a family in here and their kids grow up in a country club environment," he explains, "they learn manners and citizenship and they network with a lot of people. They're going to want to stay in a club and then they're going to want their children to grow up in a club."
Dale has witnessed this firsthand–young golfers growing up and bringing their own families back. He loves when people ask what Greystone has to offer.
"I'm going, what does it not have to offer?" he laughs. But he also says to get involved right away–join committees, volunteer for tournaments, participate in events, and of course, play with the Digits. "You are graced on," he tells new members. "You get out of it what you're willing to invest in it."
For Dale, the investment has returned immeasurable dividends. "I would do it again in a heartbeat," he reflects. And after more than three decades, he is proof of the community it creates.
