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“Wine is the only artwork which can be drunk.” – Luis Fernando Olaverri

On January 24th, we are lucky enough to host one of only 274 Master Sommeliers in the world for a wine education event centered on Cabernet Sauvignon.

Thomas Price is based out of Seattle and works as a wine educator for Jackson Family Wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers. Thomas will lead our members through three flights of wine designed to exhibit the versatility of this grape. From valley floor vineyards, to high-elevation mountain vineyards, Cabernet thrives in varying environments.

I’m a firm believer that wine education will lead to a greater appreciation of all wines, and that is goal of these events. Our education series is designed to get some great wines in your glass while also teaching you what makes them so special. A deeper understanding of what goes into growing the grapes and the wine making process will open the door to appreciating wine in so many more dimensions. Once you take a step through that door, you’ll never want to look back!

The wine program at Columbia Edgewater is a wonderful membership perk as there are unbeatable deals and knowledgeable staff available to help you find the perfect wine to your liking. We are looking forward to next Thursday night. Cheers!

– Kevin Klinicke, CECC Interim Hospitality Manager & your friendly, neighborhood wine guy

The 9 Hole Ladies (Niners) at Columbia Edgewater Country Club (CECC) live by these words.

“If you don’t have the time, just play nine.”

Time is money.

A typical round of 18 holes can be daunting for a newcomer. By cutting the round in half it’s an easier sell and proves to be more inviting.

A study by Sports & Leisure Research Group revealed that 60 percent of golfers believe a nine-hole round is an outstanding way to introduce a non-golfer to the game.

Here at CECC, we have a 9 Hole Mason Par 3 course on property that is excellent for beginners. You can more comfortably develop your game to learn the rules and etiquette with golfers of similar skill levels. The concept of the course is that you play a shot from the yardage you choose, ranging anywhere from 55 to 135 yards depending on the hole.

More Information on the Mason Par 3 Course 

The Women of Columbia (WOC) consist of various golfers of all skill sets and ages and the playing nine mentality has bolstered female involvement. Karen Johnson, who started golfing in 2008, has worked on growing the female presence at CECC and her efforts have paid off.

The Niners group achieved a record high number of participants this year. It all began with a group of 12 women and now there are over 60 ladies that consist of new players, intermediate and advanced golfers. The focus is on fun and camaraderie.

For those that opt to skip the course, there are tons of social events throughout the year to get involved in. Some ladies just join the group for the social aspect! The Niners also coordinate various outings off-site like local dinner gatherings, holiday parties and wine tasting events.

For anyone curious how to get their female peers involved? It all starts with a simple invitation… #InviteHER

Karen Johnson, the Co-Captain of the CECC Niners & Parking Lot Recruiter has mastered that. A personal invitation goes a long way.

More Information on the WOC

Semi-annually we treat first year members to a happy hour or get together of some fashion. It’s a great opportunity for staff and other members to mingle with the newcomers.

For the winter get together, we hosted a Mixology Class last night to spark some new festive drink ideas. We know it’s a busy time of year with various parties and gatherings so it’s the perfect time to show off a new libation!

For those not able to take advantage in person, the instructions and ingredients are below for three different drinks.

The first drink we will start with is the Glenmorangie Highball.  It is beautifully simple, and one of the best ways to enjoy Glenmorangie.

 

• 1.5 oz. Glenmorangie 10 year
• 4-6 oz. club soda (glass size will let you know how much soda)
• Place ice in glass, pour Glenmorangie then soda over ice, quick stir… boom
• Garnish with lemon twist/wedge
  
  

 

 

• 2 oz. Belvedere Unfiltered Vodka
• 1.5 oz. Earl Gray simple syrup
• 1/4 cream
• Add all ingredients over ice, stir for 15 seconds
• Strain into a Martini Glass
•  Top it off with 1 dash of freshly ground cinnamon
  
  

 

 

• 3/4 oz. Woodinville Rye
• 3/4 Hennessy VSOP
• 3/4 Sweet vermouth
• 1/4 Benedictine
• 3 dashes angostora bitters
• 3 dashes petchauds bitters
• Stir all ingredients and serve up with lemon twist

We hope you enjoy these! Now you can show off your drink making skills to friends and family.

Also, if you feel so inclined please comment your favorite drink recipes below.

Most golfers can relate to the immediate “oh no” feeling as their golf ball rolls into or lands in a green-side bunker. Perhaps you just don’t feel comfortable over the ball on the different terrain. Don’t let bunkers be the demise of your golf game.

Once you understand the fundamentals of a bunker swing and find your own rhythm it’s nothing to be scared of!

Take a look at what our Head Professional, Adrian Burtner has to stay about your bunker game. It could save you a shot or two!

Private Country Clubs can have a negative stigma attached to their name. Popularly conceived opinions of a stuffy, clique environment, with-old fashioned dress codes that only offer golf to its membership is why we’d like to shed light on what a modern day country club is like.

Private Country Clubs are not what they used to be.

We know golf can be a time consuming sport but there are many ways to minimize the long duration. Our club seriously enforces pace of play in under four hours so say sayonara to the five and six hour rounds.

Not interested in that kind of commitment? Just play nine, six or three holes. Even better, head out for a 30 minute practice session. Still doesn’t strike your fancy? There are other activities that may interest you. Wine dinners, mixology events, cooking classes, swimming and yoga classes are some examples of the changing landscape. In addition, the friends you make and the unique times with your family are invaluable.

While golf may have been the dominant force driving country club membership since the end of World War II, health, fitness and wellness and more inclusive recreation will be the identifying characteristics over the next 20 years.

– Frank Vains,  President of McMahon Group

We hope you follow the Columbia Edgewater Chronicles to catch a glimpse of life at CECC and to better understand the various advantages of being part of this community.

And hey, you may even be encouraged to pick up the game or improve your handicap??

But in the end it’s still a game of golf, and if at the end of the day you can’t shake hands with your opponents and still be friends, then you’ve missed the point.

-Payne Stewart