JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2026
THE VALLEY VOICE ________________________
BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
YOUR CLUB JANUARY & FEBRUARY HOURS OF OPERATION MAIN CLUBHOUSE
JANUARY & FEBRUARY HOURS (Subject to Changes) Monday
CLOSED
Tuesday
Kitchen -11:30am-3:00pm Lounge -11:30am-5:00pm
Wednesday
11:30am-9:00pm
Thursday
11:30am-9:00pm
Friday
11:30am-9:00pm Saturday & Sunday 11:30am-6:00pm Sunday Brunch 10:30am-2:00pm JANUARY GOLF SHOP, GOLF COURSE AND PRACTICE FACILITY HOURS Golf Shop
Weekday I 7:30am-5:00pm Weekend I 7:00am-5:00pm
Golf Course
Weekday I 8:30am-5:00pm Weekend I 8:00am-5:00pm
Practice Facility
Weekday I 7:00am-5:00pm
Weekend I 7:00am-5:00pm
BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB STAFF Buckley Brockmann | bbrockmann@brookvalleycc.com Golf Course Superintendent & General Manager Anna Holleman | fbmanager@brookvalleycc.com F&B Manager Cortne Grunden | membership@brookvalleycc.com Director of Member Services, Human Resources, & Accounting Dalton Rich | drich@brookvalleycc.com Director of Golf
FEBRUARY GOLF SHOP, GOLF COURSE AND PRACTICE FACILITY HOURS
Sean Branagan | sbranagan@brookvalleycc.com Head Golf Professional
Golf Shop
Kenric Hunt | kenric.hunt@brookvalleycc.com Executive Chef
Weekday I 7:30am-5:00pm Weekend I 7:00am-5:00pm
Golf Course
Weekday I 8:30am-5:00pm Weekend I 8:00am-5:00pm
Practice Facility
Weekday I 7:00am-5:00pm Weekend I 7:00am-5:00pm
BVCC CONTACT LIST
Christopher Mabe | cmabe@brookvalleycc.com Facilities Director Talia Alcalde | talcalde@brookvalleycc.com Events Coordinator Jay Norris | communications@brookvalleycc.com Communications Coordinator
Reservations
252-751-1960 Ext 8032 or 8033
Lounge
252-751-1960 Ext 8033
Clubhouse Manager
252-751-1960 Ext 8012
Membership & Accounting
252-751-1960 Ext 8013
Events
252-751-1960 Ext 8036
IN THIS ISSUE
Golf Shop
252-751-1960 Ext 8021
Your Club...……………….….……….....…………......………....2 Membership...…………...….…….…..….…...…....…...……..3 Dining & Events..……….…..……….....…...….…….…....4-5 Golf Updates……….…….…...…....…...………....………........6 Turf Talk........................................…..……...….....….…....7 Inside McConnell Golf.........…….....….…….…......8-9 Cookie of the Month/Calendars..………......10-11
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MEMBERSHIP Happy New Year! We are excited for all that 2026 has in store. Please be sure to gear up for the winter season and the many events and activities we have planned in the months ahead. From dining experiences to social gatherings, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. We encourage you to regularly check our Weekly Happenings and online calendar for the latest updates and event details. Registration for events will open as they become available, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot. As always, we look forward to seeing you around the clubhouse. Thank you again for being such an important part of our club community. We wish you a happy, healthy New Year and look forward to sharing another great year together. Cheers, Cortne Grunden Director of Member Services
New Members: Chris & Lauren Davis Russ & Jeanne Taylor Donnie & Jennie Lee
DID YOU KNOW? McConnell Golf offers a Network Upgrade for our membership. For just $27 or $55, depending on your membership type, you can enjoy golf, pool, dining, and social activities at all McConnell Golf locations. If you have any questions about the McConnell Golf Network Upgrade, contact Director of Member Services, Cortne Grunden, at 252-751-1960 x 8013.
2026 MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: We offer a variety of different memberships to meet all your needs! Please share with your fellow neighbors, colleagues, family and friends the membership opportunities being offered at Brook Valley Country Club. All memberships are Family Memberships.
CLUBHOUSE MEMBERSHIP Clubhouse and Non-Resident Clubhouse providing access to clubhouse dining and social activities
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SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP Provides full club amenities, access to pool, dining, and social activities
GOLF MEMBERSHIP Full Golf, Non-Resident Full Golf, Corporate Full Golf, Junior Golf and Senior Golf providing full club amenities, access to golf, pool, dining and social activities
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DINING & EVENTS
BIRTHDAY NIGHT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM We invite you to enjoy a complimentary meal and McConnell Brownie during your birthday month. We look forward to celebrating your special day!
ZUMBA WITH VICKIE HALL JANUARY 14 - APRIL 22 | 2ND - 4TH WEDNESDAYS AT 9:00 AM Join certified instructor Vickie Hall for an energizing Zumba class designed to boost your fitness while having fun. Look for more information in our Weekly Happenings and make sure to sign up!
END OF MONTH DINNER WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Join us for a special evening as we celebrate the end of the month with Chef's uniquely curated dinner feature. Gather with friends, savor great food, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
THE LAKEVIEW DINING ROOM
THE AZALEA BANQUET ROOM
Enjoy picturesque views overlooking the course in our Lakeview Dining Room. It is the perfect setting for relaxed weekday lunches, elegant dinners, and seasonal club favorites. With bright natural light and a welcoming atmosphere, this member-favorite space offers exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and a comfortable dining experience for all occasions. To book events, please contact Talia Alcalde at talcalde@brookvalleycc.com.
Host your most memorable moments in the Azalea Banquet Room. A beautifully appointed private event space ideal for weddings, receptions, showers, celebrations of all kinds, and corporate gatherings. With refined décor, customizable layouts, and exceptional service, this versatile room provides an elegant backdrop for unforgettable experiences with family and friends. To book events, please contact Talia Alcalde at talcalde@brookvalleycc.com.
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DINING & EVENTS
BIRTHDAY NIGHT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
VALENTINE’S DINNER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
We invite you to enjoy a complimentary meal and a McConnell Brownie during your birthday month. We look forward to celebrating your special day!
Celebrate love a little early with a romantic evening designed for couples to relax, connect, and enjoy a special night out together. Perfect for a memorable pre-Valentine’s celebration.
KIDS ZONE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM This special Kids Zone evening pairs perfectly with our Valentine’s Dinner for adults. While parents enjoy a night out, Brook Valley youth can join us in our dedicated kids’ room (and throughout the Club) for a variety of staff-led activities—from science projects to arts & crafts.
DADDY–DAUGHTER DANCE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
BOURBON DINNER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Create unforgettable memories at our Daddy–Daughter Dance! Join us for a magical evening filled with dancing, laughter, and a heartwarming celebration of the special bond between fathers and daughters. Enjoy a festive atmosphere paired with a thoughtfully curated buffet for all ages.
Savor a curated selection of premium bourbons, expertly paired with thoughtfully crafted dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to bourbon, enjoy an evening of bold flavors and refined Southern comfort..
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GOLF UPDATES Dear Members, January and February are traditionally our down-season for golf, but there are still plenty of enjoyable days to be had when the weather cooperates. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities whenever conditions allow and enjoy the course during the quieter winter months. Please be aware that frost delays are possible following cold winter nights, particularly for early morning tee times. Any frost delay that may impact scheduled tee times will be communicated the morning of play after the golf course has been properly assessed. We do have a couple of holidays during January and February, and our operating schedule around those dates is outlined below. Should weather conditions require any changes to this schedule, updates will be communicated in advance. Holiday Schedule Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Open: Monday, January 19 Closed: Tuesday, January 20 Presidents’ Day – Open: Monday, February 16 Closed: Tuesday, February 17 Be on the lookout for information on our Annual Golf Shop Super Bowl Squares Pool. Details will be sent out in the weeks leading up to the big game. Thank you for your continued support during the winter months. Take care, stay warm, and we hope to see you on the golf course as much as possible! Dalton Rich, PGA Director of Golf
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TURF TALK The holidays are behind us, and hopefully so are the leaves. It always feels like the trees have an endless supply and will never stop dropping debris for us to blow. Then they finally give us a break in January. Once we get a chance to step away from a tractor blower, we can focus on other tasks. During this chilly time of year, we start thinking about what turf will need in the summer months. That includes water. Our irrigation system can help us provide water when Mother Nature is not so kind. Small repairs can be made throughout the winter; it is also a good time to run diagnostic testing on the electrical system we use to run the individual heads. Getting the irrigation system prepared is important, but it is not the only piece of the puzzle. The irrigation system can deliver water. Who is getting the water is the question? Is it the grass or the trees? In some areas the trees are doing more harm than you might think. All along the tree lines the tree roots are robbing the nearby turf of nutrients and water. We see tree roots popping up through the turf canopy in search of water. Not only is this challenging for our turf, it is tough on our equipment, our golf carts, and for some of us, our backs! Fortunately, we have a solution to those pesky roots. McConnell Golf owns a root pruner. If you see 2 lines in the turf along the tree lines, you are probably looking at where the pruner has been. There are two great things about this piece of equipment. First, it is minimally invasive to the turf. Second, it also does not harm the trees. The pruner is only cutting down into the soil about 4 to 6 inches, which is deep enough to cut surface roots, but not deep enough to hurt the primary roots of the trees. It is also time to start thinking about pre-emergent herbicide for the summer. Between the middle of January and the first part of March is the best time to get herbicide applied in order to keep goose and crabgrass out of our turf during the summer months. It is always easier to control it before it starts growing. Once rooted and mature, both goose and crabgrass can be challenging. Plan ahead for your home lawn, get your clubs ready for the golf course, warmer weather is just around the corner. We hope to see you around the club soon! Until next time, I’ll see you on the course. Sincerely, Buckley Brockmann Golf Course Superintendent/General Manager
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INSIDE MCCONNELL GOLF Inside McConnell Golf brings you a closer look at everything happening across our family of clubs. With each newsletter edition, we’ll highlight company-wide initiatives, exciting updates, ongoing renovations, member-focused improvements, and key marketing news — all in one place. Stay informed, be part of the story, and see what’s buzzing around McConnell Golf.
2026 GOLF SCHEDULE COMING SOON
MCCONNELL GOLF, THE MAGAZINE: FALL/WINTER The 2025 Fall/Winter edition is now available! With over 10,500 readers across 12 markets, the magazine embodies the community spirit of McConnell Golf. Each edition features engaging member stories, club updates, event highlights, and more. Looking ahead to our 2026 Spring/Summer edition, we’re excited to offer opportunities for full-page ads, half-page ads, and directory listings. To learn more or secure your spot, contact your club’s membership director today.
Scheduled for a January release, the 2026 McConnell Golf schedule booklet features all the information you need to get ready for the upcoming golf season. From club tournament dates to golf shop hours and instructional lesson rates, you’ll have a compact guide right at your fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, stay in the loop with a calendar that will take the hassle out of planning your next round at McConnell Golf. COBBLESTONE GOLF CLUB
WHAT’S NEW IN THE NEW YEAR? COURSE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 2026 Cobblestone Golf Club: Beginning in Fall 2025, Cobblestone Golf Club will undergo a major renovation on the Black 9 course, rebuilding all bunkers with Capillary Concrete liners and new sand, improving drainage, and installing new concrete cart paths with select rerouting and tree removal. The same work will follow on the Garnet 9 course, with completion targeted for Spring 2026. During construction, the nine holes under renovation will be closed. The Water’s Edge Country Club: After Memorial Day, The Water’s Edge will close the course to convert all bentgrass fairways and tees to Bermudagrass, with a 10–12 week grow-in and a planned reopening by Labor Day. The club will also begin practice facility upgrades, including a redesigned first hole, a relocated putting green, and an expanded driving range tee near the clubhouse. These enhancements will elevate the overall golf experience and position the club for long-term success.
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INSIDE MCCONNELL GOLF
MCCONNELL GOLF PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION Discover our curated collection of imagery capturing the beauty and character of McConnell Golf properties. From fairway to frame, give the gift of stunning photography, thoughtfully captured by the McConnell Golf team. In partnership with SmugMug and White House Custom Colour (WHCC), we are proud to offer exclusive, customizable photo products — from framed prints to canvas wall art and tabletop displays — shipped directly to your home. Visit McConnellGolf.SmugMug.com to explore the collection. Don’t see your club featured yet? Check back throughout 2026 — we’ll continue expanding our gallery with new photography from across our portfolio.
JOHN MCCONNELL HONORED WITH INAUGURAL KORN FERRY TOUR “BEYOND THE GREEN” AWARD On December 11, John McConnell was recognized by the Korn Ferry Tour as the inaugural recipient of its new “Beyond the Green” Award during the tour’s annual tournament meetings at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The award was created to recognize an individual whose impact on the Tour extends beyond tournament operations—someone who leads with integrity, supports collaboration, and consistently elevates the experience for players, partners, and communities. We congratulate John on this well-deserved honor and are proud to see his leadership and impact recognized by the Korn Ferry Tour.
CLUB CONNECTION BLOG: 2025 IN PHOTOS, TOP 365 IMAGES FROM THE YEAR Take a look at the highlights of McConnell Golf’s incredible year through a collection of 365 photos captured across our footprint. From pristine fairways designed by legendary architects like Donald Ross and Pete Dye, to unforgettable moments from PGA, Korn Ferry Tour, and amateur events, these images capture the essence of what makes McConnell Golf a leader in its industry. This collection also showcases the elegance of our clubhouse interiors, the vibrant energy of member events, and the special moments that bring our community together. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this year a success—our dedicated members, whose passion and engagement fuel our community, and our exceptional staff, whose unwavering commitment and hard work make it all possible. Visit ClubConnection.blog to view the photo recap in addition to other articles covering the stories that make McConnell Golf special.
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January SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 ZUMBA
15
16
17
BIRTHDAY NIGHT
18
19
20
21 ZUMBA
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 ZUMBA
29
30
31
END OF MONTH DINNER
JANUARY COOKIE OF THE MONTH: BROWN BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP TOFFEE COOKIE RECIPE BY MICHAEL MONAHAN, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE “I picked this cookie because it reminds me of the kind I’d make at home on a slow Sunday afternoon—simple, a little nostalgic, and hard to stop eating. The browned butter gives it that warm, toasty flavor that fills the kitchen, and the bits of chocolate and toffee make every bite feel like a small reward.” - Michael Monahan Ingredients: Dry Ingredients Brown Butter Base 2 lb all-purpose flour 1 lb unsalted butter 1 Tbsp baking soda 1 lb light brown sugar, packed 1 tsp baking powder ½ lb granulated sugar 4 each large eggs Mix-ins 2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips 1 tsp kosher salt 8 oz toffee bits (Heath or similar) Directions: 1.Brown the butter | In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook until it foams and turns golden with a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer to a mixing bowl to cool slightly (about 10 minutes). 2.Combine sugars and butter | Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the cooled brown butter. Mix until smooth and glossy. 3.Add eggs and vanilla | Whisk or mix on medium speed until fully emulsified and creamy. 4.Combine dry ingredients | In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. 5.Fold in mix-ins | Stir in chocolate chips, toffee bits, and optional nuts. Dough should be soft but not sticky. 6.Scoop & chill | Portion into 1 oz (tablespoon-size) scoops. Chill at least 30 minutes (or freeze for bake-off flexibility). 7.Bake | Set oven to 350 °F convection or 365 °F still air. Place on parchment-lined sheet trays, 2 inches apart. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are golden and centers just set 8.Finish | Cool on trays 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. Optional: sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt while warm.
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February SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
ZUMBA
VALENTINE’S DINNER
BIRTHDAY NIGHT 15
16
17
18
KIDS ZONE 19
20
21
26
27
28
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
BOURBON DINNER
ZUMBA
22
23
24
25
ZUMBA
FEBRUARY COOKIE OF THE MONTH: APRICOT, CRAISIN, AND ORANGE ALMOND COOKIE RECIPE BY JOHN CRAWFORD, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB & LYNN HART, PASTRY CHEF AT RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB ”This Cookie recipe was a staple item for a High Tea fundraiser event we did every year at the Oasis House Ministry in Ohio. The Ministry was able to raise over $10 Thousand dollars for women in need.” - Lynn Hart
Ingredients: ½ Cup Chopped Craisins ¼ Cup Chopped Apricots ¼ Cup Chopped Almonds Zest and Juice 1 Orange (you will need 2 Table Spoons of Juice) 2 Cups Flour
½ Cup Sugar ½ teaspoon Salt 1 Cup Chilled Butter Cubes 1 teaspoon almond extract
Directions: 1.In a food processor, pulse the flour, Sugar, Salt and Cubed Butter until the mixture is crumbly. 2.Add the Almond Extract, Orange Zest and Juice. 3.Fold in the Craisins, Almonds and Apricot. 4.Knead into a tight log shape with 1 ¼ inch wide. 5.Let it rest for an hour in the refrigerator. 6.Slice ¼ inch thick. 7.Bake in a 350-degree home oven or 325-degree Convection oven for approximately 10 minutes. Makes 34 Cookies.
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Brook Valley Country Club 311 Oxford Road Greenville, NC 27858