JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2026
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RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB
YOUR CLUB
RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB STAFF Christian Anastasiadis | christian@raleighcc.com COO of McConnell Golf
HOURS OF OPERATION FAIRWAY GRILL AND 19TH HOLE HOURS Monday | Closed Tuesday | 11:00am - 3:00pm Wednesday | 11:00am - 6:00pm Thursday | 11:00am - 7:00pm Friday | 11:00am - 9:00pm Saturday | 11:00am - 7:00pm Sunday | 11:00am - 6:00pm 19th Hole remains open Tuesday-Sunday until the last golfer is off the course. RCC GOLF OPERATION HOURS Weekdays | 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday | 8:00am - 5:00pm Tee Times | 9:00am - 5:00pm RANGE HOURS 8:30am - 5:00pm Range will close at 4:30pm every Sunday The golf course and practice facilities are closed every Monday. HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION
January 1 New Year's Day
9:00am - 4:00pm | 19th Hole Open | Carts in by 5:00pm Practice Facility Closed
January 19 MLK Day
19th Hole & Golf Course Open (Coed) Donald Ross Lounge CLOSED
Heather Eagle | heather.eagle@mcconnellgolf.com Executive Assistant to the COO | Member Relations Bonnie Miller | bmiller@raleighcc.com Clubhouse Manager & Events Director Phillip O | phillipo@raleighcc.com Assistant Clubhouse Manager Adam McLaughlin | amclaughlin@raleighcc.com Director of Golf Billy Cole | bcole@raleighcc.com Golf Course Superintendent John Crawford | jcrawford@raleighcc.com Executive Chef Joy Barnett | jbarnett@raleighcc.com Food and Beverage Director Kaylen Garrison | kgarrison@raleighcc.com Kids Activities Director Davis Wilson | dwilson@mcconnellgolf.com Accounts Receivable Assistant Manager Brian Kittler | brian.kittler@mcconnellgolf.com VP of Golf Operations Lauri Stephens | membership@mcconnellgolf.com VP of Membership Paxton Rembis | prembis@mcconnellgolf.com Creative Director Faith Inman | finman@mcconnellgolf.com Communications Director
RCC CONTACT LIST Dining Room | 919.231-5501 x 0035 Events Director | 919.231.5501 x 0036 Golf Shop | 919.231.6451
IN THIS ISSUE Your Club...……………….…………..….…….............…...……... 2 Membership Info...………………….…..................…...…… 3 Dining Events...............................................................4
Raleigh Country Club wishes you and yours a Happy New Year full of opportunity, hope, dreams, and ambition. May this year be full of good health and much happiness!
Dining Specials...........………..…........…..…...................5 Tee It Up....................................…….……...........…...…... 6 Golf Schedule..................…………...…….......……............7 Inside McConnell Golf..........................................8-9
FEATURED ON THE COVER
Monthly Calendars...……...….…......…....……........10-11
The Kiser Family(Photo by Christina Marie Photography) http://www.christinamariestock.com
Thank You & Congratulations............................ 12
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MEMBERSHIP INFO HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing all of our RCC members a wonderful start to 2026! We are truly grateful for each of you and your continued support, especially through the referral of new membership candidates. Thanks to your dedication and enthusiasm, the club is thriving, and we are excited to have a healthy list of families eager to join. Your commitment and involvement make RCC a special place, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing group of members. Here's to another successful year of growth, camaraderie, and shared experiences. We look forward to an exciting 2026 and all that it has to offer! Thank you again for helping the club flourish. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, prosperous, and healthy year ahead! Warm regards, Lauri Stephens, VP of Membership, McConnell Golf
Raleigh Country Clu o t e m o c l b We
Ferrell and Jenny Sloan
Sophie and Wells Stanwick with children Wells and Freddie
Michael and Frances Hinder with children Winnie and Harrison THE LINK
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DINING EVENTS
FRIDAY KIDS NIGHT OUT 6:00-9:00PM
SEAFOOD FEAST FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 | 6:00-9:00PM | $50 PER PERSON Come experience the Taste of the Ocean’s Finest with live music. We will have something for everyone even if you are not a seafood lover.
Bring a friend and join us for dinner and activities! As a reminder, all children must be potty trained. Please make your dinner reservation and add childcare by Friday at noon. JANUARY: 2 - New Year’s Night 9 - Game Night 16 - Winter Wonderland 23 - Ice Explorers 30 - Movie Night with Hot Cocoa FEBRUARY: 6 - Cookie Decorating 13 - Valentine’s Craft Night 20 - Canvas Painting
A NIGHT IN PARIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 | 6:30-9:30PM | $85 PER PERSON Celebrate love in unforgettable style at our Valentine’s Wine Dinner! Enjoy an elegant multi-course menu perfectly paired with exceptional wines, romantic ambiance, and warm country-club hospitality
PRIME RIB NIGHT FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 | 6:00 - 9:00PM | $45++ PER PERSON Join us for a delicious meal featuring Chef John’s herb-roasted prime rib at RCC. Childcare will be available.
YOUTH ETIQUETTE DINNER SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 | 5:00-7:00PM | $65 PER CHILD DESIGNED FOR ELEMENTARY TO EARLY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Bring a friend and join Hanna Compton of Social Graces of the Triangle for another year of fun and practical table-manners instruction! This session includes a three-course meal and is ideal for both new students and those looking for a refresher. We’ll also review basic introductions and greeting etiquette. Children will leave confident and prepared to be gracious hosts or guests—at the club, out on the town, or around the family dinner table.
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FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 | ADULTS $35 KIDS $25 Join us for a glowing K-Pop Demon Hunter-inspired Father-Daughter Dance filled with neon lights, upbeat music, and tons of sparkle! Enjoy a night of dancing, glow accessories, and unforgettable memories. Register now on the RCC Calendar. Spots fill quickly!
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DINING SPECIALS
FARMHOUSE OMELET BAR JANUARY 4,11,18 | FEBRUARY 1, 8, 22 11:00AM-2:00PM | DONALD ROSS LOUNGE & TROPHY ROOM
Taco Tuesdays Southwest meets the Southeast! Enjoy specially handcrafted tacos with fresh homemade ingredients for only $9. JANUARY 6 - Jerk Seasoned Beef Tacos with Jalapeno Mango Slaw JANUARY 13 - Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Shredded Lettuce, Avocado and Cilantro JANUARY 27 - Blackened Steak Tacos with Blue Cheese Crumbles and Sautéed Onions FEBRUARY 3 - Crispy Pork Belly Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Slaw and Avocado FEBRUARY 10 - Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pickled Red Onion, Cilantro Lime Crema and Scallion
GRANDE BRUNCH BUFFET
FEBRUARY 24 - Crispy Fish Tacos with Pico de Gallo, Avocado and Cilantro-Lime Crema
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 11:00AM-2:00PM | DONALD ROSS LOUNGE & TROPHY ROOM It’s a beautiful Sunday morning—and what better way to start the day than with a hearty brunch with farm fresh ingredients!
BIRTHDAY NIGHT AT THE CLUB
VALENTINE’S GRANDE BRUNCH BUFFET
JANUARY 9 | FEBRUARY 20 6:00-9:00PM | TROPHY ROOM & LOUNGE | PATIO SEATING
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 11:00AM-2:00PM | DONALD ROSS LOUNGE & TROPHY ROOM
Enjoy complimentary champagne for all! If your birthday falls in January or February, join us for a free dinner entrée, complete with our McConnell Golf Skillet Cookie dessert.
Invite your loved ones to join you for a delicious Valentine’s Brunch at the club!
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TEE IT UP Happy New Year! As we close out an exciting 2025 golf season at Raleigh Country Club, we look ahead with great anticipation to the new year and the 2026 golf season. Our professional staff has worked hard to create an event schedule that brings fresh energy to our calendar while building on the traditions our members value. To go along with the golf schedule, we will email the Raleigh Country Club Golf Handbook to the membership at the beginning of the year and we will have hard copies available in the golf shop with more details and information on 2026 events at the club. In the spirit of “New Year’s Resolutions,” we ask every member to join us in making 2026 the best year for course conditions in Raleigh Country Club history. This year, we ask each of you to please leave the golf course and practice facilities better than you found them. Please take a moment to repair not only your own ball mark but any others you see, rake every bunker you enter, and fill divots throughout the fairways and tee boxes. The short game practice area at Raleigh Country Club is one of the best in the state. That said, this is an area that we need member assistance to improve its current condition. We ask that all shots are from within 30 yards of your intended target to reduce the amount of ball marks on the greens and divots in the area. We also ask that if any ball marks are made, they are fixed to help maintain conditions on these greens similar to the on-course conditions. Small actions from many people make a tremendous difference. During the winter months, we anticipate some beautiful days that will allow everyone to keep their games sharp for the upcoming season. Please keep in mind that frost delays may occur, and we will adjust the tee sheet and starting times as needed to ensure maximum course availability. If you ever have questions about conditions or tee times, the golf shop is always ready to help. As we begin the golf season at Raleigh Country Club, I want to personally thank our entire membership for the tremendous support you have shown the club and our golf operation over the past year. The golf staff is excited for the 2026 golf season, and we remain committed to providing an exceptional golf experience for you and your guests. If I can assist in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out—my door is always open. Best, Adam McLaughlin, PGA Director of Golf
RCC Junior and Ladies Golf Academy (Powered by Operation 36) This year, we will continue the growth and evolution of the RCC Junior Golf Academy Operation 36 and RCC Ladies’ Golf Academy programs at Raleigh Country Club. The program has been instrumental in developing golfers. Last year, we saw tremendous strides in participation and improvement from the program's participants, and we look to continue this trend as we grow new golfers at Raleigh Country Club. Each semester is an 8-week program with weekly classes for an hour and four 9-hole playing events. Below are the dates for this year’s Junior Academy program at Raleigh Country Club. Please sign up through the Raleigh CC Calendar or registration emails.
Raleigh Country Club Ladies Academy Schedule
Raleigh Country Club Junior Academy Schedule
Spring Semester Every Sunday March 22nd - May 17th * We will open a Second Class on Fridays if Sundays fill up.
Spring Semester Every Wednesday March 18th - May 13th Fall Semester Every Wednesday August 19th – October 21st
Fall Semester Every Sunday August 23rd – October 18th *We will open a second class on Fridays if Sundays fill up
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 pm (less than 24 participants) 4:00 – 5:00 pm and 5:15 – 6:15 pm (more than 24 participants)
Fee: $400 per semester
Fee: $400 per semester
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2026 RCC Golf Schedule March 7th RCC Winter Scramble Member-Member 9th-12th Green Aerification
April 4th Men’s Match Play Tournament Begins 18th Spring Couples Golf Tournament 24th Ladies’ Spring Classic (Member-Member)
May 1st–3rd Donald Ross Classic (Member-Member) 25th–31st Korn Ferry UNC Health Championship
June 19th Summer Couples Golf Tournament 22nd-26th Green Aerification
July 4th Red, White, and Blue Tournament
August 1st RCC Summer Alt-Shot Member-Member 10th-11th Green Aerification 30th Parent-Child Tournament
September 11th-12th Lillian Ross Classic (Ladies’ Mem-Guest) 19th Fall Couples Golf Tournament
October 7th–12th Peartree Classic Men’s Member-Guest 23rd-25th Men’s Club Championship 24th-25th Senior and Ladies Club Championship
November 7th RCC Fall Four-Ball Tournament
December 12th One Club Championship *Event dates are tentative and subject to change
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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 1
FRIDAY 2
SATURDAY 3
Childcare Available Happy New Year!
4
5 Farmhouse Omelet Bar
11
6 Clubhouse & Course Closed
12 Farmhouse Omelet Bar
18
19
9 Smokehouse Special
14
15
21
Clubhouse & Course Closed
22
26
Grande Brunch Buffet
17
Childcare Available
24
Seafood Feast
Smokehouse Special
Childcare Available
27
Clubhouse & Course Closed
Childcare Available
23
MLK DAY
25
10 Birthday Night
16 Smokehouse Special
Taco Tuesday
20 Course & 19th Hole Open
8
Taco Tuesday
13
Clubhouse & Course Closed
Farmhouse Omelet Bar
7
Taco Tuesday
28
29 Smokehouse Special
30 Prime Rib Night Childcare Available
31 Youth Etiquette Dinner
JANUARY COOKIE OF THE MONTH
JANUARY: BROWN BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP TOFFEE COOKIES BY MICHAEL MONAHAN, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE 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.” View the recipe at https://www.clubconnection.blog/2026cookies/jan
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February SUNDAY 1
MONDAY
TUESDAY
2 Farmhouse Omelet Bar
8
3 Clubhouse & Course Closed
15
10 Clubhouse & Course Closed
5
th
12
19
Clubhouse & Course Closed
Childcare Available
23 Farmhouse Omelet Bar
Valentine’s Day Dinner
20
21
Birthday Night
Smokehouse Special
Childcare Available
24
Clubhouse & Course Closed
14
Childcare Available
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
22
SATURDAY 7
13 Smokehouse Special
18
FRIDAY 6
Smokehouse Special
11
17 Course & 19 Hole Open
4
Taco Tuesday
16
Valentine’s Grande Brunch Buffet
THURSDAY
Taco Tuesday
9 Farmhouse Omelet Bar
WEDNESDAY
Taco Tuesday
25
27
26 Smokehouse Special
28
Father-Daughter Dance
FEBRUARY COOKIE OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY: APRICOT, ORANGE, ALMOND COOKIE BY JOHN CRAWFORD, EXECUTIVE CHEF, & 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 (PICTURED ABOVE IS THE DEWAR’S LEMON WEDGE) Ministry in Ohio. The Ministry was able to raise over ten thousand dollars for women in need.” - Lynn Hart View the recipe at https://www.clubconnection.blog/2026cookies/feb
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Raleigh Country Club 400 Donald Ross Drive Raleigh, NC 27610
RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB'S EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Kevin Crill has been with RCC for a little over five years and serves as the Sr. Assistant Superintendent on the Golf Course Maintenance team. Prior to joining RCC, Kevin was an Assistant Superintendent at the historic Winged Foot Golf Club. He has been outstanding in his leadership, effectively managing and guiding our dedicated maintenance team. Kevin is consistently here early each morning and is highly organized in carrying out the daily responsibilities of maintaining the golf course. RCC is a better golf course because of Kevin’s commitment and contributions to our team. Simply put, he’s the best of the best! He is married to Keri, and they have a one-and-ahalf-year-old daughter, Olivia. Congratulations Kevin, well-deserved! KEVIN CRILL (NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH)
2025 EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH January: Jorge Gomez
May: Ava Ponziano
September: Sean Spring
February: Ricky Brodie
June: Justin Anderson
October: Laura Garcia
March: Warren Small
July: Blake McGowan
November: Kevin Crill
April: Azizi Foster
August: Jacob Odishoo
December: Truman Southern
Raleigh Country Club Gives Back! Raleigh Country Club members generously sponsored 20 children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and filled a sleigh with toys for Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Thank you to everyone who helped make the season a little brighter for kids across Wake County!