Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2024, we want to start by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing members and homeowners. Bright’s Creek is a truly special place, a fact that became even more evident this year in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Despite the unimaginable challenges dealt to us, the Bright’s Creek members, residents, and staff rose to the occasion. While our restoration efforts are ongoing, it is absolutely incredible what has been accomplished to date.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, 2024 was still a remarkable year for the club. Highlights of the year include:
- Membership Growth: We welcomed 35 new members.
- Community Growth: We had 15 new residents join our community through buying a lot or home.
- Hurricane Recovery:
- Reopened holes 11-19 after only 19 days and holes 1-9 in less than one month, including the construction of two new temporary bridges and the repair of bridges on holes 1 and 2.
- Repaired creek bank and cart path washout on Hole 1; the cart path will be repaved in 2025.
- Started construction of new bridges on Hole 10, and new permanent bridges to replace temporary ones on Holes 8 and 14 will be built in 2025.
- Began restoration of the creek on Hole 10.
- Community Engagement:
- Food & Beverage participation grew by 20%.
- Conducted a full calendar of member activities and events, including new additions, such as Wine & Bourbon Tastings, Winter Bowling League, Fireside Chat Enrichment Series, and Water Aerobics.
- Together, we contributed a substantial number of supplies to the Polk County School Supply Program, ensuring local students had the tools they needed to succeed. Additionally, our annual gift drive for teens in foster care in the county brought joy to many during the holiday season.
- Golf Course Excellence: Thanks to our superintendent, Paul Beam, and the entire golf maintenance team, we enjoyed excellent course conditions throughout the year.
- Builder Partnerships: We have strengthened our relationships with outstanding local builders who each have custom homes you can preview on our website. We will continue growing this successful program and adding new home and land packages this year.
Speaking of 2025, we are looking forward to this year more than ever! Here’s a preview of things to come:
- New Head Golf Pro: Welcome to Beau Burgess, the new Head Golf Professional at Bright’s Creek Golf Club! Most recently, Beau was with Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville and the Union League National Golf Club in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of NC State with a degree in Professional Golf Management.
- Golf Course Upgrades:
- In 2025, we will commit additional resources to continue the process of exposing the property’s natural beauty with selective tree removal, as well as enhanced maintenance around the creeks. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest quality playing conditions.
- New Club Car electric golf carts with GPS will be added.
- Facility Improvements:
- Repainting of the cart barn.
- Paving of the clubhouse drive and lower parking area.
- Community Engagement: Our Member Experience Director, Cathy Brovet, has several upcoming social engagement opportunities, including community hikes, wine dinners, speaker series, and coffee with the GM.
As we continue to pursue our vision of making Bright’s Creek a premier private club community in Western North Carolina, focused on family-oriented amenities and extraordinary member experiences, we deeply appreciate your ongoing support. We anticipate that 2025 will be another year of positive growth as we work to further elevate the member experience through expanded opportunities and enhanced services.
Best regards,
Bill Bower
General Manager
Ready to join us for your best year yet? Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.