Wednesday, October 11, 2017

IMPORTANT UPDATES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SCHEDULE AT THE CLUB

Over the past thirty days your Club has had one singular focus, restoring Ocean Reef Club. Remarkable progress has been made and yet to many, upon arrival, it still looks very different. As we hope you have read in our updates, every day gets better, every week we reopen amenities and increase our Member services, and our Associates continue to work diligently toward the goal of welcoming you back to the Club and your Unique Way of Life.

The following contains the latest information (and some really good news!) that we hope will provide you with the answers you need to make your plans.

Golf
We are delighted to announce that due to the incredible efforts of Juan Gutierrez, our Director of Agronomy, and his wonderful staff, we are opening the Hammock Course on November 1 and the Dolphin Course on November 15.

The Dolphin and Hammock Courses suffered extensive salt-water intrusion which damaged approaches, fairways and roughs. The storm also eroded the sand in the bunkers and waste areas. A tremendous number of trees were lost but with a team on the ground immediately following Irma, an incredible amount of work has gone into restoration.

Concurrent with the opening of the Hammock Course, the short game area and Golf Shop will also open on November 1. The netting on the Driving Range is being replaced and should be ready by the middle of November. The Academy of Golf is open now and both Brian Varsey and Dave Vihlen are available for indoor lessons at The Academy. Over the next several weeks we will keep you advised on any changes in the above announced date openings. 

Buccaneer Island
With its oceanfront location, Buccaneer Island was the first to take on Irma’s wrath. The Point, the pools, the electrical and the beach itself sustained significant damage. Progress over the past few weeks has been terrific and we are hopeful that Buccaneer Island will open on October 27. This will include the Beach Bar and Beach Grill, the Tarpon Pool, Hobies and kayaks, and a full schedule of recreational activities. The Point will need a little more time but it will truly be a grand reopening before long.   

Inn Rooms
We are pleased to announce that the Pompano building will be ready to receive Members and their guests at the end of October. Our Front Desk, Bellstand, and Concierge teams will move back to their spots in the Lobby on November 7. Rooms in the Dolphin, Marlin and Yachtsman's buildings will be ready for occupancy by December 1, some of which have undergone a fresh new remodel. We anticipate having plenty of availability in advance of, and through the holidays. Additionally, nearly all of the more than 100 residences in our Vacation Rental program are available and ready for occupancy now. A Halloween weekend special package is being offered, click here for details.

Food & Beverage
The Islander & Pelican Bar
It was recently decided that the Islander will not be able to open in its usual location, the damage to the Dining Room is beyond repair for the season. Instead, Chefs Sean and Eric will move their operation to the Ocean Room November 14. The only difference will be the physical location, the menu and staff you love from The Islander and The Pelican Bar will all be there. The Reef Lounge will be open in conjunction with The Islander and serve its small plate delights and craft cocktails.

Ocean Room Breakfast & Private Dining
You can soon look forward to the Ocean Room breakfast in the morning, Private Dining all day and the Islander by night! Your favorite Managers and team will be there to greet you beginning on November 14 - in the morning for breakfast, and knocking on your door in the evening with your private dining delivery.

Palm Court
Although the Islander dining room needs repair, the kitchen was spared and will be open to serve Palm Court for lunch. We anticipate this opening the first of November.

Clubhouse & 19^th Hole
The Clubhouse will begin serving Member Appreciation Dinners on Tuesday, Oct. 17. And, on its regular seasonal schedule opening with the Clubhouse Prime menu on Tuesday, Nov. 14. The 19^th Hole will open for lunch and dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Gianni
Breakfast service will be available at Gianni fromSunday, Oct. 15. - Monday, Nov. 13.
Hours of operation are Mon – Sat 7:00 to 11:00 a.m.  and Sunday 7:00 a.m. – Noon.

Gianni and G The Bar will open for dinner on Monday, Oct. 16. It will be open daily Sun-Thurs 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Fri-Sat 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.

ORC Food Truck, Beach Bar and Beach Grill
All three will reopen on Friday, October 27.

Taste!
By now, you have likely received your Taste brochure and have started to finalize your holiday plans. All of the events, classes, buffets and dinners are still very much on the calendar. The only changes will be to location for some of the planned Ocean Room and Islander dinners. Our Ocean Room Seafood Buffets will have a new temporary home, we will keep you posted as we confirm the details. Rest assured though, the dining will be fabulous, the guest Chefs exciting and the ambiance everything you love about your Club.

Carysfort Launch & Shuttle
Our Captains are anxiously awaiting your return, ready to take you around The Reef. The Carysfort Launch & Shuttle, last season's favorite mode of transporation, will begin running on Monday, October 16, in conjunction with the opening of Gianni. More to come on other special Launch opportunities.   

And so much more...
The Tennis and Pickleball courts are quite busy from clinics to matches to private lessons.  The Spa is treating Members daily to their favorite service while upstairs the 9 a.m. Cycle class has a faithful group of regulars, as work on the Fitness Pool continues just outside. The Raw Bar, Reef Hut, Burgee Bar and Reef Treats are alive with Members swapping stories about watching Irma near and far. Carysfort Hall is home to complimentary coffee and of course, dog treats are still available for the Bellstand's four-legged guests.

As you can see, an enormous amount of focus and work has been accomplished to make the Club’s very special facilities as ready as possible for the new season. All the associates are ready, happy and eager to see everyone. So while much "looks" different, much also looks very much the same. The work continues but it will be as wonderful as ever for your family, friends and fellow members … more to come!

Look for a slide show tour in the next few days that will illustrate the current feel of the Club. In the meantime, click here to see a few photos taken just yesterday.