Growing With a New Generation

St. Clair Country Club reaches young professionals, families

"IF 20-YEAR-OLDS ARE INTRODUCED TO A CLUB, THEIR SOCIAL BASE WILL BE HERE IN 10 YEARS." -Bob Kane

These days, $16,000 isn't even half of the low-end base price of an Audi Q5 SUV, but 94 years ago, it was money enough for the first 115-acre plot that was to become St. Clair Country Club.

Neither of the existing clubs, Mt. Lebanon Country Club or Castle Shannon Golf Club, owned their properties at the time. So the committee, comprised of members of both organizations, bought the land needed for a new club in 1916 from the Gilfillan family after a two-year search.

The land was just a portion of what had been given to Alexander Gilfillan, a Revolutionary War soldier and one of the first residents along Old Washington Road.

The first play on part of the course was in September 1917. Afterward, members retired to the clubhouse, a sprawling white frame building, which burned to the ground in 1929.

Today, the club and courses are rich in renovations: The 265 acres and buildings are valued at $6.3 million. Talk about the club's centennial celebration has already begun.

"I joined the club because of its beautiful golf course," says Bob Kane, president. From the new terrace, the vista is wide and wonderful with 18 holes and seven lakes. An additional nine-hole course is nearby.

The design, planned by a golf course architect, follows a recent trend to open space rather than tree-lined and traditional.

During the recent $5 million renovation, which included $2 million for irrigation updates, every hole except one was changed. More than 1,000 dead or dying trees were uprooted, and new hardwoods added.

Some members, Kane says, prefer the old design. Even he was apprehensive at first about the investment, calling himself, "financially conservative."

But the landscape "without shade, the grass grows better" is the club's "biggest asset."

With that change and others, he and the other 349 voting members (the club's membership totals 777) are actively planning for the future.

The average age for SCCC members is in the 50s. Couples, 30-or 40-years-old, may come for golf, but mostly, they bring their children for special events and hours in the sun at the new pool.

The stodgy, male-dominated, cigar-smoking stereotype of private club memberships has changed, says Kane.

With a range of options for joining and enjoying favorite activities, anyone's needs for socialization can be met.

And while Kane admits to being a little bit biased, his year as president suits him. Talking about the membership, he says, "We're just normal people belonging to a nice club."

"TODAY, WOMEN DRIVE A FAMILY'S SOCIAL LIFE."

MEMBERSHIP FACTS

Senior and emeritus memberships, which cost less, are for less active members. An intermediate membership was designed for those in their 20s. They pay reduced dues, and a plan is arranged for payment of the membership fee.

Area non-residents may join, and social memberships are available for all club activities except golf. The activities might include the use of the pool, restaurant, the new fitness center or paddle-tennis courts.

A relaxed dress policy, which allows jeans on Friday nights, fills up the Terrace Room after football games.

There are certain requirements and limitations with each category, but each member pays an additional $50 service fee each month, so the staff is tipped accordingly.

Dues are paid quarterly, and they have held steady for three years. Two members are needed to sponsor someone; another member must be a reference.

"After a brief check and an interview, the new member is accepted," says Kane. "Few are rejected."

While the waiting list to vote is almost five years, access to club facilities is immediate after acceptance.

The club holds perspective-member dinners to make that introduction in a more formal way. After dinner, there are guided tours to acquaint guests with the club.

"This board has a good vision, looking at economic and social values," Kane says. "We're staying in tune with that." And he notes that members do not have to be active athletes.

St. Clair Country Club is located at 2300 Old Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Phone: 412-835-3394 Fax: 412-833-9515