Farm to Fairway

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

The culinary team took our membership through a four-course dinner, featuring items sourced from local farms, regional purveyors, and the club’s own garden. We paired each course with unique reserve wines that the club had been cellaring. Menu items included candied Neuske’s bacon, heirloom tomatoes, dry aged beef tenderloin and house made apple galettes.

Dinner was served on the 10th hole tee box, overlooking the beautiful countryside and historic silo. Tablescapes utilizing fresh flowers from local farmers markets along with farmhouse tables and chairs, antique lace linens and Riedel Stemware. The scenic tee box was highlighted by Edison lighting which made for a perfect setting against the sunset. A string quartet set the mood as guests arrived for cocktails while a pianist was brought in to entertain during dinner.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

As our membership has grown and expanded, the demand for a unique dining experience showcasing local provisions has become paramount for the club to deliver. Our Chef reached out to new purveyors and local farms to procure all the ingredients to curate a premier member dining experience. Our Event Manager worked with area rental companies to produce elegant tablescapes to match the views and fall season. Flowers were acquired day of at the Dane County Farmers' Market, America's largest producers-only farmers' market, held on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison, WI. All of this made for a spectacular member experience. We had 85 spots sell out in under 3 hours with a waiting list in place the day of the event being announced. Membership continues to rave about this dinner and is highly anticipating this new annual event.