by Ryan Randall

rockledge-country-club-100-yearsCentrally located in Brevard County, no more than five minutes from I-95 and just 10 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean lay a picturesque clubhouse and historic golf course, but beyond the brick and mortar is an institution that has achieved great success over the years by diversifying its portfolio. For Rockledge Country Club (founded in 1918), the value it holds in the community goes far beyond decades of golfing memories.

Since 2014, the Beyel family has owned Rockledge Country Club. As new owners, they are committed to continuing the rich traditions members have enjoyed for years and making major renovations to the course and clubhouse. The family has strong ties to Rockledge, living and doing business in the Cocoa-Rockledge area for decades. For the Beyels, the community has been a place that they find special and one of the many things they come together over.

For General Manager Andrea Beyel, the move to improve Rockledge Country Club is rooted in the Beyels’ strong family ties to the area and understanding of diversifying the options for their club members. “We have six children and three grandchildren, and we firmly believe there has to be respect for the past to have a well-rounded future,” she said. “Not everyone plays golf, and you can go to a sports bar for a cocktail, but the sense of family, camaraderie and belonging to something bigger happens in a country club.”

Progression Through Diversification The Beyels decided to create various levels of membership that allow people to enjoy the course and services at different rates — gold, silver, bronze, silver junior executive and corporate — as well as one for individuals under 17 through a junior membership. Rockledge Country Club also serves as a host for private events. With a grand ballroom that can hold approximately 175-250 people, a conference room, a 40-person lounge and two outdoor wedding locations, it has hosted a myriad of events, including wedding receptions, baby showers, birthday parties, corporate trainings, high school proms, banquets and more for members and non-members alike. Heavily attended public events are the Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Brunch. Rockledge Country Club’s Haunted Hayride with a golf cart style-trunk or treat brought in 350-400 people from the community. Rockledge Country Club also hosts Thanksgiving brunch, brunch with Santa and New Year’s Eve parties, all popular among Rockledge residents.

Rockledge Country Club also opened a restaurant, Vue 18. With a panoramic view that allows for scenic sightlines throughout the area, the restaurant has been a success with patrons. With a happy hour, dinner and trivia on Tuesday, and live music and live action chef Friday night, it is a favorite place for lunch six days a week (closed on Monday). Vue 18 also has a monthly brunch that runs from October through June. While it hosts several community events, Rockledge Country Club is still heavily invested in making sure its members receive individual attention at all events.

Connecting Individuals Throughout Rockledge The historic Rockledge Country Club has positively affected the city of Rockledge for many years. It also represents what can happen when owners have the foresight to adapt and serve members in multiple ways. In a sport that connects many individuals around the world, Rockledge Country Club wants to do the same for established, new and future members. With 100 years of hole-in-ones, RCC looks to advance to another 100 years of success.

“Golf is an important tool young professionals can take around the world for networking purposes,” Beyel said. “It’s a great icebreaker for various purposes, including for business networking or meeting your soon-to-be son in law. It puts you in a relaxed, natural setting, unlike a corporate boardroom.”