As the area’s oldest club, Fort Wayne Country Club prides itself on offering a variety of experiences. Those who want a challenging day on the links can find themselves on the 18-hole course off Covington Road.
FWCC is the only private club in northeast Indiana that boasts a winter tennis facility. Year-round programs for adults and children are tailored to any age and ability level.
The club caters to diners who want a casual meal at the pool or the gazebo as well as those who prefer a finer dining experience at the Pub & Porch. Themed dinners are offered regularly and often feature international cuisine along with traditional favorites.
At Fort Wayne Country Club, the focus is on family. “Time is precious these days. Fort Wayne Country Club understands the need for quality family time and is focused on entertaining the entire family. In addition to golf, tennis and pool, the club offers fitness, dedicated family friendly dining space, a wide variety of social and educational events where families can spend quality time together,” says General Manager Troy Sprister.
The pool at FWCC is the perfect place to get some exercise, relax with a book, socialize with friends, or watch the kids splash and play. Organized teams satisfy swimmers’ competitive nature with meets throughout the summer.
Pine Valley Country Club promises its members a unique experience at a dining room and patio that were updated in 2013. In fact, it’s all about the experience, says General Manager Diana Amstutz. “Members here enjoy a casual, relaxed culture of friendship, whether it’s on the course, in the clubhouse, at the pool or at any of our special events.”
The 18-hole par 71 golf course is located in northern Allen County near Dupont and Coldwater Roads. Situated among pine trees and flanked by homes, the clubhouse was designed with a roofline that resembles the trees for which it was named.
An Olympic-sized main pool and adjacent kiddie pool offer both competitive and leisure swimming and, in 2010, the four tennis courts were resurfaced. Renovations at the club were completed in 2013, helping boost membership to nearly 500 individuals and families.
A prestigious, award-winning course is what sets Sycamore Hills apart, according to General Manager and COO Eric Schneider. It is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design that has been included in Golf Digest magazine’s Top 100 six times. The club has hosted numerous National Championships including two USGA Championship, three PGA Junior Championships, and three Web.com PGA Tour Playoff Championships.
Even Jack Nicklaus himself boasts about the club on his website www.nicklaus.com. “In my opinion, Sycamore Hills is one of the finest sites we’ve ever had the opportunity on which to design a golf course,” writes Nicklaus. “We had the opportunity to create a very diverse set of holes for Sycamore Hills and the course should be considered as one of the finest golf courses in the United States, as time goes on.”
Holiday brunches and live music on Friday evenings make the dining experience at Sycamore Hills one-of-a-kind. Food and Beverage Director Zach Wygant is a sommelier, making the club’s Vintner Dinners a highlight for members who enjoy great food and wine.
“We are very proud of our Food & Beverage experience which features Fort Wayne’s finest outdoor dining experience,” Schneider says. “Our clubhouse renovations which were completed 18 months ago feature outdoor seating above our 18th green and an upscale bar, Grill Room, and private Wine Room. Those, coupled with Chef Nate Hiegel’s updated menu, have stimulated our food and beverage program.”
Orchard Ridge Country Club, located on Lower Huntington Road in southern Allen County, also has swim and dive teams that take advantage of the facility’s six lane competition and diving pools. A nearby wading pool is ideal for younger children.
Unique to ORCC is Kidz on the Ridge, which offers crafts, games, and pool time for kids 18 months through sixth grade while their parents enjoy golf or other activities. It’s overseen by licensed teachers and assistants who are certified lifeguards.
The Clubroom hosts various special events that include family bingo and holiday brunches and ORCC can accommodate small intimate dinners, business meetings, and receptions with up to 300 guests.
A hillside apple orchard gave the club its name and is part of the 120 rolling tree-lined acres. The club is home to a men’s golf lssociation, Ladies League, Couples Events, and Junior Golf.
Director of membership Lori Hoeppner says the club is extremely proud of one benefit that members won’t find other places. “Membership at Orchard Ridge Country Club opens the door to 300+ private golf and dining clubs throughout the U.S. Just a few of the clubs our members have access to are Firestone in Ohio, Hawthorne’s in Indianapolis and TPC Michigan.”
Whether it’s a seasoned golfer looking for a challenging course, a couple enjoying an evening of fine food and drinks, or an active family eager to swim or play tennis, Allen County’s four private clubs have something for everyone. Each combines tradition and a rich history while enhancing the lives of modern members.