Redefining Luxury at McConnell Golf
From smiles to interiors—How Dr. Rebekah McConnell is elevating member experiences
Written by Stephanie Trotter
McConnell Golf, The Magazine: Fall/Winter 2024
Since acquiring its flagship property in 2003, McConnell Golf has remained steadfast in prioritizing its members and strengthening its brand. For many years, McConnell Golf has been praised for strategically improving its top-ranked courses. Now, this dedication goes beyond the greens to encompass its properties’ interiors—creating timeless spaces that elevate and enrich the membership experience.
McConnell Golf is investing millions in its clubhouses, from intensive ballroom upgrades and furniture overhauls to restroom renovations. All who enter one of its 16 property locations will find an exquisite and modern aesthetic, designed to optimize comfort and convenience.
Each visit to a McConnell Golf property promises a unique, world-class encounter, thanks in large part to the carefully curated ambiance of each clubhouse—a vision brought to life by Dr. Rebekah McConnell.
“We want to tailor the project to fit each club’s specific needs, to bring glamour combined with functionality. Every club has a unique membership base. What are their needs? What do members want?”
- Rebekah McConnell
A Dentist’s New Canvas
Rebekah understands the power of first impressions. With over two decades of experience as a general dentist, she has developed a keen eye for aesthetics. Her expertise in hues, chroma, and values, developed through crafting flawless porcelain restorations, now plays a central role in creating cohesive and inspired clubhouse designs.
Her husband, John McConnell—the president and CEO of McConnell Golf—witnessed her skill with tones and textures first-hand at home. In 2018, he presented her with the opportunity to take on a small project at Raleigh Country Club. This initial venture into clubhouse design led her to transform spaces at Sedgefield Country Club and beyond, eventually overseeing design projects across the McConnell Golf network.
Ladies’ Lounge at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation
By 2022, Rebekah had sold her practice and traded in her dental drill for a construction drill to lead McConnell Golf’s design initiatives. “As the primary designer, I always want to include the club manager when starting a new project,” she says of her methodology. “We want to tailor the project to fit each club’s specific needs, to bring glamour combined with functionality. Every club has a unique membership base. What are their needs? What do members want?”
Rebekah also takes pride in her partnerships with vendors, which allow her to incorporate the highest-quality materials into each location. “We try to primarily use all North Carolina-based vendors for projects,” she shares. “We have fantastic relationships with Wildwood/Chelsea House in Rocky Mount, Thibaut Design out of Charlotte, Vanguard Furniture in High Point, and so many others.” She also collaborates closely with Bess Rosefield Ehmcke, from The Best of Bess, who represents numerous residential and hospitality companies, as well as with Humberto Cervantes of H&C Painting and Drywall LLC.
“She has the rare ability to see beyond what exists and to what a space can become.”
Men’s Locker Room at Raleigh Country Club
Bess Rosefield Ehmcke highlights Rebekah’s exceptional talent, saying, “She has the rare ability to see beyond what exists and what a space can become.” Michael Thomas, General Manager at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, echoes Bess’ remarks. “Her vision and ability to pull things together is off the charts. Her familiarity with our club is extremely helpful in making sure our projects run smoothly.”
There’s no doubt that McConnell Golf employees enjoy working with Rebekah. “Anybody who knows Rebekah knows she has an unbelievable sense of style and taste,” says Thomas.
Transforming Spaces
Rebekah’s recent design projects span dining rooms, common areas, lodging spaces, and outdoor venues across 14 of the 16 McConnell Golf properties.
Some of her favorite projects include:
THE WATER’S EDGE COUNTRY CLUB:
Over a year ago, a significant renovation of the 36,000-square-foot clubhouse transformed its interior. “This allowed us to accentuate the colors coming off Smith Mountain Lake,” says Rebekah. “We designed a carpet from scratch with Mohawk Flooring, and I curated every piece of fabric, wallpaper and lighting.”
The goal was to brighten up the rustic clubhouse while capturing the blues of the lake. Heavy drapes were removed to open up the view of the mountainscape and water through large picture windows.
WILSON COUNTRY CLUB:
The original canvas was wiped clean to create a top-to-bottom renovation. “We reshaped everything,” explains Rebekah. “The bathrooms, the ballroom. Everything we used was custom. Custom wallpaper, custom fabric. We strive to make each club individual to that membership and location, and embody the vibe of that area.” She selected purple as the dominant color, recognizing members’ ties to nearby East Carolina University.
PROVIDENCE COUNTRY CLUB:
As one of Charlotte’s premier event venues, the dining areas and ballroom were modified and enhanced to create an elegant, upscale environment. “We wanted to move away from the reds and greens that were traditional colors in the ‘80s,” says Rebekah. “An elegant palette of silvers and blues were chosen, complemented by custom artwork and curtains. We also created a distinctive bar area with custom mirrored panels.”
THE COUNTRY CLUB AT WAKEFIELD PLANTATION:
On the heels of an upgrade two years ago, the downstairs was gutted and renovated after a sprinkler system incident. This mishap provided an opportunity to refresh the space further with new drapes, wallpaper, and carpeting. The latest upgrades include modernized men's and women's restrooms in the main clubhouse. Michael Thomas adds, “We are so fortunate that McConnell Golf continues to reinvest and update our clubhouses. The amount of money that is poured back into the clubs is significant and very much appreciated.”
RALEIGH COUNTRY CLUB:
Rebekah’s design journey at McConnell Golf began here. Over the years, the clubhouse has undergone several facelifts, from the main ballroom to the bar area and ladies’ locker room. The latest endeavor was a renovation of the men’s locker room, which recently saw completion.
COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE:
By spring 2025, CCA will have received updates throughout its clubhouse, including restroom renovations and common area improvements with new chairs and fresh paint. Rebekah notes, “This is part of our goal to keep all facilities up to McConnell Golf’s standards.”
