ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA, JAN. 5, 2018 – This year, Rockledge Country Club celebrates its centennial anniversary with a jazz band party and a speakeasy-themed night. The celebration for the 100-year anniversary kicks off on Friday, Jan. 19.

General manager at Rockledge Country Club, Andrea Beyel said, “We wanted to take everyone back to the time when it all began, which is what lead us to the speakeasy theme. We want to include our current and past members as well as the general public in our celebration.”

The fun begins at 5 PM with live jazz music, a bourbon tasting bar, hand-rolled cigars and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, said Kimberly Wilson, communications director at Rockledge Country Club.

“A big part of our endeavors in 2018 is to give back to the community,” Beyel said. “We will be having a silent auction throughout the evening where proceeds will benefit Gabrielle Place, a local center for homeless mothers with children.”

A jazz band will play until 8 PM in Rockledge Country Club’s bar and restaurant, Vue 18, Wilson said. For ticket holders, a dinner will take place in the ballroom at 7 PM, which will feature a dueling pianos show by Fun Pianos at 8 PM. The dueling pianos show promises a fun and interactive experience for everyone with singing, clapping and dancing to the music throughout the evening.

Tickets can be reserved at RockledgeCC.com/100Years, Wilson said. Tickets for members are $55 each, non-member tickets are $60 each or you can reserve a VIP table for 10 people for $450.

Everyone attending the party is encouraged, but not required, to dress in 1920’s attire as the entire club will be decorated as a speakeasy in the era of prohibition, Beyel said.

Membership director, Katherine Musick said, “We are hoping to have past and current members reminisce and share their favorite stories of years gone by and the times to come. I’m personally looking forward to meeting many of the members, and perhaps their children who grew up here enjoying the club.”

Beyel said, that the entire staff including herself are excited to enter the club’s centennial year.

“It is with a feeling of gratitude that we enter into 2018,” Beyel said. “I feel being a part of this historical year is both an honor and a privilege. We have put a great deal of planning into a wonderful kick-off celebration. We hope the whole community will take part with us in doing so.”

ABOUT ROCKLEDGE COUNTRY CLUB

In 1918, The Rockledge Club, now Rockledge Country Club, hosted a tournament for the W.W. Brown Cup Trophy. E.L. Horwood won the tournament and today, the cup is displayed in the trophy case in the golf shop at Rockledge Country Club.  Mr. Horwood’s daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Horwood Davis, donated the trophy back to Rockledge Country Club.

Communications director, Kimberly Wilson, said prior to the tournament in 1918, the best we can determine from research is from one of our members, Ron Withrow. Owned by the city of Rockledge, first golf course in Brevard County was known as the City Municipal Golf Links, which was first located on the east side of US-1. The nine-hole course, with sand greens, was located behind Hotel Indian River between Railroad Street (now Orange Avenue) and Barton Avenue.  The clubhouse still remains on Barton Avenue and is owned by St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Prior to being a golf course it was a grassy landing strip for airplanes. By 1918, the property had changed hands and became Rockledge Golf Club.

According to Withrow’s research, through the last 100 years the golf club moved to various sites in Brevard County, the name has changed several times and so has ownership. But one constant remains the same, it has always been a golf club and is now known as Rockledge Country Club. Since October 2014, the Beyel family has owned the club.

Director of golf operations, Jerry Yeomans said, “We are proud that Rockledge Country Club continues to be a staple in the community golf scene with a membership that spans across all ages. Today, the beautiful 18-hole golf course remains lined with mature oaks, historic palms and Diamond Zoysia greens.”

PGA Jeff Turner, head golf professional, at Rockledge Country Club said, “The playability of the course and par 71 layout draws members from numerous states and countries. Challenging, yet enjoyable describes an ideal day on the course.”

Melinda Martin, a member of 23 years with the club said, “I’m very excited with the improvements of what I’ve seen from the greens and the fairways. This golf course is about one thing and it’s golf, golf, and more golf. Yes, there is a social aspect to it, but these people are hardcore golfers and I expect next year to just be a ton of fun.”

Jan Stewart, resident on the golf course and a member of the club said, “For so many people who come from other places, the major part of their family is not nearby and this club has become their extended family as well.”