Say Hello to Our Two Newest Power Players
The team of Blue Bell Country Club is expanding and poised to take the country club experience in Montgomery County to new heights. We’d like to introduce two of the newest power players on our dedicated team. They’re leading the way in providing our valued members with professional expertise, a challenging course and some of the finest dining in the area.
Curtis Harder, Head Golf Course Superintendent
Curtis Harder has always held a love of the game of golf and the outdoors, which has been the driving force behind his success in the golf course maintenance industry.
Having grown up in the small town of Ware, Mass., Curtis worked in his high school years at the Quaboag Country Club, where he quickly developed a passion for golf course maintenance. Attending Delaware Valley University, he completed internship programs at prestigious clubs including The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., Miacomet Golf Club in Nantucket, Mass., and Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.
Curtis developed a commanding grasp of turfgrass agronomics and tournament preparations during his tenure at Card Sound Golf Club in Key Largo, Fla., and Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, N.J. As first assistant superintendent under the direction of superintendent Michael Broome, Curtis led many capital projects, getting a strong understanding of budget management and agronomic practices.
He was accepted into the Green Start Academy, where he further honed his tools and knowledge. In the spring of 2016, he became the superintendent of the Militia Hill Course at Philadelphia Cricket Club. Working under well-known director of grounds Dan Meersman, Curtis became adept in the area of communication to club officials and a developed a high attention to detail.
“For the past 15 years I have been striving to achieve this valuable position at the prestigious Blue Bell Country Club,” Curtis said. “Bringing my knowledge and expertise to the table, I plan to improve this course by creating firm and fast conditions without sacrificing turf health.”
Top Priorities:
[if !supportLists]● [endif]Utilize agronomic techniques to achieve 100 percent turf cover on greens surfaces in preparation for winter months.
[if !supportLists]● [endif]Continue overseeding fairways, tees and rough over the remaining season while temperatures are warm enough for seed germination.
[if !supportLists]● [endif]Address golf course aesthetics by holding ground maintenance staff to a higher standard for attention to detail, ultimately gaining more consistent playing conditions.
Drew Smalbach, Executive Chef, CEC
Currently an active member of the Delaware Valley Chefs Association—the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation—Chef Drew is incorporating his personal flair into the kitchen and onto the plates of the Putter’s Grill at the Blue Bell Country Club.
Having been in the culinary field for over 25 years, Drew is a dean’s list graduate of the Advanced Standing Program from the highly regarded Johnson & Wales University of Providence, R.I. He has spent time fine-tuning his craft of club food and beverage management at a diverse array of venerable private city and country clubs including The University Club in Washington, The Columbia Club in Indianapolis, Ind., Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind., Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Mass. and most recently, White Manor Country Club in Malvern, Pa.
A keen eye for detail, financial discipline, master of sensory profiles, commitment to staff development and an intense drive for guest satisfaction make Drew the perfect fit into the Blue Bell Country Club’s philosophy.
General manager of BBCC Kristopher Fair noted, “Drew’s commitment to the member experience is evident in his leadership. It is apparent as he visits members’ tables and you can taste it in his Putter’s Grill cuisine.”
What sets Drew apart from his peers is that he clearly understands that private clubs are unique in that they see members consistently throughout the season. “I look forward to building positive relationships with our members by stepping up the cuisine here at the Putter’s Grill,” said Drew. “I’m planning on infusing seasonality into the menus as well as hosting upscale wine-pairing dinners, date nights and other special events throughout the year.”
Top Priorities:
[if !supportLists]● [endif]Provide an award-winning reputation for fine (and casual) country club dining in the Philadelphia area.
[if !supportLists]● [endif]Blend quality, freshness and menu innovation, all at reasonable pricing.
[if !supportLists]● [endif]Create the ultimate country club dining experience, where members will want to bring friends and guests to our beautiful facility.
We welcome our newest and valuable team professionals to the Blue Bell Country Club family and look forward to bringing you—our valued member—the highest standard in country club experiences that you deserve. Call us today at (215) 616-8100 to find out more, or stop in and meet our new power players in person.
Located just 25 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and situated in the heart of Blue Bell, Pa., Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is more than a meticulously restored American landmark—it's a fully wired, high-tech hospitality venue. Relax on our grand terrace, sip a cocktail in America's oldest silo, play a challenging game of golf on our championship course, plan an event with us or dine on our delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It all adds up to One Historic Experience.
