After nearly 90 years as, arguably, the preeminent social and golfing club in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Martindale Country Club opens its doors – and its links – to the general public in a semi-private nature. Co-owners Jim Day and Nick Glicos (who also serves as director of golf operations) have committed to making every aspect of the Martindale experience as rewarding as possible, for both members and the public, alike.

“It’s not a secret that the old business model had become antiquated,” Glicos explained. “The facility was in need of some serious upgrades – on the course, in the clubhouse, in the restaurant area. And with the new ownership and the hands-on professional management structure, we are able to do just that.”

The main dining hall, refurbished along with the rest of the clubhouse, remains available for weddings, meetings, and all sorts of private functions, but with entirely new menu options. The public is also invited to dine in the popular grille room at anytime, where there is also an ambitious new menu. General manager Mike Williams says “We expect Martindale to be one of the great dining experiences in Lewiston-Auburn. Fresh ingredients, innovative dishes, and moderate prices are evident on the new menus. This will be a destination for everyone, not just golfers. We really want everyone to treat Martindale’s ‘Grill 19’ like they would any other fine restaurant. Everyone is welcome, all the time.”

But Martindale remains foremost a golfing facility. “We want everyone – members, guests, and the general public – to simply have fun here and enjoy the exceptionally conditioned golf course, superb food and beverage facility, and professional atmosphere,” said Glicos, who has had a distinguished 20-year career in Maine golf and is president of the Maine chapter of the New England PGA. He owns the pro-shop at Martindale, where he is entering his fourth year, and along with Jim Day, now co-owns the course.

“Jim and I are really committed to Martindale long-term,” Glicos said. “Jim is an exceptional businessman and has extensive experience in food and beverage, real estate development, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the operation. Jim has been a member of Martindale for many years and is very active in the community. For us to operate Martindale together is very exciting. I think our skills complement each other and we have worked closely on improving the club’s facilities and operations.

“The keys to success at Martindale will be close professional management, both in the restaurant and on the golf course,” Glicos asserted. Day and Glicos have brought in certified GCSAA, Scott Cybulski, as their new golf course superintendent, one of only three certified golf course superintendents in the state of Maine. Cybulski had served the past 15 seasons at the Falmouth Country Club.

“Scott is one of the state’s top superintendents without question. His work over the years at Falmouth shows this. Thankfully, Scott was given a nice head start by Mother Nature this spring,” Glicos said. “The course came through the winter in amazingly good condition, and players should have a great experience right from the start. But Scott will ensure that the course remains in first-rate condition all season long.” Players will also find an entirely new fleet of golf carts in place, another sign of how things are changing.

There are still leagues for men, women, and couples. Women who are not members of the club are invited to play in leagues and it is not necessary to commit to the entire season. They can play once, once in awhile, or as often as they like. Tee times for the nine-hole league will be between 4 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, starting on May 17, and those playing will also be able to enjoy golf lessons, weekly games, wine tastings; “It’s all about having fun,” said Glicos.

Membership still has its privileges too, including preferred tee times, billing privileges, discounts on lessons and club services. “The members are enthusiastic about the outcome of the sale of the club,” Glicos said. “We’re really excited about bringing them a great product and service. The public is welcome at select times everyday. The cost of membership has gone down considerably and we expect that 75% of our play will be derived from our members. But it is a whole new experience, and we really want everyone to be able to enjoy this wonderful facility.”

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