Drew Glover, PGA,Director of Golf & Clubhouse Operations,Yellowstone Club,Big Sky, Montana
At Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, creativity isn’t just encouraged – it’s expected. And one of the most successful examples of that is the club’s themed Nine, Wine & Dine series, a six-event couples program that blends golf, hospitality and immersive storytelling into one of the most anticipated traditions of the summer season.
Director of Golf & Clubhouse Operations Drew Glover, PGA, the 2023 Rocky Mountain PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year for Private Facilities, oversees the program, which attracts 30 couples per event. Each Nine, Wine & Dine carries its own distinct theme, complete with costumes, on-course games, curated tee gifts and a wine-paired dinner that ties the entire experience together.
“The themes are what make it memorable,” Glover says. “Members and staff dress up, we design games around the concept, and the whole thing becomes an experience.”
A recent summer lineup showcased just how far that creativity can go. Themes included a Clue-inspired ‘Shreddi with a Candlestick in the Boot Room,’ The Golden Bachelor, Paris Olympics, Dumb & Dumber and the Italian Stallion.
The details set each event apart. Couples received theme-specific tee gifts – such as a Yellowstone Club–branded Clue board game, Himalayan candles paired with rechargeable lighters, chocolate truffles or grey Vuori crewnecks to channel Rocky Balboa.
Prizes ranged from spa massages to espresso machines, with “Best Dressed” awards adding to the fun. During Italian Stallion, even the on-course games stayed on theme: “We even had members putting with a baguette,” Glover says.
Beyond entertainment value, the events strength en the club’s culture and business. They encourage couples to meet new members in a relaxed, playful environment (pictured) while also giving staff – especially the Outside Service team – ownership of a high-energy, high-impact event. “It’s an opportunity for employees to get more involved and run something fun,” Glover explains.
The payoff is multidimensional: strong participation, memorable experiences, enhanced staff engagement, increased food & beverage revenue and, most importantly, deeper community bonds.
At Yellowstone Club, the formula is simple – deliver an unforgettable event built around golf, creativity and connection. And as Glover’s team has proven, a well-executed themed event can turn any round into one of the highlights of the year.
