Smithfields Country Club

Dear Smithfields Members,

Over the past two years, Smithfields has made tremendous progress, and that progress would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the staff who helped get the club to where it is today. We are incredibly thankful for the team members who have served this club, supported our members, and helped us through a period of major growth and change.

As Smithfields continues to grow, we have made huge capital investments. With the immediate projects largely completed, the club is now in a position to invest in a truly world-class leadership team. That is an exciting and important milestone. This next step reflects our commitment to building a club that delivers a better experience every month, with stronger leadership, higher standards, better service, and a clear vision for where Smithfields is headed.

We believe this team is ready to help take Smithfields to the next level, and we are excited for you to get to know them as they start their new roles on July 17th.

Eric Escamilla, General Manager

Eric Escamilla joins Smithfields Country Club as General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of golf, hospitality, and private club leadership experience. His background includes senior roles with Bobby Jones Links, Heritage Golf Group, Sequoia Golf, and Invited, where he has led membership growth, revenue strategy, food and beverage improvement, staff development, and multi-property club operations.

Eric has managed club portfolios generating more than $25 million in annual revenue, operated across a 20-club private club portfolio, and helped lead major membership and revenue growth initiatives throughout his career. His strength is building the systems, culture, and accountability that allow a private club to thrive while still feeling personal and member-focused.

Eric is also a U.S. Army veteran and a proud Texas Tech alum. When he is not working, he can usually be found enjoying the game of golf or out on a walk with his golden retriever, Bonnie. He looks forward to getting to know the Smithfields membership and becoming part of what makes this club special.

Dylan Hartsell, Director of Golf

Dylan Hartsell joins Smithfields as Director of Golf after serving as Head Golf Professional at Thornblade Club. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Dylan began playing golf at age 12 and quickly fell in love with the game.

He attended Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration, and was elected into the PGA in 2019. Dylan brings more than 10 years of golf industry experience, including time at respected teaching academies and private clubs such as the Jim McLean School of Golf, The Olde Farm, Richmond Country Club, Wade Hampton Golf Club, and Thornblade Club.

Dylan’s focus will be building a golf operation centered on member experience, professionalism, instruction, tournament programming, and creating a welcoming environment for golfers of all levels. He is excited to join the Smithfields community, serve the membership, and work with the team to continue improving the golf experience at the club.

Lauren Taylor, Service & Events Manager

Lauren Taylor joins Smithfields as Service & Events Manager, bringing extensive experience in hospitality, dining, food and beverage operations, and large-scale event ex*****on. Her career has included leadership roles with Greenville Convention Center, Heartland Event Center, Chesapeake Conference Center, and Thornblade Country Club.

Lauren has led concessions, bar operations, catering, premium suite service, staffing, inventory management, client relations, and event ex*****on in high-volume hospitality environments. She is known for her hands-on leadership style, attention to detail, and commitment to creating a positive service culture.

At Smithfields, Lauren will focus on improving member dining, event service, staff training, hospitality standards, and the overall food and beverage experience. She is excited to get to know the membership, listen to feedback, and help create an atmosphere where members and their guests feel welcomed, recognized, and well cared for.

Alexander Marshall, Head Chef

Many members have already had the opportunity to meet Alexander Marshall, who joined Smithfields earlier this year as Head Chef. As the club introduces its broader leadership team, we also wanted to formally re-introduce Alex and recognize the culinary experience and talent he brings to Smithfields.

Alex brings more than 21 years of culinary experience across high-volume restaurants, private events, food trucks, catering, golf club dining, and independent restaurant ownership. He is classically trained and earned his culinary degree from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Seattle.

Alex has worked his way through nearly every level of the kitchen, from dishwasher to lead line cook, breakfast cook, head chef, and owner-operator. Most recently, he built Harbor Haute Dogs in Washington from a small cart concept into a restaurant and food truck operation with strong sales growth, a major social media following, and multiple local “best of” awards.

His background also includes 10 years as Head Chef at Il Lucano Ristorante Italiano in Gig Harbor, Washington, where he led the full kitchen operation, developed specials, ordered product, scheduled staff, ran cooking classes, and helped grow the restaurant significantly during his tenure.

Alex is classically trained, detail-oriented, highly organized, and passionate about serving food that is clean, consistent, flavorful, and made with pride. He will continue focusing on improving the quality, consistency, and creativity of the Smithfields dining experience.

Please join us in welcoming Eric, Dylan, and Lauren to Smithfields, and in recognizing Alex as part of this leadership team. This is an exciting step forward for the club, and we look forward to the positive impact this group will have on our members, staff, and overall club experience.

With Gratitude,

Tyler & Melissa
Owners, Smithfields Country Club

It’s aerification and verticut time!

But, not just for the greens! The club has invested heavily into our maintenance equipment, and this aerification and verticut of our fairways, rough, approached and surrounds are a cultural practice typically reserved for only the most elite golf operations.

This is the first time this has been done in a very long time at the club, and that means the results will be extraordinary. We are excited to enjoy a brilliant golf course this fall!

Just in time for the holiday weekend... our NEW menu has officially arrived! 🍽️🇺🇸

We've been working behind the scenes to enhance our grill menu for you. We can't wait to serve you!

Happy 4th of July weekend. We’ll see you at the club! ✨

We're proud to partner with The Club at Brookstone and provide all Smithfields Members with a free month of Brookstone's new range pass program!

If you enjoy Brookstone's Trackman range, live near Brookstone or know someone who does, this is an amazing deal that you should check out! More details below:

Introducing the new Brookstone Range Pass programs!

We’re making it easier than ever to practice more, play more, and save every time you visit The Club at Brookstone.

Range Pass

$20/month

Includes:
• Free large bucket when you sign up ($20 value)
• Medium buckets for $10, normally $15
• Large buckets for $10, normally $20
• 10% off pro shop merchandise
• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages
• Cancel anytime!

Range Pass Plus

$59/month

Includes everything in Range Pass, plus:
• Included golf with cart every day after 5:30 PM
• 9 holes normally $32, your price $0
• 18 holes normally $50, your price $0
• Unlimited mini golf for you and one guest ($12/person typically)
• 50% off Finn Scooters, normally $10, your price $5
• Cancel anytime!

Whether you want to work on your game, play a few holes after work, bring a guest for mini golf, or just save every time you visit, this is the easiest way to enjoy more of Brookstone every month.
Ask in the pro shop to sign up today!