Las Colinas Country Club toasts the past while looking to the future
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Jess Paniszczyn
Since 1963, the Las Colinas Country Club has grown and changed as the surrounding community has come into its own. For the past 50 years, members have enjoyed drinks on the terrace, broken in their clubs on the golf course and hung out with the kids around the pool. Deals have been made, anniversaries celebrated and families nurtured within its walls.
Ready to be a part of the next chapter in the history of the Las Colinas Country Clubs, members lift their glasses to salute its 50th anniversary. Photo by John Starkey.On Feb. 8, the club’s membership was invited to raise a glass to toast the club’s illustrious past while anticipating its promising future.
“This club has been a gem in the community and an integral part of the development of Las Colinas and Irving,” said Ron Woolard, the club’s General Manager. “We probably have 200 people here tonight. Once we are done with the toast, we will go out in the restaurant and on the patio to have dinner, music and a celebration all night.
“I’ve been here three years, and I took over a club that had a tremendous amount of history and pride, yet was struggling a little bit. It was struggling because of the economy and because it needed some money and energy put back into it.
“I’ve been able to hire a great staff and collaborate with the members and owners to reinvent the club. We are the same club with pride, but we are a different club with energy, programming and passion for the future. 
Celebrating 50 years, Rick Bidne, Chairman of the Board, leads the membership of the Las Colinas Country Club in a toast to its illustrious past and its bright future. Photo by John Starkey.
“When I arrived, about 25 percent of the membership was age 70 plus. They were very proud members. They had been here for a while, and they loved this club. But a club needs to have a balance between the ages. Last year, 40 percent of the memberships we sold were to people under the age of 40. Now, 25 percent of my membership base was not here a year ago. So we are back, and this is all about what the members want. This year we will continue to reinvent and create programming that matches up with what people want. These clubs are places where people can raise their families and be around their friends.”
Among those toasting the club, was Marilyn Noble, who happened to be celebrating a personal anniversary as well.
“My husband Ed Noble joined in 1967,” Marilyn said. “I met him in 1970, and we had our wedding reception here on Feb. 8, 1975, so tonight is our 38th wedding anniversary.
“Tonight, I am really overjoyed,” continued Noble. “I have seen so much positive growth at this club. The direction of the club has been amazing. The LPGA is coming to join us in April.
“The best part of being a member of the club is the people. The people are amazing. Everybody who enters these doors is here to have a good time and enjoy camaraderie. The kitchen is good, the staff is excellent, and the service is over the top.
“I am on the social committee, and we try to offer something to each segment of age groups. We have a lot of young families becoming more involved, and we have a place for their children to have activities. This club is a wonderful place to be, and if there is anyone out there who really wants to be embraced, please join us.”
