From Coast to Campus to Mountains

Chef Fong didn’t take the typical path to our mountain retreat. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he cut his teeth at a Ritz Carlton in California, where attention to detail isn’t just expected—it’s everything. From there, he explored the coastal flavors of North Carolina before spending three years as Executive Chef at North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, overseeing operations for the Alumni Center, Chancellor’s Residence, The State Club, and Lonnie Poole Golf Course.

That university experience might surprise some people, but it actually prepared him perfectly for club life. Managing multiple venues, adapting to different dining styles throughout the day, and keeping hundreds of people happy? That’s exactly what we need at Burlingame.

“Every venue tells a different story,” Chef Fong explains while reviewing the evening’s prep. “The Overlook Lounge needs quick, satisfying bites for members grabbing a beer after tennis. The Presidents’ Room calls for something more refined. Our Elevation 3042 restaurant covers everything from morning coffee to late dinner. You can’t just have one style and call it good.”

Farm-to-Table Isn’t Just a Buzzword Here

What sets Chef Fong apart isn’t just his technical skills or impressive resume. It’s his genuine relationships with local farmers and purveyors. While many restaurants talk about farm-to-table, he actually drives to meet the people growing his ingredients.

“When you’re working at 3,000 feet elevation, surrounded by some of the richest agricultural land in the country, why wouldn’t you use what’s right here?” he asks. “I’ve got farmers calling me when the first spring onions come in, or when they’ve got the perfect tomatoes. That’s how you build menus that actually taste like where you are.”

This philosophy shows up in everything from the seasonal specials that change based on what’s available locally, to the way he sources proteins from regional suppliers who share his commitment to quality.

The Art of Club Dining

Club dining presents unique challenges that most restaurants never face. Members eat here regularly—sometimes multiple times per week. They bring guests they want to impress. They expect consistency, but they also crave variety. And unlike a restaurant where people might visit once or twice a year, club members become genuine critics of your work.

“I love that pressure,” Chef Fong admits. “When Casey and Carol Ann tell me they never had a meal they didn’t enjoy, or when longtime members bring their adult children for dinner and want to show off the club, that means something. These people could eat anywhere, but they’re choosing to eat here.”

The numbers back up that confidence. Our Wednesday buffet has become legendary among members, with some planning their week around it. The wine society dinners regularly sell out. And members frequently tell us they use our dining venues for their most important business meetings and family celebrations.

More Than Just a Chef

What strikes you about Chef Fong isn’t just his culinary expertise—it’s his understanding of what makes club life special. He gets that the couple celebrating their anniversary at the Presidents’ Room doesn’t just want great food; they want an experience that feels worthy of the moment. He knows that the foursome grabbing lunch at the turn needs food that’s delicious but won’t slow them down for the back nine.

His background shows in unexpected ways. Those years at the Ritz taught him that service details matter just as much as seasoning. His time on the coast introduced him to techniques that work beautifully with mountain ingredients. And his university experience showed him how to manage multiple dining concepts without losing quality in any of them.

“Food Network featured me on ‘Cutthroat Kitchen’ a few years back,” he mentions almost as an afterthought. “That was fun, but honestly, making sure our members have something special every time they walk through our doors? That’s the real challenge I care about.”

A Kitchen That Never Stops

Visit our kitchen during lunch prep, and you’ll see controlled chaos. Staff members work their stations with the kind of easy efficiency that only comes from repetition and mutual respect. Chef Fong moves between stations, tasting, adjusting, teaching. The pace never lets up, but somehow it never feels frantic.

“From a quick lunch at the turn to a multi-course dinner for the wine society, our kitchen is a non-stop engine of precision, production, and what I like to call ‘YUMMY perfection,'” he explains, using the club’s own description with obvious pride. “But that only works if everyone on the team knows their role and trusts each other.”

That team approach extends beyond the kitchen. Our servers know the stories behind the dishes. Our bartenders can recommend wines that pair perfectly with the evening specials. And our event staff understand how to transform our spaces to match the occasion.

The Burlingame Difference

What makes dining at Burlingame special isn’t any single thing—it’s the combination of elements that come together when someone truly cares about their craft. Chef Fong brings technical expertise, sure, but he also brings genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences.

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee and pastry at Elevation 3042 before your morning round, enjoying a leisurely lunch on the outdoor deck, or celebrating a special occasion in the Presidents’ Room, you’re not just getting a meal. You’re getting food prepared by someone who understands that dining is about more than sustenance—it’s about bringing people together, marking special moments, and creating the kind of memories that make you want to come back.

Ready to experience Chef Fong’s culinary artistry for yourself? Contact us at (828) 966-9200 to schedule your personal tour and discover why our members call Burlingame “The Best of Times” in the mountains of North Carolina.

Summer Staples for the Golf Course

Dress for Comfort and Compliance

When dressing for hot weather golf, think lightweight, breathable, and functional. Focus on moisture-wicking shirts, structured shorts or skorts, and sun-smart accessories like hats and sunglasses. Just as important—make sure your outfit aligns with the dress code at your club. Staying comfortable and meeting the club’s expectations go hand-in-hand when you’re on the course.

Shirts That Work as Hard as You Do

A proper golf shirt is your best friend in summer conditions. Look for polos made from technical fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin and allow airflow. Shirts with built-in UV protection are ideal for shielding you from sun exposure during long rounds.

Polos remain the go-to style at most clubs, combining the professional appearance golfers expect with the comfort you need in warm weather. A good fit matters too—nothing too tight or too baggy, just enough give to allow full range of motion through every swing.

Shorts, Skorts, and Staying Cool from the Waist Down

Lower-body comfort is key when temperatures spike. Men should choose golf shorts with a tailored fit and lightweight stretch fabric that allows ease of movement. For women, skorts are a great option—they offer the classic look of a skirt with the practicality of shorts built in.

Just be sure your bottoms meet your club’s length requirements—typically around mid-thigh or just above the knee. The goal is to beat the heat while still maintaining that clean, country club-ready look.

Summer-Ready Shoes and Accessories

Hot weather calls for golf shoes that offer both support and breathability. Many summer-specific styles feature mesh panels, lightweight soles, and moisture-wicking linings to keep your feet cool and blister-free. Spikeless shoes are especially popular in warm months, offering versatility and all-day comfort whether you’re on the green or heading to lunch.

Don’t forget the finishing touches. Sunglasses with full UV protection are essential for eye health and clarity in bright conditions. A lightweight hat—whether a classic cap or wide-brim option—adds welcome shade. And keeping a water bottle or electrolyte drink in your bag helps you stay sharp through every hole.

Trusted Brands for Beating the Heat

When it comes to staying cool on the course, choosing the right brand makes all the difference. These popular picks among golfers are known for offering breathable fabrics, moisture control, and smart design—perfect for long rounds in the sun.

• Peter Millar – Offers the Summer Comfort collection: polos and performance shorts built for humid conditions with stretch and UPF protection.

• FootJoy – Breathable golf shoes like the Pro|SL Sport and Fuel Sport, along with moisture-wicking polos and gloves designed for all-day summer play.
• Adidas Golf – The Ultimate365 line features polos and shorts made for warm-weather mobility and modern athletic styling.
• Nike Golf – Dri-FIT polos and Flex shorts help manage sweat and heat, ideal for players who prefer a sport-focused look and feel.
• Antigua – Polos and skorts with Desert Dry™ moisture-wicking fabric that performs well in dry summer conditions while maintaining a clean, traditional style.
• Ecco Golf – Golf shoes like the BIOM C4 combine Gore-Tex Surround ventilation and waterproofing—great for walking rounds in the summer heat.

Each of these brands brings high-performing materials and smart summer-focused designs to the course, helping you stay cool, dry, and comfortable from the first hole to the last.

Dress Codes: What They Are and Why They Matter

Club Guidelines Every Golfer Should Know

Each course may have its own set of dress rules, but most follow similar standards. Collared shirts are almost always required. Denim and overly casual attire are generally not allowed. For men, the expectation is typically a tucked-in polo paired with tailored golf shorts or pants. For women, sleeveless tops may be acceptable if they’re designed for golf and paired with skorts, skirts, or shorts that meet the club’s standards.

Adhering to dress codes isn’t just about following rules—it shows respect for the club, your fellow golfers, and the traditions of the sport.

Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Golf Attire

While many expectations apply to both men and women, there are subtle differences. Men’s attire usually leans more classic and uniform, with clean lines, collared shirts, and coordinated accessories. Women’s golf wear tends to allow for a bit more variety and color—sleeveless polos, patterned skorts, and dresses are all acceptable, as long as they meet the club’s standards for fit and length.

No matter your style, choosing apparel made from performance materials will help you stay cool and composed throughout your round.

Beat the Heat: Staying Comfortable in Hot Conditions

Choose the Right Fabric

Not all materials are created equal when it comes to summer golf. Look for shirts, shorts, and outer layers made from polyester blends or other synthetic fabrics that are specifically engineered to wick moisture and promote airflow. These fabrics dry quickly, keep you cooler, and help prevent overheating.

Also, be mindful of sun exposure. Many modern golf clothes include built-in UV protection. Look for pieces with a high UPF, (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating to add an extra layer of defense against harmful rays. 

Pro Tips to Stay Cool on the Course

Besides your clothing, a few smart habits can help you beat the heat. Hydration is at the top of the list—make a habit of sipping water or a sports drink with electrolytes consistently throughout your round. Choose breathable accessories, like mesh-backed hats or cooling towels you can drape over your neck.

Apply sunscreen before you tee off and reapply as needed, especially on longer days. Lightweight golf umbrellas can also provide on-the-go shade when needed. Every bit of protection helps when the sun is high and the course is wide open.

Wearing the right gear does more than keep you cool—it builds confidence, sharpens focus, and makes every round more enjoyable. When your clothes fit well and perform under pressure, you’re free to concentrate on your swing, your strategy, and the company you’re with. High-quality golf apparel doesn’t just elevate your performance today—it holds up season after season, reducing mid-round distractions and letting you enjoy everything Burlingame Country Club has to offer.

At Burlingame Country Club, we believe comfort, performance, and respect for tradition go hand in hand. Whether you’re a longtime member or stepping onto the course for the first time, our facilities are designed to deliver a world-class experience from the first tee to the last putt.

Click here to experience summer golf at its finest.

The Foundation: Building Blocks of a Confident Serve

The Stance and Grip

The journey toward serving excellence begins with a stance that provides both stability and the potential for dynamic movement. For most intermediate players, the platform stance—with feet positioned approximately shoulder-width apart and the front foot angled slightly toward the net post—creates a stable base that simplifies coordination.

The continental grip—holding the racquet as you would a hammer, with the base knuckle of your index finger positioned on bevel 2—provides the versatility required for all serve variations. This grip allows the wrist to naturally pronate through contact, creating both power and spin while reducing injury risk. Many players who struggle with serving inadvertently use forehand grips that severely limit their serving potential.

The Trophy Position and Toss

The “trophy position”—with the ball and tossing arm extended upward, the racquet arm bent at approximately 90 degrees, and shoulders tilted—creates the launching pad for what follows. Achieving a consistent trophy position represents a crucial milestone in serving development, creating a repeatable starting point for acceleration.

A consistent, precise toss eliminates variables and allows players to focus on the strike rather than compensating for errors. While general guidelines suggest tossing the ball slightly in front of and to the right of your front foot (for right-handed players), the ideal location varies based on serving style and objectives. A smooth, controlled release from the fingertips—rather than a flicking motion from the palm—provides greater precision, with the toss reaching its apex just as the racquet arm begins its acceleration.

The mountain environment at Burlingame presents unique considerations for toss consistency. Our higher elevation and occasional breezes require subtle adaptations, with many members finding that a slightly firmer toss with less height serves them well in variable conditions.

Power Generation: The Kinetic Chain in Action

Understanding and implementing the kinetic chain—the sequential transfer of energy from ground to racquet—allows players to maximize serving power without sacrificing control.

Leg drive provides the initial energy that powers the entire motion, with the slight knee bend in the ready position storing potential energy that releases as the legs straighten. This ground-up power generation allows even players of modest stature to develop impressive serving pace. Our Har-Tru courts provide an ideal surface for developing leg drive awareness, with the slight give of the clay allowing for maximum push-off without joint stress.

As energy travels upward, the rotation of the core and shoulders multiplies its force. A full shoulder turn in the trophy position—with the chest initially facing the side fence—creates potential energy that releases through unwinding. Many players inadvertently reduce their rotational potential by facing too far forward during preparation.

Perhaps no element of serving technique generates more confusion than pronation—the natural rotation of the forearm and wrist that transforms the racquet face from an edge-first position to a flat striking surface at contact. This subtle yet crucial movement creates effortless power and enables varied spins. Developing comfort with this natural motion often represents the final piece in the serving confidence puzzle.

Spin Variations: Expanding Your Serving Arsenal

As technical confidence grows, the ability to intentionally vary spin transforms serving from a necessary point-starter into a strategic weapon.

The Flat, Slice and Kick Serves

The flat serve—characterized by minimal spin and maximum linear velocity—offers the greatest speed potential but requires precision, as its minimal spin provides less margin for error. Developing confidence in this serve involves finding the balance between aggression and reliability.

The slice serve introduces lateral movement to the ball’s flight and bounce by brushing the side of the ball. This variation pulls returners wide or jams them with tight angles, creating immediate court positioning advantages. Our Har-Tru courts particularly complement slice serving, as the clay surface subtly accentuates the lateral movement after the bounce.

The kick serve combines high net clearance with heavy topspin to create a high-bouncing delivery that challenges returners’ comfort zones. With a toss positioned slightly behind the head and a racquet path that brushes up and across the back of the ball, this serve variation offers unmatched consistency while still creating significant returning difficulty. For many players, the kick serve represents a breakthrough discovery that transforms their relationship with pressure situations.

Mental Approaches and Practice Strategies

While technical execution forms the foundation of serving excellence, the mental aspects often determine performance under pressure. Developing a consistent pre-serve routine—whether it involves specific ball bounces, deliberate breathing patterns, or momentary visualization—creates a transitional space between points, allowing players to reset mentally and focus on execution rather than outcome.

Developing the ability to maintain present-moment focus—concentrating on the physical sensations and technical cues rather than potential consequences—provides perhaps the most valuable mental skill for serving under pressure. Equally important is developing resilient response patterns to inevitable difficulties, viewing service breaks as information rather than failure.

Effective serving practice emphasizes quality over quantity, with each serve delivered with clear intention and evaluated against specific objectives. Target-based work develops precision by transforming abstract serving concepts into concrete objectives, providing immediate feedback that accelerates improvement. At Burlingame, our clinic programming incorporates serving challenges that help members translate practice-court confidence into match-play effectiveness.

The Journey Forward: Continual Evolution

The development of serving confidence represents not a destination but an ongoing journey of discovery, refinement, and adaptation. For experienced players, technical evolution offers continued development potential through advanced concepts, while targeted physical development supports serving excellence through flexibility work, core strengthening exercises, and proprioceptive training.

The development of serving confidence at Burlingame benefits from both our exceptional facilities and our unique natural environment. Our meticulously maintained Har-Tru courts provide ideal conditions, while the breathtaking mountain backdrop creates a uniquely inspiring environment that reduces performance anxiety. Perhaps our greatest advantage comes from our supportive tennis community, where members encourage each other’s growth in an atmosphere that balances competitive spirit with collective enjoyment.

Your Mountain Haven Awaits

Your private adventure starts here in the heart of Sapphire Valley, where tennis represents not merely a sport but a lifelong journey of growth, connection, and enjoyment. We invite you to discover the magic of Burlingame Country Club, where serving development occurs against the backdrop of breathtaking mountain vistas and within a community that celebrates both competitive achievement and collective enjoyment.

Contact us today to schedule your personal tour and experience firsthand why our members call Burlingame “The Best of Times.” Let us welcome you home to the mountain retreat you’ve always imagined—where luxury meets authenticity and every moment feels like a return to what matters most.

Understanding the Fundamental Differences

The move from climate-controlled indoor facilities to our meticulously maintained outdoor courts involves adjustments that even the most experienced players must navigate.

From Consistency to Variability

Indoor tennis offers a controlled environment where lighting remains constant, air movement is minimal, and playing surfaces provide predictable ball behavior. Our Har-Tru courts, by contrast, introduce variables that demand greater adaptability. Wind patterns can subtly influence ball trajectory, sunlight conditions shift throughout the day, and humidity levels impact how the ball moves through the air.

These variables aren’t obstacles to overcome—they’re elements to embrace, offering a richer, more nuanced tennis experience that develops a more complete player.

The Surface Transformation

Perhaps the most significant adjustment involves the playing surface itself. Indoor courts typically feature consistent hard surfaces that provide predictable, often faster play. The transition to our Har-Tru clay courts introduces several meaningful changes that affect everything from movement to shot selection.

Har-Tru’s softer surface generally produces a higher, slower bounce that adds precious milliseconds to your reaction time. This characteristic particularly benefits players who employ topspin, as the gritty surface grips the ball and accentuates rotational effects. The surface also transforms movement patterns, allowing for controlled slides that permit more graceful direction changes and recovery positioning.

Recalibrating Your Game: Technical Adjustments

Successfully adapting to outdoor clay court tennis involves several technical adjustments that build upon your indoor fundamentals.

Groundstroke Adaptations

The transition to our Har-Tru courts often requires adjusting your strike zone, typically contacting the ball at a higher point in your swing path. This higher contact point, combined with the natural topspin enhancement of clay, creates opportunities for players to develop more aggressive margin in their shots.

Preparation becomes even more critical outdoors, as the variable conditions demand cleaner technique. Taking your racquet back slightly earlier compensates for potentially slower movements on clay and provides more time to adjust to unexpected conditions.

Serving Strategy Shifts

Indoor environments typically reward flat, powerful serves that skid off the surface. On our Har-Tru courts, however, this same serve loses some effectiveness as the softer surface absorbs pace and provides a more comfortable return height.

Successful outdoor serving often emphasizes placement and spin over raw power. Kick serves become particularly valuable, using the clay’s responsive surface to bounce the ball high and wide. The toss requires additional attention, as even gentle breezes can drift your ball slightly off-center. A firmer, more controlled toss with slightly less height helps maintain consistency.

Volley and Net Play Refinements

The approach to net play shifts dramatically when transitioning outdoors. Indoor tennis often rewards aggressive net rushing, while on clay, the higher bounces and slower pace give passing shot artists more time to respond, requiring a more selective approach.

Developing a slightly more cushioned volley technique—absorbing pace rather than punching through the ball—provides better control in variable conditions. Many successful outdoor players develop a more patient net game, recognizing that they may need an extra volley or two to finish points compared to indoor play.

Physical Preparation for Outdoor Success

Beyond technical adjustments, the transition to outdoor tennis demands physical preparation that acknowledges the different demands of playing on Har-Tru under natural conditions.

Endurance Development

Outdoor clay court tennis typically involves longer rallies and extended matches compared to indoor play. This characteristic places a premium on aerobic endurance, requiring players to maintain focus and technique through extended periods of exertion.

As you prepare for outdoor season, gradually increasing the duration of your cardio workouts provides the foundation for match stamina. Many of our members find that hiking Burlingame’s scenic trails offers an ideal endurance-building activity.

Lower Body Strength and Stability

The different movement patterns on clay—incorporating controlled slides and more frequent direction changes—place unique demands on the lower body. Strengthening exercises that focus on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductor muscles provide the foundation for safe, effective movement on the Har-Tru surface.

Balance training becomes especially important, as the slightly less stable footing on clay requires enhanced proprioception and core stability.

Heat Adaptation and Hydration

Perhaps the most obvious physical challenge of outdoor tennis involves adapting to playing in warmer conditions after months in climate-controlled facilities. Beginning with shorter outdoor sessions and gradually increasing duration provides the safest approach to heat adaptation, complemented by proper hydration before and during play.

Equipment Considerations for the Outdoor Transition

Thoughtful equipment selection can ease the transition and enhance your outdoor experience.

Many players find that lowering string tension by 2-3 pounds when transitioning outdoors helps compensate for the naturally higher bounce and slower conditions. Clay court-specific shoes with herringbone soles provide essential traction while allowing for the controlled sliding that characterizes efficient movement on Har-Tru.

The natural elements—particularly humidity and perspiration—affect grip security differently outdoors. Many players find success with slightly thicker overgrips when playing outdoors or refresh their grips more frequently to maintain optimal control.

Mental Approaches to the Seasonal Transition

Beyond physical and technical adaptations, successfully transitioning to outdoor tennis involves mental adjustments that embrace the different nature of the game on natural surfaces.

Patience and Point Construction

Perhaps the most significant mental shift involves developing greater patience in point construction. The naturally longer rallies on clay require a more methodical approach to creating advantages during play.

Successful outdoor players often focus on progressive point building—using each shot to incrementally improve their position rather than seeking immediate winners. This approach emphasizes consistent depth, strategic use of angles, and thoughtful shot selection.

Adaptability and Resilience

The variable conditions of outdoor tennis reward players who develop adaptability and resilience. Rather than becoming frustrated by these elements, the most successful players view them as integral to the outdoor experience.

This adaptable mindset extends to performance expectations during the transition period. Recognizing that your game may require several weeks to fully adjust to outdoor conditions allows for a more enjoyable adaptation process with less performance pressure.

Connection to Environment

Perhaps the most rewarding mental approach involves embracing the connection to nature that outdoor tennis provides. The opportunity to play in Burlingame’s spectacular natural setting—with panoramic mountain views and the serene beauty of our landscaped grounds—transforms tennis from merely a sport into a holistic experience that nourishes both body and spirit.

Burlingame’s Transitional Programs and Support

Recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by the indoor-to-outdoor transition, Burlingame offers several specialized programs designed to support members through this seasonal shift.

Our annual Spring Clinic Series provides structured support with progressive clinics that focus specifically on the technical and tactical adjustments needed for successful clay court tennis.

For members seeking more personalized technical guidance, our spring video analysis sessions provide detailed feedback on how individual strokes and movement patterns may require adjustment for outdoor success.

Our spring transitional leagues offer a supportive competitive environment specifically designed for the adjustment period, featuring modified scoring formats that allow players to experience competitive situations in a more relaxed setting.

Looking Beyond the Transition: The Rewards of Outdoor Mastery

While the transition process requires patience and adjustment, the rewards of mastering outdoor clay court tennis extend far beyond the initial adaptation period.

The forgiving nature of our Har-Tru courts—with their softer surface reducing impact stress on joints—allows many members to enjoy the game well into their senior years. The technical versatility developed through adapting to different surfaces creates more complete players, enhancing skills that transfer across all playing environments.

Beyond the physical and technical aspects, outdoor tennis at Burlingame connects players to a rich tradition and vibrant community. The shared experience of adapting to outdoor play each spring creates bonds between members that extend beyond the courts themselves. This sense of community, of shared passion for the game in all its forms, represents the true heart of Burlingame’s tennis program.

Your Mountain Haven Awaits

Your private adventure starts here in the heart of Sapphire Valley, where tennis isn’t merely a game but a celebration of skill, community, and natural beauty. We invite you to discover the magic of Burlingame Country Club, where every spring brings new opportunities to reconnect with the courts, challenge yourself, and forge memories with fellow members who share your passion for the sport.

Contact us today to schedule your personal tour and experience firsthand why our members call Burlingame “The Best of Times.” Let us welcome you home to the mountain retreat you’ve always imagined—where luxury meets authenticity and every moment feels like a return to what matters most.