Quick 9: Curtis Platte, Owner – The Club at Shoal Creek

Referred to as ‘the hidden gem of the South,’ The Club at Shoal Creek was founded in 1968.

A premier public 18-hole golf course designed by legendary architect William C. Byrd, the course spans over 260 acres and features a driving range, practice green, saltwater pool, and a picturesque, traditional Southern clubhouse with unparalleled views of the 32-acre Shoal Creek lake.

To get a sense of how Shoal Creek operates, as well as how technology has impacted the on-course experience, we spoke with owner Curtis Platte for our latest Quick 9 interview.

How would you describe your morning routine to kickstart your day? 

Weekdays – up at 630am, make breakfast for my 2 boys (usually some sort of egg dish with fruit), out the door by 715am (never happens), drop them off at school. At the course by 8am. Weekends – it all depends on the weather!

Has golf always been your first love? 

I didn’t start playing golf until I was 23.  It was frankly too expensive a sport for me growing up, and my dad and I were mostly tennis players. 

Tell us about your role at The Club at Shoal Creek. Why is it important? 

Well, my wife and I own it, so I guess that’s important. I would say my main role is making sure I find people who are smarter than me and passionate in areas where I struggle, and making sure that I support them so they enjoy being here.

Why has The Club at Shoal Creek decided to invest in Tagmarshal? 

Our rounds have continued to increase, which means that, especially on the weekends, play was getting unbearably slow.

We brought Tagmarshal on primarily to regulate pace of play and eventually will utilize its geofencing capabilities to help prevent course damage.

Since implementing Tagmarshal, how have your members responded to the on-course experience? 

Very favorably! We’ve had a number of comments on how accurate the distance readings are, and we have a couple of holes where it’s really beneficial to be able to see the group in front of you.

Describe Tagmarshal in three words. 

Technology streamlining play

What is your dream golf destination? Why?

St. Andrews… For all the same reasons that it’s everyone else’s dream golf destination.

Your best golf moment? 

I sank a 30-foot serpentine putt on 18 to have my team split the course, and saved my partner and me about $10 each.  I consider it the closest thing I’ll ever get to a hole-in-one.

If you could be a caddie on Tour, whose caddie would you like to be and why?

Scottie Scheffler. He is a rare combination of ridiculous resolve, remarkable ability, and outstanding work ethic, yet seems not to take the press, the pressure, or himself too seriously.

From the outside, he seems to have a remarkable ability to still have a work-life balance, and I’d like 18 holes with him to get some life pointers.