Many of us have certain dreams that don’t become reality. For Darren Mangus, owner of Salem Glen Country Club in Clemmons, NC, about 20 years ago he and his dad discussed their dream of owning a country club together one day, but the time was never just right. In 2015, during a visit to a friend who lives in Salem Glen, Darren found out that the country club was for sale and at that point in his life, the time WAS right – so he bought it. In three short years, Salem Glen has become not only a destination for golf enthusiasts, but for those who love great food, good times and ‘just plain having fun.’ As Darren likes to say, it is a place to call home.
Twenty-six years ago, Salem Glen development and country club opened with the only Nicklaus designed course in the area. The golf course had everything it needed to bring in golfers, but was found lacking in the area of the country club – the restaurants within the clubhouse were just missing “something.” Fast forward to 2015 when Darren Mangus purchased the country club, and quickly put into place the vision that he had.
“I really didn’t want Salem Glen to have the feel that many country clubs have: cliquish, stuffy, and expectations that can keep you from the main reason why you come to a country club. I wanted to create an environment where people want to come and just have fun! When you look at Salem Glen, whether you are coming to play golf, have a meal, or maybe sit by the pool, you want to escape from everyday stressors, and we want to make sure you have everything you need to have a great time. It may sound simple, but I really want our guests to eat, drink, and be merry. We say that we are ‘the club in the country,’ and that truly is how we look at Salem Glen. After four years, we have a great team in place in every area of the country club,” said Darren. Beyond the golf course, Salem Glen offers several choices for members and guests to dine.
Something for Everyone’s Taste
Every country club needs a good restaurant, so Darren set out to bring the best to Salem Glen. “The Grille at The Glen originally began as an extension of the restaurant Five Points in Winston-Salem, NC. With our many events, from weddings to birthdays and everything in between, Catered Affairs led by Jack and Pam Welker catered most all of our events. When Five Points closed, Jack and Pam, who also managed Five Points, joined Salem Glen as our Food and Beverage partner. We have a wonderful chef, Jared Lee, also formerly of Five Points. Jared has a vision for giving our customers the best and freshest dishes, focused on also appealing to everyone’s taste. Our menu features a wide variety from salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and pasta, to a couple of favorites like shrimp and grits, and my favorite, Judy’s Meatloaf, inspired by my mom’s recipe. We have specials every week for dinner Wednesday through Friday, with brunch one Sunday a month. Saturday nights are when we have special events for our members,” Darren commented. Other dining offerings at Salem Glen Country Club include The Bear’s Club, a member’s only room that is very popular on Friday nights and Jack’s Bar and Grill, a great place to grab a bite to eat, which is open every day, basically whenever people are golfing. The Grille at The Glen and Jack’s Bar and Grill are open to anyone, whether you are a member of the country club or not. “Food and drinks are also available at our pool, which is a Junior Olympic size pool. We have a smaller menu that we offer at the pool, along with a fun bar that serves drinks. With memberships for couples and families, our pool is very popular from Memorial Day through Labor Day,” Darren stated. Beyond the great eating options at Salem Glen, the country club and golf course have a few other unique offerings.
“A short walk down from the country club, we have the Coach’s Cabin, where anyone can come and take lessons from Jimmy McMullen, our Director of Coaching, using TrackMan technology, which is the highest quality in technology available in golf instruction today. For those who have aspirations of playing courses all over the country, we have a simulator where you can play any course you’d like to play. Rent by the hour alone or bring a group and have some drinks as you see who has the best game on the best courses around. For any info on the golf academy, including the TrackMan and simulator, visit thegolfacademy@salemglen.com,” said Darren.
As Darren looks back on that dream he had with his dad, with three years in place as the owner of Salem Glen Country Club, he is a bit nostalgic. “Although my dad and my mom passed several years ago, I really feel their presence here. My dad was a veteran and I have the flag that draped his casket in my office, and of course I have my mom’s meatloaf recipe on our menu, and my two boys, Ryan, 14, Tyler, 13 and my wife Kris, are my support in all I accomplish. I am so very grateful how the Salem Glen community has embraced us, not only with our role as owners, but as neighbors since we live here. I believe that if you can’t have fun at Salem Glen, then you just aren’t good at having fun LOL!” Darren commented,
For more information on the restaurant or memberships, visit salemglen.com or call 336-712-1010. Sign up for email updates from Salem Glen on special events and restaurants’ info on the club’s website.
