_September/settingthepace.jpg "Setting The Pace")
By Steve Donahue
Donald J. Hoenig, Sr., and the entire Hoenig family have been leading the charge at Raceway Golf Course for nearly 75 years
There are family golf operations, then there’s Raceway Golf Course, a daily-fee facility tucked into Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” that elevates the term “mom-and-pop” to new levels.
The Hoenig family has owned and operated Raceway and the adjacent Thompson International Speedway for nearly 75 years, since the New England Hurricane of 1938 destroyed the family’s farm. Rather than rebuild, John and Elizabeth Hoenig built a speedway then, in 1947, constructed the nine-hole Raceway Golf Course with their son, Donald J., who designed and built the second nine in 1963.
Now 82, Donald J. Hoenig, Sr., is a longtime PGA club professional and Connecticut Section PGA Professional Hall of Famer.
The patriarch has won countless professional and amateur tournaments on every level, played in 20 major championships, and competed in numerous PGA and Champions tour events. Nearby Pleasant Valley Country Club, one of his five course designs, has hosted 34 PGA Tour and 14 LPGA events.
The elder Hoenig still owns Raceway and officially remains course manager, but he turned the operation over to son Donald R., who “basically runs it,” says Donald J., who this spring also transferred the 13,000-capacity speedway’s reins to Donald R., and Donald J.’s two grandchildren. One grandson, Donald J. Jr., remains Raceway’s superintendent and facility caretaker, while the other, Jon, is the speedway’s general manager. “The whole family is involved in the course and speedway in one way or another,” Donald J., says.
Having lived in the region for generations, the Hoenigs know their market intimately and position their product accordingly. Raceway, which is located in Connecticut’s northeastern-most town of Thompson (population 9,458), draws primarily from the Worcester, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island markets.
“We sell a good, reasonably priced package, give customers good, quality food, and keep the course well-maintained and prices in line, which, I think, is key,” says Hoenig, who not only keeps the course and speedway successful (Raceway hosts 25,000 to 30,000 rounds annually) but also relevant in an era when flash often trumps substance.
“The key for golf courses, particularly public [facilities], is knowing your area’s clientele,” he says. “Set up your programs accordingly and make it affordable, [and they’ll support you]. Many clubs don’t do that and fail.”
Despite being located in a rural setting, the Hoenigs and Raceway have endured multiple recessions and a steady, industry-wide golfer decline. There’s plenty to be said for providing an affordable price, consistent customer service and a quality experience, but one shouldn’t underestimate good ol’ Yankee common sense.
“We survive without any issues because we’ve never had mortgages on our property,” says Hoenig. “I worked hard at it, my son worked hard at it, and we never owed anybody. We’ve paid our bills every week.”
Transient golfers and longtime regulars mix seamlessly at Raceway, whose nine leagues each have approximately 40 players. Double twilight leagues play Mondays through Thursdays, with one league on Friday. “Our leagues are very committed,” Hoenig says. “One Rhode Island league has played here for 37 years.”
Raceway’s packages are also popular among the playing public, thanks in large part to the value. For $29, all golfers—not just league members—receive golf, a cart and any menu item, whether a hot meal or deli offering, from Raceway Restaurant. The dishes change weekly, but the same menu is served every day that week.
The family applies the same sensibilities to course operation. For instance, to prevent slow play, Hoenig recently instituted a new weekend policy mandating carts from 6 a.m., to 1 p.m.
“That’s the biggest thing I’ve done,” he says. “Golf takes too long to play, [so] I don’t want walkers and pull-cart golfers holding up play. Speed of play has since improved greatly.”
Meanwhile, the restaurant, which “can seat 300 easily,” does a rousing banquet business. Raceway averages one wedding and two or three functions per week. The course has also proven to be a popular attraction for visiting auto racers.
There’s no timetable for Don, Sr.’s official retirement from the daily operations, but when he does, it’s a sure bet family members will be the ones to drive the business forward.
“[Donald R.] and my two grandchildren will take over,” Hoenig says. “My three daughters have also helped out whenever they’re needed, so I’m sure the whole family will contribute.”
Steve Donahue is a Connecticut-based freelance writer.