The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort long has been recognized as a unique enclave where the extraordinary is commonplace. Today, Preserve Chairman Paul Mihailides proudly noteds, “Never has our reputation been more in evidence than during ‘The Preserve Open’ Sporting Clay Competition.” Some of the country’s most accomplished, celebrated clay shooters -- including the legendary Gebben, Karen and Tim Miles -- formed teams to meet the challenges of The Preserve’s highly regarded, superbly innovative courses. The early October weather cooperated beautifully over two days of intense competition that brought out the best that each competitor had to offer.
“It is simply a delight to be at The Preserve for a whole host of reasons,” said Gebben Miles. “But ‘The Preserve Open’ had a special resonance for me and my family. It was so gratifying to see that our shared passion for target clay shooting is shared by Paul Mihailides. His own love of the sport is reflected in the levels of imagination, understanding, and financial commitment he’s made to making Preserve courses the standards against all others must be measured.
Karen Miles added, “We were greeted by fun targets, virgin terrain, and, frankly, a vast respect for our support as evidenced by Paul Mihailides and his son, Alec, who co-hosted ‘The Preserve Open.’” Competitors were first to walk all-new courses designed by Mr. Mihailides. “And then there were those three -- count ‘em, three -- 86-foot high tower shots,” enthused Tim Miles. “They loomed large on the second day of competition as shooters’ ultimate challenges, and they surely tested our limits.”
The spirited involvement in “The Preserve Open” of the Miles family moved Paul Mihailides to reflection. “As Preserve chairman and devoted shooting sports enthusiast, I’m committed to creating and delivering multi-generational sporting experiences to our members. I’ve never been prouder than when my son stood next to me on the courses and shot with impressive skill. “Together with our special guests,” Mr. Mihailides continued, “we formed the Gebben-Mihailides Team.”
Day One of The Preserve Open generated impressive shooters’ scores, some of which were recorded in the mid-90s. Then, after an evening of fellowship and good cheer, Day Two contestants made their way to “The Ultimate Challenge” -- those aforementioned tower shots at Station 15.
To label the results as “extraordinary” would be to commit dazzling understatement. Intense competition brought out the best in all shooters as evidenced in the performances – and winnings – of the top three High Overall finishers:
- Blaize Whitehead – TOTAL 189, PRIZE $5,000.
- Shawn Kemeter – TOTAL 188, PRIZE $2,500.
- Michael Keene – TOTAL 183, PRIZE $1,250.
“I invite all sporting clays shooters who haven’t already done so to come experience the challenges and rewards of our courses,” said Paul Mihailides.
Rain, shine, or snow, shooters can enjoy The Preserve’s Ten-Station Five-Stand course, providing ten covered and heated shooting positions that are beautifully built into the wraparound deck of a rustic and inviting hunting lodge.
Positioned high on a hill, this lodge has an impressive prospect on the clays course, providing over 300 different target presentations. Stunning views of the surrounding landscapes enhance the experience and the unique design of the space also provides the perfect setting for Five-Stand tournaments as well as corporate clays events year-round.
The Preserve’s 12-Station Compact Clays Course features manicured shooting stations set amid naturally tall field grasses. These 12 wood-framed stations take thoughtful advantage of the landscape’s changing height elevations to provide sporting enthusiasts varietal shooting positions
On The Preserve’s recently expanded 19-Station Sporting Clays Course, members and guests may walk or drive along wooded paths to 19 artfully constructed shooting pavilions with challenging prospects on a variety of open fields with diverse and rugged landscapes. Each shooting station, including open-air and covered positions, has six clay throwers that are strategically and regularly moved to ensure shooters a variety of ever-changing, always challenging experiences with each visit.
Spanning more than a mile and a half, with wide cart paths and thoughtfully placed one- and two-story pavilions, this clays course can amply accommodate tournament-style events ranging in size from a team of four to upwards of 200 participants.
“Don’t take my word for it,” said Paul Mihailides. “See and enjoy for yourself. Come to The Preserve and ask for a clays courses tour. Take in our impressive 25-Station Sporting Clays Course and enjoy walking or driving along picturesque wooded paths to 25 artfully constructed shooting pavilions with prospects on a variety of open fields. Each shooting station, including open-air and covered positions, offers 4-5 clay throwers which are strategically and regularly moved to ensure shooters a variety of ever- changing, always-challenging experiences with each visit.”
For full details, visit www.thepreserveri.com/sporting-club/clays-membership
“Given the success of The Preserve Open in all of its aspects, I can say with confidence that the event always will be part of all that The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort offers to its members,” said Paul Mihailides. “Adventure, luxury, and serenity.”
