Meet Ray Blankenship, The Grove’s very own Master Gardener, Master Craftsman, stonemason, mechanic, and an all-around nice guy!
Ray joined The Grove in 2012 as head gardener of our organic farm. Not only did Ray make quick work of getting the garden in shape, he built the amazing gate that serves as the entrance to the garden. We quickly learned that Ray was a man of many talents. Ray has a knack for reclaiming unused or scrap materials and turning them into works of art. For example, when our signature old elm tree on hole #17 died, he had it cut down, dried, planed, and crafted into beautiful championship plaques. Ray’s woodworking talent can be found throughout the community.
Using discarded bricks and lumber, Ray built the rain sheds and walking trails found throughout the golf course and community. He and his team of master craftsmen have built picnic tables, drink stands, bike racks, tournament scoreboards, the beautiful receptionist desk in The Rosemary Spa–the list just goes on and on.
“I have never met someone who is so versatile. Ray is an amazing asset to our team. We joke, Ray can do that, Ray can do anything, but he actually can, while exceeding expectations each and every time.” –Mike Green, General Manager.
When Ray is not working in the garden or his workshop, he enjoys fishing and mission work in Latin America. Check out some of Ray’s master handiwork below!
