HOLMES BEACH – On Saturday night, more than 200 members of the Key Royale Club joined together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Island’s only golf course.

The celebration featured drinks, appetizers, and casino-style gaming inside the clubhouse; and dinner, drinks, dancing, and live music by the Oceans Eleven big band inside the large tent that graced the clubhouse lawn.

Prepared in-house by Chef Bill Terrell and his staff, the dinner menu included a 60-pound steamship round beef roast, glazed pork loin, and a heavily-visited salad table abound with chilled shrimp.

The evening also marked a recovery from challenging times the club experienced in recent years, due to the economic downturn and administrative and management issues that have now been resolved.

“It’s taken us three years, but we’re back and running well, and the golf course has never been in better shape,” said new club president Gary Duncan.

“It’s a great social club for dining, dancing and golf,” he added.

“We’ve come back from some hard times, and we’re prospering. Membership is good and growing,” said past president Rich Papini.

“This club, without any doubt, has the most sincere members and no personal agendas,” said board member Buddy Foy.

Attendees received $500 worth of play money to purchase gaming chips, and those who came out ahead used their non-cash winnings to enter the bountiful raffle that featured artwork donated by local artists and prizes donated by local restaurants and businesses.

Those who did not fare so well could purchase additional chips to continue their gaming endeavors.

Nub and Jan Turner live across the street from the club, and they were among the first to try their luck at the roulette wheel, joined by Kathy Lindsey.

“She’s way ahead,” Nub said of his wife’s initial foray into the classic casino game.

Across the room, Sunbow Bay resident Peggy Burch stood at the raffle table deciding how to distribute the raffle tickets she purchased.

“This is fabulous. I hope it works,” she said, in anticipation of taking home one of the great prizes offered.

Inside the party tent, Ron Pritchard opened a couple bottles of wine to share with his wife Heather, and their friends Mark and Marty Clark, and Pam Alvore.

“The food is excellent and the casino is quite spectacular,” Ron Pritchard said, with a charming British accent.