August Cat Tales 2016

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A U G U S T

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THE GREEN REPORT

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BATTLING UPHILL SHOTS

|

HIT, HIT, SPIKE!

AUGUST 2016

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p e alooza l p r u P Tuesday, September 13

Rain date - Tuesday, September 20

Ladies CCWGA Tuesday League 5th Annual Tournament

7:30 a.m. - Registration Bloody Mary Bar & Mimosas - One drink compimentary per player. 9:00 a.m. - Friendly 18-hole Scramble 2:00 p.m. - Lunch buffet Seafood Minestrone, Fresh Salads, Mini Crab Cakes, Fresh Fruit, Cupcakes & more! 3:00 p.m. - Awards 1st, 2nd, ‘Best Effort,’ Closest to Pin , Purplest Team, Bubba Drive & Longest Drive Proceeds Benefit Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital $130++ per player includes golf, cart fee, lunch, service tips, mulligan goodie bag, and tee gift! For more information contact Bob Wampler, Head Golf Professional at bob.w@cattailcreekcc.com or 410.489.4653 ext. 221


LEADERSHIP E X E C U T I V E

C O M M I T T E E

Howard Feldman, President | howard.feldman@cfmktg.com Seth Lee,Vice President | slee@summittalentgroup.com Scott Nicholson, Treasurer | snichlsn@gmail.com Steve Schrenk, Secretary | sschrenk@eqrworld.com Dick Lombardo, Past President | dlombardo@harkinsbuilders.com B O A R D

O F

D I R E C T O R S Jeff Martin Mike Jack Colton O’Donoghue Lurdes Abruscato Sean Battle Mike Malone Scott Segrist Eileen Dietz Ray Ignacio

C O M M I T T E E S Golf - Scott Segrist | ssegrist@apexhomeloans.com Junior Golf - Scott Allen | sallene3@verizon.net Green - Colton O’Donoghue | odonoghueclan@verizon.net Membership - Lurdes Abruscato | lurdesabruscato@aol.com Finance - Scott Nicholson | snichlsn@gmail.com House - Steve Schrenk | sschrenk@eqrworld.com Tennis - Eileen Dietz | eileendietz@verizon.net Swim Team - Lisa Noss | lap0811@yahoo.com Audit Committee - Ray Ignacio | raymond.ignacio@verizon.net

M A N A G E M E N T Gregory Colombo General Manager greg.colombo@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 231 Kim Kordon Controller kim.kordon@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 232 Chris Harriman Golf Course Superintendent chris@cattailcreekcc.com 410.489.9178 Gabby Forte Membership Director gabby@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 233 Katie Thompson Communications Director katie.t@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 241 Bob Wampler Head Golf Professional bob@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 222 John Foelber Director of Fitness john@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 249 Alex Justiniani Director of Tennis alex@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 265 Tom Caswell Executive Chef tom.caswell@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 246 Jennifer Turowski Catering Director jennifer@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 234 Samantha Smith Food & Beverage Manager samantha.s@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 396 Rob Anderson Facilities Engineer rob.anderson@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 247 C L U B

P H O N E

N U M B E R S

Main Clubhouse 410.489.4653 Golf Shop 410.489.5224 Tennis & Fitness Pro Shop 410.989.3683 Green Department 410.489.9178

Compensation Committee - Seth Lee | slee@summittalentgroup.com CCWGA Chair - Sondra Rappaport | sondrarappaport@verizon.net CCWTA President - Chari Mellner | chariandlee@aol.com

STAY CONNECTED

FACEBOOK cattailcreekcc cattailcreekcountryclub cattailcreektennis

INSTAGRAM cattailcreekcc

AUGUST 2016

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MDH (

Cat A U G U S T

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We’re getting an app! Stay tuned this month to find out exactly when you can download it to your smartphone and make life easier!

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D E PA R T M E N T S :

5. GENERAL MANAGER NOTES Employee Spotlight

Yukon is cooling off in the creek after a long, hot day in the sun. It’s been a hot summer on the Course; learn more about the happening in The Green Report on page 8.

6. CLUBHOUSE Employee Appreciation Party Katie Thompson say Goodbye Upcoming Events

F E AT U R E S :

7. THE GREEN REPORT 12. BATTLING THE UPHILL SHOT 15. HUT, HUT, SPIKE!

Welcome, New Members! Vino on the Patio

8. GOLF & GREEN The Green Report Lauren Burns say Goodbye Pro Shop News: Back to School Bunker to Bunker Ricky’s Tip: Battling the Uphill Shot Proud Coaching Moments

14. TENNIS Mental Side of the Game Hut, Hut, Spike! On the Cover: AA junior golfer taking time to practice his put and perfect his game!

CAT TALES 2016

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GM

G

E

N

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A

L

M

A

N

A

G

E

R

N O T E S We are just a little over the halfway

Thompson and our wonderful and

point of the season with still plenty

driven

of activities to keep you busy. We

Coordinator , Lauren Burns have put

got an early start with our Vino on

in their resignation at Cattail.

the Patio preparations this year, so please check out the details and wines that will be featured along with

Chef

Tom’s

creative

dine-

around stations. This popular event, scheduled on Friday, August 19, is sure to fill up fast, so I suggest that you make your reservation early. It

Golf

Shop

Merchandise

Matt Danen is an essential member of Katie has accepted a position with

the Green Department crew, underneath

the Bagby Restaurant Group, to lead

the supervision of Chris Harriman. Matt,

their growing marketing efforts and

commonly referred to as ‘Danen,’ is a go-

campaigns.

As much as I hate to

getter and eager to help in any prject

lose Katie and her dynamic skill set, I

around the Course. Let’s get to know

know that this is a wonderful career

Danen a little better:

opportunity for her.

is a fun event to meet new Members

Lauren will be the Assistant Director

and catch up with long-time friends.

of Retail at Congressional Country

I think the staff looks forward to this

Club, allowing her the opportunity to

event as much as the membership.

work at one of the most prestigious

I hope that the membership has been able to utilize and enjoy some of the new amenities and offerings this season.

The televisions, new

awnings and fire pit on the Lower

clubs in the country, be involved in a multi-million dollar retail operation and work alongside the 2015 PGA

no need for the fire pit as it is 98 degrees while I write this!). These additions were all made possible via Member ideas and suggestions on how we can enhance your Member experience here at Cattail. It is never too early to start the process for new ideas or amenities that can help improve your Cattail experience. Please feel free to email any ideas that you may have, and they will be considered.

You are still in school? I am enrolled at Penn State, taking courses online for a Turf Grass Science degree. Ricky Fowler

two women working here, and I wish

(although

3-year old, Zac.

of the Year.

addition

area

I have a lovely wife Krista and a wild

Who is your favorite golfer?

Cattail was lucky to have had these

the

Tell us about your family?

Private Club National Merchandiser

Patio have all been a wonderful to

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Piggy-backing off that, I am grateful work

with

such

Country music Favorite Sports Team?

them both nothing but success!

to

Favorite kind of music?

wonderful

Nittany Lions What is your favorite sport?

is

I have been playing golf my whole life. I

important to give them a day to

played a few others here and there, but

relax and feel appriciated! Our next

keep up with golf!

Employee Appriciation Party will

Do you have any other hobbies?

be held on Monday, August 8, and

I go home and sit by the pool with a beer

we are still looking for volunteers

and watch my son play.

Managers

and

Staff,

and

it

for this event. If you would like to help, please email Mike Malone at michaelbmalone@gmail.com.

In my role as General Manager, one of the most rewarding aspects is

watching

the

growth

and

development of my management team.

Our talented and creative

Communications

Director,

Katie

Greg Colombo, CCM General Manager

Matt Danen, Green Dept.staff member.

AUGUST 2016

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ST 8

GU , AU Y A D

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UPCOMING EVENTS: OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES: SANDLOT Friday, August 5

SHOW THE CATTAIL MANAGERS & STAFF THAT YOU APPRECIATE THEM!

Monday, August 8 Every summer and winter, Cattail hosts a party to celebrate the Managers and Staff that work tirelessly to keep the Club running. We are looking for volunteers for the event held on Monday, August 8, with four hour shifts of 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the friendly faces you see at Cattail

PARENT-CHILD GLOWBALL EVENT Sunday, August 7 EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION PARTY Monday, August 8 TENNIS JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Friday, August 12 - Saturday, August 13 MENS SPECIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, August 12 - Sunday, August 14 TENNIS CARNIVAL PARTY Sunday, August 14 VINO ON THE PATIO Friday, August 19

everyday! Don’t miss out! If you, your family or friends would like to volunteer for this special day, email Member Mike Malone: michaelbmalone@gmail.com

KATIE THOMPSON Says Goodbye!

GOLF JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday, August 20 - Sunday, August 21 BACK TO SCHOOL POOL PARTY Saturday, August 27 MENS TENNIS MEMBER-MEMBER Satuday, August 27

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!

It is bitter-sweet to announce that I am leaving my position as Communications Director at Cattail Creek Country Club. I want

THE PRYCE FAMILY Trevor, Sonya, Khary, Kamryn & Trevor

to thank my fellow managers, staff, and of course the Members who have been nothing less than wonderful to work with and for. The two and a half years I have spent at Cattail have taught me so much about marketing and graphic design, and I know for the rest of my career I will

THE WOULFE FAMILY Conor, Emilie & Willa THE SULLIVAN/WILDING FAMILY Josh, Randee, Sebastian & Julian

look back at Cattail and be thankful for the time spent at this beautiful place. I am excited to begin my journey as Marketing Director of Bagby Restaurant Group out of Baltimore, MD. I have full faith that although I am moving on to my next journey, I will cross paths with you again!

CAT TALES 2016

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THE SILVERMAN FAMILY Josh, Kelly, Aidan, Riley & Teagan THE MILLER FAMILY Ron, Lisa, Trey, Morgan, Tyler & Jake


Station 1 - Santa Margarita Prosecco Raw Bar Display with Oysters on the Half-Shell Shucked to order & Crab Cocktail

Station 2 - Squealing Pig, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 15’ & Talbott, “Sleepy Hollow”, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14‘ Domestic & Imported Cheeses with Assorted Crackers, Flatbreads, Baguettes & Chutneys Sliced Mediterranean Meats including Prosciutto, Sopressata, Genoa Salami, Olives & Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Station 3 - Enroute “Brumaire” Chardonnay, Russian River, 13’ & Beran, Zinfandel, California, 13‘ Carved Australian Wagyu Steak with Truffle Demi Glace Sous Vide Action Station with Lobster Tail, Asian Pear, Greens, English Cucumber,Tomato, Macadamia Nuts & Champagne Dressing

Station 4 - Sbragia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Andolsen Vineyard, 12’ & “J”, Pinot Gris, California, 15’ Risotto & Housemade Pasta Station with Shrimp, Crabmeat, Beef Tenderloin Tips, Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, Asparagus, Chicken-Apple Sausage & Squash with Marinara, Shellfish Reduction & Alfredo

Dessert Station Warm Peach Cobbler with Housemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Assorted Chocolate Truffles Demitasse Chocolate Mousse

VINO ON THE PATIO $85++ per person before 8/15 | $95++ per person after 8/15 | Additional beverages by signature.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 6:00 P.M. ON THE LOWER PATIO AUGUST 2016

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CHRIS HARRIMAN [GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT]

CHRIS HARRIMAN [GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT]

We are right in the middle of a very typical summer

Tall Fescue population and fill in any voids from the

for Maryland this year.

Plenty of sun, humidity, high

ryegrass and Poa annua that decided to give up on

temperatures and some scattered rain showers have

life over the past 8 weeks. As we have communicated

kept us on our toes. When our guys from Mexico say

before, Turf Type Tall Fescue will be utilized in the

that the weather is nicer there this time of year, you

roughs as opposed to the existing ryegrass. The Turf

know our cool season grass here is under some stress!

Type Tall Fescue is bred to be more disease, heat, traffic

July is normally our hottest month and with it (and 30

and stress tolerant than the rye and will provide a much

days of 90 degree+) behind us, we look forward to some

more consistent rough to play out of through the season.

fall projects.

The fescue’s water demands match up better with

Fall restoration will take place during the weeks of August

the bentgrass fairways which in turn allows for firmer

15th and 22nd. The Golf Course will be closed as usual

playing surfaces. In addition, the fescue’s growth habit

on the 15th and 22nd. On the following Tuesdays and

is slightly slower than ryegrass which makes it easier to

Wednesdays, only 9 holes will be open. Fall restoration

maintain a consistent 2.5 inches.

will most likely involve aerating the fairways with solid

Overall, the Golf Course has held up well this summer.

tines, and pulling cores out of the tees. The greens will

We continue to limit mechanical damage and implement

also have a small core pulled out in order to increase air

the right amount of cultural practices at the right time in

movement through their profile. Aeration is the primary

order to maintain elevated conditions. Keep up with the

reason why we are able to maintain consistent playing

Green Department Blog to see these practices in action.

surfaces through the summer.

I will see you all out on the Course!

Staying diligent with

these cultural practices only ensures our greens, tees and fairways will remain healthy and in great shape for years to come. August will mark the first year anniversary for our new bentgrass aprons and the newly sodded practice putting green. This 007 bentgrass has held up well through the summer and has significantly aided in sterilizing our surfaces of Poa annua. Because of the stressful weather this year, we have seen an almost surprising reduction in Poa annua on our greens which is a very good thing. Our growth regulator programs, as well as limiting the amount of stress from mowing and rolling, have kept our greens and approaches in good shape.

Top Photo: It has been hot but Yukon is surviving

Out in the rough we will look to increase our Turf Type

Photo Above: Our fans (and the new placement on 13) keep air moving across the turf and temperatures down, keeping the turf alive.

CAT TALES 2016

8


DARE I SAY IT -

BACK TO SCHOOL LAUREN BURNS [GOLF SHOP MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR]

stretch. In addition to polos, bottoms, and jackets, Garb also has golf related t-shirts for boys and girls. It is a very cute way to let all of their friends know how much they love the game. For Under Armour, we are able to order most anything you would be able to find at a big box store in terms of

I hate to say it, but it is almost time to go back to school! Luckily, we have the brands to prepare you for the best school year yet. For clothing, we have Garb and Under Armour. For accessories, Vera Bradley has your little girls covered. Even better, it is all at Mill River pricing, so you can rest assured you are paying the lowest price! Garb is a golf company that only makes junior clothing. They have infant, toddler, kid, and teen sizes with ages on the tags for your convenience. Garb will give your junior that preppy and polished look, while still being

tops and bottoms, but for a better price. Under Armour has some crazy prints and colors, but it’s nothing your junior can’t handle! For Under Armour, stop in the Shop to see options we can logo as those are limited. Otherwise, the options are endless.

comfortable and kid-friendly. Their boys shorts are all

Vera Bradley always comes

adjustable, while the girls skorts are made up of a poly-

out with new prints for back-

spandex blend, so they will have a good amount of

to-school

season.

This

year was no exception! All of them are bright and full of color. My personal

favorite

Northern

is

Stripes.

They now have five different styles of backpacks, all with

LAUREN BURNS Says Goodbye! It is with mixed emotions that I have put in my resignation at Cattail Creek Country Club. I would like to thank my co-workers and the Membership for making my time so enjoyable the past three years. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know you all. As my first position out of college, I cannot think of a better place to learn nor a better Membership to work for. I am thankful for the

matching lunch boxes. They also

carry

two

different

styles of agendas along with accessories like pencil cases, binder clips, notebooks, pens,

and

Bradley college

notepads.

also

has

dorm

all

Vera the

accessories

you could dream of for your junior heading off to college! Regardless of the brand, stop in the Professional Shop so

opportunity I have had here with you all at Cattail Creek

we can help you will all of

and excited to begin my new position at Congressional

your back-to-school shopping

Country Club.

needs!

AUGUST 2016

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BUNKER to BUNKER

What is a USGA Handicap and how is it calculated?

are not scratch golfers. Each course is rated from each set

The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the

of tees for both the scratch golfer and the bogey golfer.

game of golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing

The USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating together reflect

abilities to compete on an equitable basis. The USGA

the difficulty of the course for a player who is not a scratch

Handicap system functions under two basic principles:

golfer. The greater the difference between the scores of the

1. Each player will try to make the best score possible at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played.

scratch and bogey golfers on a certain course, the higher

2. The player will post every acceptable round for peer review.

receive. Conversely, the less the difference, the lower the

A Handicap Index compares a player’s scoring ability to the scoring ability of a scratch golfer on a course of standard difficulty. It is computed from no more than 20 scores plus any Eligible Tournament Scores. It reflects the player’s potential because it is based on the best 10 handicap

the Slope Rating will be and the more strokes players will Slope Rating will be and the fewer strokes players will receive. Handicap Stroke Allocation The basic principle of allocating handicap strokes is to equalize the abilities of players at different handicap levels. A handicap stroke should be an equalizer rather than a

differentials of the last 20 rounds posted. A Handicap Index is portable from course to course, as well as from one set of tees to another set of tees on the same course. A player converts a Handicap Index to a Course Handicap based on the Slope Rating of the tees played.

winning stroke and should be available on a hole where it most likely will be needed by the higher-handicapped player to obtain a half in singles or four-ball match play. Allocate the first stroke to the hole on the first nine on which the higher-handicapped player most needs a stroke as an

Equitable Stroke Control The chart below represents the maximum score a player can post on an individual hole based on their course handicap. Its purpose is to avoid recording a very high score on an individual hole which might inflate the handicap calculation. Refer to the below chart when posting your own scores.

equalizer and the second stroke to the hole on the second nine on which the higher-handicapped player most needs a stroke as an equalizer. Alternate in this manner for the full 18 holes. Generally the longer the hole, the greater the need for the higher-handicapped player to receive a stroke. Players Competing from Different Sets of Tees

COURSE HANDICAP

MAXIMUM NUMBER ON ANY HOLE

9 or less

Double Bogey

10 through 19

7

playing a different set of tees, the difference in the course

20 through 29

8

ratings need to be accounted for. This takes into account

30 through 39

9

handicap index, slope rating and course handicap to ensure

40 or more

10

When competing directly against another player who is

equitable play.

Course Rating and Slope

If you have any questions about the USGA Handicap

A USGA Course Rating is the USGA’s mark that indicates the

System or would like to establish a handicap for the first

evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch

time, please stop by the Golf Shop or contact a Member of

golfer under normal conditions based on yardage

the Golf Professional Staff.

and other obstacles that affect scoring ability. A Slope Rating is a measurement of the relative difficulty of a course for players who

Everything for golf,


Pro�pectiveGOLF Member OUTING SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 • 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Bring a friend who may be interested in a golf membership and give the Course a try! Social Members interested in upgrading to Goblf are invited to attend!

12:00 P.M. LUNCH BUFFET OPENS | 1:30 P.M. TEE TIMES Strawberry & Arugula Salad | Pesto Pasta Salad | Mango Slaw | Housemade Potato Chip Hamburgers | Grilled Chicken Breast | Grilled Shrimp Skewers | Cookies To register you and your prospective Member, please contact Gabby Forte, Membership Director directly: AUGUST 2016 � 410.489.4653 ext. 233 or gabby@cattailcreekcc.com

11


IAL AMENT

ay, August 14

Ricky’s Tip:

HOW TO BATTLE THE: RICKY SERRANO [DIRECTOR OF GOLF INSTRUCTION]

hill

Up

MEN’S SPECIAL

t

Sho

GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, August 12 - Sunday, August 14

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Most everyone thinks when you’re playing an uphill shot you have to aim well right of your target and expect the ball to hook left (right handed golfers) NOT

6:00 p.m. - 9:30 pm. Pairings Party Complimentary Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Bar by Signature

SO! Here is my tip to take dead aim when facing this situation. • Set-up leaning against the slope with your head well behind the ball. This gives you leverage. • Ball position should be in the middle of your stance.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 8:00 a.m. Starting Times Complimentary Breakfast Lunch & Drinks by Signature

• Stance should be shoulder width. • Make sure you don’t sway back; if you do you will loose your balance and fall down the slope. • Turn your right hip towards the up slope to maintain your leverage. • Make sure you keep your head behind the ball so you don’t hit into the slope.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 8:00 a.m. Starting Times Complimentary Breakfast Lunch & Drinks by Signature

I hope these simple keys will help you play a better uphill shot.

CAT TALES 2016

12

BETTER BALL OF TWO; 80% HANDICAP; BLIND DRAW $85++ per Player | Optional Team Buy-In


PROUD COACH MOMENTS COACHING THE PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE K.J. MCCLAY [ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL]

One of the most impactful events of the summer

never once wasting their energy by focusing on their

was being afforded the opportunity to lead the PGA

opponents; for that alone, Cattail Creek Country Club

Junior League Team. A special thank you to Coach

is proud.

Franz Henggeler, a parent coach who dedicated his personal time to help provide an awesome Junior Golf experience; I could not have done it without him. Thank you to all of the parents who chose to be involved, and make their presence known. The team line up was as follows: Taylor Lawrence, Megan Kirkpatrick, Keegan Meacham, Liam Meacham, Mark Berg, Gianna Corbi, Blake Corbi, Alex Corbi, Robbie Simon, Nathan Whipkey, Noah Whipkey, Jackson Hanish, Drew Wolven, Alex Kwas, and Roggen King. We had an amazing turn out this year! As a team, they finished topthree within our division with a record of 2-2-1; two wins, two losses, and one tie. Our juniors played in a scramble format against The Suburban Club, Turf Valley, Pine Ridge Golf Club, and West Winds Golf Club. I must say, after having coached this team, the scramble format has become my favorite format because I saw firsthand how relationships was quickly developed and moments when the trust between the teammates were put to the test. When Taylor and Megan were in competition onthe Course and the circumstances became tough, their only responsibility was to take a deep breath and understand what their next move is. As a golfer, Gianna knew that everyone makes mistakes, and that there is no such thing as luck. There is no luck, without you being prepared to handle the moment that has presented itself. As a coach, I would walk up to the group while in competition and be glad that it was me. To see Liam compete with a cast on his leg had to be the highlight of the season; talk about not letting anything stop him! Coach Franz and I made it ok to fail; for anything is worth doing, it is worth doing badly until you get it right! It is when you allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes that you find your power! The mistakes are there to point you in a new direction. Overall, the junior golfers ran a tight race this year,

AUGUST 2016

ďż˝

13


Mental Side of the Game ALEX JUSTINIANI [DIRECTOR OF TENNIS]

The US Open championships are just

baseline. A lot of the time players

around the corner, and it presents a

are releasing the previous point

perfect opportunity to learn from

and coming up with a strategy for

the best players in the world. I

the next point. They will use items

always like to tell my students to try

like a towel or fixing their strings as

to watch as much of this event as

a symbol of releasing the previous

they can. It can be very beneficial if

point.

you can focus in on a skill or stroke

• In both singles and doubles you

you may be learning.

before the players will serve. This is

players do while they are in between

an extremely important part of each

points. In a match that lasts two and

player’s game. You can usually pick

a half hours, the average time that

out a player just by watching their

the players are actually hitting a ball

routine. Some examples of famous

is about 20 minutes. At any level of

routines would be: Rafael Nadal,

tennis, one of the hardest tasks is

John MCenroe, Maria Sharapova,

to keep your focus throughout an

Andy Roddick, etc…

entire match. Here are a few things to look for when you are watching this year:

and take care of their body or equipment. You can see anything from a player eating and drinking,

after every single point. Most of

to changing the grip or racquet

the time the team will meet around

altogether. You will also see players

the service line, high five their

ask for trainers in the case of any

partner and exchange a few words.

injuries.

point. For example: where they are serving to, or where they are returning to.

14

players take their time to reflect

a great deal of communication

plan out the first two shots of the

• In changeovers you will see

• In doubles matches you will see

The majority of the time they will

CAT TALES 2016

will see various routines right

In this article, I will talk about what

There is a lot more to focus on than just watching the actual points. The best players in the world have mastered what they do in between points, and they usually have the

• In singles matches you will see a

best handle on their emotions for

great deal of time spent after each

that reason, so they perform better

point walking around behind the

under stress!


Hut, Hut, Spike! Wait, we are talking about tennis, right? CHRIS COZZILIO [HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL]

The movement of a tennis player to set up for the overhead is very similar to a quarterback in football dropping back in the pocket to throw. The swing and the ideal contact point of the racquet hitting the ball is like that of the quarterback winding up and throwing the football.

Step 1. Turn sideways. Step 2. Side shuffle or karaoke step back to track down the ball.

Step 3. During the shuffle/karaoke step, raise your non-racquet arm up and point your index finger to track the ball.

Step 4. Place your racquet behind your head as if your racquet is a “back-scratcher.”

Step 5. Release your arm from the “back scratch” position up towards the ball. For the overhead to be perfect, you need to complete the arm extension with your racquet arm. If the ball drops too low, the arm is not able to extend fully, and you run the risk of pushing the ball, which often results in an error. The wrist must remain flexible; this allows the necessary pronation, or “snap,” on top of the ball.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? This stroke is vital, especially for the frequent, aggressive net-rusher. If an opponent lobs once or twice and tastes a mouthful of ball fuzz from your overhead, they will think twice before lobbing again. If they do continue to lob, they will try to hit the “perfect lob,” which will often result in an error.

AUGUST 2016

15


Got Guests? Awesome! We’ve got them covered!

Here’s How it works: Join as a new golf member, receive 10 free guest passes (expire end of 2016) Join as a new social member, receive 20 free guest pool passes (expire end of 2016) Upgrade from social to golf membership, receive 5 free guest passes (expire end of 2017)

Contact Gabby Forte, Membership Director for additional information and questions: 410.489.4653 ext 233 | gabby@cattailcreekcc.com CAT TALES 2016 � 16


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