DECEMBER 2017 GREEN REPORT
DECEMBER 2017 • 1
DINNER BUFFET Maryland Cream of Crab Soup Corn Bread & Dinner Rolls Baby Greens Salad Asparagus Quinoa Salad Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Asparagus Maryland Crab Cakes Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Smoked Gouda Cheese Tortellini Chicken Pot Pie Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Chive Sauce CARVING STATION Prime Rib of Beef & Roasted Turkey with Horseradish Cream, Madera Wine Sauce & Cranberry Chutney KIDS BUFFET Chicken Nuggets Macaroni & Cheese Meatballs with Marinara Gluten Free Penne with Marinara DESSERTS Assorted Cakes & Pies Cookies & Brownies $42++ ADULTS | $30++ TEENS 13-17 | $22++ KIDS 7-12 | $15++ KIDS 4-6 KIDS 3 AND UNDER COMPLIMENTARY A PORTION OF THE EVENT PRICE IS USED TOWARDS ENTERTAINMENT AND WILL NOT APPLY TO YOUR QUARTERLY FOOD MINIMUM
CAT TALES 2017 • 2
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 Colton O’Donoghue Lurdes Abruscato Sean Battle Mike Malone Scott Segrist Ray Ignacio Heather Smyth
M A N A G E M E N T Bill Jankowski General Manager bill.j@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 231 Tony Haynes Controller tonyhaynes@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 232 Chris Harriman Golf Course Superintendent chris@cattailcreekcc.com 410.489.9178 Gianna Rico Communications Director gianna.rico@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 241 Chris Cozzillio Director of Tennis chris.cozzillio@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 265 Mike McKee Senior Fitness Instructor mike.mckee@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 249 Tom Caswell Executive Chef tom.caswell@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 246 Jennifer Turowski Director of Operations jennifer@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 234
Dustin Heusser
Rob Anderson Facilities Engineer rob.anderson@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 247
Anthony Amato
C L U B
John Deleonibus
Main Clubhouse 410.489.4653
C O M M I T T E E S Golf - Scott Segrist | ssegrist@apexhomeloans.com Junior Golf - Dustin Heusser | dustyh711@comcast.net
P H O N E
N U M B E R S
Golf Shop 410.489.5224 Tennis & Fitness Pro Shop 410.989.3683 Green Department 410.489.9178
Green - Colton O’Donoghue | odonoghueclan@verizon.net Tennis - Heather Smyth | hsmyth68@hotmail.com Membership - Lurdes Abruscato | lurdesabruscato@aol.com Finance - Scott Nicholson | snichlsn@gmail.com House - Mike Malone | michaelbmalone@gmail.com Swim Team - Sara Magden | saraeliz82@me.com Audit Committee - Ray Ignacio | raymond.ignacio@verizon.net Compensation Committee - Seth Lee | slee@summittalentgroup.com CCWGA Chair - Sondra Rappaport | sondrarappaport@verizon.net CCWTA President - Amanda Shumate | amanda.shumate@me.com
STAY CONNECTED
FACEBOOK cattailcreekcc cattailcreekcountryclub cattailcreektennis
INSTAGRAM cattailcreekcc
DECEMBER 2017 • 3
Cat D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 7
Claude made his famous egg nog! Be sure to stop by the Club and give it a try. Want to make your own Holiday Cocktail? Check out a recipe for a Hot Toddy on page 9.
D E PA R T M E N T S :
5. GENERAL MANAGER NOTES 6. CLUBHOUSE Upcoming Events Fall Free Dues Incentive - Tell your friends! Ongoing aeration and topdressing programs have significantly increased the quality of our bentgrass turf by improving drainage and overall turf density. Read more from Chris Harriman, Golf Course Superintendent, on page 12!
F E AT U R E S :
9. DIY HOLIDAY COCKTAIL 12. GREEN REPORT 16. GOLF SHOP HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Jingles Is Here! DIY Holiday Cocktail Cater With Cattail Meet the New Food Service Manager!
12. GOLF & GREEN The Green Report Bunker to Bunker Ricky’s Tip Golf Shop Holiday Gift Guide
18. TENNIS Let the Gainz Begin World Team Tennis Recap
On the Cover: Jingles is officially back and taking over the Club! Check out page 9 to learn more about our #cattailelf.
CAT TALES 2017 • 4
GENERAL MANAGER
N O T E S Dear Members,
Did you know that the Cattail Golf Shop is on pace to generate over 1 Million dollars of revenue this year? The Golf staff has done a tremendous job in creating a total shop experience for our Membership. However, we have not hit 1 Million yet... I encourage all Members to take advantage of the great selection and deals that the shop has to offer and now is a great time to do your holiday shopping at Cattail! December is an exciting time at the clubhouse as we are offering many Holiday events for the entire family such as Brunch & Dinner with Santa, Holiday Caroling, Christmas Eve dinner, and Hanukkah Dinner specials. Avoid the hassle of long lines and crowded malls and treat your family to a Holiday occasion done the Cattail way. Download the Cattail App to make reservations for any upcoming events in just a few seconds! Please check out our Holiday Guide for more details. Not getting as many golf rounds in with the cold weather? Picked up some unwanted pounds from Thanksgiving Dinner? Cattail offers Amenities such as Indoor heated Golf Lessons at the Learning Center, personal training sessions at the Fitness Center, or enroll into the “TPI Experience” a 6 week course focusing on Golf mechanics, strength, and conditioning to transform every player into the most efficient version of themselves. Please contact Ricky Serrano, Director of Golf Instruction
DECEMBER & JANUARY
UPCOMING EVENTS GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING Saturday, December 2 JINGLE BELL 5K Saturday, December 2 FAMILY NIGHT: HOLIDAY CAROLING Friday, December 8 BRUNCH WITH SANTA Sunday, December 10 & Sunday, December 17 HANUKKAH DINNER SPECIALS Tuesday, December 12 & Thursday, December 14 CLUB HOLIDAY COCKTAIL PARTY Friday, December 15 DINNER WITH SANTA Thursday, December 21 CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER Sunday, December 24 NEW YEAR’S AT NOON KIDS PARTY Sunday, December 31
See you at the club!
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER Saturday, December 31
Bill Jankowski, General Manager
DECEMBER 2017 • 5
D E C E M B E R R O O M
C L O S U R E S
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Lunch – Clubhouse (Gingerbread House Decorating Party) Dinner – IClubhouse F R D AY, D E C E M B E R 4 (Private Member Event) Lunch – Clubhouse (Private Member Event) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Dinner – Clubhouse Dinner – Cattail Room (FamilyEvent) Night: Holiday Caroling) (Private Member S AT U R DA Y , D E C E M B E6R 5 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER Dinner – Grille Room Lunch – Clubhouse (CCWTA Holiday House Party) (Gingerbread Decorating Party) Dinner – Founders Lounge Dinner – Clubhouse (Private Member Event)
(Private Member Event)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 6 Dinner – Founders Lounge Dinner –Event) Cattail Room & Lounge (Private Member (Private Member Events)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 8 Dinner – TClubhouse Lunch – CattailCaroling) & Grille Rooms (Family Night: Holiday (Private Member Event)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Lunch W– E Clubhouse D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 9 (Santa Brunch) Dinner – Grille Room (CCWGA Holiday Party) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Dinner – Founders Lounge & Grille Room S A T U R D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 2 (CCWGA Holiday Party) Dinner – Clubhouse
(Private Member Event) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 Dinner – Clubhouse S U N DCocktail AY, D E C EMBER 13 (Club Holiday Party) Lunch – Clubhouse SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16Brunch) (Santa
Dinner – Clubhouse (Private T HMember U R S D A YEvent) , DECEMBER
17
Dinner – Cattail & Grille Rooms SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 (Private Member Event)
Lunch – Clubhouse (Santa Brunch) F R I D AY,
DECEMBER 18
Lunch – Cattail TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Room (Private Member Event) Lunch – Cattail Room Dinner – Clubhouse (Private Member Event) (Club Holiday Cocktail Party)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 Dinner – SClubhouse U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 0 (Dinner with Santa) Lunch – Clubhouse
KEEP CALM AND
CATER WITH CATTAIL The holidays are already a stressful time, so why make it any more difficult by taking on the task of cooking for multiple guests? Whether you are hosting a cocktail party, formal sit down dinner or office holiday lunch, we are here to help! With flexible pick-up times, easy ordering and a huge selection of available menu items, we can ensure your event will be a huge success.
(Santa Brunch)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 LunchT–H Clubhouse U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R (Dinner Only)
24
Lunch – Clubhouse MONDAY, DECEMBER (Dinner 25 Only)
Lunch & Dinner – Clubhouse F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R (Christmas Day)
25
Lunch & Dinner – Clubhouse TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Day) (Christmas
Lunch & Dinner – Clubhouse
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Lunch – Clubhouse (New Year’s at Noon) Dinner – Clubhouse (New Year’s Eve Dinner) CAT TALES 2017 • 6
INTERESTED IN THIS OFFER OR ANY OTHER CATERING OPPORTUNITIES?
Contact Jennifer Turowski, Director of OperationsShe would love to help you out! Jennifer@cattailcreekcc.com 410.489.4653 ext. 234
dinner with santa
thursday, December 21 | 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Appetizers ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE 7 WAGYU MEATBALLS 6
WAGYU BEEF MEATBALLS, MARINARA SAUCE & PARMESAN
CHESAPEAKE DEVILED EGGS 9
JUMBO LUMP CRAB MEAT, BACON, CHIVES & PAPRIKA
ENTREES SHEPARD’S PIE SKILLET 16
WITH GROUND BEEF, PEAS, CARROTS, ONIONS, MASHED POTATOES & CHEDDAR CHEESE
CHILEAN SEABASS 35
SEABASS, BABY VEGETABLES, MARBLE POTATOES & LEMON CHIVE SAUCE
PRIME RIB 12 OUNCE QUEEN CUT 34 | 16 OUNCE KING CUT 38
PRIME RIB MEALS INCLUDE: SIDE HOUSE OR SIDE CAESAR SALAD, BAKED POTATO, VEGETABLE MEDLEY, AU JUS & BÉARNAISE SAUCE TRADITIONAL KIDS BUFFET $16++ PER CHILD ADULT FOOD & BEVERAGE BY SIGNATURE | KIDS 3 & UNDER COMPLIMENTARY HOLIDAY DRESS: NO JEANS, COLLARED SHIRT FOR MEN, PLEASE A PORTION OF THE EVENT PRICE IS USED TOWARDS ENTERTAINMENT AND WILL NOT APPLY TO YOUR QUARTERLY FOODDECEMBER MINIMUM2017 • 7
’Fall’-ing Dues at Cattail Featuring half-price Golf or Social dues through February 2018, and a $500 Restaurant credit to be used through February 2018. Take advantage of Cattailʼs 18-Hole Golf Course and Tennis Facility during the beautiful fall months, and then enjoy the fantastic Club events during the winter season. Contact Bill Jankowski, General Manager, for more information. bill.j@cattailcreekcc.com | 410.489.4653 ext 231 Expires February 2018.
WWW.CATTAILCREEKCC.COM CAT TALES 2017 • 8
• WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CATTAILCREEKCC • WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CATTAILCREEKCC
HEY CATTAIL KIDS!
JINGLES IS HERE!
Make sure to follow Cattail Creek on Instagram (@cattailcreekcc) to keep track of Jingles this holiday season. Throughout the month of December, please use #cattailelf if you post your own photos of Jingles and his activities at the Club! Remember: Jingles reports back to Santa at the North Pole every night, so make sure you’re on your best Cattail behavior!
MEET THE NEW FOOD SERVICE MANAGER HANNAH D’AGOSTINO Hannah D’Agostino has lived in Kansas, Spain, Delaware, Mississippi, California, and Florida before moving to Baltimore, Maryland. Hannah was the Dining Room Supervisor and later F&B Manager at Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, Maryland. Prior to that, she was the Manager at Village Square Café located in the Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore, MD. She is a graduate of the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland and enjoys spending her free time going to see live music. Hannah is very passionate about food, drink, and service! She was very excited to accept the Food Service Manager position here at Cattail Creek and is looking forward to becoming apart of the Cattail family!
D I Y H O L I D AY C O C K TA I L
HOT TODDY This is the perfect drink for the cold season. Inhaling the steam of any hot beverage can soothe nasal passages and temporarily relieve congestion, so the Hot Toddy proves its worth on that front. Additionally, drinking alcohol helps us relax, which in turn can distract us from obnoxious cold and flu symptoms like coughing and sneezing. But you don’t have to wait until you are sick; cuddle up with a book next to the fire and enjoy this soothing drink.
INGREDIENTS 2 ounces whiskey 1 tablespoon honey 4 ounces water (hot from the tap) 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 slice fresh lemon METHOD 1. Place the whisky in a large microwave safe mug 2. Add the honey 3. Pour the hot water into the mug over the spoon you used for the honey to get off the last little drops 4. Add the lemon juice and stir well 5. Place the mug in the microwave for one minute or until it is piping hot, but not boiling 6. Add the lemon slice and serve
DECEMBER 2017 • 9
Saturday, December 2 | Seatings between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. three seatings: 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. - 3:45p.m.
gingerbread house decorating party
$30++ per house includes pre-built house and decorations Fresh Fruit Display | Chicken Tenders | Macaroni and Cheese | Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Turkey Chili | Cornbread and Butter | Seasonal Mixed Greens Salad | Cheesesteak | Cheese Tortellini Hummus with Vegetable CruditE | Chicken Pesto Salad Wraps | Cookies & Mini Cupcakes $15++ adults / $12++ for children CAT TALES 2017 • 10 OF THE A PORTION
EVENT PRICE IS USED TOWARDS ENTERTAINMENT AND WILL NOT APPLY TO YOUR QUARTERLY FOOD MINIMUM
Hanukkah Dinner Specials Tuesday, December 12 & Thursday, December 14
Appetizers Latkas $7
Pan Seared Potato Pancakes, Homemade Apple Sauce, Chive and Apple Salad
Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque $7
EntrĂŠes Noodle Kugel $15
Egg Noodles, Golden Raisins, Sweet Savory Cheese Sauce & Buttered Panko Crust
Braised Beef Brisket $24
Braised Beef Brisket, Herb Fingerling Potatoes, French Beans, and Red Wine Reduction
Grilled Salmon $26
Grilled Salmon, Baby Vegetables, Honey Mustard Sauce, Mint, Horseradish and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Dessert Challah Bread Pudding $6
with chocolate, raisins, and fresh berries
Warm Pumpkin Cake $6
with vanilla ice cream and vanilla wafers
DECEMBER 2017 • 11
Our ongoing aeration and topdressing programs have significantly increased the quality of our bentgrass turf by improving drainage and overall turf density
THE GREEN REPORT CHRIS HARRIMAN [GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT]
December is here and growth on the Golf Course has finally slowed down significantly. It certainly has been an amazing year with regards to the weather and improvements done on the Course. Last winter we kept the greens and tees open for the first time ever. No real negative effects were seen and we were happy to accommodate the diehard golfers who embraced some nice days last year. The plan for this winter is the same so long as we don’t get into any detrimental freeze and thaw cycles where golfer traffic would pose a negative impact. We ask that you take extra care in repairing ballmarks and scattering cart traffic through the winter. As the colder weather sets in, the Green Department is allotted more and more time to get larger projects completed in preparation for the next season. Fairway and tee aeration and topdressing were completed in November. A number of new irrigation projects were completed and plenty of fresh tall fescue sod was laid in order to improve the consistency of our rough and reduce our water usage. We are very excited to open a new season next year with the forward tees and see how that impacts Course usage. Naturalized area cleaning, cart path edging, rough drainage,
CAT TALES 2017 • 12
railroad tie work, fixture refurbishment, and tree work are all part of the wintertime tasks. There are few things that always recur on the Golf Course year after year, but one of them is crazy weather. We prepare for and battle Mother Nature all year to ensure a good product is provided for the Membership. Many of our new agronomic programs are now in place and a solid base has been created. As the years roll on, we will be able to adjust and make changes as needed, but our basic concept will remain the same and that is to provide a healthy and consistent Golf Course. Make sure to keep up with the Green Department Blog as we continue making improvements to our fine facility. I would like to thank my incredible staff for another great year. Their determination and skills combined with unprecedented support from the Membership makes Cattail Creek a great place to be. Happy Holidays!
New Years at Noon Sunday, December 31 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. DANCE PARTY, GAMES, AND BALLOON DROP WITH DJ LARRY ADLER
Pork Tenderloin Carving Station | Assorted Rolls & Butter | Greek Salad Beef Chili | Chicken Nuggets | Wagyu Meatballs | Honey Glazed Ham Sliders Macaroni & Cheese | Chicken Quesadillas | Fresh Fruit | Steamed Broccoli Assorted Cookies & Dessert Bars | Sundae Bar $23++ per Adult | $19++ per Child Kids 3 & Under are Complimentary A portion of the event price is used towards entertainment and will not apply to your quarterly food minimum
DECEMBER 2017 • 13
CATTAIL HEALTH AND FITNESS
Ricky’s Tip:
The Baseball Drill RICKY SERRANO [DIRECTOR OF GOLF INSTRUCTION]
MIKE MCKEE [SENIOR FITNESS INSTRUCTOR] Happy December, everyone! Winter is here, which means the outdoor sports will be slowing down, making way for sports and fitness of the indoor variety. As we transition past Thanksgiving and the holiday season, many people find it hard to keep from gaining a few extra pounds from all the delicious food. The fact that it’s so cold now and gets dark so early can also contribute to a decline in energy and activity levels. However, there is still hope! The key revolves around maintaining a high metabolism. Here are just a few helpful tips on how to lose weight, rather than gain it, over the holidays. • Always Eat Breakfast! – Start your day off right. When you go to sleep, so does your metabolism. When you wake up, your body doesn’t start to burn calories at a higher rate until you start it up by activating your digestive system. Save time for a quick bite and burn hundreds more calories throughout the week. • Resistance Exercises – The more muscle fiber your body has, the more energy that is required to run it. Add some weighted exercises to your program to build and tone your body and increase your metabolism simultaneously. • The “Afterburn” Effect – If you can find just 20 minutes a few days a week to get in a cardio workout, at a moderate to vigorous activity level, it will trigger “excess post exercise oxygen consumption,” or EPOC. Your metabolism will stay spiked for several hours even after you’ve concluded your workout! • Portion Your Meals – eating several smaller meals throughout the day, as opposed to 2 or 3 large ones, will keep your digestive system running at full speed, burning more calories without you feeling overly stuffed. You can try a little bit of everything, just portion yourself. Last but not least, there’s no better way to stay fit and healthy, in the most efficient and safest way possible, than working with a personal trainer. Kristi Gorey and I are both available to work with members at Cattail’s awesome fitness center and would love to help you get to your goals quickly! Stay warm, stay active, and I hope to see you over here soon! CAT TALES 2017 • 14
Purpose: A smooth and aggressive weight transfer on the down swing is crucial in every golf swing. The Baseball Drill will give you feedback on how to drive off your right foot on the down swing so that at impact, the majority of your weight is on your left side. Procedure: Using a seven iron, tee a ball and assume your normal address position. Now bring your left foot back so your feet are together. Start your backswing (pic. #1), and just before you get to the top, stride forward with your left foot (pic. #2), just as a baseball player does when stepping into a pitch. Try to focus on solid contact. In order for you to feel this sequence, it is necessary to swing smoothly with your weight transferring to your left side in a slow, powerful motion.
o t R E K N U B R E K N BU Happy holidays! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we hope everyone had a safe and fulfilling holiday. Even though the weather is getting colder, there are still great reasons to visit the Club. Brunch and Dinner with Santa, the Club’s Annual Holiday Party, and the Professional Shop’s Holiday Sale are just a few of the exciting events on the horizon that are sure to get you in holiday spirit! We are fully stocked in the Golf Shop for all your shopping and gift giving needs. This would be an ideal time to use any Golf Shop sweeps credit that you may have that will be expiring at the end of 2017. We hope you consider making us your one stop Holiday Shopping destination. It would be our pleasure to wrap your gifts for you, free of charge. I would like to thank all members of the Professional Staff for a great year. Ricky’s coaching and player development skills have helped our Members of all ages and skill levels improve and get more enjoyment
A WG CC
from this great game. Ricky and the Professional Staff are committed to creating excitement, participation, and instilling a love of the game. Make it your New Year’s resolution to play your best golf ever in 2018. Remember that Golf is a year-round sport here at Cattail. This offseason is a perfect opportunity to take lessons and work on your game in the heated Learning Center. Ricky and the Professional Staff will be available for instruction throughout the winter months. I would like to thank everyone for making 2017 such a great golf season at Cattail. I hope all of our Members have had an enjoyable and rewarding golf experience. I hope you and your families have a safe and joyful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at the Club soon! Everything for Golf, Lewis Schnauble
Holiday Party WE DNE SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 3 6 : 0 0 P. M . COC KTA I L HOUR 7 : 0 0 P. M . DI NNE R DECEMBER 2017 • 15
All Wrapped Up ANNIE SHEARER [GOLF SHOP BUYER AND MERCHANDISER]
Gifting Ideas from the Golf Professional Shop! The Golf Professional Shop is a valuable asset for all Members at the Club! Not only do we carry golf products and accessories, but everything that you may need for gifting. Whether you are shopping for a birthday gift, housewarming, or anniversary gift, we have the resources to help you find the perfect item! Here are some of our top picks!
RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES Member Price $94 Retail Price $153
UGG LADIES DAKOTA SLIPPER Member Price $67 Retail Price $100
UGG LADIES DUFFEILD ROBE Member Price $78 Retail Price $125
CAT TALES 2017 • 16
UGG THROW BLANKET Member Price $62 Retail Price $98
SMATHERS & BRANSON BELT Member Price $95 Retail Price $165
COSTA SUNGLASSES Member Price $136 Retail Price $219
FRAISER FIR 3-WICK CANDLE Member Price $36 Retail Price $50
DECEMBER 2017 • 17
LET THE GAINZ BEGIN BOBBY COZZILLIO [HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL]
WORLD TEAM TENNIS RECAP
No I am not talking about bulking
are forgotten. When the match
up your physique, but rather your
or practice session is fresh in your
tennis game. This time of year is
mind, take a minute to evaluate
the perfect time to assess your
what happened--you can send
In the first week of November, Bobby and I were able to compete
tennis game and start preparing for
yourself a quick text message with
in the World Team Tennis National Open tournament. We—did not
the upcoming spring USTA Season.
a few key points as a reminder.
win. However, there were three major takeaways that I noticed at
It is common to play our block
Once you have evaluated what
times, clinics, or winter league
needs to be worked on, you are in
matches with no real plan or focus.
a better position to get the most
The off season comes and goes
out of your off season. When you
1) Consistency: Most of us are used to playing with one player at the
quickly and before we know it the
arrive at a clinic, lesson, or block
baseline and one player at the net, often referred to as “one up, one
Spring Season is upon us. Take
time you will be improving every
back”. In this situation, I cannot stress enough he importance of the
the time during this “off season”
time!
Not every practice will
baseline player keeping the ball in play. It is always tempting to go for
to truly evaluate what you need
cure every issue that needs to be
a low percentage winner down the line when we get frustrated at the
to work on or add to your game.
improved, so it is important to
duration of a rally. However, do not lose sight of the baseliner’s job—
Every player needs to improve
keep your focus narrow. Before
to set up the volleyer. The goal should always be to end the point at
each year or competitors will
you play each time, pick one or
the net. This can be difficult without an active net partner, which leads
pass them. Pete Sampras, Serena
two key focuses and stick to them!
me to my second tip!
Williams,
Federer
If you want to work on your drop
Each one
shots, or your lobs, tell yourself
of these players have finished
that you have to hit ten of these
ranked Number 1 in the world
shots throughout the course of
year after year, and each season
your playing time. This gives you
they came back with additions
an easily achievable goal. Whether
or improvements to their game.
or not you win your match if you
These greats recognized that if
have stuck to the plan the day was
they rested on their laurels that
a success.
and
Roger
are great examples.
players ranked below them would
CHRIS COZZILLIO [Director of Tennis]
every ability level at the National tournament. If you can incorporate practice that stresses these three tips, you will be moving up those USTA rankings faster than you think!
2) Be Active: Being an active net player serves two major purposes. For one, it is their job to win the point. If a net player gets stuck stationary, unless the baseline player hits it right to them, they will not get an opportunity to touch the ball. This can make the baseline player frustrated as they have to continue rallying much longer than necessary. Remember—Omission is worse than missing. If a net player is active and misses a volley, that’s okay! If they let a ball go that they should have taken, that is not okay! The second purpose of being an active net player is to make the opposing baseline player make a poor
If you stick to these focuses each
decision. Often times the net player will be so active that the opposing
time you play, then by the time
baseline player will panic and miss, or try to alter their shot and go for
To fully improve and add new
the new season rolls around you
something lower percentage.
elements to our games, we must
will have added new elements to
first recognize what needs to
your arsenal and you will feel much
be improved! It is important to
more comfortable employing them
reflect on the way we have played
in an actual match that counts!
after our clinics or match play. Too
Good luck and do not be afraid
often we play and then rush off to
to tell your pro what you want to
a job, or meeting, or even in some
work on!
pass them.
cases another match or clinic! When this happens the errors or strategies we need to work on
CAT TALES 2017 • 18
3) Don’t get casual: This one may seem more easier said than done— and it can relate to any number of aspects of a player’s game. Lazy footwork, silly mistakes, relaxing after winning the first set, getting “fancy” when it’s not required, etc. Every point counts the same—and there is no shot clock in tennis. If you lose concentration/get casual for too long, the match can get away from you quickly. Good luck and see you on the courts!
DECEMBER 2017 • 19
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
SEAFOOD STATION Shrimp Cocktail | Clams Casino Lobster Macaroni & Cheese Casserole SALAD & SOUP STATION Maryland Cream of Crab Soup Assorted Dinner Rolls & Butter Panzanella Salad Pecan Bourbon Roasted Chicken Thai Cashew Salad
PASTA & RISOTTO BAR Pasta: Farfalle, Penne & Risotto Sauces: Alfredo, Marinara & Vodka Cream Toppings: Shrimp, Crab Meat, Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Broccoli, Tomato, Baby Spinach, Onion, Zucchini, Minced Garlic & Parmesan DESSERT Assorted Macaroons Assorted Brownie Bites Oreo Bread Pudding Petite Fours & Mini Cheesecakes Fresh Berries & Chocolate Cups
CARVING STATION Roast Prime Rib Ahi Tuna $46++ PER PERSON | DRINKS & KIDS FOOD BY SIGNATURE. CAT TALES 2017 • 20
A PORTION OF THE EVENT PRICE IS USED TOWARDS ENTERTAINMENT AND WILL NOT APPLY TO YOUR QUARTERLY FOOD MINIMUM