in the September issue:
BEST KEPT MEMBERSHIP SECRETS Tournament Results FAREWELL, SUMMER TENNIS & SWIM STAFF
CAT TALES
� August 2012
Leadership EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tom Cole, President | gtcole1@gmail.com Dick Lombardo,Vice President | dlombardo@harkinsbuilders.com Gary Garofalo, Treasurer | ggarofalo@harkinsbuilders.com Howard Feldman, Secretary | howard.feldman@cfmktg.com Andy Wilson, Past President | andy@lighthousefinancialadvisors.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Reid Shaun Eddy Seth Lee Steve Schrenk Mike Jack Jim Scalley Cheryl Guth John Jorgenson
MANAGEMENT Joe Fulco, CCM, CCE General Manager joseph.fulco@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 231 Jason Marciniec, PGA Head Golf Professional jason@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 222 Nic Flickinger, PGA First Assistant Golf Professional nic.flickinger@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 223 Tim Halter Head Tennis Professional tim.halter@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 235 Julie Seanez Tennis Pro Shop Manager julie.seanez@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 235 Chris Harriman Golf Course Superintendent chris@cattailcreekcc.com 410.489.9178 Kim Kordon Controller kim.kordon@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 232 Tom Caswell Executive Chef tom.caswell@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 246 Scott Lockwood Clubhouse Manager scott.lockwood@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 234 Justin Passero Dining Room Manager justin.passero@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 396
Christine Callahan
Rob Anderson Facility Engineer rob.anderson@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 247
COMMITTEES
Joe Mattingly Director of Tennis joe.mattingly@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 235
Golf - Howard Feldman howard.feldman@cfmktg.com Junior Golf - Scott Segrist ssegrist@cfmortgagecorp.com Greens - John Jorgenson john@jjorgenson.com
Lynn Slupski Membership/Marketing Director lynn@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 233 Carey Ward Communications Director carey@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 241
Tennis - Christine Callahan christinecallahan@msn.com Membership - Seth Lee jssglenwood@verizon.net Finance - Gary Garofalo ggarofalo@harkinsbuilders.com Facilities - Rick Pundzak rick@careysales.com House - Steve Schrenk sschrenk@eqrworld.com Swim Team - Lisa Noss lap0811@yahoo.com
CLUB PHONE NUMBERS Main Clubhouse 410.489.4653 Golf Shop 410.489.5224 Green Department 410.489.9178 Tennis Pro Shop 410.989.3683
contents
DEPARTMENTS:
4
Manager’s Desk Membership
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Do you like to write or draw? We are
WORDS FROM JOSEPH FULCO, CCM, CCE
5
MEMBERSHIP SECRETS PART ONE
6
7
Clubhouse
seeking writers for narrative content (you pitch the topic!) as well as illustrations.
KID ZONE FALL HOURS
Have a suggestion for an article but don’t
UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS
want to write it yourself? We’d still love to
MARTINI OF THE MONTH
hear it. Please email carey@cattailcreekcc.
Golf
com with any newsletter related feedback
NOTES FROM JASON MARCINIEC, PGA
or suggestions!
GOLF SHOP NEWS: GREENBRIER TRIP RECAP RICKY’S TIP OF THE MONTH
13
Staff Corner TENNIS SUMMER STAFF SWIMMING SUMMER STAFF
14
FEATURES:
Tennis NOTE FROM JOE MATTINGLY, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
8. GREEN REPORT
USTA NEWS
CHRIS HARRIMAN, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
9. TOURNAMENT RESULTS
. Please be aware.. AMENDED CLUB
HOURS
ch is available on ay, September 5, lun Beginning Wednesd ds only, and in Fridays and weeken the Lower Patio on from 11:30 ay through Sunday the Clubhouse Tuesd a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
m 7:00 a.m. weekdays moves fro The first tee time on 0 a.m. 7:3 at Range opening to 8:00 a.m., with the s from 6:30 a.m. first tee time move On weekends, the 0 a.m. Range opening at 7:0 to 7:30 a.m., with the
NIC FLICKINGER, FIRST ASSISTANT
10. JUNIOR OPEN RECAP SCOTT SEGRIST, JUNIOR GOLF COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
15. PLAY TO IMPROVE, OR WIN? TIM HALTER, HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL
17. CATTAIL CREEK TENNIS CLASSIC CHRISTINE CALLAHAN, TENNIS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
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� August 2012
Manager’s Desk
Dear Member, We have just completed another very successful summer at the Club. Summer seems to come and go so fast and so much planning goes into arranging all of the Club’s activities, it is hard to accept fall is already upon us. There are many thanks that need to be given to the staff for their efforts this season. I will start with Karen Heinz, our Swim Team Coach: what a great year the Crocs had with so many new Members involved in the program. Chris Harriman had a second successful season, and his staff delivered outstanding playing conditions on a daily basis. Joe Mattingly continues to raise the interest level in our tennis program and Julie Seanez & Tim Halter really had a terrific season. Possibly one of our brightest spots this season has been our Golf Shop, where Jason Marciniec is having an awesome first year. Under Jason’s leadership, the entire golf staff has upped their game and delivered improved customer service. From a Membership perspective, Lynn Slupski is having her best year yet with over 70 new Golf and Social Members. Of course, where would the Club be without Mr. Fix It, Rob Anderson? His efforts this summer kept the Club humming along while dealing with a multitude of challenges very well. And finally, in the Clubhouse: Chef Tom, Scott Lockwood, Justin Passero and Claude Murphy have been working extremely hard to keep our membership happy. While our work is not done, there is comfort in the fact that our operating results remain extremely positive and Member satisfaction levels are very high. As everyone is just starting to think about fall and most likely has not gotten past the summer, I would like to remind you to read this entire newsletter, view our website (which has been updated and looks fantastic), visit our Green Blog, and use our online reservation system to sign up for your favorite Club events. It’s hard to believe, but very soon, you will be able to order Thanksgiving to go meals, and register for holiday events, not to mention many special events coming up in between now and then. September also marks the return of our Tennis Classic, in its second year. Registration is already exceeding last year’s numbers, and we have several new twists planned. Without letting the cat out of the bag… I encourage you to plan on spending some time at the Club the weekend of September 21st. Members are encouraged to attend the evening cocktail party regardless of whether they play in the event or not. All you have to do is make a reservation. On another tennis front, I expect the Howard County Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment to agree to allow the Club to construct the two new tennis courts this fall. We are completing the application process, and if approved our plans are to begin construction in early October. I would like to thank Rob Anderson, our Facility Engineer, Christine Callahan, Tennis Chair and Andy Wilson, Past President, for two years of hard work on this project.
Last month we introduced our new Golf Indoor Learning Center. This facility will be very busy this winter. If you have not had the opportunity to see the inside of the building, I urge you to stop by and ask one of the Assistant Golf Professionals to give you a tour. We now have the opportunity to give instructional lessons on a new and more advanced level. I have had the opportunity to spend time in the building and hit golf balls using the launch monitor; it is truly impressive and it gives you instant feedback. It is also amazing how a few small changes can positively impact your ability to hit the ball really well. I hope to see many members utilizing this great technology throughout the winter. Recently some Members have approached me and requested that some amenities be added to the Fitness Center. The items were relatively inexpensive, but were important to their workout routines. I value Member feedback and it is through this process that we measure the success of events, facilities, sporting options and service. As we enter the fall, every manager at the Club enters the budgeting process. We need to be realistic, and at the same time mindful of what you would like to see at the Club in the future. Please keep us abreast of your thoughts as we continue to move in a positive direction. Enjoy the month of September… and GO RAVENS! Joe Fulco, CCM, CCE General Manager
4
Membership
Best Kept Membership Secrets... Part One Welcome, September SEPTEMBER New Members! NEW MEMBERS!
Dennis and Carol Stvan
& Upgrading Members: Ken & Jacqueline Boras
WEBSITE POLL: business directory Stop by the homepage of our website and vote in the Member Poll. We’d like to know whether you would be interested in a Cattail Creek Business Directory.
Coming in October Corporate Memberships: What You Need to Know
LYNN SLUPSKI [MEMBERSHIP MARKETING DIRECTOR] 1. We can cater in your home – and provide staff! Cattail is a beautiful venue, but we know that sometimes you may want to host your special event in the comfort of your own home. Don’t worry - that doesn’t mean you have to do any of the work! Be it a modest baby shower luncheon or an elaborate birthday party for 200+, Cattail has helped create memorable private functions off-site. Different from carry-out service, offsite catering can enhance your party with hot boxes to keep food warm, serving chafers like you see on our buffets, and serving utensils. We can usually provide servers, bartenders, chefs to run stations, and management personnel as well. The sky is the limit, and best of all, the food costs apply to your minimum requirement! Contact Scott Lockwood, Clubhouse Manager – scott.lockwood@cattailcreekcc. com 2. Your non-member guests can send charges back to their own club. Most people don’t mind occasionally picking up the tab when entertaining another couple, but if you host others at the Club often, it can
New Member Family
COCKTAIL PARTY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
MINGLE WITH CLUB LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT,
Complimentary deluxe hors d’oeuvres & wine. Bar available AS WELL AS OTHER 2011-2012 NEW MEMBER FAMILIES.
by signature. Reservations are required. Please note when registering whether you willd’oeuvres play golf, and whether we can make Complimentary deluxe hors & wine. Bar available by sigyou a dinner reservation following the cocktail party. nature. Reservations are required. Please note when registering whether willwill playopen golf, and whether webeginning can make you a dinner The Kidyou Zone for this event at 4:00 p.m. reservation following the cocktail party.The kid zone will open for
Click here to register your children.
this event, beginning at 4:30 p.m. to accommodate golfers. Children of all ages are welcome.
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CAT TALES
� August 2012
be burdensome to always cover the bill. If your guests are members at another private club, they can virtually always send their charges back, and you may choose do the same when visiting a friend’s club! Whether at Cattail, or elsewhere, be sure to inform the manager on-duty of your intent to take advantage of reciprocal billing, so that he or she may obtain a quick confirmation from the other club at the beginning of your dining experience. 3. Our Facebook friends are rewarded. We use our Facebook friend page for different purposes than our general Club emails and newsletters. Fairly often, we offer a variety of contests (with prizes!) that are only offered on Facebook. This is also the outlet that we use to post photos from various Club events. Please note that our ‘friend’ page is private and for Members-only, as opposed to like-able ‘location’ page that is viewable to the public. � Friend us! www.facebook.com/cattailcreekcc Watch for the second half of this article in the October newsletter, with three more Cattail secrets…
Clubhouse
Featured Drink: Cattail Crush
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Absolut Mandarin Triple Sec Splash of Lemon-Lime soda
Kid Zone Fall Hours The Cattail Creek Kid Zone offers shortterm babysitting while a parent is on the Club premises. It is located on the lower level of the Clubhouse.You can view complete details about the Kid Zone on our website. Kids are not permitted in the Kid Zone except when a babysitter is present.
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER SOCIAL EVENTS! Thursday, October 11 Family Night: Spooky Storytelling
The Kid Zone is available for kids ages 3-12 who are potty-trained. Registration is required online (on the Club website), in advance.
Friday, October 12 Bull and Oyster Roast Thursday, October 18 Scotch and Cigar Night
FALL HOURS OF OPERATION: Wednesday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, October 19 Lobster Night
Friday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 20 Fall Festival
Rates: $8 child/hour and $4 sibling/hour. For day-of reservations: $10 child/hour and $5 sibling/hour
FAMILY
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 5 5 PM - 8:30 PM KIDS BUFFET ($13++) 5:15 pm KIDS GATHER FOR BINGO 6:15 pm ADULT DINNER & DRINKS DURING BINGO BY SIGNATURE Kid’s Buffet: Drinks Chicken Nuggets Macaroni & Cheese Fusilli Pasta with Meatballs and Marinara Sauce Mozzarella Sticks Steam Broccoli French Fries Apple Sauce Fresh Fruit Dessert: Cookies & Brownies
*regular menu available meal includes side salad (house or caesar), baked potato, & vegetable medley served with béarnaise sauce roasted prime rib $26 - 12 ounce queen cut $30 - 16 ounce king cut drink specials: william hill, cabernet sauvignon $5.50 glass, $20 bottle beringer, pinot noir $5.50 glass, $20 bottle
MARTINI OF THE MONTH “Mystic Melon” $6 Southern Comfort, Absolute Vodka, Grenadine, Pineapple Juice, Garnished with a Watermelon Wedge 6
Golf
GOLF SHOP NEWS:
Men’s Trip to the Greenbrier Resort
BUNKER to BUNKER
JASON MARCINIEC [HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL] Being from Western Pennsylvania I had always heard about the Greenbrier Resort but I was never fortunate enough to have visited this beautiful area. When Rich Nessif approached me about organizing a trip to the Greenbrier, I was very excited. Needless to say my first trip could not have been better. Rich Nessif, Steve Schrenk, Jay Martin, Ken Pines, and I shared in two delightful rounds of golf and enjoyed some amazing meals. Not only does the Greenbrier have a relaxing atmosphere but the golf memorabilia is very impressive. The Greenbrier is a must visit for any golfer! During the fall restoration in 2013 we will once again offer this great opportunity for Members to enjoy this famous resort. We will have more information next season but be sure to keep this in mind when planning your schedule.
Dear Member, With August behind us, I would like to congratulate last month’s tournament winners. The format for the 2012 Club Championship was stroke play, and everyone was interested to see how the best players at Cattail would hold up under the grueling pressure. Charles Ruttenburg got the event started off with a round of 71 which gave him medalist honors in the qualifying round. After day one, all of the flights were tightly packed and it was anyone’s Championship to win. In the Championship Flight, it came down to the final hole. When Jake Leavitt’s eagle attempt fell short, Colton O’Donoghue went on to win his first Club Championship with a score of two over par (146). In the First Flight Jason Haslam closed with a round of 73 to leap-frog into first place, while Mike Hantke cruised to a 12 shot victory in the Second Flight. The women of Cattail also went to a stroke play Championship this year, and after day one all of the participants were close to the lead. On day two, Cheryl Guth closed with a round 81 to claim yet another win in 2012. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all of the participants. All the best,
Jason T. Marciniec Head Golf Professional
Play With The Pro Leaderboard The “Play With The Pro” Series is in the final stretch! If you have not taken a shot at the leaders please contact the Golf Shop and we will help you organize a game. Nice playing by the leading teams! Men Front 9 27 – Jason Marciniec, Spencer Wilson, Jake Leavitt, Matt Forester Nicholas Balcken, Chris Hardon, Jim Duncan,Vince DeCamillo
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� August 2012
Back 9 26 – Jason Marciniec, Seth Lee, Greg Poulis, Pete Laake Total 55 – Jason Marciniec, Dave Kopp, Richard Bass, Joe Fields Nicholas Balcken, Chris Hardon, Jim Duncan,Vince DeCamillo Women Front 9 24 – Nic Flickinger, Stephanie Nucci, Heather Smyth
FAIRWAY FEATS Mark Cummings – Eagle on #18 - Wedge John Gribbin – First Birdie on #12 Richie Abruscato – Broke 50 on the front 9 Andy Wilson – Eagle on #9 Spencer Wilson – Eagle on #12 Mathew Forester – Eagle on #9 Colton O’Donoghue – Eagle on #12 Nancy Cole – Hole In One on #16 – Driver Sean Battle – First Birdie at Cattail on #2 Shannon Shapiro – Hole In One on #3
Green Report CHRIS HARRIMAN [GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT]
As we move into September, we hope that our luck continues with the weather. Periodic rains have been timely and we have dodged most of the bigger thunderstorms that have wreaked havoc on some other facilities. It may seem odd to be thankful for “normal” temperatures but that is what we got in August and the Course has benefitted. Two things may work against us in the coming months. The light hurricane season and nonexistend winter last year may be the preface for some rambunctious weather this fall and winter. Only time will tell, so until then, we will be doing everything possible to enhance the turf’s defenses against Mother Nature. This month, the Green Department will be concentrating on making the rough more consistent and resilient. As we have communicated before, Turf Type Tall Fescue will be utilized in the roughs as opposed to the existing ryegrass.This type of grass is bred to be more disease, heat, traffic and stress tolerant than the rye, and will provide a much more consistent rough to play out of through the season. The fescue’s water demands match up better with the bentgrass fairways also, which in turn allows for firmer playing surfaces. In addition, the fescue’s growth habit is slightly slower than ryegrass, which makes it easier to maintain a consistent 2.5”.The rough grass transition will see a 4-pronged attack
year. The most rewarding aspect will be using sod. About 20,000 square feet of tall fescue sod will be installed around select green surrounds. The next method will be to use Round-Up, and then seed into the treated area. This will take place in between the cart path and the fairway on #7. While this may be an eyesore for a few weeks, eliminating the competition for the tall fescue seedlings will only ensure that they will fill in and provide an excellent turf for next year. Highly trafficked areas will be mowed down to 1” tall, and treated with a growth regulator followed by intense seeding. Again, reducing competition from the existing ryegrass will help the young tall fescue population. Other thinner spots throughout the rough will simply be overseeded with our slit seeder. We will also be continuing to work through the naturalized areas, removing weeds and helping the taller fine fescue to fill in. The number of areas that we have let grow taller are doing well and will provide great aesthetics and definition next year. Our overall rough transition will take many years, but this fall we are looking to gain an excellent foothold. The difference in rough quality from just a year ago is significant. Keep up with the Green Department Blog on the Cattail website for weekly updates, and let’s hope the great seeding weather continues! �
Applying sand to the fairways encourages root growth and helps firm the surface for the fall season.
Turf Type Tall Fescue sod will be installed in certain high traffic areas around the course. We will use sod from a farm on the Eastern Shore as well as from our own nursery.
Golf
APPROACH SHOTS
Tournament Results
Saturday Oct. 6 & Sunday Oct. 7
H U S BAN D / W I FE TO U R N A M E N T 2011 Champions: Kathy Taub & Mike Occi
NIC FLICKINGER [FIRST ASSISTANT] Unmarried c o u p l es on the same m e m b e r s h i p a re we l c o m e t o p a r t i c i p at e!
Although the tournament schedule during the month of August was not as busy as in other months, there was definitely no shortage of great results to be shared! The month kicked off with a rain-shortened Couples Invitational that saw Wendy & Scott Michaelson and Guests Ivy & Ron Holsey come out on top in the one best net for both men & women. This inaugural event was comprised of a field of 20 and looks to get even bigger for next year! The 3rd Annual Cattail Creek Country Club Junior Open boasted its biggest field to date as 41 junior golfers competed over two days in three divisions. The boys in the 14-17 year old division was won by Ontario, Canada native Wesley Day who fired rounds of 7167 to win by three strokes over his nearest competitor. For the boys in the 11-13 year old division, Drew Nicholas’s final round 82 was just enough to hold off Liam Powderly by one stroke. In the Girls division, there was no contest as Allison Wong’s total of 147 was twenty clear of her nearest competitor. The winners are pictured at right. Thanks to Scott Segrist and the Staff at Cattail Creek for making this event a huge success yet again!
Jake Leavitt while Cheryl Guth cruised to a ten-stroke victory for the ladies. The Men’s First Flight Champion was Jason Haslam (above), and Mike Hantke’s performance was good enough to name him champion of the Second Flight.Thanks again Members, for your continued support of the golf tournaments at Cattail, and mark your calendars for the many events scheduled in September and October! �
Saturday ( b e t t e r b a l l o f t wo ) 1 pm 18 hole shotgun 3 p m 9 h o l e sh o t g u n Sunday ( m o d i f i ed a l t e r n at e s h o t ) ( 1 0 0 % h a n d i c a p ; g ro s s a n d n e t ) 10 am tee times cost ($50) included w i t h To u r n a m e n t C l u b
The year long Women’s Founder’s Cup competition came to an end in August with the final match being contested between the team of Lisa Anderson & Terry Jubb versus Cheryl Guth & Judy Hogarty.The match ended with Guth & Hogarty (bottom right) pulling out the 3&2 victory over Anderson & Jubb. Last but certainly not least are the results from this year’s Club Championship. The new stroke play format brought a lot of drama over the closing holes and kept things close right to the end. The names for the overall champions should be quite familiar, as they have been in the winner’s circle already this year! Senior Club Champions Cheryl Guth & Colton O’Donoghue were able to emerge as this year’s Club Champions too. O’Donoghue’s (pictured top right) final round 69 led him to a two-stroke victory over 9
CAT TALES
� August 2012
SIDE NOTE:
Congratulations Mike Occi! Mike won the Dave King Sr. Invitational played at Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, Virginia. Mike is currently ranked 5th in the country among all Senior Amateurs Golfers. With this win he is sure to move up in the rankings!
Golf
UPCOMING GOLF EVENTS September 3 Labor Day – Weekend Guest Rules Apply September 4 - Course Closed Deadline For Round 4 Founders Cup/Match Play September 6 Men’s Twilight – 5:00 p.m. shotgun September 8 Parent/Child Tournament – 9:30 a.m. tee times September 11 Ladies 9-Hole Interclub – 9:30 a.m. tee times September 12 Men’s Guest Day – 12:30 p.m. shotgun September 15 Women’s Member-Member – 9:00 a.m. tee times Men’s Club Tee Event September 27 Men’s Twilight – 5:00 p.m. shotgun September 28 Men’s Member – Member – 1:00 p.m. shotgun September 29 Men’s Member – Member – 9:30 a.m. shotgun
Junior Club Championship JASON MARCINIEC
[HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL]
While the PGA Tour was starting the playoffs at Bethpage State Park, our Junior Golfers played their Club Championship here at Cattail Creek. The 3 and 6-hole divisions played Sunday only while the 9 and 18-hole divisions played both Saturday and Sunday. Even though the Championship experienced some rain on Sunday, it was not enough to stop these golfers!
Be sure to let us know about your golf accomplishments at Cattail and elsewhere!
JUNIOR GOLF OPEN SCOTT SEGRIST [JUNIOR GOLF COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON] Cattail hosted its 3rd annual Junior Golf Open on August 6th and 7th. Each year has seen the size and quality of the field increase and I’m sure the tournament will continue to grow in stature from year to year. The high level of play by the juniors participating continues to amaze me. This event is open to all Junior Golfers, and is run in conjunction with the Mid Atlantic section of the PGA. Jason and his team of Golf Staff did an incredible job of making the event a truly standout tournament for all the juniors participating! The girls division was dominated by Allison Wong, who shot 147 for the 36 holes. Her total included a one-under-par 71 on day one. Ricky Serrano commented that watching all the swings of the kids was impressive, but that Allison’s swing was especially so, displaying the tempo of a tour pro. The younger boys’ division was won by Drew Nicholas. His total of 158 was especially noteworthy, since he started the tournament by making a triple-bogey seven on number one. It was very impressive for him to come back from that and still shoot 76 for his first round! The champion of the 14-18 boys was Wesley Day, pictured below with Jason Marciniec. Wesley traveled with his father from their home just outside of Toronto to compete in the Cattail Junior Open. His play certainly made the trip worthwhile. He followed up a first round 71 with an amazing 67 on day two for a three stroke victory over Peter Knade from Talbot Country Club. Tuesday proved to be an amazing scoring day as five boys shot par or better, with Wesley and Rij Patel both shooting 67. On the terriffic hole-by-hole scoreboard prepared by our professional staff, there were 4 different boys who had six birdies on Tuesday. That’s some pretty amazing playing by some pretty amazing kids. �
The first to be crowned was the 3-hole Champion, Peter Laake Jr. who won with a score of 12 and started his round by driving the first green from the blue family tees! Way to go Peter! The 6-hole division was a close race right down to the last putt. Caleb Taylor avoided all the hazards here at Cattail and won with a score of 30. When Hayden Mikk tapped in for par on #9 on Sunday he captured the 9-hole Championship with a total of 92. Hayden was the only participant in his division to break 100! We had two winners come from the 18-hole division, both marking their first wins at Cattail. Ariel Biegel played steady golf over both days which propelled her onto victory in the Girl’s Division. The Boy’s Division needed extra holes to determine a Champion. Standing on the first hole of sudden death, Mathew Forester and Spencer Wilson both hit their drives into the heart of the 18th fairway. When Spencer’s second shot flew the green it opened the door for Mathew to capture the 2012 Junior Club Championship. Thank you to all the participants for playing, and congratulations to all of the winners! � 10
Golf
register online today!
Women’s Member - Member Tournament saturday, September 12 format: 6 holes each-
scramble, alternate shot, better ball Morning Start Times Assigned by Golf Staff
2011 champions:
LISA ANDERSON & TERRY JUBB
cost ($50) included with tournament club includes a light fare served afterwards drinks by signature
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Golf
TIP OF THE MONTH Why do golfers hit the ground before the ball? RICKY SERRANO [DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION] Hitting the ground before the ball, or the “fat shot” is the most frustrating thing a golfer can do. There are many reasons why this happens, but the two most common flaws I notice with most of my students is swaying during the swing and casting the club.
ONE LEG DRILL
SWAYING Swaying, or setting up with your weight too far on your right, will not give you enough time to get back to proper impact position and therefore, cause the club to bottom out before it gets to the ball. Here is a drill that will help you.
G
CASTIN
The one leg drill (pictured top right) encourages your weight to stay centered at address and during the backswing. This will set the low point of the swing a few inches in front of the ball, which will result in you striking the ball first, then the turf second. To do this drill, hit golf balls standing on your left leg (right handed player), and have your right heel off the ground as the photo shows. Another common flaw that causes you to hit the ground before the ball is casting or throwing the club head at the ball. This is caused by unhinging your wrist too early and is a huge power leak in your golf swing. What we are looking for in the downswing is “lag”. Lag is when the club head is lagging behind the hands. The towel drill is the perfect drill to help you with this tendency. It involves laying a towel 10-12 inches behind the ball (see Picture at right).The towel drill encourages you to hit down on the ball, thus making you create the lag that you need to improve your ball striking. If you hit the towel, you’ve cast your club. �
TOWEL DRILL 12
Staff Corner
SUMMER TENNIS & SWIMMING STAFF You may have met these summer coaches at the Pool or on the Courts, helping out with lessons and camps. Here you can learn a little bit more about them!
Christine OcamposBarry This year marks Christine’s second summer helping with the junior tennis program at Cattail. From Bowie, Maryland, Christine graduated from Hood College in Frederick, MD, in 2010, with a degree in Elementary/ Special Education. She played number 1 and 2 singles and doubles for the Hood College Women’s team all four years. Christine was head boys and girls tennis coach for Francis Scott Key High School in 2011. She currently teaches second grade at Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary School in Glenarden, MD.
Stevie Wilson This has been Stevie’s third summer as the Assistant Swim Coach for the Cattail Crocs Swim Team. A native of Glenwood, MD, she graduated from Glenelg High School in 2008. This May, Stevie graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology. At Longwood, Stevie was actively involved with her sorority Kappa Delta as well as the Longwood Dance Company. This fall, Stevie intends to pursue a career in cardiac rehabilitation.
Abby Landis Abby has been a Tennis Camp Assistant at Cattail for two years. She will be a junior at the University of Maryland in College Park, majoring in history. She has really enjoyed working with the Members at Cattail and hopes to be back next summer!
The staff corner section highlights employees at the Club with bios, interesting interviews, stories, and more!
Mike Hardman
Sara Piorkowski Sara, Assistant Swim Coach, lives in Mt. Airy, Maryland. She graduated from Glenelg High School in 2008, where she played Volleyball her freshman year. Sara is approaching her senior year at Stevenson University, studying Human Services. She has interned at Kennedy Krieger High School last Spring. Sara is a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and is Vice President of the Human Services Club at Stevenson. She loves to shop and hang out with family and friends, when she has the time. Sara has two dogs and two cats, a younger brother, and enjoys visiting home over the summer and winter breaks. Her dream is to travel the world, and hopefully to join the Peace Corps.
COMING IN OCTOBER: Michael Cuscino, Golf Management Intern
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Mike has been coaching tennis at Cattail for four summers. He comes from Bowie, Maryland. He graduated from Hood College in Frederick, MD, in 2011, with a degree in History and Political Science. He played four years on Hood’s Tennis team as the number 1 and 2 singles and doubles player. He is currently the Graduate Assistant of the Hood College Men’s tennis team, beside head coach Tim Halter. Mike is pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at Hood.
Abi Henningsgaard This was Abi’s 2nd year at Cattail Creek Country Club. She was a Damascus High School tennis standout and is a USTA Mid-Atlantic Sectional ranked player. Abi is beginning her Freshmen year at the University of Maryland College Park in the Engineering Department.
Tennis
MEN’S TENNIS
Register now for the Tennis Classic!
MEMBER/GUEST SATURDAY, SEPT 8
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM COMPASS DRAW $75 PER TEAM INCLUDES LUNCH, TENNIS, PRIZES ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME
Next CCWTA Social: Friday, September 14 POKER TENNIS: Earn cards by winning on the court! Best hand wins!
JOE MATTINGLY [DIRECTOR OF TENNIS] It is hard to believe that the fall tennis season is upon us! I would like to mention that the Cattail Tennis program has initiated a new Fall league for adults. The 2012 Mixed Doubles League has been well received with over 100 members participating. The new league will run through October. Good luck to all of the teams and participants! The teaching staff is in the process of organizing the 2012/2013 Indoor Instructional Season. Please let Tim, Julie or myself know if you have any requests for indoor lesson times or block times.
Fall Tennis Clinics • 8-week sessions, from August 20 - October 13 • Registration will be taken on a first come first serve basis via the online club calendar. Members may register for individual dates by clicking the events marked “INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS” on the online calendar. The schedule is as follows: Monday
Adult Beginner Clinic
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday
Cardio Tennis Drill
5:20 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday
Stroke of the Week Clinic
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Adult Beginner Clinic
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday
Cardio Tennis Drill
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Friday
Quick Start (age 4-9)
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Futures (age 10-12)
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Cardio Tennis Drill
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday
A Word from the Pro:
The Cattail Creek Tennis Classic is coming up, September 20th-23rd! Please let the Tennis Staff know if you would like to volunteer or play throughout the weekend and they can lead you in the right direction. Thanks! Joe
USTA NEWS JULIE SEANEZ [USTA COORDINATOR] Our Combo season is off to a great start. We have over 160 players registered. The 6.5 men still have some room left on their teams. Please contact Julie at Julie.seanez@cattailcreekcc.com if you would like to play in the league. Our new Mixed Doubles league kicked off on Saturday, August 25. The response has been terrific - we have 2 teams at the 6.0 level and 4 teams at the 7.0 level.
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Tim coaches Maddie Deitz on a beautiful August afternoon. CAT TALES
ďż˝ August 2012
QUICK TIP:
Play to Improve, or Play to Win? TIM HALTER
[HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL]
You have a choice in tennis to play to improve or play to win. Playing to improve means you go for your shots (no cautiousness) when the situation presents itself and live with the results. Playing to win means that when the chips are down you turn into a pusher (just getting the ball back) and pray your opponent misses. This type of player often wins on a lower level, but when the competition improves, his game falls apart. I coach players to play to improve and let winning come to them. Adopting this attitude takes mental toughness. You will have to withstand some losses that you may have won if you had just pushed the ball back. But in the long run there is no match for the game that develops and the mental attitude you acquire. Also, pushers have a difficult time switching from pushing to the mental attitude of going for their shots! Here is a scenario that occurs often in junior tennis: in the 10-, 12- and 14-year-old juniors level, there are many pushers who win. This sends a message to many parents, coaches and juniors that pushing is the way to play the game. That mental strategy becomes the standard for what these kids are taught. Everyone is happy because they win more. The problem occurs when these players hit the 16 and 18-year-old level, and pushing the ball back no longer works. Now the pusher has to change to a “go for your shot” attitude and adapt to a new game. Not easy! Consequently, they lose often. Do not get me wrong. When I say “play to improve,” this does not mean you do not try to win. Of course you try to win, but you do not sacrifice the quality of game to win. You stay on track with the correct mental attitude of going for your shots. I have seen coaches teach a pushing type of tennis to players for years, and when these players reach a tougher level of competition and lose, the coach is mad at them because they would not go for their shots! This also occurs with parents and juniors.
Say for years, the junior has been a happy, vanilla ice cream type player and winning. Now, playing on a higher level, the child begins to lose and suddenly the parent or coach wants him to become a jamocha almond fudge type of player! Whether you’re a junior or an adult, you must immediately begin the journey toward “going for your shots” tennis. Why? Because the mental attitude needed to stay with this strategy takes months and years to develop. Even if you think, “If I would have just pushed the ball back I would have won,” you cannot crack under this pressure. Stay focused, stay grounded in mental toughness, think like a champion, and you will rise above the competition. �
Junior Tennis:
Summer Season Wrap TIM HALTER I would like to thank my staff for another great summer of tennis! Mike Hardman, Christine Ocampos-Barry, Abby Landis, Andrew Blowe, and Abi Henningsgaard all did a terrific job. (Meet them in the Staff Corner section!) Even in the extreme heat we had this Summer, they were fully aware and were on top of everybody, keeping them hydrated and not pushing them too hard. I know for a fact that they are looking forward to next Summer already! We had another great turnout for all of the camps and for Junior League. I really enjoyed teaching and hearing all of the campers having a great time a couple courts down from me. The eight weeks of Junior League flew by once again, but the competition and level of play rises week after week. It is truly great to see our programs expand each Summer. We also had the biggest turn out ever for the Gamut Ladder this Summer at twenty participants. We are keeping that going throughout the fall, and remember: there are no limits on challenging.You may challenge as many times a week as you’d like, and as many spots up as you want. Just please remember to give me the results so I can continue to update the ladder!
SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 8 REGISTER ONLINE!
We look forward to the 2nd Annual Junior League Tournament in October, though we’re still working on a date for the event. Stay tuned! I look forward to a great Fall Season! Tim
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JOIN US FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CATTAIL CREEK TENNIS CLASSIC CHRISTINE CALLAHAN
THANK YOU, 2012 SPONSORS
[TENNIS COMMITTE CHAIRPERSON]
The Cattail Creek Tennis Classic is back by popular demand this year, and is promised to be an amazing event once again. Last year, we had 145 players and were able to raise over $13,000 for our tennis program. Additionally, we provided a $1,300 Tennis Scholarship for a Howard County high school tennis player. We would like to make this year even more of a success, but we need your help. We have decided to select a “Play for a Cause” recipient each year, because we believe we can make a difference through tennis. This year, we selected the Claudia Mayer Cancer and Resource center at the Howard Country Hospital. The Claudia Mayer Center is a remarkable place of hope, help, and support for men, women and children living with cancer. The Center was founded in 1998 in memory of Claudia Mayer, a cancer patient who sadly lost her battle with the disease, but whose memory lives on. Come out and join us as we raise money not just for Cattail Tennis but for the families who need the services provided by Claudia Mayer. Our events are only successful with the help of our sponsors and players. This year, Town Creek Landscaping, Pools, and Construction will be featured as our Match Point Title Sponsor for our event. Bob and Laura Haney have been long-time supporters of the Cattail Creek Tennis Program and the Claudia Mayer Cancer and Resource Center. We are so thankful to Bob and Laura for their support. Come out and see how Town Creek has transformed many of our member’s backyards into an oasis of tranquility. You will be amazed at what they can do! We currently have 100 players registered with a full field of competition of women and men playing doubles, singles, combo, parent/child, and mixed combo. Full details and registration can be found at www.cattailcreekcc.com/ classic, but here are a couple of highlights. Our event begins Thursday, September 20th with
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Click here to register for the tournament. Click here to sponsor the tournament.
matches concluding on Sunday, September 23rd. We have also planned two fabulous parties, admission to which is included in the registration fee. Our Tennis Classic Cocktail Party (open to all members of the Club) will begin Saturday, September 22nd at 7:30 on the Lower Patio of the Clubhouse. Big Sip will entertain us for the evening with their stellar musical talents. Chef Tom has planned a wonderful menu for our players and their guests, as well as other Club Members to enjoy. Members not playing in the Classic can register online for this spectacular evening event by clicking here. We welcome you to join us as we celebrate a fun-filled weekend of tennis, even if you do not want to enter the Tournament. Additionally, our Tournament Committee has brought back the ever popular, Lucky Loser Bloody Mary Sunday Party as no tennis event would be complete without a courtside Bloody Mary. Gus Kalaris, owner of Constantine Wines has graciously donated our fully stocked Bloody Mary bar for this Sunday event. We hope you will come out and enjoy a Bloody Mary while watching the semi-final and final matches of our tournament. Or, is it beer you prefer? Look no further. This year we have added a little something new to our event, The Cattail Classic Beer Garden. Creig and Carla Northrop of The Northrop Team will sponsor a beer garden, located in the Tennis Facility parking lot. Stop by and enjoy a cold one, compliments of The Northrop Team! Thank you Creig and Carla! Are you unable to play, or is tennis not your thing? Are you busy the weekend of the 22nd? You can still support the program and the Claudia Mayer Center by becom ing a sponsor. You can register here: www. cattailcreekcc.com/sponsor. Donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. We hope to see you on the courts, or at the Party on Saturday, September 22. It’s sure to be a great weekend – don’t miss out on the action! �
Kenwood Care Corporation
Volley Court Sponsors Larry & Jean Butera Gary & Kelly Garofalo Eileen & Kevin Dietz (Hoshizaki) Thomas H. Price III, PA Elaine & Josh Yoltay (Artelye Marble & Granite) Rob & Karen Banas Vicky & Joe Cutroneo (IP Data Systems) Dan & Mary Esmond (National Anthem Celebration Foundation) East Coast Fresh Cuts Between the Lines Medispa Smokin’ Hot Andy & Melissa Wilson (Lighthouse Wealth Management) Don & Kelly Treacy (Magothy Consulting) We also thank Gina & Dean Dubee for their donation of TheraPearl products.
Open to singles & doubles, combo & mixed combo, women and men. Every registered player receives tickets to the Saturday night Players’ Party featuring “Big Sip” and the Sunday morning Lucky Loser Looser Bloody Mary Party. Vendor tents feature local businesses and food/drinks are available for purchase. by signature.
Register July 10—September 18 www.cattailcreekcc.com/classic A portion of the proceeds supports the development of the Tennis Pro Shop at Cattail Creek Country Club and to the benefit the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at Howard County General Hospital. Eligibility:
Open to all tennis players with USTA NTRP or approved club rating
Deadline:
Registration opens July 10, 2012 and closes September 18, 2012 at midnight. Register at www.cattailcreekcc.com/classic
Categories:
Rules:
Schedules:
NTRP singles and doubles tournament (M & W 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, singles and doubles) must play at rating or above. Mixed (6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5) and combo (5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5). Parent/child or husband/wife. Age Groups: M & W Open. No more than one point spread in mixed or combo. Each participant can play up to 3 events. Tournament play will be governed by the USTA rules. Matches will be two tiebreak sets, with deciding match tiebreak in lieu of a third set. Wilson balls provided by tournament. Daytime matches start at 9:30 am, 11:00 am and 12:30 am. Evening matches start at 5:00 pm or 6:30 pm. Weekend matches start at 9:30 am. Starting times and draws are available September 19 at www.cattailcreekcc.com/classic.
Tournament Director: Joe Mattingly (240.446.5171) Tournament Committee: Julie Seanez, Tim Halter, Diana Mattingly, Christine Callahan Contact Tournament Director for Scheduling or Other Conflicts 18
employee appreciation
day 2012