MEETOURTEAM
GENERAL MANAGER
Chris Major
cmajor@blackdiamondranch com
352-414-5080
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Dave McQuade, PGA Master Professional dmcquade@blackdiamondranch com
352-746-3446
DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION
Jeremy Onorato
jonorato@blackdiamondranch.com
352-586-9986
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
Ben Noland
bnoland@blackdiamondranch com
352-746-0404
FINANCE MANAGER
Michele Benson
mbenson@blackdiamondranch.com
352-746-0254
REGIONAL VP OF AGRONOMY
Michael Pierce
mpierce@blackdiamondranch com
937-751-6486
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Javier Mendez
jmendez@blackdiamondranch com
352-746-3449
FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
Stacie Hein
shein@blackdiamondranch.com
352-204-1221
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Cherri Shepard
chall@blackdiamondranch com
352-453-5454
GENERALMANAGERMESSAGE
GENERAL MANAGER Chris Major
Dear Valued Club Members,
On behalf of the entire Black Diamond Management team, I hope this message finds you well
Please note the updates on the club’s four core pillars below and don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of our leaders if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
Chris Major
Golf Grounds
Regarding overseeding, our goal is simple, to provide a quality and vibrant playing surface throughout the winter golf season Due to the overseeding process, we will only have 18 holes available from September 14-October 31 The scheduled rotation for the daily 18hole course is as follows: Quarry Back 9 + Highlands 9 from September 14 to October 8 (Quarry Front 9 closed) and Quarry 18 from October 9th to October 31 (Highlands 9 closed) To ensure the success of the overseeding process, from September 14 to October 8, golf carts on Quarry Back 9 will only be permitted in the roughs only on holes #10-#12 and #18, and on the cart paths only on holes #13-#17 Starting from October 9, golf carts will remain on cart paths only on holes #13-#17 and will gradually be able to enter fairways on other holes as the rye grass stands become healthier We kindly request strict adherence to our daily golf cart driving rules throughout this period
I am pleased to inform you that despite the recent heat and dry conditions, playing conditions are steadily improving. We have witnessed improvements in green color, speed and consistency, as well as a decrease in weed pressure We are very pleased with the Ranch project and can’t wait to offer that fantastic new playing experience Our dedicated team continues to grow and now consists of six salaried leaders including Michael Pierce and 33 hourly associates who are working diligently to enhance and maintain overall conditions Rest assured; you can expect further improvements in playing conditions as time goes on
Golf Operations
We are making final arrangements now for two PGA assistant professionals to join us, and potentially a third individual from one of our northern sister locations This will allow us to execute daily operations at a higher level and enforce the rules that support the grounds and overall enjoyment of all players Regarding the overseeding period with only 18 holes available, when am demand warrants, we will offer a double tee format We are pleased to announce that moving forward, on Member Appreciation days, the guest rate will include lunch, which drives additional value.
F&B Operations
It has been over two weeks since we modified the programming, and it has been very well received The first two Friday and Saturday dinner services have produced 156 covers in total, averaging 39 covers per night, with an average check of $4528 That amount is nearly double the prior two weeks business combined and we can't thank you enough for your patronage Expect to see some new items on the menu, such as a steak option and Chef Javier's specials will continue. We will also reintroduce the iconic 'Turkey Night' as “Turkey Night 20” on Tuesday, September 19 and soon introduce a 'Sunday Supper' family-style take-away, reheat-at-home option Again, we are focused on smart, quality offerings that appeal to the broadest segment of the member base
Lifestyle
We are excited to introduce a new event called “Lunch and Learn” This activity will be both educational and enriching On one Monday per month, we will host a lunch at noon, followed by a session with a guest speaker. Our speakers will include authors, artists, politicians, musicians, health care professionals, environmental experts, and more Our first Lunch and Learn event will be held on Monday, September 11, and we are thrilled to have Alyssa's Critters as our guest speaker Alyssa's Critters is a licensed 501c3 wildlife rescue organization, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, as well as raising awareness among the public Alyssa will bring a few rehabilitated and domesticated animals to interact with We will be sending out instructions on how to make reservations for this event soon
After the success of our first “Farmer's Market” we will offer it again on Saturday, September 23rd Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Lifestyle Community Blood Centers will be joining us with their Bloodmobile This will make it convenient for anyone interested in donating blood to do so
"FROM THE GOLF SHOP TO THE FAIRWAY"
Dave McQuadeI hope you all as excited as we are about the Ranch Project and the many other positive things happening at Black Diamond Ranch!
You are all the beneficiaries of our new additions, i.e. General Manager Chris Major, Director of Agronomy Michael Pierce, and Golf Course Superintendent Ben Noland. I have been here for 18-months and look forward to working alongside these gentlemen to make your entire Black Diamond experience “Second to None.” As always, if you have any questions, please contact me Dmcquade@blackdimaondranch.com and it will be my pleasure to assist you.
Labor Day Mixer
Please join us on Monday, September 5th for the Labor Day Mixer. The format for the 9:00 a.m. Shotgun will be a Modified Shamble: Gross & Net Winners - You may make your own foursomes or sign up as an individual and the Golf Shop will pair you. The Sign-up Sheet is in the Golf Shop Lobby, or you may sign-up on the BDR Website.
New Practice Range Hours:
Open 7 days per week at 7:30 a m
The Practice Range will close every Thursday from 11:30 a m until 2:30 p m to allow the Golf Maintenance Team the opportunity to Mow and perform their weekly agronomical practices
Pro Pointer: “Chipping From Good Lies & Poor Lies”
Men’s Golf Clinics
Thursdays at 4:00 p m
Ladies Golf Clinics
Wednesdays at 3:00 p m
Video is also available on Members-Only section of club website!
FOOD&BEVERAGE
FEATURED RECIPE
Javier MendezPan Seared Scallops
Ingredients:
6-10 sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon butter
½ lemon (zested and squeezed)
Directions:
Preheat your skillet, non-stick frying pan, or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat with olive oil. Your oil should begin to shimmer and start to smoke at this heat when it is ready for the scallops
Rinse and pat the sea scallops dry You want them to be as dry as possible for the best sear.
Season the dry scallops with salt and pepper right before placing them into your preheated skillet. Place the scallops with the seasoned side down, leaving spacing between the scallops Then season the upward-facing side of the scallops
Sear the scallops for 2 minutes without moving the scallops. *This interrupts the searing.
Use tongs to flip the scallops and sear the second side for 1 minute
Add the butter and a squeeze of lemon, then spoon the melted butter over the searing scallops in the last minute of cooking time
Once the second side is seared, remove the scallops from the skillet and transfer them to plates to serve. Garnish with zested lemon and parsley.
RETAIL UPDATE
Dave McQuade
Clearance Sale Continues Through September!
We will be continuing our “Buy One-Get One Free Sale” on all Men’s & Women’s Apparel in the Golf Shop through September! Come in and get some unbelievable bargains as we make room for the Fall Merchandise to arrive This will be an excellent opportunity for those of you with any Golf Shop Tournament Credit to use it up while getting a fantastic bargain!
The Golf Shop is fully stocked with the latest in Men’s & Women’s Apparel, Clubs, and accessories. Come in and check out the fine selections from Peter Millar, GG Blue, Adidas, Foot Joy, Kate Lord, Puma, and others
The newest edition Callaway Paradym Woods and irons have been a big hit with our membership, in addition to the new XXIO “12” Woods & Irons. These clubs have been voted the best by Golf Digest for the Country Club Golfer, as they provide more loft and longer distance
Come in and demo a set and you will be convinced! As always, we are eager to fit you with the correct club for your game and answer any questions you may have with regards to Shaft flex, Loft, and playing characteristics of these new models.
GOLFCOURSEUPDATE
AGRONOMY UPDATE
Ben NolandThe Ranch irrigation is nearing its completion with only 4 holes left to add the new irrigation. The agronomy team is wrapping up its summer chores of vertical cutting greens and top dressing the Quarry and Highlands. This week new sod will be installed on 2 tee and 7 tee complex of the Highlands.
MONDAY
04
THURSDAY
07
MONDAY 11
LUNCH AND LEARN
Start time: 9:00am $10/Person or $40/ Team
Goodluck!
WEDNESDAY
LABOR DAY SHAMBLE 13
MEMBER APPRECIATION
Join us for member appreciation! To make your own tee times call the Pro Shop at 352-746-3446
23
TRIVIA
Come compete in trivia! Contact the concierge to make reservations for your team
TUESDAY 19
TURKEY NIGHT 2.0
Join us in the clubhouse for a Turkey Dinner!
Lunch: 12:00pm
Speaker: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Alyssa's Critters will be our guest speaker!
WEDNESDAY 20
BIRTHDAY BASH
If your birthday is this month, come join us for a happy hour drink on us!
SATURDAY FRIDAY 29
FARMER'S MARKET
Come join us for September's Market! Fresh produce, jams, and honey! Also, the Bloodmobile will be on-sight
WEEKLY TRADITIONS
For more information call 352-746-3440
WEDNESDAY 27
MEMBER APPRECIATION
Join us for member appreciation! To make your own tee times call the Pro Shop at 352-746-3446
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Come join us for a "Traditional Mexican" Dinner Followed by Marichi Band entertainment
MONDAY: BD Riders Cycling, Bible Study 9:30 am, Mahjong 11 am
TUESDAY: Ladies' Day Lunch 12 pm, Men's Golf Clinic 4pm
WEDNESDAY: Tennis 9 am, Ladies Golf Clinic 3 pm
THURSDAY: BD Rider Cycling
FRIDAY: Bridge
SATURDAY: Tennis 9 am
SUNDAY: Brunch 8 am-3pm *Breakfast daily