Dear Members,
As we hopefully see the winter weather slowly move aside, making way for spring, our golf course management and grounds teams are eager to present you with beautiful landscapes throughout Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. To ensure course conditions are optimal for spring, aerification is scheduled for April 3rd – 14th.
In the spirit of season changes, our anxiously awaited reopening of the Grand View Dining Room is approaching, and we could not be prouder to share an entirely new atmosphere for all of you to enjoy. We plan to allow for final touches through the first week of May, with an opening the second week of May.
We are close to completing the enhanced main arrival entrance and look forward to opening the entrance in time for Easter. Our other two entrances to Strata and to Vermilion will be completed next. Poor winter weather delayed this outside work significantly, so I’d like to thank you all for your patience and understanding as we continue to make improvements to our already beautiful club and resort.
On Sunday, April 9th, we will be hosting our annual Easter Brunch in the Three Graces Ballroom and Á la Carte Easter Specials at Kissing Camels Grille. An exciting Easter Egg Hunt will be held on the Driving Range at 10:30am and 1:30pm, to include an appearance from the Easter Bunny.
April’s F&B specialty dinner is scheduled for Thursday, April 27th, and will feature Goat Patch Brewing. They proudly play a large part in our community and provide masterfully crafted brews, and have won numerous awards to showcase their craft.
Exciting things are happening at the Racquet Courts. Greg Heartt and his team are adding three new clinics to their already large racquet programs, and are hosting an innovative pickleball tournament. Be sure to read all about it in the racquet ball section of this newsletter.
Our new Vice President of Culinary, Keith Theodore, rolled out a new menu for Rocks Bar and Lounge last week. Heavy and noisy work in Grand View has been completed, so we encourage you to support Rocks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner frequently.
We welcome you to April at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, and wish you all a blessed and happy month.
Yours Sincerely,
James Gibson“ In the spirit of season changes, our anxiously awaited reopening of the Grand View Dining Room is approaching, and we could not be prouder to share an entirely new atmosphere for all of you to enjoy. ”
Easter Buffet in the Three Graces Ballroom
Sunday, April 9 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$89 per adult and $35 per child (ages 4-12), plus 26% service charge and tax. Member discounts do not apply.
Hop on over to the Three Graces Ballroom for a joyous feast with friends and family alike.
From traditional favorites to modern twists, this mouthwatering buffet has delicious foods in store for everyone. Don’t miss out on this Easter celebration! To accommodate all parties joining us for this dining event, there will be a 2-hour time limit for each table. View the menu here
Limited seating is available. View the menu here. You can reserve seats by visiting the Restaurant Reservation Tab of your Member Portal. On the OpenTable Widget, drop down the restaurant menu to select Events & Holidays, then make your reservation at Sunday, April 9; or you can call our dining reservationist at 719-329-6901. This event will follow our Holiday and Special Events Cancellation Policy.
LAURA RUPEJKO
KC GRILLE
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
April 12th, 19th, & 26th
ROCKS LOUNGE
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays
April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th
DERYK CUNNINGHAM
ROCKS LOUNGE
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fridays
April 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th
À la Carte Easter Specials at Kissing Camels Grille & Bar
Sunday, April 9 | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join us at the Kissing Camels Grille & Bar this Easter Sunday to enjoy à la carte specials crafted specially for this jubilant occasion. View the menu here .
JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL MASTER TOURNAMENT
APRIL 6TH-9TH FOR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS
AZALEA $15 vodka (or gin), pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine
PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, dill pickles, pimentos, mayonnaise, grated hard boiled eggs, white bread
Join us for a night of delicious food, exceptional wine, and unforgettable memories. This dinner will be $125 per person plus tax and gratuity featuring Goat Patch Brewing.
Limited Seating is available. You can reserve seats by visiting the Restaurant Reservation Tab of your Member Portal. On the OpenTable Widget, drop down the restaurant menu to select Events & Holidays, then make your reservation at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27; or you can call our dining reservationist at 719-329-6901. This event will follow our Holiday and Special Events Cancellation Policy.
In anticipation of our upcoming Goat Patch dinner on Thursday, April 27th, we will be offering Goat Patch Beers all day, everyday at $6 for the Month of April.
The 72-hour cancellation policy applies to all holiday and special event reservations. A fee of 50% of the prevailing event price for each reserved seat will be charged to the member account who made the reservation and cancel within a 72-hour period. A fee of 100% of the prevailing event price for each reserved seat will be charged to the member account who made the reservation that fails to show with no received cancellation before the start time of the event.
Join us for a night of delicious food, exceptional wine, and unforgettable memories. Featuring Austin Hope Wines. Additional details including price, event time, and menu to come in May’s edition of the Garden Variety Member Newsletter.
SUNDAYS BURGER NIGHT
p.m. - 8:00 p.m
Aerating greens will create a short-term disruption in the golfer’s eye, but the long-term benefits seriously outweigh any inconvenience. Although it may seem like our maintenance team likes to mess with the golfer and aerate twice a year because we like to. Truth is that aeration is an extremely labor-intensive process that takes many hours of hard work. Here are five of the top reasons we take the time to get this process done right.
1. We aerate to improve, not annoy
Putting greens receive more traffic than any other playing surface. The aeration process helps relieve the compaction caused by all that traffic. It also helps create a firm, smooth putting surface by controlling thatch and promoting healthy turf roots.
2. Sand and seed
A heavy application of topdressing following aeration may appear to make putting greens less playable. However, filling aeration holes with sand helps create a smoother surface. Sand also creates channels for water and air movement, dilutes thatch and helps putting greens recover from aeration more quickly. This is our opportunity to inter-seed bent grass into the greens creating good seed and soil contact for germination.
3. Reduce thatch
Thatch is a layer of old plant material that accumulates at the soil surface. If thatch on putting greens is not diluted by aeration and topdressing, it will act like a sponge, holding water near the surface. Excessive thatch creates soft playing conditions, inconsistent green speeds and increases the risk of disease.
4. Give the soil what it needs
Aeration gives us the opportunity to apply nutrients directly to the soil. We apply any nutrients that are deficient and sweep into the holes with the sand.
5. Timing is everything
After a long winter of abuse, now is the time to give the greens some love. We aerate in early spring to repair any winter damage and to kick start a healthy growing season.
Aerification will take place April 3rd -14th – weather permitting – we will have 18 holes available; course rotations will change based on the daily aeration schedule.
Over the Top is perhaps the most common swing fault. It occurs due to an overuse of the upper body on the downswing. As a result, the club will be thrown on the outside of the intended swing plane with the club head approaching the ball from outside to in. This creates a pull if the clubface is square or a slice if the clubface is open.
How do I control the Over the Top characteristic?
You must focus on good separation between the lower and upper body and develop a powerful lower body contribution to the golf swing. Start with exercises for hip and spine mobility then progress to weight shift sequencing drills.
Stork Turns Supported – This will help develop separation between the upper and lower body.
Brettzel – This is a great stretch of the spiral line that transverses your body and can limit rotational mobility.
Reminder: Please make sure you are dressed appropriately when using the golf course and practice range. When in doubt please ask a member of the Professional Staff for assistance.
Side Arm Throw – The side arm throwing motion gives you the correct feeling for dropping the right elbow back to the side of the body in transition.
Step Change – This exercise helps develop the proper sequence during the downswing by forcing your lower body to lead in the golf swing.
Barriers – This is a simple drill using golf balls or golf tees to help your Over the Top swing characteristic.
We suggest the following, as ways to relieve some of the pressure on our tee time availability:
• Online tee times are available 7-days in advance starting at 8:00 a.m. in April, please access the member portal to do so
• Only book a tee time that you plan on using
• Cancel your tee time as soon as you know you will not be able to play
• Release TBD’s in your time slot if you are not able to fill them within 48 hours of your tee time
We will continue to have earlier tee times on the tee sheet beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s, beginning, Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 26th – Labor Day, Monday, September 4th.
These tee times will be in 7- and 8-minute intervals for one hour. On days when events are scheduled these earlier tee times will not be available. Walking restrictions will begin on Saturday, May 27th, no walking prior to 9:00 a.m.
Just a reminder of our TBD policy for the online tee sheet.
If TBD’s are not filled with player names, said TBD’s will be released automatically 48 hours from your tee time.
Singles, twosomes, and walk ups do not have priority on the golf course. Please do not expect to play through foursomes and threesomes that have scheduled tee times.
Our goal is to create a more enjoyable golf experience for the entire membership, we ask that you do your part to assist us in achieving this goal.
Please check your email and/or call for frost delays, cart restrictions, and course conditions. 719-636-2520
Range balls are now located in the Golf Shop for the remainder of the winter course months. Please check in with the golf staff prior to your practice session; this will allow us to better monitor who is utilizing the practice range.
WORKING EVENING Wednesdays
The third shot that occurs during the point is the most important, challenging and talked about shot in the game. Another option to a drop on the third shot could be to lob. We know the returning side will look to move forward directly after returning, so we’re looking into taking the third shot as a lob. This shot should push the opposing off the net and in a defensive posture. Use plenty of height while hitting this shot trying to land it softly behind the players at the net. Good luck implementing this shot to your game.
Click
Sports, Greg Hearrt, demonstrate the third shot lob.
June 6th -9th, June 13th -16th, June 20th -23rd, June 27th-30th, July 11th-14th, July 18th-21st, July 25th-28th, August 1st-4th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $300 per week
Registration deadline is the Friday prior to the week of camp.
Be sure not to miss this Summer’s Tennis camp as we will have certified instruction for kids who are developing their skills, improving match play, gaining strength through our fun fitness challenges throughout the week. Each Friday will complete that week with more of a games based fun play day along with a fitness competition that encompassed that weeks fitness challenges.
Enrollment opens April 1st and closes June 2nd.
WORKING PROFESSIONALS
TENNIS & PICKLEBALL SOCIAL
FRIDAY, APRIL 7TH
5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P..M.
Join us for a fun social event including tennis and pickleball where you’ll get to surround yourself with activity, light beverages, and snacks playing in a non-competitive environment.
3.0-3.5 TENNIS 6:00 p.m.CLINIC 7:30p.m.
4.0- + TENNIS Saturdays
CLINIC 10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.
NEW TO TENNIS Sundays
CLINIC 2:00 p.m.3:00 p.m.
MIXED DOUBLES April 2ndSPRING LEAGUE May 21st
Registration is open for our Mixed Doubles Flex Spring League.
PICKLEBALL DAVIS CUP
SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND
9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Join us for a fun team pickleball event where you’ll be placed on a team that represents a certain country. Let the best country win! 24 spots are available. Signups are available on the member portal with a 24hr deadline prior to event. Click here to learn more from Director of Racquet Sports, Greg Hearrt.
For Tennis or Pickleball lessons, contact Director of Racquet Sports, Greg Hearrt, at 719-329-4012 or ghearrt@gardenofthegodsresort.com
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
INTERMEDIATE Sundays
PICKLEBALL 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Session #6
April 10th-27th
Session #7
May 1st -18th
Monday/Wednesday
Ages 6-8 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages 9-10 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday
Ages 11-14 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Registration is open and signups are available by emailing Sam Pouch at spouch@gardenofthegodsresort.com
Join us for Fit Factory (Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.) as Carissa brings her greatest hits of exercises and movement challenges to Studio. Increase your energy with us at the end of a busy day to feel centered and alive.
No Hands to Stand Challenge: Check with Strata Fitness e-blasts and group classes all month for tips on how to rebuild your longlost ability to stand tall without using your hands.
Click here to view this month’s group fitness schedule.
• Get a healthy amount of bright light exposure.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat your meals at consistent times and avoid heavy meals before bed.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment.
• Well- researched for treating sleep disorders, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress
Good sleep is essential for physical and mental wellbeing, and making small changes to your habits can lead to better sleep quality. To promote better sleep, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Limit exposure to bright screens in the evening and create a sleep-conducive environment by keeping your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Engage in regular physical activity but avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Additionally, avoid large meals, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. Consider trying magnesium glycinate, which has been researched for its potential to treat sleep disorders and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can promote better sleep and improve your overall wellness.
Contact Strata Med for more information on how to manage better sleep. 719-428-2202 or wellness@stratawell.com
GOLF SHOP is having a 60% OFF sale on selected merchandise until it’s gone. All sales final on markdown merchandise.
Please join us in welcoming back longterm fitness instructor, Bev Stewart!
To watch Strata Fitness Manager, Shahid Rahman, interview Bev about her journey and passion for fitness, Click here!
Using our effective and delightful Shankara Muscle Release Oil blend, the therapist will address fatigued and overworked muscles with more therapeutic pressure, trigger point therapy, and light stretching.
TAYLOR MADE DEMO DAY is coming up on April 29th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Space is limited so please stop by or call the golf shop to sign up: 719-636-2520
• Golf has new spring apparel from Daily Sport, LevelWear, Travis Matthew, Peter Millar. New spring shoes from Adidas, True Links, and Footjoy.
• Come shop at the lobby Kiosk for new apparel and all the logo t-shirts, hats and accessories.
• Fitness has new Vuori for Spring and Summer coming in weekly.
The key ingredients of Arnica and Boswellia, Birch oil Blue Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Melisa, Cedarwood, and Helichrysum, a blend observed to soothe inflamed muscles and joints while also calming and uplifting the mind.
Contact Strata Spa to schedule your next appointment. 719.520.4988 OR spa-salon@gardenofthegodsresort.com
Reminder Of Return Policy: Merchandise must be returned within 30 days of original purchase with receipt. If receipt is not present must be able to verify purchase through member account. Merchandise must be in same condition as when purchased. Merchandise must be in original packaging. Payment will be refunded to your original payment method or applied to your membership account. Exchanges: Merchandise can be exchanged for something else of equal or lesser value. Non-Returnable: Merchandise that is not in original condition when purchased, washed or worn items, damaged items and open boxes (beauty products), clearance items and or marked items “Final Sale,” special orders on a case by case depending on if we carry item in the retail outlet or item can be returned to vendor. Gift Cards: No cancellations or refunds.
How does the Easter Bunny stay fit? Eggsercise! Why did the Easter Bunny put on a hat? He was having a bad hare day.
Sunday, April 9th 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Join us for some Easter fun on the driving range at Kissing Camels. We will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance!
Please make sure to ONLY register participating children. If your child(ren) do not have a member account, please use your account with the name of the child(ren) listed in the notes. This ensures an accurate number of children participating.
Register here for the 10:30 a.m. hunt.
Register here for the 1:30 p.m. hunt.
Saturday, April 8th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join Kids Club for some Easter fun to prepare for Easter Sunday! We will be decorating Easter bags to collect all your eggs during the Easter Hunt on the Golf Course the next day, along with various other crafts and activities. We will also be making Easter Cookies to enjoy, as well as take home for the rest of the family!
Lunch will be provided: Chicken Tenders, Grilled Cheese, and Fries.
$50 per Junior Member | Register on Member Central Today!
Tuesday/Wednesday, April 18th & 19th
Mark your calendars for your kiddos to come to Kids’ Club for the Junior Member Social where we can all experience the warmth of laughter, crafts, games, and friendship.
Dinner will be served through the KC Grille. $30 per Junior Member | Please sign up on Member Central today!
Register here for Tuesday, April 18th.
Register here for Wednesday, April 19th.
Saturday, April 22nd 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Spring is on the way, and so are the birds, ready to enjoy the warm weather! Join Kids Club as we make an array of bird feeders perfect for your front porch or backyard! All supplies will be provided, so you can bring the fun home, and the mess here!
Pizza and beverages will be provided. $40 per child | Register on Member Central today!
Resort Designated a 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award Winner
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club has been designated a top 10 winner within USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards in the category of Best Resort for a Destination Wedding. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club was not only awarded the No. 2 spot on the list of the top 10 best resorts for destination weddings, but the resort was also the only property featured within the contiguous United States, elevating this accolade even further.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for all of us at the resort, club and spa, as we are the only non-coastal property to make the top 10 and Colorado property to do so. We have an incredibly special place here for weddings filled with a passionate team who genuinely and consistently strive for excellence”, states Garden of the Gods Resort and Club President and CEO, James Gibson.
Strata at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is Recognized as a Top Spa in North America by Spas of America
Strata at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is honored to be included in Spas of America’s list of Top 100 Spas of 2022. Acting as the largest spa and wellness travel website, Spas of America celebrates exciting spa and wellness experiences and annually recognizes the Top 100 spas in North America, providing insight into consumers’ favorite spa and wellness experiences of the year. Strata Spa secured the No. 24 spot among the prestigious ranking.
“We continue to keep experiential wellness, whole-person healing, and nature-infused treatments at the center of our offerings at Strata. It’s these features combined with our unique approach to proactive, preventative, and personalized medical care and our breathtaking, front-row seat to the beauty of the Garden of the Gods that help us provide world-class service to our clients,” says Tania McCorkle, Director of Wellness at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.
Strata’s Bestowed the ISPA Innovation Award for Its Women’s Wellness Membership
Strata, at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, is pleased to announce that its Women’s Wellness Membership program has been presented the 2023 International SPA Association’s (ISPA) Innovation Award. This recognition further solidifies Strata, which offers medical, spa, and fitness services to its clients, as one of the most forward-thinking health and wellness destinations in the country.
“Women’s health is everyone’s health. Women are often at the heart of our households, our families and our communities. So why is it that (according to the CDC) a staggering 23% of women worldwide live their lives in poor health compared to only 16% of men,” questioned Tania McCorkle, Director of Wellness at Strata. “Women have a unique set of healthcare challenges that put them at higher risk for developing serious conditions compared to their male counterparts. This alarming health disadvantage is what drove us to generate a program created by women for women.”
Please join us in congratulating Maria Codinach on her promotion to Front Desk Supervisor! Director of Front Office, Alex Pavlenko, had this to say about Maria:
“Maria began working with us in June 2022 as a Front Desk agent. She didn’t have any previous front desk experience but learned quickly and excelled in that role. Maria has a passion for hospitality and people and is very good with speaking to our guests, making them feel like they are right at home.”
To which Maria replied, “I truly enjoy my job and do it from the heart.”
Congratulations, Maria! Very well deserved.
We have started our seasonal, summer recruitment for a variety of departments to include:
• Pool Servers/Bartenders
• Pool Attendants
• Kids Club Attendants
• Golf & Grounds
• Beverage Cart Attendants
Position descriptions are available for your review at www.gardenofthegodsresort.com as well as the opportunity to apply.
Please contact Human Resources at 719.520.4970 if you have any questions.
As a benefit of being a member of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, we welcome member students to take their special occasion pictures against the Garden of the Gods park backdrop.
Reservations are required to take prom or special occasion photos at: membership@gardenofthegodsresort.com or 719-520-4966
There may be a limit on number of guests per group with consideration of time and day of photos.
Please note this is a benefit for members and their guests only. Thank you for your cooperation.
