ALMANAC JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018
From the Clubhouse Manager We are halfway through 2018 and what an exciting year it has been. We certainly have a lot to celebrate at Champions Retreat. ff W e are proud to host the first 36 holes of the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship. We look forward to showcasing Champions Retreat and are busy behind the scenes preparing for what is to come in the spring of 2019. ff W e had a full field for the Member-Guest Tournament. So many joined in the weekend festivities and we hope you and your guests created lifelong memories. ff B oth Mother’s Day and Father’s Day brunch were a smashing success. It was a delight having so many families join in the celebration.
Jill Kraft
The Grille House continues to bustle through the warm summer nights. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Summer Bash, Sunday, July 29th; it’s going to be the best one yet! Our event calendar is filled with some new and exciting events throughout the year. Be sure to stay up to date through our weekly Members Only Newsletter. Don’t blink, the summer months will quickly pass and before you know it, the holidays will be upon us. We want you to enjoy the festive season, so let us do the work! Shelby is now taking reservations for November and December and can create a customized experience to celebrate the season and wow your guests. Special pricing is available for those who book early. Thank you for your continued support of the Club. It has been a pleasure getting to know many of you. I appreciate feedback; please feel free to reach out to me anytime, jill@championsretreat.net or (706) 854-6963.
Jill Kraft Champions Retreat Clubhouse Manager (706) 854-6963 | jill@championsretreat.net
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Membership Dear Members, What a year it has been already!
Many of you have likely seen several new faces walking the property, on the practice tee and out on the golf courses. Some with their kids in-tow; passing onto them a tradition we all hold dear. I ask that you all help me in welcoming them and their families to the Club. Introduce yourself and maybe invite them into your game, as we all know, many a friendship is created and solidified here at Champions.
As we make the turn on 2018, we have so much to celebrate. The announcement of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship has solidified what we have all known, that our club is very special, in so many ways. We also have cause to celebrate record high membership sales. Through the first half of 2018, we have seen growth that the Club has not experienced in some time. We thank all of you for your contributions to that effort, it has been instrumental. The continued pride in your club has resonated with your guests and the team here at Champions Retreat continues to deliver an incredible product to elevate that pride.
Thank you all for a great first half, let’s finish even stronger. See you soon, Andrew Press |Membership Director (706) 854-6962 | andrew@championsretreat.net
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Food and Beverage Georgia is known for its long, hot summer days. Summer Bash, a Member favorite, will take place Sunday, July 29th. Look out for the Members Only newsletter for further details. Guests are always welcome. As you long for cooler temperatures, start thinking about your holiday parties! Reserve early to ensure your date is available. I will be offering a special promotion for reservations made before July 31st! Summer is a great season at Champions Retreat. I look forward to seeing you and your family at all the happenings. For more information on Special Events and Meetings Contact: Shelby Ortiz Toro | Catering Sales Manager (706) 854-6977 | shelby@championsretreat.net
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SUMMER IS HERE! This year is moving right along, and we are excited to keep providing you with the best of the best this summer season! What can you expect from our food and beverage team this summer you ask? All our steaks are cut locally by master Purveyors, our cold cuts are from Boars Head Meats, and our produce is locally sourced. Keeping the standards high, all our salad dressings, sauces, and soups are made in-house. First Friday’s dinner special will be Prime Rib served with fresh local vegetables and a loaded baked potato. Mark your calendars for our weekly Wednesday Family Burger Nights. Be sure to make a reservation, our patio continues to fill up quickly. While Friday night music is ending, we are bringing you something brand new this summer-- Fish and Chip Night! Make plans to join us at the Pavilion Thursday, July 12th at 6:00 PM for the first round of the Fish and Chip Series. Teams must consist of 4 players, but be sure to pick your team wisely, the losers buy the first round of drinks! Rules are available in the Grille House, ask Janie for details.
Helpful hint: Chipping skills are a plus but not required. The Fish and Chip dinner will follow in the Grille House. Menu to include: ff Fried Catfish with house made tartar sauce ff Fried Shrimp with house made cocktail sauce ff CR Chips with Malt Vinegar ff Sidewinder French Fries ff Cole Slaw As always, I value your opinion and feedback. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please send me an email or stop by the Grille House and say “Hello!” Janie Toole | Grille House Manager (706) 854-6980 | janie@championsretreat.net
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Lodging Holly Newsome was born in Augusta, Georgia, and graduated from Grovetown High School in 2016. She attended her freshman year of college at Newberry College in SC. After finishing her freshman year, she transferred to Augusta University. Currently she is a Junior and is pursuing a degree in History with a secondary education certification. Upon graduating, Holly hopes to teach 11th grade U.S. History. She is a member of the Kappa Delta Epsilon Honorary Professional Education Fraternity. As a guest services agent, she hopes to grow professionally and have a positive impact on the club. Holly looks forward to meeting all members and guests.
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Golf News With the announcement of the Augusta National Women Amateur Championship, there has been a palpable “buzz” here at Champions Retreat. The momentum and excitement has definitely had an impact in the golf department. We have worked hard to make improvements on the practice facility in an effort to make both the Member and Guest experience much better. This includes new club cleaners and a new amenities box which holds many supplies you may need for your round of golf. Additionally, we have added a new yardage sign for helping dial in yardages while practicing. All of these improvements help to ensure an elevated experience for all. It has been a busy time for member events as well. We just finished hosting; the Member-Member, Club Championship and the grand-daddy of them all the Member-Guest. Despite the excessive amount of rain this spring, the course showed itself beautifully!
MEMBER-MEMBER/APRIL 21-22 We had a wonderful event with a great field of 36 teams. In the end, Chris Blackburn and Brian Stock outlasted Todd Stewart and Burt Garrett in the Flight Winner’s Shootout. Additional holes were played, but in the end it was the team of Blackburn/Stock that prevailed.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP/MAY 19-20 It was a strong field in the Championship Flight. When all was said and done, Chris Blackburn put on a masterful display of precision shot-making in Sunday’s final round. He shot a sterling 2 under par 70 to capture the Club Championship! In the Net Flight, things were tight after Saturday’s first round with Todd Stewart leading the way at 68 followed by Brian Bragg at 70. But on Sunday, Brian Bragg posted a duplicate steady 70 to capture the Net Championship.
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MEMBER-GUEST/JUNE 7-9 We had a full field for the 2018 Member-Guest and there were a couple of new wrinkles inserted for the event. Thursday night turned into “CR Under the Lights”. The range was lit for the evening and was complimented with a bar and DJ. Players could work on their long game on the main tee and short game on the lit putting green. The event on Friday kicked off with the Travis Mathew shopping experience and then Putt-Off for 4’s right before the first matches. The weather was terrific and in the end, Dr. Randy Meredith and his guest Kevin O’Shea defeated 9 other teams in the Flight Winner’s Shootout. The Champions defeated the team of Nathan Vick and Matt Perera on the first extra hole of Sudden Death to capture the crown.
We are looking forward to seeing you and the family in the later summer and fall months. Operation 36 Semester 3, Champion Retreat’s Junior Academy, is kicking into gear this July and will continue through the fall. Also, come see the new fashions and offerings in the Golf House featuring Peter Millar and Greyson. Please stop by and say hi the next time you are here at the Club. Remember, let us be your one stop shop and allow us to serve you; whether it be golf instruction, shopping, or to help create a special day for someone on the links. Mike Rymer, PGA | Director of Golf (706) 854-6964 | mike@championsretreat.net
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Course Conditions I feel truly blessed to serve at Champions Retreat. The heat of the summer can be a challenge and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated Turf Care Staff.
With the close of several exciting Member events, the efforts of the Turf Care Staff will transition to performing tees, collars, and fairway aerification. Designing and nurturing peak course conditions will produce surfaces of playability that you have come to expect at Champions Retreat. The wet weather conditions during May made us aware of the constant requirement for continual education regarding grounds care. Not to be intimidated, we were able to re-formulate our priorities!
Lastly, check with the Golf Shop when making a tee time, as courses will be closed during our process of improvement. Tee it high and let it fly!
One example is the rising water level on Island due to these wet conditions. Several options are being considered as a resolution for these circumstances to ensure that Golf is not impacted. Additionally, please be on the lookout for rattlesnakes. We have spotted a few, so be alert when chasing after your golf balls if they happen to detour into the woods.
Scott Slemp, GCS | Golf Course Superintendent (706) 524-5402 | scott@championsretreat.net
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