The Putter Presents : Around the Clubhouse, July 2017

Around the Clubhouse

July 2017 Published for the Members of The Port Royal Plantation Club, Inc.

IN THIS ISSUE… July 2017

President’s Message

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Chairman’s Report

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Men’s Golf

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Women’s Golf

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15 16

Message from the Pro

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From The Games Room

Twilight Golf/Tennis

Member’s Calendar

President’s Message From: Judy Robinson

July’s digital newsletter reflects a new cover and a proposed new name. I’ve been asked why we are considering a name change for The Putter. While the name has done well over the years, it was adopted at a time when our club was primarily a golf club.

Currently, we have tennis members as well as a large number of social members. Did you know that over 30% of our membership now lives outside Port Royal Plantation? As there have been many changes over the years, Port Royal Plantation Club is in the process of undergoing a number of significant changes: 1.

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The clubhouse is now open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and dinner along with entertainment is available Tuesday through Friday. The chef’s featured menu items mean we not only have more guests in the clubhouse, but also our social calendar has expanded.

Barony and Robbers’ Row are in spectacular condition! We are enjoying two premier courses, and their reputation is spreading to bring more public play as well as an increase in memberships.

Our membership is growing. For the first time in several years, the number of our memberships increased. Spring brought over 20 new landowners to our plantation along with their interest in our club.

Heritage is taking the next steps to develop the new tennis facility and hope to break ground shortly. The new location will play an integral part of our activities around the club.

With the retirement of Heather and Chris (who have done an excellent job as editors), with a new editor (thank you, Jim), and with the new technology available, the club newsletter is undergoing an updated and renewed look -- one which we envision will embrace the exciting improvements happening at our club: golf, tennis, fitness and dining.

The club is also adopting modern methods to communicate with our members: an online Green Book, emails, Tuesday e-blasts, Facebook, posters, and the digital newsletter. We are also focused on sharing information in a more timely manner.

But most importantly, we continue to explore ways to encourage our members to read the information.

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President’s Message Continued

From: Judy Robinson

Our publication is inclusive by its different articles for all members; however, the title The Putter, by its singular meaning, identifies only one of our activities. The Board wanted the title to describe more aptly what is happening at the club. The new editions are in transition; yet, every contributor is working to refine and revise for more meaningful communication.

Any name change requires an amendment to the bylaws. But a name change cannot happen without a new name being found first. The Board openly requested names in April, and after their submittal, the Board selected the top five names, and in turn, in May, again asked the membership to vote for their favorite of these five. Those votes were presented at the June 14th Board meeting, and the Board acknowledged that the name receiving the most votes was “Around the Clubhouse.” You will note that this proposed name is being used on the front page along with our present name: “The Putter presents AROUND the CLUBHOUSE.” We plan for the name change to be submitted for a membership vote at the November Annual Meeting.

We are in a new era at Port Royal Plantation Club, which in no way diminishes the Board’s responsibilities to our members. The newsletter publication is a members’ communication, and it will continue to be so, whatever its name. This July newsletter not only shows a new cover, but also uses the official logo of Port Royal Plantation Club, Inc. (The letters PR entwined) as well as our official name.

We are excited about the new opportunities we see on the horizon. As we work to complement and to improve club events, we ask for your ideas and comments and your support.

July – heat and humidity are inevitable in the Low Country. Please be mindful and take precautions about heat exposure and remember to hydrate often!

Please give a warm welcome to new Port Royal Members:

Scott & Melissa Van Giezen – Resident Family Golf 12 Outpost Lane | 843-715-4927 Scott.vangiezen@twc.com Be sure to give them a Port Royal welcome when you see them at the club!

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Golf Chairman’s Report I write this on the longest day of the year knowing full well for some it means we are headed towards winter. Those who think that also probably pull out an old golf ball to hit over the water.

Jon Wormley

Heritage continues to work to improve the quality of our club and the communication from them is encouraging. Our golf courses are in the best shape in years. Oh yes, that does not mean they are perfect nor will they ever be. All of us should be pleased with the continued progress of making our courses two of the best on the Island.

In this month’s newsletter you will find an entry form for this year’s Member-Guest. We know that some of you may find it difficult to print off the form, so entry forms are also available in the Pro Shop and a form will be enclosed with your Heritage monthly account statement. Invite your guests, fill out the entry form.

Watching this year’s US Men’s Open, we heard about some of the new rules of golf recommended to be adopted next year. I have heard that many clubs are already adopting some of those proposed changes as “Local Rules” for this year. Upon my return from the summer holidays, the Golf Committee will discuss if there is any interest in Port Royal adding a few more local rules. We will consult with our golfing members to see if there is any interest. If you have a view, please share your views with either Ben, Marianne T., Joan W., Mike H., or myself.

Work is also in progress to reinstate the “President’s Cup” tournament in November.

More to follow in the coming months.

Enjoy your golf, make sure you drink lots of water as we get into the hotter months of the year.

Guess who was filming at the Port Royal Club golf course?

On Friday June 16th, HGTV was filming a future episode of Island Life. Stay tuned for more details, later in the year.

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Greetings from the Men’s Golf Committee!

First of all, I want to mention that we had a great turnout for our May Super Men’s Day event with 36 players. They all enjoyed beer and lunch afterwards compliments of the Men’s Golf Committee.

Congratulations to the winners:

Mike Hall

1st Place: Lanny Bailey, Bob Puls, Joe Patrick, Tom Street 2nd Place (tie): Gary Tauscher, Rick Tranquilli, Ben Smith, Ed Harbauer 2nd Place (tie): Tom Brettingen, Larry Ernst, Ernie Marsico, Jim Stauffer As we enter the summer months, we have three “C-cup” events planned—one each month. If you are “on island” I encourage you to sign up and play. The next outing is scheduled for July 19th and I hope to see you there.

Just a reminder, with the heat, make sure you keep hydrated on the course and use plenty of sunscreen. Finally, please make sure that you fill your divots, fix ball marks and rake bunkers for your fellow members coming behind you.

Enjoy your summer and if you are travelling- be safe. See you on the links!!

Champions Club Event Wednesday, July 19 • Mixed Tee Foursomes • 9:00 am Shotgun Start on Barony Sign-Up in the Book in the Pro Shop by Monday, July 17th.

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Ladies Nine Hole Golf Association Hope all of you have a fun and safe Fourth of July! Now that the summer season is well underway, many of us are either entertaining family or friends who are visiting our beautiful Hilton Head, traveling to attend graduations, weddings and anniversary celebrations or “vacationing” in other parts of the country. As a result of all these activities, golf play has slowed down a bit.

Joan Whitaker However, we have a faithful group of players who show up on a regular basis and provide the news.

Before leaving town to spend time back East, Sally Ann Wormley continued her winning ways with a low gross 39 in our 150 yard game on May 18; Teresa Carroll took the low net prize with a 19. Joan Street and Jo Ann Gibbs came is first and second, respectively, for two weeks in a row in the Blind Hole Event on 5/25 and Low Putts on 6/1.

The Individual Stableford Event on June 8 was won by our newest 9 hole member, Louise Tranquilli. Welcome to our group, Louise, and congratulations on your outstanding score of 20! Louise finished her round with a natural bogey on Barony’s par 5 ninth hole, scoring a net eagle. Mary Lou Murphy had 15 Stableford points to finish second. On June 15, Jo Ann Gibbs won the always fun game, Throw Out the Two Worst Holes, with Sue Huey coming in 2nd.

Many thanks in advance to Sue Huey, ably assisted by our dependable Jo Ann Gibbs, for the Mexican Pot Luck on June 20. Details on the meal and the Tee Time golf will follow next month. Thanks also to Judy Blake and Pat Pollak who covered my duties as monthly director in June for the two weeks I had house guests.

Mark your calendars now for our Tee Time Golf and Potluck on July 18. Check your emails for information on the theme and sign up.

Women’s Golf Day Ladies’ Clinic Hosted at Port Royal Golf Club

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Ladies 18 Hole Association

Marianne Tillman, President

Happy Summer everyone! We celebrated the coming of summer a bit early on June 6th at our “Summer Solstice” themed Potluck dinner - at the Beach House. We had 34 attendees sharing appetizers, delicious picnic fare and, as always, yummy desserts and great company. Thanks once again to Tricia, Heather, and Nancy (and Gary Higgins, our go to guy) for putting this all together.

Pictures courtesy of Chris Garmston.

National Ladies Golf Day was celebrated by our Golf Shop personnel on June 6th by presenting each lady with a rose and decking our golf carts with roses as well. I think we can all agree that we are treated very well every day by this great group from the Pro Shop. Their smiles and enthusiasm often are the only comfort we can find after a bad round. We thank you for the roses and the smiles.

Our Ringer Tournament on June 6th and 20th provided players with the opportunity to better their score from one week to the next. What a heavenly idea! Who hasn't wanted to play that hole again? In the end the winners were: Fl. 1: Hiltrud Gabler and Barb Steiger; Fl. 2: Jolanta Taylor and Gay Halleman; and Fl. 3: Leanne Heslop and Syl Sakuta.

Congratulations all.

Our tournament on June 13th was a 3 person team event, one BB low gross and one BB low net combined. The winners were: Judy Robinson, Gay Halleman, and Heather Garmston with a 153 and Tricia Higgins, Betsy Papale, and Linda Muehlberger with a 163.

According to Betsy Papale, our 2017-2018 Chair for Mid-Cap Coastal Carolina Ladies League (which offers competitive play for 20.1- 40 Handicap ladies), our first match on Sept. 22nd will be held on Fripp Island. A new schedule for the 2017-2018 season will be posted in the Ladies Locker Room. I'm sure Betsy will let everyone know when that sign up sheet is ready. That will be a fun day for our team to start the new season.

We wish our friend Bess Marriner a speedy recovery from her fall and subsequent hip surgery, not to mention surviving two days in the outback.

I wish you all a Happy July 4th. I don’t think I have ever seen Barony or Robber’s look more beautiful. It has been a pleasure playing on both courses. For July and August Fred and I will be sending reports from the NC mountains. Instead of alligators we will be avoiding bears. Instead of mosquitos we will be keeping an eye out for huge spiders. It's always something no matter where you are. My kayak paddle will be my new best friend and I don't think I will be hearing any complaints from my clubs, or any of my equipment for that matter.

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The Summer Solstice Potluck Dinner

End of the Month Mixed Couple Golf Events

Co-Chairs: Larry and Polly Jackson

These monthly events (except for the President’s Cup and The Husband and Wife Championship) are designed for teams of two men and two ladies.

All players must have a valid USGA index. Participants are required to sign up their foursome in advance in the book located in the Golf Shop. You must also make their own tee times (except for the President’s Cup). Men may choose to play from the white or black tees and should indicate their choice on the sign-up sheet. Ladies play from the green tees. Handicaps will be adjusted to reflect the differences in course ratings from each set of tees.

Non-member guests are invited to play without green fees on the designated Guest Days.

Scorecards should be turned in to the Golf Shop as soon as play is completed or no later than 5 PM on the day of play. In order to be eligible for prizes, scorecards must be turned in and the scores for each member of the team must be posted for handicap purposes.

Sunday, May 21 EOM Stableford Results: 1st place with a score of 166 Don & Linda Muehlberger and Pete & Carol Howell 2nd place (tie) with a score of 146 and a match of cards Larry & Polly Jackson and Peter & Cheryl Moore Bill & Betsy Papale and John & Judy Robinson Upcoming Couples Golf Events: Friday, July 14th: Nine-Hole step aside scramble with a 4:00 PM Shotgun Start. Pairings are made by the pro shop. Sign up sheet is on the porch.

Sunday, July 30 Summer Foursome: The team score will be the best net score of the men plus the best net of the ladies on each hole. (90% Handicap)

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A message from our Pro While the weather’s heating up, we hope you can join us for the following July events!

Twilight’s Step-Aside Scramble – Friday, July 14th Champions Cup Event – Wednesday, July 19th Christmas in July, Member Sale – Wednesday, July 26th EOM Golf, Summer Foursome – Sunday, July 30th In some additional updates, here’s more information about course maintenance and a request about our First Tee areas: Ben Smith, Head Pro July Aerification Update As we get into July, our Maintenance team continues to work hard to provide a great playing experience on the golf courses. We’ll rotate aerifications and work on Barony on July 6th and 7th, then finish on Robber’s Row on July 20th and 21st.

One of the common questions we get is why do we have to aerify and topdress the golf courses? These practices are the most effective way to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces. Aeration holes filled with sand topdressing allow excess water in the soil to evaporate, promote root development and improve drainage. The root systems become stronger and the turf is better able to tolerate golfer traffic, which is important at a facility that plays over 60,000 rounds a year!

Thank you for your understanding as our team works to provide us with a healthy golf course to enjoy throughout the remainder of the season!

First Tee Etiquette As a friendly reminder from your Golf Professional, let’s all remember to treat everyone with respect on the First Tee. Whether it’s two groups having the same tee time, a group running a couple minutes late to the tee, or a public group finding the wrong tee, my expectation of our Members is that we’re all going to treat each other with the respect we would want to be treated.

I know this will be hard to believe, but as a staff we have made a mistake or two in booking tee times. Also, we’ve been known to lose a group on the drive from the staging area to the first tee and have found them on the opposite course of our expectation.

Sometimes players are just having that kind of morning and need an extra couple of minutes. A little bit of grace goes such a long way in cases like these, and it is definitely appreciated by our Professional Staff.

If there’s ever a concern, please feel free to call the Golf Shop. As the Professional Staff, we’re here to help and make sure that all of our Members and Guests have a positive golf experience. Thank you for your help and understanding in showing how great of a Club that Port Royal is!

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Twilight at the Club Friday, July 14 Golf – 4pm Shotgun 9 hole mixed foursome “step-aside” scramble $2 entry fee charged to your account

Tennis 4-6pm Mixed Doubles Round Robin with Prizes

Dinner – 6:30pm All members (Golf, Tennis & Social) are invited to the cookout

Hamburgers and Chicken Sandwich with all the fixin’s, side salads, dessert, tea and coffee $10.95 inclusive SIGN UP NOW! The Board will provide beer and wine starting at 6:30 while supplies last

Please sign up for golf, dinner or both on the outdoor bulletin board sheet by 6pm, July 11.

ATTENTION SINGLES: The golf scramble is not just for couples, singles are welcome to play. We will match you up with a team.

The Twilight Team Gary & Tricia Higgins and Don & Tammie Blank

Twilight Golf & Tennis Dinner on the Veranda Friday, June 9th Twilight Golf Results: 1st place with a score of 38: Tammie Blank, Denny Bozic, Tricia Higgins, Mike Matter

2nd place (tie) with a score of 39 Larry Jackson, Judy Robinson, Brad Simpson Oscar Hauer, Charlie Parker, Jolanta Taylor, Janie Weeks

Racquets Up! Summertime Safety Summer has arrived here on Hilton Head Island, and as temperatures reach ninetyplus degrees and the humidity climbs along with the temperatures, it is important that you remember to take care of yourself while playing tennis or doing any outside activities.

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Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water before you arrive at the courts and while you play.

Sunscreen! Be careful to use proper sunscreen to protect your skin when you play.

Rest! Take your time, rest a bit, during odd game court change overs.

Be alert! Make sure that all the players on your court are feeling well and are not becoming over heated.

Encourage each other to stop play if anyone is having a heat-related problem.

Enjoy your tennis; however, be smart this time of year and take the heat seriously.

Pickleball Another good summertime option is pickleball. This game is good for improving hand-eye coordination, volleys, and strategy that may enhance your tennis game. It is also lots of fun and good exercise!

Our PRRC staff would be happy to provide a complimentary introduction clinic for interested members.

Goodbye Patrick!

Jan Schuppert, Vice President

We wish the best of luck as we say goodbye to Patrick Page, who has decided to return to his home in Michigan at the end of this month. He has spent much of his adult life teaching here in the Low Country. His first Hilton Head job was at Palmetto Dunes Tennis

Center from 1982 through 1987 where he worked first as a Staff Pro, then Head Pro, and finally as the Director of Tennis. He came to Port Royal Racquet Club in 1988 as Head Pro. He then left Hilton Head in 1990 and went to Los Angeles for seventeen years where he worked in the entertainment industry and taught tennis part time. Pat returned to Hilton Head in 2007 and has worked as one of our Teaching Pros since then. In addition to his current tennis responsibilities here at Port Royal, Patrick worked as an Adjunct Professor of Writing at Savannah College of Art and Design. He helps his students stay healthy in both body and mind!

In terms of personal achievements in tennis, Patrick has been ranked and seeded #5 at Men’s 30s National Indoor Championships. In addition he earned the title of 1994 USPTA National Team Champion.

Patrick claims many memorable moments with his students during his career teaching tennis, and we wish him well as he leaves us to embark on the next chapter of his life.

Thank you, Pat, for sharing so much of yourself with us.

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Improve Your Tennis Daily clinics are available as follows: Monday through Sunday 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Fast-Action Drills Monday through Friday 10:00am to 11:00am

Stroke of the Day Drills: Monday-Volley, Tuesday-Forehand, Wednesday-Backhand, ThursdayServe, Friday-Overhead

Also, look for the dates and times of the Members Only clinics in the club house.

FromGames The Games Room From The Room First Wednesday Mah Jongg -

First Friday Bridge-

Nancy Fisher

Joan Heller

First Wednesday Mah Jongg is scheduled for Wednesday July 5th. Please meet by 12 Noon in the Members' Dining Room for lunch followed by play. Any club member who knows how to play is welcome to join us.

This month Polly Jackson will be taking reservations. She can be reached at jackson3605@roadrunner.com

First Friday Luncheon/Bridge will be held this month on July 7th at 11:15 with lunch served promptly at 11:30.

To reserve a table of four please call me at 843-681-4720 or send an e-mail to hellerhltnhd@hargray.com no later than Monday, June 3rd.

If you would like to play but are not in a foursome, please call me. We are often in need of substitutes. Or perhaps you and your friends can put together a table of four. Let me know and we can set you up.

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July 2017 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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5 12:00 Mah Jongg

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12 3:00 PRPC Board Meeting

Thursday 6

Friday 7 Men’s Tennis Clinic Luncheon Bridge

Bobby Ryder 13 14

Every Thursday 4:00 Twilight Golf and 4:30-6:30pm Tennis

Saturday 8

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6:30 Twilight Dinner 16

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18 9 Holer TeeTime and Dinner

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30 EOM GolfSummer Foursome

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19 Men’s Champions Cup Event

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26 Beer Tasting Festival

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7:00 Evening Bridge

21 Women’s Tennis Clinic

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August 2017 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

1

Wednesday

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Thursday

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12:00 Mah Jongg

Friday

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Saturday

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Men’s Tennis Clinic Luncheon Bridge

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10

3:00pm PRPC Board Meeting

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14

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4:00 Twilight Golf and Tennis 6:30 Twilight Dinner

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Men’s Champions Cup Event

7:00 Evening Bridge

3:00pm Women’s Tennis Clinic

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EOM Golf – Heat Wave Beater

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