PRESIDENT'SMESSAGE
Written by Jim Walker
I hope you have been enjoying this stretch of fantastic weather and have taken advantage to get out there and play on our courts and courses This is a great time of year here in Hilton Head!
As we move further into the fall season, we can expect to see continuing improvements in the conditions of our golf courses Post-Debby, our intrepid crews have been busy with course recovery, as well as some very nice improvements Cart paths have been repaired on several holes (it’s nice not to have our teeth rattled driving along Robbers #18 anymore!), extensive tree work is ongoing, large areas of sod have been laid in several tee boxes and elsewhere, and 13,000 (!) bales of pine straw have been distributed Finally, the sand bunkers on both courses have been refurbished with new sand Even for those of you who don’t play golf, this has had a marked impact on the visual beauty of our courses! Fingers crossed that the bunkers will become a bit more “playable” as the sand compacts down some (or am I the only one who can’t get out of them?)
Some off-course/court projects undertaken by Heritage have included new flooring in the Pro Shop, redoing the ceiling in the restaurant, some very nice new landscaping, and pressure washing all of the buildings to within an inch of their lives all of which have really improved the appearance of the club!
Speaking of impact on the club, we have reached the point in the year when a new slate of PRPC Board Governors must be elected to replace those of us who roll off at the end of December. Our club thrives on the time and talent volunteered by our Board and Committee members, and a big thank you goes out to the five folks who have agreed to step up and be on this year ’ s ballot, as well as those who have agreed to be on our numerous committees We simply could not function without you!
In similar fashion to last year, the voting ballot includes a line for approving the minutes from last year ’ s Annual Meeting The minutes are available via the Member Resources page of the website, but hardcopies of these minutes and voting ballots will also be available on the table outside of Jay’s office – conveniently located (with a pencil) next to the ballot collection box!
As stipulated by our current By-Laws, we need votes from at least 50 members in attendance or by absentee vote for approval of the minutes and for the election of our new Board members. So PLEASE get out and vote!
Election results will be announced at this year ’ s Annual Meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday November 12, 2024 at 6:30 PM Eric Boberg, VP of Operations for Heritage Golf Group, has agreed to provide an update on the status and long-term plans for our club, as well as address member questions
Hope to see many of you there!
PORT ROYAL PLANTATION CLUB, INC. ABSENTEE/PROXY BALLOT 2024
The Annual Meeting of the Port Royal Plantation Club will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, commencing at 6:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse.
This year ’ s meeting will follow the procedures as set out in our By-laws The Board is requesting the approval of the November 7, 2023, Annual Meeting Minutes and will seek approval to waive the reading of those minutes Those minutes are available to any member wishing to review them by request to the 2024 PRPC, Inc Secretary, Kathy McGown
By signing below, I/we allow the 2024 PRPC, Inc. Secretary to include my/our membership in the quorum count and to vote in approving the 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes as written In the event Ms McGown is not in attendance for the 2024 Annual Meeting, I/we authorize this Absentee/Proxy to be given to another elected Board Member designated by Ms. McGown.
A. Approval of November 7, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Approve Minutes Do Not Approve Minutes
Please mark the appropriate line with an, “X”
B. Ballot for Election of Five Board of Governors
In accordance with the By-Laws of the PRPC, each membership category is entitled to the following number of votes Please indicate your membership category with an “X”
Resident Golf or Sports - Family (2)
Resident Golf or Sports - Single (1)
Resident Social - Family or Single (1)
Resident Racquet - Family or Single (1)
Non-Resident - Family or Single (1)
For a Two-Year Term from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026
Please vote for five [5] of the following candidates by indicating your approval for each with an X Doree Cook
Tess Hegedus
Kathy McGown
Dave Renbarger
Guy Suchy
Please place your ballot in the secured Ballot Box located outside of Jay Rusch’s office in the Sports Shop The box is labeled, “2025 PRPC Inc Annual Election of Five Governors & Minutes
Approval”, or bring your signed ballot to the PRPC Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, commencing at 6:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse.
Print Name
Signature Date
Member Number
FUN Written
Welcome to beautiful fall weather on Hilton Head! We have some perfect events planned for this special time of year
We kick off the month with our Monthly Member Social on Monday, October 7. The social begins at 5 PM and costs $10 per person The Monthly Member Social was never designed to be a full meal It has always been meant to be appetizers and light bites with happy hour drink pricing Please remember to register through our portal so we know you will be there and we have enough appetizers.
RSVP HERE
The fun continues on October 24 with our Nine and Dine event at 4 PM with a shotgun start Play nine holes of golf and then join us for dinner Registration is in the pro shop and your $25(golf members) fee includes nine holes of golf, your cart, and dinner Non-golf members pay $35 If you are a new member of the club, we will be happy to pair you up with another golfing couple so please don’t hesitate to sign up.
SIGN UP in the Sports Shop
Monday, October 21 marks our first club Halloween party. Get ready for a Spooktacular evening of fun NO COSTUMES ARE NECESSARY to attend
Priced at just $30 per person The autumn menu has something for everyone and includes steak, wings, butternut squash hash, rice and mashed potatoes, beet salad, carrot cake, and potato salad We will have costume contests, music with a DJ, and fun activities for all Don’t let costumes scare you away! Come join the fun!
RSVP HERE
Do you love seafood and fish? If so, you will love our November event Hook, Line, and Sinker. Mark your calendars now for November 11 for great food and music by Dean St Hillaire on the steel drum
RSVP HERE
GOLFREPORT
Written by Bud Henry
The 2024 Heritage Invitational is in the books! While Hurricane Helene tried to interrupt the proceedings, the staff at Port Royal Golf and Racquet reacted in outstanding fashion to reschedule and reschedule and ultimately the final shootout was completed at 5:15 pm
Saturday afternoon! We started Thursday morning with the threat of rain, however, the first of 5 9-hole matches were completed with just a little drizzle The second 9-hole round started after lunch but a severe downpour halfway through washed out the round It was decided to start match 2 over Friday morning and try to continue with matches 3 and 4 in the afternoon, but Helene had other ideas. The tremendous wind storm Thursday night delayed match 2 until after lunch, and match 3 after that Matches 4 and 5 were played Saturday as well as the playoff and shootout for the Championship
Howell Kerr
Lanny Bailey
Congratulations to the four flight winners, all of whom advanced to the playoffs!
Tom Jackson Wayne Beckley Don Muehlberger
Dave Renbarger Wes Warren Frank Dyer
The second-place teams began the playoff on holes 15 and 16 with two teams advancing to join the flight winners to play holes 17 and 18 in an alternate shot format
One of the second-place teams snuck in on a tiebreaker (head-to-head competition) and advanced to the finals This team also tied for the lead after those two holes and advanced to the shootout, which was on Robber Row hole #18 turned into a par three with temporary tees Teams were tied after one attempt and also tied after the second attempt. On the third try the Championship was decided with the reigning Champion coming out on top once again.
Congratulations to Guy Suchy and his partner Larry Novissimo!!!
We also had a member whose guest could not make the trip from Ohio Todd Bruner decided to play as a single. For his play in his 5 matches, Todd was awarded the “Lone Wolf” trophy.
A huge thank you to the following folks for making the tournament a wonderful experience for both the golf and the social events Under some very difficult conditions the staff performed perfectly, and it is greatly appreciated
Jay Rusch, Mary Grace Tabb, Conner Cabral, Jim Henington, Sydney Segars, Chef Curtis Epps, Charlie Duncan, and Jim Williams, I am amazed that you were able to flawlessly pull this off with all of the adjustments Storm Helene dictated! Thanks again.
PS There have been a lot of course improvements recently which I will cover in next month's note
Until next month, wishing you many pars and birdies!
LADIES GOLF COMMITTEE
Written by Linda Gorski
Happy Halloween month, Port Royal Lady Golfers!
Our biggest event coming up in October is our quarterly Wonder Woman’s Day Tournament scheduled for Friday, October 18th with a shotgun start at 9:30! It would be fun if everyone followed a Halloween theme and dressed in costumes (maybe Superheroes?) but I leave that up to you! We are looking forward to a great turnout with the hope that the weather is going to be fall-like and gorgeous! Come join us!!! Watch for Mary Grace’s Golf Genius sign-up announcement coming to your e-mailbox soon!
Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 15 at 4 p.m. at the Club. The new Ladies Handicap Committee invites all golfers at Port Royal to attend a seminar to learn what a handicap is and why it is so important to post all your scores to establish a handicap This Handicap seminar will be followed by a Rules seminar at 5:30 p m presented by the Pro Shop staff. Jay and his crew will discuss the Rules of Golf and answer any questions you may have. Hope to see you there for these two important events!
Finally, I have been asked by several of members of the Club to remind all our golfers of a few points of etiquette that we all should be following on the golf course
Be respectful and quiet while others are teeing off, hitting their fairway shots and putting. There is plenty of time and it is more appropriate to save chats for the 19th hole or social gatherings
Take your time over a shot, but not too much time One practice swing should be enough, especially when playing in league play and trying to keep up the pace
Be aware of others on the course. Keep an eye on the players in front of you and behind you If you find yourself one hole behind the folks in front of you, you are playing too slow Pick up the pace If the team behind you is on your tail, pick up the pace
Play ready golf – if you can hit or putt without getting in the way of others, then do so to keep up the pace of play On each shot where it is possible, go directly to your ball and have your club ready to hit
Watch where you stand while others are hitting or putting – are you in their line of sight? Is your shadow in the way of players on the putting green? Is your cart (walking or riding) in the way of other players? When a playing partner is swinging or putting, try to stand out of his or her line of vision, and remain quiet during the other golfer's swing.
Follow the 3-minute rule when looking for lost balls Three (3) minutes – that’s the new rule.
In short – be respectful of others on the course but most of all – enjoy your round!
If you have any comments about course etiquette to share, please email me back – Linda Gorski lindagorski@cs com or text 713-557-1496 – and we’ll publish them in future articles
18 HOLE LADIES GOLF
Written by Gay Halleman
The Sadie Hawkins tournament was another fun-filled event Good weather, good food, and good people made for a special day. Many thanks go to Tammie Blank for organizing and running the tournament
The winners were Shari Box and Jerry Bailey. Great job!
At the table, Bill and Joan Hazel, Karen and John Simpson and Tony Ponturo
Pictured are the second place winners, Mike Hall and Marianne Tillman
Greg Blahut and Tricia Higgins seated with Maureen Korzik and Nigel Jones who were tied for third place
Bud Henry and Liz Bailey but Bud was unable to stay for lunch, we missed you, Bud
Polly Jackson, Don Blank, Tammie Blank, and Dave Donnelly.
Donnelly, Mike Hall, Marianne Tillman, Jim Walker and Linda Gorski
Tony and Wendy Ponturo with Mick and Amy Giglio
Gay Halleman, Liz Bailey and Bill Doney who tied for third with Maureen and Nigel
9 HOLE LADIES GOLF
Written by Karen Simpson
Welcome to our 2 newest members Terry McGrath and Joann Nattrass.
On Sept 5th, 15 ladies participated under a cloudy sky with cool temperatures and a stiff breeze. Blind Holes was the game for the day. It was Pro Pick in which holes number 4 and 7 were discarded. The winner was Karen Simpson with a net score of 24. Three members were next in line with net scores of 27 Sue Walker took second place with a tiebreaker on #8, Rhonda Heuple took third place with a tiebreaker on #6 followed by Julie Delaurence in 4th place. Way to go ladies! Congratulations are also extended to Karen Simpson for her early chip-in on the first hole
On September 11th, 19 ladies attended our GNO catered Tee Time Dinner and Quarterly Meeting at the Beach House.
The Low Gross / Low Net Tournament Day #2 was played on September 12th The results will not be unveiled until our Award Luncheon on December 5th
September 19th was bring a guest day and we had 6 guest ladies join us. Twenty-two of us competed in Individual Stroke Play
The net and gross winners are as follows despite the wet ground conditions! Congrats to all
NET: Sue Walker (28), Tess Hegedus (32), Arlene Jenkinson (35)
GROSS: Sue Walker (45), Arlene Jenkinson (50), Tess Hegedus (51)
On September 26th our uninvited guest Helene was what kept all the ladies home safe and dry
Thank you to Jackie Darling for being the DOM and allowing me to use parts of your write-ups.
MEN'SGOLF
Written by John Strasburger
Over2½weeksinearlySeptember,seventeentwo-man teamsbattleditoutinourTwo-ManMatchPlayClub Championship.Teamsweredividedintothreeflights: ChampionshipFlight,NetFlightI,andNetFlightII
Asourtraditiondictates,theChampionshipFlightis playedfromthewhiteteemarkers.Scoringwasbased ongrossscoring ThetwoNetFlightsplayedfromthe MemberTeesat95%ofhandicapindexes Nomajorupsetstoreport.Thetop-seededteamswon ineachofthethreeflights.
ChampionshipFlight
The20242-ManClubmatch-playchampionsareCarlNelsonandSteveDill.Asthetopseedin theChampionshipFlight,thisteamadvancedtothe2ndroundbyvirtueofabye.Inthesemifinalmatch,Nelson/DilldefeatedGuySuchyandJeffClary5&4IntheFinals,Nelson/Dill managedtoout-duelLandonGatesandBudHenry,winning1upThiswasthefirst2-ManPort RoyalClubChampionshipforSteveDill,howeverathirdconsecutivewinforCarlNelson.In theConsolationmatch,GuySuchyandJeffClarydefeatedNigelJones&SteveJohnson1up.
Member Tee Net Flight I
The top-seeded team of Jim Stauffer and Jeff Barbic advanced to the semi-finals by virtue of a bye In the semi-final match, Stauffer/Barbic narrowly defeated the team of Bill Hazel & Mike Hall, 1 up The final was a closely contested match as well as Stauffer/Barbic defeated Dave Renbarger and Dave Chmielowiec 2&1 In the Consolation match, Hazel/Hall defeated Tim Aller & Trevor Owens 1 up
Member Tee Net Flight II
Jerry Bailey initially signed up for this 2-man tournament without a partner This scrappy guy was ready to take on all comers by himself. Our Sports Shop thought otherwise and they paired him up with early-bird Jack Blatz These two became the top seed and the eventual Flight II winners
The Bailey / Blatz team advanced to the second round by virtue of a bye They further advanced to the final by defeating Bill Whalen and John McMullan 3&2. The Final match featured another closely contested fight with Bailey / Blatz narrowly defeating Don Muehlberger and Keith Swinehart 1 up In the Consolation Match, Rick Gorski and Al Lindseth defeated Whalen / McMullan 1 up.
Net Flight I Winners: Jim Stauffer and Jeff Barbic
Net Flight II: Jack Blatz, Jerry Bailey, Don Muehlberger, & Keith Swinehart
Next Up:
Men’s Club Championship: October 7/9 , Mon/Wed
Ryder Cup Rounds I &II: November 9th &13th, Sat/Wed
Super Men’s Day: November 20th, Wed.
MEMBER - GUEST PHOTOS
MEMBER - GUEST PHOTOS
MEMBER - GUE
RACQUET'S UP!
Written by Angelo Verde
Unfortunately, my wish for summer breezes became hurricane-force winds that dampened our life in Paradise, but we are a resilient group I hope all of you were spared damage to your homes
The “Cookout by the Court”- Member Round Robin Thursday, September 5th was a huge success We had approximately 30 tennis and pickleball players and all had a good time It was followed by a burger, brat, and hot dog dinner on the patio with all the trimmings and buckets of beer on each table The highlight of the evening was Dale setting up a challenge for all players, placing a cone with a picture of him sticking out of the top Each player had two serves to hit the target with the winner winning a free lesson from Dale. To make it more interesting the prize could be stolen by a second winning shot with only the last man and woman standing winning Much to my surprise my wife Kathy Verde and I both won the men and woman competition
Member / Guest Tournament
Are you ready for our annual Member/Guest Tournament on October 18-19?
Secure your partner and get ready to sign up for a great dinner on Friday the 18th and tournament play on Saturday the 19th. Details are being finalized this week and a flyer will be out with all the details of the dinner menu choices and the cost to enter a team
The committee is coming up with a player gift and the winners’ prizes for each flight I hope to see many of you there at dinner and on the courts! Sign up with Dale
USTA League Play
Combo league play is in full swing, and the men's and women ’ s interleague play will begin the first week of October. Afternoon and weekend court availability will be reduced so members remember to book a week in advance to secure your court time. If you would like your team's results communicated here, please send me an email at ajverde6790@yahoo com
Court Maintenance
I would like to give a big shout-out to Dale and the maintenance team for getting us back up and running very quickly after Hurricane Helene hit our island
Outstanding items are the rehab of tennis benches If you see an issue that needs to be addressed, please let our Pro Dale
Key Dates remaining for 2024: October 18-19th Member/Guest tournamentNovember 13- Closing Dinner – Beach House
Dale’s Corner
In a tight match? Don’t change your swing, change your target. Many times players get tight and push the ball on big points not to miss This can lead to bad habits developing on your swings Keep swinging your full swing but pick a more conservative target Don’t forget to sign yourself and visiting guests up for Dale’s weekly clinics and round-robin play. Check the site and the pro shop for dates and times. Follow Dale on Instagram and Facebook @tenniswith dale
The warm temperatures are still here Remember to dress appropriately for summer play, lather on the sunscreen, bring plenty of appropriate hydration drinks, add a cool towel and rosin bag to your tennis bag, and stretch and warm up properly. As always, we hope your racquet play is improving, your member experience is at a high level, and you are enjoying your time with friends and or the competitive play!
Above all HAVE FUN!
RACQUET PHOTOS
MAHJONG
D O Y O U E N J O Y P L A Y I N G M A H J O N G ?
A group of ladies meets monthly on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon at the Club for lunch, fellowship and to play Mahjong If you know how to play and would like to be included on the group email list, please email Linda Stauffer at lbstauffer@gmail.com.
Linda sends an email to all in the group each month asking who is available to play
Got great photos from member events, golf tournaments, or fun outings?
Share them with Kaitlin Murrell at kmurrell@heritagegolfgroup.com.
We'd love to feature them on social media and celebrate all the fun together! Thank you!
Nine & Dine
Halloween Costume Party
Hook, Line, & Sinker
Art Charity Event
