The Creek News August 2023

CREEK

STAFF DIRECTORY & CLUB HOURS

Joel Inman - General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org

Elisha Carson - Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org

Patty Fagan - Director of Membership & pfagan@laurelcreek.org

Erin Schafer - Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org

Karen Wright - Clubhouse Manager kwright@laurelcreek.org

John Geller - Service Director jgeller@laurelcreek.org

Nevada Groulx - Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org

John Slade - Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org

Bob Hennefer, PGA - Head Golf Professional bhennefer@laurelcreek.org

Peter Rosenblatt - Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org

Carol MacLennan - Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org

Mike Holak - Pool Manager mholak@laurelcreek.org

FRONT DESK | (856) 291-9701

PRO SHOP | (856) 291-9718

Golf Course

Tuesday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Friday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Saturday & Sunday

8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Pro Shop

Tuesday to Friday

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dining

Pub & Bistro: Tuesday thru Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Blu Friday & Saturday evenings 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Tennis Courts are open for play

Pool & Oasis

Pool is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Oasis is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Joel Inman

GENERAL MANAGER

Will Stafford once said that “The greatest ownership of all is to look around and understand”.

So here we are halfway through our typical year…Kids camps are buzzing, the pool and cabana are the best place to spend your hot afternoons and the golf course is crazy busy. I was at the bar having a conversation with a member and we got on the topic of how to keep the course in the amazing shape it’s in. I told him it was all about ownership and if everyone saw the course as if they owned it (by the way you do), then what a difference that would make. Unlike the other areas of the club, the golf course requires that everyone who steps foot on it acts as if they are the owners. Why is that true? Well mainly because of the needed commitment from all that play golf to do all that they can to keep it in the best possible shape for those that come after them.

I’m not talking about needing you the members to jump on a mower and mow the grass…I’m talking about all of the little things that have such an impact on the condition of the course. There are 3 critically important things that every golfer should be doing when they come out to play.

Repair your divot…when you hit a ball and you take either a little grass, or a lot of grass, replace your divot or fill it with the sand mix that is provided.

Scott Duman

Sean Fox

Kiel Gilliland

https://vimeo.com/553481797

If you happen to hit your ball into a bunker, rake the sand smooth and knock the sand off of your shoes when you climb out of the bunker

https://vimeo.com/534943457

And the 3rd thing is to fix the ball mark your ball made when you hit it onto the green. If you happen to see others, fix them as well

Erich Herkloz

Michael Hughey

John Higgins

https://vimeo.com/539635628

These aren’t monumental tasks that take up time or stop anyone from enjoying their round. They are simple owner mentality tasks that if everyone did them would make the course that much better and the round you play that much more enjoyable.

So what do you say? How about we all look around and understand that it’s all about ownership and treating the course like you own it.

Greg Markus

Chris Noyes

Daniel Bianco President

Michael Hughey Vice President

John Venne Treasurer

Dean Kramer Secretary

Patty Fagan

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

I hope this message finds each of you in good spirits and enjoying the delightful amenities that Laurel Creek has to offer. Although we are in the dog days of summer, the LC team is already hard at work planning the social calendar for the upcoming holiday season. We have been listening attentively to your feedback and considering suggestions from members to create an array of social events that reflect our club’s diverse spirit.

These fun events have become an integral part of our club’s identity leaving you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. I often hear from new members that a huge part of them joining was because of an event they attended as a guest. What an awesome compliment to know that our social events play a significant role in membership growth and retention.

Planning events that appeal to everyone is not an easy task. One of the biggest challenges the LC Team faces is acknowledging the multifaceted interests and preferences that exist among our membership. While some may enjoy large events for the entire family, others might prefer more relaxed gatherings like an intimate wine dinner with a few friends. Whether it’s a sports tournament, a black-tie gala, or a family-oriented party, our goal is to offer an event calendar that has something to capture the hearts of each member.

One event I am really excited to share is Laurelpalooza which is scheduled for Friday, September 29th. A take-off of Lollapalooza, our outdoor music festival will showcase an incredible band, DJ, wine tasting, great food and fun activities for the kids. For this year’s Laurelpalooza, we’re excited to have Frontiers, an amazing Journey Tribute Band that will be sure to have you singing out loud. Whether you are an empty nester or a family with young children, this event is sure to please all ages. More information for Laurelpalooza will be out soon and we would love your support and attendance.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, our annual Halloween party is scheduled for Monday, October 23rd and our Fall Gala is set for Saturday, November 4th. This should give your kids plenty of time to get their Halloween costumes ordered and ample notice for the ladies to pick out the perfect gown for the Gala. More event dates will be coming out next month in our Holiday Guide.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has attended our social events in the past. I’d like to encourage those who may not have had the opportunity to join us in the past to give our upcoming Fall events a try. Your support is the backbone of our club’s vibrant and close-knit community. Together, let us continue to make Laurel Creek Country Club a place of joy, friendship, and cherished memories.

NEW MEMBERS

Nimra & Jon Pelosi

The Mercogliano Family

Welcome

Olivia Albert

Daughter of Sean & Christina Albert

Bob Hennefer

HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Junior Boys 16-18 Champion Brady Crow

Junior 12 and Under Champion Chloe Donohue

Men’s Medal Flight Champion John Callahan

Men’s Arnie Flight Champion Steve DiPascale

Men’s Overall Champion Matt Toto

Men’s Palmer Flight Champion Steve Kavney

Ladies Mickey Wright Flight Champion Susan Schaming-Odegard

Ladies Overall Champion Erin Lo

Junior Girls 13-15 Champion Savannah Laverty

The Club Championship matches were held on July 15th and 16th. Congratulations to our own Susan Schaming for winning the Mickey Wright Flight! Also, congratulations to Erin Lo for keeping that front row parking spot.

On July 20, the 9-Hole invitational at The Field Club, themed “Margaritaville,” was played under sunny skies and featured, among other attractions, flamingos on the 9th tee! The event had all the hallmarks of a great invitational-beautiful course, lovely hosts, and crazy costumes. When the sand settled, Julie Knowles defended the honor of Laurel Creek by finishing in second place with her group. Jimmy Buffet would have been proud!

Ineke Daniels, Donna McHugh, Chrissy Duman and Eileen Burke represented Laurel Creek in a Jersey Girls match at Little Mill. Being short 2 players made this Stableford event challenging from the start, but these ladies still managed to pull off the 3rd place spot for the day with only 4 players. Great job! Currently Medford Village is in the lead this season, followed by a tie for second between our team and Little Mill, with Medford Lakes ranked 4th. We have 2 more matches this season so if you are interested in playing please contact Christine Blessing for more information.

Member Guest registration is now open. Please sign up via the LC app. This event is open to all ladies with full golfing privileges.

It’s not too late to join the LCWGA this season. There is still plenty of golf ahead of us this summer and fall. We play every Wednesday morning through October. If interested, please email Kelly Redcay at kellyanneredcay@hotmail.com.

RULES TIP OF THE MONTH THE PUTTING GREEN

1. Once the ball comes to rest on the putting surface you may mark it with a coin or any small object, lift and clean it, but remember to replace it in the exact spot when it is your turn to putt.

2. Golfers are allowed to repair almost any damage on the green such as spike marks, ball marks, indentations form a club or flagstick, and animal damage. However, golfers ARE NOT permitted to repair aeration holes, natural surface imperfections or natural wear of the hole.

FOOD

Karen Wright

CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

The club is in full swing, and everyone is excited about our new Pub and Bistro menu which was introduced last week. If you have not had an opportunity to dine at the club and try some of our new menu items, please be sure to make a reservation on the App or call the Hostess at ext. 101 and they will be happy to assist you with your reservation. Reservations are an essential tool in allowing us to staff correctly to ensure a wonderful dining experience while at the club.

So much is happening at the Club!

LABOR DAY BBQ & POOL PARTY

Monday, September 4th

Buffet Open 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

BOURBON & CIGARS UNDER THE STARS

Introducing Laurel Creek’s Custom Barrel

Exclusively for our Members by Knob Creek

September 28th 6:30 p.m.

Grille Patio

More info to Follow

MARK YOU CALENDERS

Joseph Phelps Wine Dinner

Thursday, September 14th 6:30 p.m.

NEW DESSERT MENU

Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet

w/Salted Carmel Ice Cream

Mango Cheesecake

Jersey Peach Crisp

Tuna Poke Lobster BLT

Jersey Tomato Gazpacho Eggplant Flatbread

Steamed Chicken Dumplings Skirt Steak Fajitas

Bucket of Mussels Chicken Milanese

Nachos Blackened Mahi Tacos

Korean BBQ and Ranch Wings BBQ Ribs

PAT MCHUGH SERVER

Thank you, Pat for all that you do!

Pete Rosenblatt EXECUTIVE CHEF

SUMMER TOMATO TABBOULEH SALAD

Enjoy this refreshing summer salad by itself or as a side for grilled chicken or seafood.

2 cups cooked bulgur wheat

1 large Jersey tomato, fi llet and small dice

1 cup cherry tomato, thin sliced

3 tbsp. red onion, small diced

3 tbsp. chopped parsley

2 tbsp. chopped mint

3 tbsp. lemon juice

¼ cup olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Carol MacLennan

DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL BAR-B-QUE

What a fun night at the courts for the annual Tennis and Pickleball Bar-B-Que. We had great weather, fierce and fun competition and delicious food and drinks. Thank you to all the members and their guests for making the night a success!

TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Good Luck to all the competitors in the 2023 Tennis and Pickleball Club Championships. Matches are now underway. Can’t wait to see who prevails!!

Congratulations to Carlos Alcaraz on his amazing win against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. He has a beautiful trophy but does he have his own parking spot at Laurel Creek?

2023 JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Registration is open for the Junior Club Championships on Monday, August 28th

Red Ball – Ages 8 and under – 9:30 am

Orange Ball – Ages 10 and under – 11:00 am

Green Ball – Ages 12 and under – 1:00 pm

Yellow Ball Junior Club Championships – 3:00 pm

To sign up, go to the registration form under Junior Events on August 25. Enter your child’s name and include their age in the comments box. Players may play in two events.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join in the fun at FAMILY PIZZA NIGHT at the Courts on Thursday, August 17. Bring the family out for a fun night of tennis and pickleball drills, games and match play.

MEN’S NIGHT OUT – Bring your friends for a competitive night of tennis, courtside buffet and cold brews at the courts on Thursday, September 14th – 6:00 pm

END OF THE SEASON LADIES DAY – Thursday, October 12th – Tennis from 9:30 to 11:30 – Lunch and drinks in the clubhouse at 11:30

John Slade

DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS

We are happy to formally welcome our H-2B Visa seasonal employees. Javier, Ernesto and Abraham arrived last month, and Max has now joined

The guys are preparing to celebrate Javier’s birthday!

You might think this is an unusual time to be bringing golf course staff onboard. However, with several summer employees about to return to school, having these new team members will be a great asset throughout the rest of summer, and the busy fall season. They are all hardworking gentleman, and we are hoping to have them rejoin us in spring of 2024.