THE
CREEK JULY 2022
STAFF DIRECTORY & CLUB HOURS Joel Inman General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org Elisha Carson Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org
Golf Course
Tuesday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset Friday 7:30 a.m. - Sunset
Patty Fagan Director of Membership pfagan@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - Sunset
Erin Schafer Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org
Pro Shop
Tuesday to Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Karen Wright Clubhouse Manager kwright@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
John Geller Service Director jgeller@laurelcreek.org
Dining
Nevada Groulx Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org
Tuesday thru Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
John Slade Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org
Tennis
Bob Hennefer, PGA Head Golf Professional bhennefer@laurelcreek.org
Pool & Oasis
Peter Rosenblatt Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org
Courts are open for play
Pool: Open 7 Days a Week from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until Labor Day. Oasis: Open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Carol MacLennan Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org Mike Holak Pool Manager mholak@laurelcreek.org
On the Cover: Junior Golf & Tennis Academy
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES Daniel Bianco President
Troy Hopper Vice President
John Venne Treasurer
Michael Hughey Secretary
Scott Duman
Sean Fox
Erich Herkloz
Troy Hopper
Dean Kramer
John Higgins
Greg Markus
Gene Martin
Ken Zimmer
Joel Inman
GENERAL MANAGER
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD??? No this is not a tag line for our upcoming Mentalist event…even though it probably could be. This is a serious question and one that we ask ourselves often. And, the answer is as diverse as our membership, and has as many answers as there are opinions in the room. I think the best way to understand what the future holds for Laurel Creek is to understand where we are today. After spending the past 10+ years here my opinion is that we are THE club in our demographical/ geographical area. I know I am slightly (ok…maybe more than slightly) biased but after speaking with my peers at other clubs and seeing what they offer and what we offer, I truly feel that way. This isn’t to say we are perfect…we all know that isn’t the case, but when I have 2 local clubs want to meet with me and my team to better understand how to run a successful operation, it puts a smile on my face and makes me stick my chest out a little farther. CANI…Constant And Never-ending Improvement. A motto the whole team subscribes to. This, the team we have and the culture that comes from it is where were are today and why, I believe,
we are this successful. So… what’s next. While seeing the future can be challenging, planning for it isn’t a guessing game. We all hear the news and the uncertainty with the world. Our job here is to do what we can to make sure the club not only survives but thrives regardless of the ups and downs in the world. This takes a team of people researching, debating and sometimes arguing to make sure we are on the right path. What will the next potential club member want and expect from the club? What will make the current member so happy that they would never consider leaving? For some it’s keeping this as they are. For others it’s adding amenities and services we don’t currently offer. In the end it’s the Boards and my job to weigh these things and come up with a plan that addresses as many concerns as possible. While I can’t give you my secret to seeing the future, I can tell you we are planning for it so that you continue to have the best possible club in south Jersey. Thank you for being part of the clubs past, present and future…it wouldn’t be possible without you.
MEMBERSHIP
Patty Fagan D I REC TOR OF M EM BERS H I P
I
had the pleasure of hosting Membership Directors of the Professional Club Marketing Association (PCMA) local chapter in June for our quarterly meeting. PCMA is the industry association specializing in private club membership and marketing and has over 900 members across the country. I’ve been an active member of PCMA since 2011 and was thrilled at the opportunity to show off Laurel Creek to my fellow counterparts of my local chapter. Membership Directors representing Philly Cricket, the Union League, Saucon Valley, LedgeRock, Tavistock, Huntingdon Valley CC, Rohobeth CC, Philadelphia Country Club and White Manor attended our recent meeting. Our guest speaker gave a presentation on improving our social media presence followed by round table discussion on topics including golf wait lists, guest policies, entrance fees and dress codes. Although each club had its unique differences, it was clear that we all face many of the same challenges, especially dress code policies.
Clubs with a long history and tradition, like Philly Country Club, still today have policies of jackets required in certain dining rooms and most events while Philly Cricket only allow jeans in certain areas of their clubhouse. Prestigious clubs like these have made changes over the years but at a snail’s pace. You may find it hard to believe but Laurel Creek once had a jacket required policy when we were first established in 1996. Dress codes should correspond to the club, its location, and the makeup of their membership. Laurel Creek has taken huge strides in changes to our dress code polices over the years while still maintaining a certain level that members will respect and honor. I know that you have received multiple emails over the past few weeks advising that members will be denied service beginning July 1st if they are not dressed within our dress code guidelines. Our reasons for the overcommunication are simple -- we want everyone to enjoy the club and not be turned away for any reason, especially because of a dress code violation. I can speak for the entire management team that having to tell a member that we cannot seat them because their jeans have ripped holes or that their daughter cannot wear a crop top and yoga pants in the bistro is awkward, uncomfortable, and embarrassing for both staff and member. Becoming a member of a private country club is a more than just the people around you. It’s the unique setting created when individuals with similar goals come together to create and enjoy new experiences. It’s the feeling that you don’t just belong to something, but that you’re actually part of making it better. Please help us keep Laurel Creek an enjoyable place for both the membership and loyal staff by respecting our dress code policy. If you are uncertain about our dress code, please give me a call or stop by my office. I’d be happy to see you.
POOL NEWS
Meet Owen Taylor LCCC’S NEW POOL MANAGER
O
wen Taylor is a student, currently entering his senior year for his Bachelors, through the Rowan 3+1 program with RCBC, in Business Administration. A brother of six, Owen was homeschooled all the way into completing his highschool requirements through the Rowan College of Burlington County. At RCBC, he had the incredible opportunity to be the Inaugural Student CEO for the Saxbys Cafe at RCBC. The Student CEO position is a part of the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform, and it is a paid internship program that gives students, such as Owen, the opportunity to get hands-on experience running a Saxbys Cafe for a semester, essentially learning to run a business. Through the position, Owen learned leadership skills, time management, profit & loss statements, team development and incredible entrepreneurship experience. Owen spends his free time hiking, reading, and writing/producing his own music, which he releases under the artist name “Shulin.”
GOLF
Bob Hennefer H E AD GOL F PROF ESSI O N A L FEATURED HOLE OF THE MONTH - #18 SWAN’S SONG Wetlands along the right side of this gentle dogleg right finishing hole sneak out in front of the green. The green slopes severely from left to right and is difficult to hold. Laying up short of the wetland with a medium to long iron, leaving a short pitch to the green, is a common play.
RULES TIP OF THE MONTH – IMPROVING YOUR PACE OF PLAY Pace of Play at Laurel Creek is 4:09 or less. Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s. Adopting this mindset – and not being afraid to share it with your fellow players – will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience. Here are some recognized tips for improving pace of play: 1. 2. 3.
Play Ready Golf Take multiple clubs to the par 3 tee boxes and other shots you may have to hit Keep up with the group in front of you.
For more information on pace of play visit here: https://laurelcreekcc.clubhouseonline-e3.com/getmedia/1bdc3aa8-165c-48c6-989583039609300e/2019-pace-of-play.aspx
INSTRUCTION TIP OF THE MONTH This month, rather than an instructional tip, we will provide an informational tip on how to best utilize our new short game area. When using this area, please take one of the tubes provided, hit a variety of shots around the green, and then pick up the practice balls that you used with the tube and return it to the station full. This will ensure a clean area that all members can enjoy at all times. Thank you!
LCWGA Our LCWGA season is in full swing! In addition to congratulating all of the winners of the Wednesday competitions in both 18 and 9 hole games, we need to recognize some particular accomplishments: Bird in the Hand Award To date, the 18-hole players have executed a total of 25 birdies but the award goes to Christine Blessing who single handedly contributed 11 of them and Eileen Ramasamy who contributed 7. In the 9-holer world, the award goes to newcomer Heidi Bourke who rocked the competition with two birdies! Chip off the Old Block Award Although the 18-hole players astonished us with a total of 7 chip ins, the award is shared by two 9-holers: Colleen Burns for her astonishing midfairway chip in on the Eighth Hole on June 15 and Martha Harris Hashem who parred Hole One with a chip in on June 8!
The Member-member competition kicked off on June 22 with a record number of participants. For the 9-holers, the team of Studley/ Heselton surged to take the lead at minus 4. The teams of Angstreich/Duenas & Ebert/Colabella are tied at two shots back. Jacquie Ebert won the Closest to the Pin contest on Hole 3 and Laura Venne won the Longest Drive. For the 18-holers, the lead was taken by the fearless team of Normand and Ramasamy. Second place was claimed by the team of Kennedy and Kassak. Eileen Ramasamy also won Closest to the Pin and Christine Blessing claimed the Longest Drive. Congratulations to all the winners! Day two is scheduled for June 29. Good luck to all of our talented participants! A reminder that July 16 and 17 is the Club Championship. You may think you are not good enough for this because you are not a single digit handicap but that is not true. If enough people sign up, we can offer flights that will allow you to compete with people of your ability. Please consider playing this prestigious event!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Karen Wright CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
T
he food and beverage team is excited to have Owen Taylor an intern from Rowan College join them this summer as the Cabana Supervisor. Please read more about Owen on our Pool News page.
SO MUCH IS HAPPENING AT THE CLUB! REFUSAL OF SERVICE TO BEGIN JULY 1ST FOR DRESS CODE INFRACTIONS
INTRODUCING $14 FROZEN DRINKS AT THE OASIS BAR MARGARITAS, PINA COLADA’S STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRIS AND MIAMI VICE!
SHANNON RIDGE WINE TASTING WEDNESDAY, JULY 13TH 5:00 TO 8:00 P.M. OUTDOORS COMPLIMENTARY EVENT RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
ERIC DITTELMAN - MIND READER AS SEEN ON ELLEN & AMERICA’S GOT TALENT SATURDAY, JULY 30TH 6:00 P.M.
NOW SELLING KID’S CORKSICLE CUPS AT THE POOL AND IN THE PRO SHOP! $35.00 EACH
CHEF’S CORNER
Pete Rosenblatt EXECU T I VE CHEF MISO GLAZED SALMON WITH SNOW PEAS The recipe is simple, light and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. The miso glaze can hold for up to a week in the refrigerator and is great for any type of fish or seafood. Ingredients: 4 servings 4 6oz salmon fillets 1 pound fresh snow peas, trimmed 1 teaspoon minced ginger ½ teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ¼ teaspoon sesame oil 1 pinch of salt & pepper 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice (for serving)
Butch Beri PLAYER SERVICES MANAGER
Thank you, Butch for all that you do!
Miso Glaze: 2 tablespoons miso paste 1 ½ teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon water 1 pinch black pepper -Combine all ingredients and mix well Method: Preheat oven to 400. Place the salmon on a lightly oiled baking sheet, brush each piece evenly with the miso glaze. Bake for 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish, until done. While the fish is in the oven place a medium size sauté pan over med-high heat. Add the vegetable oil to the pan, sauté the garlic and ginger for 10 seconds, add the snow peas and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, finish with salt, pepper and sesame oil. To finish, serve the fish alongside the snow peas and steamed rice.
RACQUETS
Carol MacLennan DI REC TOR OF TE N N I S LADIES TENNIS WINS CUP!! Congratulations to the LCCC Cup E team who won their cup in the Ladies Philadelphia Spring League. After winning the regular season, they successfully challenged to move into Cup D in next year’s league. Well done ladies! Great job organizing by team captain Marianne Sims-Kellogg.
Pickleball Clinics - Not sure how to play pickleball? Sign up for the beginner pickleball clinic on Wednesday at 5 pm. This one hour clinic will help you learn the rules and basics of pickleball. For those of you who are already competing, we have an intermediate clinic on Wednesday at 6 pm. This clinic will focus on improving your on court skills and developing better strategies. JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP Your kids will F.L.I.P. over the LCCC Summer Tennis Camp. F = FUN L = LEARN I = IMPROVE P = PLAY Send your kids for a fun morning, afternoon or full day of tennis camp at Laurel Creek. Every day starts with the action-packed LCCC Racquet Game. There’s Red Ball tennis for the little ones (ages 4 thru 6) Monday thru Friday from 9 to 10:30.
Team members: Beth VanDusen, Suzanne Debs, Marianne Sims-Kellogg (Captain), Angelica Dau, Reetika Joshi, Sonia Bodiwala, Noelle Diamond, Richelle Rabenou (club rep), Liz Hepp, Christin Deacon (not pictured)
TENNIS, DINKS & DRINKS Join in the fun at the Mixed Doubles Bar-b-Que on Thursday, July 21st at 6 pm. Come out for some fun Tennis, Pickleball and Ping Pong competition followed by Cold Beer and a tasty bar-b-que at the courts. Dinks and Drinks! What more could you ask for? Speaking of Dinks…The Tuesday night pickleball league is proving to be very popular so we’ve opened up more spots. Starting in July, there is a $5 fee to play in the league.
ON THE COURSE
John Slade D IR E C TO R OF G O L F C O UR S E O P ER A T I ONS
A
s part of our ongoing maintenance of the short game area, we will periodically be aerifying it using solid tines (which do not remove a core). This is typically considered a fairly non-invasive procedure which won’t be noticed by golfers after just a couple of days.
While the majority of rocks we ran into are like the one shown above (somewhere between the size of a golf ball and a baseball), we did find a nice 15 pounder. After hitting this large rock with the aerifier, we probed around to see what we were dealing with beneath the surface. It was then that our Equipment Technician, Don Robel, made a seemingly contradictory, yet quite accurate statement: “It’s shallow, but deep!”
When the aerifier hits a rock and it is heaved up as shown below, it’s typically not a big deal. But, we occasionally will get one wedged between two tines, or even have a buried golf ball get speared by a tine. When that occurs, the not so invasive solid tining can quickly start plowing up some turf. Because of this, we have changed the operation to a two person job--one team member operates the machine, and the second acts as a spotter, walking behind the aerifier and making sure there’s no torn turf.
With any luck, after going over this area a dozen times with our aerifier, we will have either broken up, or removed all of the major obstacles from below, and it can once again become a single person task.
Upcoming Events SUN
3 4th of July Pool Party & BBQ
10 Live DJ Music at The Pool
MON
4 4th of July Pool Party & BBQ
11
Two Chicks Happy Hour & Tasting at The Pool
TUES
WED THURS
5 6 Club & Course Raft Night Closed at The Pool
12 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
13 Raft Night at The Pool Shannon Ridge Wine Tasting Event
JULY FRI
SAT
1 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
2 Live Music: Kelly LaVigna
7 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Modern Mojo
8 9 Live Music: Live Music: Oliver Dagum Dennis Matthews
14 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with TBA
15 Live Music: Class A Kings
16 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
Two Chicks Happy Hour & Tasting at The Pool
17 Live DJ Music at The Pool
18
19 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
20 Raft Night at The Pool
21 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Jeff Selby Duo
22 Live Music: Michaela McClain
23 Live Music: Doug Jennings
24 Live DJ Music at The Pool
25
26 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
27 Raft Night at The Pool
28 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Kenny Curcio
29 Live Music: Joe Parker
30 Live Music: Brat
31 Live DJ Music at The Pool
Eric Dittelman Mind Reader Event
AUGUST SUN
MON
TUES
WED THURS
FRI 5 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
SAT
1
2 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
3 Raft Night at The Pool
4 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Modern Mojo
6 Live Music: Dennis Matthews
7 Live DJ Music at The Pool
8
9 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
10 Raft Night at The Pool
11 12 Live Music: Thirsty Oliver Dagum Thursday at The Oasis with Jeff Selby Duo
14 Live DJ Music at The Pool
15
16 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
17 Raft Night at The Pool
18 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Kenny Curcio
19 Live Music: Class A Kings
20 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
21 Live DJ Music at The Pool
22
23 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
24 Raft Night at The Pool
25 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with TBD
26 Live Music: Michaela McClain
27 Live Music: Joe Parker
28 Live DJ Music at The Pool
29
30 $22 Tuesday Wine & Dinner Specials
31 Raft Night at The Pool
13 Live Music: Doug Jennings
www.laurelcreek.org