THE
CREEK MARCH 2022
STAFF DIRECTORY & CLUB HOURS Joel Inman General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org Elisha Carson Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org
Golf Course
Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. - Sunset Friday 9:00 a.m. - Sunset
Patty Fagan Director of Membership pfagan@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. - Sunset
Erin Schafer Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org
Pro Shop
Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Karen Wright Clubhouse Manager kwright@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
John Geller Service Director jgeller@laurelcreek.org
Dining
Nevada Groulx Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday
John Slade Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org
Tuesday thru Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tennis
Bob Hennefer, PGA Head Golf Professional bhennfer@laurelcreek.org
Courts are open for play
Peter Rosenblatt Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org
Closed for the Season
Carol MacLennan Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org
Pool
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES Daniel Bianco President
Sean Fox Vice President
Scott Duman Treasurer
Troy Hopper Secretary
Erich Herkloz
John Higgins
Michael Hughey
Gene Martin
Mark Muir
Tony Palmer
John Venne
Ken Zimmer
Joel Inman
GENERAL MANAGER
Usually during this time of year all of the staff tries to take time to recharge and refresh. I’m no different. I enjoy this season mainly because of the Country Club Trade shows that go on. The PGA Show is typically one of the best to attend as it provides the team and I access to all of the new things available to our golfing members. This year the show was somewhat of a disappointment mainly due to the lack of participation from the major vendors of the golf industry, but we still managed to get inspired. The other trip I typically take is to the CMAA World Conference. This conference is always a home run for me. It focuses on self-improvement, staff improvement and club improvement. There is also a component of vendors that address the needs of clubs…software, cooking, furniture, fixture and equipment vendors show their latest and greatest. Going to this conference is how I recharge and get excited about this coming year. I always come back with new ideas and this year was no exception. My staff always tells me when I get back that I’ve got a little more pep in my step. Not sure that’s a compliment. With all of the new things happening here this year…pool upgrades, Solar panel array and the reconstitution of our Strategic Committee, I see us setting off in a direction that will continue to set us apart from everyone else. Combine that with the best possible staff…dedicated, driven and doubled down on enhancing your member experience. We are all looking forward to being the best we can be, improving each and every day, and making you all proud to be a member at such an incredible club.
MEMBERSHIP
Patty Fagan D I REC TOR OF M EM BERS H I P It’s almost time to swap out those hat and mittens for shorts and tees. Time flies when you’re having fun and this winter certainly flew by quickly because of all our great events. Speaking of events, have you noticed that there seems to be something new going on at the club almost every night? It’s obvious that the club is your number one destination, and your LC team continues to create new and exciting events to keep you and your family engaged. Refer to the Food & Beverage page for an update on upcoming events. It’s also no secret that Laurel Creek Country Club is the place to join. Even with our golf wait list, we’ve had an exceptional year in membership. Many of the new members who have recently joined have been referred by you, and that’s a true testament to the value that the club represents in your lives. If you have a friend interested in membership, send them my way. We’re still accepting applications for House and Social. See you soon at the Club!
Welcome Lauren & Chris Crosby
OUR NEW MEMBERS TO THE LCCC FAMILY
The Longo family
The Warrington Family
The Windstein Family
The Baraldi Family Jeffrey & Suzanne Debs
Vivek & Gaithri Ramanathan
GOLF
Bob Hennefer
W
H E AD GOL F PROF ESSI O N A L
inter greetings! While we are all bundled up and sitting by the fire to keep warm, or in warmer southern states, greener grass and warmer weather is around the corner at Laurel Creek! We are excited to kick off the season shortly and wanted to provide you with a few updates: Men’s, Ladies, and Mixed Golf Calendars: Last year was a fantastic season full of fun and competitive events and the 2022 calendar promises more excitement. I’m pleased to release a preview of our golfing calendar for 2022 that can be found in the Tuesday eNews Blasts. We have added a few new events to the calendar, and we’re hopeful we have an event for everyone. Registration links, along with Junior events and clinics, as well as men’s and women’s clinic schedules, our Golf Handbook and the LCWGA Handbook will be released next month. Unlimited Cart Program: The Unlimited Cart Program allows you to prepay for all your cart rounds for the 2022 season. Registration for the Unlimited Cart Program must take place before March 31st, 2022. This can be paid as one lump sum, or we can split the payment amongst three months. Please email me directly at bhennefer@laurelcreek.org if you would like to sign up for this offer. Unlimited Carts Single: Unlimited Carts Family:
$1,625 $2,150
Guest Pass Booklet: The Guest Pass Booklet is available to purchase all season long and provides a discount on each guest you bring to the club. This can be especially helpful if you are bringing multiple clients out to the club throughout the year. This year the booklet costs $700 for a series of 10 guest passes, totaling a discount of $15 per guest (weekdays) and $25 per guest (weekends). For your reference, guest greens fees will be $85 Tuesday through Thursday, and $95 Friday through Sunday. Cart fees are not included at any time. All guest passes are non-transferable and may only be used by the member who purchases them. Please note that all unused guest passes expire on December 31st, 2022. These can be purchased at the golf shop.
LCWGA
I
t seems impossible, looking at the scattered patches of snow and listening to the howl of the winter wind in the trees, that Opening Day of our 2022 Golf Season is only 44 days away! That’s 44 days to work those arm weights, watch those golf instruction videos and order new golf outfits! And for those of you who have not as yet joined our LCWGA, 44 days to make up your mind to come play with us! (For all of you reluctant golfers, please see excuse chart below.) Opening Day, scheduled on April 13, is a 9 hole scramble followed by lunch and it is the perfect introduction to the LCWGA. The cocktail party on the eve of Opening Day is always a lovely event and potential members are welcome. Any woman with full golfing privileges can join the LCWGA. If you are interested in joining or have any questions regarding our organization, please email Kelly Redcay at kellyanneredcay@hotmail.com . Registration forms are also available in the ladies’ locker room. The LCWGA has group play for both 18 or 9 holers on Wednesday mornings, providing a great way to meet our women golfers and get familiar with our beautiful golf course. The 9 holers also sponsor and participate in invitationals that give our players the opportunity to play at other clubs and meet more golf enthusiasts. The Spring Series Clinics kick off on March 31 at 10:00 -11:30 am with a clinic on golf rules and etiquette. There will be eight clinics every Thursday through April 28. The cost is $40 per lesson or $150 for the entire series. Information on the full schedule of clinics is available in the pro shop. Clinics are an excellent way to dip your toe in the water and get to know some of our friendly and enthusiastic players. (On a personal note, having started as a “newbie” last season, the lessons were a fabulous way to meet women golfers who have since become good friends. The pro’s suggestions for my drive also changed my life.) LCWGA members can also consider joining the Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia (WGAP), reputed to be the oldest women’s golf association in the country. WGAP will give you the opportunity to play golf on other courses and meet women golfers in the Philadelphia area. For additional information on the WGAP, contact Christine Blessing at blessinggolfs@gmail.com or go to www.wgapgolf.org. And now, a short response to some of the most popular excuses for not joining the LCWGA:
1 2 3
EXCUSE: I’m not good enough to play. RESPONSE: You should see some of us. Believe me, you are good enough.
EXCUSE: I don’t have the time to play. RESPONSE: Put down Wordle, stop watching morning news and join us on Wednesday mornings for fresh air and sunshine. You can play as few or as many Wednesdays as you like. EXCUSE: I will hold everyone up. RESPONSE: Pick up your ball. We all do. Nobody cares.
Join us on Opening Day, at the Spring Clinics, or at our Wednesday morning games and become part of our LCWGA golfing sisterhood.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Karen Wright CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
W
e have already gotten a taste of Spring with a few days reaching the mid to high 60’s reminding us that golf season is fast approaching. The food and beverage team are excited and looking forward to April 1st. We have spent the last few months preparing for the season; hiring and training staff and planning a variety of events for the membership to enjoy.
WINTER MENU REFRESH ITEMS FLATBREAD Alsatian Sausage, Cipollini, Fresh Mozzarella, Balsamic 14
LAMB STEAK Potato Leek Gratin, Swiss Chard, Lamb Reduction 36
BEET SALAD Winter Citrus, Fennel, Pistachio Robiola Cheese 14
STICKY THAI SHORT RIBS Jasmine Rice, Snap PeaPeanut 30
DUROK PORK CHOP Gigante Beans, Pepperonata, Broccoli Rabe, Sharp Provolone 28
CRISPY SKIN RED SNAPPER Quinoa, Papaya Salad Red Chili 34
The Terrace Bar will be open from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. on March 11th, 18th, and 25th!
SO MUCH IS HAPPENING AT THE CLUB! KID’S CLUB Every Wednesday while Parent’s Dine 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Must have a Dinner Reservation to use this service
HAPPY HOUR Every Tuesday – Friday 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Discounted Drinks & Appetizer Specials
KATHERINE HALL WINE DINNER 03.23.22 Dine with the GM of Katherine Hall
POP UP WINE SALE March 4th to the 10th Discounted Prices on Flowers, Nickel & Nickel, Austin Hope & Others
CHEF’S CORNER
Pete Rosenblatt EXECU T I VE CHEF CITRUS GRILLED SHRIMP WITH QUINOA SALAD 4 servings Quinoa Salad 2 cups cooked Quinoa ½ cup diced cucumber ½ cup diced tomato 2 tbsp. diced red onion 2 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. chopped mint 2 tbsp. lemon juice ¼ cup olive oil Salt & pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in a bowl, season and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Ricardo Munoz Hernandez GROUNDSMAN
Thank you, Ricardo for all that you do!
Shrimp 1 lb. size 16/20 shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tbsp. orange Juice 1 tbsp. lemon juice 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced salt & pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix well, allow to marinate for 20 minutes. Grill over medium high heat for 1½ to 2 minutes per side. Serve the warm shrimp over the quinoa salad.
RACQUETS
Carol MacLennan DI REC TOR OF TE N N I S
I
n case you missed it, Rafa did it! He was down 2 sets to love and fought back triple break point against Daniil Medvedev in the third set to eventually capture the Australian Open title 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. This gives Nadal a record 21 Grand Slam titles, leaving Federer and Djokovic holding 20. Felicidades Rafa! Can’t wait to see what happens at the French.
We are anxiously awaiting Spring, sunshine, blue skies and warmer weather. Weather permitting, the courts will be reconditioned in mid-April. Junior Tennis registration will be available in the app starting March 1st. After School tennis begins on Tuesday, May 10th and runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 5:30 for six weeks. Registration will also open for Junior Summer Tennis camp which starts the week of June 20th. Check out the Tennis Camp brochure in the app under Racquets for more information.
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
W
e understand and can relate to the desire to get out on the golf course during some warm(ish) winter days. However, while it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, there is actually greater risk of causing turf damage now than during periods of extremely cold weather when the soil profile is completely frozen throughout. In the same way that soil freezes from the top down, so too does it thaw out from the top down. When this occurs, the moisture on the surface can’t infiltrate the frozen soil below, resulting in a mushy top layer, and ice beneath it. As the pliable surface layer shifts under foot (or cart tire) it can shear away the roots from the solid frozen layer. From a golfer’s perspective, you typically won’t see the damage from root shear when it occurs.
This freezing/thawing cycle can also make evaluating course conditions tricky. With temperatures dropping below freezing at night, that upper layer often develops a new crust. The result is that each morning, it may feel as if the course is firm. But once it warms up during the day, and the surface layer thaws, the afternoon conditions will feel extremely soft again. Again, we know everyone’s itching to get out on the course when there’s a beautiful winter day, but it is still February, and we’re playing the long game--we want the course in good shape when Opening Day, 2022 arrives!
Upcoming Events SUN
MON
TUES 1 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
WED THURS 2 Kid’s Club
3
MARCH FRI 4 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
SAT 5 Character Breakfast Live Music: Mike Margarite
12 11 Live Music: Live Music: Oliver Dagum Class A Kings
6 Character Breakfast
7
8 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
9 Kid’s Club
10
13 Leprechaun Breakfast
14
15 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
16 Kid’s Club
17 18 St. Patty’s Day Live Music: Dinner Ann Michal Specials
19 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
20
21
22 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
23 Kid’s Club
24
26 Mother & Daughter Tea
27
28
25 Quiz Night Live Music: Kelli Glover
Live Music: Brat
APRIL SUN
MON
TUES
WED THURS
FRI 1 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
SAT 2 Live Music: Carl Filbert
3
4
5 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
6 Kid’s Club
7
8 9 Live Music: Live Music: Oliver Dagum Dennis Matthews
10 Bunny Brunch
11
12 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
13 Kid’s Club
14
15 Live Music: Class A KIngs
16 Live Music: Kelly LaVigna
17 Easter Brunch
18
19 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
20 Kid’s Club
21
22 Live Music: Michaela McClain
23 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
24
25
26 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
27 Kid’s Club
28
29 Live Music: Joe Parker
30 Live Music: Brat
701 Centerton Road - Mount Laurel, NJ - 08054 - www.laurelcreek.org