CREEK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Hours of Operation
Golf Course
March 11th to March 31st
Michael Hughey
President
Dean Kramer
Vice President
John Venne
Treasurer
Erich Herkloz
Secretary
Scott Duman
Sean Fox
Kiel Gilliland
John Higgins
Thomas Koerner
Greg Markus
Chris Noyes
Tyler Prime
uesday to Friday
8:30 a.m. - Sunset
Saturday & Sunday
8:30 a.m. - Sunset
Pro Shop
Tuesday to Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tennis
Courts are open for play
Dining
Pub & Bistro: Tuesday thru Friday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pool & Oasis
Closed for the season
Joel Inman GENERAL MANAGER
As we prepare for another vibrant spring season at the Club, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates that will enhance your experience here and offer you a way to contribute to the continued growth and success of our community.
Member Referral Program: Bring a Friend, Reap the Benefits!
The continued success of the club falls heavily on our ability to keep a healthy membership roster. We’re looking to welcome individuals who share our love for golf, dining, and leisure. That’s where you come in! We are excited to introduce a Member Referral Program, where you can directly benefit from recommending our Club to your friends, family, and colleagues.
Not only will you help us grow the Club, but you’ll also be helping to shape a dynamic, engaged, and thriving community. If you know someone who would enjoy the Club as much as you do, we encourage you to pass along their information to our Membership Director, Patty Fagan. If you have any questions about the referral program or need assistance, Patty is happy to help.
The Spring Season is Upon Us!
Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes a fresh wave of excitement. We’re gearing up for another fantastic season of golf, tennis, fine dining, and social events. Whether you’re getting back out on the greens or looking forward to our spring social calendar, there’s something for everyone.
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be hosting several special events, so be sure to keep an eye on the event calendar and sign up early. As the weather warms, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with fellow members and enjoy the beauty of the Club.
Staff Training: Committed to Excellence! At the Club, we believe that excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere are key to a truly memorable experience. To that end, we’ve been
hard at work preparing our staff for the season ahead. Our team is undergoing comprehensive training to ensure that every interaction you have with us exceeds your expectations. Our goal is to create an environment where you feel valued, relaxed, and able to enjoy all the Club has to offer. Whether you’re playing a round of golf, dining with friends, or attending an event, you’ll notice the dedication and professionalism of our team, who are ready to serve you with a smile.
On a more serious note, I wanted to inform all of you that Carol MacLennan has decided to step away from her position as our Director of Racquets. Carol has been with us for over 15 years and has done an amazing job with our programming at the courts. Her tireless dedication to Laurel Creek has made us what we are today. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation, not only for the work she has done but also for the friendship we share. While she is stepping away from her role, she will continue to be a team member, providing lessons and support to the program. We have been lucky enough to find her replacement already. His name is Daniel Batchelor, and he came to us from Germantown Cricket Club most recently. We anticipate Daniel will start sometime in March, so keep an eye out for a more detailed bio from him. Please help me welcome him to our incredible club.
Looking Ahead
I am excited about what lies ahead and am grateful for your continued support and involvement in making the Club such a special place. As the season progresses, we will continue to look for ways to enhance your experience and provide opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.
Thank you for being a part of our community. I can’t wait to see you around the Club and look forward to a fantastic spring season together.
Patty Fagan
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Spring is in the Air – and so is the Excitement at Laurel Creek!
March has arrived, and with it, we are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response to our new membership initiatives! The momentum is building, and we couldn’t be happier with the way our community has embraced these opportunities.
Spring Trial Membership – Off to an Amazing Start!
The Spring Trial Membership has launched with great success, and we are excited to welcome 22 new applicants so far! Even better, seven of these applications came through our Referral Program – a testament to how much our members love sharing the Laurel Creek experience with their friends and family. If you know someone who would love to explore everything our club has to offer, there’s still time to encourage them to apply! The trial runs through June 15th and is a fantastic way to experience our amenities risk-free.
Referral
Program – Keep the Momentum Going!
A huge thank you to those who have already participated in our Referral Program! Your efforts in bringing new families to Laurel Creek help strengthen our community and ensure our continued growth. Remember, for each successful referral, you’ll receive a $1,000 credit to your membership account. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of this opportunity, there’s no better time than now!
The Warm Weather is on Its Way! Before we know it, the chill of winter will be behind us, and we’ll be enjoying long, sunny days at the club. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about all the exciting activities that come with warmer weather – from golf and tennis to poolside relaxation and outdoor dining. By getting involved now, our trial members will be ready to make the most of everything Laurel Creek has to offer as the season changes.
Let’s Keep Growing!
If you have friends, family, or colleagues who would love to be a part of our wonderful community, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m here to provide details, answer questions, and help guide you through the process of referring new members. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support. We are looking forward to an incredible spring season at Laurel Creek, and we can’t wait to see you at the club!
NEW MEMBERS
Esther and Daniel Baik Maria & Chad Yagodich Salvatore Aquia & Eliane Griffin
The Boivert Family
The Dunleavy Family
The Hjelm Family
The Kennedy FamilyThe Kolomeyer Family
The Zaki Family
The Liggio Family
The Vega Family
Bob Hennefer
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Exciting Tournament Season Awaits You!
Spring is almost here, and with that are longer days and the greens will soon be uncovered, we are thrilled to kick off another incredible golf season at Laurel Creek! Our 2025 Tournament Calendar is packed with a fantastic variety of events for men, women, juniors, and mixed groups, ensuring that every member has an opportunity to enjoy competitive and social play. Whether you’re looking to test your skills in the club championship or enjoy a relaxed round with friends, our event lineup has something for everyone. Starting with our Men’s and Ladies’ Opening Days to Member Guests and Invitationals; this season promises plenty of chances to showcase your game, make lasting memories, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow golfers.
You’ll see some additional, NEW events this season including Family Golf Nights, a Mixed Member Guest, and monthly Mixed Nine and Dines.
You can find the full list of tournaments on the Laurel Creek App under Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Events, and registration is conveniently available through Golf Genius. Be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
Staffing Update
All of our PGA Professional staff members are returning this year, and I would like to especially highlight Glen Gardner. Glen has been with Laurel Creek for over 20 years and this year at our annual employee party, Glen was awarded our Palmer Award, which is our Golf Department’s Employee of the Year! Please help me in congratulating Glen, the next time you see him.
April 1st – Handicap Posting Season begins!
Beginning April 1st, you must post your score after every round. Maintaining a Handicap Index enables you a wide range of competitive golf opportunities. Whether it’s to verify your entry into a local, state, or national championship, a club member guest, Monday outings or used in casual matches with friends maintaining a handicap is crucial to being able to participate in competitive events. At Laurel Creek you must post your score on the day you play after every round. Need a handicap? See a member of our team to get you set up!
LCWGA
It's been a long, cold winter but warm spring days and rounds of golf on our beautiful course are right around the corner. League play at LC on Wednesdays as well tournaments such as WGAP, 9 Hole Match Play and Invitationals, and Trenton District Golf Association have been planned for the upcoming season but in order to participate you must be a member of the Laurel Creek Womens' Golf Association (LCWGA). An invitation to join and application form was emailed to all on February 21st. The form and dues should be sent to Christine Blessing (blessinggolfs@gmail.com) by March 17th in order to be included in our Tournament Booklet (info where to send/pay is on the application). Need further information? Contact one of our Membership Chairs: Dana Phipps @ danaphipps@ gmail.com; Susan Studley @ susan.c.studley@gmail.com; or Lynne Demmerly @ lldemmerly@aol.com .
While there were few days to golf during the winter months The LCWGA did remain busy with fun activities such as Book Club, a bowling outing and a casino night at Mary Heselton's house. There is much excitement about the upcoming season that kicks off with a cocktail party on Tuesday April 8th at 6:00 pm and then Opening Day on Wednesday April 9th that will be a combined 9 and 18 Holer Event followed by lunch and a general meeting. Remember to sign up on the LC app in order to join in the festivities. Hope to see you there!
Mark your calendars for the following events:
Secretary’s and President's Cup - April 23 (First Round begins)
Member-Member - June 4 & June 11 (LCWGA members)
Club Championship - July 9 & July 16
Senior Club Championship - September 6 & September 7
Solheim Cup - September 17
Member-Guest - September 24
Moorestown Cup - October 14
Closing Day - October 22
Finally, looking to improve your game? Enroll in one of the following:
Spring Thursday Series
April 3 10 to 11:30 Range: Swing Analysis/Introduction
April 10 10 to 11:30 Range: The Full Swing with Irons
April 17 10 to 11:30 Range: The Full Swing with Driver
April 24 10 to 11:30 Putting Green: Putting and chipping
May 1 10 to 11:30 Golf Course: Strategy
Spring Sunday Series
April 6 10 to 11:30 Range: Swing Analysis/Introduction
April 13 10 to 11:30 Range: The Full Swing with Irons
April 27 10 to 11:30 Range: The Full Swing with Driver
May 4 10 to 11:30 Putting Green: Putting and chipping
Price: $40.00 per session; sign up via Golf Genius
Contact: David Quinn at DQuinn@laurelcreek.org See you on
Ryan Reeves
DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE
As we edge closer to un-tarping the greens and getting back out on the course, I can’t help but think about how we can elevate the experience for everyone this season! We aim to stock the essentials in the halfway house and Palmer, but I would love to hear your thoughts on any additional food and beverage offerings you’d like to see out on the course.
We're excited to kick off a coffee program in Palmer this year, featuring a delightful assortment of hot beverages, spiked coffee cocktails, and refreshing cold brews to keep you energized throughout your game. Last season, we also introduced some delicious ice cream options in Palmer, similar to the treats available at the Creek Creamery—perfect for those hot summer days!
We have some fantastic events coming up this month that I hope everyone marks on their calendars. On March 16th, we have our Leprechaun Brunch, which is a wonderful way to indulge in your favorite breakfast items during this festive time. We will have a hot and cold buffet in the pub and bistro from 9 AM to 11 AM, so be sure to make your reservation through the dining app.
Additionally, we have more dining events in Blu this month. Our monthly themed pop-up will feature a French culinary experience: 'Dinner in Paris' on March 27th. You can email me for reservations. We also have another brunch in Blu on the 30th, with reservations available via email or phone call to me or John Geller.
Not only does March Madness start in a couple of weeks, but we also have our first wine show of the year on Thursday, March 20th. This is a great event where you can meet lots of vendors and place your orders to fill your wine locker or supplement your home selection. Regarding wine, we will also host our first complimentary tasting for the Wine Society on March 25th, where attendees will receive some Wine Society swag for this inaugural event.
With our newly renovated outdoor dining and patio sets, we are really looking forward to a great season and to our members enjoying our wonderful amenities!"
TONY SCERATI FOOD RUNNER & BUSSER
Thank you, Tony for all that you do!
Pete Rosenblatt
EXECUTIVE CHEF
SHEPHERDS PIE (6 SERVINGS)
FILLING:
1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp chopped thyme
1 tsp chopped rosemary
2 tsp chopped parsley
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ cup fresh or frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
MASHED POTATOES:
1 pound Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
¼ cup half and half
2oz butter
1 egg yolk
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place potatoes in a medium sauce pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer over high heat and cook for approximately 20 minutes until tender. Drain the potatoes and return to the sauce pot, add half and half, butter, salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the egg yolk until combined. Keep warm.
Heat vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the pan and sauté for 4 to five minutes. Add the ground meat, season with salt and pepper and cook until browned for approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Add in tomato paste and sprinkle with flour, cook for another minute. Add the chicken broth and herbs and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in the peas.
Transfer the mixture into a medium size baking dish. Top with the potatoes and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes begin to brown. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Daniel Batchelor
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
It’s an honor to step into the role of Director of Racquets and join your community. It is also a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Carol Maclennan, whose leadership and dedication have built a strong foundation for racquet sports here. I look forward to continuing her legacy and building on her great work with some innovative programming.
Originally from the UK, my passion for racquets began with family. My mother taught me the game and I would build a grass court with my Grandfather in his backyard.
Coming to the United States to play college tennis, I have been teaching racquet sports in the country fulltime for the past 15 years. My last role as the Director of Racquets at Germantown Cricket Club brought me to Philadelphia. Before that I was at St. Louis Country Club as their Head Racquets Professional, a top 100 Platinum Country Club of America, teaching Tennis, Paddle and Pickleball. At the same time I co-founded St. Louis City Tennis, a nonprofit to help bring tennis to underserved youth in the City of St. Louis. Prior to that I directed a High Performance Academy coaching Nationally ranked juniors and worked with a Wheelchair Sports foundation coaching wheelchair athletes.
Throughout these different worlds, I have found building a community is what I love most about coaching racquet sports and as your Director of Racquets, this will be my ultimate goal.
Away from the court you’ll find me in nature (preferably on a body of water) with Abby, my better half, and our new puppy, Disco, or enjoying food, music and watching my team (Manchester United) play that other kind of football! But, having lived here for two years now… how ‘bout them Eagles!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m so excited to be on the courts with you all soon.
John Slade
DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS
It’s been a few years since we have had a memorable winter, but 2025 sure started off with some bone-chilling temperatures. Keep in mind that January is already the coldest month, and this year we averaged almost four degrees below normal for the entire month.
As you can see, we only had 11 out of 31 days that were above average, and 20 that were below average. However, despite the cold and some snow, we were actually well below normal in precipitation, with only 1/2” for the month.
You know it’s cold when the local residents start showing up at the front door, looking for handouts:
While these conditions will likely have little longterm impact on the golf course, there are a number of projects we need to get working on. Hopefully February will allow us to get caught up, and perhaps provide a few good days of golf!
Upcoming Events MARCH
