Clubhouse News

A NOTE FROM YOUR SEDGEFIELD SUPERINTENDENT

I don’t think I have ever been so excited for a new year to start and we can all hopefully put 2020 behind us and look forward to a brighter future! Everything was not all doom and gloom in 2020 for our agronomic department. We were able to make quite a few improvements to your club last year. We continued to assess some drainage issues throughout the course and installed quite a few new french drain systems and catch basins that really made a difference. This really helped #5 fairway on the right side in the landing zone and also #14 fairway. We went through and resurfaced all our walk bridges throughout the course making them much safer and stable to walk on and also resurfaced the cart bridge on #17 that had several rotten boards. The new native areas on holes #1,#2, #3, #6, #8 we added have matured and started to look better. These areas will look much better as we get into early summer, as these plants will be mature enough to produce the tall seed stalk that makes our native areas look beautiful and rustic. Next, we purchased some land behind the #14 tee and cleared it out to install a new tee box on the new lot, and it turned out great. The new tee box allows for the hole to now play between 505-530 yards long. It was great to see the PGA Tour players this year hitting long irons and even hybrids into the green instead of the usual 9 or 8 iron. I saved the best for last which is the addition of our new short game facility that was funded by Mark Brazil and the folks at Wyndham. This project had lots of hurdles we had to jump over to get it completed in such a short time frame but it all came together and we were able to open the new facility for the week of the Wyndham Championship. The transformation of that area has been completely amazing and has gotten reviews from the Tour players and also from our membership. It’s great to ride by in the afternoons and see people there working on their different shots to help improve their short game.

As we move into 2021 we plan on installing some additional drainage on the right side of #5 in the rough where there are 2 different natural springs that have newly surfaced this year causing some issues that we hope to resolve. There are some other small wet spots that we will address as well throughout the course this winter. We also plan on starting a project this winter to limb up some of our trees around the course that has unsightly sucker growth or low hanging limbs on them. This will not only help the health of the trees but also help with the turf growth. There are a couple of bunkers that we are going to address as they have become contaminated with stones and the bunker on #8 that drainage has been compromised and is not functioning properly. It will take several days to complete each bunker from start to finish, so please play these as Ground Under Repair until we are completed with our work. Lastly, we hope to start raising the sprinkler heads around the greens and making them level with the turf again. We did this 5 years ago but with the aggressive topdressing program we are on with the greens, these areas have risen to the point where we need to perform this task again.

All in all 2020 was a successful year for us agronomically and we are excited to enter 2021 and continuing to make improvements to your golf course.

Chad Cromer

A NOTE FROM YOUR CARDINAL SUPERINTENDENT

As we are now in the heart of winter, I am sure most of you are ready to see some warmer weather, no frost delays, and green grass. Spring is coming, but we still have a few months of winter golf ahead which means we ask you to please remain mindful of a few key things. Please obey the cart rules daily and follow all traffic control signs and stakes on the golf course. All carts should be on the cart path around the tees and greens. This is one of the most important things that you can do to help minimize damage and prevent winter kill. Also, please be patient with us and the pro shop staff on any delays to your starting time. Frost delays are a part of winter golf in North Carolina and are only done to protect the greens from any damage.

Hopefully, you have been able to come out and see the headway the agronomy team has been making on tree removals around the course. While we are mostly focused on removing the dead trees on the course we are also trying to clear some areas around greens to help with sunlight and airflow. This is being done not only to improve the growing environment in the summer months but also to help melt frost in the winter. There is lots of tree work to be done here at The Cardinal, and it is more than we can do in one winter. We have prioritized this work and we are starting with the areas we feel are most important. Once we get closer to spring we will be working on several drainage projects around the course. The reason for waiting is because these areas will need to be sodded, and waiting until we are closer to warmer weather is best for the sod.

I hope that you are able to find some warm days to come out and enjoy playing some golf.

Happy New Year and I will see you course. The next Greens Aerification March 1st and 2nd.

Ross Jernigan

A NOTE FROM YOUR HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

What a year it has been! More rounds of golf were played this year than any year since 1997. Tournament participation also hit an all-time high! Suffice it to say…more people played more golf than they have in the last 20+ years.

So…what now? It’s time to get ready for 2021. As I have mentioned in almost every January and February newsletter article, it’s now that we develop a structured plan on what we are trying to accomplish. While many of us talk about losing weight, getting organized, or working on our golf games, it’s time to get serious. So where do we start? First things first, you need PROFESSIONAL instruction. Not from your friends or some guy at the range (Sorry Wayne!). If I’m getting sued I want the best attorney to represent me but I’m not going to take swing advice from him (Sorry Drew!). If you truly want to get MORE enjoyment out of the game, make an appointment with Eric, Josh, Craig, Chris, Logan, Jeremy, or myself to assess your strengths and weaknesses and then begin formulating a plan to have the best year of golf you have ever had.

Thank you for supporting both Sedgefield and The Cardinal in 2020. While it was a strange year, it was a great year of golf! 2021 is going to be our best year yet!

Best, Rocky Brooks, PGA Sedgefield Country Club's Director of Golf, Rocky Brooks, was named the Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year. We are extremely fortunate to have him as a part of the Sedgefield Team. Rocky has been with Sedgefield for 18 years where has spent the last years molding Sedgefield Golf into what it is today. He has been a member of the Carolinas Golf Professional Association for nearly 30 years. "He has dedicated himself as a professional through service on the Section Board for 10 of the last 14 years, development of community outreach programs such as The First Tee of the Triad, and maintained close collaboration with the PGA TOUR in hosting the Wyndham Championship. He strives to inspire his fellow professionals in his service as a CPGA Board Member. Rocky hopes every young professional he has come in contact with has gained some knowledge from him as well as some respect for the association they represent. Brooks’ inspiration to other clubs does not go unnoticed either. The high standard he demands daily at Sedgefield and his commitment to providing a great club experience serves as a benchmark

other properties that make up McConnell Golf. " *Excerpt: Sally Morgan, PGA – Director of Marketing – Carolinas PGA *Picture Credit: Wyndham Championship for

A NOTE FROM YOUR HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Are you ready to swing? With the upcoming golf season just around the corner, it would be a good time to get yourself ready. Our season opener will be April, 3. Here are a few key questions to be ready when the weather breaks and golf is again in full swing:

1. Are my grips worn out? If the grips on your clubs have been on for more than 1 year, it is time to change them. New grips can make all the difference in the world. Remember, the grip is the only piece of the club you are actually touching during the swing. Grips that are slick could cause your grip pressure to increase. Grips that are too small or too large cause your hands to work inefficiently during the swing. A good rule of thumb is, when you think it is time to regrip your clubs, it’s already too late. Plus new grips just make your old clubs feel like new again!

2. Do I have the correct wedges? In my opinion, a player’s short game is more important than their long game. Think about how your score adds up after each hole. As you get closer to the hole your number of strokes tends to increase. Ask yourself 3 simple questions: a. Are the lofts on my wedges appropriate for my game? b. Do I have the correct bounce for my style of play? Do I play bunkers with fluffy sand or is it hard and compacted? Tight lies around the green or plenty of grass? c. Has my wedge or wedges been in my bag for more than 100 rounds? Why does my ball seem to always run out when it hits the green? Grooves do wear out!

3. Have the lie angles checked on your clubs. Over time lie angles do change. Just a slight adjustment in lie angle can make the ball move more left or right in the air. An easy way to check this is by “painting” the sole of your club with a sharpie. Hit a few balls off a lie board and notice where the “paint” has been removed from the sole. If it is closer to the tie, clubs need to be more upright or closer to the heel, flatter. Relatively close to the center of the sole, leave it as is.

4. How are my shoes? Whether you prefer shoes with spikes or without, take a look at the sole. Do they still provide the same grip to the ground as they did back when I bought them? I’ll use the same analogy I used with the grip, your shoes are the only piece touching the ground. You need a pair that will provide you with a solid base and great traction. You should also have more than 1 pair of shoes, and rotate wearing them. One pair with spikes for wet conditions and another pair, without spikes, for drier conditions. Having two pairs will ensure you have a dry pair ready for your next round. It is never a good thing to put on shoes still wet from the day before. These are just a few of my recommendations to get you ready for the upcoming golf season. Hopefully, Santa had enough foresight to have already helped you with a couple of these.

If we missed anything, please do not hesitate to ask a member of the golf professional team at Sedgefield or The Cardinal for help. Each facility has educated staff and the proper equipment to get you ready.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you around the club!

CARDINAL INVITATIONAL SHOOTOUT

Flight Winners: 1st-Tod Dauler and Park Williams 2nd-Chris Baugh and Michael Swoope 3rd-Wickie Carroll and Troy Neas 4th-George Wyatt and Tyler Cassidy Wild Card-Vince Credle and Coray Mitchell

Cardinal Invitational Overall Champions Wickie Carroll and Troy Neas

Stan Bartlett (right) and Rodie Marovich(left) enjoying the day at the Cardinal Invitational Shootout

A NOTE FROM YOUR DIRECTOR OF FITNESS

With the New Year before us, this is the perfect time to set our sights on new beginnings. Whether you are an avid, active exerciser or maybe you were active before the coronavirus shutdown and just need a little “nudge” , or maybe you have never participated in any type of exercise program, we have just what you need at the fitness center. We offer group fitness classes, personal training with certified trainers, and offer orientations to help acclimate you to the equipment and the fitness center.

How do you get started? Just contact the fitness center to schedule an appointment for an orientation or consult with a personal trainer. I look forward to seeing you at the fitness center.

I wish you Happy and Healthy 2021!

Sherri Tallant

Welcome to 2021 – finally!! Let’s kick off this year with a wellness challenge we can all do! Starting January 1st we will be posting on the McConnell Fitness Facebook page a daily challenge that you and your family can partake in! This could be anything from drinking 8 glasses of water a day to how many push-ups you can do. We will have options to like a post, comment, or answer a poll question and we are going to keep track of the responses. If you comment, post, or like the posts the most we will be entering you in a drawing from your home club for a chance to get some free personal training sessions! Now is the time to kick of 2021 on a good note and start living that healthier lifestyle! Join the fun and keep an eye out daily for these wellness challenges!

FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES

OUTDOOR GROUP FITNESS CLASSES Monday - Friday on the pool patio weather permitting. Reservations are required and space is limited to maintain proper social distancing. Watch for the weekly email with class listings and times. To reserve your spot go online or contact Sherri Tallant at fitness@sedgefieldcc.com.

PERSONAL TRAINING BY APPOINTMENT Contact the fitness center by email fitness@sedgefieldcc.com or by calling Sherri Tallant (336) 880-8151 or Will Beasley (919) 922- 4129

Maddie Hamuka was the first female finsher with a time of 24:01

WEEKLY GROUP CLINICS

Join us for the following weekly sessions.

Outdoor Clinics(Saturday's):

Cardio tennis: 11:00am-12:00pm Pickleball: 12:00pm-1:00pm 10U: 1:00pm-2:00pm 12U: 2:00pm-3:00pm (Due to weather, times are subject to change)

Indoor Clinics:

D3 Mondays: 10:30am-12:00pm D4 Thursdays: 9:00am-10:30am /10:30am-12:00pm 10u Wednesdays: 4:00pm-5:00pm 13u Wednesdays: 5:00pm-6:00pm

If you would like to sign up please contact phoover@sedgefieldcc.com.

Congrats to Ian Jones for being accepted to Campbell University where he plans to study Criminology

A NOTE FROM YOUR TENNIS DIRECTOR

My Pickle-Ball Experience

If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be competing in a Pickle-ball tournament I would have laughed in your face. But now, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It is a friendly game for everyone, whether you have a sports background or not. It is a game where an 18-year-old can play with a 65-year-old and still have fun. Once you play, you will be hooked!

It was a cool fall day at Pinehurst where I and my high school doubles partner entered into our very first Pickle-Ball tournament. As former college athletes, we had overly optimistic expectations of how great we would be. Over-confident, we signed up for the best division where there were nationally ranked caliber teams. At first, we had trouble figuring out how high the ball would bounce since it was less bouncy than a tennis ball or ping pong ball. We found our stride in the later rounds and put together a couple of wins. Women beat us, 65-year-old men beat us, and little kids beat us. When I say anybody can play this sport I mean it! Even though my partner and I didn’t even get close to winning it was a great experience. We learned a lot and made friends. We are already looking for the next tournament to enter.

If you want to try out your Pickle-ball skills be sure to attend one of our clinics. The Pickle-ball journey has just begun for me and will start shortly for all Sedgefield members!

For the months of January and February, if you buy four lessons you will get a fifth lesson for FREE! Contact me today to sign up!

Pierce Hoover

Tennis Director Pierce Hoover and Robert Jenkins playing in the Pinehurst Gobbler Pickleball Tournament

JANUARY:

COCOA-MOLASSES DROP COOKIES By Bruce McIntosh, Chef at the Country Club of Asheville

FEBRUARY:

CHOCOLATE DIPPED COCONUT MACAROON COOKIES By John Crawford, Chef at Providence Country Club

From 1985-2015, H. Robert Sharbaugh was a member of the Country Club of Asheville and had served time as a member of the board for a number of years. He was very well-known and admired by club members and staff alike. He meant a great deal to me, especially during my earlier years at the club. One memory of him that stands out to me, in particular, was the year that, this self-proclaimed chocoholic, gifted me a very old, yet pristine Hershey’s cookbook from 1934 that had been revised and reprinted in 1971. I think of him fondly every time I open the binding to see his name on the inside cover. Thank you for your service to our country and the many laughs throughout the years. This one is for you Mr. Sharbaugh!

Yield: Approximately 2-3 Dozen Cookies

Ingredients:

1/3 Cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar 1/3 Cup Molasses 1 Egg 1 cup All-Purpose Flour, sifted 1 TSP Baking Powder 3 TBSP Hershey’s Cocoa Powder or whatever you have on hand 1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar; add molasses and the egg. Sift together all dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients. Fold in the nuts and scoop mixture into 1-inch rounds onto a greased and lined sheet pan. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. This has been one of my favorite cookie recipes for as long as I can remember. As a kid, my grandmother would make these for us when we would come and visit. While all of the others would devour the chocolate chip cookies, I had these all to myself. If you like coconut and chocolate, this recipe is for you! With the toasted outside, creamy inside, and smooth chocolate to tie it all together, it cannot get much better.

Ingredients:

16oz. Sweetened Flaked Coconut 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 TSP Vanilla Extract Pinch of Salt 6oz. Semisweet Chocolate Chips 2 Large Egg Whites

Directions:

Start by mixing the coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt thoroughly in a mixing bowl. Next, separate the egg whites from the yolk and beat the egg whites until they form a stiff peak. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Using a small scoop, scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan spacing each about two inches apart. Place the macaroons in a 325°F preheated oven for 25 minutes, rotating as needed to prevent burning. While macaroons are baking in the oven, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently. When cookies have cooled completely, dip the bottoms in the melted chocolate and place them on a clean sheet of parchment paper. Enjoy!

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Greensboro, NC Permit No. 819

RECURRING EVENTS

Blue - SCC Golf Red - Cardinal Golf Green - Tennis Purple - Fitness Black - Dining White - Activities Teal - Pool/Swim

Monday

Fitness Class | 7:00am

Tuesday

Spin Class | 7:00am

Wednesday

Fitness Class | 7:00am

Thursday

Spin Class | 7:00am

Friday

Fitness Class | 7:00am

Kids Club | 6:00pm

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

JANUARY

Wednesday, January 20

| Grape Nuts Wine Dinner Saturday, January 23 | Family Bingo Night

Sunday, January 31 | Polar Plunge

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 6 | Family Movie Night Sunday, February 7 | Super Bowl Saturday, February 13 | Valentine's Dinner Wednesday, February 17 | Grape Nuts Wine Indulgence Dinner Saturday, February 27 | SCC Culinary Cook-Off Saturday, February 27 | Family Art Night