May 2012
Congratulations Men’s Member-Guest and Ladies’ Member-Guest Winners
men’s MEMBER-GUEST Overall Champions Craig Suarez & Buzz Tarver
LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST Overall GROSS Champions Sisi Hedges & Debbie MookSang LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST Overall Net Champions Joan Beasley & Gloria Hardesty
w w w. b l a c k d i a m o n d r a n c h . c o m
Happenings Club Staff Doug Egly General Manager degly@blackdiamondranch.com 746.3440
Dianne Dunnigan ddunnigan@blackdiamondranch.com 746.3440
Peggy Gleason Accounting pgleason@blackdiamondranch.com 746.0254
Zach Klemm Executive Chef zklemm@blackdiamondranch.com 746.3449
Mary Napolitano Fitness Center mnapolitano@blackdiamondranch.com 746.3385
Bryan Richard Director of Golf brichard@blackdiamondranch.com 746-3446
Kerry ROSSELET Membership Director krosselet@blackdiamondranch.com 453-5473
A Message from Doug Egly, General Manager
Dear Member: Summer has clearly made an early arrival to Black Diamond. As I mentioned in my last column, we are suffering through drought-like conditions and have been put on water restrictions that are adversely impacting the golf courses. The turf quality is good and playable, but the lack of water is impacting the speed at which we transition out of the over-seeded winter grass back to Bermuda. Fortunately, with some good rain, the brown spots will disappear and the Bermuda will thrive. Each week, more and more members are heading north to their summer homes. This gives our hard-working staff a brief reprieve from the numerous member events that they do such a great job coordinating and hosting. However, the rest is short lived as we have an active summer schedule for our yearround members and for those who come back during the summer. Please see the calendar for a complete list of summer events.
I am very happy to share the feedback we have received about our new chef, Zach Klemm. His new menu items and presentation have been very well received. Also, we have made a concerted effort to train our staff to make your dining experience fun, enjoyable and consistent. If you have not joined us for dinner recently, please make a reservation and enjoy a terrific meal. This summer, we are again offering reciprocal play at a number of courses. If you have any interest in playing another great Florida course, please let me know and I will make arrangements. Likewise, we have heard from a number of PGA pros from across the state who will be bringing some of their members to experience Black Diamond. Please welcome them to our special club when you see them. As always, my door is always open. If you have any questions or would like to stop by and say hello, please do.
Merideth Rossetti Food & Beverage Director mrossetti@blackdiamondranch.com 746.3440
JENNIFER STAUFF POA Manager jennifer.ncpm@wildblue.net 465.6933
Patrick Leahy John Jacobs Golf School Director of Instruction pleahy@jacobsgolf.com 352.233.9199
2012 BLACK DIAMOND GOLF SCHEDULE May 28 Memorial Day Golf Tournament
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Happenings
Message from the Director of Golf
Bryan Richard With this being the first of many Happenings articles that I plan on writing, I would like to say how honored I am to be your Director of Golf at Black Diamond Ranch. Black Diamond has a great historic reputation of being one of the very best facilities / golf courses that this state and country has to offer. My wife Nicole and our three children, Emma (5), Ethan (3), and Ella (9 Months), are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to a long and happy career at Black Diamond. We have had a wonderful tournament schedule here for the past month, our last Member-Guest Tournament for 2012 has come to an end and we had a finish that will be talked about for years. A special congratulations goes out to Joan Beasley and Gloria Hardesty on winning our net tournament and also Debbie MookSang and Sisi Hedges for winning the gross event. Joan and Gloria beat out two other teams in a fivehole playoff to be crowned Champions of 2012. Thank you to all who participated in this great event and a very special round of applause goes out to Gail Richter and her golf committee for arranging a beautiful event. We continue with tournaments for this upcoming summer with our Memorial Day Mixed Event that will take place on Sunday May 27th with a 9:00 Shotgun start. Get your teams together and look for a sign-up sheet to be posted on the bulletin board. This year Black Diamond has been lucky enough to be chosen to host a number of FSGA/ USGA Tournaments. On June 4th we will be the home of the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier which is held at only 13 clubs throughout the country. The event is a 36-hole qualifier where up to 50 players have a chance for three positions that will include them in this year’s U.S. Open Tournament. We welcome all members to come out and watch this event and some volunteer opportunities will also be available. Look for more information through Member News. Please remember that my door is always open for any of your membership needs and that the entire Golf Shop staff is committed to once again getting Black Diamond where it belongs as a Top 100 Course in America.
Our summer course maintenance schedule star ts on May 29th and continues as follows:
Ranch closed May 29th - Jun 8th Quarry closed Jun 13th - Jun 22nd Ranch closed Jul 9th - Jul 20th Quarry closed July 23rd - Aug 3rd Ranch closed Aug 20th - Aug 31st Quarry Closed Sept 4th - Sept 14th Highlands and Diamond Dunes Closed Jun 25th - Jul 6th Aug 6th - Aug 17th Sept 17th - 27th page 3
Happenings
Three Steps to Improving Your Game By Patrick Leahy, PGA Teaching Professional
What does a Broadway play, playing a musical instrument, and the game of golf have in common? The answer – they all involve a period of time where the participant had to spend time understanding the concept, acquiring the proper technique, followed by a place and time to perform the acquired skill. For instance, if you’ve ever been to an on-stage performance of any kind such as a dance recital, church play or even a Broadway play, you would never think that the performers were doing this for the very first time. They have probably been practicing for quite some time and actually before they started practicing someone was responsible for giving them the conceptual understanding of what they were trying to accomplish. They most likely had several dress rehearsals to make sure there were no surprises on opening night in front of a live audience. How about when you learned to play a musical instrument, were you actually able to play that instrument the moment you picked it up for the first time? If you were like me, you were probably wondering how to hold it correctly let alone make sounds. I’m personally still trying to figure out how to hold the piano correctly! As for golf, do you ever find yourself wondering why you can hit the ball so well on the driving range, during a practice session or lesson, and then far worse on the course the next time you play? Perhaps the answer lies in your preparation towards performing. Playing golf well requires an understanding of the three stages of learning: the conceptual stage, the acquisition stage and the transfer stage. A misunderstanding or lack of development in any of these stages can certainly lead to your under-performance on the course. During the conceptual stage you want to establish in your mind a clear, uncluttered idea of what you are going to try and accomplish. If you’re like most of us your mind is cluttered and confused by what we hear, see and read from numerous sources of information such as magazines, television, videos and helpful playing partners. You might have heard such things as, your left arm needs to be straight, keep your head down with your eye on the ball, knees flexed, ball in the middle of your stance, hands forward, chin up, etc. If you are wondering what all this means then you are confused right from the start and if you’re unclear
about the concept, this is the time and place where a good instructor can help to clarify and set your mind at ease. In the acquisition stage you are attempting to improve and engrain the correctly perceived skill through focused repetitions of an appropriate practice drill assigned by your instructor. You have to put in the repetitions on the practice range or green to acquire and improve the particular skill that your instructor has outlined. You should be focused entirely on the purpose of why you are on the range in the first place. If your instructor wants you to learn how to make your ball hook to the target by rolling the toe of the club over the ball, then your practice should be focused on just that, rolling the toe of the club over the ball and making the ball hook to the target. You might even find yourself over-hooking the ball, which is fine since it demonstrates a change from your previous condition. During the transfer stage, you will begin to use your newly developed skills while on the course. In order to feel better about your swing you want to make sure you play with the new ball flight, in this case a hook or draw. Using the newly acquired skill will give you more practice with the skill under actual playing situations which will only lead to more confidence and further success. A good idea might be to go out late in the day when you might be able to play by yourself or with your spouse. Call it a dress rehearsal where the stress of actual play will be minimized and provide you with opportunities to increase your successes and confidence. So remember, you must first understand the concept of what you’re attempting to improve, put in the time to develop the skill and utilize the newly developed skill in actual playing conditions before you should ever expect to be able to perform better on the course than the range or practice area. I hope you find this information helpful and if you need additional help with your golf game, give us a call at the John Jacobs Golf School 325-233-9199.
Until next time, great golfing everyone! page 4
Handicap Committee
Black Diamond Golf & Country Club
Each golf club utilizing the USGA Handicap System must have a Handicap Committee to ensure the integrity of each member’s Handicap Index – which includes the accurate prompt posting of acceptable scores for all rounds played, both 9-hole and 18-hole, both home and away. Your Black Diamond Handicap Committee recently fulfilled one of its duties. We looked at the active members (according to GHIN). We then calculated the ratio of men to women in that total. That ratio enabled us to ensure we randomly selected that percentage of men and women from the overall list of active members. We selected 38 members (22 men and 16 women) by means of a blind draw from each group. The Golf Shop produced reports for us of each day’s rounds played (from the actual starter sheets) and the Scores Recorded (from GHIN). We ensured that there was at least a one day delay for score entry to allow time for the member to enter their score. This process was done for a three week period in February, 2012. Data entry was done into an Excel spreadsheet built by one of the committee members to ensure measurement system error was minimized (it always exists). Of the total rounds played, 55.4% entered scores. Not as high as expected but a significant improvement over prior years’ surveys.
Black Diamond members can be satisfied with our fellow members’ compliance in posting scores for rounds played. Generally, our fellow competitors’ handicaps are a passable - but not exact - measure of potential ability. However, we cannot be content; we have work to do. For the good of the game, and fairness of all competitions, enter all your scores, and encourage your playing companions to enter all their scores. From time to time, your Handicap Committee reviews score entry and results of competitions, to ensure the integrity of the USGA Handicap System at Black Diamond. We welcome opportunities to explain the Handicap System, and we welcome suggestions to make the game of golf enjoyable for all Black Diamond members. Pam Vlcko, Chairman Skip Johnson and Linda Youell, Members Bryan Richard, Staff Advisor
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LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST
2012
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Ladies’ Day Events May 2012
A Note from.... Marie-Anne Salvio, President
April was an exciting month for the BDLGA. The Rally for the Cure and the Ladies’ Member-Guest were both wildly successful. The Rally for the Cure, chaired by Susan Nani, included 144 players and raised over $15,000 for breast cancer and prostate research and treatment. Golf’n Gals, the Ladies’ Member-Guest was chaired by Gail Richter and co-chaired by Lisa Campbell. Forty eight members along with their guests experienced 3 days of fun, excitement, and great food. They are all likely putting up a storm with their new personal putters fitted by Bobby Grace and the putting clinic conducted by Patrick Leahy. A sincere thanks to all of the women who worked so hard to make these tournaments such a great success. This is another tribute to the strength and cohesiveness of the BDLGA.
May 1, 2012
“Individual Net Game” Stableford
May 8, 2012
“Fabulous Fours” Abcd Net Team Game 2Bb On Par 4’S Only
May 15, 2012 “Choose Your Own Partner” TBA
May 22, 2012
“Crier’s Event” Throw Out 2 Worst Holes 1 On Front Nine & 1 On Back Nine
May 29, 2012
“Nassau” Aabb & Ccdd Flighted Overall - Front & Back Can Only Win One Gross & Net For Each Two Flights
Board Luncheon at President Marie-Anne Salvio’s Home
Memorial Tournament for the Joyce Burns Cup
Joyce Burns Cup Winners Louise Lowy Helen Myung Park page 7
Rally for the Cure April 10-2012
Doug and Susan Nanni auctioning dinner in your home prepared by Chef Zach.
- Winners Michael Zatzman and Dudley Smith
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Happenings
Skills Contest
Hours of Operation Driving Range Monday – Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Golf Shop Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ForeTees Internet: 24-Hour Access Tennis Courts Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Clinics: Wednesday: 10:00 am Saturday: 3:30 pm Pool Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Pool temperature maintained at 84° Fitness Center Open 24/7 with use of Access Code Horizons Breakfast: Sunday: 8:30 am – 11:00 am Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Dinner: See May Calendar - Page 12 Take-Out Window: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Men’s Lounge Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnight Saturday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Reading & Discussion Group
Little Tree was raised in the Cherokee traditions by his grandparents in Appalachia during the great depression. He learned to hunt, survive, and respect nature in the Cherokee way; taking only what was needed and leaving the rest for nature. Granma taught Little Tree the joys of reading and education until he was taken away by the whites to be assimilated in the world. There he learned of the cruelty of the Angelo world and how it differs from the Cherokee way. The book club will be discussing “The Education of Little Tree” by Forrest Carter on Thursday, May 17th at 4 pm in the boardroom. The selection for June will be “The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry” by Kathleen Flinn. Contact Faeth Houle for more information. page 9
Black Diamond Foundation Recognized The Founders Society of the College of Central Florida (CCF) recently recognized the Black Diamond Foundation (BDF) in ceremonies held on March 29th on the Ocala, Fl. Campus. The Founders Society, a new recognition Society, is designed to honor CCF donors who have invested significant amounts of money in support of the college’s mission and the vision of its founders. Dr. James D. Henningsen, newly appointed CCF President recognized BDF along with 75 other philanthropic donors as charter members of the College of Central Florida Foundation’s Founders Society. The Founders Society plaque unveiling as depicted below was attended by, left to right Beth and BDF Chairman Bill Joens, Susan Gill, Dave Burns, BDF Vice Chairman and Dr. Vernon Lawter, Vice- President and Provost of the CCF Lecanto campus. The value of BDF’s philanthropy is depicted in the following remarks by CCF student recipients: • Jessica S. writes, “Thank you BDF. I can now picture my dream of graduating with a degree with much more excitement due to the funds you have so graciously bestowed upon me. Your help has given me hope for the future.”
• Kristin W. writes, “Though we have never met, I hope you realize how much I appreciate your support of me. Thank you again for the Joyce Burns Endowed Memorial Scholarship sponsored by BDF.” • Joseph P. writes, “This BDF scholarship will relieve the stresses that comes along with higher education, especially in the financial portion.” • Benjamin R. writes, “I appreciate having been selected to receive the BDF scholarship trust and will not let you down.” • Anthony P. writes, “This BDF scholarship provides the inspiration and financial means for me to follow my dream of a college education. Thank you for your belief in education and in me.” None of this is possible without the continuing financial support of the many wonderful and caring residents of Black Diamond. The BDF is very grateful that you place your trust in us to act as catalysts for the good of our children, our students and our community.
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2012 MEN’S MEMBER-GUEST
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May Calendar of Events 3 4 Dinner for Two 5 2 1 Lunch Trivia Roast Long Island Ladies’ No Dinner Duckling AL Orange Night Schedule OR Shrimp Scallops Service Day 5:30-7:00 pm 5 pm - 7 pm in Vodka Sauce over Daily Game Starts Cheese Tort $48 6:30 pm A la Carte Beef Pot Pie 5:30-7:00pm 11 am - 3 pm 5:30 – 7:00 pm $14.95 Reservations Required
7
6
Breakfast
8
8:30-11:00am
Club Closed
13
Brunch 8:30am to 11am Lunch 11am to 3pm
Happy Mother’s Day No Dinner Service
20
14
21
Breakfast
8:30-11:00am
Reservations Required
15
Ladies’ Day
Club Closed
Breakfast 8:30-11:00am
28
Reservations Required
22
Ladies’ Day
9am shotgun start
No Dinner Service
17
18
Reservations Required
Dinner for Two
19
No Dinner Service
Reading & Discussion Group Lobster Thermodor OR 4:00 pm Grilled NY Strip $54
5:30-7:00pm
Fried Chicken
No Dinner Service
$12.95
23
No Dinner Service
5:30-7:00pm
No Dinner Service
24
Barbeque Ribs $14.95
No Dinner Service
5:30 – 7:00 pm SLIDE BOTTOM GIN Reservations Required
29
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte Club Closed
5 pm - 7 pm
11 Dinner for Two 12
25
Reservations Required
26
5 pm - 7 pm
Ladies’ Day
Memorial Day Tournament & Buffet
16
6:30 PM
Reservations Required
Chateau Briand OR Blackened Swordfish $52
Fish and Chips $14.95
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte
No Dinner Service
10
5:30 – 7:00 pm SLIDE BOTTOM GIN
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte Club Closed
9 5 pm - 7 pm
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte
No Dinner Service
27
Ladies’ Day
Buffet
5:30 – 7:00 pm
30
6:30 PM
31
5 pm - 7 pm Fried Clams $14.95
Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
Turkey Buffet
5:30-7:00pm
No Dinner Service
BD Investment Club to meet the 3rd Wed of ever y month at 4:30pm in the Board Room
Trivia Night Winners - April 5th
1st Place: MC LOVE $214.50 Split
2nd Place: BRAINS ON THE WANE $150.15 Split
3rd Place: MENTALURGISTS $68.85 Split
George & Kaia Adler Les & Mary Bell Earle Pratt & Valerie Sanborn Gene & Marcia Taormina Marge Rennick
Leicle & Jan Chesser John & Diane Collick Dave & Nicole Ragaini Kent & Nan Rinker Dean & Cathleen Spaulding
Steve & Jan Barnes Joel & Cathy Cipolla Linda Youell
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