Happenings
October/November 2011
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@escalantegolf.com 746.3440
Dianne Dunnigan
Club Concierge ddunnigan@escalantegolf.com 746.3440
Peggy Gleason
Accounting pgleason@escalantegolf.com 746.0254
Andrea Knox
Director of Golf aknox@escalantegolf.com 746.3446
VICTOR LUZARRAGA
Executive Chef vluzarraga@escalantegolf.com 746.3449
JAY MULLEN
Director of Golf Course Operations jmullen@escalantegolf.com 746.0404
Mary Napolitano
Fitness Center mnapolitano@escalantegolf.com 746.3385
Bryan Richard
Head Golf Professional brichard@escalantegolf.com 746-3446
Kerry ROSSELET
Membership Director krosselet@escalantegolf.com 453-5473
Merideth Rossetti
Food & Beverage Director mrossetti@escalantegolf.com 746.3440
JENNIFER STAUFF
POA Manager jennifer.ncpm@wildblue.net 465.6933
Linda Stevens
Executive Assistant lstevens@escalantegolf.com 746.3440 page 2
A message from the General Manager This is my favorite time of year with cooler weather approaching and college football in full swing (full disclosure – I am a Michigan fan). We have had a wonderful summer here at Black Diamond Ranch and we are eager for our snow birds to return. This summer we made the decision to have at least one course open every Monday as opposed to shutting down all golf operations. In addition, we ordered new equipment on the range that everyone has enjoyed. As you know, we faced some challenges, particularly staying ahead of the rough, but have new strategies in place to provide a challenging but enjoyable golf experience. I have sent a few updates on operations the past few weeks but would like to recap some of the highlights here: • We unfortunately lost two large trees that are strategically significant to their respective holes. We are working with an arborist and our team to determine the best course of action for these. • We began spraying a defoliant around the quarry to reduce much of the vegetation that is covering the quarry walls. The results are starting to appear and you can now see the quarry as opposed to overgrown plants. • We spent a significant amount of time thinning and raising the canopies of trees throughout the property. This is a time consuming process, but something that needs to happen on a regular basis. • We have installed new ice machines on the Quarry and the Ranch. We have received numerous comments that these are terrific additions to the course. • We are nearing completion of significant work around the clubhouse cleaning out flowerbeds, trimming bushes and replacing mulch. The results are fantastic and we are eager to get comments from our members. • As you may know, we took over the landscaping responsibility for the POA on an interim basis after the contracted company went out of business. Bids are currently going out to find a permanent replacement to continue this work. We have a busy fall schedule and I hope each of you will be able to participate in our golf and club events. As always, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call or come by my office. Doug Egly General Manager
Welcome Back
Paul and Mary Siano as Equity Members!
Golf News
JAY MULLEN Director of Golf Course Operations
All of us on the Golf Maintenance Staff are looking forward to the cooler weather and shorter days that are associated with the arrival of autumn. The grass has already slowed down some, but not enough to decrease our frequency of cut just yet. We had a significant challenge with the grass clippings, particularly the rough. To help us better control clippings, we have changed the rough mowing schedule to later in the afternoon and into the evening. This will allow us to mow when the grass is dry and keep us from having to send out vacuums and drag mats to disperse the clippings left behind. We have also added a much larger mower to the fleet which will enable us to increase the frequency of cut of the Bahia areas. Now that the days and evenings are a bit cooler we are planning our overseeding project for the fall. This year we will be overseeding everything that has been done in the past. This includes greens, tees, fairways, collars, approaches, and a modified rough on the Quarry. The main factors involved in the decision to overseed greens were the ability to control green speeds, and the ability to recover from stresses including disease and traffic.
Below is a schedule when the courses will be closed for overseeding: Highlands closed October 3rd – 10th Quarry closed October 11th – 23rd Ranch closed October 25th – November 6th These inconveniences that we cause throughout October will allow us to provide beautiful courses with pristine playing conditions for the next 6 months. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Congratulations HOLE-IN-ONE Dan O’Connell on his Hole-In-One on #8 of the Quarry Course on Wednesday, August 17th. Witnessed by RV Williams, Bill Rueff, and Dick Elder. Mike Carter on his Hole-In-One on #8 of the Ranch Course on Wednesday, August 24th. Witnessed by Gene Taormina, Lloyd Beasley and Martin Lowy. Herb Cloud on his Hole-In-One on #4 of the Quarry Course on Wednesday, September 14th. Witnessed by Ron McGriff and Meryl Smith. Les Bell on his Hole-In-One on #4 of the Quarry Course on Friday, September 16th. Witnessed by Charles Bassos, Kevin Kelly and Richard DiChillo. page 3
I can hardly believe it is October already! It has been a great summer here at Black Diamond, but it truly went by much too fast. It seems the older I get, the faster time flies. I know this is not a unique observation as I hear it echoed by people daily, but it seems a good place to start as we launch into the fall season. From summer golf events celebrating Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, through hosting the Florida Open and our active Black Diamond Ladies Golf League weekly; our golf staff is primed and ready to jump into a great calendar of events this fall. As the temperatures cool down in October, the activity level ramps up. November kicks off with the Ladies’ Member-Member on the 8th and 9th, followed by the Diamond College Bowl on the 10th, Senior/Super Senior the 15th and 16th and the Men’s Member-Member the 29th and 30th. Then we move into December with the Couples’ Club Championship on the 3rd and 4th. Whether you crave the competition or just enjoy the camaraderie, there are plenty of opportunities for both. While our own club schedule is keeping us busy, don’t forget to tune in to the “2011 President’s Cup” being played in Melbourne Australia, Nov. 14-20th. Fred Couples and Greg Norman return as captains for
this great match play event that pits the US against the Internationals. While the US leads in the win column with six since the inception of the biennial event in 1994; they return this year to the site of the 1998 event and their only defeat. For more information on the history of the event, player roster and the most up to date news log onto www.pgatour.com/tournaments/presidentscup then tune in and root for the home team! Of course if organized golf events are not your top priority and finding more enjoyment in the game is your focus, we are ready to help you there as well. Our Teaching Professional Rick Knox (yes my husband and yes he really does exist) has recently begun his “SenseSational Golf” program here at Black Diamond. The program is aimed at the three most basic characteristics of the game of golf: your motion, your emotion and practice management. The program offers private video lessons, group clinics, organized practice games and playing lessons as a 30-day program or individually as your time permits. For more information on SenseSational Golf or lesson opportunities with Bryan Richard (our Head Professional) or myself, you can visit the web site or stop by the Golf Shop any time. Having just overloaded your calendar for the next two months, I feel it appropriate to include a reminder to stop and smell the fresh cut grass every once in a while and repeat after me – time flies when you’re having fun!
Save the Date for the
Ladies’ Member-Guest
April 18, 19, & 20, 2012 A spectacular tournament is currently being prepared! page 4
Ladies’
Member-Member
Nov. 8-9, 2011 Check the bulletin board for information and sign-up sheet
SenseSational Golf Discovering how to play your best golf! With Rick Knox My “golf career” began at the age of 12 - with a resounding defeat! My first 9 hole score of 63 was riddled with “let me do that again’s” while my neighbor JoAnn’s 47 was shot putting everything out! Even though she was 2 years older and I was using her father Ernie’s loaner clubs, it’s safe to say golf got my attention real quick! I’m pleased to report that I’ve shot a few 63’s for 18 holes without do over’s since that beat down some 48 years ago. Thanks JoAnn and Ernie! Over the last 40 years I have been a Playing Professional trying to grind out scores, a Head Professional fighting for budgets, a Coach, and a Golf School Owner; sharing my knowledge and passion for the game. All these experiences have helped me develop learning tools and games focused on three key components of golf: motion, emotion and practice management. I look forward to the opportunity of sharing my discoveries with you. ~ Rick
Learn · Practice · Play · Improve · Have Fun
SenseSational Golf CLINICS
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 9:30am to 11:00am $20 Per Session Designed to reveal, explain and support all the subtleties’ related to motion and emotion management; our Clinics are very important. Using team coaching techniques, the group dynamic nature of clinics can lessen the frustration of trying too hard individually. A little humor doesn’t hurt either!
PRACTICE GAMES
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 2:30pm to 4:00pm $10 Per Session While you’re developing and managing awareness of your golf swing,”practice games” will help make sure you don’t become too “swing” conscious!
PRIVATE LESSONS with Video Analysis
By Appointment $75 per 45 minute session Video swing analysis is an excellent way to explain ball flight tendencies, plus it gives you a visual reference to a neutral motion pattern that can shape future practice sessions.
The 30 Day Discovery Package
Attend unlimited Clinic Lessons and Play Schools plus 2 Private Lessons with Video Analysis during a 30 day period for $250.
Stop by the Golf Shop or give Rick a call at 941-661-5483 for more information. page 5
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! EVENTS October is the last month of the BDLGA’s 2011 Golf Season and special Tuesdays have been planned!!! ~Be sure to attend these events~ October
BDLGA Tuesday Events
October 12th
BDLGA Shoot-out on the Highlands
October 18th
Presentation of Birdie, Ringer & Shoot-out Awards
October 25th
President’s Day – The Passing of the Gavel
INVITATIONALS 2011-2012 October 7th
Plantation Belle 2011 Invitational
October 8th & 9th
Thank You for 2010 -2011
To the Executive Board – you did an outstanding job giving your time and thoughts for a fun filled year of Tuesdays. To the General Board – you added much wisdom to many of our decisions. To the Black Diamond Golf Shop, Clubhouse Staff and Golf Course Management – you kept everything running smoothly. To the Special Committee Chairs – you were ALL amazing. I would personally like to thank all of the members of BDLGA for giving me the opportunity to be your president.
You are a great group of women! Nancy Richards, BDLGA, President
BDLGA Dues
JOIN NOW
The Black Diamond Ladies’ Golf Association 2011-2012 Golf Season November 1, 2011 to October 30, 2012 The BDLGA welcomes all lady golfers with Black Diamond golfing privileges as well as an established handicap. Enjoy the company of other lady golfers by playing Tuesday weekly team and individual events. Membership for the 2011-2012 season is a flat fee of $60.00. Please make checks payable to BDLGA. Checks or cash may be left in the Golf Shop or will be accepted on any Tuesday Ladies’ Day.
October 14th
NEW BDLGA OFFICERS 2011-2012
November 10th & 11th
Vice President: Jane Smart
November 14th & 15th
Treasurer: Margo Grodsky
Pine Oaks of Ocala Inaugural Ladies’ Golf Classic Rainbow Springs Pot O’Golf Cypress Run Golf Club – Hollins Creek Challenge 2011
President: Marie-Anne Salvio Secretary: Barbara Smith
Citrus Hills Harvest Invitational
Tournament Chair: Marty Coogler
December 1st
More to come from the New President Marie-Anne Salvio in the December Happenings
Glen Lakes Ladies’ Holiday Invitational page 6
A Message from: Nancy Richards, BDLGA President
The Jewel Invitational On the Quarry Course
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 8:00 am Continental Breakfast 9:00 am Shotgun Start Awards ceremony and luncheon following play
BDLGA MEMBERS: A sign up sheet will be posted the first week of October and we will need 25 golfer hostesses, as well as alternates. Last year we had many alternates and utilized almost everyone, so please put your name on the dotted line. For our Members still in Northern climes, send an email to Pam Kelley at walloonn@hotmail.com to be on the list. As in past years, we will expect participants to contribute a breakfast item for our guests. Each year we are proud to have a lovely beginning to our event.
Daystar Life Center is the charity of the quarter. In preparing for their Thanksgiving program they are currently in need of canned vegetables and fruits, pumpkin and pie crust mix. Their ongoing program is always in need of peanut butter, jelly, cereal, and spaghetti sauce. Donations can be made in the container in the ladies’ locker room or by contacting Karen Evens, 746-6505. Thanks for your kindness.
Nancy Richards & Pam Kelly
page 7
2011/2012 BLACK DIAMOND GOLF SCHEDULE
page 8
DATE
EVENT
CHAIRPERSON
November 2, 2011
The Jewel
BDLGA
November 8-9, 2011
Ladies’ Member-Member
Lois Filby
November 10, 2011
Diamond College Bowl
John Cushing
November 15-16, 2011
Senior/Super Senior Championship
Bassos/Salvio
November 29-30, 2011
Men’s Member-Member
Skip Wilson
December 3-4, 2011
Couples’ Club Championship
Sprague/Beasley
January 25, 2012
Foundation Pro-Am
Joens/Joines
February, 2012
Match Play Commences
Golf Shop
February 5, 2012
Super Bowl Sunday
Joan Beasley
February 12, 2012
Valentines’ Day
Marie Anne Salvio
February 24-26, 2012
Men’s & Ladies’ Club Championship
Bassos/Beasley
March 7-9, 2012
Couples’ Member Guest
Ed & Nancy Rogers
March 14-16, 2012
Rider Cup
John Cushing
March 19-21, 2012
Joyce Burns
Vicki Marinelli
March 28-30, 2012
Men’s Member Guest
Robert Stock
April 10, 2012
Rally for the Cure
Susan Nanni
April 15, 2012
Hole in One
Golf Shop Staff
April 18-20 , 2012
Ladies’ Member Guest
Gail Richter
May 28, 2012
Memorial Day Golf Tournament
Golf Shop Staff
July 4, 2012
4th of July Golf Outing
Golf Shop Staff
August 7-8, 2012
Summer Classic
Golf Shop Staff
September 3, 2012
Labor Day Golf Outing
Golf Shop Staff
November 6-7, 2012
Ladies’ Member-Member
Lois Filby
November 13-14, 2012
Senior/Super Senior Championship
Salvio/Bassos
November 27-28, 2012
Men’s Member-Member
Skip Wilson
December 1-2, 2012
Couples’ Club Championship
TBD
Fourth Annual Black Diamond College Bowl Thursday, November 10, 2011 ELIGIBILITY 1. A team of four of any gender combination, representing a college of their choice (A college may have more than one entry) 2. Teams are to dress in college colors. Premier awards are for best cart decoration and best themed outfits. 3. There will be a “Put Me In Coach” sign up for those that want to participate but do not have a college. TAIL GATE PARTY 11:45 am The barbecues will be smoking at 11:45 on the Ranch putting green for team warm-ups, pep rallies and aiming fluid. SHOTGUN AT THE RANCH STADIUM 1:00 pm A day of college spirited fun where we try to emulate a football college game day experience by representing your favorite college. Enter this event as a four person team in which the following scoring system combines the individual scoring of golf quota points with team football scoring of touchdowns, converts and field goals.
Scoring * 2 points for each net par * 3 points for each net birdie * 4 points for each net eagle * Bonus 6 points touchdown for each hole with a minimum of 3 net pars * Bonus 8 points converted touchdown with a minimum of 4 net pars * Minus 2 points or loss of hole penalty for delay of game (slow play) and other penalties deemed appropriate by Chief Referee AWARDS, BEVERAGES, DINNER AND SOCK HOP Following the game there will be a spirited college theme of beverages, dinner and award ceremonies. College days like we remember. Sign up sheets to be posted October 10, 2011.
Calling all BD Crafters, Artisans & Painters!
Black Diamond’s 2nd Annual Show Sunday, November 13 4-7 pm (Dinner service available) Also accepting hand made items for the Community Table. Items will be sold and money given to local charities. Donate your “Craft” item. Contact Linda Thomas 464-4881 lthomas@blackdiamondranch.com page 9
Breakfast
8:00-11:00am
Breakfast
8:00-11:00am
Breakfast
8:00-11:00am
Breakfast
8:00-11:00am
Breakfast
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
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NATURE NEWS photos from Linda Williams
Hours of Operation Driving Range Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday 7:30 am – 5:00 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
Reading & Discussion Group
Lunch Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
On Thursday, October 20th, the book club will meet in the boardroom at 4 o’clock to discuss Chris Cleave’s “Little Bee”. Little Bee is a 16 year old Nigerian orphan who is always looking for another suicide option for “when the men come”. Her life becomes intertwined with a wealthy British couple after a fateful night on a Nigerian beach. The abyss between first and third world counties, the politics of oil, and the plight of refugees all will become topics for discussion. The orchid industry in south Florida continues to inspire madness and larceny among collectors. “The Orchid Thief ” centers on John Laroche, a charming schemer, who dreams of cloning the elusive ghost orchid using stolen samples from the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. “The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession” by Susan Orlean will be discussed on November 17th. Future selections will include “The Autobiography of Santa Claus” by Jeff Guinn and “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand. For more information contact Faeth Houle.
Dinner See October Calendar, page 10 See November Calendar, page 11 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