July 2012
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Happenings Club Staff Doug Egly General Manager degly@blackdiamondranch.com 746.3440
Matt DiMase Director of Golf Course Maintenance mdimase@blackdiamondranch.com 746-0404
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
A Message from Doug Egly, General Manager
Last month we were suffering through drought-like conditions. This month, courtesy of Tropical Depression Debby, we have had nearly two feet of rain in a compressed period that has caused significant erosion and damage throughout the property. In one way, the rain is a welcome site, but this was way too much in too short a span. Matt DiMase and his crew are working hard to fix the wash-outs and correct the erosion. By the time this newsletter comes out, we expect to have corrected most of the damage and opened the courses with the exception of the Highlands. The greens on the Highlands are still recovering and we are taking every precaution to ensure they are healed before we allow play on them. We all appreciate your patience as we get them back into pristine shape.
In other news, we have a full slate of summer activities scheduled. Please check out the calendar of events and come out and join your fellow members on the course, on the courts or in the clubhouse. As you have read, much of our focus has been on the golf courses. This intensity will continue until they are back to where they need to be. We are also working on a long-term plan for all the courses to correct some of the recurring issues such as bunker washouts, etc. Matt, with the help of our new corporate agronomist, Jody Tavarez, will be working together to review each hole and its specific needs. We hope that you are enjoying a wonderful summer wherever you may be. If any of us can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call or come by.
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
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
Our summer course maintenance schedule has changed due to Tropical Storm Debby. We will update everyone next week on the new aerification program. page 2
Happenings 4th of July Mixed Tournament
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 Teams Must Consist of 2 Men & 2 Women 9:00AM Shotgun Start Ranch Course Men - Green Tees / Women - Silver Tees 2 Best Balls of 4 - Flighted Gross & Net Prizes 90% Handicap Men & 95% Handicap Women $30.00 per member and $70.00 per guest Includes Golf, Grill Buffet & Awards Sign-up deadline is 3:00PM Saturday, June 30th
Team Mixed Summer Match Play • Tournament sign-up deadline is July 10th • Tournament begins July 16th; pairings set on July 15th after handicap revision • All teams must be mixed Men & Ladies • Tee Markers - (Can’t change from Match to Match) - Men may play from the Dark Grey, Green or White - Ladies may play from the White, Diamond or Silver • Course Determined by Players - If a course can’t be decided amongst the players then a coin flip will decide which course will be played. • Maximum Handicap Strokes Provided - Men is 36 & Ladies is 36 - Handicap adjustments will be made based on the lower course rating • Tournament seeding will be done by blind draw, not by handicap or qualifying • Each match will have up to 2 weeks to complete - Subject to change based on number of teams - If a match date can’t be played then a coin flip will determine the winner • Cost is $25.00 per team
Attention Members: We have been extremely busy on the golf course the last few weeks in regards to course detail as well as general maintenance. Most recently, Tropical Storm Debby caused severe flooding, erosion, landslides, several sink holes, tree loss, and bunker damage. One week after the storm we have made a lot of progress in getting the course back into shape and repairing the damage. We are not completely done with all repairs, but anticipate being done soon. Due to the amount of rain we received (almost 17 inches from Sunday to Wednesday) we had to push back our wall to wall fertility application. This is where we go in and begin fertilizing from tee to green, including the rough on ALL courses. This will help move the Bermuda and start filling in some of the weaker areas. We scheduled this for the first and second week of July. Part of the reason we are able to tackle projects, continue general maintenance, and begin repairs from the storm rather quickly is we have increased our golf maintenance staff. We also implemented a new training program as well as several different standardized operating procedures. Turf conditions are improving and the greens throughout the property are close to recovery. The Highlands greens will be the last to recover, but they are filling in and the Jones Dwarf is moving. We might have to go in and possibly sod or do some plugging but we will determine those areas in the next few weeks. Thank you and everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July. Sincerely, Matt DiMase ~ Director of Golf Course Maintenance page 3
Happenings
Better Contact, Better Putting! By Patrick Leahy, PGA Director of Instruction Putting, the final frontier! The definitive stroke once you’ve arrived onto the green. It is by far the one stroke that determines how well you played a given hole. It can take mere mortals and make them feel invincible or bring the best players to their knees in utter frustration and dismay! If you’re like most golfers you can remember a round or two of golf when you hit the ball from tee to green with less than perfect outcomes but the score was definitely better due to good putting. On the other hand I’m sure that you can also remember a round when you struck the golf ball very well but your scorecard did not reflect how well you hit the ball due to too many missed short putts and a few three putt greens. Putting consists of two basic elements, distance and direction. Now while most golfers would say that direction is the more important of the two, I would have to give the nod to distance control. The way I see it, the average golfer is more likely to have their ball pretty much on line with the hole and finish seven feet short or long rather than have the correct distance to the hole and miss the putt seven feet right or left of the hole. Now I know there is more to good putting than what I am about to tell you but I believe distance and direction in your putting can be improved by focusing on one basic thing, proper contact. You see the tour pros have one distinct advantage over a lot of us mere mortal golfers; they hit the back of the ball with the center of the
clubface each and every time. Now I’m not only talking about the center of the clubface from the heel to the toe of the putter but also from the top line to the bottom edge of the putter face, a dimension not often considered by a great deal of golfers. If a touring professional were to put some baby powder on the face of their putter and strike 25 putts to various holes the impact would be most likely dead center on the face of their putter but amazingly the pattern would also be no larger than the width of a single dimple on the golf ball. You got it, one dimple’s width, approximately ¼”! Impossible you might say, huh? Well not really but it does take a lot of practice to achieve, something that unfortunately many of us do not do enough of. What I’ve experienced through watching some very good putters is that they tend to minimize the movement of three basic parts of their bodies when they are putting. There is very little movement in the lower half of their body, their eyes and most importantly in their wrists and hands. With minimal movement in these three areas good putters are afforded the best opportunity to strike the golf ball solidly with the correct amount of loft to get the ball rolling on top of grass quickly with the correct amount of energy to reach the hole on a consistent basis. Striking the ball off center will have two definite effects on the ball; the first being a less than perfect transfer of energy to the golf ball and secondly, a putt that starts offline right from the start. In order to demonstrate this, take your putter and hold it in front of you with the
shaft vertical to the ground lightly between you forefinger and thumb. Next, with a golf ball or the eraser end of a pencil, tap the center of the putter face and note how far the putter head moves away and how little it twists due to the impact by the ball or eraser. Now, start moving the impact point, using the ball or eraser, toward the toe or heel of the putter and noting your results. More than lightly you experienced an increase in the twisting of the putter head and a reduction in the general linear movement away from the ball or eraser as you struck it. Did the light bulb just go on in your head? It certainly caught my attention when I was first shown this. I couldn’t believe that off center contact could have that much effect on the putter head! I hope this information proves to be helpful and if I can be of further assistance with your putting or other parts of your game please give me a call and I’d be honored to help you with your game!
Until next time, great golfing everyone!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Ladies’ Day Events July 2012 JULY 3, 2012
INDIVIDUAL POINT QUOTA 1 Pt for Bogey, 2 Pts For Par, 4 Pts for Birdie, 8 Pts for Eagle—Gross Score. Course: Full Ranch, Diamond Tees.
JULY 10, 2012
TEAM ABCD 2 Best Balls Net Course: Quarry Front to Highlands. Diamond Tees.
JULY 17, 2012
A Note from.... Marie-Anne Salvio, President
As we amble through the lazy days of summer I would like to tell you about an exciting event that will take place at Black Diamond on October 22, 23, and 24th. We have the honor of hosting SWATCA (Southeastern Women’s Amateur Team Championship Association). In an effort to promote competitive golf between the southeastern states, SWATCA was conceived in 1992. The first tournament was held in November 1993 between teams representing 6 states. As of 2012, there will be 7 states competing; Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee. Each state is represented by a team consisting of 8 players, one alternate, and a team captain. Each player is required to have a handicap of 10 or less. The tournament format consists of 3 matches; Four-Ball, Foursome (alternate shot), and Singles. I am hoping that members of the BDLGA will be there to observe and support the tournament. There will be a practice round on Saturday, October 20th. On Sunday, the 21st there will be a brunch with Jim Demick, president of the FSGA, as guest speaker. Members of the BDLGA are invited to attend. As the tournament approaches I will be speaking more about this event. SWATCA has also requested volunteers to help with registration on Saturday and Sunday morning, and spotters on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Meanwhile, enjoy the summer.
INDIVIDUAL ECCLECTIC Choose Best Score Net on Each Hole and Combine for Best 9 Hole Score. Course: Highlands to Highlands. Diamond Tees. Two Flights
JULY 24, 2012
AABB, CCDD TEAM 1 Best Ball Gross + 1 Best Ball Net, cannot be same ball. Course: Highlands to Ranch Front. Diamond Tees.
JULY 31, 2012
“ONES” ABCD TEAM GAME 3 Best Balls Net on Holes Beginning With O,N,E,S. Course: Full Ranch. Diamond Tees.
BDLGA weathered Tropical Storm Debby June 26th. page 5
BDF - Strong Supporter of Education in Citrus County Black Diamond Foundation is a strong supporter of education for Citrus County citizens. Almost 41% of our contributions go toward education for students of all ages. Two of our education grants for younger children go to “Early Learning Coalition” (ELC) and “Take Stock in Children” (TSC). Early Learning Coalition concentrates on children from 0 to 5 years of age but can reach up to 13 year olds. ELC feels that “school readiness programs increase children’s chances of achieving educational success and becoming productive members of society.” The local Citrus County Chapter establishes programs and policies to prepare Florida’s youngest citizens to be successful in school. Their vision is for all children from birth to kindergarten to have access to quality early education and care so that they enter school ready to learn. Last year, the Foundation awarded $7500 to ELC. The Federal government matched our donation at a rate of $15.67 per every donated dollar. Our contribution turned into a $117,500 donation to children in Citrus County. Like all of our financial awards, the money stays in Citrus County. The other program, “Take Stock in Children,” is a scholarship program that starts in junior high school. The program is based on the principle that given extensive support, motivation and accountability, children will work hard to ensure a college education. Upon selection in junior high school, students and parents sign a “contract” agreeing to fulfill specific performance standards. To be awarded a scholarship, students must stay in school, maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain crime free and drug free and meet with a mentor once a week. Students are held accountable. For every dollar we donate, the state matches dollar for dollar. The $8,000 we donated last year became $16,000 that went toward scholarships.
Like our other scholarship dollars, the money is for Citrus County students. Black Diamond Foundation is helping the children of Citrus County obtain an education. While at an awards program recently, a mother came up to me with tears in her eyes, thanking all the people in Black Diamond for allowing her child an education she could not have provided. You make a difference to the children of Citrus County! Arthur Thomas BDF Education Committee
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Happenings Black Diamond Investment Club The ongoing turmoil in financial markets worldwide has affected all of us to one degree or another, and our Black Diamond Investment Club (BDIC) is no exception. The strong gains we experienced earlier in the year have been moderated somewhat recently, yet we hold firm to our core principles of;
BDIC is organized as a Partnership with a Federal Tax Identification Number, and has a legal partnership agreement which members are required to sign, as well as a written investment policy statement that serves as our guide to club operations. Officers are elected annually in January.
1. Investing regularly, regardless of the market outlook, 2. Reinvesting all earnings to maximize profits via compounding, 3. Investing in Quality growth oriented companies, 4. Diversifying by size, sector & industry, to reduce risk.
Pat Bentley, president or presiding partner (leads BDIC meetings & assigns tasks)
BDIC membership is restricted to residents of Black Diamond Ranch, both seasonal and full time, who are interested in learning the basics about investing in the stock market and sharing their knowledge with each other. Ongoing investment education is at the heart of any investment club, and BDIC includes financial education topics in most of its monthly meetings. Each BDIC member is also expected to make regular contributions, both monetarily, ($50), as well as to participate in selecting and monitoring companies for the BDIC portfolio of investments. BDIC is a member club of the National Association of Investment Clubs, (NAIC), and its Space Coast Chapter. Additionally we strongly encourage each BDIC member to also become members of NAIC, otherwise known as Better Investing, and to learn and use their many investment analysis tools.
Current BDIC officers are:
Steve Johnson, treasurer or financial partner (maintains BDIC brokerage account and all accounting records) Les Bell, secretary or recording partner (keeps & maintains minutes of all club meetings and key documents) Stephanie Ward, assistant treasurer. BDIC meets on the third Wednesday of every month (except August) at 4:30pm, with most meetings held in the boardroom of Black Diamond Clubhouse. Meetings generally last about 1.5 hours. BDIC members also frequently get together in smaller groups between regular meetings for the purpose of identifying and researching companies for investment consideration. Anyone thinking they may be interested in joining an investment club in general or BDIC in particular, is encouraged to attend at least three meetings as well as talk with a current member in depth regarding what’s expected. Steve Johnson
Trivia Night Winners - June 7th 1st Place: bridgers $93.00 Split Lorraine Carrier Joe & Gail Glazer Ellen Hinsenkamp Tom & Linda Mangold Anil & Veena Ram Dave Ragaini Bill & Eve Taylor
2nd Place: forget me nuts $65.10 Split Heidi Baltzenberger George & Diane Buck Steve & Donna Busboom Kevin & Jan Conway Peter Perry Pat Walker
3rd Place: BDRP $27.90 Split Fran Johnson Cliff & Betty Pierson Lad Menorca Charlotte McKim James & Dona Wood
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July Calendar of Events 1
Breakfast
2
3
8:30-11:00am
No Dinner Service
8
Breakfast
No Dinner Service
15
Club Closed
9
8:30-11:00am
22
Breakfast
29
Reservations Required
5:30 – 7:00 pm SLIDE BOTTOM GIN Reservations Required
17
Ladies’ Day
6:30 PM
18 5 pm - 7 pm
Reservations Required
23
5:30 – 7:00 pm
24
Ladies’ Day
30
5:30 – 7:00 pm Reservations Required
31
No Dinner Service
12
Reservations Required
13
Trivia Night
No Dinner Service
$12.95
25
Reading & Discussion Group 4:00 pm
Reservations Required
20
Dinner for Two
No Dinner Service
21
Veal “Saltimbocca” OR Stuffed Grouper $54/2
5:30-7:00pm
No Dinner Service
26
Louisiana Fish Fry $13.95
5:30-7:00 pm Game Starts 6:30 pm
14
No Dinner Service
Reservations Required
27 Turkey Buffet
5:30-7:00pm
Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
28
No Dinner Service
11 am - 3 pm
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte Club Closed
7
Lunch Schedule Daily
Ladies’ Day
8:30-11:00am
No Dinner Service
5 pm - 7 pm
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte Club Closed
Dinner for Two
Beef Wellington OR Shrimp Françoise $54/2
19
Reservations Required
Breakfast
No Dinner Service
Chicken Tetrazzini $12.95
Pork Chop w/ Bacon & Apple Sauerkraut
Club Closed
6
5 pm - 7 pm
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte
8:30-11:00am
No Dinner Service
11
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte
16
5
5:30-7:00pm
Buffet
5:30 – 7:00 pm 1:30 - 3:00 pm Reservations Required No Dinner Service
Ladies’ Day
Club Closed
4th of July
Tournament
10
Breakfast
No Dinner Service
Ladies’ Day
Mahjong 12:30 pm A la Carte
8:30-11:00am
Lunch 11 am - 2 pm
4
5:30 – 7:00 pm Reservations Required
BD Investment Club to meet the 3rd Wed of ever y month at 4:30pm in the Board Room
— Members — Please help us to ensure that your dining experience is satisfactory by making reservations in advance for all evening dinner service. Our staffing is based on your reservations.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.~Merideth page 8
Happenings NATURE NEWS
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°
Quarry Bridge Water Show Tropical Storm Debby
axwing W
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Ceda r
All photos were taken by Linda Williams except the Cedar Waxing and the Quarry Bridge photos. They were taken by Bob Hylen.
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 July Calendar - Page 8 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
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Reading & Discussion Group
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When her mother dies after being struck by a Happy Cow ice cream truck, twelve year old CeeCee Honeycuttt is whisked away by her great aunt Tootie to the wondrous city of Savannah. There she encounters a cache of eccentric women who flit in and out of Tootie’s house. But all is not always perfect. On Thursday July 19th at 4 pm the book group will discuss “Saving CeeCee Honeycutt” by Beth Hoffman. The discussion for August will be “The Dressmaker” by Kate Alcott. Contact Faeth Houle for more information. page 9