La Vie July & August 2022
Beat The Summer Heat & Relax Here At The Club!
A Message from the President Hello Fellow Members, July always makes me feel like celebrating. We kick off the month with the 4th of July in all its red, white, and blue. This celebration presents lots of different fun activities for the entire family such as our parade, carnival games, and culminating our spectacular fireworks extravaganza. I can’t wait to see what Chef Olivier is going to serve for this event! This year we will keep the ball rolling with more good times for the Club’s future. We will be aerifying the course again this month and taking the opportunity to do some regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs in the kitchen. This will include replacing some kitchen equipment to help Chef continue to WOW us with his culinary genius. We are moving forward with the refresh on the main floor of the Clubhouse and the relandscaping of the Palm Grille and Tennis area to give us a fresh new look. As we continue to see an influx of new Members please remember that the most important asset that we have is you, our Members. Every Member here is an Ambassador for our Club and it is up to you to help us engage all of these new faces and introduce them to the Royal Oaks way. The Club can send out emails, but it is word of mouth and personal interaction that really make new Members feel so welcome. Take the time to walk up to Members you don’t know and introduce yourself. Tell them about upcoming Social events they might enjoy, or to try the Wednesday After Work Scramble to meet other golfers. These are the special touches that make us so unique and make us all feel at home here. If you are like me, I love meeting all these new people and many have become very close friends. It just starts with a hello. So yes, it’s HOT but there are a lot of fantastic things happening at ROCC and I know I feel so lucky to be a part of this exciting new era. So, sit back and enjoy the ride, it’s a great time to be at Royal Oaks. Allison Zuber Royal Oaks Country Club President
The summer heat may have slowed some things down for the next couple of months, but the ROCCLA ladies continue planning future events.
This is always a fun evening with lots of chatter and laughter throughout the room. Did we enjoy lots of cash prizes as well as some very creative door prizes?
So, what is and isn’t happening with ROCCLA during the summer? Both Bridge groups are playing during the summer, as are Mexican Train Dominoes, and MahJongg. Lunch Bunch and Royal Recipe Ladies are taking a summer break. Look for those to restart in September. Book Club will not meet in July but will venture to H-Mart in August for lunch and a discussion of ‘Crying in H-Mart’.
A Cooking Class with Chef is still in the planning phase. Watch for more details on timing.
Monthly Happy Hours are a great way to cool off and keep up with your friends. June 29 features an All-American theme, so wear your red, white and blue. July 27 will be a celebration of India’s culture. The Lunch Bunch group gathered on May 16th at Jonathan’s The Rub on Memorial and June 21st at Truth BBQ in the Heights. Both were well-attended fun gatherings. We channeled the Chanel Sisters with our May 25th Springtime in Paris Happy Hour immediately after book club enjoyed listening to Judithe Little discusses her recent book, “The Chanel Sisters”. The Royal Bookies enjoyed Judithe’s talk about her research and thought process behind the book. It was another terrific evening with almost 50 ladies present, most classically attired in their little black dresses. Chef Olivier and staff prepared Mini Croque Monsieur, Assorted Mini Quiche, Strawberries and Cream, and Assorted Mini Cakes to add a delicious touch to the evening’s theme. The specialty drink of the month was a French 75. The Book Club’s June 29th book discussion was “The Plot” by Jean Hanff Korelitz, followed by an All-American Happy Hour with the ladies sporting their patriotic colors. Aileen Hansen’s new Royal Recipe Ladies group enjoyed their inaugural gathering on May 19th with Thai cuisine. There will be monthly luncheons beginning in September where each participant prepares one course of an 8-course meal previously assigned to them to fit the monthly theme. No more than 8 will meet in each other’s homes, enjoy lunch together and exchange recipes. Let Aileen know if you are interested in joining in or would like more information about this interesting new group by contacting Aileen913@yahoo.com or 832-259-3328. On June 14th there were four active tables for Ladies Bunko night. The Chef offered a special handheld menu.
If you missed that opportunity ride that Harris County Bus, on July 31st we’ll be taking it for the Main Street Theater trip to see “The Real Inspector Hound”. Spouses and guests are welcome to join this event as space allows. Yet another bus ride will be heading to the Holocaust Museum on September 9th, which will include a stop for lunch. Check the club calendar. Be sure to check out our many events on the Club Calendar, watch for Friday’s ROCCLA email, the ROCCLA tab on the Club app, and follow us on Next Door and Facebook. The Executive Committee and Committee Chairs have planned many ROCCLA Happy Hours and events. Suggestions of activities are always welcomed to keep all our members assured of a great experience with our vibrant group
CLUB CONTACTS General Questions/Club Reservations: Concierge 281-899-3200 | concierge@royaloakscc.com
Membership:
Membership Director - Terri Kennedy 281-899-3207 | tkennedy@royaloakscc.com Membership Assistant - Lizz Barber 281-272-6665 | lbarber@royaloakscc.com Member Statement/Accounts Receivable 281-899-3253 | ar@royaloakscc.com
Dining:
Clubhouse Manager - Gregory Constantinou gconstantinou@royaloakscc.com Pick-Up/To-Go Orders The Bistro: 281-899-3230 The Turn: 281-899-3227
Events:
Catering & Events Director - Allyson Brown 281-899-3293 | abrown@royaloakscc.com
Sports Club:
Front Desk 281-899-3250 | sportsclub@royaloakscc.com Fitness Director - Pam Owens 281-899-3236 | powens@royaloakscc.com Tennis Director - Peter Farrell 281-899-3219 | pfarrell@royaloakscc.com
Welcome New Members May & June Richard & Glenda Heard Hisao & Mayuko Okuyama Kanchan & Bikram Singh Andrew Deighan & Lyn Brown Keith & Kari Malloy Jonathan & Elle Wiens Joanna Hindlet Moon Chaudnri & Ning Lu Travis Haynes Wes & Jessi McBrayer Marcos & Adriana Machado Adam & Christina Vela Zhen Liu & Ling Yu Glenn & Josephine Fish Yann & Sylvie Zagame Todd & Jael Greene
Golf:
Golf Shop 281-899-3270 Head Golf Professional - James Brown 281-899-3205 | jbrown@royaloakscc.com Director of Instruction - Derek Hooper 281-899-3217 | dhooper@royaloakscc.com
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MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Royal Oaks Country Club offers a wonderfully balanced Equity Sports Membership includes the use of the offering for the entire family. Everything for the golf Sports Club, including the Tennis Complex, Aquatic enthusiast to the tennis buff to the fitness guru, and an Center, and Main Clubhouse. abundance of children’s activities. Equity Social Membership gives members access to A grownup’s paradise. A children’s playground. A Clubhouse, Dining, Social Events, and access to the family’s retreat. That’s Royal Oaks! Tennis complex. I want to thank each of you for such a warm welcome as the new Director of Membership. They say the first impression is always the most important, and Royal Oaks Members is certainly a family that creates new spectacular memories every day!
All Equity Memberships have voting privileges in the Club.
Upon referring a new member to the Club, Royal Oaks offers Referring Member Incentives. A $1,000 credit will be applied to your membership account for all Behind the gates of Royal Oaks, members and Equity Golf Memberships, and Young Professional prospective members discover beauty, sophistication, Memberships for ages 30-39. A $500 credit will be elegance, warmth, artistry, and a world-class Club! applied to your membership for Young Professional With a private Fred Couples golf course and unlimited Memberships for ages 21-29, and also for Equity amenities for every member of the family, Royal Oaks Sports Memberships. is a dream come true. If you have a friend that is interested in joining Royal Royal Oaks currently offers a variety of Club Oaks, please give me a call at (281) 899-3207 or you Memberships from which to choose. may email me at tkennedy@royaloakscc.com, and I am happy to assist. The Equity Golf Membership provides access to all the Club’s facilities and amenities, including our Fred Thank you for your support, and next time you are Couples Championship 18-hole golf course, practice at the Club, please stop by the Membership Office. I facility, driving range, Golf Shop, Tennis Complex, would love to meet you! Pickleball, Sports Club, Spa Services, Aquatic Center, Dining, and Social Events. This membership allows a 14-Day advance tee time reservation privilege for Golf, with no green fees. And a 14-Day advance reservation privilege for Tennis. The Equity Executive Membership provides access to all the Club’s facilities and amenities. There is a 5-Day advance tee time reservation privilege for Golf, and applicable green fees according to the tee time schedule on weekdays or weekends. And a 14-Day advance reservation privilege for Tennis. Young Professional Memberships are also offered to members from ages 21 to 39. This membership offers full access to all the Club’s facilities and amenities with a discounted Initiation Fee, and dues rate according to age.
Membership Director - Terri Kennedy tkennedy@royaloakscc.com
Does this look familiar? Are you caught in this rut using caffeine and sugar for energy to then increase inflammation, gain weight, and require more caffeine and sugar foods? Break the cycle and fuel your active lifestyle with a macro guide and nutrition plan to: 1) maximize your energy 2) build muscle/lose fat 3) build long-term health. Contact Pam at powens@royaloakscc.com.
Fitness Director - Pam Owens powens@royaloakscc.com
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Rusty Burnett
Rusty Burnett has a golf goal to shoot his age! As an 81-year-old, he believes this is the year to do it! Rusty and Sue have been golf members since 2008 and have been very involved in many areas of the club. You’ll see Rusty training two times a week with Pam Owens specifically for his golf game to improve balance, body control, mobility, and power to score! The Burnetts love the club’s food and frequently use take-out meal service plus weekly dining at the club. Rusty takes golf lessons from time to time while Sue enjoys attending ROCCLA events. The Burnetts love spending time at Royal Oaks!
KITCHEN HAPPENINGS Dear Members, Summer is here! The Palm Grille is open, and we are adding new items to the menu very soon. Thanks to everyone who attended our Degustation Dinner. It is always a thrill to cook something very special and out of the ordinary for our discerning members. Thank you for trusting our expertise and for letting us take you on a journey without knowing where we will take you. Our new Bistro menu has been out since early June, and it is already a hit with many of you. We are aiming to source as many local, fresh, and organic ingredients as possible. As an example, our duck and rabbit meat both come from J.R and Nikki Thomas. Young farmers who raise their animals humanely, organically, free of hormones, and with care right here in Jersey Village, only half an hour from the Club. We replaced the dinner rolls which were commercially produced and with many additives, with our own traditionally baked and rolled by hand recipe. No more sugar, coloring agents, and harmful additives. Our charcuterie board also showcases housemade products, crafted in our kitchen from the best ingredients. Our cheese selection includes the best dairy from all over the world with cheeses from France, Italy, Australia, Spain, and the U.S. Some are pasteurized and some follow the oldest tradition of being fermented from raw cow, sheep, or goat milk. We are also partnering with a sustainable seafood purveyor and select naturally fed fish and shellfish. While we can’t change everything overnight, it is our commitment to you, to offer the best quality products that we can source and afford. We do value your health as much as we value ours. Not every dish will be to everyone’s taste, but we must guarantee the quality of what we display on your plate. As always, thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you at the Club!
Executive Chef - Olivier Burgos oburgos@royaloakscc.com
SUMMER AERIFICATION It seems this summer started hot and early with temperatures creeping into the 90s in early May and not giving much relief since then. Rainfall has been minimal and far between, but the course is looking terrific. This staff has been doing a tremendous job in keeping up with the course and I thank them for that. As you are probably aware, we have elected to again skip the early summer aerification in an effort to allow for more optimal playing days during the summer months. Our first summer aerification this year is scheduled to begin on July 11th with us wrapping things up by July 28th. We will be utilizing this time to continue with the aggressive cultural practices necessary for the long-term health of the course you have become used to over the last couple of years. The greens and fairways will be aerated two times each with heavy sand top-dressing to both areas. Sanding the fairways is a practice we began last year and will be continued again this year. The addition of top-dressing the fairways is an effort to improve the playable area of the fairway and reduce the dreaded “mud ball”. In addition to aerating and sanding greens and fairways, we will be addressing tee boxes and approaches as well. Cart path repair is again scheduled to take place during this year along with the cleaning and painting of the cart path bridge leading between holes 10 and 11. This time will also be used to re-grass select tee boxes to Zeon Zoysia grass.
of months have been no exception. The summer annuals were installed all around the club during the month of May and are really showing their beauty. In addition to annuals, we are replacing plant material in beds around the course that are in need of a little refresher. Watch these areas throughout the summer as they will continue to fill out and mature. We in Golf Course Maintenance look forward to seeing you out here during the sweltering heat of summer and are always here working to provide you with the best conditions possible for your next round of golf.
Golf Course Superintendent - Cody Alexander calexander@royaloakscc.com
We are continually looking for ways to improve the overall landscaping around the club and the last couple
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THE FASTEST WAY TO LOWER SCORES I am yet to meet a golfer who doesn’t enjoy shooting lower scores. Yet so many players I meet don’t have a good understanding of what areas of their game, that if focused on, will yield the biggest change in score I ask all my regular students to keep statistics of their rounds so we can accurately assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as make sure that the changes we are making and the practice they are doing are having a positive effect on their scoring. What I find over and over again, is that the quickest way to lower scores, the way that requires little athleticism, is three putt avoidance. Interesting Statistic – From 15 FEET, the typical 12 index player will 3 putt more often than they will hole out. (Source Lou Stagner from Arcoss) To be a good putter you need to master three skills: 1. Are you able to read the green and accurately predict how the ball will roll on the green? 2. Are you able to start the ball on your intended line? 3. Are you able to hit the ball the required distance?
Green Reading and Distance Control Two Putt Draw Back Drill • Select a hole on a flatter section of the green • Take five steps from the hole and place a tee in the ground • Using your full pre-shot routine putt from the tee to the hole • If you one or two putt, move the tee two steps further away from the hole • If you three or more putt, move the tee one step closer to the hole • Repeat the drill until you can two putt from 20 paces from the hole If you want to lower your golf scores, having less three putts, is an easy first step. These two drills, if practiced regularly, are all but guaranteed to have a positive effect on your putting and scoring. Operation 36 Fall Semester Registration Registration for the Fall semester of Operation 36 will open in mid-July. These classes have historically filled quickly so please keep an eye on your email for an announcement of registration being open.
Like any area of your golf game, if you want to improve these skills you need to do practice drills that focus on these skills and do them under some pressure. Start Line and Green Reading Drill North, East, South, West Drill • Select a hole on a flatter section of the putting green • Place tees in the ground at 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet and 6 feet (One step, plus a shoe length for each additional foot), on each side of the hole. Like north, east, south and west on a compass • Using your full pre-shot routine, putt all the 3 footers. Then all the 4 footers, followed by the 5 and then 6 footers. • Keep score of the number of one putts out of 16 total attempts • Repeat the drill 3 times and record your best score • Complete the drill a couple of times per week with the goal being to equal or better your previous best score
Director of Instruction - Derek Hooper dhooper@royaloakscc.com
SUMMERTIME GOLFING Most years we all have enjoyed a slow warm-up from Spring to Summer as we near the July 4th celebration, however, it seems our Houston summer temperatures began back in mid-May. On behalf of the Golf Staff, we want to thank all the Members for your continued support and participation in events. As you might read in Cody’s article, we could use some rain, but it has been nice playing the course with a little rollout in the fairways, firm greens and the bunkers continue to get better and better. Please remember to keep carts on paths around tees and greens and enter fairways closer to a 90-degree angle. There are too many carts leaving the cart paths and driving in the roughs and fairways getting to next shots and carts driving around the greens. Also, remember that is good etiquette to rake bunkers after play, please rake bunkers and then turn the rake over to the smooth side to smooth out the surrounds inside the bunkers. We hope all MGA members are enjoying the After Work Social Golf evenings. If you have not participated, please sign-up on ForeTees for these events continuing to be held on Wednesdays in August.
WGA • • • • • • • • •
Wednesday Play Days Resume, September 7 Kick-Off Scramble, September 14 Stroke Play Championship, September 20 & 21 Royal Tee Member/Guest, October 19 Bordeaux Cup, November 8 & 9 Turkey Shoot, November 16 Santa Scramble, December 7 9/Wine/Dine, Friday, September 16 Husband/Wife Club Championship, October 30
MGA • • • • • • • •
D-Select, August 27 ◊ D-Select Team drawing, August 25 League Play, September 7 – October 26 ◊ League Play Team Drawing, August 31 Match Play Championship, September 24 & 25 ◊ Championship Flight Qualifier, September 23 Men’s Invitational Member/Guest, October 6 – 8 ◊ Calcutta, October 5 Senior Stroke Play Championship, October 22 & 23 Fleur de Lis Cup, November 12 & 13 ◊ Fleur de Lis Cup Champions Dinner, November 10 ◊ Team Drawings, Thursday, October 13 in MLR Superintendent’s Revenge, December 17 Junior Club Championship, September 25
Please remember, it is that time of year for course maintenance during these warm/hot months to perform verticutting, aerification, and other practices to the golf course. The course will be closed Tuesday, July 12, and re-open on Friday, July 29.
Please remember to visit the website for upcoming events around the Club and upcoming MGA and WGA tournaments. (Schedules are subject to change.)
The range will be closed, July 12 and 13, and re-open at 12:00pm on Thursday, July 14 and will remain on mats only until Friday, July 29. The far (south) end of the range, the short game, and both practice greens will remain closed until Friday, July 29.
We hope that everyone is having a wonderful Summer and please be safe if you and your family will be traveling.
It has been fantastic seeing the juniors out for the Camps in June, Robert Scott and staff have been busy with our future golfers. Thank you to the families and guests for bringing your juniors out. Also, remember the next semester of Operation 36 is right around the corner so sign-up soon. Mark your calendars for the upcoming events in the Fall… Head Golf Professional - James D. Brown jbrown@royaloakscc.com
SCENE AROUND THE CLUB Our Members enjoying the many Club amentities!
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Celebrating Memorial Day at our Annual Pool Party!
One of our Group Ex Classes in the works!
Enjoying the Family Pool on a Hot Summer Day!
Ladies Associaion Members enjoying their Royal Recipe Ladies event at a Members home!
Showing off their cool glitter tattoos they got during Family Fun Night!
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UPCOMING EVENTS... Check the online calendar for the most up to date info!
JULY 4TH PARTY & PARADE Monday, July 4
LOUNGE NIGHT Friday, July 8
AERIFICATION
Monday, July 11 - Thursday, July 28
ROCCLA HAPPY HOUR Wednesday, April 27
WET & WILD DAY Saturday, July 30
ROCCLA SUNDAY MATINEE Sunday, July 31
ROCCLA HAPPY HOUR Wednesday, August 31
ROCC SOCIAL SCENE Hello Members! I hope you are all enjoying your vacations, long summer days, and extra time with family and friends. We have been making the most of this summer heat with our Family Fun Nights, Bingo Nights, and other poolside activities. We’ve also appreciated being indoors for some exquisite experiences including our Annual Summer Solstice Wine Dinner, Chef ’s coveted Degustation Dinners, and of course, celebrating all the dads with our Father’s Day Brunch. Thank you to those that have joined us this month for some fun events! Be sure to share your pictures from these events on our social media, or you can send them to me to be included in the next La Vie! We love seeing these moments captured by you, and sharing them with your fellow members as well. We may even choose your photo to advertise an event in the future! If you haven’t had the chance to join us for one of Chef ’s Degustation Dinners, I encourage you to do so in the future! These do sell out quickly; however, you can always call me to host your own private group of 5-10 people and enjoy the same degustation menu. This is a delicious journey with Chef that does not disappoint! I look forward to seeing you around the Club!
Catering & Events Director - Allyson Brown abrown@royaloakscc.com
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WHAT’S UP IN TENNIS? We celebrated a first at Royal Oaks Country Club on June 10th & 11th. We held a competitive tournament for 3.0 &3.5 doubles teams. There was a lot of sweating, great rallies, and good camaraderie had by all. It was a nice start to a series of Tournaments that will run through this fall so keep your eyes open for future dates. For all who participated, we thank you, and to our division winners a hearty congratulations!
3.0 Winners Laura Brickey & Jon Nelsen 3.5 Winners Julie & Ivor Gray We had a few mammoth matches and a great spirited competition and we hope for more players for the next one in early September, so stay tuned. Last Fall, the Junior Academy participated in Junior Team Tennis (JTT) for the first time. We wanted the players to start competitive play with other players around the Houston area. Unfortunately, during the last season, the 14U competed in Sectionals and came short. On May 21st, Aisha Londono-Salmen, Ali Chudleigh, Blair Stevenson, and Federico Cosson from the Junior Tennis Academy represented Royal Oaks Country Club in Tyler, TX, to compete in JTT 14U Sectionals. It was a nail-bitter weekend as the scores were close. However, it wasn’t until the end that Royal Oaks pulled it out and won their division! We are proud of all players participating in Junior Team Tennis this season! Royal Oaks had 3 teams this season competing, and we look forward to continuing this adventure in the Fall.
Director of Tennis - Peter Farrell pfarrell@royaloakscc.com
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE Check the online calendar for the most up to date events!
COMMUNICATIONS CORNER This Summer has so far flown by and I can’t believe we are already looking ahead into July and August. Like many other departments, I’ve been busy planning ahead to the Fall as we have some exciting digital projects ahead of us. We are currently working on refreshing our Royal Oaks website and app to a more modern and userfriendly version! I can’t wait for our Members to see the unveiling of it all and I know it will be much more functional for all of our Members. With a fresh new website/app, I want to invite all of our Members to share some of their favorite photos and memories here at the Club so we can intertwine them into our new look! I’d love to capture the heart and soul of the Club and that starts with our Members!
Communications Manager - Hannah Vines hvines@royaloakscc.com
To submit your stories or photos, please email them to me at hvines@royaloakscc.com!
SHARE YOUR MOMENTS WITH US! Share life milestone’s with us! Birth announcements, engagements, or even retirements. We want to celebrate with you!
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Mission Statement
Royal Oaks Country Club provides an environment of enjoyment to all members and their families by offering exceptional golf, fitness, recreational sports, social and dining experiences.
Vision Statement
To be recognized as the private club of choice for Houston families by offering a convenient and relaxed lifestyle with superior amenities and facilities. -
Values
Members Members are our most important asset Membership is a privilege through a thoughtful selection process Amenities First class golf and recreational sports experience Remarkable social experiences promoted by members Employees Attract staff who are high performers and outstanding in their field Uphold fiscal responsibility through effective Club governance Community Promote fellowship in a welcoming social environment Adhere to the Golden Rule...treat others as you want to be treated
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