On course july 2013 by liz souza

July / 2013

On Course Members Attend Annual Meeting

The Woods Hole Golf Club 2013 Annual Meeting took place on Sunday, June 23, at 2:00 p.m in the Club dining room. Aproximately people 125 attended. The meeting began with remembrances of members and spouses who had died in the past year. After Brian Kenney delivered the Secretary’s Report, Treasurer Margaret Ake reported on the financials for 2012 and provided projections of operating financials for 2013–2015. This was an important new addition to the agenda. Also new to the agenda was the General Manager’s Report. Michael Lawrence reviewed current operations and programs, potential future programming and his overall approach to management. The five nominees to the Board of Governors were approved. They include returning Board Members Kerry Geraghty, Brian Kenney, David Newton and Julia Taylor, and first-time Board Member Jay Finnegan. See page 2 for the complete listing of the Board of Governors. Finally, the Membership voted to approve the dues increase recommended by the Board of Governors. The increase is $250.00 for Regular Membership, bringing the dues to $5,850 a year. Other classes of membership, such as Seniors and Juniors, were increased proportionally. More details about the Annual Meeting are contained in the minutes, which are available online in the Member section of the website.

From the General Manager Dear Woods Hole Members: Last month I shared updates concerning enhancements to your Golf Experience, including a new Cart Fleet and improvements to the Driving Range and HalfWay House. I also went into some detail about the Administrative Fee and how we’ve been preparing the culinary service and golf staff for high season. And finally, I mentioned “All-You-Can-EatLobster Night” every Thursday in June, which turned out to be very, very popular, by the way. This month, I would like to recap my presentation at the Annual Meeting and share information about some new programs. “Members Reserve”—In a nutshell, the goal of this program is to always provide dining and parking for Members, regardless of other events that might be going on in the Clubhouse. Many times in the past, a wedding or large charity tournament would displace Members from dining or parking, and Members would be turned away. On the one hand, as conscientious community citizens, we should occasionally host a local charity golf tournament, and the net income margin for a wedding can be very helpful to our bottom line. However, sacrificing Member access and enjoyment is not acceptable. Therefore, we will always have a special section of the Clubhouse reserved for your dining, regardless of the social function being held, whether it is a wedding, charity, or tournament. And, there will always be parking reserved for you on the upper level. Our first choices for the Member Reserve will be the Card Room, the Lounge and the Lounge “Porch.” Event guests will always be separated from Members in these areas. Improvements to your Golf Experience—Glenn Kelly and his Team have made several improvements to the Driving Range experience, which we hope you’ve enjoyed, and there are several more improvements coming soon. For example, I’m sure you’ve noticed the ball pyramids, which are re-stacked several times daily, and the ice cooler with bottled water. That’s a good start, but there’s more to come. This month our new “ironwood coolers” for the water (continued on page 4)

2013–2014 BOARD OF GOVERNORS David Barry President

Brian Kenney Vice President Paul S. Tierney, Jr. (PJ) Secretary Margaret Ake Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair Robert Ament William Bearce Membership Committee Chair Kerry Geraghty Green Committee Chair

Michael Jones David Newton Jonathan O’Herron, Jr. Tennis Committee Chair John Salvatore Julia Taylor House Committee Chair Hedy Whitney James Finnegan 130 Quissett Avenue P.O. Box 663, Falmouth, MA 02541 508-540-1899 Ext. 1 Ext. 2 Ext. 3 Ext. 4 Ext. 5 Ext. 6 Ext. 7 Ext. 14

www.woodsholegolfclub.com © Woods Hole Golf Club 2013

On Course - July 2013 • page 2

An Information Meeting to discuss the Master Plan for the Club was held following the Annual Meeting on June 23. Aproximately 125 people took part in the discussion, which, according to David Barry, who moderated the meeting, was positive and constructive. “It was an upbeat discussion of a complicated subject,” he said. “The meeting allowed for varying points of view and has provided useful feedback from the Members.” The meeting was the next step in a process that began a year ago with a Membership Survey conducted by an outside firm. The results were presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting, and a strategic assessment was conducted by experts in the field. As a result, needs and opportunities were identified. Work in these identified areas was presented at the Information Meeting. Presentations were given by: • Sasaki and Associates, land planning specialists. They are advising regarding the overall physical plan, including the Clubhouse, parking, etc. • CBT Architects. They are focusing on the Clubhouse, storage, delivery and other issues related to the buildings. • Forse Design, golf course architects. The firm is the primary advisor regarding the driving range and short game practice areas. • Margaret Ake. WHGC Treasurer. Margaret reviewed costs and financing availability.

Steven Haddad

Pro Shop & Tennis Reservations Dining Reservations Membership Business Office Catering Information Lounge and To-Go Orders Dial-by-Name Directory General Manager

Master Plan Information Meeting Positive and Productive

Issues and opportunities discussed included: • The Clubhouse and the potential of renovating or rebuilding. • Parking, delivery and storage, including options that would change the current practice of large delivery vehicles in the Club’s entrance drive. • The practice range and short game practice area. What are the options for redesigning and rebuilding? • Tennis courts. What are the options for relocating and rebuilding. Next steps: The Board of Governors is reviewing and considering the feedback from the meeting. Another information meeting will likely be held before seeking member approval of any Master Plan. “This is a work in progress, the kind of decisions made once every 50 to 75 years,” said David. “It is important that this process be thoughtful and deliberate”.

9-Hole Women Create Welcoming Atmosphere If you’re looking to play golf with a congenial group of women but don’t want to go for the full 18 holes, The Woods Hole Women’s Golf Association 9-Hole Women’s Division may be just right for you. Every Thursday morning in season, from 16 to 20 women gather at 8:30 for a 9:00 tee-off. According to Mary Anne Kelleher, who has been playing with the group for five years, it is a relaxing experience. “Anyone can join and play, and we have a very good time. There’s no pressure.” The women range in age from early 50s to 90. Patricia Hancox, who will be 90 in September, became a member of the club in 1967, shortly after her husband, who was in the Coast Guard, was transferred to the Cape. “I started with the 9-Holers, then joined the 18-Holers, then went back to the 9-Holders,” she said. “Everybody wants to play as long as they can, but they don’t necessarily want to play 18 holes. Both groups are very congenial.” Shirley Hersey, who has been playing with the 9-Hole Women for five years, likes the format as well. “I used to be able to hit the ball a ton and a half, but I can’t anymore,” she said. Married to her husband, Francis, for 65 years, Shirley took up golf at the same time as he did. “I swore I would never be a golf widow.” And she is still learning. “I always think of new ways to approach the game. I now know how to hit a straight ball. I wish I had known some of the things I know now when I was younger.”

Because the women play on a week day, many of the members are retired. But Brenda Reardon, President of the 9-Hole Women, would love to see some younger women join, the way she did when she was in her 20s. “I played with friends of my grandmother,” Brenda said. “But when I had kids and couldn’t get back in time for the kindergarten bus, I had to stop. Then I taught school for many years. So I know it’s difficult for younger women to join, but we want them to know they are welcome if they can fit it into their schedules.” Brenda believes the group provides a great way for new golfers to become comfortable with the game. That certainly seems to have been the experience of new member Mary St. Jean, who, at age 52, played only her second game of golf at the 9-Hole Women’s Opening Day Scramble June 6. “It’s perfect for me as a beginner because they are very encouraging and relaxed,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this. And my team won!” The most important thing: “Don’t take it too seriously,” said Brenda. “When we’re having a bad day, and the ball isn’t going where we want, I just remind everyone, look, it’s a beautiful day and the company is great.”

Mary St Jean, Nancy Barry and Carol Tierney.

Joan Swift and Brenda Reardon.

9-Hole Women Hold Opening Day Scramble

The 9-Hole Women held their Opening Day Scramble on June 6 under clear skies and comfortable, late-spring temperatures. “What a great opening day!” said Brenda Reardon, President of the 9-Hole Women. “I want to welcome our two new members, Mary St. Jean, who was playing for only the second time in her life, and Carol Tierney.” After golf, the women gathered for lunch in the Clubhouse where the results were announced: • First Place, with a 49 in the Step-Aside Scramble: The team of Peggy Kinch, Carol Tierney, Mary St. Jean and Brenda Reardon. • Second Place, with a 54: The team of Nancy Fay, Shirley Hersey, Fay Hamre and Sybil Drummond. • Closest to the Pin: Carol Tierney. • Longest Drive on the Eighth: Brenda Reardon.

On Course - July 2013 • page 3 Mary Ann Kelleher, Jean Williams and Peggy Kinch.

Clubhouse Hours 2013

pril 1 through A December 31

Restaurant and Lounge: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. Full Menu available all day, every day. Afternoon Appetizers: 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., every day.

Closing times may be extended if needed for tournaments.

Mark Your Calendar for Inaugural Golf/Tennis Biathlon Championship Our first Annual WHGC Men’s and Women’s Golf/Tennis Biathlon Championship will take place Sunday, July 28. The event includes nine holes of golf, finishing anytime before 4:00 p.m. It will be followed by a tennis competition from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and then awards. A cookout will follow on the Pro Shop patio.

Tennis Mixer Kicks Off the Season The first Mixer took place Friday, June 30, under threatening skies. Luckily, the rain held off, and twenty players were able to enjoy some very spirited competition and a fantastic cookout on the Clubhouse Patio. All participants want to especially thank Michael Lawrence and his staff for the great food, drink and ambiance they provided.

Member Walter Salmon (in white) and guest volley tennis balls on a summer day.

On Course - July 2013 • page 4

Manager’s Letter (continued from page 1) and ironwood bag racks will arrive, and there will be sunscreen and bug spray supplied for each bag rack throughout the day. Also coming this month will be ironwood coolers for all Par 3s, and we will keep bottled water iced down throughout the day. I want to thank Tom Flaherty, Golf Course Superintendent, and Frank Carpenito, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, for sprucing up the Ladies restroom at the Halfway House. Not only did they make needed improvements, but they saved us some money, too! Golf Shoe Cleaning—Several Members have suggested that we provide golf-shoe cleaning, which is certainly one of the basic service standards that we see at other fine clubs. It turns out that Glenn has had a shoe-cleaning machine in the cart barn shop for several years, and he has wanted to implement this amenity for some time. Well, there’s nothing like the present, so we worked out a process for making it happen. In short, we will get your golf shoes cleaned after a round (at no charge) and placed the next day outside your locker (if you have one) or on a special golf-shoe shelf located in the Locker Rooms for that purpose. We can also put new laces and spikes on your shoes for a very modest charge. When you finish your round, just ask any Outside Bag Attendant, and he will explain the process and take care of your shoes. By the time you read this column, you will have had the chance to swing by the Pro Shop snack bar, which Glenn has labeled “The Turn.” Instead of having to serve yourself (certainly not the ideal service), we now have Clubhouse-trained servers to make sandwiches-to-go and serve a number of snacks, candies and beverages, including beer and early morning cocktails. We were very fortunate that Chef Jim Litman took this project under his wing and made it happen! Not only did Jim insure they had everything needed, he designed the menu and personally went to our vendors to get the correct food-preparation equipment and got it installed. Courtney Smith, our Bar Supervisor, was also very helpful in getting everything ordered and set-up. So far, the Member response has been very, very strong— just what we had anticipated. We’ll keep this amenity going during the peak months and perhaps on weekends into the fall. At the Annual Meeting, I introduced the “Menu-To-Go” amenity as yet another program we are working on and will launch very soon. The idea is that the Club can have ready for you almost anything on the menu when you need it most—when unexpected guests drop in or when you just don’t feel like cooking or waiting in line at the restaurants in town! There can be no room for error in a service like this, so once we get it perfected, I’ll announce the program. And by the way, the Membership has been very responsive to the standards and improvements the Team has introduced. In fact, the food and beverage spending through June was 38 percent more than the same period last year. That’s a pretty good indicator that we are working hard to make Woods Hole Golf Club the best on the Cape. See you around the Club, Michael

George Kahler and Dick Dower Take the Wessner Series Came Down to Day-One Victory George Kahler and Dick “Double D” Dower captured their first Dutch Wessner Title on June 15. At the end of the match, the team was tied for first place with former champions P.J. Tierney and Dan Pimental. Under those circumstances, the rules state that the win goes to the team that had defeated the other team in earlier play. Since KahlerDower had defeated Tierney-Pimental in round one, Kahler and Dower get to see their names on the oak plaque that hangs prominently outside the men’s locker area. The team is already looking ahead to 2014. “This seals it for life,” said George, adding that he and ‘Double D’ “are in this forever.”

Thank you for supporting the Caddie Program at WHGC.

Here are the results for Sunday, June 16, 2013 1st Flight 1st: Jon O’Herron Jr.-Roger Tarika, 25 1/2 2nd: Chris Snyder-Joe Young Jr., 25 3rd: Jim Ferrera-Dan Conley, 24

6th Flight 1st: David Chapman-Joe Doyle Jr. , 28 1/2 2nd: John Gagnon-Mark McDermott, 24 1/2 3rd: Gus Alleneter Jones, 24

2nd Flight 1st: Brian Walsh-Paul Vincent, 27 1/2 2nd: Hank Newman-Ron Blanchard, 24 3rd: Brian M. Kenney-Kevin Schiller, 22 1/2

7th Flight 1st: Peter N. Starosta-Paul Hennessy, 28 1/2 2nd: Tim Marken-Jim Duggan, 25 1/2 3rd: Richard Whitney-Paul Branca, 22

3rd Flight 1st: Kevin Nolan Jr.-Joe Clair, 25 1/2 2nd: Rick Kelleher-Eric Benway, 24 3rd: David Crowley-Ben Getchell, 22 1/2

8th Flight 1st: TomWhitney-Brehon Griswold, 26 1/2 2nd/3rd: Brooks Bartlett-Al Howard, 23 1/2 2nd/3rd: John Butterworth-Jeff Mansfield, 23 1/2

4th Flight 1st: Ray Carvey-John Carvey, 26 1/2 2nd: Chris Carney-Mark Brewster, 25 1/2 3rd: Jack Connolly-Bob Giardino, 22 1/2

9th Flight 1st: Andy Bear-Dave McVay, 27 2nd: Kerry Geraghty-Dan Hayes 27 3rd: Paul Dussault-Flory McCarthy, 25 1/2

5th Flight 1st: George Kahler-Dick “Double D” Dower, 27 2nd: P.J. Tierney Jr.-Dan Pimental, 27 3rd: Ed Kelleher-Phil Jackson, 23 1/2

10th Flight 1st: Brooks Watt-Jim Sullivan, 26 1/2 2nd: Richard Gill-Roger Sweeney, 25 3rd: Kevin Scannell-Joe Young Sr., 23

Dutch Wessner Holes-in-One The magic of a hole-in-one never fades. And when it’s your first, that’s even more special. There were three holes-in-one during the Dutch Wessner: Joe Clair of Charles River Country Club Roger Tarika of Woodway Country Club Dr. John Gagnon—First hole-in-one! Congratulations to all!

On Course - July 2013 • page 5

August 2013 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Club Championships Sr. Club Championship Tennis Doubles are Match Play this year.

Defending Champion and low 7 qualifiers advance to match play

Championship August 17th Men’s & Women’s

Tennis Mixer BBQ 4 PM/6 PM

Junior Club Championship 2 PM Start

Sr. Club Championship Match Play 1 PM

Saturday 3 Sr. Club Championship Matches Semi 1 PM

Ev Fallon Memorial 1 PM Shotgun

Men’s One Day Member Guest 1 PM Shotgun

Club Championship Qualifying Round DC & low 15 advance

Men’s & Women’s Club Championship Match Play 1 PM

Men’s & Women’s Club Championship Match Play 8 AM

Tom Whitney Group (16 players) 1 PM

Ev Fallon Memorial 8:30 AM Shotgun

Sundown Swingers 4 PM Shotgun

Friday

Annual Summer Cocktail “Par-tee” 6:00 to 11:00 PM

Falmouth Road Race 10 AM Start

Thursday

18 Hole Women Solheim Cup 8:30 AM

Championship Sunday NOON

Front Nine Greens Aerification

18 Hole Women Solheim Cup 8:30 AM

Back Nine Greens Aerification

29 9 Hole Women Bring a Friend Day 9 AM Shotgun

September 2013 Sunday 1

Monday

Tuesday

Labor Day

18 Hole Women Field Day 8:30 AM Shotgun

Wednesday 4

Sundown Swingers 3 PM Shotgun

High School Scrimmage Longmeadow v. Falmouth (16) 10:30 AM

Joe Lind Charity Tournament 12:30 PM Shotgun

30 Gahan Tournament Noon Shotgun (72)

Friday 6

CC Sr. 4 Ball League Match 11:30 AM v. Bayberry

John Stimpson Fall Member-Member 8:30 AM Shotgun Start

Thursday

18 Holers Bring a Friend Day 8:30 AM Shotgun (72)

WGAM Fall Cup Match (24 players) 8:30 AM Start 1st Tee

Saturday 7 John Stimpson Fall Member-Member 1 PM Shotgun Start

CC Sr. 4 Ball League Match 11:30 AM v. Wianno

Men’s One Day Member Guest 1 PM Shotgun

Linda Sallop Group (24) 10:30 AM

High School Scrimmage Longmeadow v. Barnstable (16) 12:30 PM

Cape Cod Sr. 4 Ball League Match 11:30 AM v Oys Harbors

Pro Member Noon Shotgun (72)

Tennis Program Off to a Great Season

As Membership knows by now, long-time Head Tennis Pro Craig D’Amario left the Club in early June due to additional opportunities being made available to him at Falmouth Sports Center. We appreciate Craig’s service and wish him well in his future endeavors. Craig’s departure resulted in our creating the new position of Director of Tennis, which has been filled by Member Suellen Wheeler. “Suellen has been one of the many driving forces behind the very successful Harbor Head Tennis Club in West Falmouth,” said Jon O’Herron, Chairman of the WHGC Tennis Committee. “She is exactly the person we need to guide our program at this particular moment. She has wasted no time putting together a great staff and getting us up and running for the summer season.” In addition to Suellen, we have hired two Tennis Instructors and two Assistant Instructors for the Junior Program. Here are the details of the new staff and Summer Program for 2013: Staff • Suellen Wheeler, Director of Tennis. • Nannah Stankova, Tennis Instructor. She is an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Certified Teaching Pro. Most recently she taught at both Willowbend Country Club, and the South Cape Resort. • Katie Dombrowski, Tennis Instructor. She is a longtime Falmouth resident and current coach of the Falmouth High School Girls Tennis team. • Meaghan O’Herron, Assistant Tennis Instructor. Meaghan will be a sophomore at Middlebury College this fall. She was part of the 2011 champion Ladies Doubles team at Harbor Head. • Eliza Ball, Assistant Tennis Instructor. Eliza will be a senior at American School in London. She plays on the school’s varsity tennis team, which won the 2013 International Secondary School Tournament. Adult Program A new addition to the Adult Program schedule this season is the Golf and Tennis Biathlon Championship. “This promises to be a fun event and will include a cookout following the competition,” said Jon. Also on the horizon are some adult offerings. Jon added, “We know there is demand for adult clinics because of what we learned from the Tennis Survey. We are in the process of designing that schedule.” Tennis Mixers will be scheduled this year on Fridays and Sundays, eliminating mid-week dates in order to increase participation in these popular events. Junior Program The Junior Clinic schedule is the same as last year. “If we see enough participation, we will be able to put forward additional programs, such as Junior Interclub matches and different age-level Club Championships,” Jon said. Please note that clinic sign-up is now handled by Suellen Wheeler. If you have not yet heard from her regarding your child’s participation, please contact her. There is never a deadline for signing your children up for any clinic. “We are excited about the season and believe it will be even better than last year,” said Jon. “But we need member support to make that happen.” The Tennis Committee is hoping that anyone with even some interest in tennis will give the new program a try. All members are encouraged to contact the Tennis Committee anytime at tennis@woodsholegolfclub.com.

How to Sign Up for Tennis Events Contact Suellen Wheeler at swwconcord@aol.com or at 978-771-4594. Contact Glenn Kelly at glennpkelly@aim.com or by phone at the Pro Shop, 508-540-1899. Sign up at the Tennis Bulletin Board across from the Pro Shop Kitchen.

Happy Birthday, Leo! Years ago, the men wanted to organize a time when men could play mid day. There was never a name associated with the men’s group until someone coined the phrase Leo’s Group as Leo Limberakis would consistently show up every day without fail (and still does). Leo celebrates his 96th birthday on July 21. Happy Birthday, Leo!

Leo Limberakis

On Course On the Web We now have two ways for you to view On Course online: • Go to Our Web Site: woodsholegolfclub.com to see the newsletter in color. AND • Check out the flip book version: You can now read a flip book version of On Course online at: http://issuu.com/samray/docs/oncoursejuly-2013 And remember—You’ll help your club save money and reduce paper use if you sign up for e-mail-only delivery of On Course. Here’s how to do it: • Send an email to: office@woodsholegolfclub. com stating that you wish to opt out of the hard copy of On Course. OR • Go to the Preferences page of the WHGC website and choose “opt out of hard copy.”

On Course - July 2013 • page 7

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Permit No. 3 Osterville, MA, 02655

130 Quissett Avenue P.O. Box 663, Falmouth, MA 02541

The Woods Hole Golf Club, situated high on a Cape Cod hillside overlooking Buzzards Bay, is marked by rolling hills, sweeping fairways, and dramatic water views. Its championship course is undeniably one of the finest and most You never know which celebrity is going to show up at Woods Hole Golf Club. Alex Miceli (r.) of The Golf Channel with WHGC Assistant Golf Pro Kelly LaDow.

challenging in New England. Visit us at: www.woodsholegolfclub.com

Website Version of On Course... You can now read a flip book version of On Course online at: http://issuu.com/samray/docs/oncourse-july-2013