The Springfield Story, April 2024

2024 Board of Directors

David DeLorenzo

President david.delorenzo@gmail.com 703.887.0505

John Astorino

Vice President john.astorino@longandfoster.com 703.898.5148

Caitlin Clark Secretary sheaclark@comcast.net 703.967.8997

Bob Sampson Treasurer bsampson71@gmail.com 703.362.0027

Mike Cozad mcozad@advairac.com 703.926.6758

Tom Davis tdavis@gandrellc.com 703.772.5015

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673

Dan McCarthy danm5691@gmail.com 703.999.9329

Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com 703.862.9370

2024 Committees

Audit

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673

Communications

Katie Kissal katiekissal@gmail.com 703.244.4583

Finance

Bob Sampson bsampson71@gmail.com 703.362.0027

Fitness

Gayle Burgoyne gayleburgoyne@aol.com 703.455.3985

Food & Beverage

John Palladino jape199@aol.com 703.901.0744

Golf

David Kelly davidnkelly@verizon.net 703.786.0980

Green

Dan Derisio dderisio@yahoo.com 703.618.1720

House

Julie Graham juliegraham10@me.com 703.650.8788

Membership

Jon Danforth danforth.jon@gmail.com 703.409.7383

Personnel

John Astorino john.astorino@longandfoster.com 703.898.5148

Racquets

Staci Goede staci.goede@gmail.com

Garrett Engeset gengeset@gmail.com

Rules

Bruce Nordstrom bnorthstream@yahoo.com 202.494.6558

Social Natalee Siveroni olahnatalee@gmail.com

Marie Denslow a93aggie@gmail.com

Strategic Planning

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673

Swim/Pool

Mike Goede goedes@me.com 703.927.0941

Board Report

BY DAVID DELORENZO | BOARD PRESIDENT

Last month, the Board hosted a panel discussion to address the results of the Member Satisfaction Survey and provide insight into the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2025 which begins April 1, 2024. The discussion was moderated by Katie Kissal, Chair of the Communication Committee, and panelists included John Astorino, Vice President and Chair of Personnel; Caitlin Clark, Board Secretary; Joe English, Board Member and Chair of Strategic Planning; Steve Lawson, CCM, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer; Bob Sampson, Board Treasurer and Chair of Finance; and myself. Shawn Gill, Golf Course Superintendent, was also present and provided further information and context regarding the spillway project. I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended either in person or online as well as everyone who completed the survey; we appreciate your investment in and dedication to our Club. I realize schedules are busy and many of you were unable to attend. While too much information was covered to get into it all here, I will cover some of the highlights.

As we look to the start of the new fiscal year, it is important to remind ourselves of how much was accomplished in FY2024, not the least of which was the hiring of Steve Lawson. Hiring Steve allowed the Board and Management to establish tangible goals for the Club, push those goals down through Committees, and help provide direction to the professional staff in a collaborative effort to keep SGCC moving forward.

When Steve arrived in May, he received a list of maintenance needs from the Facilities Committee which detailed some 220 projects that required attention. It was not all that long ago that the Club was in a financially precarious situation, and, due to this, many upkeep projects were placed on the back burner. Thanks to diligent and difficult work by the Board and Management over the last several years, we are now financially sound with fiscal safeguards in place to keep us that way.

One of the major accomplishments of FY2024 was seeing how the Capital Reserve Study and Operating Reserve we established three years ago helped set the tone for Steve and chart a path for the completion of many facilities projects which, while not glamorous, are crucial. In fact, it is this same financial overhaul that enabled us to commission the Member Satisfaction Survey and begin looking toward SGCC’s future in a more definable way.

We have 16 member classes and 2,400 members including spouses, dependents, and grandchildren under the age of 18 with usage rights. The Satisfaction Survey not only told us that 91.6% of members are happy and find value in their membership, it was also a tool that helped us recognize usage patterns and identify areas to enhance, maintain, and update. The wants of the Membership and usage patterns change over time—if we had conducted this survey three years ago, we would not have seen 30% of our Membership regularly playing pickleball. It is important for us to acknowledge opportunities for growth and to make educated projections about future expectations.

From the golf course to the Racquets & Fitness Center, our facilities see a lot of usage year-round. We have a plethora of membership classes; some are nominal, some are heavily weighted, and they don’t all contribute to the Capital Fund in the same way. We want to take a strategic look at the demands on our facilities and right-size our membership classes to reduce disparities and meet the standards of our community. There ought to be a valid reason for every membership class, and we want to ensure we are getting the right amount of revenue from all the classes that are consuming the services the Club provides. This is important not only from a parity perspective, but also as a reality of closing in on class caps and the subsequent impact wait lists will have on our Capital Income.

One of the most frequently asked questions that has come up

in the wake of the survey is whether or not the Membership can expect to see the start of a major project and/or an assessment. The short answer is no. While most of you listed the driving range as the number one area needing renovation, it is crucial that we are smart about how and when we spend our money. The driving range may be the most desired project, but it is also the most expensive and requires the most research to ensure it is done correctly. There are other projects we could potentially undertake that will positively impact the membership experience in a shorter time frame without the incumbent funding and planning problems.

We needed to know what the Membership wants in order to prioritize Capital projects. Now that we have that information, we need to do research including gathering more specifics about what the Membership is looking for, studies to tell us what we can do within our physical limitations, getting quotes from vendors, and figuring out how the Membership wants to pay for the projects. The Board, Committees, and Management are working closely to develop a plan. To put it shortly, we are at the start of a long road and it is important to do things the right way and not sacrifice quality and best fit

for the sake of expediency.

We have many items on our radar besides integrating the survey results into Capital and Strategic Planning. Other priorities for the coming year include re-evaluating, modernizing, and clarifying the Club’s Green Book; examining our Governance structure including succession planning, Executive Committee roles, and leadership within the Committees; looking at how we recruit, retain, and educate our staff; and continuing to improve our communications efforts.

It is always challenging to bridge the gap between what the Board and Management view as success and what the Membership views as success. I want to thank you again for taking the time to participate in the Member Satisfaction Survey and sharing your valuable insight. I know I speak on behalf of my fellow Board members when I say that despite the challenges that come from having to make difficult decisions, it is extremely rewarding to see the positive effects the changes of the last few years have had on the Member experience. The future of Springfield is bright, and I look forward to navigating it with you. 

Meet Alessandra Maurtua, PGA, Springfield’s New Director of Golf

BY EMILY KAUFFMAN | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

SGCC’s new Director of Golf Alessandra Maurtua, PGA officially joined the Springfield family on March 8 and she has been off and running ever since. Less than a week into the job, Ale helped host Golf Season Opening Night and she has been spending her days getting to know the staff and membership, learning our unique systems, interviewing candidates for important positions, and getting the department ready for the start of the season.

According to Ale, building relationships is her favorite part of her job and the most important. Ale has what can only be described as a service-oriented mindset. She not only enjoys getting to know the membership, but learning more about the people and families she serves so that she develops a better understanding of their unique needs.

Ale took some time out of her very busy schedule to sit down with me and answer a few questions so that the membership of SGCC can get to know her a little better as well.

Emily Kauffman: How did you get into golf?

Ale Maurtua, PGA: I grew up playing tennis. That was my main sport until I was about 14 or 15 years old, then I injured my knee and couldn’t play competitively anymore. We were members of a golf club and my dad tells me, ‘Well, go try golf.’ I said, ‘That is for old people!’ But I did. I grabbed one of his wedges and went to the driving range and just started hitting balls. There was one that just kind of clicked and that addiction started and I never looked back. I knew I wanted to come to the States and get a scholarship, so I worked really hard for three years and got a scholarship to Highpoint.

EK: Did you join a golf team in high school? How did you pursue the sport competitively?

AM: We don’t have team sports in Peru like we do here, so after school I would just go practice every night. I actually took a year off between high school and college and went to the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head. I was there for three or four months and I just lived, breathed, and ate golf, and that’s how I was able to get the scholarship [to Highpoint]. Once I started playing college golf, I knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

often. One of my goals is to eventually run a marathon. I grew up doing anything and everything. Windsurfing! I’m an active person; it drives me crazy to sit still.

EK: When did you know you wanted to pursue golf professionally?

AM: I really started my career while I was in college; I was a student assistant coach in my last year, then I did an internship with The First Tee, teaching. Right after that I got a job teaching golf, but I also realized that I really liked the business side. I decided I can do golf, which I love, and I can also run a business, which is another passion, and combining the two is golf operations!

EK: What is your favorite thing about working in the golf industry?

AM: Building relationships with members. I love watching the kids grow up playing golf; you know, you meet them when they’re eight years old then suddenly they’re driving to your lessons! I just love seeing that development and how you help them get there and really make golf a part of their lives.

EK: Do you play other sports?

AM: I enjoy playing tennis recreationally. I used to come here to play Live Ball Tennis on Wednesdays and I got a bit too competitive. It’s just that nature in me. I love really any sport and I exercise just about every day. I definitely still enjoy tennis. I played pickleball once. Diving. We go mountain biking quite

I’ll be standing outside quite often once the season gets underway, talking to people and riding the course. That’s what I enjoy the most the relationships and getting to know the members.

EK: What is something you wish all golfers knew?

AM: That’s a loaded question! It’s a privilege to be able to play golf; it’s something that a lot of us have been lucky enough to be learning since we were kids, some of us are learning as we get older, but it is something you can do throughout your life. There are people here in their 90s out playing golf and that’s amazing.

Even if you have a bad day on the golf course it is much better than any other day not on the golf course; just being able to be here. It’s a game. It’s a sport. Enjoy it! Build relationships playing golf and don’t take it too seriously…unless we’re playing A Team or B Team, then we have to win!

EK: What is your favorite course you’ve ever played or favorite golf trip you’ve taken and why?

AM: I don’t take a lot of golf trips, but the best course that I’ve played was Teeth of the Dog in the Dominican Republic. I absolutely love the beach and this course had eight or nine holes that were right next to the ocean and the views were gorgeous.

EK: Recently, the Golf and Racquets Departments have begun working together more collaboratively. What types of opportunities do you envision for future interdepartmental collaborations?

AM: For me, working with juniors is not just teaching one sport but really thinking about how we can develop them as athletes. The more we can all work together, the better. It is fun for the kids to try different things, and developing them as athletes means that when they grow up and they pick whatever sport they want, it’s a lot easier for them. The goal is to work with Branden, Robert, and Reggie and come up with new and different programs.

EK: How much of a role does continuing education play in your day-to-day?

AM: It’s extremely important. I always say that if you’re comfortable doing something, then you’re not learning. When you get too comfortable, it’s a dangerous position, so I challenge myself to read every day, to reach out to other professionals to learn what they are doing, what’s working, what’s not working, and I try to do the same with our staff by teaching them and encouraging them to reach out to other professionals and learn from them as well. If we’re not learning, we’re not getting better.

EK: What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Director of Golf?

AM: Other than connecting with the membership and really getting to know everybody, I’m really looking forward to training the staff to be able to offer a better product and better service. The Club is kind of like the members’ playground, right? I want people to be able to come in here and relax and know that we’re going to take care of them. 

EK: It was mentioned that you aspire to be a PGA Master Professional. Can you tell me a little bit more about that?

AM: Through the PGA, you go through the Associate Program and that’s how you get your Class A. After that there are a few steps you can take. Next would be Specialized, then Certified, then you’d earn Master Professional. All of that includes studying, passing tests, and doing a presentation. I’ve been able to do the Specialized and Certified, so my next goal is to become a Master Professional. Very few PGA members, and even fewer women, are Master Professionals out of 28,000 Professionals only 369 are Master Professionals. It would be really cool to be part of that very small group. Any time I can differentiate myself from everybody else, I want to do that it’s part of that athlete mentality, I want to be the best! It’s exhausting sometimes, but it is who I am.

Coach’s Corner

BY BRANDEN BEETS | DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS

There is a plaque that quotes these famous words from trailblazing female tennis player Billie Jean King as you enter Arthur Ashe stadium, the home of the U.S. Open, and biggest stadium in the world for tennis: “Pressure is a Privilege.” What a powerful statement. Learning how to handle pressure is a critical skill in sport and in life. Speaking from experience, when facing pressure on the court, I used to get too excited and hurried. I would rush between points, hold my breath, hit the ball even harder, yell at myself, and simply start to make too many mistakes. To counter that response, I would start to push the ball, play too safe, try too hard not to miss, and exhaust myself running around the court like a crazy person, scared to make a mistake.

Neither of these strategies worked for me under pressure and instead led me to a lot of frustration. Thankfully, I listened to my coaches and worked to improve in these areas. It’s made a big difference for my tennis game, but also for my mental game! I’ve learned to accept pressure and over time I’ve even learned how to take it head on.

BUT five seconds after that silly error, build yourself up again with positive self-talk: “That was a bad miss, why did I swing at that put away volley? Eh, I’ve made that shot a thousand times in practice, next time it’s mine!” Tap racquets or paddles with your partner and refocus/re-energize for the next moment.

“Pressure is a privilege.”

— BILLIE JEAN KING

My advice to those of you still struggling to perform under pressure (and this applies on the court, in your job, in a relationship, or in any difficult scenario) is not to duck the situation but look at it like an opportunity and embrace it. How do you do that exactly? Well let’s talk about routines and positive self-talk and use some examples from the tennis court…

Whether you played a great point or bad one, your routine should be the same. The previous moment is gone. Let it go and let any negative self-talk go with it. It’s just one point in a long series of points that will determine the outcome. There is nothing wrong with getting angry or showing emotion after a point (within reason). That’s human and shows that you care.

Overcoming pressure and performing well in those moments takes practice. As the spring season quickly approaches, our members are learning to run into pressure situations, take them head on, and embrace the challenge of Interclub matches. In our practices, each point starts with a serve or return. Coaches are adjusting the score so players can work on finishing with a lead or clawing back when at a deficit. We are creating scenarios where you get only one serve, must serve into the sun, can’t lob, must come into the net, etc. Time to compete. Players are attacking when the opportunity presents itself and going for their shots. Under pressure, we will play to win instead of playing not to lose. Players are learning to trust each other when the score is not in their favor and believe in themselves. How you view pressure is a choice and don’t forget…. Pressure is a Privilege! Go get it SGCC competitors. 

Golf Fore Women 101

7 Week Session

Thursdays, April 4 - May 16

12:00-1:00 PM

This clinic is designed for newcomers and/or those in Levels 1 & 2 (25 and 50 yards) of Operation 36. Our program seamlessly blends fun and learning for perfect introduction to golf! Includes:

• Weekly coaching classes

• Engaging group sessions following the Operation 36 curriculum which covers twelve skills across six levels

• Operation 36 Play Day where participants will dive into real golf experiences by playing nine holes starting from 25-yards and progressing through individual growth

• Op 36 Mobile App to track progress and watch your skills flourish

This clinic costs $240/person. Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org to sign up.

Golf Fore Women 202

7 Week Session

Wednesdays, April 3 - May 15

12:30-1:30 PM

Continue your golf journey with our seven-week Women’s Golf Academy 202. This clinic is ideal for intermediate players or those who are in Levels 3 & 4 (100 and 150 yards) of Operation 36 Includes:

• Weekly coaching classes

• Engaging group sessions following the Operation 36 curriculum which covers twelve skills across six levels ensuring a comprehensive approach to the game

• Operation 36 Play Day where participants will dive into real golf experiences by playing nine holes starting from 100-yards. Play Days encourage you to shoot a score of 36 and progress to longer distances as you improve

• Op 36 Mobile App to track progress and watch your skills flourish

This clinic costs $240/person. Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org to sign up.

Men’s 101

7 Week Session

Tuesdays, April 2 - May 14

12:00-1:00 PM

Tailored for newcomers and those in Levels 1 & 2 (25 and 50 yards) of Operation 36, our program seamlessly blends fun and learning for the perfect introduction to golf. Includes:

• Weekly coaching classes

• Engaging group sessions following the Operation 36 curriculum which covers twelve skills across six levels

• Operation 36 Play Day where participants will dive into real golf experiences by playing nine holes starting from 25-yards and progressing through individual growth

• Op 36 Mobile App to track progress and watch your skills flourish

This clinic costs $240/person. Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org to sign up.

Men’s 202

7 Week Session

Wednesdays, April 3 - May 15

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tailored for men at Levels 3-10 (100 yards-Gold Tees) of Operation 36 proficiency, this intermediate program is your gateway to elevated skills and performance on the course. Includes:

• Weekly coaching classes

• Engaging group sessions following the Operation 36 curriculum which covers twelve skills across six levels

• Operation 36 Play Day where participants will dive into real golf experiences by playing nine holes starting from 100-yards

• Op 36 Mobile App to track progress, unlock new skills, and earn rewards

This clinic costs $240/person. Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org to sign up.

Sunday FUNdamentals (ages 3-6)

7 Week Session | Sundays, March 31 - May 12 | 4:00-4:45 PM

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of golf with our 7-Week Birdie Basics Program tailored for junior enthusiasts aged 3-6. Our dynamic curriculum seamlessly blends entertainment and education, ensuring your child develops a sturdy foundation in the sport. Here’s what you can expect from our program:

• Weekly coaching classes spread across seven weeks

• Interactive group sessions crafted around the Operation 36 Curriculum, fostering engagement and learning

• Thorough coverage of twelve essential skills spanning six levels, guaranteeing a comprehensive introduction to golf

This clinic costs $245/child. Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org to sign up.

Learn to Play (ages 6-17)

7 Week Session | Thursdays, April 4 - May 16 | 5:00-6:00 PM or 5:00-7:00 PM

Kickstart your junior’s golf journey with our beginner program, tailored for juniors in Levels 1 & 2 (25 and 50 yards) of Operation 36. This comprehensive program seamlessly blends fun and learning, offering the perfect introduction to the world of golf. Includes:

• Weekly coaching classes

• Engaging group sessions based on the Operation 36 Curriculum, covering twelve skills across six levels

• Each session includes one hour on the range focusing on the “Skill of the Day” and one hour on the course to practice newly learned skills

• Operation 36 Play Day: Dive into real golf experiences with our structured 9-Hole Play Day, starting from 25-yard holes at Level 1 and progressing as your junior advances

• Op 36 Mobile App: Witness your child’s skills flourish! Track their progress, unlock new skills and rewards, and fuel their confidence and enthusiasm.

This clinic costs $120/child/month for the one-hour option (5:00-6:00 PM) and $225/child/month for the two-hour option (5:007:00 PM). Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org to sign up.

Play to Compete/Win (ages 6-17)

7 Week Session | Thursdays, April 4 - May 16 | 5:00-7:00 PM

Designed for intermediate/competitive juniors or those in Level 5-10 (200 and Tee Box) of Operation 36. Includes:

• Five weeks of coaching in an engaging group setting, covering twelve skills across six levels and ensuring a comprehensive approach to the game

• One hour on the range working on the “Skill of the Day”

• Two Play Day events - structured 9-hole Play Days encourage your junior to shoot a score of 36 and progress through longer distances as they improve

• Op 36 Mobile App: Witness your child’s skills flourish! Track their progress, unlock new skills and rewards, and fuel their confidence and enthusiasm.

This clinic costs $490/child (billing broken into two $245 charges, one each month). Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@ sgccva.org to sign up.

Curious About PGA Junior League?

There are three seasons: Spring [March-May], Championship [June-July], and Fall [August-October].

Register your junior now for one of our three teams (13U Rec/House, 13U Travel, 17U Travel). Interested in learning more? Please contact Robert Simpson, PGA at robert@sgccva.org.

Crack of Dawn Tennis

Mondays, 6:30-8:00 AM

Start the day with a fun, challenging, and tactical tennis clinic. Each clinic, players will practice a shot/strategy of the week while drilling and playing points. Music will be provided to help keep your feet moving.

This clinic costs $30/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Live Ball Tennis

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM

Fridays, 10:00-11:00 AM

Saturdays, 9:30-11:00 AM

This high energy class will get you moving from the first ball to last. You’ll notice improved endurance through nonstop game play. Each class is themed to work on your all court tennis skills.

This clinic costs $30/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Intro to Tennis

Saturdays, 8:30-9:00 AM

If you’ve always wanted to try tennis, this is the class for you. You’ll learn strokes, grips, rules, and scoring so you can start enjoying the game!

This clinic costs $20/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Intro 2.0

Mondays, 6:30-7:30 PM

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM

Players will develop their tennis IQ and court sense while continuing to fine tune strokes. Our staff will also blend in some supervised match play to stress formations and tactics.

This clinic costs $20/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Nite Owls (Rated 4.0+)

Wednesdays, 8:00-10:00 PM

This late night, high energy hitting session will get your adrenaline going! Come out and bang balls with the heavy hitters. Participants must have a 4.0 or greater rating.

This clinic costs $15/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Please note, we also offer several Tactical Doubles clinics which serve as practices for our tennis teams. To learn more, please check the Racquets Calendar and/or contact Head Racquets Professional Kristine Kraujina at kristine@sgccva.org.

This schedule is for April 1 through June 16 and is subject to change.

Crack of Dawn Pickleball

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 AM

Start the day with a fun, challenging, and tactical pickleball clinic. Each clinic, players will practice a shot/strategy of the week while drilling and playing points. Music will be provided to help keep your feet moving.

This clinic costs $30/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Live Ball Pickleball

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM

Ever been to Live Ball Tennis? This is the pickleball version! Each week our Pro Staff will create different match play situations and have players compete to be kings/queens of the court. Music playing, blood pumping, high fiving, and lots of great points can be expected. Come try out our newest pickleball offering!

This clinic costs $30/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Intro to Pickleball

Saturdays, 12:30-1:30 PM

This clinic is for anyone who has ever wanted to play pickleball as well as beginners needing help in the basics of the game. Technique, scoring, rules, and match play will be discussed with basic dinking, serving, and volleying technique being emphasized. The goal of this class is to set a strong foundation.

This clinic costs $20/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Supervised Pickleball Match Play

Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM

These sessions are designed for intermediate level pickleball players who would like to receive technical and tactical feedback on the spot during match play to improve their game.

This clinic costs $15/person/clinic. Registration is required each week.

Open Play Pickleball

Mondays, 1:00-2:30 PM

Fridays, 5:00-6:30 PM

Saturdays, 3:00-4:30 PM

Open play Pickleball is drop-in play for all members. Players of all levels are welcome! This is a great opportunity to meet fellow pickleballers and play round robin style games.

This clinic costs $5/person/session. Registration is required each week.

TINY TENNIS (ages 4-6)

6 Week Session, April 1 - May 11

Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00 PM or Saturdays 10:00-11:00 AM

Introduce your child to tennis in a fun, group-learning environment. Players will develop tracking, hand-eye coordination, balance, and basic racquet skills. Our team will utilize age-appropriate equipment that fits young players’ size and ability.

This clinic costs $180/child. If your child is enrolled in both sessions, there is a 10% discount ($324).

BASELINERS (ages 6-8)

6 Week Session, April 1 - May 11

Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00 PM or Saturdays 10:00-11:00 AM

A class for true beginners to develop tracking and motor skills in a high-energy environment. Players learn basic grips and stroke fundamentals while having fun learning the game.

This clinic costs $180/child. If your child is enrolled in both sessions, there is a 10% discount ($324).

GRINDERS (ages 8-12)

6 Week Session, April 1 - May 11

Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM or Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM

For the young player who has developed basic stroke mechanics and tracking skills and is ready to focus on rallying while improving stroke production and game strategy.

This clinic costs $180/child. If your child is enrolled in both sessions, there is a 10% discount ($324).

HOT SHOTS (ages 13-16)

6 Week Session, April 1 - May 11 Saturdays, 12:30-2:00 PM

This program is for the player looking to learn the game. Coaches will emphasize all the different strokes, grips, rules, and scoring. Players will learn how to rally and the basics of game strategy.

This clinic costs $270/child.

ACADEMY PREP (Orange)

6 Week Session, April 1 - May 11

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 PM or Thursdays 6:30-8:00 PM

This is a skill and commitment-based program designed for our younger team players. We will emphasize shot selection, tactical patterns of play, advanced stroke production, and movement. There will be a conditioning component and match play requirements. **Head Professional approval required for registration.

This clinic costs $270/child. If your child is enrolled in both sessions, there is a 10% discount ($486).

ACADEMY (Orange & Green)

6 Week Session, April 1 - May 11

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 PM or Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 PM

This is a skill and commitment-based program designed for our younger team players. We will emphasize shot selection, tactical patterns of play, advanced stroke production, and movement. There will be a conditioning component and match play requirements. **Head Professional approval required for registration.

This clinic costs $270/child for the 90-minute session on Mondays and $360/child for the two-hour session on Wednesdays. If your child is enrolled in both sessions, there is a 10% discount ($567).

HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

Weekly Drop-In

Saturdays, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Students must register at least 24-hours in advance

This class is for advanced players who currently play for their high school teams. The high-performance drills will emphasize tactical patterns, shot selection, and stroke production.

This drop-in clinic costs $45/child/clinic. Participants must register at least 24-hours in advance.

April 2024

Men’s Twilight League Registration Opens

Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 PM

CLUBHOUSE & GOLF COURSE CLOSED MONDAYS

HALF PRICE BURGER WEDNESDAYS

HAPPY HOUR THURSDAYS, 5:30-7:30 PM

FRIDAY BUFFET, 5:00-9:00 PM

BREAKFAST, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 7:00*-10:00 AM (STARTING 4/7/24)

SUNDAY BRUNCH, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Learn More About Our April Events...

Bring Your Family, Friends, & Favorite Games for a Fun Night in the Grill + a Chipping Contest on the Patio | Reservations Encouraged for Dinner & Games | Email the Golf Shop to Sign Up for the Chipping Contest

Hosted in the Gym by Angelica Imaca, Michaele Silverberg, & Angela Peterson who will Familiarize You with the Equipment, Demonstrate Exercises, Answer Questions, & Help Transform the Gym & Weight Training from Intimidating to Exciting

May 2024

Learn More About Our May Events...

WGA 9 News

BY ALISON WEBBER

We are looking forward to a great WGA 9 season! This season we are going to offer pro play days, clinics tailored to WGA 9 players, happy hour and weekend events. We also hold socials throughout the season. Even though the season hadn’t “officially” started, we’ve already got a social gathering in the books thanks to our Galentine’s event in February. Our goal is to have friendly competitions, learn about golf, and play with friends old and new.

We held our annual Rules Clinic last month on Monday, March 18. The Rules Committee did a great job setting up stations on frequently problematic holes around the course.

Throughout the season, we have outings which are a fun team format with lunch and prizes to follow play. We also have our regular play days every Wednesday with tee times from 8:00 - 9:30 AM as well as Thursday Whine and Dine (tee times late afternoon with dinner and drinks after).

If you are interested in joining us, please contact our Membership Chair, Jessica Bradley by email: jessicareedbradley@yahoo.com.

Want to follow along? We post our adventures on Instagram and Facebook: @sgcc_wga9 

Green Thumb: Behind the SGCC Garden

BY SHAWN GILL, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT & TRAVIS SIMMONS, EXECUTIVE CHEF

The arrival of spring means many different things around Springfield Golf & Country Club: a new golf season, spring tennis, the promise of summer right around the corner. It’s also the time of year when Golf Course Superintendent Shawn Gill and Executive Chef Travis Simmons put their heads together and come up with a plan for the SGCC garden.

For farmers (yes, Shawn is a farmer), whether they are growing soybeans or tending finely manicured turf, early spring is the time to get their fields ready for the growing season. Shawn likes to tell people about the results of his junior high aptitude test. He’s not sure if they still do those anymore, but he’s confident that members around his age remember the questionnaire that helped students determine what they should be when they grew up. His results came back as either farmer or forest ranger. Like many others, Shawn ignored his results and decided to become an engineer instead. His journey to becoming a Golf Course Superintendent was a crazy one, but, sure enough, he ended up right where they said he should be outdoors helping plants thrive.

“While I spend most of my time obsessing over every blade of grass on the course, I also get great satisfaction from helping provide Chef Travis with fresh vegetables that he can incorporate into the

amazing meals he provides to members and their guests,” says Shawn. “Right about this time of the year, he and I confer and come up with a list of what will go into the ground that can supply his kitchen with interesting flavors to develop for the membership.”

“From the kitchen aspect, I look at what the members like and how we can incorporate those items into the spring and summer menus,” says Travis.

Travis and Shawn usually agree on a selection of fresh herbs that add a savory note to Chef’s dishes, a variety of hot peppers to spice things up, as well as squash, zucchini, eggplant, cucumber, and fresh tomatoes. This season, they are also going to try their hand at growing corn which they’ll have to protect from the voracious deer.

“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.”

— ALFRED AUSTIN

As for tending the garden, SGCC’s Grounds Keepers have a knack for helping the plants along. With a little time, sunshine, water, and a lot of love, we end up with some amazing produce. You might be interested to know that the food that is harvested for you here at SGCC is organically grown. Julio Madrid, SGCC’s Horticulturalist/Gardener/ Greenskeeper, heads up the team that plants and tends to

the garden. They add organic amendments at the time the selected produce is planted, and use things like crushed egg shells provided by the kitchen to supply calcium to the soil which helps ward off blossom rot on the tomatoes. You’ll see the Greens staff out in the garden with hoses, watering during the early stages of development to help the plants along, and definitely during the summer to cool things down for the more tender vegetables.

As the season goes on, you will see the Culinary staff and Chef Travis walking the garden looking for items that are ready to harvest. “To be honest, I feel like we start doing that a week after the garden is planted,” says Travis. “We’re so eager for the first baskets of fresh vegetables to become part of our feature and house recipes, and we really enjoy having the fresh produce literally at our back door.” The Greens crew also gets satisfaction from cultivating a healthy garden, and they enjoy the “fruits” of their labor with the occasional nibble when the harvest is ample.

The plants are just now going into the ground, so it will be a little while before they’re ready. That said, as the season moves forward be on the lookout for “garden fresh” items to appear on our menus. If you should see members of either the Culinary staff or the Greens staff out in the garden, please feel free to say hello! Shawn, Travis, and their teams are always ready to greet you with a smile and answer questions you might have. 

Membership Corner

BY SHELLY GOOREVICH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Just in time for the 2024 golf season, the Club has Active, Senior, Young Professional, and Corporate memberships currently available. Do you have a friend or family member who would make a wonderful addition to our Springfield family? Reach out to me at shelly@sgccva.org.

Please join me in welcoming some of our newest families:

Jon and Jess Blasko met while attending The College of William and Mary and have been happily married for 10 years. Jess was born and raised in Springfield, graduating from West Springfield High School, while Jon is from Hilton Head, SC. Jon is a sales consultant at Guardian Life and Jess is a Speech Language Pathologist. Their two boys, Thomas (5) and Benjamin (3), are eager to embrace all the Club has to offer from sports programs to family friendly activities. Jon is an avid golfer and pickleball enthusiast while Jess is looking forward to some poolside reading and tennis at the Club. They are also excited to share that they will be welcoming a baby girl later this spring, just in time for some summer fun!

Mike and Gail Donley grew up in Southern California, came to D.C. in 1978, and have lived in Springfield for over 40 years. Mike is retired from the Department of Defense where he served as 22nd Secretary of the Air Force and twice as DoD’s Director of Administration and Management (the “mayor” of the Pentagon). He later chaired the Board of Trustees for the Aerospace Corporation. Gail works part time as a Registered Nurse specializing in oncology. The Donleys have three grown daughters and two grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, hiking in National Parks (with some fishing included), and look forward to connecting with neighbors and friends at SGCC.

Drew and Jenna Johnson have lived in Springfield for almost 20 years and are members of Nativity Catholic Church.

Mike & Gail Donley

Jon, Jess, Thomas, & Benjamin Blasko

Drew, Jenna, Ella, Logan, & Collin Johnson

Drew is a tax partner at Alvarez & Marshal and Jenna is a patent examiner at the USPTO. Drew and Jenna have three children: Ella is a sophomore at West Springfield and plays lacrosse and golf; Logan is an eighth grader at Flint Hill and a hockey goalie who has played on travel teams for several years; and Collin is in fifth grade at Flint Hill and enjoys horseback riding. Both Logan and Collin are also active in Boy Scouts. During the winter, Ella, Logan, and Collin all enjoy snowboarding.

Lindsey and Josh Kovalski live in Springfield with their four children: Penn (7), Brady (5), Cam (3), and Mav (1). Originally from Pennsylvania, they have been living in Virginia since 2011. They are an active family who enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring nearby trails. When they aren’t busy with their kids’ activities, they also enjoy traveling and watching and playing sports. The Kovalskis also have two large dogs: Rey, a Great Pyrenees, and Finley, a Golden Retriever.

Samuel Smith was born and raised in Burke. His family joined SGCC in 2010, so he had the opportunity to grow up playing the course. After graduating from Elon University in 2021, Sam began working as a Financial Analyst with MITRE in Tysons Corner and currently lives in Arlington. When not golfing, he enjoys time spent with friends and family, traveling, staying active, and being a huge sports enthusiast (especially for his D.C. teams). Sam looks forward to spending time here at the Club with both old and new friends. 

Sam Smith

Lindsey, Josh, Penn, Brady, Cam, & Mav Kovalski

Retirees’ Corner

BY RUSTY ROESCH

The Springfield Retirees’ annual schedule of both home and away matches is complete, and our registration kick-off meeting has been held. As the weather has allowed, Springfield’s Retirees have not slowed down preparing for the 2024 season. Many team members are out on the course each week sharpening their skills in preparation for the upcoming golf season, working out at the range, and participating in Robert Simpson’s lessons and clinics.

Our first league match of the 2024 season is at Mount Vernon Country Club on Thursday, April 4. Other April matches include a highly competitive match against Fort Belvoir and a friendly match against Washington Golf at home along with a trip to Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. We will play twenty league matches again this year with ten at home. Additional highlights include two matches against Washington Golf and the annual Guys and Gals event in August.

Once again, we will compete for the Springfield Heritage Cup, a two-day Ryder Cup style event, at Colonial Heritage Club in Williamsburg, Virginia. This annual event pits the best of our team against our host’s team on June 3 and 4. After our win in this new series at home last year, we will be ready for this highly anticipated and highly competitive match. Each team consists of 15 players, one pro, and one to three alternates. The first day will consist of eight fourball matches starting around noon and the second day consists of 16 singles matches.

To support both home and away matches, our Retiree Team needs new players every year. Note that it’s never too late to join the Retirees (just be 50+ and dreaming about retirement). For more information on joining, please contact Bruce Nordstrom at bnorthstream@yahoo.com or 202.494.6558. 

Organ Fat: It’s the Inside that Counts

BY MOLLY FIELD | COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Have you heard of the term “skinny fat”? That’s a descriptor, albeit a coarse one, used regarding a person who is slender and thus seemingly fit because of the lack of bulges and plumpness present in the physical and external appearance of the body.

Many people, including supermodels, a neighbor, or someone in line with you at a shop, can be described as “skinny fat.” Just because someone is thin or slender or appears to be a proper weight, does not mean they are healthy.

What lurks around the organs, inside the body, is the real indicator of health and fitness. Fat around the organs is known medically as “visceral fat.” It is fat that is stored around and in your abdominal cavity. Along with hanging out on and within your liver and heart, it can sit in wait to be swept into your bloodstream where it can either whoosh through you or gunk up your arteries.

Not to be confused with “subcutaneous fat” which is “sub”: below cutaneous (“cutis”): the skin visceral fat is INSIDE the body; it’s not readily seen or evident. Subcutaneous fat is that fatty tissue that we see on arms and legs and bellies and backs. While it is not ideal to have too much subcutaneous fat on the body because it increases joint pain and can lead to mobility issues and stress, visceral fat is entirely different.

Can you have subcutaneous fat and be healthy? Can you have subcutaneous fat and not have threatening levels of visceral fat? Yes. Can you have a very low apparent / subcutaneous fat percentages and have high visceral fat? Absolutely. That’s the scariest part about visceral fat: you look lean and proportionate, but inside it can be a very different story.

The only way to fully diagnose the presence and volume of visceral fat in your body is through a CT or MRI scan. However, these procedures are typically called for as a response to a medical emergency or situation already underway. To make this less expensive and more efficient, healthcare providers use general guidelines to determine your visceral fat and the

resultant risks to your health.

The medical community holds that about ten percent of all body fat is visceral fat. If you know your total body fat score (come see us at the Fitness Center if you don’t), then deduct ten percent from that, and the result is a reliable estimate of your visceral fat.

While most people in younger populations are at lower risk of developing visceral fat, it’s not impossible for younger people to develop visceral fat in their twenties. The risk increases if there is a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol, diabetes, fatty liver, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions. Visceral fat makes its home nearby our intestines, stomach, and liver.

Perhaps you’ve heard of “apple” or “pear” or “hourglass” -shaped bodies. While an apple a day might keep the doctor away, if you’re shaped like an apple, that’s not a good thing. Statistically, if you are a woman and your waist measures 35 inches or greater, you’re at risk for higher percentages of visceral fat which contributes to serious health complications. If you are a man and your waist measurement is greater than 40 inches, then you’re also at risk.

These measurements are known as your “waist to hip ratio” (WHR). A 2001 study found that WHRs greater than .85 for women and greater than .90 for men indicated abdominal (visceral) obesity. The good news is that you don’t have to go to your doctor’s office to have this measured. You can do it at home. All you need is a cloth or tailor’s measuring tape and some basic math skills. Here’s how:

1. Stand up straight.

2. Wrap your belly with the measuring tape at the NARROWEST part of your waist, just above the belly button. This is your WAIST circumference.

3. Measure the WIDEST part of your hips or buttocks. This is your HIP circumference.

4. Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference. This result is your WHR.

Another test is the “waist-height ratio” (WHtR) and it’s much simpler. It’s also a great indicator of visceral fat for individuals with type 1 diabetes (also referred to as “juvenile” diabetes or “diabetes mellitus”). This test is also considered more reliable than the often-flawed “Body Mass Index” (BMI) and “A Body Shape Index” (ABSI). Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand up straight.

2. Wrap your belly with the measuring tape at the NARROWEST part of your waist, just above the belly button. This is your WAIST circumference.

3. Measure your height no shoes!

4. Divide your WAIST circumference by your height measurement.

We share this information as a preventative and to help you understand that even if you’re a multibillionaire, you can’t buy health. You achieve health. You maintain health. We are all brought into this world with our specific stories and genetics. Visceral fat is also referred to as “active fat” which is sort of scary sounding. It’s referred to as “active” because it takes an active role in increasing life-threatening health problems.

So what’s the solution? Movement. More movement and, again, more movement five times a week for 30 minutes at a time. Include resistance training (just use your body weight if you’re not into visiting a gym). Eat a more rounded diet; if you can’t pronounce what you’re eating, chances are it’s not healthy. Practice meditation or other forms of stress management. Stress promotes cortisol secretion which then creates visceral fat. Don’t let what’s outside your body (external stressors) take a toll on your insides!

These are wide-ranging tips for a more complete picture of what you need to do to keep you healthy, speak to your healthcare provider. And when you come to the gym, make sure you have your provider’s clearance. 

Bridge Banter

BY DON FREDERICK

Don’t let April showers keep you from enjoying our Club. Do you play bridge? If yes, come join the SGCC Friday Evening Bridge Group at one of our upcoming events.

Here are the results of our recent sessions:

MARCH 1

First: Lydia Peck and John Korfonta

Second: Elaine and Dave Voss (tie)

Don Frederick and Gerry Gawalt

MARCH 15

First: Lydia Peck and John Korfonta

Second: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers

Third: Letty and Ken Silverberg

WGA 18 News

BY PRUDENCE BROOKS

What do you do when your ball lands in the flower garden (no play zone) on Hole 4? What are your options when your ball doesn’t make it over the pond on Hole 11? Our recent oncourse rules seminar addressed those situations.

On Monday, March 18, 30 hearty members of WGA 9 and WGA 18 braved the brutally cold temperatures to participate in a rules seminar. Bruce Nordstrom and his team of Rules Committee members, Charles Rolen and Walter Burkhardt, were joined by former Rules Chair Lynn Blasch to conduct this seminar. The purpose of the morning was to look at some of the situations that pose the biggest problems during play at Springfield.

Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, some holes present more problems than others. Thanks to the Rules Committee, members of the Women’s Golf Association at Springfield know how and when to take proper relief from a cart path, as well as how to take relief from both a red penalty area and a yellow penalty area. They also understand the option of opposite margin relief on Holes 7 and 11.

It is the hope of the Rules Committee that understanding the Rules of Golf will increase enjoyment of the game. Having confidence in every situation will also speed up pace of play, which increases the enjoyment of every golfer on the course. We appreciate the support of the golf staff, as well as the course staff to allow us to hold this on-course seminar. 