MEN’s
INVITATIONAL JUNE 7th - JUNE 9th $525 per team includes • • • •
3 1/2 rounds of golf 5 meals Keg beer all event Player gift Package
Friday evening dinner spouses invited Contact Kevin for more details
Contents SPORTS
SPRING 2018
MEMBERSHIP Book Club
Unwrapped
PAGE 42
PAGE 8
Networking PAGE 18
Business Success
Top Spin PAGE 16
PAGE 44
Golf Update PAGE 12
CourseTips
F E AT U R E S
PAGE 40
DINING
Honeybees PAGE 20
Chef’s Kitchen
Building Core & Consistency
PAGE 6
PAGE 32
Hickory River
Wine Down
PAGE 24
PAGE 30
Bar Bits PAGE 10
Front of House PAGE 14
Pat Hettermann PAGE 36
Reichard Family PAGE 26
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The best part of getting away is getting closer to the places where you’re most at home.
GENERAL MANAGER Scott Szymoniak scott.szymoniak@ucc1922.com
HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL Kevin R. Hildebrand kevin.hildebrand@ucc1922.com
EXECUTIVE CHEF Noe Rodriguez noe.rodriguez@ucc1922.com
SERVICE MANAGER Amber Talbott
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SPRING, 2018 | WWW.UCC1922.COM URBANA COUNTRY CLUB | URBANA, ILL.
Manager’s Welcome
amber.talbott@ucc1922.com
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP Tyler J. White tyler.white@ucc1922.com
BAR MANAGER Lesley Lustig lesley.lustig@ucc1922.com
GROUNDS SUPERINTENDENT Scott White scott.white@ucc1922.com
TENNIS PROFESSIONAL Dave Fauble dave.fauble@ucc1922.com
CLUB ACCOUNTANT Thomas Riley thomas.riley@ucc1922.com
DESIGN GROUP Robb Springfield Jose Galue Isaac Mitchell Lily Stanicek
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elcome to UCC’s first ever lifestyle magazine, the Scene. Taking cues from other premier magazines like Vogue, GQ, Golf Digest and Travel & Leisure, the Scene aims to not only keep you informed on the normal club happenings at UCC , but also keep you up on the hottest trends. Being a club member is a lifestyle, one of rest, relaxation, competition and celebration. UCC is not just the backdrop for conducting successful business. It is also the place to recharge—in solitude or with family. You are here because you enjoy living life to the fullest. That includes being around positive, like-minded people who appreciate strong values and a commitment to excellence. Beyond a simple newsletter, this magazine will attempt to convey the passion, energy and commitment of both the membership and staff. I trust you will let us know how we do.
Every day we are striving to provide an authentic golf and leisure experience for the members and guests of UCC. With that, I would like to personally invite you to be part of our Scene. Enjoy!
SCOTT SZYMONIAK GENERAL MANAGER
Office: 217-344-8670 Golf Shop: 217-344-8673 Dining Room: 217-367-8449
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O F F I C E
H O U R S
Sunday – Monday Closed Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm
C L U B H O U S E
H O U R S
Monday Club Facilities Closed Golf Course Available for Walking After 12pm Tuesday – Saturday Lunch 11am–3pm Tuesday-Saturday Dinner 5pm–9pm
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Sunday Breakfast 9am – 1pm Limited Menu 1pm – 7pm
G O L F
S H O P
Tuesday – Sunday 7:30am – 7pm
P O O L
H O U R S
Tuesday – Sunday 11am – Dusk
2018 Spring Hours UCC1 9 2 2 . CO M I S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Activities Calendar A P R I L
M A Y
J U N E
April 1st Easter Brunch
MAY 5TH CINCO DE DERBY
June 1st Poolside Happy Hour Begins Tennis: Women’s Play Day begins
April 4th President’s Cup Sign-ups Begin Spring Happy Hour
June 7th Men’s Invitational Opening Night Puff on the Patio
April 7th Master’s Tournament
June 8th Men’s Invitational
April 10th Golf 101
June 9th Men’s Invitational
April 11th Spring Happy Hour
JUNE 12TH JUNIOR JAGUARS SUMMER SPORTS CAMP BEGINS
April 13th Junior Program Sign-up Party April 14th Welcome Party for Dan Carroll & Zach Canfield
May 13th Mother’s Day
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April 16th Spring Aerification—Course Closed
May 18th Couples' League Kick-off Patio Happy Hour
April 17th Spring Aerification—Course Closed
May 26th Pool Season Opening
April 18th Ladies' Kick-off Spectacular & Trunk Show Spring Happy Hour
May 27th Memorial Day Celebration "Jedd’s Rib" Festival
APRIL 24TH GOLF 201
May 28th Memorial Day Buffet Tennis: Adult Holiday Doubles Tennis: Family Games
June 22nd Golf: Ladies' Guest Day Tennis: Member Guest Mixed Doubles
May 29th Memorial Day Observed—Club Closed
June 23rd Drive-in Movie
May 30th Tennis: Summer Workouts Begin
April 25th Administrative Professional Day National Golf Day Spring Happy Hour— Final April 27th Evening on the Tee
June 17th Father’s Day Parent/Child Tournament June 19th Wine Pairing Dinner
DINING
Chef ’s Kitchen Spring brings warmer weather, more activities and a sense of excitement. For the UCC culinary team, Spring means more fresh local produce and new ideas for our seasonal menus. We hope that you have been enjoying the Wednesday Hump Day Happy Hours. If you haven’t had the chance to come out to one, they will still be happening every Wednesday in April from 5–7pm.
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best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Summer is the best season to buy fresh, wild caught salmon. But if buying fresh is not an option for you, opt for frozen wild salmon fillets. The suggested weekly serving of salmon is two, 4–6 ounce portions. At the Club, we make it easy NOE RODRIGUEZ for you to get your suggested servings. EXECUTIVE CHEF If you’re joining us for lunch, just order the Autumn Chopped Salmon Salad or the California Salmon Wrap. If you are At UCC, we firmly believe in bringing ex- more inclined to join us for dinner you KITCHEN IDEAS clusive events and opportunities to you. may want to try the Wood Oven-Baked FOR SALMON In the spirit of this we will be celebratSalmon with tomato basil rice, honey ing Cinco de Derby on May 5th. This bourbon glaze and lemon butter. Appetizer Fun unique holiday is a fusion of the tradiCut salmon fillets into tions of Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Remember to eat fresh and healthy foods 1-inch thick strips. Thread Derby. Come on out to watch the Derby as often as you can. All of our menus onto wooden skewers while enjoying a bourbon margarita have healthy, flavorful options for you that have been soaked in and sampling all the delicious food futo choose from. Feliz primavera! water for 30 min. Brush with sions we’ve come up with. The month Happy spring! teriyaki sauce and grill just of May wouldn’t be complete without us until opaque. celebrating the mothers in our lives on Mother’s Day. Make your reservations Removing Bones now to attend brunch with us that day. To remove pin bones from We’ll be serving quiche lorraine, crepes, a salmon fillet, place the spring risotto, salmon and scallops with fish skin-side down over a roasted potatoes and much more. bowl. The bones will stick Being a chef means maintaining the up and you’ll be able to balance between foods that are fun and remove them with tasty and ones that are good for us. tweezers or pliers. Thankfully, some tasty foods can also be healthy, and salmon is a perfect example of this. In addition to being delicious, salmon is a healthier alternative to steak and is one of the
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Raspberry Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS 1 cup olive oil 1/3
cup raspberry vinegar
3 tablespoons maple syrup (pure) 1 teaspoon chives 1 tablespoon shallots 1 teaspoon chopped parsley 1 clove fresh garlic 1/2
teaspoon oregano
2 tablespoons dijon 1/3
cup raspberry liqueur
1/2
teaspoon salt
1/2
teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS › Using a food processor, finely chop the shallots and garlic. › Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the dijon. › Slowly add in the olive oil—emulsify. › Slowly stir in the raspberry vinegar and raspberry liqueur to the mixture. › Stir in the maple syrup. › Add in your dry seasonings to your taste: salt, pepper, oregano, chives and parsley. Uses: Dressing for a summer salad Marinade for chicken
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SPORTS
Unwrapped NEW PRODUCTS AT THE GOLF SHOP
TITLEIST VOKEY SM7 WEDGE
PING G400 SERIES WOODS
FOOTJOY TOUR-S
Offered in three distinctive finishes including a Jet Black Raw finish, the latest Titleist Wedge, designed by Bob Vokey, uses a progressive center of gravity, optimized for each loft, bounce and grind. This club is perfect if you’re looking for improved distance control, tighter shot dispersion and exceptional feel throughout the wedges.
In an effort to continue to improve distance and forgiveness, PING has designed the G400 Series. These woods have a thinner, stronger and faster T9S + forged face to increase ball speed and distance. Pair that with a deep center of gravity, which allows for a combined MOI over 9000 and you have improved accuracy and forgiveness for enhanced performance.
This new design was created to deliver superior platform stability and overall Tour-Caliber performance. The Tour-S PowerPlate outsole provides an incredibly lightweight yet stable platform from which players efficiently transfer power throughout the golf swing. Paired with a dual-density PU Fit-Bed to ensure all-day underfoot comfort, the Tour-S will create power, precision and comfort.
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2UNDR MEN’S BRIEFS
STANCE SOCKS
STERLING CUT GLASS
MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES
Using the most advanced construction techniques and materials, the 2UNDR line provides more support than a standard brief along with superior fit, comfort and style. The brief’s unique and revolutionary “Joey Pouch” helps separate a man’s most valuable assets from bodily contact to reduce unwanted skin-on-skin contact and chaffing, providing more control and an altogether more luxurious feel.
Once the official sock of the NBA and now the official sock of MLB, these premium socks provide comfort and creativity to a piece of your wardrobe that has long been overlooked.
Bring UCC barware into your own home. Some of the finest glassware and crystal, adorned with the UCC logo, will now be available for purchase in the Golf Shop. They make great gifts, whether for yourself or for a friend.
This Peoria based company believes color and light is the key to the human experience. Designed to change the way you see the world, these polarized sunglasses won’t disappoint whether you’re on or off the course.
S TAY U P O N T H E L AT E S T T R E N D S W I T H Y O U R U C C P R O F E S S I O N A L S TA F F . W E A R E H E R E T O H E L P A S S I S T W I T H Y O U R D A I LY A P P A R E L A N D G O L F N E E D S ! UCC1 9 2 2 . CO M I S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
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EVENING
ON THE TEE FRIDAY, APRIL 27th Vendors include: Titleist, PING, Callaway, Cleveland, Wilson, TaylorMade & More Contact the Golf Shop to schedule a fitting appoinment
DINING
Bar Bits LESLEY LUSTIG BAR MANAGER
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2018 has started off strong with the Club being open for business in January for the first time in a long time. Thanks for battling the cold weather to visit us; it is quite cozy at the bar! Now that we have moved into some warmer weather, we will be launching some new, special spirits for your enjoyment. We also have some great events planned that you will want to get on your calendar.
26th marks the opening of the pool for the 2018 season. Our Memorial Day weekend will feature Jedd’s Ribs on Sunday, May 27th. It’s a perfect pairing of great barbecue with some awesome beers. The pool bar will have new summer cocktails along with some old favorites. Come join us throughout the summer for Happy Hour poolside, as well.
April is a kick-off month for Women’s and Men’s league, with sign-ups starting on Wednesday, April 4th, so expect to see plenty of drink specials. Ladies, mark your calendars for the Kick-Off Spectacular on Wednesday, April 18th. Join us for an Evening on the Tee, Friday, April 27th, featuring a full bar, cookout and all of the latest and greatest golf equipment! Now this is the way to shop!
[Cinco de Derby] is a unique blend of traditional aspects of Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby, so prepare your palate for the Bourbon Margarita!
We will keep the good times rolling in May, starting with Cinco de Derby on Saturday, May 5th. This event is a unique blend of traditional aspects of Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby, so prepare your palate for the Bourbon Margarita! Of course we will have the traditional mint julep, classic margaritas and other blends that keep with the theme. Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without mimosas, “Jag-Mosas” and the ever popular Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail. Saturday, May
June will start off strong with “Puff on the Patio” on June 7th to coincide with the first night of the Men’s Invitational. In addition to great cigars, there will also be a bourbon tasting by Sangamore Distributing. I have personally tried these bourbons and, I must say, they are tasty! I look forward to seeing you at the Club!
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Drink Holidays A P R I L 7 T H – N A T I O N A L B E E R D AY A P R I L 9 T H – I N T E R N A T I O N A L G I N A N D T O N I C D AY A P R I L 1 7 T H – N A T I O N A L M A L B E C D AY A P R I L 1 9 T H – N A T I O N A L A M A R E T T O D AY M AY 7 T H – N A T I O N A L C O S M O P O L I T A N D AY M AY 9 T H – N A T I O N A L M O S C A T O D AY M AY 1 3 T H – W O R L D C O C K T A I L D AY M AY 1 6 T H – M I M O S A D AY M AY 1 9 T H – W O R L D W H I S K E Y D AY M AY 2 5 T H – N A T I O N A L W I N E D AY 13
MOSCOW MULE
Recipe
1. Fill a copper mug with ice. 2. Add 1.5 ounces vodka. 3. Add .5 ounce lime juice. 4. Add a splash of simple syrup. 5. Fill with ginger beer. 6. Garnish with a lime slice and mint leaf.
SPORTS
Golf Update My first full year at UCC is in the books and I am excited to share some great things for this 2018 golf season! We have an amazing golf and activities calendar that includes the stapled traditions of UCC in addition to some new events we are confident will fit the interests of the membership.
Evening on the Tee
KEVIN HILDEBRAND HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
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This golf season kick-off event will be held on Friday, April 27th from 3–7pm. All of our golf club vendors will be in attendance for you to come try out the latest products on the market. For those looking to order clubs and get a great club fitting experience, we do ask that you make an appointment in advance. If you are not looking for a fitting, but rather just interested in trying out the new products, please keep in mind that any scheduled fittings take priority.
Golf Leagues Both Men’s and Ladies’ League will continue with the same team match-play formats. Sign-ups have begun and can be completed by calling the Golf Shop or signing up on the bulletin board. The first week of Men’s League is May 3rd. Ladies’ League
will begin with an optional play day on May 2nd and the first official day will be May 9th. Remember that these are long seasons with both leagues lasting 15-20 weeks. A team is only required to have two players; however, if someone misses a week, we cannot guarantee a substitute. For any new members, we are happy to assist in finding league partners. You also have the option of being a weekly substitute should you not want to commit for the entire season. We are also excited to introduce Couples' League to the Golf Activities Calendar. League days will be every other Friday beginning on May 18th. There will be eight weeks of regular league play with a points system based on weekly finish. To add flexibility for those that cannot make it to each event, we will count each teams' four highest points, as well as points accumulated during the Couples' Club Championship held on August 19th.
Men’s Invitational The premier event of the season will be held Thursday, June 7th through Saturday, June 9th, so make sure to put it on your calendar. Practice rounds will be on Thursday followed by the “Splash
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Zach Canfield I am excited to introduce our new Assistant Golf Professional, Zach Canfield. Zach comes to UCC from the Orlando, Florida area where he was the Senior Assistant Golf Professional at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. He also attended and played collegiate golf at Rollins College. Zach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the golf business to the UCC team and we look forward to his addition. Zach and his wife, Callie, are both excited to make Central Illinois their new home.
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for Cash” event that evening. Friday will include 27 holes of golf and three great meals, with spouses welcome for dinner. Saturday will conclude with breakfast, 18 holes of golf, lunch and the shootout to determine the overall winner. This is sure to be a great weekend of camaraderie and competition, so get your guests lined up now. The cost will be $525 per team for three days of golf, five meals, keg beer, player gifts and more.
Ladies' Guest Day Start your weekend off early on Friday, June 22nd with the UCC Ladies' Guest Day. All ladies are welcome to bring up to three guests for this funfilled day. The day will begin with check-in at 11am and a 12:30pm shotgun start. Cocktails and dinner will follow. Stay tuned for more details.
Golf Genius We are extremely excited to bring this interactive web-based software to the member experience at UCC. Golf Genius includes a live scoring feature as well as fully customizable web pages for each event or league. Each of our leagues will have a separate web page that instantly updates league standings, tracks skins from week to week and allows us to post any necessary updates. You can also follow along on your phone. I strongly suggest downloading the app, “Golf Genius”, in the App Store, which will allow you to take part in the live scoring feature and view league information straight from your phone.
Junior Programming We are looking forward to introducing a new, comprehensive junior program at UCC. Beginning Tuesday, June 12th, and running every Tuesday through Friday from 9am–12:30pm for eight weeks, this fully encompassing program will include fitness, tennis, golf and even chess and art with Kevin, Dave, Tyler and their staffs. This will also allow parents the ability to drop their children off at the Club for the duration of the camp. The cost for the full eight week program is $400. For those interested in only golf or tennis, inquire with the professional staff about individual pricing. These highlighted items and information are just the beginning to a great 2018 season. We are confident in the calendar we have put together, but also know we want to continually improve the member experience. Throughout the season, if there is anything we can do to better serve you, please provide us with timely feedback. We are looking forward to an enjoyable season!
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JUNIOR CAMP STARTING JUNE 12TH THROUGH AUGUST 3RD Cost: $400 per child for all 8 weeks 8 week program Tuesday-Friday from 9am-12:30pm Camp Includes: Fitness, Tennis, Golf & More Contact the professional staff for details on individual programs
DINING
Front of the House A M B E R TA L B O T T SERVICE MANAGER
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We are excited to be moving from a busy winter to an even busier spring! Thanks to everyone who came to the Club over the cold, winter months. It was great to see you and to keep the Club full of life now that it is open year-round. In preparation for a great summer ahead, we have made some great additions to our service team. In addition, we streamlined the reservation process to be better prepared before your arrival.
Seating Times
Reservation Tips
Hosting a large group for lunch or dinner? No problem! We encourage parties of 10 or more to reserve a private dining space. Parties greater than 10 that wish to be seated in the dining room will be seated at separate tables. Parties greater than 15 will enjoy a select, set menu and will be seated for dinner at 5:30 or 7:30 p.m. This is all to provide the highest level of service for the entire membership.
As we gain momentum moving into the summer months, reservations are strongly recommended for lunch and dinner. Making a reservation helps us to adequately schedule staff which ensures an efficient and comfortable dining experience. When making a reservation, be ready to provide us with your preferred seating time, billing preference, number of guests and their names as well as seating/table preference. Knowing this information beforehand is extremely helpful in planning a successful evening for all members. Upon arrival, we kindly ask that you check in with our host/ hostess, especially when patio seating opens. They will be able to assist with the best available seating, in addition to queuing your server for prompt service.
Time is of the essence, and so are seating times. When a seating time is specified with a reservation, that’s the time the party should be seated. If you have a pre-dinner cocktail in mind, we urge you to arrive at the Club in advance of your reservation time. This ensures the kitchen does not have too many orders to prepare at any one time.
Large Parties
Last, your feedback is crucial to enhancing your experience at UCC. Please reach out to us with any positive or negative feedback. Listening to the membership is of the highest priority for our management team and service staff. To make a reservation, call the Club at 217-344-8670 or email amber.talbott@ ucc1922.com.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
P R I V A T E
E V E N T S
Colby Chatterton Colby began working at UCC as a busser in 2013. During his tenure Colby has moved up the ranks from busser to server and has even been trained as a bartender. While Colby appreciates the constant change of pace his various positions offer, he mostly enjoys working the dinner shift as it allows the greatest opportunity for interaction with members and fellow staff members. Some of Colby’s favorite things about working at UCC are the ability to establish relationships, all the wonderful people he gets to meet and being able to work with his best friend, Kyle. When Colby isn’t working hard at UCC he spends his free time learning the claw hammer banjo.
Kyle Hellberg Kyle first joined the UCC staff as a busser in late 2015. Since that time, he has been cross-trained as a server and brings energy and fun to each shift he works. He looks forward to the challenge that working in a fast-paced, high energy environment brings, especially during dinner service. Kyle enjoys building lasting relationships with co-workers and members alike, but he admits that he’s privileged to be able to work with his best friend, Colby, because, “It never really feels like work.” When Kyle isn’t working he is busy playing Call of Duty competitively.
The Urbana Country Club’s clubhouse facilities are designed to create an exclusive yet energetic atmosphere for your event. Our spaces are unique and suited for all occasions, and our professional staff can create an ambiance unlike anywhere else in the area. The menu can be tailored for any event, and we will help you design an experience that is driven by an unparalleled attention to detail. The Club is available year-round to accommodate party sizes ranging from four to 175 people. We understand that life can be full of surprises, so it is our pleasure to accommodate any last minute private event reservation requests. To ensure proper staffing for us to provide impeccable service, we appreciate reservations as early as possible. Thank you for keeping the Club in mind for business meetings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, luncheons, retirement events, family gatherings and all of your other special occasions. We are here to help you take your event to the next level!
“
Thank you for the wonderful job that you and your staff did for our dinner. We received so many compliments from our guests in regard to the food, service, decor etc., and it made us very proud to be a part of our Club. Please transmit our thanks to those who served us.
”
-Richard and Marilyn Thies
Colby (Left)& Kyle (right)
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SPORTS
Top Spin Last year was one of the best years for UCC Tennis. We added to our adult activities, including a very successful Member Guest program. Of course, many of you heard about our Wimbledon Breakfast. I’ve been a proponent of grass court play for a long time, so it was a great pleasure to play on a well-prepared court, beautifully executed by Scott White and his crew. I look forward to those events being even bigger and better this year. D A V E FA U B L E HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL
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This year we have a large group of new members who have expressed an interest in tennis. I’m looking forward to meeting all of them and having them participate in the tennis program. I’m always happy to have more members out learning about the game of tennis and enjoying themselves!
During the summer session (Memorial Day to Labor Day) our weekly adult programming includes our UCC Member’s Workouts every Wednesday evening, Women’s Workouts every Wednesday morning and Women’s Play Day every Friday morning. Our member’s workouts include running drills and playing doubles and singles with intermediate and advanced players. All adults are invited to join the Low Impact Tennis program, a new addition to the adult programming this year. Low Impact Tennis is specifically designed for those just being introduced to tennis as well as those who are looking to resume playing tennis after a long hiatus. The Low Impact program will gradually introduce the fundamental movements of the various swings in a way that is easier on the body. My oldest Low Impact participant was 69 years old and played several times a week until he was well into his 80s, so don’t hesitate to join if you’re interested!
One of the most exciting additions to our summer programming for 2018 is the Junior Jaguars Summer Sports Camp. This camp will incorporate tennis, golf, fitness, chess and art for a full eight weeks beginning Tuesday, June 12th. Parents will be able to drop their juniors off at the Club Tuesday–Friday, 9am–12:30pm. Part of the camp includes learning the fundamentals of using medicine balls, resistance belts and other machines in the Fitness Room with Tyler White, former tight end for the Fighting Illini football team. We have a strong group of skilled junior players that we will see on the courts and course this year. With the addition of camp hours these players will have a full four days of drills and play. Camp will also allow beginner juniors the opportunity to get really involved and develop their skills. The Junior Tennis Jaguars will still be competing this year, and hopefully we will have some playing in the USTA tournaments. Even with all the additions we’ve made to the adult and juniors programming, we still have time for private lessons so get in touch if you’re interested in setting up a lesson with me. The focus of all our programming over the years has been to encourage interaction, development of skills and to have fun. In my experience the more you play, the more you grow. I hope to see you all on the courts.
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M AY 2 8 T H
JUNE 22ND
Memorial Day Summer Season Opening
Member Guest Mixed Doubles 5:30-9pm
Adult Holiday Doubles 9:30am-Noon Family Games Noon-1:30pm
J U LY 4 T H No Member’s Workout
M AY 3 0 T H Wednesday Summer Workouts Begin (continues throughout the summer) Women’s Workout 9-11am $10 per session Member’s Workout 5:30-7:30pm No charge (fees for guests only)
Holiday Doubles 9:30am-Noon Family Play Noon-1:30pm
AUGUST 28TH After School Junior Tennis, Chess, and Art Camp Begins Women’s Guest Night 5:30-8pm
JUNE 1ST Friday Play Day Begins (continues through the summer) Women’s Play Day 9-11am (Fees for guests only)
JUNE 12TH Junior Jaguars Summer Sports Camp Begins (eight weeks long)
SEPTEMBER 3RD Summer Session Finale Holiday Doubles 9:30am-Noon Parent/Child Games Noon-1:15pm Junior Tennis Awards 1:15-1:30pm Open Family Play 1:30-4pm
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Calendar of Events
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Tyler’s Guide To Networking
S O M E T I M E S T H E S AY I N G I S T R U E . I T ’ S N O T A L W AY S W H A T Y O U K N O W, B U T W H O Y O U K N O W. S O TA K E T H E S T E P S T O U P Y O U R C O C K TA I L PA R T Y NETWORKING GAME WITH THESE DO’S AND DON’TS.
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MEMBERSHIP
A
lthough cocktail parties and networking receptions can yield huge opportunities for entrepreneurs, they’re a constant source of anxiety for many people. It’s helpful to remember, though, that your work day is more than just the hours spent working in the office. Some of the best business connections have been made out of the office, over food and drinks. For instance, I developed one of my greatest connections in the midst of the clamor and excitement of an Illini tailgate. Another time, during a casual cocktail party, an enjoyable evening turned into a much more nerve-wracking experience when I was introduced to a top executive from Nike. Those nerves were there for me that night and they might be there for you too. The thing to remember is to always be ready to turn your “small talk” into an opportunity, and to not to let nerves get in the way of making that connection. Check out these simple suggestions to help ease the nerves and create a successful social engagement.
N E T W O R K I N G
D O ’ S
Do DO COME WITH SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
Know the score of the latest big game or brush up on recent politics. If possible, try to learn a little bit about the businesses in attendance. Prepare yourself for starting up conversations rather than waiting for others to come to you. DO LOOK PROFESSIONAL
To make a professional connection you should look the part. This doesn’t mean you have to wear the same old bland black suit. Feel free to be fashion forward and wear a shirt/blouse that pops and leaves a good impression. DO LEAVE A CALLING CARD
Be ready to hand out plenty of business cards. Having multiple connections is a good problem to have, so be liberal with your cards.
A N D
D O N ’ T S
Don’t DON’T BE DOUBLE FISTED
Always keep one hand available to shake hands. It’s a simple and easy start to a potentially life changing connection. Don’t be hesitant; it shouldn’t be a struggle to introduce yourself to someone.
TYLER WHITE DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBERSHIP
I would like to extend a hearty thank you to all the new members, their families and their referrals who attended this year’s first New Member Cocktail Party in February. The cocktail party gave all of us here at the Club a chance to meet the new members, introduce them to the Club staff and welcome them to our UCC family. Since the cocktail party we have added many new members. See the list of all our new members below, and be sure to welcome them when you see them around the Club. Join us on Saturday, April 14 for a Welcoming Cocktail Party for Zach Canfield, our new Assistant Golf Professional, and Dan Carroll, our new Assistant Grounds Superintendent.
NEW MEMBERS Max Nelson
DON’T ENJOY YOURSELF TOO MUCH
Glen & Susan Kitson
Be comfortable, have a good time and relax. Always remember, though, you are still a guest and appearances matter. You don’t want to be remembered as a sloppy guest. And no, you shouldn’t take the rest of the bottle of wine home.
James & Barbara Schwartz
DON’T SNEAK OUT OF THE BACK DOOR
Make sure you always thank the host and formally part ways with all your newfound connections. First impressions mean a lot, but it’s the last impression that people will remember—make it a good one.
William Mantulin & Montserrat Oliveras Heras Samuel & Becky Preston with their kids, Aubrie, Andrew & Adam Todd & Amy Randolph with their son, Finn Michael Plecki Cale & Tracy Doubet with their kids, Katie & Jack Bruce Barber & Christine Steuck
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Honeybees on the Course A SPECIES THREATENED BY MAJOR LOSS IN THE RECENT YEARS, THE HONEYBEE IS MAKING A COMEBACK BECAUSE OF A SURPRISINGLY SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH GOLF COURSES.
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n the fall of 2016 we introduced our first beehive to the Urbana Country Club near the large oak tree overhanging the pond on the 10th hole. This was a new adventure for me as a superintendent and honestly, I was pretty nervous. This might have been because of the Hitchcockian killer African Bee vision in the back of my head, but mostly I was worried about the possible time commitment needed to be a good beekeeper. Despite my hesitancy, I have always considered myself an environmental steward and found beekeeping very interesting. Through the years, several of my colleagues have been trying to get me into beekeeping, and I have researched it quite a bit through videos and seminars. After learning that no other golf courses in the area, or central Illinois for that matter, had a beehive, I decided to explore things a bit more. After finding out the time commitment was minimal, I placed an order for beekeeping materials right away. To my luck, one of my good friends, Scott Witte, CGCS from Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, is the “Bee Whisperer” and the ambassador of the golf course beekeeping movement. Scott started the movement nearly a decade ago and currently has seven hives on the property. Both Scott and another friend in the golf industry, Grant Rundblade, have been my mentors as I have begun this journey. It’s been an adventure and a very rewarding and educational experience, not only to me, but to the UCC staff and the community as well.
Why Honeybees? One of the comments I received most often after starting our efforts with the hive was, “Why do we need bees, it does nothing for the golf course.” In reality, there are many reasons to keep honeybees, everything from the simple desire for fresh honey to the more environmentally conscious reasons. For us here at UCC, there are two main reasons why we keep honeybees on the property: the benefit to the course and the benefit to the bees. Of course we all love fresh honey, but what is the real importance of our pollinator friend? On a primary level, the benefit the bees bring to the flora found all around the course is paramount. The vast majority of plant species—almost 90% , in fact—rely on pollinators to reproduce. Pollination is the process by which pollinators help plants reproduce by transporting pollen from one flower to another, thereby enabling fertilization of the seeds to take place. There are approximately 200,000 different species of animals around the world that act as pollinators, providing services to over 180,000 different plant species. A small portion of these are vertebrates, such as birds, bats and small mammals. The rest are invertebrates, with the honeybee acting as one of the primary pollinating species. Farmers actually rent hives from beekeepers for days and weeks at a time to help pollinate their crops. Because of their integral role in the ecosystem, it’s not an exaggeration to say that, without honeybees, the shelves would be bare at your local supermarket and it would be difficult, if not impossible, for humans to survive without them.
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The Honeybee in Decline
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Now knowing how important honeybees are, not only to a golf course, but to our entire ecosystem, it’s alarming to know that, in the recent years, honeybees have had millions of colonies collapse and are considered endangered. In the U.S. alone, the number of colonies has dropped from 4.25 million to nearly two million in the most recent years. A huge reason golf course superintendents have decided to become beekeepers is their concern about the epidemic of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) . In the last eight to nine years, beekeepers have reported losses of 30 to 90 percent of their hives. While some losses aren’t unexpected, especially over the winter, the numbers have been unusually high. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), CCD “is a serious problem threatening the health of honeybees and the economic stability of commercial beekeeping and pollination operations in the United States.”
colony collapse. For instance, insecticides (specifically from the neonicotinoid class) have been blamed for honeybees’ demise in some environmental circles. Many golf courses use such insecticides to treat for grubs and other insects. So, as a superintendent, this is where being a good environmental steward and carrying those thoughts and practices onto the golf course is important for the future of our industry. Everyday, more pesticides are being looked into, scrutinized, with tighter restrictions being made. These restrictions impact the way we manage the turf and we want to do our part to make sure we have the best and most environmentally-sound products available to use. Although it’s easy to try to find one reason, and one thing to blame, for the decline in bee populations, the reality is always more complex. Yes, insecticides can hurt honeybee populations if not used properly. But studies have revealed many other antagonistic pathogens that work against honeybees. One example is varroa mites, believed to be one of the main causes of CCD. According to the USDA , this virus-transmitting parasite has frequently been found in hives hit by CCD. In addition, changes in weather patterns and several other environmental factors are also impacting the populations. According to the USDA , despite claims from the general and scientific media, researchers haven’t been able to identify a 100 percent conclusive cause of CCD.
However, harsh winters are certainly known to destroy hives. One of my And so, one of our main reasons for biggest concerns is keeping the bees keeping bees on the property is that we alive through the winter, especially after want to do our part to help restore the losing our first hive in 2016. My friends honeybee population. Beehives require a to the north, who are seasoned lot of assistance from humans because of beekeepers, lost a majority of their environmental pressures and the threat hives as well. Even a beekeeper with of CCD. Honeybees are in a worldwide de- 20 years of experience will lose hives cline and need all the help they can get. if encountering a harsh winter. But, every year we are learning new techFactors in the Decline niques and information. Beekeeping in As a beekeeper, especially on a golf Central Illinois is much different than course, it’s important to know all the even in Chicago, and so I’m very factors that can possibly contribute to thankful and lucky to have the Central
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Eastern Illinois Beekeepers Association and the Pollinarium, located on the U of I campus, as resources for information and assistance. In addition, despite all the negativity surrounding the pesticide industry, companies like Syngenta and Bayer have made a push to educate superintendents and have developed programs for supporting and helping grow bee
Want to be a Beekeeper? You don’t have to be living on a large property to have a hive. In fact, there is a lady in a subdivision in north Urbana with over 30 hives on her ½ acre lot at her home. If you’re interested in keeping bees, keep in mind the following: • Study up. Read books, watch videos and talk to seasoned beekeepers before deciding if it’s your cup of tea. Consult your local beekeeping association (CEIBA). You need to learn the craft before diving into it. • Make sure surrounding neighbors are on board with you keeping bees on your property. • Educate others and let them know that honeybees are pollinating insects and will typically not bother humans unless provoked. • It will cost about $800 to $1,000 to get started keeping bees, including equipment and two hives.
populations while also educating communities. They view golf course superintendents as a valuable asset in educating the community and want to become aids in that education. For instance, Syngenta rolled out Operation Pollinator, a program that aims to assist the populations of honeybees and pollinating insects by creating valuable habitats in out-of-play areas on golf courses. And last spring, Bayer opened its North American Bee Center, located at the company’s Research Triangle Park campus in North Carolina, to serve as a focal point for existing and future bee health initiatives, including active promotion of “bee-responsible" use of its products. For our part, the more data we as superintendents can collect and report to the USDA and EPA will only aid in understanding what is truly happening to bees. How Do the Honeybee and Golfing Membership Coexist? I find that usually, once they learn a little about the project, most golfers are more fascinated by the bees than fearful of them. Personally, I love that it has allowed me to connect with members and the community on a whole different level. In fact, there have been several occasions where the idea of bees and
fresh locally-produced honey end up dominating a conversation which originally began about the golf course. The look on their faces is always priceless when I tell them my story of driving from Seymour, Ill. with a couple dozen free-flying honeybees in the cab of my
truck. It happened to be the first package of bees I received and a wild initiation into the world of beekeeping. Some members might be concerned about bee sting allergies and the dangers surrounding that. Honeybees are less aggressive than other stinging insects, and the worker bees are too busy away from the hive to bother you. There is a greater chance of being stung by a yellow jacket flying around a trash can. Also, we have placed the hive away in an out-of-play area for this very reason, and as long as you do not go into the hive or stand directly in front of the hive, there is no reason for concern. I personally have only been stung twice now, both while working directly with the bees for an extended amount of time. Now, the process is actually very calming and one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I certainly didn’t go into beekeeping think I would enjoy as much as I do. This season, we will introduce a second hive, this time in a new style called a “Flow Hive”. The “Flow Hive’s” revolutionary design allows for easier extraction of the honey, which in turn, makes it less stressful for the honeybees. It’s really quite innovative technology, and if you’re interested in learning more you can find several videos on YouTube explaining the process. Moving into the future, as we continue the restoration of the golf course, we will also start to incorporate native areas specifically planted for encouraging the proliferation of insects such as the honeybee and a variety of butterflies. So I hope you’ve learned a little more about honey bees and why they are important to our golf course here at the Club. The honeybee is a fascinating creature with an extraordinary drive to work, produce honey and support our ecosystem. It doesn’t hurt, either, that honey might possibly be the healthiest thing you can eat while also tasting amazing. If you have any questions, or if you just want to learn more about the world of beekeeping, please don’t hesitate to ask.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
Dan Carroll Assistant Grounds Superintendent This February, we were fortunate to add Dan Carroll to the turf maintenance department to assist with all of the course restoration projects. Dan is a local guy from Colfax, located between Gibson City and Bloomington. The youngest of four boys, Dan naturally gravitated to all things sports. After graduating high 2 5 school, he started at MacMurray College and played on the baseball team before transferring to Illinois State University. In 2007, while attending ISU, Dan started as seasonal help at The Den at Fox Creek. In 2010, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Dan continued to work at the golf course, and in 2012, he enrolled in the Turf Science and Management program at Penn State University. Life on a golf course was where Dan wanted to be and it was a natural fit for his talents. Soon after graduating, Dan accepted an assistant superintendent position with Billy Casper Golf at George W. Dunne National G.C. in Oak Forest, Illinois. Following that golf season, George Dunne was nominated for the “Facility of the Year” award and, in May of 2014, played host to a U.S. Open qualifier. When Dan is not on the golf course, his hobbies include spending time with his family, going for walks with his two yearold German Shepherd, watching sports (especially baseball) and playing softball in a Bloomington rec league with friends.
B U S I N E S S
S P O T L I G H T :
Hickory River Smokehouse Q & A U C C
W I T H F R A N C H I S E O W N E R A N D M E M B E R , M I C H A E L M A D I G A N
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f you’re looking for good Texas barbecue in Champaign-Urbana, look no further than Hickory River Smokehouse, situated just down the road from the Urbana Country Club on Cunningham Ave. We sat down with UCC member and Hickory River franchise owner, Mr. Michael Madigan, to learn a little bit more about this community staple. 26
Q: When was Hickory River founded? MM: It originally started in 1995 by founders Brad and Krista Bowman as Longhorn Smokehouse. Brad is originally from the area and Krista is from Texas. Brad went down to Texas to learn their barbecue style and brought it back to the Midwest. The first location they opened was right down the street from the current Hickory River where the old El Toro used to be. Q: How did Hickory River get its name?
from there. Being a franchise restaurant owner is a drastic change from working in state government for 20 years but it was a welcome change that I was ready to make. This has been a second career for me and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Q: Are there other Hickory River locations? MM: We currently have locations in four Illinois cities (Springfield, Urbana, Decatur, Peoria), two Ohio cities (Dayton and Tipp City) and are looking to expand into Indiana. Q: What makes Hickory River barbecue so special? MM: It’s real food. It’s good home-cooked barbecue. All of our meat is smoked on-site daily. Each Hickory River location has one to two pit masters (expert meat smoker). Q: How are new menu items developed?
MM: In 2005, when the Bowman’s opened a Longhorn Smokehouse in Springfield we received some objection for name usage rights from Longhorn Steakhouse. We went to the drawing board and came up with Hickory River Smokehouse. It seemed fitting as hickory is the cut of wood we use to smoke the meat. Q: How did you personally become involved with Hickory River? MM: I grew up around here and I came in to eat one day with my wife. I took one taste of their product and I knew it was the change I had been looking for. I contacted the Bowmans and we went
MM: All menu items are developed by all the franchise partners. Since we are a chain of restaurants we strive for consistency across the board. There aren’t any location specific recipes that you’ll find, just good home-cooked food and quality service. Q: What makes a good Hickory River employee? MM: Someone who is willing to listen, shows up on time, is happy, helpful and has a mind for customer service. Everything else we can train you to do.
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Q: How does Hickory River stay involved with the community? MM: We participate in some of the annual fairs like the Taste of Champaign, Urbana Sweet Corn Festival and Sidney Fun Days. We also do a lot of work with the University of Illinois, including concession stands, tailgate catering and Lot 31 catering. We’re also responsible for Bleacher Bum Barbecue day at the U of I men’s baseball games. Q: Has Hickory River won any accolades? MM: Sure! We’ve won the Ohio State Fair Barbecue Competition several times for “Best Ribs” and “Best Pulled Pork”. We don’t participate in many competitions as our daily operations and catering keep us fairly busy. Q: What are some customer favorite menu items? MM: Well, there’s the new ‘Cue Shoe. It’s Texas toast topped with pulled pork, or other protein option and fries covered in a white cheddar and pepper jack cheese sauce. And when Mr. Khan comes in to visit he usually gets a chopped beef brisket sandwich.
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The Reichard Family M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T :
T H E R E I C H A R D FA M I LY HAS CALLED UCC THEIR SECOND HOME F O R G E N E R AT I O N S .
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ith generations of UCC members spanning decades, the Reichard family is the definition of an Urbana Country Club legacy. Through the years, Reichard children have grown up on the UCC tennis courts, friendships and partnerships have been made on the golf course and quality family time has been spent next to the fire over a good meal in the UCC dining room. No matter where life takes them, for the Reichards, UCC has always been a home away from home.
When the time came, Bud and Benita’s son, David, and his wife, Melba, also joined the Club. Like his father, David enjoyed a good game of golf and played at the Club practically every day with members Lane Dickinson, Ken Asklund, Jim Glasa and Ray Kimpel. Each generation thereafter has become UCC members, with David’s two sons, Scott and Jon, continuing the tradition with their own families. Scott, his wife, Judy, and their four children, Rachel, Nathan, Ruth and Alyse, along with Jon, his wife, Patti, and their two children, Jonathan (JD) The first member of the Reichard family to join and Ben, are all loyal members of the Club. And UCC was David “Bud” Reichard, and his wife Benita there will soon be two more additions to the fam“Bea”, back in the 1940s. Bud was an active member ily. Scott’s daughter, Ruth, and her husband, Bill and avid golfer, playing several times a week and Walters, are expecting their third child and Alyse even scoring a hole-in-one on hole eight. Bud had and her husband are also expecting their first. many golf partners over the years, including one of our oldest living members, Mr. Dick Cogdal, as well Scott’s grandchildren are the fifth generation of as radio host, Larry Stewart. Reichards to be UCC members. But the scampering
of Reichard children running across pool decks and fairways began with Scott and his brother, Jon. Growing up, they practically lived at the Club. Every day of the summer the Reichard brothers could be seen swimming or playing golf and tennis. They were also involved in the Junior Golf program, a tradition they passed on to all of their children. Scott was even tennis champion in the 1970’s and garnered his job offer from BPC during a tennis match. UCC sports were a family affair for the Reichards, as parents, David and Melba, frequently joined their sons on the tennis court or golf course. For the Reichards, the Club is such an integral part of their lives. It has been the backdrop to some of the family’s best memories, including David’s 75th birthday party, the 75th anniversary of A&R Mechanical, Alyse’s wedding reception, class
With such a long-standing history with the Club, the Reichards have been witness to the many changes at UCC. The family noted that some of the best changes have been the various remodels to the dining room and to the locker rooms, upgrades that have made the Club that much more inviting to them and their guests. And while the entire staff at UCC has always been fantastic, the Reichards have a special fondness for Tennis Pro Dave Fauble, who taught all the Reichards how to play tennis, and Bar Manager Lesley Lustig, whose company they always enjoy. With an ever growing family laying down roots all over the country, the Reichards still find time
the Club as an “View extended family. Make
“
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The company, an essential Urbana business, continues to flourish with that partnership as its foundation.
many new friends and cherish the old.
reunions, business lunches, Lou Brock celebrity lunches and holiday gatherings. No matter the occasion, Urbana Country Club is the Reichard family’s first choice to hold an event. But the Reichards aren’t just Club members, they are also a loyal Urbana family and a staple in the community. David Reichard’s grandfather, John, still has his big blue house standing on Green Street, a monument to the five generations of Reichards that have been raised, lived and worked in Urbana. And their contributions to the Urbana community as a longstanding business have been bolstered by the friends and business partners that they have met at the Club. In 1966, fellow UCC member and family friend, Ken Asklund, bought into the Reichard family plumbing business, transforming Reichard Plumbing into A&R Mechanical.
to gather all together for certain must-attend UCC events, including Easter and Mother’s Day brunches, the Carle Golf Open (of which they are major sponsors) and the annual honorary golf outing that they put on each year in honor of David Reichard, who passed away in March 2001. They also enjoy some of the recently added events, like Happy Hour at the Pool during the summer months. As a legacy family, the Reichards have learned that in order to make your membership as special as possible, you should, “view the Club as an extended family. Make many new friends and cherish the old.” They are grateful to the Urbana Country Club for the amazing memories it has provided over the years, and thankful to the Khan family for extending the rich tradition and hospitality of the Club for future generations. For the Reichards, they couldn’t imagine life without UCC.
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PARENT CHILD
TOURNAMENT SUNDAY, JUNE 7th Bring the parents and kids out to play golf on Father’s Day 1pm Shotgun Start Shamble Format
$10 per player towards prizes & awards Guest only pay a cart fee. Bring out your parents & children
Age Groups Include: 12 & Under, 13-18, 19 & over
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Wine Down AT U C C Our Wine Pairing Dinners have been a consummate hit since we debuted them in November. We sat down with one of our Wine Club members to get their insight on wine and the perks of being a member. Also, get up to date on upcoming dinners and the wines of the month that you should check out.
Q&A WITH WINE CLUB MEMBER GINGER MOHR Ginger and Jeff Mohr have been members at the Club since March 13, 2013. Ginger is very active in the Club. She is a member of the Ladies Golf League, House Committee and, recently, the Wine Club. Q: What is your favorite wine? GM: My favorite is pinot noir. Specifically Penner Ash or King Estate. Q: What is the greatest perks of being a wine club member? GM: The 15% discount on wine dinners, having no corkage fees and better options for wine discounts. Q: Could you please tell us your experience with the wine club dinners? GM: I really enjoyed trying wine paired with food that I would never have considered drinking. It was fun learning about the different regions of the wine.
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UPCOMING WINE PA I R I N G D I N N E R S *Dinners are limited to 22 people and Wine Club members receive first priority for reservations. If there are still seats remaining, reservations will be opened to the general membership.
Tuesday, June 19th Tuesday, August 14th
WINES OF THE MONTH April: Cycles Gladiator 2015 Central Coast Pinot Noir This wine features notes of raspberries and pipe tobacco. This pinot noir has all the flavors of red berries, cherries, pomegranates, strawberries and cranberries. It pairs well with duck, pork, salmon and even our mushroom risotto. May: Angels and Cowboys 2016 Sonoma County RosÊ Enjoy this wine with or without food. It’s a great patio wine with delicate aromas of pomegranate, golden delicious apples and wildflowers. This lively wine also has citrus blossom and mineral flavors. It displays vibrant acidity, freshness and has a very delicate finish. It pairs well with chicken, salmon, seared tuna and summer salads. UCC1 9 2 2 . CO M I S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
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BUILD CORE & ING CONSISTENCY
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B U I L D T H E F O U N D AT I O N F O R A C O N S I S T E N T LY S T R O N G GOLF GAME WITH THESE FITNESS TIPS AND WORKOUTS.
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ouldn’t it be nice to be able to drive the ball down the center of the fairway, swing after swing, hole after hole? Everyone wants consistency, especially in their golf game. It’s consistency that forms habits and builds the momentum that can take your game to the next level. The ability to finish a round with the same strength and uniformity as you started ultimately leads to a reduction in the number of strokes most amateur golfers take. In the end, it’s a professional fitness regimen which will help develop this consistency in your golf game. Building your endurance is important in any sport, and golf is no exception. Reducing fatigue is the first step in creating stability in your game. Endurance training, like aerobic exercise, increases stamina and is instrumental to being able to perform your best right up until that last hole on the course. The next, critical step to improve your game is weight training. Weight training will focus on the muscle groups most utilized in golf in order to strengthen those muscles and enhance performance. Remember though, weight training programs for golfers targets different muscles than other programs for other sports. Because of this, it is necessary to learn the specific muscles that will be worked on with a weight training regimen specific to golf. For now, let’s start simple and focus on one of the most important muscle groups: the core. Having a strong core doesn’t necessarily mean having an overtly defined six pack. Your core includes many muscles throughout your pelvis, abdominals and lower back. These muscle groups, when conditioned and developed, will allow you to properly rotate with the same consistently strong swing every time. Always keep in mind that the foundation for the best golfers is their excellent core strength.
TO CREATE A PROPER TRANSITION AT THE TOP OF THE BACKSWING, KEVIN MUST: >> STAY IN BALANCE WITH HIS WEIGHT ON THE INSIDE OF HIS FEET. >> MAINTAIN HIS POSTURE BY HAVING A STRONG CORE AND BACK. >> TRANSFER HIS WEIGHT IN TRANSITION BY HAVING A STRONG PELVIC AND LOWER BACK.
35 STAYING IN BALANCE THROUGH THE STRIKE INTO THE FOLLOW THROUGH TAKES EXCEPTIONAL BALANCE AND STABILITY IN THE CORE. HERE YOU WILL SEE ALL OF KEVIN’S WEIGHT HAS TRANSFERRED TO HIS FRONT (LEFT) SIDE WHILE STANDING TALL AND HOLDING HIS FOLLOW THROUGH. A STRONG CORE HAS ALLOWED HIM TO ROTATE AROUND HIS SPINE, PAIRED WITH STRONG PELVIC MUSCLES THAT HAVE CREATED SPEED AND DISTANCE.
Turn the page for a few simple exercises to begin building the core strength and swing consistency that Kevin has demonstrated above.
START IN A PUSH-UP POSITION AND MAINTAIN A
BRING ONE KNEE AS CLOSE TO YOUR OPPOSITE
FLAT BACK. HIPS SHOULD STAY IN LINE WITH YOUR
ELBOW AS POSSIBLE. THEN RETURN TO THE START
BACK WHILE MAINTAINING A TIGHT CORE.
POSITION. REPEAT THESE STEPS WITH YOUR OTHER LEG. BOTH LEGS IS ONE REPETITION. START BY TRYING TO DO 8-10 REPETITIONS.
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BEGIN BY LAYING ON YOUR BACK WITH
REACH THE BALL TOWARDS YOUR PARTNER'S
YOUR KNEES BENT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE
HAND AS YOU USE YOUR CORE TO PULL YOUR
AND YOUR FEET FLAT ON THE GROUND.
BACK OFF OF THE GROUND. RETURN SLOWLY
HOLD THE BALL DIRECTLY ABOVE YOUR
TO THE STARTING POSITION. YOUR FEET SHOULD
HEAD WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GROUND.
REMAIN STATIONARY THE ENTIRE MOVEMENT.
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SIMILAR TO YOUR GOLF SET UP, START WITH YOUR FEET JUST OUTSIDE SHOULDER WIDTH APART. BEND AT YOUR KNEES AND HIPS INTO A 45 DEGREE HALF
EXPLODE! THRUST YOUR
SQUAT POSITION. PLACE
HIPS FORWARD WHILE
THE BALL IN YOUR
TWISTING AT THE WAIST
HIP POCKET, ARCH
AND THROWING THE
YOUR BACK, AND
BALL IN THE OPPOSITE
PAUSE…
DIRECTION.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Jessa Johnson Aquatics Director We are pleased to welcome our new Aquatics Director, Jessa Johnson, to UCC. Born and raised in Urbana, she graduated from Urbana High School in 2012 and went on to attend Eastern Illinois University. While at EIU, she studied Early Childhood Education and played on the EIU Club Softball team. In May of 2016, Jessa graduated with a Bachelors of Science, and currently she spends the school year as a 1st grade teacher at Garden Hills Elementary School in Champaign. While at EIU, she began exploring job options for when she came back to Urbana for the summer. It was then that she began her time in aquatics. In 2013, she got her first job in aquatics as a lifeguard working at Sholem Aquatic Center. This is where she has spent the last 5 years, every summer, working as a lifeguard and most recently, as a lifeguard supervisor. During her time there she fell in love with working in and around the water. Jessa has a great passion for teaching, training and being a lifeguard, and she is eager to continue pursuing this passion here at the Urbana Country Club.
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I am very excited to make my way back to Urbana and lead the Aquatics Department at UCC. I am looking forward to a wonderful summer getting to know all of our members and hanging out at the pool!
”
A Career Defined As Pat Hettermann, the decorated St. Thomas More girls golf coach, enters retirement, she and her assistant, Rose Asklund, reflect on a successful final season and a storied career. 38
F
or the past 37 years, Patricia (Pat) Hettermann has molded young and talented women golfers from gangly freshman to stand out seniors. Her accolades as a coach are numerous: Coach of the Year three times, All-Area Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2017, Illinois State Coach of the Year in 2014 and National Coach of the Year in 2013. She's spend the last 18 years of her career at St. Thomas More High School in Champaign, Ill. But, in the wake of her recent retirement, Hettermann notes that it has been her bond with her assistant coach, Rose Asklund, and her golfers that has made all the success worthwhile.
Asklund’s time aiding Sammy, Hettermann realized she was a valuable asset to the team, and so she kept Asklund on as an assistant coach even after her time with Sammy had ended.
Hettermann and Asklund’s coaching partnership began about six years ago, when Asklund volunteered to help with a golfer with special needs, Sammy Miller. A temporary partnership at the time, Asklund was there to assist Sammy, who is visually impaired, by driving her cart, watching her balls, lining up her putts and pointing her in the direction of the greens. During
“Emma was good. She filled a valuable role that year,” Hettermann recalled. “We needed six players and she had fun. But had she played all four years, she would have been really good.”
Throughout her years as Hettermann’s right hand, Asklund helped recruit many golfers for the St. Thomas More girls’ golf team. Two of those recruits just happened to be her own daughters, Emma and Kait. Emma was a latecomer to the game of golf, playing only her senior year when the team needed a sixth player. Her father had only just taught her the game that previous summer right on the UCC golf course.
Asklund’s younger daughter, Kait, on the other hand, was able to play and be coached by Hettermann and Asklund all four
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PHOTO BY STEPHEN HAAS | REPRODUCED BY PERMISSION OF THE NEWS-GAZETTE, INC. PERMISSION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
years of high school. In fact, she’s one of the St. Thomas More Sabers stand out golfers and will be continuing her golf career at Augustana University in South Dakota this fall. Hettermann’s 2017-2018 team, her last team before her retirement, consisted of 10 players, a smattering of freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors. This final season began with disappointment, but despite the variety in experience levels, it didn’t take long for the team to bounce back. “We had a phenomenal season,” Hettermann said. “The only match we lost was the first one of the season, and considering half the team was freshmen players that day, I was not unhappy at all.” Both Hettermann and Asklund noted that the highlight performances of the season were from Kait Asklund and sophomore Alaina Bowie. “We knew every time [they] were out we were going to have phenomenal scores. They didn’t disappoint,” Hettermann said.
But even though golf is very much an individual sport, it still takes a team effort to bring home trophies and awards. The St. Thomas More Sabers displayed this concept well at this year’s Sectionals, when the players faced not only stiff competition, but Mother Nature herself. A two hour rain delay, which left standing water on the course, and the pressure to finish the match by the end of the week, required the St. Thomas team to band together and for some of the younger players to step up to the plate. In the end, the team played through and finished strong, clinching the title of 2017-2018 Sectional champs. They went on to place fourth in State, a career-defining highlight for Hettermann. Throughout her career, Hettermann has learned that golf is more than swinging clubs, shaving strokes or making holes, that it’s the life lessons and lasting friendships that make the sport so special to her and to all the girls that she’s coached over the years. For Hettermann and Asklund both, the best part of coaching is the girls themselves. They both attribute their teams’ successes to having such coachable players. And they treasure the opportunity to watch the players develop their game and mature as young women.
“To see the light come on in their eyes when they go, ‘I think I’ve got this’, is just amazing,” Asklund said.
Top: Asklund (far
“[The girls] just make life delightful,” Hettermann added.
winning the regional
St. Thomas More has not made a decision yet on whether Asklund will succeed Hettermann as head coach. But no matter what happens, Hettermann and Asklund know that the bond they created with their players is what truly matters.
Bottom: The St. Thomas
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left) and Hettermann (far right) pose with their team after championship.
More girls golf team celebrates after winning sectionals.
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“[Kait and Alaina] were two girls who [continuously] improved their averages, which is very difficult,” Asklund explained. “Once you get so good it’s hard to shave strokes, and Kait and Alaina managed to shave strokes each season.”
FROM THE ST. THOMAS MORE GIRLS GOLF TEAM:
For the last four years UCC has served as our home course and we couldn’t be more thankful to Mr. Khan and the Club for allowing us the opportunity to play here. The entire staff is always so good to us. The guys in the Golf Shop always have everything ready when we get there. Not every course has a driving range and a beautiful facility. We really appreciate everything the Club has done for us over the years.
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FROM THE PRO:
Course Tips Hole 1 The first hole is a long, straightaway par 5. This one is typically not reachable in 2, and the 3rd shot plays uphill into a small green sloped from back to front. A par is not a bad score here, so get your round started off the right way!
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Hole 2 The second hole, a 379-yard par 4 requires a good tee shot. Hit it in the fairway, so you have a look at the green on this dog-leg left. With a long and skinny green, this hole requires accuracy from start to finish.
V I S I T U C C ' S W E B S I T E F O R F LY O V E R V I D E O S OF THE COURSE AND MORE TIPS: WWW.UCC1922.COM/GOLF/COURSE_TOUR/1
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LADIES KICK-OFF DINNER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18th Event starts @ 5pm Dinner @ 6pm - $24 per person Trunk show brands will include JoFit & EP Pro RSVP with Amber
Q & A with the UCC Book Club T A K E A P E E K I N S I D E O N E O F U C C ’ S T R A D E M A R K C L U B S A N D F I N D O U T W H A T T H E Y ’ R E R E A D I N G N E X T .
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he UCC Book Club has been a staple at the Club since its inception in the fall of 2003. Book Club members meet on the last Thursday of every month to discuss their chosen “Book of the Month” over dinner. We sat down with two of the founding members, Dr. Dale Montanelli and Mrs. Kathleen (Kathy) Ahearn, to gain some insight on this quiet yet robust group of avid readers.
Q: So, how did the UCC Book Club get started all those years ago?
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A: In September 2003, the golf season had just ended. We were [all] sitting in the Ray Elliott room having dinner when somebody said, “We won’t get to sit and talk like this again until next spring, let’s do something about that.” It was Carol Haffwassen’s idea to start a book club because she was already a member of another book club. Q: What happened after the initial discussion? How did you become a formal Club? A: In November, we all got a table in the dining room, ordered dinner and set up the basic ground rules. We started with reading fiction and had a preference for female writers. The one fundamental rule we made is that if a member recommends a book to the Club, they have to have already read it. This ensures that the recommender actually likes the book and is equipped to be the discussion leader for the month. Q: What was the first book the Book Club ever read? A: It was in December 2003, and it was Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles. It was Jiles’ debut book that chronicles the challenges a young woman, falsely imprisoned as a spy during the Civil War, faces when her home is destroyed and she falls in love with the enemy. Q: How has the Book Club grown since that time? A: Over the past 14 years we’ve read fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies, follow-up novels, works by local authors and included both male and female authors in our selections. We’re very excited about our upcoming selections. They are a good representation of the more diversified reading we’ve gravitated towards in more recent years. We’ve also adapted to the times
with books being able to be downloaded onto a Kindle, as well as obtained from the local library or purchased in hardcover or paperback format. Q: Who are the current Book Club members, and who can join? A: Like the books we read, us members are a diverse bunch. The Club is comprised of teachers, English professors, a former U.S. attorney, realtors, jewelers, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, financial advisors, librarians and administrative computer workers. Currently there are 15 of us active members but we are always delighted to welcome new members. Although we started as a small group of women who played Ladies' League golf on Wednesday nights, it’s not limited to just female participants. All are welcome! Q: What do you think is so special about the Book Club? A: You come away, almost always, with insight that you didn’t have and you feel a bit more informed about something you may not have been before. It’s a wonderfully fun evening and you don’t have to feel like you’re a scholar of literature and language to take part. So, if you’re looking for a night complete with dinner and engaging conversation, come on out to the Club on the last Thursday of the month, from 6-8pm, and join the UCC Book Club.
BOOK CLUB FAVORITES THROUGH THE YEARS FAVORITES THROUGH THE YEARS To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (read Nov. 2007) Shakespeare Saved My Life by Laura Bates (read July 2016) Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger (read January 2015) Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks (read January 2004) Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (read August 2004)
April’s book is The Red Sparrow by former CIA operative Jason Matthews. Matthews’ novel is classified as a spy fiction about Russian and American espionage. The main character, Dominika Egorova “Red Sparrow” is forced by her uncle to undergo training at the Sparrow School, where she and other men and women are trained how to seduce the enemy. It provides insight into the mundane aspects of the intelligence field, various techniques, its high drama and Red Sparrow’s unique ability to discern the nature of people by seeing their emotions in color.
May’s selection will be Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. This is an autobiographical comedy detailing Noah’s growing up in post-apartheid South Africa. As the light-skinned product of a white father and black mother, [Noah] never fit well into the racial schemes introduced after apartheid. Even after apartheid ended there was trouble fitting in because it was a crime for him to be born as a mixed race baby—hence the name of the book. In large part the book is a paean to Noah’s mother who was a fiercely religious woman who administered tough love and ‘old-school, Old Testament discipline.’
June’s book selection is My Beloved World, a memoir by Sonia Sotomayor. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice on the United States Supreme Court. The memoir covers her childhood, education and life up to 1992. The memoir recounts growing up in a housing project in the Bronx, Puerto Rican immigrants, and the death of her alcoholic father when Sotomayor was just nine years old.
UPCOMING MEETINGS Thursday, April 26th, 6–8pm Thursday, May 31st, 6–8pm Thursday, June 28th, 6–8pm
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Business Success T H E
T H R E E
"E"S
Before becoming full-fledged members of our team, the UCC staff is instructed on the three “E”s when they go through employee orientation. Our three “E”s, which were developed by our General Manager for the hospitality industry, also apply nicely to any type of business situation. Key in on these three things to create a positive culture of success in whatever business landscape you impact.
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ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENT
EXECUTION
First impressions are everything. You want people you deal with to know you are open and easy to talk to. Engage someone new with a smile and a good, solid handshake. Be genuinely excited and very present with whoever you deal with. Make them feel like they are of the utmost importance to you, and you will open the lines of communication to develop a lasting and beneficial relationship.
Order and cleanliness speaks volumes about someone’s ability to get things done. Your attention to detail will often be the difference in whether you succeed in business or not. For example, legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden made it a point to teach his players how to put on their socks before a game. It seems elementary, but his technique was in order to prevent blisters and his players never got them. Although seemingly trivial, a small distraction like a blister could have drastically impacted the team’s performance and jeopardized their chances of winning the multiple National Championships that they ultimately did win. Remember that small details can make all the difference.
One of the most important elements of execution is the follow-up. Making sure the customer is satisfied is not enough. You want them to continue to do business with you. You want to make it easy for them to give you feedback, and you always want to acknowledge you received their comments or thoughts. A personal thank you, as simple as it may seem, is often lost in today’s culture. The best businesses are great at showing appreciation to the people they deal with everyday.
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SATURDAY OFFICIAL POOL OPENING: 11AM Music, Food & Fun SUNDAY POOLSIDE LUNCH: 11AM DINNER FEAT. JEDD’S RIBS: 5PM MONDAY: MEMORIAL DAY GOLF: $10/PLAYER GUEST FEES: 50% OFF BUFFET: 11AM-2PM RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR SUN & MON. CALL THE CLUB OR EMAIL AMBER.TALBOTT @UCC1922.COM NOTE: PARTIES OF 10 OR MORE, MAKE RESERVATIONS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
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