Beauty, grit & grace May Newsletter 2019
Redemption and Rebuilding Betty Chee PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Thomas L. Friedman, the foreign affairs Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times, recently wrote an opinion piece entitled Tiger Woods and the Game of Life. “Golf,” he wrote, “is the sport most like life because it is played on an uneven surface and everything is on you… Like life, every round is a journey, [and] like all life’s journey, it’s never a straight line. It is always full of crazy bounces, self-inflicted mistakes and unexpected detours and therefore always a journey of discovery about yourself and your playing partners…. Golf is all about how you react when you get a bad bounce.” He was writing about the “comeback for the ages” and each of our own experiences. But, to me, his words mirrored the journey of our club. From the launch of Ada’s inspirational idea of a women’s golf club to the spring of 2019, The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto has had to field the crazy bounces and unexpected detours that the golf world (and life!) have thrown up. We’ve weathered, well, weather. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve recently had a big internal debate about our future. And we’ve differed over endless tiny matters but which, at the moment, always seem as difficult a problem as a ball nestled in the roots of a tree. And through it all, we’ve done the work necessary to better our club and, in doing so, have become better at reacting to those crazy bounces. We play a sport where the physical training, the mental preparation, and the execution are very solitary pursuits. In that, the best within each of us can individually flourish. But add up hundreds of women and we create a powerful collective “us”. Throughout the past 94 years this collective “best us” has always met the challenge of hitting the next shot, whether from a perfect fairway or an impossible lie.
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In recent years we’ve met our challenges with tireless planning, fierce determination, an engaged membership, and a resourceful and creative leadership. We have a land sale process that is on track and a strategic plan to guide our next five years. We are experiencing a surge of energy from our membership as many of us have returned with a renewed spirit. Our creative learning programmes in the Ladies’ Golf Academy are gathering steam. The elevation of clubhouse service is off to an exciting start. There is a note of spring that goes beyond the natural turning of the season. And yet, our best is still to come. We look forward to seeing what the replacement hole will be like. We look forward to the decision on how to best use the millions in land sale proceeds. We look forward to redeeming the course we have come to love. We look forward to rebuilding all that is gracious at Ladies’. Together, we bravely look forward to each new challenge with practiced confidence. Thomas Friedman closed his article with this image: When faced with a difficult lie or an impossible shot, the greatest golfers will say to their caddies “Watch this.” Sure, we have our challenges at Ladies’. But that “collective us” also has perseverance, practice and preparation for just this moment. When we look at the challenges and possibilities we face, we can turn to each other and say, simply, “Watch this”.
Betty
Update Last year, Tridel submitted applications to the City of Markham as required in the planning approvals process: an amendment to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law and the site plan application. Markham held a public meeting in January to receive input from the community, and in March, Councillor Keith Irish hosted a public meeting for Ward 1 residents. Concerns from both meetings included traffic patterns, storm sewer capacity and flooding, loss of green space and trees, and the impact on birds and wildlife. No decisions were made at either of these meetings. As Markham’s planning process unfolds, three committees at Ladies’ are preparing information for members: Strategic Planning, Course Planning, and Land Sale Net Proceeds Strategy. Strategic Planning has made three presentations to members on the new strategic plan. The Course Planning Committee is working with the new course architect to develop options for replacing the
9th hole and the halfway house. The Net Proceeds Strategy Committee is revising governance policies that will be affected by the receipt of the funds, and also determining the balance between nearterm spending and long-term investment. Member consultation on these items is scheduled for the spring or early summer. Approval of the applications to Markham could occur late this fall or early in 2020. Tridel expects to begin marketing the project during that time. The closing date and receipt by Ladies’ of proceeds would occur within thirty days after the approvals, followed 18 months later by any bonus proceeds. The Land Project Steering Committee will continue to monitor the approvals process and inform members of developments through the season. Relevant information is also posted in the Land Project section of the Ladies’ website. The planning@ladiesgolfclub. com email remains active for any member questions. MAY 2019 | 3
We’re Off to a Great Start Paul Bussiere GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Despite the weather not cooperating to start the season, I feel like we are off to a great start. The Easter events and the Opening Tea were great successes. Last year had its challenges and the management team went through the satisfaction survey thoroughly and have taken all the comments to heart. We have implemented changes where appropriate to improve the areas where the membership identified issues. We thank you for that feedback and I encourage you to continue to provide that to us. There are many ways you can provide feedback, by emailing me at gm@ladiesgolfclub.com, emailing the department heads, filling out a comment card on the website, or simply speaking to a board or committee member. My office door is always open, and I welcome drop in visitors to let us know how we’re doing, good or bad. Please feel welcome to visit me any time. We are fortunate enough to be hosting the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada again this year. Last year’s event was such a success they asked if they could come back again this year. The event will take place July 2, 3, and 4. We will once again need volunteers for this event. If you are interested in helping, please let myself or Paddy know. Along with volunteers for the event, there will once again be a need for billets. Last year we had members who graciously opened their homes for these up and coming women to stay with them during the event. If that is something you can do this year, again please let myself or Paddy know. During the DCM PGA Women’s Championship, we will be having a celebration for our newest honorary member, Lorie Kane. The plans have started for a fun evening of celebration on Wednesday, July 3. I encourage everyone to come out and watch the golf and then stick around to welcome Lorie into the Ladies’ family. One of the items from last year’s survey that we heard loud and clear, was regarding the plastic straws and cups at the water station by the golf shop. To be more 4 | BEAUTY, GRIT & GRACE
environmentally friendly, we have decided to remove the plastic straws and cups. You can purchase a reusable water bottle in the golf shop, or we encourage you to bring your own from home. Plastic cups are still available for those who require them, but you will have to ask for them in the golf shop. We have also decided to remove all the plastic straws and will have paper straws available upon request throughout the club. Our colonies of bees did not survive the winter. It was a sad day when staff found out, but we are working with a new bee supplier and we now have 8 new hives located down on the maintenance path by the bridge on hole 16. We are keeping one hive up by the vegetable gardens that members can show off to their guests. Honey will be slightly delayed this year as the new hives populate but we are hoping for the first harvest in July. Warmer weather should be just around the corner. We hope to see you out on the golf course and entertaining your guests soon. Don’t forget to purchase your guest fee packages in the month of May, they won’t be available after May 31. We’re also hoping for more referrals for trial memberships and the golf academy. If you know of anyone that you think may be a good candidate for either, please pass along their contact info. We’ll do all the work and you will reap the referral reward benefits! I would like to thank everyone for supporting the club and I hope to see you soon.
Paul
Ladies’ on Netflix Paul Bussiere GENERAL MANAGER
Ladies’ was in the spotlight! In the middle of April, Ladies’ became the backdrop for a new Netflix tv show called “Spinning Out”. Spinning Out is about an upand-coming, high level figure skater named Kat Baker, who suffers an injury and then makes a comeback as a pair’s skater. Her partner is a “bad boy” figure skater and the show follows the two of them facing daunting odd, injuries, and many other obstacles as they try to reach their Olympic dream. The scene filmed at Ladies’ involved Kat’s partner Justin Davis and Justin’s father who happens to own
a golf course. Justin’s father James finds Justin in the morning on his way into the golf club after Justin has been out for a night of drinking and has driven his car into a bunker. As you can see in the photos below, the greenside bunker on 9A will now be famous on Netflix! It was an exciting day for Ladies’, and I hope you get a chance to see your course on the screen when the show comes out this fall.
Paul
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Opening Tea & Honouring our Life Members On April 27, Ladies’ hosted its annual Opening Tea event. This was a fabulous afternoon that featured great food, fashion, and friends! President, Betty Chee welcomed everyone back to the club and a special mention was given to our life members that were able
to attend. A new painting was unveiled, and Monica McIntosh gave a synopsis on how this special work of art made its way back to Ladies” (for the full story see “The Story Behind the Painting”). What a great way to start the season!
Ladies’ Life Members Catherine Bunting Nancy Burrow Jan Flott Donna Haley Pauline Hogarth
Patricia McClellan Barbara Veyvara Marta Vigneux Roma Watson
Honourary-Life Members Gloria Crotin
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Kathleen Kynoch
MAY 2019 | 7
Sleeves Rolled Up & Ready to Go! Alicia Milner FINANCE COMMITTEE, CHAIR
Your Finance Committee is ready for 2019, welcoming one new member (Brenda Humphreys), a new chair (Alicia Milner), and six other returning members (Joy Bradford, Catherine Chan, Mary Pat Frey, Katherine Keeler, Winnie Kwok, and Donna Wagg). We bid goodbye to our former chair, Yvonne Bland, following the AGM in February. Yvonne’s dedication and untiring efforts were very much appreciated! We understand Yvonne intends to use her new-found flexibility to travel more, as her work schedule permits. Heading into 2019, we are working with approved operating and capital budgets that need to be managed very closely. As you may recall, in an effort to hold the line and not increase member fees, we are forecasting a budgeted loss from operations for 2019. In addition, capital spending will be primarily limited to items that address health and safety or state of good repair. It is all doable, but it will take a concerted effort from everyone to achieve the results we need this year. We are pleased to offer the new rule of 110 discount to reward long-term members whose age and years of membership add up to 110. Members who reach the 110 mark will get 10% off their annual fees, each year,
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starting in 2019. Of the 21 members who qualify in 2019, thank you for your ongoing support of the club! Spread the word to others who may be on the cusp and who will qualify for this discount within the next few years. If you are really keen, you can also aim for the rule of 120 which gives a 25% discount on annual fees for members whose age and years of membership equal 120. During 2019, the Finance Committee will continue to play an oversight and review role when it comes to the ad hoc Net Proceeds Committee. This group has been busy modelling potential future scenarios and developing proposed approaches to land sale proceeds that could address short-, medium-, and long-term needs for the club. They will be reaching out and consulting with the members in 2019. In parallel, finance will start to consider how any new proceeds could fit into the existing processes, policies, and procedures, so as to ensure ongoing effective and prudent financial management at Ladies’.
Alicia
What’s Growing in the Gardens? Cindy Chamandy HORTICULTURALIST
May is the month where the garden comes alive! Soon our tulips and daffodils will be in full bloom and early spring perennials will awaken from their slumber. We will see mounds of yellow spurge, tufts of blue forgetme-nots, and carpets of pink and purple creeping phlox. But one of the earliest perennials to bloom is Pulmonaria (commonly known as Lungwort). Its flowers provide much needed nectar for hungry bees and are one of the few flowers that change colour as they mature. They bloom with vibrant purple/blue bells and have leaves that are hairy and spotted. It can be found in natural woodland settings and is abundant in the Pomona Valley downstream from the golf course. It is planted in our garden just outside the front entrance by the white bench. Take a peek on your way into the clubhouse!
In the kitchen garden, we are expanding and improving. Having homegrown herbs, veggies and edible flowers for our guests was a huge hit last season! We learned a lot last year and will continue to improve upon our successes. The herb garden at the sports entrance will be exclusively for herbs and our raised beds will incorporate more flowers and lower growing veggies. A new design for the in-ground garden will make things more organized, elegant and productive. I love incorporating food into gardens, so many varieties provide structural interest and bountiful harvests! Last fall we planted around 150 garlic cloves by the golf shop and it is growing quickly! The flower stalks of garlic (called scapes) should be ready to harvest around mid-June, and the full bulbs will follow a month or so later. If you’ve never grown it at home, it is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and tastes (and stores) so much better than the store-bought alternatives. I look forward to seeing you around the course. Please pop by the gardens and see what’s growing! I’m always happy to answer your questions and share my gardening tips.
Cindy
MAY 2019 | 9
An Elevated Menu for a New Season Umesh DiWaker EXECUTIVE CHEF
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every member for their support, recognition and appreciation for the food we created in the Ladies’ kitchen last season. For those who have attended our events so far, like Good Friday, Easter, and the Opening Tea, it has been so good to see you all back with lots of energy and enthusiasm! Ladies’ culinary team is putting together lots of new creations for the menu this spring. The new menu has been designed very carefully to keep almost every single favorite dish from last season. These dishes were determined “favourites” by popularity and by your valuable feedback. There are a few new additions as well, such as brie toast, which is complementing our honey this year, and is a very good appetizer. The poached eggs and grilled asparagus with saffron and orange sauce is a very colourful dish. Its textures and flavours make it the perfect start to a meal or as a light lunch. For those who like to have a little kick to their food; we created buffalo chicken sliders. They come with blue cheese dressing and organic shoots to cut down the spiciness. ‘’They are delicious’’ was the feedback we received when they were first tried and tested by some of our members. The very popular taco now will be available with vegetarian and beef options too. The citrus quinoa and southwestern steak salad are nice healthy lunch and dinner options that we added to the menu. Apart from our regular sandwiches, the PLT and the chicken panini are going to surprise you for sure! The ever-popular, Asian wok is back on the menu, but now with the option of beef as well. Yes, butter chicken also remains on our new menu, as it was a very popular dish last season, and many have insisted that I not take it off the menu. We are introducing a very flavourful dish, BBQ pork loin with sweet potato puree and apple, celeriac slaw as a main course. Shrimp and pancetta spaghetti is going to be our feature pasta dish from our herb garden. The new wine list and 10 | BEAUTY, GRIT & GRACE
beverage selections are also impressive, and they pair perfectly with the new menu. I am very happy to announce that we are extending chef’s herb and vegetable garden this year with the help of our gardener Cindy. After the success last year of introducing the farm to table trend to the club; it will be great to have some more variety this year. Attention to detail is one of the skills our new Clubhouse Manager, Romualdo, brings to Ladies’. We are both working very closely to make our member’s experience special every single time they visit the Clubhouse. We are always ready to listen and welcome any feedback that will make us better. Our food and beverage team is looking forward to making this upcoming season more exciting and memorable for all our members and guests!
Chef Umesh Culinary regards,
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The Story Behind the Painting Monica McIntosh MARKETING AND SALES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, CHAIR
If you were able to attend the Opening Tea, you saw the unveiling of a painting that is now on display in the living room. This golf-themed painting is one of the works from a former Ladies’ Club Champion, Aleen Aked. Many members expressed interest in the history of the painting and how it made its way “home” to Ladies’. About the artist and the painting Aleen Aked was born in 1907 in Kildwick, United Kingdom and brought to Canada by her parents in 1910. She died in 2003 in Toronto. She was the first Ontario Junior Girls Golf Champion in 1927, which was hosted by the Ladies’ Golf and Tennis Club of Toronto, and Club Champion at Ladies’ four years in a row from 1933 to 1936.
According to the website of The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa: “Aleen Aked was an accomplished artist, an expert golfer, and a woman with a strong sense of the history and culture of the places she lived, especially her summer home and studio just north of Tyrone, Ontario. As a young woman, she showed early abilities in both athletics and art. She was one of the talented youngsters discovered by Arthur Lismer who sponsored and encouraged children’s involvement in art through Saturday classes.” It continues to say that “Aked’s last important art exhibition was held at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in 1989. Miss Aked’s legacy to the RMG, called the Aked Endowment, permits exciting new initiatives in education and outreach, such as the Painters 11 Pod for children.” How the painting was found We have Mary Dowds to thank for locating the painting and steadfastly researching and following up to see it arrive at Ladies’. Mary Dowds played competitive amateur golf in BC for many years prior to an injury that ended her enjoyment of the sport. Mary happened to stop at a roadside antiques and collectibles store just outside Charleston, SC while traveling with her husband. She spotted a golfthemed painting in “a backroom amongst a jumble of objects that the dealer picked up at estate sales, etc.” It appeared to Mary that the painting was “created by someone whose skill and talent exceeded the ordinary”. Apparently the painting had arrived on consignment just a few days before. How fortuitous!
Aleen Aked, 1st Ontario Junior Girls Golf Champion, 1927. Photograph via edwardanddeborahpollack.com
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The frame on the painting was very old and in rough shape, but the canvas itself was intact. Subsequent research revealed that the painting was originally purchased from an Ontario auction after Aleen’s death in 2003 by Ed Pollack of Edward T. Pollack Fine Arts, along with many other paintings. Mr. Pollack shortly thereafter traded it with a client for another item. It is unknown how it ended up at JHD Art & Antiques.
Mary took a photo of the artist’s signature and found that the artist, Aleen Aked, lived in Toronto and was a former member at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto. Mary was keen to see the painting return “home” to Ladies’. From there she reached out to her friend, Ellen Moore, to see whether she knew anyone at Ladies’. Ellen knew long-time member, Mary Margaret Fox, who connected me with Mary.
By the time I got involved, Mary had purchased the painting with the hope that she could see it at Ladies’, but if not, she was happy to keep it for her own collection. The painting now hangs in our clubhouse with pride. Thank you, Mary!
Monica
Aleen Aked’s painting now proudly hangs in Ladies’ living room.
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The Course is Ready! Jean Davy COURSE AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE, CHAIR
The maintenance team has been working hard to get the course into top shape for your enjoyment throughout the season. This has included: •
Removing dead trees;
•
Repairing and painting all water cooler huts as well as securing them in the ground;
•
Repairing worn boards on the bridge on hole 8;
•
Improving the drainage on hole 17;
•
Installing reconfigured sign posts for each hole;
•
Aerating and top dressing the greens and taking special care to get the new grass growing on the valley greens; and
•
Widening the fairways and/or opening the necks to the greens on a number of holes (see Course Superintendent’s report).
Once again, this year golf cart signs have been removed from the course to allow carts to scatter. This reduces the wear and tear on the turf. However, in the past this has also resulted in some confusion; carts appearing in areas which put the driver and passenger in danger; and carts driving too close to the greens and bunkers. Let’s all continue to do our part by adhering to the following: •
Keep riding carts on the cart paths near the tee boxes and greens. They should never be operated within 30 feet/10 yards of a green unless they are on a cart path;
•
On hole 14, riding and push carts may go to either the right or left of the green;
•
On hole 17, the scatter rule applies for riding carts. When this is not the case, signs to stay on the cart path will be placed on the hole;
•
Keep riding carts away from soft spots, newly constructed areas and temporary water;
•
Keep riding carts on the paths on all par 3’s (on the 7th hole, if the south bridge is used, keep the riding cart on the east side of the hole and exit to
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the paved path up to the 8th hole red tee; on 7A, there are no cart paths so riding carts can scatter but must not be operated within 30 feet/10 yards of the green); •
Keep riding carts on the cart paths on all hills. Riding carts should never be driven on or parked on the grass on the side of a hill;
And •
Repair all divot marks on the green, whether you made them or not;
•
Carefully rake and smooth over all bunker footprints and holes; and
•
Deposit all garbage in the bins provided around the course.
Please respect our maintenance crew and the hard work they do, and take the time to do your part to keep our course in the best shape possible. See you on the course!
Jean
On the Course John McLinden GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
We are off to a very slow spring to say the least. Excessive rain and cooler than normal temperatures have contributed to soft and damp conditions. The recovery of the damaged areas on greens 13 and 16 has been hindered by the cool conditions. New bentgrass seedlings and fertilizer have been incorporated into the turf and all that is needed now is warmer temperatures. For seed to germinate the soil temperature needs to be between 50-60 degrees fahrenheit or 12-14 degrees celsius. Currently our temperatures are approximately 8 degrees. Warmer weather is just around the corner and recovery is imminent.
By giving golfers of all abilities the opportunity to run a ball along the ground to green or hitting a high shot the golfer is presented with many options which makes the game more enjoyable for all! Thank you and enjoy the season!
John
As you are playing your first few rounds of the year you will notice a pleasant change to some of the fairways. Several fairways have been recontoured or widened to enhance your playing experience. The fairways that have been altered to date are on holes 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 15 and 9A. These modifications were carefully considered by our golf course architect Jeff Mingay as part of our master plan. Over an acre of fairway has been added this spring. More fairway alterations will be coming in the future. From a playability perspective this is Paddy’s assessment: MORE FAIRWAY = MORE OPTIONS = MORE FUN You will notice more fairway on some holes. While some fairways have been widened, the most dramatic improvements are around the green sites. This has a dramatic effect on how the course plays and feels. The low-handicap golfer really needs to think backwards - determining the day’s hole location, deciding on the best angle to attack that pin location from the fairway and getting to that area of the fairway from the tee. The high-handicap golfer is given a much greater margin for error with short grass everywhere. The feel of the course is much more expansive and less cramped.
MAY 2019 | 15
20 Must Know Rules of Golf Changes for 2019 Padraig Kelly HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Over the next few weeks and months we will be covering the rules of golf changes with videos and easy to understand graphics! In addition, a rules clinic presented by Golf Ontario will take place on May 11 from 2-4 pm. Sign up on GGGolf if you would like to attend. See below for an overview of the 2019 changes: 1. Drop from knee height (NOT shoulder height) 2. Measure the area to drop in with the longest club in your bag (except a putter) 3. Drop in and play from the relief area 4. When dropping back-on-the-line, your ball cannot be played from nearer the hole than your chosen reference point 5. Time to search – 3 minutes (NOT 5 minutes) 6. If you accidentally move your ball when searching for it, replace it without penalty 7. No penalty for a double hit – it only counts as one stroke 8. No penalty if your ball hits you or your equipment accidentally after a stroke 9. No penalty if your ball strikes the flagstick when you have chosen to leave it in the hole 10. Spike mark and other shoe damage on the putting green can be repaired 11. Ball accidentally moved on putting green – no penalty and replace 12. Ball marked, lifted and replaced on putting green is moved by wind to another position –replace ball on the original spot
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13. Penalty areas replace water hazards, and you can move loose impediments, ground your club and take practice swings in penalty areas without penalty, just as you can on the fairway or in the rough 14. You can’t take relief from a penalty area unless you are at least 95% certain your ball is in the penalty area 15. In bunkers you can move loose impediments 16. In bunkers you cannot touch the sand with your club in the area right in front of or right behind your ball, during your backswing or in taking practice swings 17. Free relief is allowed if your ball is embedded on the fairway or in the rough (but “embedded” means that part of your ball is below the level of the ground) 18. Unplayable ball in bunker – extra option to drop outside the bunker for 2 penalty strokes 19. You cannot have your caddie or your partner standing behind you once you begin taking your stance] 20. Pace of Play - it is recommended that you take no longer than 40 seconds to make a stroke (and usually you should be able to play more quickly than that) and Ready Golf in stroke play is encouraged
Paddy
3 Guest Green Fees for $300 Pre-purchase a package of 3 guest green fees at a discounted rate for $300! Multiple packages may be purchased available until May 31. Contact Dylan to take advantage of this special offer at 905-889-3531 ext. 433 or dylan@ladiesgolfclub.com
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The Beauty of 9 Kathy Constantinou 9H CAPTAIN
With golf season getting underway, so are the competitive events. The Flo Jowsey starts on Wednesday, May 22 and is a great way to warm up to competition events. It runs for 3 consecutive weeks and the best score on each hole over those 3 weeks is taken as the final score. No need to consider those holes that totally eluded you! The 9-hole Beth Matheson 4-ball match play event will also begin in May and will continue throughout the summer. Pick a partner or ask The Golf Shop to help you find a playing partner. This format is also a great way to play competitively since having a partner means you support each other on every hole. Since competition events use handicaps, at least 75% of your scores need to be entered in order to be eligible to win a prize. Any game without an eligible score can still be entered by using one of the options which most closely apply (i.e. – rained out, played 2 balls etc.).
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Not everything is a competition though. The first Wednesday game was considered a fun game, members were encouraged to play every shot from the fairway, avoid all hazards, hole out in one - whatever makes the game fun. Our Member Guest Day convenors are gearing up for yet another fantastic event. This year’s theme is “The Garden”, which is apt for an event at Ladies’, seeing as we have such lovely gardens to celebrate. Although our guests will be playing 9 holes of golf, this is not a member guest day for the 9H section, but for all Ladies’ members to enjoy. Invite your guests to play 9 holes of golf, have dinner and win prizes. Guests even get a free car wash!
Kathy
The Challenge of 18 Jan Flott 18H CAPTAIN
If you dropped by the golf booth at the Opening Tea you know about all the events happening at Ladies’ this season. One of the exciting formats for golf is match play. We have six 18-hole events, all of them use your handicap, so you must turn in 75% of your scores to be eligible. If the event is WEEKDAY, you must be available to play on a weekday, even though the match can be played any day the participants can agree on. If the event is WEEKEND, then you must be able to play
Saturdays and Sundays, but again the match can be played on any day. Two events start with round robins so you are guaranteed three matches, which must be played by the end of July and then the winner of each pool carries on to the next round which is elimination. The other four events are elimination so once you lose, you are out for the season. Four-ball events are played with a partner so for many members, they are the most fun.
Competition
Tees
Match Play Format
Schedule
Sally Cameron
Green
Individual (Round Robin)
Weekday
Marriott Yellow
Yellow
Individual
Weekend
Marriott Red
Red
Individual (Round Robin)
Weekend
Four-ball Yellow
Yellow
Four-ball
Weekend
Four-ball Green
Green
Four-ball
Weekday
Four-ball Red
Red
Four-ball
Weekend
* Competitors should choose Marriott Yellow or Marriott Red, but not both. To sign up for any of these events go to GGGolf/ tournaments/tournament sign-ups and click on the “i” beside the event you are interested in. We have set up the system to accept 16 names or pairs. If an event says it is full please call Dylan to add your name. You will receive an email accepting your registration and giving a date. Just ignore that
date. Once you find out who you are playing, you can arrange the match for any day of your choice. If you have any questions about these events, call Dylan or Jan. The more the merrier!
Jan
MAY 2019 | 19
12th Annual Great Canadian Birdathon Jane Kirkpatrick LADIES’ MEMBER
This May a group of keen birders from Ladies’ will conduct our 12th annual Great Canadian Birdathon, an event organized by Bird Studies Canada and one of thousands done across Canada. We will be combing the golf course over a 24-hour period in order to count the number of bird species we can find. A day in May is chosen so that we can include both our nesting birds e.g. Baltimore Orioles, Cardinals and, most recently, Bluebirds and some of the migrants passing through on their way to their nesting sites farther north e.g. Warblers and Scarlet Tanagers. This year we hope to surpass the 2018 total of 43 species, or even our alltime record of 49 species. The statistics collected enable Bird Studies Canada, a not-for-profit government organization, to monitor the bird populations and assist in the preservation of
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their habitats which are sadly declining both in Canada and in Central and South America, where many of our migrants reside in the winter. We at Ladies’ are fortunate to be providing a “home” for Barn Swallows which are now on the threatened list. These dark blue and orange Swallows can be seen swooping over #12 fairway and on #17 where they have nested under the bridge. If you would like to join us in this year’s Birdathon, please contact Jane Kirkpatrick.
Jane
New Season, New Tees, Posting Rates & Postable Scores Eiko Aki GOLF COMMITTEE, CHAIR
In 2019, we will be trying out a new set of orange tees, which will be a hybrid of the red tees and the purple tees. This will bridge the approximate 1,200-yard increase in length from purple to red. Give them a try and let us know what you think. In purple tee news, the tees on three holes will be moved forward. Holes 13, 16 and 18 will now be a bit shorter, and more manageable, but will still allow you to practice carrying the river! The beginning of a new season is a good time to review our score-posting protocol at Ladies’. We all know it’s important to post our scores and to maintain a current handicap. This is particularly important if you plan to compete, which is why a posting rate of 75% of your eligible scores is required to enter competitions at Ladies’. It is also a great way to monitor your progress over the season and your golf career! Postable scores are those played using the rules of golf and of the appropriate length (7 to 12 holes for a 9-hole score and at least 13 holes for an 18-hole score). An obvious example of a score that is not postable is
a scramble, but there are many other instances where you would not post a score. You may want to just go out and practice and play 2 or 3 balls. You might want to play from different tee blocks on different holes. You might only play 4 holes, or you might play alone. The bottom line is…you may do whatever you feel like doing. It’s your game and it’s supposed to be fun! Just remember to record the reason for not posting your score on GGGolf. The Golf Shop staff is always happy to assist with questions about scoring. Whatever tees you decide to play, including the new orange and the slightly modified purple, they will be rated. So have fun, try out the new tees, post your eligible scores and don’t worry about always having to play eligible rounds. Lastly, if you score a hole-in-one during one of your eligible rounds, you will receive 20 drink tickets to be used on the day of your ace!
Eiko
MAY 2019 | 21
Summer 2019 Events Jo-Anne Applebaum ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIR
Although the warm weather has not arrived as of yet the golf season has now officially started at Ladies’. It is with great pleasure to present the book clubs, speakers and theme dinners that are confirmed for the 2019 season. The clubhouse staff is planning a wine tasting dinner which will be announced in the coming weeks and remember that free corkage night will continue on Tuesday.
Save the date
We recommend you make reservations for dining to ensure you get a table on the patio and for the events you plan to attend. Looking forward to a great summer and seeing all of you soon.
Jo-anne
Social Events 9H Opening Dinner
May 2 May 12
Mother’s Day Brunch two seatings: 10:30am & 1:00pm, Dinner: 5:00pm
May 14
18H Opening Shotgun & Dinner
May 30
Bagels & Baseball The Jewish Influence on the World’s Great Game presented by Charles Novogrodsky BBQ starts at 5:30pm Presentation starts at 7:30pm
June 4
Book Club “The Girl Who Smiled Beads” by Clementine Wamariya, led by Cathy Tile at 1:30pm $25 fee
June 11
Book Club “A Great Feast of Light: Growing up Irish in the Television Age” presented by the author, John Doyle at 7:00pm $20 fee
June 27
Indian Dinner
July 20
Annual Lobster Fest
July 28
Family Fun Day A great day of activities and food for your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren!
August 10
9H Progressive Dinner Reserve through GGGolf or call The Golf Shop
August 24
Jazz and Ribs Night
September 12
Book Club “Albatross” presented by the author, Terry Fallis at 7 pm
September 27
Annual Stratford Trip “Billy Elliot” and lunch at “The Bruce” Please call Jody to RSVP 905 889 3531 x301
September 28
Hawaiian Night Dinner
Monday Afternoon Bridge
Starting May 6 at 12:30pm Sanctioned Duplicate. Contact is Sue Winchell
Mah Jong Thursday Evenings
Starting June 6, Supervision and help from Shawna Kamien at 7 pm
Please contact Clubhouse Manager, Romualdo Mendoza rmendoza@ladiesgolfclub.com or 905 889 3531 x223 to RSVP to any event 22 | BEAUTY, GRIT & GRACE
Save the date Bagels & Baseball May 30, 2019 - 5:30 pm Book Club with Cathy Tile June 4, 2019 - 1:30 pm
MAY 2019 | 23
York Women’s Golf Jane Kirkpatrick LADIES’ MEMBER
York Women’s Golf is running five championships over three tournament days this summer. With three great golf courses as hosts of this year’s events, we are hoping that many golfers from Ladies’ will enter our tournaments. The first event features the amateur and bronze championships, on June 4, at St George’s Golf Club. The amateur is for players with handicap factors up to 19 and the bronze is for handicap factors of 20 - 33.5. Ladies’ members Brenda Stocking and Nancy McTavish have taken home the bronze trophy in recent years. The senior ( age 50+) for factors up to 28.7 and the super senior ( age 65+) for factors up to 33.5 will be
24 | BEAUTY, GRIT & GRACE
held at Weston Golf Club on July 29. There is also a diamond trophy (age 75+) awarded. Ladies’ member Peta Lomberg was last year’s winner of the super senior. The 4-ball partnership championship is being held at the Toronto Golf Club on August 13. This popular tournament requires local qualifying at Ladies’. Find a partner and watch for details about our upcoming qualifier. Come out and enjoy some friendly competition at YWG events this summer!
Jane
Guest Card Holder Corner 10 Rounds for just
$900
Pre-purchase 10 rounds at a discounted rate for $900 These are only to be used for silver guest card holders, not for guests and can be used all seaon but do not carry over to next year. Offer expires May 31, 2019. Multiple packages may be purchased contact Jody to purchase at 905-889-3531 ext. 301 or accounts@ladiesgolfclub.com
Join us for these special events! May 6 GCH Beer and Wings Night August 17-18 GCH Championship September 8 Mixed Social Golf Event October 6 Ada Mackenzie Fall Classic MAY 2019 | 25
May 2019
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
10
11
Strategic Plan Presentation 9H Opening Dinner 5
6
7
8
Duplicate Bridge
18H Draw
9H Draw
9
18H Draw
GCH Beer Wings Night 12
13
14
15
Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner
Duplicate Bridge
18H Opening Shotgun & Dinner
9H Draw
19
20
21
22
23
Victoria Day Scramble
18H Draw
9H Draw - Flo Jowsey Round 1
Quad Club @ Scarboro
27
28
29
30
Duplicate Bridge
18H Draw
9H Draw - Flo Jowsey Round 2
Bagels &
26
9H Interclub @ Toronto Golf
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16
17
18 18H Draw
Baseball
24
25 18H Draw
31
Mondays are fabulous days! Enjoy 9 holes, bridge and supper.
Ladies’ Bridge Club Contact Sue Winchell swinch24@aol.com 416-445-3144
MAY 2019 | 27
7859 Yonge Street, Thornhill ON L3T 2C4 ladiesgolfclub.com