The Birnam Buzz - April 2023

WHAT’S

BIRNAM BUZZ

DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Stanton Anderson, President

We have had unprecedented amounts of rain over the last few months, and we have also had unprecedented numbers of challenges heaped on our Golf Superintendent and his staff. Fortunately for all of us, Ryan and his staff have performed admirably, and I want to take this opportunity to thank our Grounds crew for their unbelievable efforts.

The rain continues to cause great challenges in keeping our creek beds as functional as possible. So, you will continue to see equipment in the various creek beds, cleaning out the debris that has been left in order to ensure that when future rain events occur, our golf course infrastructure will be able to handle the challenges.

The work on our patio continues. Notwithstanding the challenges imposed by the weather, we remain roughly on schedule. It now appears that we will be able to use portions of the patio and the grill for certain special events over the next several months.

Work continues by our outside advisors and lawyers on our new Governing documents. I am advised that these documents will be finalized in time to be reviewed by the Board at its April meeting. Once the Board has had an opportunity to review this material, we will schedule meetings of both the Shareholders and full Membership to answer any questions that may arise. The final step in the process of resolving our Governing issues will be approval by the Homeowners of the revised documents.

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW General Manager and Chief Operating Officer

This has been another eventful month at Birnam Wood. Santa Barbara has not seen this much consistent rain in recent memory and, while it is welcome in many ways, it has led to some challenges here at the Club.

Our staff has been working diligently removing fallen trees, repairing creeks, and maintaining the golf course. I would like to express thanks to our Security and Grounds teams for their tireless work this past month. They stayed on property during both evacuations and have shown their commitment to the club with long hours and great attitudes while facing unexpected challenges.

Despite rescheduling a number of events due to weather, we still held two TGIF wine tastings and hosted a festive and well-attended St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

While the Clubhouse Terrace remodel was slowed due to rain, we have worked hard to make up the time and, as I write this article, the project is right back on schedule. The newly-poured cement on the terrace is looking good but will need to ‘cure’ for a month before we are able to move forward with the laying of the tile. We thank you for your continued patience as we continue the renovation of our property.

In closing, Spring is here, the golf course is recovering, the clay tennis court project will be finished soon, and the Summer Bocce League is right around the corner. There are many reasons to visit the Club! We hope to see you soon.

Jordan Sweeney General Manager

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome New Members – March 2023

Thomas Perakos Out

of State

Teresa McWilliams, Fanny Flagg, Barbara Kummer

Tom was born in New Britain, CT and was educated at the Gunnery Preparatory School. He then graduated from Trinity College in 1973. He spent over three decades as the Chairman/CEO of Theatrical Entertainment Research Services, a global marketing and advertising specialist corporation and is more recently a Tony Award Winning London West End and Broadway Producer and International Philanthropist. He most recently opened the Thomas Perakos Arts and Community Center at the Frederick Gunn School and was awarded Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year from the Actor’s Fund based in NYC.

Diane Whitfield (William)

Out of State

Teresa McWilliams, Gayle Beebe, Wayne Siemens

Diane graduated from Westmont College with a BA in Biology. She then attended nursing school and worked as a registered oncology nurse at the university of WA, Medical Center. She and William work together managing their family investment company and are partners of Corbin Turell Real Estate, which is a company focused on value added multi-family residential real estate in South Florida. The have three boys, which they raised in Seattle. The joys of their lives are playing tennis, skiing, hiking, fishing, pickleball and other social games. They are looking forward to being active members of Birnam Wood.

Patrick Walsh (Jennifer) Resident

Fannie Flagg, Dewey Nicks, Andrew Anthony

Patrick and Jennifer are life-long New Yorkers who recently moved to a house in the hills of Toro Canyon. Patrick owned a Physical Therapy/Wellness Practice business for 20 years - which he sold in 2021. Jennifer retired from WME after 30 years where she was a board member and world-wide head of Literacy, Lectures, and Live Events. They love hiking in Montecito and are very active. They are looking forward to golfing and also playing bocce and tennis here at Birnam Wood.

Candidates for Membership

The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:

Kirk Davis (Kim)

Managing Director Citigroup Global Mkts

Out of State Dallas Country Club

Thomas Berkenkamp (Marla Smith) Berkenkamp Realty Group, LLC

Out of State Orange Lawn Tennis Club

Robert Hughes

Chair/CEO Hughes Lumber Co.

Out of State Southern Hills Country Club

Mr. Rich Flaten

Mr. Tim Underwood

Mrs. Barbara Kohn

Mrs. Linda Wood

Mr. Terrance Kern

Mr. Kelly Vandever

For the best interest of the Club, information regarding any candidate, whether favorable or unfavorable, is earnestly requested. Communications concerning any applicant may be made personally or by a signed writing to the Membership Committee. All communications will be held in strict confidence.

Please submit comments by Friday, April 21, 2023.

Membership Committee:

Kelly Vandever, Chair

Jen Abed

Trey Evans

David Grotenhuis

Ryan Malmsten

Patty Marshall

Marta Babson

Matt Porter

Betsey Moller

Chris Gregoire

Margaret Whittelsey Member since 2014

Marion Laurie Member since 2021

Kurt Anderson Member since 2013

Eugene Kohn Member since 2014

Michael Cameron Members since 2013

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS

Luis Flores

Dear Members,

With last year’s completion of the Garden Cottages, each and every one of our cottages are now in pristine shape. We have added the option of placing your reservations online through the Birnam Wood App, or through BWGC.net. Placing your reservation by phone or online has never been easier.

We know that many of you use the cottages, and we appreciate that. The Cottage Committee and the operations team are grateful to those who have shared their feedback not only on their visits to the cottages, but also by providing suggestions pertaining to our reservation policies.

In analyzing member feedback, we have elected to add the requirement of a two-week deposit at the time of booking for all long-term stays of 30 days or longer.

We look forward to welcoming you to our lovely cottages in the not-too-distant future.

Louie Flores Clubhouse Manager

Sharol Siemens Cottage Committee Chair

May 2023

GOLF NEWS

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

The “atmospheric river” continued to bring us good size rain events through the middle to end of March. This caused a number of golf events to be postponed or cancelled and may have an effect on the spring aerification of the golf course.

Just in the month of March, through the 21st, we have had five or six events cancelled/postponed. Both guest days for the men and the women were cancelled. The always popular Top Gun Event was postponed to June 30th. Ladies’ team is also looking for a couple of make-up dates as well.

The practice facility has been closed for much of that time too. I want to remind everyone that the golf professionals are still able to give lessons inside the Learning Academy with our new Trackman IV launch monitor and video analysis. Keep your skills sharp, even if the weather is not perfect, or even just good for that matter!

Our men’s team wrapped up their season. We held home court throughout the year, but that was not quite good enough to win our group. Both La Cumbre and North Ranch had a road win. La Cumbre ultimately won the group by beating North Ranch in their head-to-head matches. Thank you to Bryan de Ponce, team captain, for all of his time creating line-ups and communicating with all the team members.

Men, keep your eyes open for the Robert Trent Jones Classic entry to be coming out towards the end of April or beginning of May! This is an event you do not want to miss. The annual member-guest is a huge showcase event and highlights our Club’s wonderful service, staff, and facilities. Invite that special guest and get signed up early, as I am sure this event will sell out!!

“I want to remind everyone that the golf professionals are still able to give lessons inside...”

The BWWGA 2023 most improved players:

January - Anne Hall

February - Barbara Kummer

ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO HIT THE BALL STRAIGHT? Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional

I have listened and watched players attempt to hit every ball perfectly straight. I have listened and watched players grow increasingly frustrated when they cannot accomplish this feat. When I have conversations with students that want to hit the ball straight, I ask the question, “Why would you do that to yourself?”

Let’s talk about why it is impossible to hit the ball perfectly straight every time and why developing a dependable curve is an easier strategy.

There are three scenarios that will create a straight ball flight. One way is difficult to do and impossible to repeat. The remaining two are not an efficient way of doing it either.

To hit a golf ball straight, the club path would have to be perfectly neutral (0.0 on the launch monitor), neither inside nor outside. The club face would have to be perfectly square (0.0), neither open nor closed. Lastly, the strike would have to be center on the club face (once again 0.0). Just doing this one time is like hitting the lottery, and if you are really trying to do this for each shot, I wish you the best of luck.

In scenario two, the club can travel on an inside path with a closed face and would also require a heel hit using the gear effect to make the ball fly straight. This is inefficient because the off-center contact leads to lower ball speed and loss of distance.

In scenario three, the club can travel on an outside path with an open face and would require a toe hit using the gear effect to make the ball fly straight. This, too, is inefficient because the off-center contact leads to lower ball speed and loss of distance.

Tour professionals do not hit the ball straight every time. Next time you watch golf on TV, pay close attention to the shot tracer and notice that 99% of the shots have some curve. Below are the Tour average distances from the target line. The following stats do not represent the average curve because each player plays the game differently, but I would argue that the side totals you see below are a result of Tour professionals curving the ball to get closer to the hole.

PGA Tour

@ 180 yard target = 6.7 yards

@ 120 yard target = 3.1 yards

@ 60 yard target = 1.5 yards

LPGA Tour

@ 180 yard target = 7.2 yards

@ 120 yard target = 3.6 yards

@ 60 yards target = 1.5 yards

Now, this is not to suggest playing the game hitting huge curve balls all the time either, especially here at Birnam Wood. Depending on the situation, 5-, 10-, even 15-yards of curve will work.

Developing a club path that travels from the inside, combined with a slightly closed face to hit a draw, or a slightly open face to hit a fade, will create a dependable shot pattern. Having a dependable shot pattern will make your practice sessions and playing the game more fun, and help you shoot lower scores.

Schedule a lesson today and we can help you develop a draw or a fade you can rely on.

FIND A PARTNER AND JOIN THE FUN!

LADIESRTJ “TRAIL” CHALLENGE

May 18th and 19th 2023

Partners Member /Member two day tournament

Thursday May 18th 1:00pm Shamble

With trail bites after golf

Friday May 19th 9am Better Ball

8am breakfast with awards lunch after Tee Prize, Closest to Pin, Gross & Net Awards

RTJ Trivia Quiz Contest

Sign up in the Pro Shop or on the App $75 per player (includes all meals)

Chairs: Esther McKinley and Joyce Raymond

JUNE

Week One 26, 27, 28, 29

Week Two 17, 18, 19, 20 JULY

Week Three August 1, 2, 3 JULY 31 & 11:00 to 1:00pm

FITNESS NEWS

Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish, Co-Directors

LOSE FAT AND KEEP IT OFF! BY

JOY DUMAY

If you have been gaining body fat as you get older, ask yourself “why?”. Have you been active all of your life and are now mostly sedentary? Have you always been able to eat whatever you wanted without gaining weight but are not doing so now? Is your life making you anxious and you’ve been exchanging exercise for stress eating or a little more wine than normal?

Unless there is an underlying health issue, your keys to losing body fat are fivefold:

1. Eat Less

2. Strength Train

3. Cardio Intervals

4. Sleep Well

5. Healthy Relaxation

Read on for some simple tips for each of these.

1. Eat Less: Try to eat only when you are hungry. If you have dinner-out plans, eat sparingly throughout the day. Try some “intermittent fasting” whereby you stop eating at a certain time each day, (like 7 pm) and do not eat again for 12-14 hours (9 am).

2. Strength Train: Lifting weights will increase your muscle mass, which helps you burn calories even at rest. Such workouts also increase protein turnover in your muscles. Higher rates of breakdown and buildup add to the caloric burn.

3. Cardio Intervals: Instead of doing a simple walk or slow bike ride, do some intense intervals throughout your workout. By adding elevation, resistance or speed, you will burn more calories in less time. Hard workouts also elevate your heart rate for several hours afterward, burning more calories as your body recovers.

4. Sleep Well: It is super important that you have deep sleep every night. Your body cycles through different phases all night long, with REM (the deep, dreaming phase) the most vital for brain and body health. Good “sleep hygiene” helps: avoid eating or drinking alcohol several hours before bed, make sure that your screens are off, keep the room cool and plan on 7-8 hours of good quality sleep every night.

5. Healthy Relaxation: The psychological benefits of nutritious eating and vigorous exercising habits, plus getting quality sleep each night, are cumulative and positive for your attitude and ability to thrive through stress. You may also need to be more proactive in planning your relaxation time.

Two to three glasses of wine every night may not be the best choice for calming down, especially if you are trying to lose weight. Meditation (there are apps for that), a walk in your neighborhood, at the beach or in the mountains can all give you a sense of connection with your body and the world around you for a more restful mind. Get a massage, a facial or something that is a treat for you that doesn’t involve food.

The goal here is self-care, nurturing and honoring yourself and involving gratitude for all you have. This is your body, your life. Make it a positive and healthy journey!

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Scott Burton

Spring is here… Would someone please remind Mother Nature!

Greetings from Athletics. As we transition from winter to our spring season, we’d like to invite you to take advantage of our athletic programs here at Birnam Wood.

Croquet Golf has been so popular among our members, and I’m more than happy to get out and teach and play with you! Please contact the Athletic Department for more information.

Our racquet sports are an ever-growing department here at the club, and Andrew and I can guide you to your next higher level of play. Please keep in mind that we have our Summer Bocce season on the radar. We will begin season play on May 17th this year. We will host 14 teams, and two divisions. Teams should be on the larger side as travel and business obligations will affect attendance. Those wanting to Captain a team should reach out to me at sburton@bwgc.net. We will play Wednesdays beginning at 5:00 PM. Sign up for all the action!

I’d like to take a moment to welcome Chava Riley to our fitness team. She has been teaching classes here at Birnam Wood for years, yet we now are thrilled to have her on the team as permanent teaching staff! Welcome to the team Chava! Below, see Chava and our members celebrate a disco-themed class.

I want to also remind you that on May 25th at 3:00 PM we will host some of the best Professional Pickleball players in the world here at Birnam Wood. It promises to be an amazing afternoon of world class pickleball. Please consider signing up for the event by emailing the Athletic Director at sburton@bwgc.net. There is a two-guest maximum for the afternoon. The cost is $25 for a member and $35 per guest. Come enjoy the event along with tasty hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine. This is a Birnam highlight not to be missed.

Please keep an eye out for our weekly Tennis & Pickleball clinics, along with upcoming events. All events can be found on the app under the “Stay Connected” portion. My quote this month is for those who practice to compete. If you enjoy preparing for an event, you’ll undoubtably enjoy the reward of the competition.

The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important. – Bobby Knight, former Indiana men’s college basketball coach and Basketball Hall of Fame member.

Wishing you all good health and fitness. See you on the courts!

PICKLEBALL SHOOTOUT!

THURSDAY, MAY 25TH

3:00 TO 5:00 PM

THIS EXCITING ANNUAL EVENT WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 140 MEMBERS TO SIGN UP. SIGN UPS CAN BE MADE DIRECTLY THROUGH THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT SBURTON@BWGC.NET .

SAM QUERREY

DUPR rated at 6.05 . of his generation, Sam retired from professional tennis recently, ending his 16year career on the ATP tour as the former world #11 and two time Wimbledon semi-finalist. He has seamlessly transitioned to the wor ld of professional Pickleball. Sam resides in Agoura Hills, California, and currently plays for D.C.’s Major League Pickleball franchise.

WESLEY BURROWS

One of the most decorated American tennis players

Wes Burrows is an aggressive player known for his

DUPR rated at 6.28 . powerful shots and ruthless volleys. He is originally from California but moved to Nevada to play D1 tennis at UNLV where he was one of the top players on the roster. Wes played for “ The Bus” Major League Pickleball team during the 2022 season alongside Erik Lange, Lauren Stratman, and Susannah Barr.

SCOTT DOERNER

DUPR rated at 6.3 . scholarship to Pepperdine University. He was the #1 player on the 2006 National Championship winning team. Scott was a 2-time all American and went on to play a few seasons on the ATP tour reaching a caree r high 642 world ranking. Scott and his brother Austin, are legends on the paddle tennis courts of Venice beach. They have never lost in tournament play over a span of 7 years. Scott took up Pickleball after being introduced by good friend Wes Burrows in 2020. He started playing professional tournaments in late 2022 and quickly excelled in singles with a top 50 world ranking.

MARIANO BERTUCCI

A native Australian, Scott came to the US on a

DUPR rated at 5.83 . silver medals at the Southwest and West Coast regional tournaments in 2018 and 2019 in the 5.0 bracket. He also played Open Pro Nationals at Indian Wells back in 2019, ending 16th out of a field of 63. He now divides his time between coaching players in Santa Barbara and Montecito, and being a fulltime Professor of Political Science at Occident al College in Pasadena (yes, he’s a “scholar”!). He also has two great kids, Tomas and Analia. If you haven’t heard about him in Santa Barbara, just ask around—someone will know him!

Originally from Argentina, he has won gold and

COST: $25 /MEMBER, $35 /GUEST (TWO GUEST LIMIT)

*GUESTS MUST BE SPONSORED BY A BIRNAM WOOD MEMBER.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Stanton Anderson

Secretary & Treasurer Wade Nichols

Director Tim Armour

Director Charlie Bissell

Director Michael Bonsignore

Director Richard Caleel

TUESDAY’S

TENNIS RACQUET Tune-Up Special Spring CLAY COURT TENNIS CLINIC

TIME 3:00 TO 4:00 PM

BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB

2031 Packing House Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108

CLUBHOUSE DRESS CODE - Country club casual dress is acceptable during the day in all areas of the clubhouse. For gentlemen this includes slacks or Bermuda shorts, collared shirts tucked in at the waist with a belt, or appropriate golf and tennis attire and for ladies this includes dresses, nice pants, skirts, and similar attire. In the evening, a country club casual dining option is available in the Casual Grill, the 19th Hole Bar, and on the Terrace. The Club may request event-specific appropriate attire (black tie, blue jean pants permitted, etc.) for certain functions. Members hosting or sponsoring private events are responsible for communicating the Club dress code to those attending such events.

CANCELLATION POLICY - Reservations for private parties and Club sponsored events will be charged to the Member’s account unless notice of cancellation is received at the office at least 48 hours in advance. Reservations for Major Club sponsored special events will be charged to the Member’s account unless notice of cancellation is received at the office at least one week in advance. Should a cancellation be made after these times, a charge of one half of the price of the event will be made. Should no cancellation be made, the full price will be charged.

CELL PHONES AND BUSINESS PARAPHERNALIA - The use of cellular phones and other electronic and wireless devices for the purpose of conducting audible conversations is strictly prohibited on the Club premises (including the Clubhouse and the Terrace areas of the Clubhouse, tennis courts, croquet courts, driving range, and golf course), except inside parked vehicles and the locker rooms and except for medical emergencies.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION - Audio and video recording is taking place at Birnam Wood.

STAFF ROSTER

Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW, General Manager and COO

Luis Flores, Director of Clubhouse Operations

Kristy Evans, Director of Membership & Communication

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

Ryan Bentley, Golf Course Superintendent

Scott Burton, Athletic Director

Manny Bravo, Director of Security

Dolly St. Germain, Controller

Debbie Daggett, Director of Human Resources

Eric Salazar, Director of Food & Beverage

Abdu Romero, Executive Chef

Tiffany Grummer, Director of Private Events

Israel Ruiz, Facilities Director

Joy DuMay, Fitness Co-Director

Liz Parrish, Fitness Co-Director

Katie Atchley, Executive Assistant

Cathy Kendrick, Lead Front Desk Attendant