The Birnam Buzz - August 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

President’s Letter PAGE 2

Membership

6

Calendar

10

From Tee to Green PAGE 22

Fitness News PAGE 26

BIRNAM BUZZ

DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Stanton Anderson, President

This month’s article is being written shortly after the Zoom call regarding design issues for the Grill.

The Board will also have decided on how to proceed with the Grill issues after listening to the various points of view that were expressed during the Zoom call.

It is important to keep in mind that if the Board doesn’t decide on a particular issue the way you might wish, it doesn’t mean that they didn’t listen to your point of view. Believe me, the Board listened closely to all viewpoints that were being expressed.

Regarding the Grill, I think it is important to keep three things in mind. First, the last time the Grill was updated in any way was in 2008. Second, usage of the Grill was decreasing, perhaps because it looked a little dated. Perhaps not. Third, the updating of the Grill was an opportunity to solve the wine storage

issue that has plagued the Club for years (wine is currently stored in an area in the cart basement).

The committee system that brought us the wonderful patio is the same joint committee process that is dealing with the design issues of the Grill. Everyone’s taste is different. But, it is important that we as a Club come to a collective decision.

Even if you don’t agree with the final recommendations of the committees and the final decisions of the Board, we should all be immensely appreciative of the enormous efforts that our committees of volunteers have contributed to the well-being of the Club.

Sincerely,

Stan Anderson President

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

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

The other day I celebrated my five-year anniversary here at the club. As I think about the past five years, I am aware that a lot of change has taken place and that the Club has weathered some large and unprecedented challenges.

When I joined the Birnam Wood staff, we had 660 members, limited events, and were hoping to make improvements to the facility to attract new members. In the past five years, we have been able to tackle some of these improvements. We have revamped the Tennis and Pickleball program, renovated the cottages, added two Bocce courts, and started a league, improved our communication with daily emails and videos, introduced the phone app, renovated the Clubhouse and Patio, reached our capacity of 800 members (with a 40-person waitlist) and improved every area of our facility including the fitness center and golf course.

We have weathered a pandemic, two years of record floods and, in the midst of all that, created new traditions like the Family Fright night, Champagne and Caviar, and a 7-day a week food to go program. In addition to that, we now boast the number one wine program for all clubs in the nation and a world class chef.

This is an amazing amount of change in 5 years. We recognize that it may feel like too much for some and we want to thank all of our members for their continued support of the club and for their input and participation. I want to thank our loyal staff (some of whom have worked here for 30 years). I want to thank our members who have sponsored their friends into membership and have continued to use the club as their home away from home. Change is not always easy - but there is a lot to celebrate here at the Club and I am grateful every day to be a part of it!

See you at the Club,

Jordan Sweeney General Manager

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome New Members – July 2023

Robert Hughes

Out of State

Judge Kern, Dr. Kistler, Kelly Vandever

Robert Hughes resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is the Chairman/CEO of Hughes Lumber Co., founded in 1925. Robert received his BS from the University of Kansas and an MS from Northwestern University. He is a former Director of Lumberman’s Merchandising Corporation, former Trustee of Holland Hall School, and Past President of the Oklahoma Lumberman’s Association. He enjoys golf, cooking, bird hunting, sports, and music. He also has great memories of visiting Birnam Wood as a guest of his parents, Tom and Sally Hughes, who were members from 1994-2020. He has three adult children and is looking forward to spending time at Birnam Wood.

Tom Berkenkamp and Marla Smith

Out of State

Barbara Kohn, Doug Wood, Tony Wilson

Tom and Marla are from the East Coast and raised their children in New Jersey while working in New York City. Tom is President of the Berkenkamp Realty Group and was the COO of Pinnacle Companies. Marla is the Founder and CEO of MSS Ventures, LLC, a private investment and advisory firm based in New York City. She has a 30-year career as an investment banker, private equity investor, and real estate developer. They enjoy spending time in Santa Barbara and are very excited to be a part of Birnam Wood.

Doug Scott (Sharon)

Out of State

Chris Giblin, Greg Downs, Jeff Browning

Doug was born in Sioux Falls, SD and raised in Fort Collins, CO. He earned his BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Harvard School of Public Health. He met Sharon while both were serving in student government at the University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver. They married in 1983 and are celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary. Sharon earned her BA in Nursing in 1980 and her Juris Doctor in 1985. She worked as a nurse, and as a lawyer in house at the Judge Baker Guidance Center at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Doug has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Colorado Department of health to name a few. Their greatest joy is their family, and they look forward to being at Birnam Wood with their family and friends.

Louis Clinton (Suzanne)

Out of State

Jeffrey Browning, Chris Giblin, John Loss

Louis was born in Denver and actively participated in tennis throughout high school. He earned a degree in Economics from Kenyon College in OH and began a career in banking and finance. He was a founder of the First Western Trust Bank, the President, and is currently a Senior Client Advisor. He joined the Denver Country Club at age 24 and he and Sue are still active members. Sue worked in the oil and gas industry before staying home to raise their children. She has volunteered extensively to help underprivileged students and she and Lou are both avid golfers and hikers.

Candidates for Membership

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

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, August 18, 2023.

Membership Committee:

Kelly Vandever, Chair

Jen Abed Trey Evans

David Grotenhuis

Ryan Malmsten

Patty Marshall

Marta Babson

Matt Porter

Betsey Moller

Chris Gregoire

Alan Salzman (Tiara) Founder, CEO of Vantage Pts. Venture Partners

Robert Fell Resident Stanford Golf Club, La Cumbre Golf Club

Jim Argyropoulos

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS

Luis Flores

There’s been some great Buzz in the air with the newly remodeled terrace reopening.

We kicked off our reopening celebration with our sold-out 4th of July BBQ and our traditional Luau BBQ. We hope you are enjoying the new-look terrace with the glass windows. I encourage you to request this new dining area for your next dining experience at the club.

As we approach our Holiday Season. I would like to remind you all that several signature club events will be opening 60-days prior to the event happening. The first one on the list will be Family Fright Night. This event is scheduled to open for reservations on August 26th at 9:00am.

As a reminder, The Gathering table will be meeting for Lunch on the 3rd Thursday of the month at noon. This a great opportunity to meet new members and to make new friends.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2023

GOLF NEWS

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

It has been nice seeing the “May Gray” and “June Gloom” go away as July arrived.

Our Bermuda grass fairways love to see the sun, and rising temperatures. Our new Director of Agronomy, Brian O’Laughlin, has been with us for a little over one month. It has been a joy working closely with him and to see his ideas for making the golf course in the best possible condition. I am excited for the future.

July is one of the busiest months for golf events. We had each of our guest days for men, ladies, and couples. Each event had a nice field of participants with wonderful meals prepared by Chef Abdu Romero and his culinary team.

The Ladies’ Memorial was played on July 11th. It was chaired, and won, by Diane Wootton. The ladies enjoyed afternoon golf with a wonderful reception with prizes, awards, and excellent food. The Ladies’ Summer League is in full swing with another home match, as well as, a couple of away matches. The team is truly enjoying their season with the guidance of team captain, Leslie Robinson

July had two mixed golf events: Jump Up and Friday Game. These were fun events with great camaraderie and social aspects following golf. August will have the final Jump Up of the season on August 13th.

July concludes with the playing of the 55th Annual Men’s Robert Trent Jones Classic (Member-Guest). I will have a recap of this fantastic event in my article next month. The field is comprised of 60 two-man teams. They will be divided into 10 flights of six teams. They will play five nine-hole matches. One match against each of the other teams in their flight. The winners of each flight will qualify for the Championship Horse Race and a chance to take home the crown.

The BWWGA 2023

most improved players:

January - Anne Hall

February - Barbara Kummer

March - Dina Wilson

April - Dina Wilson

May - Marta Babson

June - Jill Mazursky

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT FOLD YOUR TRAIL ARM IMMEDIATELY INTO YOUR BODY Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional

One myth in golf is to fold the trail arm immediately into your body. However, this is a “Death Move” I recommend avoiding.

Although instructors have taught this in the past, if you watch any tour player, you will see this is simply not true.

Folding your trail arm occurs at the beginning of the takeaway when a player keeps their trail arm/elbow connected to their body. See photo #1. Doing so will create a club path that is too inside forcing you to cast and lunge to swing the club in the downswing. This move eliminates all your leverage and power.

To demonstrate why this is a “Death Move,” the next time you are at the practice facility try throwing a golf ball with your trail arm connected to your side. You are going to see that you are not able to throw the ball extremely far.

To increase your leverage and power, swing the club on the correct path, and create a wider backswing arc. Let your trail arm/elbow move away from your body. See photo #2.

Schedule a lesson today and we can improve your trail arm technique to improve your ball striking and increase your distance.

MIXED COUPLES' CHAMPIONSHIP

Sund ay, Sep temb er 2 4 th

1:00 PM Shotgun

Entry Fee: $20 per person

(Maximum 60 Players)

Better Ball of Partners

Gross & Net Prizes

Arrange your own golf foursome, or ask the Golf Shop to assist you

Dinner Following Golf $65++

Includes a glass of wine, champagne, or a cocktail

You will be seated with your foursome for dinner after golf Non-golfing spouses welcome for dinner ($65++)

MIXED GOLF MIXED GOLF

Jump Up Jump Up

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13TH

GREEN FEES ARE WAIVED GROUPS MUST BE TWO MEN AND TWO WOMEN CAN BE ALL MEMBERS OR COMBINATION OF MEMBERS AND GUEST.

START 1 PM

REGISTRATION $10 PLUS DINNER

SIGN UP ON THE APP OR WITH THE GOLF SHOP

Golf Around The world

WITH BWWGA MEMBERS | guest DAY

Friday, August 11th, 2023

This month the ladies' are golfing in Scotland!

feel free to invite one or three guest to join in the fun.

$10 per member charge

If you choose not to play for prizes, please inform the golf shop

8:00am continental breakfast 9:00AM Shotgun 1:15 PM Lunch & Prizes

WOMEN'S CLUB

September, 14th, 18th, 19th, and 21st, 2023

Defending Champion: Kathy Barton #1 Seed if playing

Championship Flight:

Match Play with No Handicap

All seeds will be made by Current Index as of Monday September 12th

Tee Times:

Thursday, September 14th - 9:00am

Matches will be played if more than 8 entries

Monday, September 18th - 11:00am

Tuesday, September 19th - 9:00am

(Regular Tuesday Play after Tournament)

Thursday, September 21st*Championship Match TBD

Presidents Cup:

Awards Luncheon:

Follows play on Thursday, September 21st - $45 for Lunch

Prizes:

Champion & Runner-up in Championship Flight Net Winner - Thursday Only

Thursday, September 21stAll players not in Championship Match will play in Net Competition - 9:00am Shotgun

*Individual Net Point Par Format.

Open to all members of the BWWGA.

Tournament Chair: Vivienne Bellisario

Sign Up on the App or by calling the Golf Shop

Join

BIRNAM WOOD MONTECITO

54 Annual Lady Macbeth's Challenge

Member Guest Tournament

October 12 & 13 2023

UEENS UEENS REENS REENS

Sign up on the App or by calling the Golf Shop

Thursday, October 12

Range opens 9:30am Brunch & Team Photos 10:30am

Shotgun 12:00pm

Cocktails & Buffet Dinner following Golf

Friday, October 13

Range and Breakfast opens 7:00am Shotgun 8:30am

Luncheon & Awards 1:00pm

Co-Chairs : Holly Armour & Renee Curtis

Two best balls of the Foursome format.

$475 Entry Fee for member with guest.

Handicap limit 36. 72-hour cancellation policy in effect.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2023 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Cocktails and Appetizers will be served and we highly recommend making dinner reservations for 7:00PM.

FROM TEE TO GREEN

Brian O’Laughlin, Director of Agronomy

Greetings Birnam Wood family,

For my first buzz article, I would like to address two areas of the golf course that GCM has been putting a lot of focus on: Poa and the bunkers.

Poa: So far, we have executed two chemical applications in attempts to eradicate the existing Poa that has infiltrated our desired Bermuda grass. We have seen some resistance to our modern-day chemistry—a common occurrence within the industry today. However, by rotating different class herbicides and active ingredients, we will be able to clean up the large majority of the Poa out there today. Our last application occurred on Monday, July 31st. We thank you for your patience and consideration when we close the golf course to make these applications. We do so primarily for the safety of you, the members, and the safety of the turf by limiting traffic to reduce the risk of tracking chemicals to non-target locations such as our greens and surrounds.

Bunkers: The bunkers here at Birnam Wood are long past their recommended lifetime expectancy. For years, a power rake called a Sand-Pro has been used to rake the bunkers. This method was chosen for labor efficiency. Unfortunately, this method does not provide the best results. I have heard the comment from members that “there’s no sand in the bunkers,” and that statement isn’t entirely true. There is PLENTY of sand in the bunkers; it’s just in the wrong place! Over time, the majority of sand has migrated up the faces. This happens from golfers splashing sand from the bottom as they hit a shot. Also, as people rake their footprints out, they generally pull the sand from the bottom toward the edges as they exit the bunker. The greatest contributing factor at Birnam Wood is the Sand-Pro.

We have since removed the Sand-Pro from our operations, and all bunkers are now being raked by hand using a method called “The Australian” rake. A team of six guys has spent the last few weeks going around all the bunkers, redistributing the sand from the bunker faces back into the bottoms. We have spent time pulling out the weeds and grass that have been growing

in the bunkers. Lastly, we smooth and compact the remaining sand on the bunker face to encourage balls from plugging, but rolling down into the bottom flat of the bunker that is raked each day. Please see the photos below showing a before and after of one of our bunkers.

I always like to end my articles with a friendly reminder to please remember to fix your ballmarks and fill your divots.

I’ll see you out on the course!

Hole #7 Fairway Bunker: Before

Hole #7 Fairway Bunker: After

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Scott Burton

It’s An Amazing Summer!

Good day Birnam Wood! We hope you are enjoying this great summer that has finally arrived. Athletics has been very busy here at Birnam Wood… and beyond.

Our (unofficial) Birnam Wood “A” level Pickleball team traveled to the Montecito Club on June 25th as part of our area clubs fun pickleball exchange. We can expect the area organizers to have an official league coming in the year ahead. Our team had a super time visiting and competing with the Montecito members. Our team performed very well with a 17-7 win on the road.

Since we are talking Pickleball, it’s a good time to remind you of our Pickleball machine available for rent. Our Tennis & Pickleball machines are here and ready to go. Please reach out to the pro-shop to reserved yours today. They are $15 for the hour, and we will have them ready to go when you reserve through the pro-shop. The hours for rental are between the hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily. Call the shop to reserve yours today!

Croquet & Rose’ Friday afternoon have been a hit this past summer! Each week we have been introducing our members to the fun & simple game of Croquet Golf. We will continue to host this weekly fun through the month of August.

If you haven’t spent time on our croquet lawn, you really should come out and enjoy the game and beautiful mountain views.

What would The Buzz be without some Bocce Ball! Our Bocce league has been another smashing success. By the time you read this we will have crowned a new championship team, as well as some fun additional awards. I hope that when the season rolls around next summer, you’ll be part of our Bocce Ball Summer League here at Birnam Wood.

Please stay tuned to “The Birnam Buzz” and our email “The Daily” for the next upcoming event here at the club. It’s my distinct honor to bring Fun and exercise to the you, our membership.

A quote that defines me as a professional comes from former Laker coach Pat Riley, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” Whatever your sport, embrace the process rather than the result. There is no destination, it’s about our own personal journey.

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

FITNESS NEWS

Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish, Co-Directors

HIP HIP HOORAY!!! By Liz Parrish

Next time you are in the gym and want to work on improving your functional fitness – whether it is to walk with more ease, to get more distance on your drive, or to swing that raquet more powerfully - consider training the hip muscles.

Our hips are the foundation of our trunk. The hip muscles support the pelvis and core to form a strong base for our arms and legs allowing us to do things such as walk, jump, run, etc. Strong hips enable us to transfer power from the lower body to the upper body in sports including golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet and even bocce ball. In addition to playing a main role in sports performance, hip strength if also important for daily living activities and injury prevention.

Most of the time, due to our lifestyles we aren’t using our hips to their capacity. We spend too much time sitting which leads to weakened hips. This weakness affects our ability to move optimally. When the hips are too weak to do their job, other joints such as the knees and lower back must compensate to complete the task. These compensations often lead to pain and ultimately, injuries.

The main superficial muscles of the hips are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and the tensor fascia latae. They perform a variety of functions on the hip including extension, external and internal rotation, and abduction and adduction of the thigh at the hip joint.

Whether you are a regular gym rat or an avid sports person who never enters the gym, there are simple ways to incorporate hip exercises into your fitness routine. The first step is to select exercises that fit your current level of fitness and your goals. The main exercises presented here will get you started on healthier hips. You should strive to do these exercises 3 – 7 days per week.

THE DEADLIFT (HIP EXTENSION)

Pick a set of dumb bells that are what you would consider light. Hold one dumb bell in each hand, feet parallel and stand tall. Begin by flexing at the hips (leaning forward) with a flat back. Weight should be in your heels and eyes should be straight forward. Lean over only as far as you can with a straight back. Slowly return to standing and repeat 10 – 15 times.

Progression = add heavier weights or stagger your stance.

BRIDGES (HIP EXTENSION AND ADDUCTION)

Lie on your back with your knees bent and heels close to your hips. Place a small ball or rolled up towel between your knees. Keeping weight in your heels. Lift your hips up until you are in a straight line from your head to your knees while squeezing the ball or towel. Lower back down and repeat 10 – 15 times.

Progression = hold hips at the top of the lift and straighten one leg while keeping pressure on the ball / towel. Hold for two seconds then switch legs – repeat on each leg 10 – 15 times.

CLAMSHELLS (EXTERNAL ROTATION)

Lie on your side with knees bent at a 45-degree angle, legs and hips stacked. Place an ankle weight above your top knee. Start with a 3 lb. ankle weight. Keeping your hips stacked, lift then lower your top knee. Feet stay together the entire time. Repeat 15 times on each side working your way up to 25.

Progression = Add more reps and / or weight.

SQUATS WITH TUBING OR BAND (EXTENSION AND ABDUCTION)

Place tubing or a circle band around your ankles (alternatively you can place it above your knees). Step out to the right and perform a squat as you push out on the band. Keep your weight in your heels. Continue moving to the right as you stand up and bring your feet together. Keep squatting / standing as you perform 10 squats to the right. Then repeat to the left. Repeat 1 – 3 times.

Progression = Remain in a squat (do not stand up in between) as you step to the right for 10 then to the left for 10.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Stanton Anderson

Secretary & Treasurer Wade Nichols

Director Tim Armour

Director Charlie Bissell

Director Michael Bonsignore

Director Richard Caleel

Director Gary Finefrock

Director Linda Gluck

Director Nancy Hunter

Director Steve Jones

Director Diane Lundberg

Director Chris Teasley

Director Kelly Vandever

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

A&L Christopher Teasley

Athletic Wade Nichols

Compensation & HR Robert Nourse

Construction

Oversight Steve Jones

Cottage Sharol Siemens

Design Alex Nourse

Finance Richard De Schutter

401k Tim Armour

Golf Charlie Bissell

There are many exercises that will strengthen your hips and add to your mobility – these are just a few. As with any exercise program – correct form and consistency are key! Your hips will thank you!

If there is anything you want to know with regards to hip mobility, have any issues you wish to discuss or want to take your fitness to the next level with some personal training sessions please let your co-directors know. We are here for YOU!

Green Matt Porter

Homeowners Richard Caleel

House Rachael Douglas

Membership Kelly Vandever

The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023 AT 9 AM.

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, General Manager

Luis Flores, Director of Clubhouse Operations

Kristy Evans, Director of Membership & Communication

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

Brian O’Laughlin, Director of Agronomy

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

Cathy Kendrick, Lead Front Desk Attendant