The Birnam Buzz - February 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

President’s Letter PAGE 2

New Members PAGE 5

New Year’s Eve Pictures PAGE 10

From Tee to Green PAGE 16

From the Athletic Director PAGE 20

BIRNAM BUZZ

DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Stanton Anderson, President

As I write this column, the rain has finally stopped.

The good news is that none of the homes within Birnam were damaged by the recent flooding. As Jordan points out in his column this month, several of our staff members played a critical part in ensuring there was no damage to any of our homes.

On the other hand, the rains did cause significant creekside damage along the 2nd hole of the golf course. At this time, it appears that the 2nd hole will be closed for two to three weeks, as repairs are made to the cart path as well as an enormous amount of debris needing to be removed prior to the course being playable.

In last month’s column, I briefly discussed the Board’s activities surrounding the Club’s governance issues. The Special Committee created by the Board to review these issues reported its recommendations

to the Board. Once the Board has finalized its review and determines how to proceed, notice will be sent to all members of the Club.

At its recent meeting, the Board also received a report from its outside security consultant, former Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Cam Sanchez. The Board’s decisions regarding security will also be conveyed to the membership once its determinations have been finalized.

Beginning in February, the renovation of the patio will commence. It is estimated that this work will be completed sometime in May. During this construction period, food service will be available in other parts of the Clubhouse.

Over the last month, a number of the committees have been active in reviewing issues in their purview and making their recommendations to the Board. In the coming months, I will be reporting on these issues.

As we look forward over the coming months, the Board will continue to be mindful of larger macro events that may impact the Club. I will report to the full membership the results of these reviews. Hopefully, we all can enjoy the sunshine over the next few weeks.

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

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

January 2023 is a month I will never forget.

We started the new year off with a 007-themed New Year’s Eve party. Our festive event took place even as the storms began rolling into Santa Barbara. It was a night of exceptional food and dancing and a great way to ring in 2023. While I write this, we are only weeks into January, and it has already been one of the wettest months in history. The beginning of the month brought a three-wave storm to Montecito on the 5-year anniversary of the former debris flow. This time, however, Montecito and Birnam Wood were much more prepared. The Birnam Wood drains and creeks worked well and did what they were designed to do. The home properties in Birnam Wood remained safe and the newly renovated Clubhouse survived without damage. As before, the Clubhouse acted as a base for the local fire department who was on alert and ready to help Birnam Wood and the surrounding community. There was some damage to the golf course (primarily on hole #2) which is being repaired but, overall, the Club and community fared well.

Ryan Bentley, Golf Course Superintendent; Manny Bravo, Director of Security; and Israel Ruiz, Director of Facilities were the heroes of the day. They stayed at the club during the storm and assisted the fire department in going door to door checking on residents, helped clear drains

and monitored the golf course and creeks throughout the storm. They worked tirelessly to keep us safe, and their courage and leadership are greatly appreciated.

The entire staff at Birnam Wood is looking forward to an exciting and successful year at the Club and, as always, we appreciate your support.

Jordan Sweeney General Manager

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome New Members – January 2023

Craig Wade (Barbara)

Out of State

Eddie Dunn, Tom King, Pete Chambers

Barbara and Craig are both lifetime residents of Fort Worth, Texas, where they received their degrees from the M.J. Neely School of Business at TCU. Their memberships include Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, CA and Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. They have two daughters, Morgan, and Madeline. Mr. Wade is the owner of Craig S. Wade Financial Services. Barbara and Craig both enjoy playing golf. Craig also enjoys tennis and Barbara enjoys card games. They are very excited to become members of Birnam Wood.

Kathleen McCarthy Frank (Kevin)

Tennis Legacy

Michael McCarthy, Lindsay Parton, Ricardo Calderon

Kevin is originally from Michigan and Kathleen from Missouri. They met at Miami University in Ohio where they both obtained degrees in Business (and Kathleen, a Juris Doctorate at Hastings College of Law). Kathleen and Kevin moved from Aspen in 2007 and are the co-owners of K. Frank on Coast Village Road. They have three young girls who attend Crane School. They are very involved in the Montecito community and love playing tennis multiple times a week with their family.

Douglas Wilson (Dina)

Resident

Lindsay Parton, David Rottman, Brent Peus, Laura Levy

Doug and Dina met in 1982 at UCSB and got married in 1985. In 1987 they moved back to Santa Barbara to raise their family. They have 4 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Doug managed a small hedge fund for over 20 years. He is now retired but still very active in the equity markets. While raising kids, he was also involved in coaching. Dina was a stay-at-home mom who was involved in all the children’s activities, including Santa Barbara Swim Club and the National Charity League among others. They are very excited to golf and play pickleball with their family (some of whom are members) and their many friends here at Birnam Wood.

William Schoolcraft (Cheri)

Resident

Scott Fisher, Barbara Matthews, Brian Hamilton, Greg Downs

Dr. Schoolcraft is the Medical Director of the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine and a Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Diego. Their family foundation donates to numerous charities in the Denver area, and he has been a long-time supporter of the First Tee which mentors youth and introduces them to golf. They have two children and enjoy both golf and pickleball.

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS

Luis Flores

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR COTTAGES

Make a plan to stay overnight at your Club… check in to our newly remodeled Garden Cottages. Each of the 12 Garden Cottages has been meticulously renovated and features airy and bright living spaces, contemporary washrooms, gracious closet space, designer kitchens and kitchenettes, and plush beds and linens.

This month, we are proud to highlight our Garden Guestrooms and encourage you to preview one while you’re visiting the Club.

COTTAGE RESERVATIONS

Now offering 24-hour online booking convenience

Check availability and place your cottage reservations through BWGC. net, through the App, or by calling the reception desk…whatever is most convenient for you.

In the interest in providing members with 24-hour convenience, we have recently introduced online booking functionality for our Cottage accommodations. To check availability and place your reservations, simply click on Cottage Booking, select your desired dates from the calendar, select your desired accommodation category, then enter your information, and complete reservation.

GARDEN GUESTROOM

The contemporary Garden Guestroom accommodations are a perfect guest room for visiting friends and relatives. Arrive to a welcome bottle of Birnam Wood wine and relax on the patio as you look across to the clubhouse and golf course. Outfitted with a king size bed, working desk, sitting chair and large flat panel smart television, you’ll find comfort and convenience. A well-stocked kitchenette provides a coffee maker, cutlery and dishes, and a mini refrigerator. Guests of the Garden Guestroom are steps away from the heated Cottage Pool and enjoy dedicated cottage parking located outside the accommodations.

To place your booking, simply visit BWGC.net or use the Birnam Wood App and click on Cottages and place your reservation, or contact the Birnam Wood reception desk.

GOLF NEWS

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

We have seen a wonderful pattern of rainstorms continuing to hit Montecito, bringing much needed rainfall to our community.

We are always grateful to receive rain, no matter the quantity. The creeks and golf course have performed well during these rain events. We hope to see benefits of these storms all the way through the year with recharged aquifers to assist our water budget throughout the spring, summer and fall. As of January 6th, we have received about 20” of rain for the season.

I am happy to report that our success in the Over the Fence has continued. The battle with our neighbors at the Valley Club was affected by rain, but Birnam Wood prevailed for the third consecutive year. The first round was played at Valley Club on Friday, December 2nd, with light rain falling almost the entire day. Valley Club took full advantage of the conditions and home course advantage as they jumped out to a 38-16 lead. The rain continued that entire day causing round 2 to be postponed for two weeks. That was huge for our team. The conditions

improved drastically, and so did our play. The men rallied to win Day 2 by a score of 41-13. That was enough to keep the trophy at Birnam Wood for another year. The final score over the two days was 57-51 Birnam Wood!

Men’s Team Play will have played three or four matches by the time of my next article… hopefully. Weather is looking to make an impact for the first match scheduled to be played at home on Saturday, January 14th. The team will play three home and three away matches against La Cumbre, Montecito Club, and North Ranch. The men have practiced quite a bit as the weather has allowed. They are prepared to enjoy a successful season and make a push to get back to the playoffs. Look for an update in my next article.

The BWWGA 2022 most improved players:

January - Ingrid Brandes

February - Marta Babson

March - Patty Sheehan

April - Teri Sahhar

May - Melanie Judson

June - Vivienne Bellisario

July - Diane Lundberg

August - Esther McKinley

September - Celeste Turbeville

October - Nancy Hunter

November - Madeline Stack

December - Jennifer Chisik

INTRODUCING OUR NEW LAUNCH MONITOR TRACKMAN 4 Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional

As we enter the new year, we also enter a new era of instruction with the upgrade to Trackman 4, the latest in launch monitor technology.

Here are a few of the new things Trackman 4 can do.

Improved computer graphics to better illustrate what the club and ball are doing.

Heat map illustration showing a student exactly where contact is being made on each shot as well as impact patterns.

Launch optimizer which is tailored to every student showing the true potential of any given shot as well as their patterns. It lets you see which parameters you can work on to increase your efficiency.

The putting simulator measures face angle, path, impact, launch direction, skid distance, roll percentage, and speed drop.

Schedule a lesson today to see for yourself what Trackman 4 can do and how it can help you play better golf.

Men’s Guest Day

Wednesday, February 1 at 12:15 PM

Wednesday, March 1 at 12:15 PM

Lunch will be served before golf at 11:30 AM (not included).

Members may invite one to three guests. All groups must have at least one guest.

Entry Fee $45 per person

Entry fee includes drinks on the golf course, prizes, and hors d’oeuvres after golf. Green fees are waived for guests.

Sign up on the App or with the Golf Shop.

FROM TEE TO GREEN

Ryan Bentley, Golf Course Superintendent

Let’s start with the number one asked question, how much rain have we received? Birnam Wood has received over 24-inches of rain since last October and, during the 7-days of our heaviest rains in January, we received over 12-inches of that total.

Our local rain totals are now above average with a seasonal total over 30-inches in some areas. A great website where you can access live rainfall information is listed here: https://vcwatershed.net/fws/rain-map/

Pictured below are examples of what you will find at this website. There is an interactive map and rainfall totals updated every 15 minutes. As you can see, Upper Romero Canyon has received 35-inches of rain since October.

deposit of rocks and mud, lost the handrail along the cart path, and experienced erosion under the cart path.

In the pictured below you can see the damage and the work being done.

Golf Course Update After The Storms In January

After weeks of hard work, we are making headway. The Golf Course Maintenance team, with the assistance of outside contractors, has been hard at it in between and after the storms. There have been three focus issues since the storm:

1. Get the creeks flowing properly down the center of the channel, and unclogging any drains we can. The most significant excavation work has been on Holes #2, #5, #6 and #9.

2. Get the golf course cleaned-up and playable. We have been working in bunkers as all suffered some washouts and puddling. We also brought in a team of outside contractors to clean the debris around the course.

3. Get ready for the next rainstorm that may come this season.

The most significant damage on the golf course occurred on Hole #2. This area was hit hard. It is where we had the most significant

Hole #2

Pictured below, the excavation team working to free up the drainage on Hole #2

Pictured below, work on Holes #5 and #6 establishing a center channel for the water to flow.

The Golf Course Update

As for the golf course, most of the damage was to the bunkers with minor debris flows onto the golf course. Pictured next, you will see some of the damage and the work being completed.

See you on the golf course, Ryan Bentley, Superintendent

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Scott Burton

Year-round sports are going strong!

Hello to all at Birnam Wood! Though this has been an incredibly challenging winter to date, our Racquets / Paddle participation has been strong. Our Ladies Inter-Club Tennis Team, our weekly clinics, and my private training has kept me quite busy. Pickleball continues to enjoy fantastic growth here at Birnam Wood, and Andrew Manalis has been consistently helping to grow our programs. Keep in mind that Andrew’s weekly pickleball clinics are becoming very popular, so get in the game with us both.

This month I wanted to speak about a topic that has affected me, and continues to be the #1 injury in racquet sports. It affects golfers as well as anyone who grips a handle. If you play any racquet sport, such as pickleball, paddleball and tennis, you may experience this at some point in your career. It’s called Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow. The real word for it is Epicondylitis, a type of musculoskeletal disorder which affects 1% - 3% Americans, and generally comes from overuse when gripping is required.

Many, like me have had it and manage to recover when a treatment plan is followed. May I suggest trying a few ideas that have worked for me:

• Rest: You may need to take a break from gripping activities for a few weeks.

• NSAIDS, including ibuprofen and naproxen, may ease your pain and inflammation.

• A Brace commonly known as a counterforce brace will lessen the force placed on the affected area.

• Physical Therapy can help strengthen forearm muscles and grip. Massage, ultrasound and a few other stimulating techniques can help reduce pain and improve function.

When it comes to racquet & paddle sports, there is no substitute for the contact zone. Simply put, we need to contact the ball out

in front of our body. If you are making repetitive ball contact from your side or behind you, it’s only a matter of time before you may feel some discomfort. So, contact the ball in front. Remember, if your elbows are in front of your tummy, that’s a great start! The game is in front of us!

I have included two simple stretches that are a healthy addition to your pregame dynamic warm-up.

It’s important to know that the discomfort is curable for most with proactive treatment. If home remedies fail to offer relief, I suggest seeing your doctor for a treatment plan. I’m always available to offer a few more suggestions. Please drop by our Tennis Shop so Andrew and I can offer more suggestions. We want you on the court playing as much as possible!

This month’s quote comes from NBA great, Kobe Bryant. “Turn every setback into a comeback.” I always like to say that I’m always coming back from something! Get out and enjoy some sports; it lengthens our lives. Literally.

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

FITNESS NEWS

Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish, Co-Directors

FIVE EXERCISES TO IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE

Is standing on one foot for a minute the meaning of “good balance”? The answer is “yes” and “no”. Yes, balance is the ability to stabilize on one leg, but it is also about being able to move through different terrains with confidence, to get up from a chair after dinner with ease, to reach, lift and move without strain.

As we get older, it is important to regularly perform exercises that keep our muscles strong, to perform “Functional Exercise”, meaning moves that mimic our daily activities, and to keep our posture in good form, which will keep our center of gravity stable and decrease the risk of injury and falls. All three of these factors combine for better balance.

Here are five exercises that will help you with all the above. Perform these daily, starting with the base move 10 times and moving on to the options as you progress.

1) SIT-DOWN, STAND-UP

Why: As we age, weak legs plus stiffness in the back and ankles can make sitting down into a chair and standing up again challenging. This is a beginner-friendly alternative to a squat and will build lowerbody strength and stability.

How: Sit in a stable chair, keeping your spine tall and arms long by your sides. Push down through your feet and use your butt muscles to stand tall. Look straight ahead and keep your chest up. Slowly lower back down to a seated position.

Options: For assistance, hold onto a table in front of you. For more of a challenge, just hover above the chair rather than sitting, try to use one leg only, or add a Calf Raise onto your toes when you have fully stood up.

2) DOORWAY PUSH-UP

Why: This move improves your upper body

and core posture. It trains you to “Stop the Stoop”, lengthening your spine and engaging your abdominal muscles.

How: Stand about one foot away from an open doorway. Place your hands on the doorway, just below your shoulders. Make your body a plank, straight from your shoulders to your feet, tucking your pelvis in. Keep your shoulder blades stable in your back and bend your elbows, slowly lowering your chest toward the open doorway while keeping your spine straight. The further you step your feet away from your hands, the more difficult the exercise becomes. Make sure that your shoulders stay down and your back does not arch.

Options: These can be performed against a stable table or chair or, of course, on the floor with straight or bent knees.

3) WALKING PROGRESSIONS

Why: Walking with different gaits and angles trains us to deal with different terrains and obstacles. This is an advanced version of standing on one foot!

How: If need be, do this next to a wall in a hallway or along the back of a couch so you can lightly touch it for support. Do each version four times. First just walk the length of the room, chest up tall, looking straight ahead (not at your feet!). Then walk slowly, lifting each foot for a count of five. Next, walk the length heel-toe, heel-toe. Third, stand sideways and step leading with one foot all the way and then the other foot the way back.

Options: Add obstacles like books, blocks, dogs (just kidding!) in your way.

4) SHOPPING BAG LIFT AND CARRY

Why: We need to shop, and we need to pick up and carry our bags to get them back to

the car. This is a combo-exercise, the Lift and the Carry. Learning to Lift using our legs and core will help us avoid straining the lower back and the Carry will help us keep our balance while moving our center of gravity upward and forward.

How: Stand feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent with a grocery bag in front of each foot. Keep your shoulders down, back straight, and hinge at the hips as you lower down to grab the handles of the bags in each hand. Think of “sticking your hips back” and holding your tummy in as you raise the bags up to shin height. Keep a soft bend in the knees and a straight back as you engage the glutes and hamstrings to return to standing position. Now, walk across the room, keeping your head and chest up, your abdominal muscles engaged and your bags even. Return to your starting position, and slowly lower the bags back to shin height. Repeat 10 repetitions.

Options: For a challenge, go faster! Or, hold one grocery bag in both hands and do 10 reps before switching hands.

5) KNEE UP

Why: The Knee Up is a basic exercise that helps build balance, coordination and core strength. Stop the shuffle and step up to better balance with this move.

How: Find a sturdy step around 7 inches in height. Use a step near a railing or wall if you need support. Put your right foot on the step and then lift your left knee up, using your right hip to drive your body up and forward. Keep your chest up, focus forward, do 10 reps and then switch legs.

Options: Go higher on the step or hold dumbbells for more challenge.

In Memoriam

Lynn Shafer

Member since 1996

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

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, FEBRUARY 24, 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, CCM, CSW, General Manager and COO

Luis Flores, Director of Clubhouse Operations

Kristy Evans, Director of Membership & Communications

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