BIRNAM BUZZ
DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Stanton Anderson, President
This month’s column concerns the importance of planning for Birnam Wood Golf Club.
Most business organizations spend a significant amount of time and effort on the planning process. The Birnam Wood Club and the Homeowners Association are obviously business organizations with projected revenues for 2024 of over $16 million.
Because of the way that the Club’s organizational documents are structured; limitations on the term of its officers and Board members; the planning function and continuity thereof for the Club is particularly important.
We have been truly fortunate that our volunteer members have worked overtime to oversee the development of recent projects, including the Clubhouse, the
But we have important planning challenges ahead of us. The infrastructure of our golf course desperately needs to be replaced, and other updates to the golf course need to be undertaken. With our full membership of 800 and the increase in the number of dining events, our kitchen needs to be modernized. Parking for both members and staff around the campus remains a real problem and can only be solved by adding a substantial number of new parking spaces.
So, how we plan for these upcoming expenditures is vital to successfully accomplish our next round of projects. Over the next few months, my columns will delve into these issues in greater detail.
Please enjoy the many Club activities planned for the coming months.
Stan Anderson President
Patio, and The Packing House restaurant, along with other projects that are less visible.
Dear Members,
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
I received so many positive comments from the article I wrote last month about my team, so I figured I’d write this one about some of our newer faces at the Club. Let me start with Claudia Raiti, who is Birnam Wood’s new Controller. Claudia has been with us since April and had been doing a fabulous job. She came to us from the Ventura County Community Foundation and has many years of experience with finance and accounting. She also has her CPA, which is a plus. I have been very impressed with her work ethic and how well she multitasks. If you haven’t met Claudia, stop by and say hello.
I want to also recognize Pablo Santiago, our Technology expert at the Club. Pablo was originally at Birnam Wood in 2020 before leaving and starting again in 2023. He has been a huge part in our technological upgrades. Pablo not only shoots and edits all our videos, but he also creates our event flyers, maintains our Birnam Wood APP and puts together our Birnam Buzz monthly newsletter. Pablo has been a huge part of our marketing of the Club for the past couple of years and I wanted to acknowledge him on a job well done.
I also wanted to thank everyone for their patience during our golf course aerification project this past month. Brian, Rodrigo, and their team worked very hard to get it done. This year our process has been different than years past. Brian added some extra measures that will help eliminate a lot of unwanted thatch and organic material that builds up between the soil and the top growth of grass. Major kudos to Brian and his entire team.
We have many events and activities for you this summer at the Club and I look forward to seeing you! Have a great month.
Cheers,
Jordan Sweeney General Manager
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members – June 2024
Greg
Garcia (Kimberly)
Resident
Timothy Stack, Lee Asseo, Jamie Kellner
Greg and Kim both grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and met while attending Frostburg State University. Greg is the President of Amigos De Garcia Productions, under which he has written and produced various TV Shows and a Broadway Musical including “My Name is Earl” for which he won an Emmy. Kim worked as a Graphic Designer and later devoted her life to raising their three children. Greg loves golf and Kim loves pickleball and they are excited to spend more time at their home in Carpinteria and at Birnam Wood.
John Kapustiak (Doreen)
Resident
Ron Robertson, Bill Vaughan, Bill Toner
John and Doreen are from Chicago where they have lived their whole lives. John graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics and an MBA in Finance. He worked for Bank of America for many years and began his own investment firm in 2005. They began visiting California to see family and fell in love with Santa Barbara and are building a home in Montecito. They enjoy good food and wine and entertaining. They are looking forward to improving their golf games in the near future.
Brycen Wagner (Molly)
Junior Golf
Billy Grokenberger, Trey Evans, Chris Gregoire
Brycen attended Santa Barbara High School and met Molly while attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Brycen played D1 golf and coached and worked at a club in Lake Tahoe after graduating. Molly worked in the wine industry for a few years prior to starting her tech sales career at Oracle in the Bay Area. They moved to Austin for 10 years and have just returned to Santa Barbara to plant roots with their two boys. They enjoy traveling, going to the beach, playing golf and meeting new friends.
Julie Rado (Steve)
Out of State
Steve Durham, Shelby Flaten, Henty Hortenstine, Bob Dyer
Julie is a powerful force in the Dallas Real Estate market and was designated a Top Producer each year from 2018 to 2023. She has lived in Dallas for more than 20 years but has been visiting Montecito her whole life. Her parents are long-time members Steve and Barbara Durham and her grandfather, Charles Durham, developed Birnam Wood in the 80’s and owned two homes. They have stayed in the cottages over the years and love Birnam and Montecito. She and Steve love to golf and Julie is an avid tennis player. They have two boys who golf and play tennis also and they are very much looking forward to time at the club with family.
Gerald John Karczewski
Junior Golf
Gayle Beebe, Stan Anderson, Austin Muller
Jerry was born in Danville and attended San Ramon Valley High School. He then attended Westmont College where he received his BA in Economics and Business. He was also Captain of the basketball team, 2 time AllAmerican, 2-time All-Conference and received the Golden Eagle award for the highest GPA on the team. He currently holds the record for the most 3pt field goals in Westmont history. He played professional basketball in Portugal and Hong Kong after graduation before returning to Santa Barbara. He now works at NBA 2k managing their digital marketing and social media. His family has deep Santa Barbara roots. His grandparents have lived here for over 50 years and his father is a member of the SB Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame.
Doug Thompson (Bonnie)
Out of State
Rich Flaten, Tim Underwood, Kirk Davis
Henry Douglas Thompson born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas with a BBA in 1977. He then graduated from Southern Methodist University with an MBA in 1979. He started his business career with the Southland corporation in finance and real estate and later started the Thompson Realty Corporation. He is currently working as a real estate developer. Doug and Bonnie have two children. Their daughter Liza is married with 3 children and lives in Oxford Mississippi and Clark is married with four children and lives in Fort Worth Texas. The Thompsons currently live in Dallas and enjoy golf, exercise, croquet and hunting. They are excited to join their many friends at Birnam Wood.
Dr. Robert Beart (Cynthia)
Reinstated Resident
Chris Martin, Steve Buster, Nick Weber
Dr. Beart went to Princeton, graduated from Harvard Medical School and has had an impressive career as the head of the department of Colorectal Surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He has authored over 400 publications and has been Chairman of the Commission on Cancer of the United States and President of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery. They have three grown children and are excited to return to Birnam Wood.
Candidates for Membership
The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:
Thomas Egan (Hilary)
Junior Golf
Mark Yzurdiaga (Lisa)
Non-Resident Legacy
Kevin Root (Jeanette)
Santa Barbara Cottage Health
Technology - Universal Music Group
Oak Root LLC
Resident Montecito Club, Mirimar, Big Horn
James Mintie (Lauren)
MINTIE Corporation
Resident Virginia CC Long Beach, Long Beach YC
Mr. Spenser Bruce
Mrs. Katherine Eades
Mrs. Pat Yzurdiaga
Mr. Robert Reingold
Mrs. Jenny Haeg
Mr. Kevin Frank
Mr. Page Roos
Mrs. Deborah McMicking
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, July 19, 2024 .
Membership Committee:
Kelly Vandever, Chair
Jen Abed
Marta Babson
Darrell Becker
Rob Crane
Trey Evans
Chris Gregoire
David Grotenhuis
Vicky Hazard
Ryan Malmsten
Patty Marshall
Betsey Moller
In Memoriam
Donnelley Erdman
Member since 1984
Connie Journey
Member since 2010
Jamie Kellner
Member since 2003
Catherine Partridge
Member since 2013
Austin Muller
Matt Porter
Emily Roos
THURSDAY,
July 2024
Jonata & The Hilt
Men's Robert Trent Jones Classic
June 2024
August 2024
GOLF NEWS
Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf
It is so great that we have been seeing sunshine for the second half of June.
This better weather marks the perfect time to play golf. The golf course will be back to its peak conditions here at the beginning of July. This also means more traffic on the golf course. So, now is the perfect time to remind all golfers of some of our golf cart policies.
The Green and Golf Committee really wanted me to communicate our golf cart policies with the membership. The policies have been posted around the club. I recorded a short video covering a couple of the items. Following these golf cart rules is a vital component to keeping the golf course in the best playing condition. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and will allow everyone to enjoy our beautiful Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course.
GOLF CART USE
A guest not playing with a member must take a cart.
Carts must not be driven on side slopes of, or onto, tee areas or greens, or onto side slopes of bunkers or penalty areas.
Except when on cart paths, carts must not be driven any closer than 15 yards of any green, or closer than
as marked by the broken “green” painted line. Players are to use cart paths where available.
Golf carts may not be driven to the warm-up cage or short game area. Players must walk from the cart staging area.
In all playing groups, a minimum number of carts shall be used.
Drivers should avoid all soft and damp areas on course.
The Director of Golf, after consultation with the Director of Agronomy or Green Committee Chairman, may restrict use of carts on the course.
Carts must not be parked in front of greens while putting. Park on a path alongside the green or near the next tee.
Use of privately-owned carts and annually leased Club carts is limited to the owner, spouse, family members and owner’s guests. The normal cart rental fee shall be charged to other members or guests using a private or leased cart.
The BWWGA 2024 most improved players:
January - Jane Habermann
February - Terri Bennett
March - Jill Mazursky
April - Dina Wilson
May - Lisa King
WHAT INITIATES THE DOWNSWING?
Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional
Have you ever asked yourself the question “What initiates or starts the downswing?” If you have not, I would be surprised. Golfers have asked themselves this question at one point or another during their career for a long time.
You may be shocked to know that there is no “trigger” to start the downswing. The golf swing is one continuous motion from start to finish.
Let us look at the sequence of the golf swing. As a player starts the backswing the player’s weight and pressure begin to shift to the trail foot. At the ¾ position 80% of the players weight/pressure has shifted to the trail foot.
What happens next will explain why the golf swing is a continuous motion from the top of the backswing into the downswing. Before the player reaches the top of the backswing a recentering occurs. This means that the weight and pressure are shifting towards the lead foot, as the hands, arms and club are reaching the top of the backswing. At the top of the backswing there is equal pressure in both feet.
Golfers may describe feeling a pause at the top of the backswing, but that is just a feeling. Yes, the hands, arms and club do come to a very brief pause at the top of the backswing, but that is just a result from a change in direction. The body will remain in a constant motion from start to finish. There is no conscious effort to stop or pause everything at the top.
The benefit of a continuous motion is using the momentum from the takeaway to create speed and force in the downswing, as opposed to trying to create speed and force from a complete stop.
The next time you play or practice I would suggest maintaining a continuous motion in your golf swing and avoid intentionally stopping at the top. Let the continuous motion from the takeaway lead you into the downswing.
Schedule a lesson today to improve your sequence of motion and play better golf!
FROM TEE TO GREEN
Brian O’Laughlin Director of Agronomy
As we enter the month of July, we truly embrace the essence of summer with its warm weather and vigorous growing conditions. This time of year, when the turf reaches its peak growth potential, our agronomy team must shift our focus more toward maintenance and less toward projects.
Although we are still wrapping up a few key projects—such as mulching, the pump house renovation, and the new bridge installation on hole 2—our day-to-day efforts will soon be devoted entirely to keeping up with mowing and maintaining the aging irrigation system. With the grass growing rapidly, consistent mowing becomes crucial to ensure the course remains in top condition.
The summer months are particularly challenging for our irrigation system, as it begins to reveal its weaknesses under the constant demand for high performance and reliability. Almost daily, we encounter flaws that make it difficult to provide high-level and consistent golf course conditions. When the irrigation system malfunctions, the repairs are not only time-consuming and costly, but they also result in poor turf quality.
Managing the excessive growth and maintaining a 22+ yearold irrigation system will undoubtedly keep our agronomy team busy during these warm summer months. Despite the challenges, we are committed to delivering the best possible conditions for our golfers.
Golfers: please do your part to help us maintain the golf course to the highest standards this summer. You can do things like fixing ball marks, filling your divots, avoiding wear patterns in the turf with your golf carts, following traffic control measures and cart direction signage, and parking your carts at least 15 yards away from the greens and tees. Always use the painted green lines for reference.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate through this demanding season.
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Scott Burton
Summer is here at Birnam Wood… and we are feeling the heat!
Bocce Ball Summer Season League
If you haven’t experienced Bocce Ball at Birnam Wood, I encourage you to please come out to our beautiful patio area on a Wednesday evening and enjoy the play. We are enjoying another fantastic, and competitive season of play. All 12 teams are rolling a great game, and the level of play only gets better each season. This is one of those unique Birnam Wood opportunities that bring us all together weekly. Who will be the next team crowned as our champions? The Big LaBocce were our 2023 champions… We’ll just have to see how the season plays out. One thing is for sure, it will be a close finish
Our annual Shoot Out was another fantastic event this year! Again, we brought in 4 of the best players on the planet! Wess Burrows, Jack Munro, Mariano Bertucci and Roscoe Bellamy put on a phenomenal exhibition for our members and their guests. It’s always special for these players to take time from their touring schedule to make the stop by Birnam Wood for the afternoon. The level of play was off the charts! The food, drink and company made the event memorable. This event is a real treat for all who attend. I hope you’ll consider joining us next year.
News from our Head Racquets Professional Jeff Villano Summer is officially here! The June Gloom is wearing off and we are getting some beautiful days. The courts have been busy with member play, clinics, and events. If you missed it, our 4th Annual Pickleball Shootout was a huge success with approximately 100 members and their guests. Four professional pickleball players put on an amazing show. After the exhibition some of our members were able to play with the professionals for an added bonus.
Our 1st Sip N’ Serve of the Summer was on June 22nd. Nine members participated on the clay in the fun rotating partner social event. During and after players enjoyed food and drink on this gorgeous afternoon.
Dinks & Drinks, Saturday, July 20th & September 14th, 1:00PM to 4:00PM Mix around on the pickleball courts and partake in food and drink afterwards.
Sip N’ Serve, Saturday, August 17th, 1:00PM to 4:00PM Enjoy a fun afternoon of tennis, followed by drinks and appetizers.
Tennis
The Tuesday afternoon Clay Court clinic and Saturday morning
Pickleball Shootout 2024
Live Ball clinics are well attended and will continue throughout the summer. Please remember to sign up on the App or contact Jeff. These are not drop in, if you would like me to form another clinic (adult or junior), please reach out.
Pickleball
Activity on the pickleball courts is staying constant. Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginning clinics on Monday and Tuesday have good attendance and the Wednesday & Saturday Open Play continues to draw a steady crowd. Please invite your family and friends to clinics and Open Play. Our Advanced Pickleball Interclub team is in the middle of their season. Come out and see some of the best players in Santa Barbara at the Birnam courts on Monday evening. Our home matches for July are July 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 5:30PM.
Tennis/Pickleball Tip – The Middle Ball
I always get questions on who covers the middle of the court in tennis and pickleball. The assumption is the player who has the forehand. This is not correct. Ultimately, it is the player’s responsibility who is crosscourt or diagonal of the on coming shot. If a ball is hit wide, the player who is straight ahead from the opposing shot must cover their line, even if their forehand is in the middle. Yes, there are some exceptions to this rule, but I will not get into it in this article. Just remember crosscourt covers the middle and you’ll be fine. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Junior Summer Camp Dates
Along with our Junior Camps, I am offering our members a “Create a Camp” option for tennis and/or pickleball. Choose days and times that work for you and your friends, and I’ll organize a minicamp. Children should be of similar ages and abilities.
Tennis & Pickleball
Golf & Tennis
Session #2 July 1st-3rd Session #2 July 15th-18th
Session #3 July 8th-11th Session #3 August 12th-15th Session #4 August 5th-8th
Contact Jeff Villano in the Tennis Shop or Dave Tucker in the Golf Shop for more details. See you on the courts.
Get outside and enjoy all Birnam Wood has to offer.
This month’s inspirational quote comes from the best clay court tennis player in history. Rafael Nadal once said “Losing is not my enemy, fear of losing is my enemy”
FITNESS NEWS
Joy DuMay, Fitness Director
POSTURE PERFECT!
Did you read the title of this article just now and sit up taller? If so, you now understand that the primary contributor to good posture is awareness. Have you ever seen yourself in a reflected window and noticed yourself slumping? Or realized after hours at your computer that you are a complete ball of back and neck pain?
This month I’d like to give you three simple moves that you can do at home to help raise your awareness and improve your upper body posture in just minutes a day. All you need is a golf club!
Do slow, controlled repetitions of each exercise for one minute, twice a day, and you will begin to move and feel better. Remember that consistency is key: keep that club handy and do the moves at the same time each day.
1) Behind the Neck Press
a. GOAL: to open up the chest muscles and stabilize your scapula (chicken wings) flat into your back.
b. Stand tall and place the club on your upper back: keep head level.
c. Press the club up overhead, keeping your head and back stable.
2) Retract and Row
a. GOAL: strengthen the muscles between your scapula and mid-back
b. Stand with golf club in front of your chest and reach forward, letting the outer edges of your scapula wing forward.
c. Keep your shoulders down and first pull scapula flat into back and then keep rowing until elbows pass ribcage.
3) Hallelujah Raise against Wall
a. GOAL: To lengthen the lats (large back muscles that extend from lower back to upper arm), thereby opening up the chest and shoulders.
b. Stand with buns, upper back and back of head against a wall, golf club in hands with palms facing each other: feet are away from the wall and the club starts at your legs.
c. Keep elbows straight and see if you can touch your thumbs to the wall without arching your back or releasing your buns, back or head from wall. Don’t strain but don’t cheat!
Come join your fellow members in our beautiful, clean, and private Fitness Studio. We look forward to moving and energizing with you!
Sign up on the Birnam Wood App today! Classes are $30 each.
Contact Joy DuMay for details at jdumay@bwgc net Space is imited in the Studio, so those with reservations will have priority for admission to c ass There is a 24-hour cancella ion policy in effect
MON 9:45 AM: Cardio, Strength, and Core with Marianna Sarkisova 11:00 AM: Restorative Yoga with Lily Rozhko
TUES 9:30 AM: Balance and Stability with Sally Saenger 11:00 AM: Cardio Dance & Sculpt with Joy DuMay 3:30 PM: Aqua Aerobics with Amy Von Protz
WED 9:30 AM: Tai Chi with Chris Wiedmann 11:00 AM: Iyengar Yoga with Vanessa Bacher
TH 9:30 AM: Restorative Yoga with Lily Rozhko 3:30 PM: Aqua Aerobics with Amy Von Protz
FRI 9:30 AM: Tai Chi with Chris Wiedmann 11:00 AM: Cardio, Strength, and Core with Marianna Sarkisova
SAT 9:30 AM: Tai Chi with Chris Wiedmann
Pop-Up Saturday Aqua Aerobics classes with Nancy Clayton are on July 13th and 27th
*No Cardio, Strength, and Core on July 1st No Iyengar Yoga on July 3rd
Balance & Stability
With Sally Saenger
at 9:30am
Sign up on the App or contact Joy at jdumay@bwgc net
CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Stanton Anderson
Secretary Wade Nichols
Treasurer Richard De Schutter
Director Tim Armour
Director Rachael Douglas
Director Charlie Bissell
Director Richard Caleel
Director Linda Gluck
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Steve Jones
Director Bob Kidder
Director Christopher Teasley
Director Kelly Vandever
HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Stanton Anderson
Secretary Wade Nichols
Treasurer Richard De Schutter
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Patty Marshall
Director Sharol Siemens
Director Christopher Teasley
Director Linda Wood
Director Charles Wilson
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Athletic Wade Nichols
Compensation & HR Robert Nourse
Construction
Oversight Steve Jones
Cottage Sharol Siemens
Finance Richard De Schutter
401k Tim Armour
Golf Billy Grokenberger
Green Nancy Hunter
House Rachael Douglas
Membership Kelly Vandever
HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
A&L Christopher Teasley
Homeowners Patricia Griffin
The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024 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 Packing House, the 19th Hole Bar and on the Veranda. 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
Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional
Michael Alvarado, Interim Director of Security
Michael Weems, CFO
Claudia Raiti, 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 Director
Cathy Kendrick, Lead Front Desk Attendant