The Birnam Buzz - June 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

BIRNAM BUZZ

DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Stanton Anderson, President

When I assumed the Presidency of Birnam Wood Golf Club last November, I believed that my major focus would be on completing the Club improvement projects that were currently under way and beginning the preparation for an update to our golf course. What I discovered, however, was that there were significant questions about the Club’s compliance with the Davis-Stirling Act and that, indeed, our Homeowners’ Association had never been properly registered with the State.

I have been working closely with fellow Board member, Chip Nichols, to create the documents necessary to bring the Club into compliance with DavisStirling. Chip has been a stalwart partner, spending literally hundreds of hours working with outside counsel and other experts in finalizing documents that are required to be in compliance with Davis- Stirling.

Over the last several months, I have also had a series of meetings, both individually and collectively, with Homeowners who are dissatisfied with the modifications to the Clubhouse that have been made during Phase 1 and feel those improvements don’t accurately reflect the views of many Homeowners. On the other side of this issue are a significant number of Homeowners who support the work that has been completed to the Clubhouse, cottages, and Terrace and look forward to the continuing modernization of the Club.

This article is being written a week before the Quarterly Homeowners Meeting where I anticipate there will be a thorough exchange of opinions about the work to date as well

as future plans. During this meeting, we are unlikely to come to agreement about whether or not improvements have been needed, and/or what kind of improvements are necessary. However, we will have an opportunity to listen to, and hopefully understand, each other’s ideas and interests.

Going forward, what is important to me as President is that our governance process will work. No one will be satisfied with all the decisions that the Board will make. An effective governance system needs to ensure that all voices have an opportunity to be heard, that we select leaders and other representatives who are committed to protecting the current and future good health of the Club, and that we find pathways where the Board and Homeowners can come together in support of a good decision-making process.

My hope over the coming months is that we listen carefully to each other, come together around forthcoming changes in our governance process that are required by the Davis-Stirling Act and, ultimately, work out our disagreements on facility modernization issues.

Sincerely,

Stan Anderson

Dear members,

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

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

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Brian O’ Laughlin as the Club’s Director of Agronomy! Hailing from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Brian has cultivated an impressive career in the golf industry. Brian is a highly motivated and experienced golf course management professional with a lifelong passion for the game. With over 18 years of experience working in various roles within the golf industry, he has developed a unique and well-rounded perspective on golf course management.

Having earned a B.S. Integrated Plant Science with a specialization in Turf Management from Washington State University, Brian possesses a strong educational foundation in his field. His career has included working at public facilities as well as notable private clubs that have hosted major golf championships.

Early in his career, Brian had the privilege of joining the prestigious Sahalee Country Club, where he refined his agronomic knowledge and acquired valuable insights into managing championship-level golf courses. Soon after hosting the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Brian moved his family to Southern California to join the agronomy team at Sherwood Country Club. There he broadened his expertise and tackled new challenges in a different environment.

For the past five years, Brian has served as the Director of Agronomy at Annandale Golf Club, leaving an indelible mark on the course and its surroundings. His visionary leadership, coupled with a strong focus on sustainability and technology, has led to remarkable improvements in course conditions.

Brian’s first day will be June 19th. We will host an event for members to meet him shortly after his arrival. We thank the search committee who worked hard to make this happen so quickly. The committee consisted of: Nancy Hunter, Andy Powell, Matt Porter, Kelly Vandever, Mike Goodcase, Debbie Daggett and was chaired by Stan Anderson.

See you around the Club,

Jordan Sweeney General Manager

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome New Members – June 2023

Daniel Otero (Monique) Intermediate

Crosby Slaught, Jeff Cole, Oliver Fries

Dan began playing golf when he was 6 years old and is an avid golfer. He was a competitive skier when he was younger and loves to compete. He has founded a number of companies and is currently the COO of Main Event Productions. Monique is the founding member of “The Board,” loves tennis, and is looking forward to raising their children to love sports as well. They are members of the Point Grey Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, Canada, and the Little Beach House in Malibu.

Hollis Jones (Dawn)

Out of State

Cory Martin, Bill Hickey, Rich Flaten

Hollis attended the University of Arkansas where he earned a BSBA in Administrative Management, with an MA in Business Administration. He also has a MA in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is a retired Corporate Executive, a speaker, and an Author. Hollis and Dawn live in Texas. They started visiting California twenty years ago and have traveled the state extensively. Hollis and Dawn met while working as Counselors at summer camp in 1980 and were married shortly thereafter. They have two children and seven grandchildren and are very excited to join Birnam Wood.

Reinstatements:

Rob Lowe reinstated his Resident Membership

John Byers reinstated his Jr. Golf Membership

Candidates for Membership

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

Linda Davies Local Hotel Owner

Tennis Coral Casino

Hamid Sadrae

Co-owner Baccaccios/The Landing Grill

Resident Wood Ranch Golf Club

John McManigal (Kendyll) AVP at S/3 Bank Technology Finance

Intermediate Knowlwood Tennis Club

David Trogan (Karen) Morgan Stanley

Resident Little Town Club, Pasadena Angels

Henry Walker (Erin) Farmers and Merchants Bank

Non-Resident SB Polo Club, Big Canyon, Pacific Club

Mrs. Susan Burns

Mr. Dave Peterson

Mr. David Cronenbold

Mr. Bryan de Ponce

Mr. Sep Wolf

Mrs. Lizzie Peus

Mrs. Pamela Temple

Mr. Brent Peus

Mr. Charles Lande

Mr. John Washer

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, June 16, 2023.

Membership Committee:

Kelly Vandever, Chair

Jen Abed Trey Evans David Grotenhuis

Ryan Malmsten Patty Marshall

Marta Babson

Matt Porter

Betsey Moller Chris Gregoire In

Memoriam

Mary Pattiz Member since 2010

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS

Luis Flores

Dear Members,

We start off the month with our first Thursday Night BBQ on June 1st. Our Thursday Night BBQs will take place around the Bocce Courts during the month of June. Please note that we will have limited seating for these evenings. Each week we will feature live music as well.

Let’s talk about the fun Kentucky Derby Viewing Party, for we must recognize our contest winners. Thank you to all that participated in this fun event. We look forward to next year when we will all be celebrating the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Best Dressed Couple (picture of Mr. and Mrs. Peterson)

Best Hat (picture of Mrs. De Schutter)

Best Dressed Individual (picture of Mrs. Mack)

Trifecta Winner (picture of Mrs. Peterson)

Lastly, I look forward to our Painting with a Twist event. Join us for a fun day of painting led by an instructor, featuring wine and, my personal favorite, individual charcuterie boards to enjoy while you paint. At the end of the event, you will be able to take home your masterpiece.

Best Dressed Couple Mr. and Mrs. Peterson

Best Hat Mrs. De Schutter

Best Dressed Individual Mrs. Mack

Trifecta Winner Mrs. Peterson

July 2023

GOLF NEWS

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

I would like to start my article by thanking Will Soto. Will has been filling in as Interim Superintendent since Ryan’s unfortunate passing. He has done an excellent job of picking up the reins and really taking charge of that operation. He is great at communicating with different department heads about work that will be taking place on the course. But more than anything, his love and commitment to Birnam Wood has never been more evident. The course is recovering so quickly since the heavy rains, and it is playing beautifully. If you pass Will on the course or in a meeting, please thank him for all of his hard work.

The improvement of the course conditions is coming at a perfect time. Tournament season is back in full swing. June is packed full of wonderful events for every player. The men have so many opportunities: The 41st Annual McLean Member-Member (June 2 & 3), Men’s Guest Day (June7), and Top Gun IV (June 30). The McLean Member-Member is our time to make the members feel special while enjoying their Club with friends who are also part of this incredible Birnam family. Find a partner and join us. The monthly guest day is perfect to spend time in a little more relaxed environment playing golf, while still enjoying a little competition with guests. Now Top Gun IV is a slightly different story. The two-man teams can be member-member or memberguest. The event never stops giving from the moment players check in beginning around 9:30am, until the last man leaves well into the evening. Chef Abdu has

unbelievable food all through the day. The open bar with Top Gun specialty drinks is always available. The ultimate champion is decided in a horse race. The low seven teams automatically qualify. Two teams can earn their way in through a chip off. There is parimutuel betting on the horse race teams. This truly is an event with non-stop action.

The ladies begin the month with their First Tuesday on June 6th. Later that week, their first Special Guest Day of the year (June 9th). On this special day, the ladies will be taken on a wonderful journey to France. Finally, the Summer League Team will begin their competitions with hopes of winning the net title for the third year in a row.

June also welcomes the First Mixed Golf Jump Up of 2023 (June 11th). Groups should be made up of two men and two women. Members can invite guests for an afternoon of 18 holes followed by dinner. Guest fees are waived. The entry fee is $10 to cover prizes with a nice no host dinner put on by Chef Abdu for all of the competitors. Remember, the App is fast and easy when signing up for our events.

Our Ladies’ RTJ Sr. “Trail” Challenge took place on May 18th and 19th. Tournament co-chairs, Esther McKinley and Joyce Raymond, themed the event around Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama. They had an RTJ Sr. knowledge test, Alabama “Roll Tide” ball markers, and place mats from a number of golf courses on the “Trail.”

The BWWGA 2023

most improved players:

January - Anne Hall

February - Barbara Kummer

March - Dina Wilson

April - Dina Wilson

Oh…and there was a golf tournament. Our Gross Champions led the event wire to wire and finished with a two-day total of 163. Congratulations to Asia Anthony and Elizabeth Slaught. Our Net Champions also led wire to wire. They sealed their victory with an incredible Day Two score of 56, giving them a two-day total of 120. Congratulations to Melanie Judson and Dianna Branning!

DO YOU STRUGGLE TAKING YOUR GAME FROM THE PRACTICE TEE TO THE FIRST TEE? Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional

“The longest walk in golf is from the practice tee to the first tee.” -Jim McLean

How many times have you asked yourself the question “Why can I do it when I practice but not on the golf course?” One reason why this happens is because of how you practice. Another reason is your practice to play ratio is not optimal for playing your best golf.

HOW TO PRACTICE

Andrew Rice, Golf Digest Top 50, and Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor, describes training/improving as:

1) Improve Technique through Repetition

2) Improve Skill through Variation

3) Improve Performance through Simulation

The first step to improving your technique is to determine what needs to be changed. Now you can begin the process of practicing by starting with basic repetition or block practice. Improving your technique through repetition is accomplished using drills, using training aids, making smaller swings, and/or swinging at slower speeds. It is a critical step in creating “feels” that will be used during the next two steps.

A great quote from Bill Belichick that applies to this step “Don’t practice till you get it right, practice till you don’t get it wrong.”

Now that you have the technique it’s time to improve your skill. At this step you can begin to use random practice. Instead of hitting the same shot over and over to the same target with the same club as before, now you can start to change your targets and change golf clubs.

Once you have the skill, the last step is to improve your performance through simulation. Create shots that you see on the golf course at the practice facility, the short range, and the putting green. When you “pass” the simulations you are ready for the golf course.

PRACTICE TO PLAY RATIO

Each player has his or her optimal practice to play ratio for playing at their desired level. If you are having trouble taking your game from the practice tee to the first tee you might be practicing too much and not playing enough or vice versa. Keep a journal and track your time spent practicing, time spent playing, and how well you are playing. This will give you a baseline to start with. From your baseline, you can experiment with more play time and less practice. Then experiment with more practice time, less play time, and see which works best for you.

Schedule a lesson today and we can discuss how you can improve your practice sessions and your optimal practice to play ratio. I would also suggest scheduling a playing lesson and we can evaluate your entire game and develop a program to play better golf.

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Scott Burton

Rolling Into Summer!

Hello Birnam Wood! What can I say… Birnam Wood is teaming with activities, and different weekly events as we enter our summer season. Whether it is Bocce Ball, Pickleball, Tennis or Croquet, we have a sport for you!

On May 17th, we opened up league play on the beautiful Bocce Ball patio. We have 14 teams and a strong field of rollers.

Friday afternoons we can be found enjoying Croquet & Rosé on our beautiful Croquet lawn that offers one of the best mountain views at Birnam Wood. You should really come and enjoy this fun sport with fellow members.

Our Sip n’ Serve Tennis season is underway with an amazing turnout from our members.

I’d like to thank Birnam Wood for the opportunity to serve our membership. I’m reminded often of how fortunate I am to be your Athletic Director. Recently, I was recognized as “Small Facilities Manager of the Year” by the US Professional Tennis Association. This is a true honor to be recognized by my peers.

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 you, our membership.

A quote that defines me as a professional comes from Bobby Knight “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

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

BETTER POSTURE By Joy

FITNESS NEWS

Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish, Co-Directors

DuMay

Due to the fact that I received so many comments on my posture video and May was National Posture Month, I decided to write about posture and give you some pointers of what you can do to improve yours.

Poor posture is a modern-day problem that develops due to our daily lifestyle. Our bodies were built to stand. The computer age has put many of us at desks hunched over keyboards for hours each day. We drive vs. walk to our destinations. The cumulative effect of the time spent in these non-optimal postural positions leads to postural damage to both the musculoskeletal and myofascial systems of the body.

Our bodies were built to be upright, which means the hips are extended under the spine with the rest of the spine from the hips to the top of the head stacked over the lower body. When seated, the hips are in flexion (shortened hip flexors) for prolonged periods which affects the ability of the glutes to extend the hips (weakened). The hip flexors and abdominals become chronically shortened and compressed. When a person is seated in front of a computer or behind the wheel of a car, the arms and hands are in front of the torso. This position causes the shoulders to round forward (internally rotate) and the neck to arch excessively to keep the eyes focused on the monitor or the road.

The damage we do by sitting too much affects our ability to stand properly. For example, the shortened hip flexors and abdominals make it difficult for the hips to extend to neutral and for the spine to erect. This inability to get to neutral inhibits muscles from doing their job.

While you can’t completely change the way you live - there are adjustments you can make in your daily life that will reap big benefits in the long run. Improving your posture will help keep you out of pain, help you breathe better, enhance your appearance and keep you mobile in the long run. Try some and /or all of the following and watch your posture improve!

GET UP!

Get out of your chair several times a day to extend your hips, knees and erect your spine. Set a timer for every 30 minutes to remind yourself.

STAND VS. SIT!

Use a standing desk. While it may be difficult to stand all day – you can alternate between sitting and standing.

MOVE!

Walk vs. drive. Park farther away. Take a mid-day break and go for a walk around the block. Every little bit adds up!

MIX IT UP!

Change your position often. Whether you are using a standing desk alternating with a seated desk, or you vary your position by sitting on a ball, then a chair – make sure to change it up often.

EYES FORWARD!

Make sure your computer monitor, telephone, steering wheel, television, book, etc. are aligned so that you can keep your shoulders back and down and your neck and head centered over shoulders. For example, raise your monitor so you are looking straight forward and not down. Move your keyboard closer to your torso so you can keep your elbows close to your ribs and your shoulders back and down.

CHEST RELEASE

Start by rolling your shoulders back and down (lift your shoulders up, back, then down). Make a fist with your left hand and start with your thumb knuckle in the right pectoral muscle next to your sternum. Slowly move your fist across your chest toward your shoulder joint. Lift and repeat 3 times. Do this 3 times per day.

EXTERNAL SHOULDER ROTATION

Roll your shoulders back and down as above. Let your arms hang down to your sides and slowly turn your palms forward then out with your thumbs pointing behind you. Lift your arms up and back behind you. Hold 10 – 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

NECK STRETCH

Stand with your hips and shoulders against a wall. Heels can be an inch or two away from the wall. Lifting through the crown of the head, gently bring the chin down toward your throat while pressing the back of your head against the wall for 5 – 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

HIP FLEXOR STRETCH

Start in a kneeling lunge position (one knee on the floor and one foot on the floor with a 90-degree bent knee). Keep your torso tall and tuck your tailbone between your legs and draw your belly button in. Slowly push your hips forward. You can use a pillow under the knee or do this in a standing position with one foot up on a chair behind you. Hold this for 30 seconds and repeat 1 – 3 times several times per day.

These are just some of the many ways you can improve your posture. Remember, everything takes time so be patient while your body adjusts to these new positions. Your future body will thank you!

For more ideas on exercises to improve your posture – contact Liz Parrish at lparrish@bwgc.net or 805-705-7502.

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, JUNE 30, 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

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