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BIRNAM BUZZ NOVEMBER 2026 • BIRNAM WOOD NEWSLETTER

WHAT’S INSIDE From the President PAGE 2 From the General Manager PAGE 3 Calendars PAGE 12 Golf News PAGE 14 Fitness News PAGE 20

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Richard De Schutter, President

DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD By my account, this is my 24th Birnam Buzz article. I must admit upon becoming President, I was a little daunted at the prospect of writing a monthly article. What could I write about? Could I count on my journalistic training as a high school freshman assigned to cover junior varsity basketball for the school newspaper? (My few articles always appeared on the last page next to reminder “recycle your paper trash”). As it turned out, my concerns were ill-founded. Something always happened during the month that prompted a story and thanks to spellcheck and Kristy Evans, Chief Editor of the Buzz, I mostly avoided embarrassment. This month, my task is especially easy. As my last entry, it’s only appropriate that I once again express appreciation to the many individuals, committees, and the two boards under which I served that have supported me. In my Annual Report to members, I recounted their numerous contributions with a special shoutout to our Club committees and their members for the incredible work they perform behind the scenes. I highlighted 12 committees but inadvertently failed to mention two others… an oversight on my part likely because both operate independently from the board. Our newly formed SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE chaired by Bill Kimsey, a former Club President, is off to a great start. We already have adequate funds to sponsor several scholarships for eligible club employees for the upcoming academic year and have a starting endowment of just under $400,000. In addition, the HELPING HANDS COMMITTEE chaired by Meg Pearson has provided financial support to dozens of employees in stressful situations since its founding a decade ago. Both are real tributes to the generosity of committee members willing to give their time and of Club members who recognize and support our staff through their giving. It’s been a privilege to serve as your president I’ll see you at the Club. Dick De Schutter President

…and,

FROM THE GM’S DESK

Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW

General Manager and Chief Operating Officer

AS WE BEGIN A NEW FISCAL YEAR AT BIRNAM WOOD, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for our Club. Each year, I have the opportunity to present an annual report to our committees and Board of Directors, highlighting our accomplishments, challenges, and the progress we continue to make. This year’s report was particularly rewarding to put together because, when we look back at everything that has been accomplished, there is so much to be proud of. Of course, the most significant undertaking has been our golf course renovation, part of our $15 million Master Plan. This project represents one of the largest investments in our Club’s history and will help preserve and enhance the Robert Trent Jones Sr. design for generations to come. Alongside the golf course, we have continued improving our facilities, including our newly renovated kitchen, upgraded golf cart fleet, and plans for two new on-course snack stations. Beyond our capital improvements, our Club continues to thrive. Our membership remains exceptionally strong, our Cottage operation continues to perform well, and our social and recreational programming has reached new heights. From our golf tournaments and bocce leagues to memorable events like Saddle Up, our members continue to embrace everything Birnam Wood has to offer. Perhaps one of our proudest accomplishments this year was Birnam Wood earning ELITE Distinguished Club status, an honor that places us among the finest private clubs in the country. This recognition is a testament to our dedicated employees, our engaged membership, and the high standards we strive to uphold every day. While there is much to celebrate, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to recognize someone who has played an enormous role in getting us to where we are today. As Mr. De Schutter concludes his two-year term as President of Birnam Wood Golf Club, I want to express my sincere appreciation for his extraordinary leadership and service to our Club. Mr. De Schutter’s contributions extend well beyond his presidency. Since taking over as Chairman of the Finance Committee in 2020, he has been instrumental in guiding Birnam Wood through one of the most transformative periods in our history. Over these past six years, we have invested approximately $30 million into our facilities and infrastructure, including our clubhouse, kitchen, cottages, and golf course. These investments have elevated the member experience and positioned Birnam Wood for a very bright future. None of this would have been possible without Mr. De Schutter’s steady leadership, financial discipline, and commitment to doing what is best for the Club. I have had the privilege of working closely with him throughout these years, and I can say firsthand how much time, thought, and energy he has devoted to Birnam Wood. His leadership has been thoughtful, NOVEMBER 2026

measured, and always focused on the long-term success of our Club. On a personal note, I am incredibly grateful for Mr. De Schutter’s trust, guidance, and partnership. We have navigated some significant challenges and celebrated many accomplishments together. It has been a privilege to work alongside him, and I believe his contributions will be felt at Birnam Wood for many years to come. Thank you, Mr. De Schutter, for six remarkable years of leadership and service. As we look ahead, I am also pleased to welcome Mr. Rochestie as our new Club President. I have already had several conversations with him about his vision for Birnam Wood, and I am excited by how closely aligned we are in our goals and priorities. We share a commitment to continuing to elevate the member experience, enhancing our amenities and programming, and ensuring that Birnam Wood remains one of the premier private clubs in the country. I look forward to working closely with him, our Board, and our committees as we build on the tremendous progress of recent years. Finally, I want to thank our employees, whose hard work and dedication make all of this possible. Beautiful facilities are important, but it is our people who truly make Birnam Wood special. As we enter this next chapter, I am grateful for where we have been, proud of where we are, and excited about where we are going. See you around the Club, Jordan

FROM TEE TO GREEN

Brian O’Laughlin, Director of Agronomy As we move further into the fall season, work continues at a steady pace on the back nine, and we are making great progress! Greens 18 through 14 have now been seeded, marking another significant milestone in the restoration project. Our attention has shifted to the remaining four greens on holes 10 through 13, with the goal of having all of them seeded before the end of November. Accomplishing this would be a tremendous achievement and put us in a great position heading into the winter months. Getting seed in the ground before temperatures drop too significantly is important, as it gives the young bentgrass an opportunity to germinate and begin establishing before the cooler winter weather slows growth. Meanwhile, the front nine is now open for play utilizing temporary tees and greens! It has been exciting to welcome golfers back onto this portion of the golf course, even in a temporary capacity. While we certainly understand everyone’s excitement to get back out there and see the improvements firsthand, I want to remind everyone that the front nine is still very much an active grow-in. We strongly encourage walking whenever possible and ask that everyone please remain out of all designated growin areas. These young turf surfaces are still delicate, and unnecessary traffic at this stage can cause damage that takes weeks or even months to recover from. Ropes and signage have been placed throughout the course to help identify these areas, and we greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation in respecting those boundaries. As for the grow-in itself, I am very pleased with how the front nine is progressing. The new bentgrass greens have established exceptionally well, and we continue to see improvements in turf density, maturity, and overall uniformity. Our maintenance practices are now focused on encouraging healthy root development, increasing turf density, and gradually preparing these surfaces for the demands of regular golf. While the greens may look ready for play from a distance, there is still a tremendous amount of development taking place below the surface. Establishing a strong, healthy root system now will be critical to the long-term performance and success of these greens.

The surrounding turf areas are also coming along nicely. The rough overseeding has continued to establish, and we are seeing the golf course begin to take on its finished appearance. We have also resumed installation of the fine fescue accent areas now that temperatures have cooled. As I mentioned in a previous article, we intentionally delayed much of this work during the summer months because the fescue proved to be particularly sensitive to the heat. The cooler fall weather provides a much more favorable environment for establishment, and these areas will play an important role in the overall character and appearance of the restored golf course. Looking ahead, weather will become an increasingly important factor in our construction schedule. Our goal is to accomplish as much as possible before the winter rains arrive. While rainfall is certainly welcome from a water resources standpoint, significant rain events can create challenges for construction, particularly when working with exposed soils, newly shaped greens, and heavy equipment. We will continue to take advantage of favorable weather windows and push forward wherever conditions allow. Once the remaining greens are seeded, our focus will increasingly shift toward grow-in, detail work, and preparing the golf course for its eventual reopening. It is hard to believe how much the property has changed over the past several months. What was once a golf course filled with excavation, irrigation trenches, and construction equipment is steadily transforming into the beautiful finished product we have all been working toward. There is still plenty of work ahead of us, but each passing week brings us another step closer. I want to thank everyone for their continued patience, support, and cooperation throughout this process. I know it has been a long road, and I certainly share everyone’s excitement to get back out and enjoy the golf course. We have made tremendous progress, and I am very optimistic about what lies ahead!

NOVEMBER 2026

Thanksgiving Thanksgiving THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2026

Seating times: 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM.

Join us for our Annual Thanksgiving Event! Celebrate with your family and loved ones and let us do the cooking. Sign up on the App or by contacting the Front Desk. $95++ Adults | $45++ Kids We will also offer an a la carte Thanksgiving To - G o M e a l f o r t h o s e o f y o u w h o w i s h t o e n j o y the meal from the comfort of your own home. An email will be sent out with the T h a n k s g i v i n g To - G o M e n u a n d d e t a i l s o n h o w to place your order. Reservations open Friday, September 25th, at 9:00am 7-Day Cancellation Policy will be in effect

NOVEMBER 2026

MEMBERSHIP Welcome New Members – October 2026 Michael and Bonnie Moe Resident Richard Branning, Brent Peus, Cliff Lundberg Michael holds a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Minnesota and is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). Bonnie graduated from Saint Catherine’s University with a degree in nursing. Michael is the Founder and CEO of GSV, a growth-focused investment platform. It has invested in game changing businesses such as Facebook, Twitter, Snap, Palantir and Spotify among others. He and Bonnie live in Dallas, TX where they moved in 2021 after living in Silicon Valley for twenty-five years. They have two adult children and recently purchased a home in Montecito.

In Memoriam: Gary Reed Member since 1998

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 November 16th, 2026. Membership Committee: Darrell Becker, Chair Marta Babson Howard Rochestie Rob Crane Jen Abed Monica Epstein

Chris Gregoire Dave Grotenhuis Ryan Malmsten

Austin Muller Donna Kammer Asia Anthony

Pam Breedlove Betty Urban

Candidates for Membership

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

Robert & Cecile Rosner Non-Resident` Alexis Adler, Peter Tortorici, Tracy Albert Co-founder Vestar Capital Partners

Kyle Gaspar Resident Esther McKinley, Liz de L’Arbre, Joyce Raymond Former Executive in National Healthcare

Thomas Leiser Resident Bill Cawley, Steve Saxon, Rich Flaten Bandera Ventures

Eva Elkins Non-Resident Gery Zacher, Lisa Hornburg, Mike Fourtique Retired

Jody and Bibi Horacek Non-Resident Gery Patricia Ryan-Horacek, Frank Blue, Michael Fourticq Former VP, City National Bank

John and Dawn Hummel Non-Resident Don Opatrny, David Hoster, Alexis Adler President, John Hummel and Associates

Richard (Mike) and Robin Burch Non-Resident Kirk Davis, David Watson, Bill Cawley Rowan Investment Company, LLC

NOVEMBER 2026

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itrus itrus

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JOIN US FOR OUR W AN NUA O L H O LID AY S H WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 5:00 PM & 6:30 PM SHOWINGS JJ O OI IN N U US S F FO OR R T TH HE E M MU US SI IC CA AL L E EV VE EN NT T O OF F T TH HE E Y YE EA AR R A AS S T TH HE E C CI IT TR RU US S S II N S NG GE ER RS S P PE ER RF FO OR RM M T TH HE E II R R A AN NN NU UA AL L C CH HR R II S ST TM MA AS S C CA AR RO OL LS S .. EN E N JJ O OY Y A A D DE EL L II C C II O OU US S M ME EA AL L W WH H II L LE E B BE E II N NG G S SE ER RE EN NA AD DE ED D B BY Y O OU UR R FA F AV VO OR R II T TE E M MU US S II C CA AL L S S II N NG GE ER RS S .. GROUP 2:

GROUP 1:

GROUP 2:

5:00 PM: ARRIVAL

6:30 PM: ARRIVAL

5:40 PM: PERFORMANCE IN THE BANQUET ROOM

7:00 PM: PERFORMANCE IN THE BANQUET ROOM

6:25 PM: DINNER ON THE TERRACE

7:45 PM: DINNER ON THE TERRACE

6:30 PM: ARRIVAL

7:00 PM: PERFORMANCE IN THE BANQUET ROOM 7:45 PM: DINNER ON THE TERRACE

$$ 99 oo + ++ + R S R S V V P P O N O N T H T H E E A P A P P P O R O R C A C A L L L L T H T H E E F R F R O O N N T T D E D E S S K K

DRESS CODE: CLUB ATTIRE DRESS CODE: CLUB ATTIRE

7-DAY CANCELLATION POLICY WILL BE IN EFFECT

REGISTRATION TO OPEN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, AT 9:00AM REGISTRATION TO OPEN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, AT 9:00AM

NOVEMBER 2026

November 2026 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Ladies' First Tuesday

WEDNESDAY

Art History Book Club

THURSDAY

Duplicate Bridge

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

HOA Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

Men's Day

Battle of the Sexes Bocce League

Ladies' Day

Duplicate Bridge

Dueling Pianos

Pickleball Shootout

Mahjong Open Play

Ladies' Day

Battle of the Sexes Bocce League

Ladies' Turkey Shoot & Annual Meeting

Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge

National Gingerbread Day

Duplicate Bridge

Family Fun Night

Course Closed

*PH Closed for Dinner Service & Kids Club Available

Men's Day

Petrossian Caviar Tasting

Men's Day

Thanksgiving Wine & Spirit Sale

*PH Closed for Dinner Service Battle of the Sexes Bocce League Semi-Finals

Ladies' Day

Thanksgiving Wine & Spirit Sale

Thanksgiving

Mahjong Open Play

Course Closed

Bocce Drop-In

*Lunch & Dinner Service Closed. Thanksgiving ToGo Available

Men's Day

December 2026 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Ladies' First Tuesday

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Duplicate Bridge

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Men's Day

Christmas Tree Lighting Party *19th Hole Closed for Dinner Service

Bocce Drop-In

Ladies' Day

Brunch with Santa *F&B Service Closed

Duplicate Bridge

T.G.I.F.

Men's Day

Holiday Tennis Doubles Round Robin

Mahjong Open Play

Bocce Drop-In

The Merry Mile

Ladies' Day

Duplicate Bridge

Ladies' Special Holiday Guest Day Clase Azul Engraving

Course Closed

Citrus Singers

Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Bocce Drop-In

*19th Hole Closed for Dinner Service

Golf Shop Christmas Sale

Ladies' Day

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

*Club Closed at 2pm

*Club Closed

Men's Day

Champagne & Caviar Dinner *PH Dinner Service Closded & Kids Club Available

Men's Day

Bocce Drop-In

Course Closed

Taco Tuesday

Ladies' Day

New Year's Eve Party *PH & 19th Hole Dinner Service Closed

Mahjong Open Play

Bocce Drop-In NOVEMBER 2026

GOLF NEWS Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

We are entering the final phase of the golf course restoration. Holes 10-13 are now closed. The construction work is progressing quickly to stay ahead of the possibility of heavy rains with the impending El Nino. The greens on holes 14-18 have been seeded and are in the germination phase. The crew is working hard to get the greens ready for seeding on holes 10-13. The temporary holes on the front nine are now open. We continue to ask those who are able to walk the course to do so. Because the rough is still maturing, traffic must be kept to a minimum to support healthy turf growth. I am absolutely thrilled to see the results as the holes continue to grow in. The changes that were made are spectacular. My excitement is at a high. I hope you are excited as well. The re-opening will be here before you know it. Remember, the holidays are upon us. Please keep the golf shop in mind for those special golfers in your life. If you need to place a special order, be sure to place the order well in advance.

UNDERSTANDING LOW POINT HEIGHT IN THE GOLF SWING Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional

One of the most important, yet often overlooked aspect of the golf swing is low point height, which is just as if not more important than low point. The shape of the clubhead’s path as it moves through the backswing, transitions at the top, and travels through impact directly affect low point and low point height.

What Is Low Point Height?

When discussing low point height, it is important to understand two related concepts: how the clubhead moves vertically through impact and where the club reaches the bottom of its arc.

Low point height - refers to the clubhead’s vertical position relative to the ground as it approaches and passes through impact. Trackman measures it as the relative vertical distance of the clubhead position from just before impact to the swing’s bottom-out point (measured at the time of maximum compression) without any interaction from the ball or the ground. In practice, golfers need to control how the club descends toward the ball, how it reaches the turf, and how it moves through the bottom of the arc. The club’s low point must be low enough to make solid contact. However, if it is too low you will experience a club digging excessively into the ground. Too high and you will experience thin contact. Low point - is the lowest point of the clubhead’s swing arc. When swinging irons, rescue clubs, and fairway woods the clubhead should reach this point after it has contacted the ball. This allows the club to strike the ball first and then brush or remove a divot from the turf in front of the ball. When swinging a driver, the clubhead should reach this point before it has contacted the ball with no club turf interaction.

Controlling the Height of the Arc

Your posture, body movement, arm structure, and wrist action all influence the height and location of the clubhead near impact. If your body rises excessively through the downswing, the club may reach the ball at a higher point than expected, resulting in thin contact. If you lower your body too much or lose posture, the club may strike the ground too early or dig excessively. The goal is not to force the clubhead down toward the ground. Instead, maintain a balanced posture and allow your body rotation, arm movement, and wrist angles to deliver the club. Club turf interaction can also be a personal preference. If the club strikes the ball first you can decide if you like a little deeper or shallower divot. Remember that low point location and low point height are not the same thing. You can move the bottom of your arc forward without dramatically changing its overall height. The BWWGA 2026 most improved players: And moving the low point does not guarantee you achieve an optimal low point height.

January - Debbie Bruce

Learn to control both the club’s location and height at impact and you will become a better ball striker.

February - Kum Su Kim March - Jill Mazursky April - Diane Lundberg May - Leslie Robinson June - Asia Anthony July - Kathy Barton August - Ingrid Shattuck September - Esther McKinley NOVEMBER 2026

Play on the Clay with Scott Burton

SATURDAY MORNINGS 8:30 - 10:00 AM 8 PLAYERS MAX

NTRP Level – 3.5 & Above

$45 PER PLAYER

NOVEMBER 2026

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Scott Burton

FRESH COURTS, FRIENDLY COMPETITION & STAYING ACTIVE There’s plenty to celebrate in Athletics at Birnam Wood, beginning with the completion of our combination tennis and pickleball courts! The resurfacing project turned out even better than expected, and the refreshed observation area is absolutely beautiful. Please come down and take a look—and if you haven’t tried pickleball, stop by the Pro Shop, pick up a paddle, and let us help you get started. You may find that “just one game” turns into your afternoon plans! Our tennis and pickleball clinics have been extremely popular, offering a wonderful combination of instruction, exercise, and fun. Whether you prefer tennis on the hard courts or clay courts, or pickleball on our newly resurfaced courts, our certified professionals Scott & Jeff are ready to help you build confidence and take your game to the next level. Please help us keep those beautiful courts looking their best by wearing non-marking court shoes and making sure the soles are clean before stepping onto the courts, especially after visiting the clay courts. We welcome your best shots—just leave the clay behind! We’re also extremely excited for our Sixth Annual Pro Pickleball Shootout on November 12! This event has been a tremendous success over the years, and we look forward to another fantastic afternoon of exciting pickleball. Please sign up through the Birnam Wood app to join the fun. October marked the beginning of our first-ever Battle of the Sexes Bocce Tournament. The friendly competition and laughter have made for a wonderful start, and we hope to make this an annual tradition. As our players know, bocce welcomes all ages, statures, and genders. A little touch, a straight roll, and the ability to think a shot or two ahead can take you a long way. Of course, explaining what you intended the ball to do is also a time-honored bocce tradition! Whether you enjoy pickleball, tennis, bocce, croquet, or fitness, Athletics offers opportunities to keep moving, connect with friends, and enjoy an active lifestyle. If you’re curious about trying something new, please come see us. Helping you find an activity you enjoy is one of the most rewarding parts of what we strive for here at Birnam Wood. As we look forward to the golf course reopening in early 2027, this is a great time to maintain your fitness or ease into a new routine. Our Athletics team is here to welcome and support you, whatever your starting point. We hope to see you on the courts, on the bocce patio, or in the fitness center soon!!

News from Head Racquets Professional Jeff Villano October Racquets Update The big news this month is that our Pickleball Courts and seating area have been beautifully resurfaced! The new purple and green colorway now matches our hard courts, creating a fresh and cohesive look throughout the Racquets area. If you haven’t had a chance to see the newly resurfaced area, come down and check it out! A friendly reminder: Only non-marking shoes are permitted on all of our hard courts. Please do not wear running shoes with black soles, as they can leave marks on the court surface. Help us keep our newly resurfaced courts looking their best!

UPCOMING EVENTS Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge (Men & Women) Saturday, November 14th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM Sign up individually. Advanced & Intermediate divisions. Enjoy food & drink after playing.

Our newly resurfaced Pickleball Courts.

Stay Active on the Courts Don’t forget about all the activities we offer throughout the month. Join us for a clinic, tennis or pickleball social, Women’s Interclub, Pickleball Open Play, Friendly Pickleball matches, or schedule a private or hitting lesson. There are plenty of ways to get on the courts, meet fellow members, and keep your game going. We want to keep you busy! PICKLEBALL EXCHAGNE On October 10th we hosted the Montecito Club for a friendly pickleball round robin. 20 players came out and mixed around for a good time. Keep your eyes open for more pickleball exchanges scheduled against other local clubs. WOMEN’S INTERCLUB Our Women’s teams have started off the season strong. If you would like to join in all the fun, please let me know. You can be a full-time player or just a sub. Home Matches 11-11 C Santa Barbara Tennis Club 11-18 B Santa Barbara Tennis Club ADULT CLINICS Clinics are filling up fast. Come out for our 3.5+ Tuesday Clay Court Clinic, Saturday Morning Live Tennis Ball Clinics at 9:00AM and 10:00AM (do one or both hours), Saturday Morning Live Ball Pickleball Clinic at 11:00AM, or 3.5+ Saturday Morning Clay Court Clinic. Invite your friends to join us. Please reserve your spot in advance. We would love to start new tennis and pickleball clinics, please let us know what times and days that work best for you. An interest list is forming for new clinics. JUNIOR CLINICS Jeff is offering a Create a Clinic option for our members and their non-member friends. Pick a time and day that works best for your group. Book your time slot before they fill up. HOLIDAY CAMP Please let us know if you are interested in a Holiday Tennis/ Pickleball camp for your children and their friends. Email me at jvillano@bwgc.net.

Holiday Sip N Serve Saturday, December 12th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM Enjoy a fun tennis round robin with members and their guests. Sign up as an individual. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. FRIENDLY REMINDERS Pickleball play starts at 9:00AM. Please make sure you and your guests wear non-marking shoes on the courts. Please sweep the clay courts after use as a courtesy to other members. Please check your guests in at the tennis shop or on the App. Please DO NOT draw shapes or words on the wind screens. TENNIS Tuesday Afternoon Clay Court Clinic, 2:00PM – 3:30PM Tuesday/Wednesday Morning Women’s Clinics & Interclub Saturday Morning Live Ball Clinics at 9:00AM and 10:00AM (Do one or both hours) Saturday Morning 3.5+ Clay Court Clinic with Scott PICKLEBALL Wednesday Open Play – All Levels, 1:00PM – 3:00PM Saturday Int/Adv Live Ball Clinic, 11:00AM – 12:00PM Saturday Open Play - All Levels, 1:00PM – 3:00PM *Sign up on the App for clinics or contact Jeff Villano. *Guests are welcome to join our clinics. *Create a clinic with fellow members or your friends. BALL MACHINES The tennis and pickleball machines can be rented out at $15/hr. This is a great way to improve your game. Make sure you reserve a court and text Scott and Jeff to check on the availability. Please contact the tennis shop for more information. PRIVATE LESSONS Please contact Jeff or Scott to set up private or private group lessons. See you at the courts. Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional Jvillano@bwgc.net

NOVEMBER 2026

FITNESS NEWS

Jenny Mosely, Fitness and Wellness Director

The Joy of Movement: A Healthier Approach to Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time to pause, give thanks and enjoy good food and the company of family and friends. Yet, amid the celebrations, it can be easy to feel we need to compensate for indulgent meals or abandon our healthy routines.

Long-term health isn’t determined by a single meal, but by the habits we practice consistently over time. Rather than approaching the holidays with restriction or guilt, we can enjoy the festivities while continuing to care for our physical and mental wellbeing.

Here are four simple ways to enjoy Thanksgiving while supporting your health.

1. Enjoy Food Without Guilt Food is about far more than nutrition. It brings people together, connects us to traditions and creates lasting memories. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to savor those moments without worrying about every bite. One celebratory meal won’t undo the benefits of an otherwise healthy lifestyle. What matters most is our overall pattern of eating, movement and sleep.

Enjoy a variety of foods, including vegetables, fiber-rich options and good sources of protein, alongside the traditional dishes you love. Simple ingredient swaps can add nutritional value without sacrificing flavor. Roasted sweet potatoes, seasonal vegetables and pumpkin, for example, can be delicious with herbs and spices rather than relying entirely on rich sauces, marshmallows or added sugar.

The aim is balance, not perfection. Enjoy the foods that make Thanksgiving special without feeling you need to earn them through exercise or compensate afterwards. 2. Practice Mindful Eating

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to slow down and savor a meal. Mindful eating means paying attention to the experience without judgement, helping us appreciate our food and recognize the signals that our bodies give us when we’re comfortably full.

Pause and appreciate: Reflect on the effort involved in bringing the meal to the table, from growing the ingredients to preparing the food.

Engage your senses: Notice the colors, aromas, flavors and textures. Slow down: Take smaller bites, chew thoroughly and put your fork down between bites to engage in some fun conversations. Stay hydrated: Keep water nearby and sip throughout the meal. Listen to your body: Before taking seconds, pause and consider whether you’re still hungry.

3. Take a Post-Meal Walk A simple way to support your health after Thanksgiving dinner is to head outside for a walk. Working muscles use glucose from the bloodstream for energy, so walking after eating can help moderate the rise in blood glucose that naturally follows a meal. Even a short, comfortable walk can be beneficial. Invite family or friends to join you for a stroll around the neighborhood or somewhere scenic. It’s a lovely way to enjoy fresh air, connect with others and make movement part of the celebration.

4. Keep Healthy Routines Flexible The holidays may disrupt your usual routine, and that’s perfectly fine. Fit in a shorter workout, take an extra walk or enjoy a little more rest. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It’s about returning to the habits that help you feel your best without expecting every day to look the same. A flexible approach is often more sustainable than an all-or-nothing mindset.

A Final Thought: Wellbeing Is About More Than Exercise Health encompasses much more than food choices or time spent exercising. Meaningful relationships, laughter, gratitude, rest and the ability to enjoy life’s pleasures all contribute to our wellbeing and stress reduction.

The best Thanksgiving wellness habit may be the simplest one: enjoy the meal, savor the company and embrace the opportunity to move, laugh and enjoy the fresh air together.

Yours in wellness and gratitude, Jenny

NOVEMBER 2026

Come join your fellow members in our beautiful and private Fitness Studio. We look forward to moving and energizing with you! MON

9:00 AM: Strong Bones & Fall Prevention with Jenny Mosely

11:00 AM: Strength & Balance Yoga with Lily Rozhko

TUES

9:00 AM: Strong Bones & Core with Jenny Mosely

11:00 AM: Tai Chi Balance with Jenny Mosely

WED

10:00 AM: Mat Pilates with Katie Mendelsberg *Starting November 11th

THUR

9:00 AM: Ballet Fit with Jenny Mosely

FRI

9:00 AM: Mat Pilates with Bella Furrillo

SAT

10:00 AM: Aqua Fit with Nancy Clayton - November 7th

Sign up on the Birnam Wood App today! Classes are $30 each. Space is limited in the Studio, so those with reservations will have priority for admission to class. Contact Jenny Mosely with any questions at jmosely@bwgc.net. Cancellation Policy: Members must cancel their class reservation by 5:00pm the day before the class to not be charged.

BRIDGE RESULTS OCTOBER 1ST 1st - Dennis Berg - Carey Pearlman 2nd - JerryRocco- Joan Rocco 3rd - Angelica Clark - Sarah Stephens

63.19 56.94 54.17

OCTOBER 8TH 1st - Roger Lenard - Cordelia Stearns 2nd - Peggy Anderson - Sarah Stephens

67.50 57.50

OCTOBER 22ND North-South 1st - Morris Jurkowitz - Jon Seltzer 2nd - Nick Weber - Patty Weber East-West 1st - Angelica Clark - Ginny Maloco 2nd - Jerry Rocco - Joan Rocco

57.90 51.33 57.30 53.75

CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director

Richard De Schutter Bob Kidder Rachael Douglas Henrietta Fore Patricia Griffin Billy Grokenberger Andy Powell Howard Rochestie Dick Spelke Charles Wilson Bruce Worster Darrell Becker

HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director Director

Charles Wilson Richard De Schutter Marta Babson Don Opatrny Patricia Griffin Meg Pearson Howard Rochestie Sharol Siemens Chris Teasley

CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS Athletic Wade Nichols Compensation & HR Robert Nourse Construction Oversight Steve Jones Cottage Nick Mutton Finance Bob Kidder 401k Tim Armour Golf John Murphy Green Andrew Powell House Rachael Douglas & Patricia Griffin Membership Darrell Becker HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS A&L Homeowners

Chris Teasley Fred Lukas

The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2026 AT 9 AM.

BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB 2031 Packing House Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108

STAFF ROSTER Jordan Sweeney, General Manager 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.

Salvador Rodriguez, Director of Clubhouse Operations

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.

Jennifer Mosely, Fitness & Wellness Director

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.

Abdu Romero, Executive Chef

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

Nick Miana, Director of Safety & Security Claudia Raiti, Director of Finance Debbie Daggett, Director of Human Resources Eric Salazar, Director of Food & Beverage

Monica Dawson, Director of Private Events Israel Ruiz, Facilities Director Alyssa Romero, Lead Front Desk Attendant

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

The official publication of the Birnam Wood Golf Club, published monthly for members of the Club. Phone 805.969.2223 | Website: bwgc.net | Email: frontdesk@bwgc.net