BIRNAM BUZZ
WHAT’S INSIDE
DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Richard De Schutter, President
One of the great management observers of the 20th century, Peter Drucker, had a way of condensing pithy wisdom into just a few words.
Among his sayings, two of my favorites are: ...The best way to predict the future is to create it . ...Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into work.
In Birnam’s case, the two sayings are linked. With strong support from the membership, we are embarking on a $15 million campaign that will remake our culinary capabilities and restore the golf course to the original vision of our premier golf architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr. Our vision now translates into work as we are about to see starting this month with the installation of temporary kitchen trailers. Our patience over the next 24 months may be tested but will be well rewarded in the end.
On another note, and as Jordan Sweeney makes mention in the adjacent column, our longtime receptionist and cottage reservations manager, Cathy Kendrick is retiring in May following 31 years of service. Jordan writes a wonderful summary of her outstanding career here at Birnam, but I would be remiss if I did not add to his congratulations on behalf of the entire board of directors, the membership (and their pooches).
We all wish her the very best though her furry friends will miss their dog treats at the desk.
See you at the club.
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome
It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of our beloved Lead Front Desk Attendant, Cathy Kendrick. Cathy’s journey with Birnam Wood began in 1979, when she started as a waitress and hostess before earning a well-deserved promotion to Lead Breakfast Server—a highly regarded role at the time. She dedicated seven years to the Club before moving to Arizona in 1986, where she raised her family.
In 2001, Cathy returned to Carpinteria and rejoined Birnam Wood as a full-time waitress. Over the years, she took on additional responsibilities, working the front desk on Sundays and later assisting with Sunday night Expo shifts. When longtime front desk employee Alice retired, Cathy seamlessly stepped into the lead role, ultimately spending an impressive 31 years serving the Birnam Wood community across both of her tenures.
Cathy was honored as the 2020 Employee of the Year, a well-earned recognition for her dedication. Beyond handling calls and reservations at the front desk, she also managed office supplies and, in 2020, took over the Club’s Cottage reservations. Her impact on the Club has been immeasurable, and her warmth, efficiency, and dedication have made her a true joy to work with. Cathy’s legacy at Birnam Wood mirrors that of her mother, Carol, who served as a waitress for 36 years before retiring as Catering Director in 2011.
To celebrate Cathy’s incredible tenure and wish her well in retirement, the Club will be hosting a retirement party on Thursday, May 1st, from 4 PM to 6 PM on the Veranda. Join us for an evening of camaraderie with hosted hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and mocktails. RSVP on the APP or at the Front Desk.
While we will deeply miss Cathy, we are thrilled to announce that Alyssa “Lulu” Romero will be stepping into the role of Full-Time Lead Receptionist. Lulu has been a valued member of the Birnam Wood team for nine years, starting as a server before earning a well-deserved promotion to Captain. Beloved by members and staff alike, she brings warmth, dedication, and a deep understanding of the Club’s hospitality. She will begin training with Cathy this month to ensure a seamless transition. Continuing the tradition of family ties at Birnam Wood, Lulu’s mother, Juana, also worked at the Club as a server in the early 2010s.
Cathy is looking forward to an exciting new chapter—traveling the country in her new truck! Please join us in congratulating her on a well-deserved retirement and in welcoming Lulu to her new role.
See you at the Club.
SPOTLIGHT ON BIRNAM WOOD HELPING HANDS
Thanks to the support of generous Club Members, Birnam Wood Helping Hands provides a lifeline for our employees in their greatest times of need. The Helping Hands Board reviews applications from several staff members each year and allocates funds up to $12,000 per employee per year to assist them with financial emergencies that are beyond their control. While we respect the confidentiality of our applicants, Cathy Kendrick has allowed us to print her moving story below.
In December 2024, I lost my mother, my best friend, my hero. I had the blessing of being able to have her home in her bed with her dog Saide and me by her side when she closed her eyes and took her last breath. I don’t know how to explain the loss, but it was almost unbearable. In those next few hours, I was in a daze. I received many calls and text messages but one stood out.
I received a text saying please remember Helping Hands is here to help you. I hadn’t even thought that far in the future, but when I received that text, I felt a huge relief knowing that I may have financial assistance with my mother’s funeral costs.
Helping Hands did indeed help me with the funeral costs.
This gesture was incredibly special for me and my mother’s legacy. She worked here at Birnam Wood Golf Club for 36 years before retiring. She loved nothing more than going to work and taking part in making wonderful memories for members and their guests.
In my 69 years of life, I have never had anything like this happen to me and my family and we are truly grateful for the generosity. This benefit, which we are so fortunate to have here at Birnam, is quite honestly priceless.
I will never forget this incredible gift from Helping Hands and neither will my mom; I know she felt the love from all.
, Helping Hands recipient
The Helping Hands Fund is made possible entirely by our members and is a separate entity from the Holiday Fund. We all treasure the staff at Birnam, and the Helping Hands Board is honored to show this appreciation thanks to your voluntary contributions. For more information or to make a gift, please email Lizzie Peus at Lizpeus@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 11, Seating Times: 11:30am, 12:00p
TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members – March 2025
Jeffrey Giordano (Nanette)
Social
Celeste Turbeville, Robert Fell, Blair Pence
Jeff is an attorney and has a long and distinguished career in all aspects of Direct Marketing. He has built and sold a number of successful businesses and has held leadership positions within Start-Up and Fortune 500 environments. He has served on various boards and his articles have been published in a variety of magazines and other trade publications. He and Nanette have two children and are involved in the Santa Barbara Community. They are looking forward to becoming active members of Birnam Wood.
Robert Castle
Social
Richard De Schutter, Beth Wood, Marta Babson
Robert graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Mathematics with high honors. He began his career and has worked for 35 years managing information and telecommunications companies focusing on executive leadership, capital acquisition, staffing, world-wide marketing, sales, general management and Board of Director activity. He is currently on the Board of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and a member of the La Cumbre Country Club. He has three grown children and is looking forward to spending time at the Club with his many friends.
In Memoriam
Maylo Harding Member since
1998
Candidates for Membership
The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:
James Phillips (Linda)
Retired Attorney
Resident Little Town Club, Hualalai Club
James Harrison (Alicia)
Non-Resident
Geoff Gray (Dina)
Resident
Geoff Wyatt (Laura)
Resident/Reinstatement
Bradley Stimson (Janet)
President, Harrison Properties
Paradise Valley Country Club
Founder Heeluxe, Inc.
CEO Wyatt Technology Corp.
Montecito Club, Victory Ranch Club
VP Engineering, Quantumscape
Social Brookside Tennis, Knowlwood Tennis
Beth Vos
CCO Peninsula Bay Trust Co.
Social Montecito Club
Timothy Bliss (Ginny)
Resident
Partners Fund Capital
Knowlwood, Coral Casino
Mrs. Dina Wilson
Mrs. Lana McIntyre
Mr. Bill Metzler
Mr. Gordon McKay
Mr. JD Roth
Mr. Patrick Walsh
Mrs. Julia Rodgers
Mr. George Isaac
Mr. Ryan Siemens
Mr. Brent Peus
Mrs. Julia Rodgers
Mr. Bill Reyner
Mr. Robert Mack
Mr. Rick Ryu
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, April 14, 2025 .
Membership Committee:
Kelly Vandever, Chair
Jen Abed
Marta Babson
Darryl Becker
Bryan Brand
Rob Crane
Monica Epstein
Trey Evans
Chris Gregoire
David Grotenhuis
Vicki Hazard
Ryan Malmsten
Austin Muller
Matt Porter
Emily Roos
Birnam Babies
Welcome the newest additions to the Birnam Wood family!
Baby Boy
“Benji” Micah Santiago
12.16.24 (Pablo & Suzanne Santiago)
Baby Girl
“Madi” Grace O’Laughlin
01.14.25 (Brian O’Laughlin)
Baby Girl Valeria Jasmine Lopez
03.08.25 (Arturo Lopez)
5:30 - 8:00 PM
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
Luis Flores
We are starting off the Spring Season with our first Spring Fling Wine Festival on April 12th at 2:00pm. Join us on the patio for a casual wine tasting, featuring light-crisp wines and a lovely selection of sparkling wines - perfect for spring! You can sign up on the app or by calling the front desk.
The next Saturday Night Live in the Packing House will be April 19th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Kids Club will also be available. Bring your kids (ages 5-10) for a movie night and dinner in the library and enjoy a date night with live music in the Packing House. Make your reservation by calling the front desk or sign up on the app.
By popular demand, we will now be hosting Mahjong twice a month. This drop-in Mahjong has become very popular and will now be available on the first and last Tuesdays of the month. The start time is 1:00pm and play will go until 3:00pm. You can sign up by calling the front desk.
April 2025
Cinco De Mayo
GOLF NEWS
Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf
The beginning of March blessed with some nice rain to help make up for the dry winter we had been experiencing. This gets our rain totals for 2025 up to around 10 inches. These wonderful rain events will make for a beautiful beginning to the spring. The golf course has gobbled up Mother Nature’s goodness. Course conditions will be so good throughout April and through the beginning of course aerification in the middle of May.
The BWWGA 2025 most improved players:
January - Terri Bennett
February - Karen Peus
One drawback to this rain has been the cancellation of the Men’s and Ladies’ Guest Days in March. We are hopeful to be back with beautiful weather for guest days in April: Men on Wednesday April 2nd and Ladies on Friday, April 11th.
April is also the host month for both the Men’s and Ladies’ Member-Members. The Ladies’ RTJ Challenge MemberMember is April 15th and 16th with a Master’s Theme. The men will play the McLean Member-Member on April 25th and 26th. These are very special events for our members to be celebrating our wonderful club. This is a members’ event that is completely for the members. Get your name on the perpetual trophy and your name will live forever at Birnam Wood.
As I mentioned earlier in my article, our golf course aerification is not too far off. The first nine holes will be closed beginning on Monday, May 12th. It will remain closed for that entire week. The following Monday, the other nine will be closed for the aerification process. In order to assist with a faster recovery and to ensure the health of the turf as it recovers, the
Green and Golf Committee have made the decision to only allow golfers to walk and use speed/push carts for a period of at least two weeks. I understand this is difficult for many of our members. So, they have made a provision for members who provide a medical note. This medical release will allow those members the use of a golf cart.
One final reminder from the Green Committee regarding the use of golf carts. They ask that players using a golf cart keep the carts in the fairway as much as possible. If your ball happened to come to rest in the mulch or rough, please park in the fairway and walk to your ball to perform your shot. The fairway Bermuda is more hearty than our Rye rough. This will improve the course conditions for everyone’s enjoyment.
UNDERSTANDING SPIN LOFT: THE KEY TO MASTERING GOLF SHOTS
Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional
In golf, mastering the mechanics of a golf shot involves more than just swinging hard or contacting the ball. One of the more technical yet crucial aspects of a successful shot is Spin Loft. Golfers may focus on swing speed and angle of attack; however, Spin Loft plays a pivotal role in how the ball reacts in the air, its trajectory, and its ability to stop quickly on the green.
What is Spin Loft?
Spin loft is the angle between the direction the club head is moving (both club path and angle of attack) and the direction the club face is pointing (both face angle and dynamic loft). The Spin Loft is not just an abstract concept, it has real-world consequences on the ball’s spin rate and overall flight. In simple terms, Spin Loft is calculated by subtracting Angle of Attack from the Dynamic Loft:
1. Dynamic Loft – This amount of loft on the club face at impact.
2. Angle of Attack – The angle at which the club head approaches the ball during the swing. A steeper angle of attack (descending strike) can create more spin, while a shallower angle of attack may produce less spin.
How Does Spin Loft Affect Ball Flight?
Here is a breakdown of how different spin loft values influence the shot:
1. Higher Spin Loft: When the spin loft is greater (i.e., the angle of attack is steep relative to the club’s dynamic loft), the ball typically generates more backspin. This increased spin causes the ball to climb higher in the air and descend with a steeper angle. It can also help the ball stop more quickly on the green.
2. Lower Spin Loft: A lower spin loft, achieved by having a shallower angle of attack relative to the dynamic loft of the club results in less backspin. This usually leads to a lower ball flight and the ball may roll out more after landing.
How to Adjust Spin Loft for Different Shots
Understanding and adjusting spin loft is an important skill for golfers looking to improve their game. Here is how you can adjust it depending on the type of shot you are hitting:
1. For Higher Spin: To generate more spin, increase your angle of attack (i.e., by striking the ball with a steeper angle). Do this with wedges or short irons when you want to produce more backspin to control the ball’s landing and stopping power.
2. For Lower Spin: To generate less spin, a shallower angle of attack or a more neutral lofted club will help reduce the spin loft. This is useful for hitting low punch shots or in windy conditions.
3. Club Selection: The loft of the club you are using will also affect the spin loft. Higher-lofted clubs, such as wedges and short irons, naturally create a higher spin loft and more spin. Conversely, lower-lofted clubs like drivers and long irons tend to generate less spin.
Spin Loft and Golf Equipment
Golf club manufacturers have designed clubs with specific spin lofts in mind, and modern equipment such as adjustable drivers and wedges allow golfers to fine-tune their ball flight characteristics. Additionally, the design of the grooves on a clubface also plays a role in spin generation. Deeper, sharper grooves create more friction, which can enhance the amount of spin created by the ball.
Furthermore, the condition of the golf ball, the type of ball used (e.g., soft or firm), and environmental factors like wind or course conditions also affect spin loft’s influence on the ball’s flight.
Conclusion
Spin Loft is a critical element of golf that plays a huge role in how a ball behaves during its flight. Understanding how the relationship between club loft and angle of attack affects ball spin will allow players to gain better control over their shots. By manipulating Spin Loft, golfers can create higher spin for stopping power, or lower spin for more distance and roll, allowing them to adapt their game to a variety of scenarios on the course.
Mastering spin loft requires practice, but the rewards are immense in terms of improving shot accuracy, control, and distance. Whether you are looking to dial in your wedge play or hit more consistent irons, spin loft is a fundamental concept for golfers to understand.
FROM TEE TO GREEN
Brian O’Laughlin Director of Agronomy
Well, we ended up with a pretty wet March, which was gladly welcomed. We are still well below the yearly average, and my guess is that the faucet is about to turn off for good for a while. That said, I wouldn’t complain about an inch or two in April or May!
With the rain likely behind us, GCM is shifting focus to prime-season golf and turf conditioning. First on our checklist: eradicating the Poa annua that popped up to say hello after last month’s storms. Our herbicide application in late January did a great job, following sequential applications in September, October, November, and December. We’re literally attacking this weed monthly, yet it still finds a way to push through when conditions get just right (wet and cold).
That said, we’re exploring some out-of-the-box methods to get control of this noxious weed. The industry had better come up with some new chemistry soon, or we’ll be back to growing Poa as our desired crop! I’m optimistic that the application we made on March 24th will take care of most of the new Poa that has emerged.
Beyond Poa control, we’re gearing up for aerification season, which is just around the corner in May. This year’s aerification will look a little different now that next year’s golf course project has been approved. Be sure to check out my May Buzz article, where I’ll dive deeper into what to expect.
As always, please remember to fill your divots, fix your ball marks, and keep carts in the fairways as much as possible. See you out on the course!
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Scott Burton
Greetings from Athletics – there is always something to look forward to here at Birnam Wood.
Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to shake off the winter blues and get moving! With longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better excuse to head outside and have some fun. Whether you’re driving a tennis ball across the court, getting in on the pickleball here at the Club, or enjoying a laid-back game of bocce or croquet with friends, there’s something for everyone. The fresh air, the sunshine, and a little friendly competition make it easy to stay active without feeling like a workout. Plus, these games are perfect for all skill levels—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking for an excuse to be outside.
The best part? These activities are as social as they are active. Grab a partner for doubles tennis or pickleball, or set up a casual bocce or croquet match with friends. No need for intense training, just a good attitude and maybe a cold drink in hand for those in-between rounds. Moving your body while soaking up the spring vibes is a win-win, and who knows, you might even discover a new favorite hobby. So, get outdoors and make the most of this beautiful season.
News From The Courts & Jeff
The Member/Guest Pickleball Tournament took place March 15th and 16th. There was a nice turnout with 28 participants. The Men’s and Women’s Intermediate divisions took place on Saturday. Congratulations to Tom Berkenkamp/Eamon Burke for defeating Mark Seversen/Joel Banez, Nicole Woodhouse/Lisa Miller beat Suzanne Garrett/Ann Pieramici in a 3-game final. On Sunday morning the Advanced Women played. Hayley Carty/Megan Cotich defended their title and won in a long 3 game final vs GraceAnn Graumann/Kristin Schmidt. Thank you to all for playing. It was a lot of fun! The Advanced Men’s division will be played later.
Eamon Burke/Tom Berkenkamp. | Lisa Miller/Nicole Woodhouse.
BNP Paribas Open - Update
I know many of you made it to the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this past month. The weather was so nice, and the tennis was incredible. I was lucky enough to go for a few days. Each year something new always catches my attention. This year I really noticed how matches are only separated by a few points. I watched first, second, and third round matches. Remember all these players are the best in the world. They are very talented, work extremely hard, and have great teams around them. As the level goes up, the winner generally wins around 10 more points than their opponent, sometimes even less. I watched Gael Monfils play Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov won the match but both players won the same number of points. An average singles match consists of 150 points. The number one player in the world wins on average 55% of the points. So that means Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Federer, in their prime, only win about 15 more points a match than their opponent. I encourage you to take Rafael Nadal’s approach and try to win every point in your matches, whether it’s tennis or pickleball, and see if your results improve.
SUMMER JUNIOR GOLF & TENNIS CAMP
Have your children and their friends participate in Biram Wood’s fun Golf & Tennis Camp. Three weeks will be offered this summer. You can participate in Golf/Tennis, Golf only or Tennis only options. The camp runs Monday – Thursday 11:00AM-1:00PM (golf), 1:00PM1:30PM (lunch), 1:30PM-3:30PM (tennis). Please contact the Golf or Tennis Shop to sign up.
Session 1: June 16th-19th
Session 2: July 14th-17th
Session 3: August 4th-7th
Another option we going to offer this Summer is a “CREATE A CAMP”. Create your own Tennis, Pickleball, or combo camp. Choose the days and times that work best for you and your friends. Please contact me for more details. I look forward to working with your children and their friends over the Summer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tennis Member/Guest Tournament (Men’s & Women’s Divisions)
Saturday and Sunday, April 12th & 13th
Intermediate Division (3.0-4.0), Saturday 1:00PM – 4:00PM Advanced Division (4.0+), Sunday 10:00AM – 1:00PM
The first 8 teams in each division will be guaranteed a spot. Cinco de Mayo, Dinks & Drinks and Sip N’ Serve
Saturday, May 3rd, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Participate in a pickleball or tennis social.
Pickleball Shootout
June – Date TBD
All American Sip N’ Serve
Saturday, July 5th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Play in fun, rotating partner tennis mixer.
Tennis
Clinics are filling up fast. Remember to sign up on the App.
Tuesday Afternoon Clay Court Clinic, 2:30PM – 4:00PM
Wednesday Morning Women’s C Team Clinic, 9:30AM – 11:00AM
Saturday Morning Live Ball Clinics at 9:00AM and 10:00AM (Do one or both hours)
Pickleball
There has been a lot of play on the pickleball courts. Join us for one of these clinics/events.
Monday Advanced Clinic, 3.5+, 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Monday Int/Adv Clinic, 3.0-3.4, 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Tuesday Beg/Int Clinic, 2.0-3.0, 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Wednesday Open Play – All Levels, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Wednesday Live Ball Clinic, 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Saturday Live Ball Clinic, 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Saturday Open Play - All Levels, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
The tennis and pickleball machines can be rented out at $15/hr. This is a great way to improve your game. 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 on the courts.
Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional
As we embark upon our Summer Bocce League, keep in mind what the great Billy Jean King once said, “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
~That’s the news from Athletics
Abs Abs Abs!
FITNESS NEWS
Joy DuMay, Fitness Director
The Birnam Wood Fitness Center has some great outside equipment to really crush your core! Check out the five exercises below, with thanks to Andrew Anthony for helping demonstrate. Do three sets of 15 reps, three times a week, for a super strong, toned midsection.
1) Roman Chair: Torch your lower abs with either a Knee Tuck or Straight Leg Lift. Make sure that you keep your shoulders down and stable. Do not swing your legs, rather exhale and pull your abs in as you lift the legs with control. Keep your lower back stable (no arching) when you lower your legs.
Back Extension: Your Core is not just in the front of your body, so be sure to also work the back and sides of your torso. Adjust the length of the machine so that you can hinge from your hips. For the Back Extension, keep your back and neck straight and exhale as you lift up. Do not overly-arch your spine but lift until you feel your lower back, glutes and hamstrings engage. For the Side-Over, you will be working the side facing the ceiling, so keep your shoulders and hips stacked one above the other. Support your head, and move with control as you lower and lengthen your upper body, then crunch your side as you lift.
The Wheel of Fun: An all-time favorite, this exercise requires what I call “The Wheel of Fun” (ha-ha). Make sure that you keep your shoulders stable and only go as far as you can with control. Inhale as you roll out and exhale and draw those abs in as you roll back in. This exercise really challenges your total core and shoulder stability.
SOUND BATH
with
Karen Stevens Certified Sound Healer & Mindfulness
Instructor
Immerse yourself in a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience as Karen creates a symphony of soothing sounds using crystal singing bowls, chimes, drums, and tuning forks. Let the vibrations wash over you, releasing tension and inviting a profound sense of peace.
Birnam Wood Fitness Center Saturday, April 12, 2025 10:30-11:30 am 11:45 am-12:45 pm $30/person
more information, contact: Joy DuMay at: jdumay@bwgc.net
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 limited in the Studio, so those with reservations will have priority for admission to class. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy in effect.
MON 9:45 AM: Strength and Grace with Marianna Sarkisova 11:00 AM: Gentle Flow Yoga with Lily Rozhko
TUES 9:30 AM: Balance and Stability with Sally Saenger 11:00 AM: Cardio Dance & Sculpt with Joy DuMay
WED 11:00 AM: Iyengar Yoga with Vanessa Bacher
THUR 9:45 AM: Strength and Grace with Marianna Sarkisova 11:00 AM: Gentle Flow Yoga with Lily Rozhko
FRI 9:30 AM: Tai Chi with Chris Wiedmann
Self Care Saturday!
April 12th, 10:30 & 11:45 AM Sound Bath with Certified Sound Healer and Mindfulness Instructor
Karen Lee Stevens. Immerse yourself in a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience as the vibrations wash over you, releasing tension and inviting a profound sense of peace Maximum 8 participants, with an additional class at 11:45 am if needed Sign up on the app under Stay Connected, Upcoming Events
CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Richard De Schutter
Secretary Wade Nichols
Treasurer Bob Kidder
Director Rachael Douglas
Director Linda Gluck
Balance & Stability
With Sally Saenger
Tuesdays at 9:30am.
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Billy Grokenberger
Director Vicki Hazard
Director Steve Jones
Director Howard Rochestie
Director Chris Teasley
Director Kelly Vandever
Director Charles Wilson
HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Wade Nichols
Treasurer Richard De Schutter
Secretary Vicki Hazard
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Meg Pearson
Director Sharol Siemens
Director Chris Teasley
Director Charles Wilson
Director Linda Wood
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Athletic Wade Nichols
Compensation & HR Robert Nourse
Construction
Oversight Steve Jones
Cottage Sharol Siemens
Finance Bob Kidder
401k Tim Armour
Golf Billy Grokenberger
Green Andrew Powell
$30 Sign up on the App or contact Joy at jdumay@bwgc.net
House Rachael Douglas
Membership Kelly Vandever
HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
A&L Chris Teasley
Homeowners Fred Lukas
Security Dave Grotenhuis
The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025 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
Nicole Landon, Director of Security
Michael Alvarado, Deputy 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