PRESIDENT’S LETTER By Tim Armour, President
“It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up a lost golf ball while it is still rolling.” Mark Twain As we enter the month of July during the “time of Covid-19,” it seems like we are slowly emerging from our caves after a bitter, cold winter. We are not yet fully back to normal but we look a lot more like the Birnam Wood of prior years. Men’s and Women’s member-member golf events took place for the first time in June, an encouraging return to normalcy. The Tennis Committee has initiated the restart of interclub Tennis and has a schedule of upcoming tennis events planned. Importantly, we actually now have the option for a nice sit-down meal at the club again, Thursday through Sunday. Going forward we will continue to be cautious but realistic with all members and guests encouraged to wear a mask inside the club and going to a club venue. At the front gate, we are temperature-checking guests coming to play golf and tennis and in fact have had to turn people back. We want to protect other members and our staff. We have also welcomed members again to our cottages and we are nearly sold out for July and August. The next move we will likely implement in July will be to allow prospective members to use the cottages while complying with all of our rules on masks, distancing and self-isolation if arriving from more than 100 miles away. We need to sustain our successful membership growth initiatives to continue the flow of promising new members. The cottages have historically been a key element enabling a “sampling” of BWGC by prospective new members. Additionally, for the next several months, we are likely to continue the successful Provisional Membership program. After this summer, we will review the program and the status of the virus and decide whether to make provisional membership a more permanent feature of our new membership offering. In the meantime, the Provisional Membership Program is a good reason for you to encourage any high quality candidates to give Birnam Wood a try. After being approved for membership, their only commitment is to pay dues for 6 months. After that period, if they decide to convert to full membership, they will pay the initiation fee. We continue to have significant interest in BWGC even during the Covid-19 period. In June we received 12 new membership applications! During the time of Covid-19, we offer an oasis from the outside world. Our members and staff diligently follow mask and distancing guidelines, providing relatively safe social and dining venues to relax with family and friends. So, enjoy your summer at the club as we come closer and closer to normalcy. Thanks for your support. Tim Armour
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FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER By Jordan Sweeney, CSW, General Manager
It has been wonderful to have the Club open for dining again! Seeing all your smiling faces has been the highlight of my month. Remember, as you use the Club, that your safety is our number one priority. As of July, we will have reopened most of our amenities. Including: The Dining Room, Bocce Courts, Croquet Courts, Tennis Courts, Golf (for members and guests) and the Fitness Center. The Fitness Center was the last to re-open due to strict State policies. If you are interested in using the Fitness Center, please remember that we are allowing only 4 members into the fitness center per hour and that you will need to make a reservation! Our cottages are quickly filling up for the summer and we are thrilled to host many of our out-of-town members. If you would like to make a reservation, contact Kristy Evans at kevans@bwgc.net. I hope you’ve enjoyed our daily communications and videos. It has been fun to highlight some of our excellent staff and programs, and we hope to continue this for you in the future. You can subscribe to the Club’s YouTube channel and receive a notification each time a new video has been released. (To subscribe, simply click the red button that says subscribe while watching the video.) What a ride this has been. I am extremely proud of my team and what we have been able to accomplish during this crazy season. As I finish up my 6th month as your General Manager, I marvel at this implausible journey. There has not been one ‘normal’ month since I stepped into this position. I am honored and extremely grateful for the support of the members and staff. And, hopefully, as we slowly move forward we will begin to find ourselves returning to something resembling “normal.” “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher. Cheers, Jordan Sweeney
BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB 2031 Packing House Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Phone (805) 969-2223 Fax (805) 969-5037 www.bwgc.net Email: frontdesk@bwgc.net BOARD OF DIRECTORS Timothy Armour President Robert Nourse Vice President/ Treasurer James Carder Secretary Jeffrey Barbakow Director Bryan de Ponce Director Richard DeSchutter Director Vicki Hazard Director Ilene Nagel Director Lizzie Peus Director Andrew Powell Director Connie Stein Director Diane Sullivan Director Robert Veloz Director COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Alex Nourse A&L Bob Hollman Bridge Diane Wootton Bulletin Alex Nourse Cottage Roger Lenard Croquet Richard De Schutter Finance Robert Veloz Fitness Bryan de Ponce Golf Andrew Powell Green Nanette Vaughan Homeowners Ricardo Calderon House Peter Slaughter Legal Lizzie Peus Membership Ron Robertson Jr. New Member Dani Hahn Tennis Holly Armour Women’s Golf Assn. THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, JULY 24TH AT 8:30 AM.
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FROM THE CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
By Brendan Glesmann, Clubhouse Manager
The gates are slowly "opening" and it is good to see everyone return. Our re-opening weekend was incredible! Reservations sold out in minutes and it was so nice to see all the member's smiling faces, masks and all! Members enjoyed live music all weekend long. In fact, it was such a big hit that, moving forward, we will be having live music every Friday. In "Mending Wall" (a poem by Robert Frost and a rather apt title for today), he discusses mending old acquaintances but still being separated by the wall of caution; he says "good fences make good neighbors." Perhaps we should amend that and say "good distances make healthy neighbors." I wish this season was different. However, we've been forced to choose the Road Less Travelled (another nod to Frost) and we must make do with what we have. I assure you, again, that pursuant to the Board of Directors and the General Manager's direction, we are doing everything we can to keep the members safe. Once again, the staff and I want to thank you for your incredible patience, understanding and good will during these difficult times.
TENNIS NEWS
By Dan Webster, Director of Tennis When signing up for a tennis court, please use the reservation system on the Birnam Wood Website. You will need to login onto the website and go to the Tennis tab. Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Tennis and Golf Camps: We are finalizing dates and times for our one-week kid’s camp in July. • There has been alot of interest and we will host one sometime after July 4th. • Ages 5-15 • Please contact Dan(tennis) 805-969-7394 and/or Dave(golf ) 805-969-0919 for more info. The clay courts have been reconditioned with more top-dressing material. Make sure to brush the court when you finish playing. Also, please remember that members are only allowed one guest per month. Remember to use the sanitizing gel in front of the tennis shop after play. Please check Jordan’s daily GM report for updates and changes to tennis protocol. Stay safe and I’ll see you on the courts.
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GOLF NEWS
By Michael Goodcase, Head Golf Professional It was so great being open throughout the month of May and through the first part of June. It was wonderful seeing so many members at the club playing golf and enjoying the camaraderie that golf offers during these incredibly difficult times. Hopefully, you have all enjoyed a few of the videos that our staff has put together for you to get you important information and keep you somewhat entertained. Some competitive golf is returning to the calendar. The ladies began their Regular Tuesday Golf on June 9th. They had a nice field of 29 members. They are looking at the calendar for a time to have their first members only event. The men have rescheduled their McLean Member-Member Tournament for June 19th & 20th. Look for the summary and list of the winners in this month’s Buzz. The Golf Committee also made a proposal to the Board of Directors to allow guests on the golf course. The proposed policy was accepted. • Groups may only include 2 guests. • Maximum number of players per group is 4.
• When possible, guests are encouraged to walk. • Immediate family members can play any time the golf course is open. (Twice per month max) • Non- family guests may play anytime Monday through Friday, and after 12:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. (Once per month max) • Members must call ahead and inform the Gatehouse when a guest will arrive. • Members must arrive before their respective guest(s). • All guests will have their temperature taken by Birnam Wood Gatehouse staff. Guests must wear masks when temperature is taken. If temperature is 100 degrees or above, Guest(s) will not be allowed entrance (this is same policy in place for Birnam employees). There are no exceptions. • All guests will be required to complete a questionnaire at the Golf Shop before play. Information requested will include name, phone number and confirmation of no known Covid-19 symptoms. Members are responsible for the health screening of their guests to ensure the safety of everyone at Birnam Wood. Members need to confirm their guest does not have a fever, cough or flu like symptoms.
TAKE THE TIME TO EVALUATE YOUR GAME AND SET GOALS PART 2 By Scott Maier, PGA, Birnam Wood Teaching Professional Last month’s article discussed evaluating your game and setting goals for your long and short game. This month we will discuss your game management and mental game.
of sleep and recovery. Are you eating a proper diet? Are you staying properly hydrated? Do you exercise? If you do, are you targeting deficiencies in flexibility, strength, and cardio?
Game Management – Questions you can use to evaluate your game management: How is your club selection? Do you tend to under club and miss short or over club and miss long of your target? Do you know what your carry and roll distances are for each club? Are you selecting the proper club for trouble shots and uneven lies? Does your shot selection match what the course is giving you?
Mental Game - The questions for this category can be quite extensive so I’ll list just a few. Are you task oriented or result oriented during a round? Do you find yourself looking ahead or behind during a round? Do you try to execute a shot, or do you try not to fail? Can you pick yourself up after a bad shot? Do you give every shot 100% of your attention?
How is your risk management? Do you tend to be too aggressive or too conservative? Or do you have good balance between the two? Are you attempting enough high percentage shots?
Once you have completed your evaluation and identified your strengths and weaknesses, you now have a plan. Keep in mind it’s ok to focus on your deficiencies, but don’t forget to spend time practicing your strengths as well.
Knowledge of the rules is important as well. Do you know the basic rules? If you don’t know a rule, can you find it in the rule book?
I hope you find the time to evaluate your game. You might find it very enlightening, and it can put you on the path to improving your golf game.
Other areas to consider are proper sleep, diet, and exercise. Are you getting enough sleep? Never underestimate the importance
Call the golf shop and schedule a lesson so we can evaluate your golf game and set goals to help you improve. July 2020
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July 2020
July 2020
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FITNESS NEWS
By Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish, Co-Directors THE QUARANTINE 15 If you are seeing a little more of yourself than you’d like, now is the time to take action and get back on track. You do not have to be a victim of the “Quarantine 15” (meaning, 15 pounds)! These guidelines will help you not only with your emotional eating and food choices but with your fitness routine. Remember, one day at a time, one step at a time. Make the right choice and end up where you want to be. Plan your meals ahead of time Make a list before heading off to the grocery store and stick with the list. Avoid picking up tempting processed foods and high calorie beverages. Buy mostly whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruit. Whatever you choose consider the nutritional value. If you don’t bring it home, you won’t eat it! Cook from scratch There are many online recipe sites to peruse. I like “Half Baked Harvest.” Healthy and tasty! Choose recipes that use fresh ingredients. Find a recipe for what you have in your pantry, fridge or freezer. You can take this time to enhance your cooking skills and broaden your repertoire! Order healthier to-go items If cooking is not your thing then consider ordering menu items that are lower in calorie and higher on the nutritional scale. Salads are not always the best choice when it comes to nutrition. Salad dressings and sauces can be loaded with calories and fat! Soup, steamed vegetables, whole grain sides and lean chicken and fish are good options. Try a squeeze of lemon or orange as a dressing or sauce. Birnam Wood’s menu has many healthy options! Avoid emotional eating Are you really hungry or just bored? Frustrated? Stressed? Start with a glass of water and then find an alternative when you are eating to deal with an emotion. Consider taking a walk, reading a book, gardening or get outside and do ANYTHING! The main thing is to recognize why you are eating and if it is not because you are hungry get away from the fridge! Stay Active The Fitness Center closing has been hard on many of you. Finding new ways to get your heart rate up without your favorite machine has been challenging. Instead of just sitting on the couch for another Netflix binge give yourself 30 minutes a day to move. Walk, run, hike, bike, skip, golf, stretch – 8
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anything, just move! There are many options if you need more motivation. Birnam Wood has 11 Fitness Classes on Zoom per week as well as personal training on Zoom and in person (socially distant). Look online and you will find thousands of options for motivating classes and workout programs. Set a daily movement goal and stick with it! There are many reasons to maintain a healthy weight through eating right and exercising – better sleep, higher energy, decreased risk of heart disease, increased strength, more selfconfidence, stronger immune system, higher bone density, and best of all – you will FEEL better!!! So start planning those healthy meals and get moving! Your future self will thank you for the good decisions you make today. Please contact the Fitness Directors Joy DuMay or Liz Parrish for assistance with planning your workouts or Zoom help.
The Fitness Center is Re-opening
Birnam Wood Fitness Center Class Schedule July 2020 All of our classes are currently held on the online Zoom platform. Please see the website or daily GM email for current class links. Contact a Fitness Director for assistance! Joy - joydumayfitness@gmail.com or Liz - lizparrishfitness@gmail.com
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
10:30-11:30
11:00-12:00 Iyengar Yoga w/ Vanessa
3:00-4:00 Core & More w/ Nancy C.
Strength & Length
Thursday
Friday
10:30-11:30
w/Chava
11:00-12:00 Iyengar Yoga w/ Vanessa
3:00-4:00 20/20/20 w/Liz
3:00-4:00 Core & More w/ Nancy C.
Strength & Length
w/Chava
11:00-12:00 Iyengar Yoga w/ Vanessa
3:00-4:00 20/20/20 w/Liz
Monday/Wednesday/Friday Iyengar Yoga @ 11:00 am with Vanessa Bacher vanessabbacher@yahoo.com Using various props such as blankets and blocks as aids in performing asanas (postures), this class develops strength, mobility and stability as well as mental clarity. An emphasis on spinal health and restorative breathing improves respiration and boosts the immune system. Monday/Wednesday Core & More @ 3:00 pm with Nancy Clayton onbalancefitness@gmail.com Your core connects, coordinates and supports your upper and lower body; the strength of which allows you to move in harmony and comfort. With a little work in all areas for overall strength, Core & More will help with balance, back health, posture and mobility Tuesday/Thursday Strengthen and Lengthen @ 10:30 am with Chava Riley chavalogan@gmail.com Improve your balance, strength and flexibility while building stronger, leaner muscles. Stabilize your Core and gain full body strength with an extra cardio bonus! Tuesday/Thursday 20/20/20 @ 3:00 pm with Liz Parrish lizparrishfitness@gmail.com Build a leaner, stronger and more balanced body using light weights and slow, controlled movements. Each class spends 20 minutes on arms, legs and balance, 20 minutes on core work and finishes with 20 minutes of full body stretching. Small space, mat or towel and small weights. Appropriate for all levels. July 2020
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MEMBERSHIP
The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee: Mrs. Jeanette Baer (Kurt) Resident, Provisional
Owner, Aesthetics Montecito Former Member: SB Polo & Racquet Club
Mr. Daniel Eades Mrs. Peri Harcourt
Mr. Lawrence Derito (Suzy) Tennis, Provisional
Former President & CEO, Strategix, Inc. Member: The Loxahatchee Club
Mr. Bowen Farrell Mr. Bryan de Ponce
Mr. Steve Boyer (Colleen) Non-Resident, Provisional
Consultant, Eide Bailly LLC Member: San Gabriel Country Club
Mr. Barry McKinley Mr. My Andy Powell
Mr. Samuel King (Lisa) Intermediate Golf, Provisional
Owner, Silver Fern Chemical Inc. Member: Knowlwood Tennis Club
Mr. Tim Hatton Mr. Thomas Jackson
Mr. David Kroll (Jenna) Intermediate Golf, Provisional
CEO, Churchome Member: Overlake Country Club
Mr. Lindsay Parton Mr. Teddy Bliss
Mr. Edmund Lang (Julia Claire) Non-Resident Provisional
Executive, TrueCar Member: Bel Air Bay Club
Mr. Hugh Merrill Mr. Henry Nevins
Mr. Rob Lowe (Sheryl) Resident
Actor, Producer and Director Member: Miramar Beach Club
Dr. Charlie Bissell Mr. Kelly Vandever
Mr. Francis Sulger (Helga) Clubhouse, Provisional
Former Partner, Thacher Proffitt & Wood Member: NY Athletic Club, Harvard Club
Mrs. Betsy Coates Mr. Wade Nichols
Mr. Kevin Mokarow (Courtney) Non-Resident, Provisional
Chairman and CEO, Aperia Solutions, Inc. Dr. Richard Caleel Member: Brook Hollow GC, Gleneagles CC Mr. Morris Jurkawitz
Mr. Chris Mills (Mireille) Resident, Provisional
Owner, Mills, Ent. Member: Montecito CC, The Valley Club
Mrs. Rene Curtis Mrs. Holly Armour
Mrs. Betsy Terrazas (Joe) Non-Resident, Provisional
Former VP, Union Bank Member: Annandale Golf Club
Mrs. Catherine Partridge Mr. Christopher Martin
Mr. Christopher von Wiesenberger (Taylor) Co-Founder, Aptitude Media, Inc. Junior Golf, Provisional
Mr. Timothy Stack Mr. Billy Grokenberger
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 July 8, 2020. Membership Committee: Mrs. Lizzie Peus, Chairman Mrs. Patty Marshall Dr. Richard Caleel Dr. Ron Robertson 10
July 2020
Mr. Andy Chou Mrs. Teri Sahhar Mrs. Gail Gelles Mr. Ryan Siemens
Mr. Cliff Lundberg Mrs. Gloria Slaughter Mrs. Allison Marcillac Mrs. Linda Whiston
Welcome!
The Board of Directors welcomes the following members to Birnam Wood Golf Club: CORPORATE MEMBERS
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tortorici Peter and Susan are new Birnam Homeowners at 2158 Birnam Wood Drive. They also reside in Madrid, Spain. Peter attended Ohio State University and received his JD at St. Johns University School of Law, Susan attended the University of San Diego. Peter has had a long career in media, having served as President of two Broadcast Networks (CBS and Telemundo.) Susan owns Susan Tortorici Fine Art, and does fine oil painting, drawing, and sculpture. The Tortoricis have three adult children. They are members of Bel-Air Country Club, The Valley Club, and the Real Club La Moraleja in Spain.
Menu STARTERS $9
OF
Chips, Guacamole, and Salsa Classic Caesar Salad Heirloom Tomato Caprese Potato Salad Tropical Slaw Macaroni Salad Stone Fruit, Kale, and Goat Cheese Salad
SIDES $6
BBQ
11AM – 3PM
Onion Rings Fire Roasted Vegetables Ranch Style Beans Corn on the Cob Herb Roasted Potatoes
ENTREES $18
Fried Chicken (Breast, Leg, Thigh Bone-in) Baby Back Pork Ribs (½ Rack) Beef Ribs (3 Ribs) Beef Sliders and Mini Corndogs (3 Sliders, 5 Corndogs) Smoked Brisket with Bourbon BBQ Sauce (10 oz.) Open Faced Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich (Slaw and Crispy Onions) Grilled Swordfish Kabobs
LIMITED SEATING OUTSIDE PRE-ORDER FOR TAKE-OUT RSVP (805) 969-2223
DESSERTS $8
Peaches and Cream Apple, Peach or Cherry Pie Chocolate Mousse Red, White, and Blue Trifle
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BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB 2031 Packing House Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108
STAFF ROSTER 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 or appropriate golf and tennis attire and for ladies includes dresses, pantsuits, skirts and similar attire. Blue jean pants and jackets, tank tops, cut-offs, sports jerseys, shirts with large insignias and phrases, baggy cargo pants or shorts and caps and visors worn backward are prohibited. Members hosting or sponsoring private events are responsible for communicating the Club dress code to those attending such events. CANCELATION 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.
Jordan Sweeney......................................... General Manager Brendan Glesmann............................... Clubhouse Manager Michael Goodcase......................................... Head Golf Pro Martin Moore........................................ GS Superintendent Brandon Hughes...........................................Executive Chef Jarrett Garcia......................................... Director of Security Dan Webster............................................Director of Tennis Joy DuMay.................................Co-Fitness Center Director Liz Parrish..................................Co-Fitness Center Director Ching Woodhouse................ Director of Human Resources
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.
Emily Ojerholm................................. Membership Director
FOR YOUR PROTECTION - Audio and video recording is taking place at Birnam Wood.
Manuel Orozco................................ Executive Housekeeper
Kristy Evans......... Director of Admin and Communications Eric Salazar.................................................... F&B Manager Israel Ruiz................................................Facilities Engineer Dolly St. Germain ...............................................Controller
The official publication of the Birnam Wood Golf Club, published monthly for members of the Club. Phone (805) 969-2223 | FAX (805) 969-5037 | Website: www.bwgc.net | Email: frontdesk@bwgc.net