PRESIDENT’S LETTER David Grotenhuis, President
I’m often asked how I like being President. My first thought is “do I give the short answer or the long answer.” The short answer is that I am honored to be able to serve the best Club around. The long answer is that it is a lot of work and that it could not be done without the terrific staff we have and the many Club members who devote hours and hours to making Birnam such a special place. For example, Bob Nourse and Bill Kimsey have spent a tremendous amount of time preparing a financing plan for the implementation of the Strategic Plan. It will soon be in a position to present to the Club. A Design Committee for the Clubhouse has been selected and will be headed by Russ Fraser. This committee of 8 members will have a lot of responsibility and I am excited that they will coordinate the activities of BraytenHughes, our design firm. Google them at bhdstudios.com and look at their website. I think you will be impressed. We had a meeting recently with our insurance company regarding our mud and fire claim. Matt Porter, a newer young member, is our insurance agent and he did an outstanding job representing our interests. We continue to update our claim as we explore additional financial impacts the Club has suffered from that event. You need to be confident that we are well insured and will be fully reimbursed for all of these impacts. One thing I would like to encourage all of us to remember is that we are a community. We all have different needs. We will all need to accept change that takes place within our Club. The reservation policy that has been put into place is done to be able to serve more members. I know it is a change but I believe it to be a positive change for our community.
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 David Grotenhuis President Robert Nourse Vice President/ Treasurer James Carder Secretary Andrew Anthony Director Tim Armour Director Allegra Bessolo Director David Carpenter Director Richard De Schutter Director Don Eversoll Director Teri Sahhar Director Connie Stein Director Diane Sullivan Director Beth Wood Director COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
We have received our first draft of the campus design study from our architect, Brian Cearnal. It studies the various components of the Strategic Plan and where they will be best located. We expect to have this in a condition to share with all members within the next month or so.
Alex Nourse Bob Hollman Diane Wootton Alex Nourse Roger Lenard Robert Nourse Ron Robertson, Jr. Tim Armour Andrew Anthony Nanette Vaughan Beth Wood Peter Slaughter Lizzie Peus Tim Armour Trina Grokenberger Connie Stein
Well, that’s what’s happening in our neighborhood. Lots of exciting work to do. Lots of improvements coming (and positive change). As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you have. And remember, qualified members are what drive this train to continued success.
THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE HOMEOWNERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 29,2019, 8:30 A.M.
One change we want to make is to provide pickle ball, the fastest growing sport in the USA, for the use of all members. This has been a concern to some of our tennis players. We are working to find a way to provide this sport with the smallest amount of inconvenience we can. All of us need to be as flexible as possible and remember there are over 680 members which equates to over 1,300 folks that we are trying to serve.
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BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB
March 2019
A&L Bridge Bulletin Chairman Cottage Croquet Finance Fitness Golf Green Homeowners House Legal Membership New Member Comm Tennis Women’s Golf Assn.
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER By Ari Kreisler, General Manager
When Santa was here for Santa’s Brunch, the kids kept asking, “Is that the REAL Santa?” Similarly, Frank Sinatra was here last week for the Valentines dinner and he was such a sound-alike, Members kept asking, “Is he REALLY singing?” The answer was yes, he really was that good! But the magic of that evening wasn’t just Frank, it was Chef Brandon’s special menu and the whole Main Dining Room, transformed into a romantic, elegant affair by Jordan, Monica, Israel and the team. The buzz keeps flowing through our Club! A wood fired pizza oven is coming and will be here by the time this newsletter is published. Not only can you look forward to seeing it at events but it will also be used to create a section on the 19th Hole Bar menu! The recent wet weather doesn’t seem to dampen the spirit of this Membership. Marty has measured 15 ½ inches of rain through February 17th and no major damage to the Club or the member’s homes has been reported. The mountains and creeks have definitely passed some big tests and even after the two evacuations we have had in 2019, Members are smiling and excited to be here as soon as we re-open. This Club has a special spirit and it keeps getting better. On the cover is a picture I shot of the driving range in February 2014. It had just been renovated and was opened in April 2014. Immediately after opening, faced with drought
and a heat wave in May 2014, the Club was forced to reduce water usage wherever possible, including the range. Soon the target greens and the tee were the only areas of the driving range receiving water. When the decision was made to convert all the turf on the golf course, except the greens, to hybrid Bermuda grass, the Club decided to forgo the extra expense of re-sodding the range with Bermuda. Now, the established Bermuda on the golf course provides an opportunity to convert the driving range to Bermuda by spreading the sprigs from the Spring aerification. The target greens and tees will get fresh sod. The greens will be heartier and reflect a surface more like the golf course, the tee boxes will be better, the expanse of the range will be more consistent in the summers, the entire range will cost less to water and will be more sustainable into the future. This turf conversion means the range will be closed for approximately six weeks, beginning after Ladies Team Play is completed in March and finishing before the Men’s Guest Day in May. The Strategic Planning process is culminating with plans to chart the smartest possible path to a better, more vibrant Birnam Wood. There are so many components to ensuring we get this right to setup the Club for success well into the future. Behind the scenes, several people are meeting daily, sometimes even more frequently, working on the strategy and developing details. Several outside professionals are also now contracted and the vision is taking shape while the funding plan is almost complete.
March 2019
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HOUSE COMMITTEE CORNER
By Beth Wood, Chair House Committee
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Thursday, March 21st at 6pm Dinner Buffet with Assortment Pizzas, Pasta, Salads, Desserts and More! $49.95 Contact the Front Desk for Reservations (805) 969-2223
Taste of Spain Friday, March 29th 5pm – 6:30pm
Come join your clubs Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine and Assistant General Manager as he takes you through Spain. 6 wines will be paired with small bites. You don’t have to be wine savvy, come and enjoy! $75++ Don’t be intimidated, you don’t have to know anything about wine. Come and have FUN with your new SOMM and enjoy the experience that everyone will be talking about! Contact the Front Desk for Reservations (805)969-2223. Reservations are encouraged for dining afterward. Please arrive promptly.
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March 2019
Lots of FUN events continued over the past month. The everpopular artist, Rachel Brown returned for her wine and painting party. The more wine poured the better our paintings got (or so we thought!!). The Far Niente/Nickel & Nickel wine dinner was sold out on February 7th. Jordan Sweeney delighted and educated members with a lively program. A beautiful wine pairing dinner by Chef Brandon and his team were savored by all. The crescendo for the month was the Valentine’s Day event. The “Go Big Team” raised the bar on excellence once again! With the use of elegant draping and lighting, the events room was transformed into a chic night club featuring Danny D, who “channeled” Frank Sinatra songs! It was an evening to be remembered! REGARDING TIMED DINING RESERVATION POLICY: For as long as we can remember the club has taken dining reservations at the pleasure of our members. This all sounds good but what it resulted in was that almost everyone wanted a 6:30 reservation! Consequently, once the dining areas were fully booked many members were declined. Also, a number of members were “no shows” for their reservations so tables sat empty for the evening. WE DON’T WANT TO SAY “NO’ TO OUR MEMBERS WHEN THEY WANT TO DINE AT THEIR CLUB! We also want to feel welcoming to the new members we are busy recruiting for our club which will result in additional dining reservations. Management is offering an incentive of an early bird special price to encourage members to come a little earlier. And it is important to note that no member will be asked to vacate their table as they linger with friends. This new policy is already seeing positive results! On Friday, February 8th we were able to serve a record of over 120 diners! NO ONE WAS TURNED AWAY! This allows all members to enjoy their club. We encourage you to be supportive of the changes that create a more vibrant club that serves its membership well! EVENTS TO WATCH FOR: March 21st is Pizza on the Patio (a new pizza oven is on its way! Exciting!). March 29th is Wine Down Friday, A Taste of Spain. And start forming your BOCCE BALL TEAM (8 to 10 members each). April 18th will be the kick off with a BOCCE 101 class. We are planning temporary courts for league play until the permanent courts are installed. On April 16th we are busy planning a bus excursion to LA for a “Ladies Lunch and Shopping Day.” So, mark that on your calendar! Lots of fun in the queue for all of us to look forward to!
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March 2019
SOMMELIER’S CORNER
By Jordan Sweeney, CSW, Assistant General Manager I hope everyone has been enjoying our new and enhanced wine program. Our new wines by the glass have been a hit! Our BW wine club is also doing very well. To make it easier to order wine, we have added a “Grab n’ Go” order form with a list of “Club Favorites” at the front desk. Next time you’re at the club, grab a sheet, fill it out and give it to Cathy or Brian at the front!
Chenin Blanc
Grape of the month: Origin of Grape Name: Chenin Blanc is named for Mont-Chenin in Touraine, France. Major Countries of Production: South Africa: 18,515 hectares | France: 9,835 hectares
Chenin blanc is a crisp, refreshing white wine well known in France and South Africa. In France, Chenin makes its home in the Loire Valley. Vouvray and Savennières are its top AOP’s (Sub-regions). In South Africa, the grape is locally called “Steen.” Steen is often oaked and is a little bit fuller in style because of the warmer temperature in South Africa. If you are looking for something crisp and fresh with a little oak and don’t want something as heavy and full as a Chardonnay, try our Raats Chenin Blanc by the glass from Stellenbosch South Africa. You won’t be disappointed. It has been a member favorite!
Last month we changed our dinner menu and have gotten great feedback! Thanks for the continued support to try and enhance our club member’s experience. Cheers, Jordan Sweeney, CSW March 2019
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March 2019
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GOLF NEWS
By Michael Goodcase, Head Golf Professional Once again, we have been blessed with nice rains that were with us from the end of January through the first couple of weeks of February. It is so great that Marty has not needed to turn on the sprinklers to irrigate the golf course. Mother Nature’s irrigation is fantastic for the turf to flush certain particles through the soil. The grass is much greener than it was just a few weeks earlier when we faced the over night frost temperatures. As promised in my last article, I have an update on the Men’s Team Play. At this time, our men have played three matches (2 home and 1 away). Unfortunately, our record is 1 win and 2 losses. They were able to split with La Cumbre and had the exact same point totals as each team won on their home turf by a score of 27-21. However, we were not able to defend our home course advantage against Saticoy. The Saticoy players came to Birnam and played well on their way to a 30-18 victory. We still have three matches. Our guys need to go undefeated to have hopes of making the playoffs. The ladies embark on their team play journey with a home match on Thursday, February 28, against Alisal Ranch. They have been preparing for the last couple months. The captains’ have high expectations, and the players are ready to get started. There are a number of events in March. The ladies have their Mini-Member Guest Tournament on Friday, March 8, followed by their Spring Swing on Tuesday, March 12. Make sure to sign up in the Ladies’ locker room. The men have their monthly guest day on Wednesday, March 6. Finally, our first mixed event of the year will take place on Saturday, March 16. The St. Patrick’s Scramble is a fun event for men, women, and couples. This is a member only event, and groups may consist of men, women, or any combination thereof. Sign up and be a part of our fabulous events at Birnam Wood. Remember, there are no golf event in April, due to the golf course aerification. Please plan your golf accordingly.
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March 2019
SHOULD YOUR HEAD MOVE OR STAY STILL DURING THE GOLF SWING? By Scott Maier, PGA, Birnam Wood Teaching Professional There is a common myth among amateurs in golf about head motion. I’ve heard phrases such as, “Keep your head still,” or “Keep your head down,” or “You looked up too soon.” In fact, “Oh, I looked up too soon” has become a reflexive response when amateurs miss-hit a shot. It comes as a surprise to some students when I show their swing on video and point out that their head was indeed looking at the ground well past impact after the miss-hit. Attempting to keep your head perfectly still or keeping your head down may yield some occasional good shots; but, if you’re looking for more consistent ball striking your head must move. World Golf hall of fame coach Harvey Penick said it best, “Show me a player who doesn’t move his head and I’ll show you someone who can’t play.”
being used. Wedge swings require a narrow stance and therefore the rotation and lateral motion is small. Driver swings require a wide stance and more rotation and lateral motion than the wedge swing. Drill: Make half-swings with a pitching wedge focusing on the finish position. Your goal is to turn your head, shoulders and hips to look at the target. Look at the right photo below for an example and notice the arms and club are pointing towards the target. Use this drill to warm up before each practice session to improve your head motion. Call the golf shop today to schedule a lesson so we can evaluate your head motion and how it impacts your golf swing.
In most cases, when I see a player trying to keep their head down, they have very little body rotation, pivot in the backswing or follow through. The swing plane then becomes too vertical, the left arm and left wrist breakdown at impact (see left photo) which results in thin and heavy hits. Ideally, the head will rotate or shift laterally (or a combination of both) during the backswing and follow through (see right photo). A player’s head motion will vary depending on the shot and the club
NEW AND IMPROVED DINING / EVENT RESERVATION POLICIES / HOURS EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2019 Grill and 19th Hole Dinner Reservations Reservations will be taken for seatings at 5:30pm*, 6:15pm and 7:15pm. *5:30pm seatings strongly encouraged to order by 6pm to ensure availability for 7:15pm seatings. *5:30pm seatings will have opportunity to select from limited “Sunset Menu” if order is placed by 6pm. Event Reservations Reservation period for Club Events will begin 60-days prior to the Event, excluding: Easter, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving which start 120-days prior to the Event.
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WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION PLAY OF THE DAY/TUESDAYS Join the fun: Sign up for Ladies Day! March 19th Lucky Charm (4 best hole on the front 4 best holes on the back) March 26th Putts
JANUARY 2019: Ingrid Shattuck
March 2019
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BIRNAM BIRNAM WOOD WOOD WOMEN’S WOMEN’S GOLF GOLF ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION
2019
Birnam Wood Women’s Golf Association
YOU YOU ARE ARE CORDIALLY CORDIALLY INVITED INVITED TO TO PLAY PLAY IN IN THE THE POPULAR POPULAR
MI
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IN -MEMBER GUE TOURNAMENT
With Irish Luck May The Fairway Rise To Meet You
MARCH 8TH 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Invite One Guest or Three
$25 Entry Fee Per Person Breakfast before and lunch following golf
MARCH 1ST CANCELLATION DEADLINE Questions: Karen Peus Melissa Dvorak
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SPRING SWING T O U R N A M E N T T O U R N A M E N T TUESDAY, TUESDAY, MARCH MARCH 12, 12, 2019 2019 9:00 9:00 A.M. A.M. SHOTGUN SHOTGUN PLAY: TEXAS PLAY: TEXAS SCRAMBLE SCRAMBLE LUNCH LUNCH FOLLOWING FOLLOWING PLAY PLAY SIGN SIGN UP UP IN IN LOCKER LOCKER ROOM ROOM INDIVIDUALLY INDIVIDUALLY FOURSOMES FOURSOMESWILL WILLBE BEARRANGED ARRANGEDBY BYTHE THEGOLF GOLFSHOP SHOP TOURNAMENT CHAIR: DOYEN MCINTOSH TOURNAMENT CHAIR: DOYEN MCINTOSH 72 HOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE 72 HOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE
TENNIS NEWS
By Dan Webster, Director of Tennis While we’ve been getting our fair share of rain the past couple of months, the good news is that there have been very little destructive debris flows. For our Tennis Members looking to play after rains, we will make every effort to dry as many courts as possible on such days. However, it is not always possible to dry every court for play, especially on busy days. If you have a reservation and would like to make sure your reserved court is playable or not, please call and check the Tennis Office for updates. We will make every effort to dry as many courts as possible with the time allowed. We hope those who have been coming out to play Pickle Ball on the third Saturday of each month, are having fun! If you would like to have a lesson or organize a clinic with a group of people, please feel free to ask one of the Pros for some assistance. If you should want to arrange your own play with a group of people, most afternoons are a great time to organize play. As most mornings, with a couple of exceptions, the tennis courts, are largely be utilized for tennis play. The time has come for the second largest tennis event of the year in the US. Indian Wells begins the 6th of March and runs through the 17th! Should you not have had the chance to watch the best players in the world, it is an incredible opportunity and experience.
BREAKFAST 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. THE GRILL Full Service Breakfast Tuesday through Sunday LUNCH 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Full Service ~ Grill Room Sunday ~ Brunch Menu 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events: • Pickle Ball Clinic: March 16th, 2-3:30 • UCSB Ladies Day Round-Robin: Saturday, March 23, 1pm • Mixed Doubles Mixer: March 31st Tennis Tip: The key statistic that wins tennis matches more than any other is second serve points won percentage. The player who had the higher second serve points won percentage won 4 out of the last 5 grand slam finals. And 6 out of the top 10 male players in the world are among the top 10 in second serve points won percentage. By contrast, only 3 out of the top 10 men are in the top 10 for first serve points won percentage. And just 2 of the top 10 male players (Djokovic, Nadal) are found on the first serve percentage top ten list. The women’s game isn’t much different: based on the 2015 WTA Tour Stats, more than half of the top 10 female players in second serve points won percentage are in the top 15 of the WTA rankings. What does all this mean? It means that winning more second serve points than your opponent is crucial, and likely indicative, of whether you will win a match.
DINING INFORMATION Monday ~ No Meal Service Tuesday ~ No Dinner Service Birthday Dinner ~ Members are treated to a complimentary Dinner if their birthday falls in that month. Thursday Evenings ~ No Corkage Fee Friday Evenings ~ Chop House Night Sunday ~ Burger Night 6-8:30 p.m. 19th Hole Happy Hour Wednesday through Sunday 3-5:30 p.m.
DINNER The Grill Wednesday Through Sunday 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 19th Hole Bar Menu Wednesday – Sunday 6:00 p.m – 8:30 p.m. 19th Hole Casual Fare Wednesday through Sunday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
In order that we may plan an adequate staff for service, members are requested to make both luncheon and dinner reservations in advance. For Reservations Call (805) 969-2223.
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FITNESS NEWS
By Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish, Co-Directors
SIT UP STRAIGHT!
Has anyone ever told you to “sit up straight”? If not, you are one of the rare people with perfect posture. Most people have some deviation in their posture due to lifestyle, genetics or a lack of strength and flexibility. Two of the most common postural issues are lordosis (sway back) and kyphosis (forward head and rounded shoulders). Deviations in your posture cause compensations that can lead to pain, poor performance, and eventually injuries. Whether you have perfect posture and want to maintain it or you want to improve your posture, some simple exercises, stretches and changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.
Assess with the Wall/Mirror Tests
Stand with your back against a wall with your feet about 4 – 6 inches away from the wall. Your chin should be level to the floor with your head touching the wall, your shoulders should be back and down and touching the wall, and your hips should be in contact with the wall. There should be a small space between your neck and the small of your back and the wall. Use a mirror (or have a friend take a sideways photo) to assess your posture. If you look sideways you can see if your head is in front of your shoulders (ears should be centered over your shoulders). You should be able to draw an imaginary line from the center of your head all the way down the side of your body to the center of your foot. Perfect posture does not mean your spine is straight, rather it is comprised of three main curves making an “s”. These curves help the spine withstand great amounts of stress by providing a more even distribution of body weight. When we have too much or too little curvature in one of these areas, the body will make compensations which leads to some muscles being tighter, weaker and often in pain.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Sit and stand TALL! Your chair should be at a level where your knees are slightly lower than your hips. Avoid high heels as they thrust the base of your spine forward arching your lower back. Raise your work/play station. Set your phone / computer / book / whatever at a height that requires you to look straight ahead vs. down. Set your car seat closer vs. farther away from the pedals and raise your seat back so you do not slouch. For longer drives consider using a rolled up towel behind the small of your back. Align your spine as you sleep. If you are a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees and make sure the pillow under your head keeps your head in line with the rest of your spine. If you are a back sleeper use a flatter vs. a fuller pillow. The best is a pillow that just fills the space behind your neck. Go for a firm mattress vs. a soft one. Implementing these lifestyle choices on a daily basis will get you closer to pain free perfect posture! Stop in to the Fitness Center for recommendations on exercises and stretches that you can use for your specific postural issues. Remember, every little thing helps to get you closer (or farther) from living a better life! 16
March 2019
BRIDGE NEWS
By Robert Hollman, Bridge Chairman Great news – Peter Gray will again be doing a series of bridge lessons on selected Thursday mornings from 10:30 – 11:45. See enclosed flyer for specific dates and topics. There is no charge for the lessons and they are very popular, so we ask that you sign up with the front desk for each lesson you plan to attend. Players are encouraged to stay and play in the 1:00 duplicate game. Please sign up with the front desk for each week you plan to play. Duplicate bridge on Thursday afternoons is very popular at Birnam Wood with 28 - 40 players participating each week. We can accommodate as many as 52 players, so more players are always welcome. If you need a partner for any regular Thursday game, please call the front desk or email Mary Schmidt – mcschmidt@verizon.net. There is a no host lunch table in the grill reserved for bridge players every Thursday at 11:45.
BRIDGE RESULTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY JANUARY 24 E/W 1st: Agnes Murdoch - David Murdoch 98.50 2nd: Andre Saltoun - Morrie Jurkowitz 93.00 3rd: Joan Rocco - Jerry Rocco 92.00 4th: Candace Dauphinot - Robert Hollman 90.50 N/S 1st: Peggy Anderson - Dennis Berg 111.00 2nd: Peter Stalker - Mollie Love 104.00 3rd: Bill Hartman - Mary Hartman 96.00 4th: Emily Roos - Kandy Budgor 89.00
FEBRUARY 7 E/W 1st: Morrie Jurkowitz - Andre Saltoun 2nd: Jerry Rocco - Joan Rocco 3rd: David Murdoch - Agnes Murdoch 4th: Jean Rogers - Del Moen
97.00 83.50 76.50 71.50
N/S 1st: Peggy Anderson - Dennis Berg 2nd: Peter Stalker - Roger Lenard 3rd: Candace Dauphinot - Mollie Love 3rd: Bob Short - Barbara Hadley
83.43 80.57 78.86 78.86
JANUARY 31 E/W 1st: Andre Saltoun - Morrie Jurkowitz 2nd: Jerry Rocco - Joan Rocco 3rd: Roger Lenard - Mollie Love 4th: Agnes Murdoch - David Murdoch
102.22 101.50 96.97 92.00
FEBRUARY 14 E/W 1st: Joan Rocco - Jerry Rocco 2nd: Kay Sellers - Sally Barden 3rd: Agnes Murdoch - David Murdoch 4th: Barbara Burkit - Ron Latimer
101.00 96.00 88.00 86.00
N/S 1st: Peggy Anderson - Dennis Berg 2nd: Lee Luria - Laura Kuhn 3rd: Bob Short - Barbara Hadley 4th: Bill Hartman - Mary Hartman
108.15 100.78 96.50 96.45
N/S 1st: Peter Stalker - Mollie Love 2nd: Lee Luria - Laura Kuhn 2nd: Bill Hartman - Mary Hartman 4th: Roger Lenard - Cordelia Stearns
95.00 94.50 94.50 89.00
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MEMBERSHIP
The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee: Mr. Peter Barker Clubhouse
Retired, General Partner, Goldman Sachs & Co Member: Valley Club, Cypress Point Club, LACC
Mr. William Hopkins Mr. James Shattuck
Mr. Henry McMicking Joseph-Mercedes McMicking Foundation Resident Member: Burlingame Club, Bohemian Club
Mrs. Sharon Bradford Mrs. Diane Sullivan
Mr. Roger Palley Non-resident
Pres., Palley-Needelman Asset Management Member: Lido Isle Tennis Club, Santa Ana CC
Mr. Allen Segal Mr. Larry Guy
Mr. Douglas Pearson Non-resident
Retired, Owner/CEO, CA Creative Foods/SB Salsa Member: Harvard Club of NYC
Mr. William Kimsey Mr. Richard Pearson
Mrs. Tracy Stoll Intermediate Golf
CFO/Partner, Irene Neuwirth Inc. Member: Los Angeles CC, SB Yacht Club
Mr. Bryan de Ponce Mr. Austin Herlihy
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 and all unfavorable correspondence will be returned upon completion of the candidate’s application. Please submit comments by March 13, 2019. Membership Committee: Mrs. Lizzie Peus, Chairman Mr. Andy Chou Mrs. Gail Gelles Mr. Cliff Lundberg
Mrs. Allison Marcillac Mrs. Patty Marshall Dr. Ron Robertson Mrs. Teri Sahhar
Mr. Ryan Siemens Mrs. Gloria Slaughter Mrs. Larie Smith Mrs. Linda Whiston
HIGHLIGHTS Birthday Dinners (Any regular Dinner night except Friday)
Ladies’ Mini‐Member Guest March 8
Duplicate Bridge (Every Thursday ~ 12:45 p.m.)
Ladies’ Team Play vs. Spanish Hills March 14
Chop House Night (Friday Evening) Burger Madness (Sunday Evening) Happy Hour – 19th Hole (Wednesdays–Sundays 3-5:30 p.m.) Ladies’ Team Play vs. Sunset Hills March 5 Men’s Guest Day March 6
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March 2019
Ladies’ Spring Swing March 12 Pickleball Clinic March 16 St. Patrick’s Scramble (Mixed) March 16 Chicago Bridge Returns to BW March 20 Pizza on the Patio March 21 Green Aerification March 28 Green Aerification March 29 Wine Down Friday – Taste of Spain March 29
The Board of Directors welcomes the following members to Birnam Wood Golf Club: CORPORATE MEMBER Morten Simonson and Hope Benham Morten and Hope reside in Oak View, CA and have bought a home in Birnam Wood. He is Manager/ Owner, Nor-Cal Invest, LLC – investing in early stage medical and software technology startups. He received his MBA from the University of Denver – Daniels College of Business and was a member of the Royal Norwegian Navy. They have three grown children. INTERMEDIATE GOLF MEMBERS Austin Herlihy and Maggie Saunders Austin and Maggie reside in Montecito. He is a real estate broker with Radius Group and attended Santa Barbara City College and the University of California Santa Barbara. They are members of Santa Barbara Yacht Club and together have six young children. Jeff and Gretchen Horn Jeff and Gretchen reside in Montecito. Jeff is a VP of sales at Procore and Gretchen is employed at Cottage Health Systems. Jeff completed his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz and Masters at UC San Diego. Gretchen completed her undergraduate degree at Smith College and Masters at UC San Diego. They are members of Knowlwood Tennis Club and have two young sons. Thomas (TJ) and Lisa Jackson TJ and Lisa reside in Montecito. He is First Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and is the President, Montecito Union School Foundation. TJ completed his undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt and Lisa completed her BA at UCSB. They are members of Knowlwood Tennis Club, past members of Olympic Club and have three young sons. CLUBHOUSE MEMBER Alben (Al) and Rebecca Barkley Al and Rebecca reside in Montecito. He is owner, Barkley Risk and Insurance Services. He has a BA in Business from Cal Poly and she has a BFA in Art from Center College of Design. They are members of Spanish Hills Country Club, The Palm Country Club, PGA West in La Quinta and have two grown children.
March 2019
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Did You Know? These are some fun facts about Birnam Wood that we will share from time to time. If you would like to contribute any interesting facts about Birnam Wood, please feel free to email those to Dave Baker at dbaker@bwgc.net . • There is no longer a period where New Members need to wait to sponsor their friends and family to join Birnam Wood. • “Bocce” is the plural form of “Boccia” which is Italian for “Bowls” and/or “Wooden Balls.” Did you also know that Birnam Wood is THE destination for Bocce Ball in Summer 2019?? • The Fitness Center used to be much smaller and was the Men’s Card Room. • The Club’s website is updated daily with the speed of the Greens and the Course playability. • As everyone knows, Birnam Wood was once a ranch with some 28,000 lemon trees but prior to that it was home to about 25,000 olive trees which were removed to make room for the lemon trees. • We have our very own Notary on site as a service to our Birnam Wood Members. • You can sign-up with the Accounting Department to have you bill paid automatically. • The Club’s website is updated daily to display the Grill and 19th Hole specials. • The Club has two Clay Tennis Courts, two Plexicushion Tennis Courts and two Hard Tennis Courts. • Croquet at Birnam Wood dates back to its inception when Bob McLean insisted the grounds include plans for croquet lawns. • The Fitness Center is frequented more often than the golf course. • Two homes on Crocker Sperry Drive used to be Cottages for the membership to rent. • Any Membership category can purchase merchandise in the Golf Shop at special “Member Pricing.” • Members can special-order merchandise and still receive Member Pricing. • The Golf Shop staff offers club fitting onsite. • The Club’s website is constantly updated with all the golf tournament winners and Duplicate Bridge results. • The average age of the 30 Members who have joined over the last twelve months is 52.5 while the average age of all Birnam Wood Members is 73.1. • The driving range tee was originally at the east end of the range adjacent to #16 fairway. The tee was relocated to the west end as part of the development of Lemon Ranch Road in the late 80’s. The East Valley Ranch Company planned to develop 6 lots on the south side of Lemon Ranch Road. The driving range (at less than half its current width) was to be squeezed between the back of those lots and the Valley Club parking lot with 75 foot high fences on both the south and north sides. Club President Douglas Carpenter realized that would leave Birnam Wood with a woefully inadequate driving range. He led the effort for Birnam Wood Golf Club to buy the lots from the East Valley Ranch Company and was successful in raising funding for the purchase of 4 of the lots. East Valley Ranch retained two of the lots. One of which has a beautiful home on it adjacent to #16 fairway. The other has become Dog Park, but that’s another story. 22
March 2019
March SUNDAY
24
MONDAY
TUESDAY
25
Croquet & Lunch Course Opens ‐ 11am
WEDNESDAY
26
Ladies' Golf: Fewest Putts 8:30am
27
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
28
1
Ladies' Golf:
Ladies' Team Play Chop House vs. Alisal Ranch Night
Duplicate Bridge Grill & Bar Open Grill & Bar Open
Croquet & Lunch Course Opens ‐ 11am
Tennis Clinic*
4
5
Ladies' Golf:
6
Men's Golf:
7
10
11
Croquet & Lunch Course Opens ‐ 11am
12
Ladies' Golf:
13
Tennis: Interclub
Ladies' Spring Swing ‐ 9am
Ladies' Golf:
18
Croquet & Lunch Course Opens ‐ St. Patrick's Day 11am
19
20
Lucky Charm ‐ 8:30am
Burger Madness Casual Dining No Meal Service Casual Dining Sunday Supper Club Closes ‐ 5pm Club Closes ‐ 5pm Grill & Bar Open
24
25
26
Ladies' Golf:
27
Tennis: Interclub
Putts ‐ 8:30am
3
Spring Aerification
Burger Madness Casual Dining No Meal Service Casual Dining Sunday Supper Club Closes ‐ 5pm Club Closes ‐ 5pm Grill & Bar Open
16
12:30pm Casual Dining Grill & Bar Open
Grill & Bar Open Bridge Lessons
21
No Regular Dinner Service
St. Patrick's Scamble (Mixed)
Grill & Bar Open
22
28
Grill & Bar Open
4
French Wine Dinner ‐ 6pm
23
Grill & Bar Open
29
Bridge Lessons Duplicate Bridge Wine Down Friday ‐ 5pm Taste of Spain
Spring Aerification
2
Spring Aerification
15
Casual Dining Grill & Bar Open
Duplicate Bridge
Croquet & Lunch Spring Aerification
1
Grill & Bar Open
Pickleball ‐ 2pm
Green Aerification
April
9
Ladies' Golf:
Burger Madness Casual Dining Casual Dining No Meal Service Sunday Supper Club Closes ‐ 5pm Club Closes ‐ 5pm Grill & Bar Open
31
Casual Dining Grill & Bar Open
Member Guest Day ‐ 9am
Duplicate Bridge Chop House Chicago Bridge Pizza on the Night Returns to BW! Patio ‐ 6pm
Ladies' Golf:
Croquet & Lunch Course Opens ‐ 11am
14
2
Ladies' Team Play Chop House vs. Spanish Hills Night
Burger Madness Casual Dining No Meal Service Casual Dining Sunday Supper Club Closes ‐ 5pm Club Closes ‐ 5pm Grill & Bar Open
17
8
Ladies' Team Play Men's Guest Day Duplicate Bridge Ladies' Mini‐ vs. Sunset Hills 12:15pm
*Ladies 9:30am Burger Madness *Men 2pm Casual Dining No Meal Service Casual Dining Sunday Supper Club Closes ‐ 5pm Club Closes ‐ 5pm Bar Open‐No Grill Grill & Bar Open
SATURDAY
Burger Madness Casual Dining No Meal Service Casual Dining Sunday Supper Club Closes ‐ 5pm Club Closes ‐ 5pm Grill & Bar Open
3
2019
Casual Dining Grill & Bar Open
30
Grill & Bar Open
Casual Dining Grill & Bar Open
Spring Aerification
Spring Aerification
Green Aerification
5
Chop House Night
6
No Regular Dinner Service
Grill & Bar Open
Casual Dining Grill & Bar Open March 2019
23
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.
Ari Kreisler .............................................. General Manager/CFO
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.
Eric Salazar.............................................................F&B Manager
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.
Jordan Sweeney...................................Assistant General Manager Michael Goodcase ................................... Head Golf Professional Martin Moore ...............................................GC Superintendent Brandon Hughes ..................................................Executive Chef Monica Dawson............................................Director of Catering Ivan Diaz.................................................. Dining Room Manager Mitch Vargas .................................................Director of Security Israel Ruiz........................................................ Facilities Engineer Manuel Orozco ....................................... Executive Housekeeper Linda Basydlo .............................................Membership Director Lucy Anderson ............................................Cottage Reservations Dan Webster ................................................... Director of Tennis Joy DuMay ........................................ Co-Fitness Center Director Liz Parrish.......................................... Co-Fitness Center Director David Baker.............................................. Accounting Supervisor Ching Woodhouse.........................Director of Human Resources
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