April 2017 Cat Tales

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CATTAIL’S NEW HAPPY HOUR WHAT IS GOLF FITNESS GOLF SHOP NEWS APRIL 2017

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we know you’re excited.

MEN’S GOLF OPENING DAY Saturday, April 22 | 8:30 a.m. Breakfast • 10:00 a.m. Shotgun

ABCD PAIRINGS • BEST-TWO-OF-FOUR NET • 100% HANDICAP Included with Tournament Club or $100

Breakfast & Lunch included: Omelet Station | Fresh Fruit | Bagels | Scrambled Eggs | Country Sausage | Applewood Bacon Hash Browns | Sausage Hash Brown Casserole | Apple Streusel French Toast Bake Orzo Salad | Ginger Coleslaw | BBQ Jerk Housemade Potato Chips | Assorted Rolls & Bread Philly Cheesesteak Wraps | Grilled Chicken Wings | Turkey & Pesto Paninis Shrimp Salad | Chicken Salad | Assorted Cookies & Brownies

LEADERSHIP E X E C U T I V E

C O M M I T T E E

Howard Feldman, President | howard.feldman@cfmktg.com Seth Lee,Vice President | slee@summittalentgroup.com Scott Nicholson, Treasurer | snichlsn@gmail.com Steve Schrenk, Secretary | sschrenk@eqrworld.com Dick Lombardo, Past President | dlombardo@harkinsbuilders.com B O A R D

O F

D I R E C T O R S Jeff Martin Colton O’Donoghue Lurdes Abruscato Sean Battle Mike Malone Scott Segrist Ray Ignacio Heather Smyth Dustin Heusser Anthony Amato John Deleonibus

M A N A G E M E N T Gregory Colombo General Manager greg.colombo@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 231 Chris Harriman Golf Course Superintendent chris@cattailcreekcc.com 410.489.9178 Gabby Forte Membership Director gabby@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 233 Gianna Ricco Communications Director gianna.ricco@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 241 Bob Wampler Head Golf Professional bob@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 222 Alex Justiniani Director of Tennis alex@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 265 Tom Caswell Executive Chef tom.caswell@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 246 Jennifer Turowski Catering Director jennifer@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 234 Danny Tucci Food & Beverage Manager danny.tucci@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 397 Rob Anderson Facilities Engineer rob.anderson@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 247 C L U B

C O M M I T T E E S Golf - Scott Segrist | ssegrist@apexhomeloans.com Junior Golf - Dustin Heusser | dustyh711@comcast.net Green - Colton O’Donoghue | odonoghueclan@verizon.net

P H O N E

N U M B E R S

Main Clubhouse 410.489.4653 Golf Shop 410.489.5224 Tennis & Fitness Pro Shop 410.989.3683 Green Department 410.489.9178

Tennis - Heather Smyth | hsmyth68@hotmail.com Membership - Lurdes Abruscato | lurdesabruscato@aol.com Finance - Scott Nicholson | snichlsn@gmail.com House - Mike Malone | michaelbmalone@gmail.com Swim Team - Sara Magden | saraeliz82@me.com Audit Committee - Ray Ignacio | raymond.ignacio@verizon.net Compensation Committee - Seth Lee | slee@summittalentgroup.com CCWGA Chair - Sondra Rappaport | sondrarappaport@verizon.net CCWTA President - Chari Mellner | chariandlee@aol.com

STAY CONNECTED

FACEBOOK cattailcreekcc cattailcreekcountryclub cattailcreektennis

INSTAGRAM cattailcreekcc

APRIL 2017

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MDH (

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Dannu Tucci, Food and Beverage Manager gives us the recipe for a delicious new cocktail, The Sour Elder, on page 7.

D E PA R T M E N T S :

5. GENERAL MANAGER NOTES Upcoming Room Closures Welcome, New Members!

6. MEMBERSHIP & CLUBHOUSE Ricky Serrano, Director of Golf Instruction explains the best ways to enjoy your next round of Golf on page 17.

Refferal Program The Sour Elder Cattail Caters Cattail’s Happy Hour Specials

F E AT U R E S :

8. CATTAIL’S NEW HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS 10. WHAT IS GOLF FITNESS? 17. CHANGES IN THE GOLF PROFSSIONAL SHOP

10. FITNESS What is Golf Fitness?

12. GOLF & GREEN The Green Report Bunker to Bunker Golf Ball Comparisons Golf Shop News Ricky’s Tip

18. TENNIS How to Win in Singles On the Cover: Three of the new Happy Hour drinks: a Grapefruit Crush,The Sour Elder and a Pomegranate Martini.

CAT TALES 2017

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Achieve an Awesome Forehand

GM

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R O O M

C L O S U R E S

T U E S D AY,

N O T E S

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Dinner – Clubhouse (Private Member Event)

Happy Spring to all of our Members! The mild temperatures have been a welcome surprise this winter,

S U N D AY,

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and allowed us to not only keep the Golf Course open all year, but to prepare Tennis Courts 6 and 7

Lunch– Clubhouse

early. They were used at the end of February, which was great for Members to get outside for some

(Easter Brunch)

cardio tennis.

We have been busy getting things in order for the upcoming season. The Fitness Center has two new

D I N N E R

–

(Easter Dinner)

Life Fitness treadmills on the way, along with a Life Fitness Rowing Machine. We have also added other equipment to help you get into shape, such as the TRX Training system and Power Training Rope. If you have not yet had the opportunity to meet him, our new Senior Fitness Instructor, Mike McKee, will be happy to show you how all of the great equipment works and how it can improve both your overall

F R I D AY,

he can help get your golf game in gear to go along with the new Callaway Epic Driver, to maximize your distance off the tee.

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Dinner – Clubhouse (Lobster Night)

fitness health and sport of choice. Mike is offering a free 30 minute fitness assessment to all Members to help them determine their fitness goals and needs. He is Titliest Performance Institute certified, so

C L U B H O U S E

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Dinner – Cattail & Grille Rooms (Private Member Event)

If you have not been around the Club or seen Chris Harriman’s Green Blog, his crew did a fantastic job installing a new paver walkway along the Tennis Courts on the Clubhouse side. The old gravel walkway is gone and the area looks first-class. Thank you to Chris and his team for working through the elements to make such a positive change.

S U N D AY,

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Lunch - Cattail Room (Private Member Event)

I am very pleased to let you all know that we have ordered the new Pool furniture and it is expected to arrive in late April or early May. The old furniture served us well, but it was time for an update. I really think the Members are going to enjoy lounging on the new furniture. There will be some bar height tables to go under the covered area by the Snack Bar, and there are also four large umbrellas to provide additional shade around the pool. In addition to the furniture, the green and white vinyl awning will be replaced with a breathable Sunbrella fabric that will match the new umbrellas.

Thank you to the House Committee for your help in the final selection.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 16. As a Board, we are doing our best to keep you informed about both our short and long term goals as a Club. The PowerPoint presentation from both the Club and the Chambers Group is on the website for you to view, if you were unable to attend. We are very anxious to see what the Space Utilization Study determines as our most appropriate route to take moving forward, based on what the Members feel would get them to use the Club on a more frequent basis.

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!

See you at the Club!

THE GOLNOSKI FAMILY Jay, Anne, Emma, Nicholas & Ryan

Greg Colombo, CCM General Manager

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THE KERRIGAN FAMILY Brian, Stacy, Will & Weston

APRIL 2017

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REFER FRIENDS AND EARN REWARDS. SO COOL, RIGHT?

YOU

1

FRIEND

REWARD

REFER A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, CO-WORKER OR COLLEAGUE TO JOIN CATTAIL BY GIVING THEM ONE OF YOUR REFERRAL CARDS, OR BY GIVING US THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION.

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REST EASY! WE WILL COORDINATE A COMPLIMENTARY TOUR OF THE CLUB WITH YOUR REFERRAL AND ASSIST THEM WITH THE JOINING PROCESS.

- $150 CREDIT TO MEMBER ACCOUNT

- 2 GOLF GUEST PASSES

(GOLF MEMBERS ONLY)

- 4 ANNIVERSARY PARTY TICKETS AFTER YOUR REFERRAL JOINS THE CLUB AS A GOLF OR SOCIAL MEMBER, WE WILL REACH OUT TO OFFER YOU ONE OF THE FOUR REWARD CHOICES.

- ANNUAL FOOD MINIMUM

THANK YOU FOR SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT YOUR WONDERFUL CLUB! GABBY FORTE, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR 410.489.4653 EXT. 233 | GABBY@CATTAILCREEKCC.COM REFERRAL GIFTS ARE ELIGIBLE ONLY FOR NEW GOLF OR SOCIAL MEMBER REFERRALS. PROMOTION ENDS JUNE 30 | ONLY ONE REFERRING MEMBER PER NEW MEMBER FEBRUARY 2017

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A P R I L & M AY

UPCOMING EVENTS “THE MASTERS AT CATTAIL” PAR 3 CHALLENGE Wedensday, April 5 “CHICAGO” BUS TRIP Thursday, April 6 EASTER BRUNCH & EGG HUNT EASTER DINNER Sunday, April 16 WOMEN’S GOLF OPENING DAY Tuesday, April 18 FAMILY NIGHT: GEODE CRACKING, Wednesady, April 19 LADIES NIGHT: COOKING CLASS Thursday, April 20

THE SOUR ELDER DANNY TUCCI [FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER]

LOBSTER NIGHT Friday, April 21

This refreshing cocktail was created by Cattail’s own Zach Johnson. Next time you see him behind the bar, ask him to make one for you!

MEN’S GOLF OPENING DAY Saturday, April 22

INGREDIENTS

CCWTA SPRING KICK-OFF PARTY Friday, April 28 PROSPECTIVE MEMBER HAPPY HOUR Saturday, April 29 KID’S ACTIVITY & JUNIOR GOLF KICKOFF PARTY Sunday, April 30 MEN’S GOLF GUEST DAY Wednesday, May 3 WOMEN’S TENNIS MEMBER-GUEST Friday, May 5

2oz Gin 1oz Sour Mix 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 1/2 oz St. Germain 2 Mint Leaves Club Soda DIRECTIONS In a shaker tin, combine Gin, Simple Syrup, St. Germain, Sour Mix, and Ice. Fill a highball glass with ice.

GOLF DEMO DAY WEEKEND Saturday, May 6 - Sunday, May 7

In the palm of your hand, slap the mint leaf to release the oils and add to the highball glass.

FAMILY NIGHT: MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, May 10

Strain the shaker contents into the glass and top with a splash of club soda.

MEN’S HIALEAH GOLF TOURNAMENT Thursday, May 11 - Saturday, May 13

Garnish with the remaining mint leaf and enjoy!

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH MOTHER’S DAY DINNER Sunday, May 14

YOU GATHER. WE FUSS. Let us cater to you.

Parties are a time for you to enjoy, not fuss over the details, so leave the cooking to Cattail. Let us create a unique menu and provide impeccable service for your on-site function or carryout - we’ll make it an event to remember!

Graduations, summer parties and work picnics are right around the corner, so contact Jennifer Turowski, Catering Director, at jennifer@cattailcreekcc.com to begin planning your celebration!

Come enjoy craft cocktails made by Cattail’s finest bartenders. While you’re at it, order a few of Chef’s delicious bar snacks only available during Happy Hour!

Take advantage of great prices on spirits, whether you are coming off the Golf Course, or stopping in for a quick snack and drink!

We look forward to seeing you at the Club!

See below for details of our new Happy Hour.

Happy Hour is Tuesday - Friday 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. $1 off 12oz Draft | $2 off 20oz Draft | $1 off Bottle Beer $1 off Glass Wine | $4 Rail Cocktails | $2 off Premium Spirits

cattail does happy hour CAT TALES 2017

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Sunday, April 16 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

MAIN BUFFET

Corn Chowder Fresh Rolls Caesar Salad Baby Kale Salad Char-Grilled Chicken Grilled Salmon Maryland Crab Cakes Honey Glazed Carrots Au Gratin Potatoes Roasted Brussel Sprouts

PASTA STATION

Bowtie or Penne Marinara, Alfredo, Aurora & Pesto Ham, Onions, Peppers, Tomato, Broccoli, Crab Meat, Shrimp, Parmesan, Peas & Mushrooms

CARVING STATION Prime Rib Roasted Leg of Lamb

KIDS BUFFET

Beef Taco Cups Macaroni & Cheese Chicken Tenders Fresh Fruit

DESSERTS

Mini Cheesecakes Warm Peach Cobbler Assorted Cookies Petit Fours Carrot Cake

$39++ Adult | $24++ Kids 13 – 17 | $16++ Kids 7 – 12 | $12++ Kids 4 – 6 | Kids 3 & Under Complimentary

APRIL 2017

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WHAT IS GOLF FITNESS? MIKE MCKEE [SENIOR FITNESS INSTRUCTOR]

Ever since Tiger Woods made his appearance in the sport, back in 1986, golf has become a “fitness first” type of endeavor. A golfer needs to develop general healthy and athletic abilities first, and sport-specific abilities second. Titleist Performance Institute (T.P.I.) has created an efficient system to make it possible to develop both at the same time!

Golf fitness incorporates all aspects of health and fitness, as they are all important to being successful as a golfer. T.P.I. routines aim to improve strength, power, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance. Most movements of the golf swing are not possible without a solid foundation of each of these characteristics. Here’s what YOU can do to start lowering your scores and becoming healthier!

STEP ONE Contact Mike McKee, our very own T.P.I. Certified Golf Fitness Specialist, for a free 30 minute fitness assessment in the Fitness Center. Contact him diretly at Mike.McKee@cattailcreekcc.com or schedule a time on the Cattail Creek website under the “Personal Training Reservations” sections of the “Fitness” tab.

STEP TWO Complete the Titleist Fitness Screening and get a Golf Fitness routine tailored to you. This will be designed to eliminate any physical ailments that may be causing swing faults and to improve all categories of fitness.

STEP THREE Use the learned drills and techniques on the Course and watch your ball fly further and more consistently, and watch those scores drop.

STEP FOUR Contact Bob Wampler, Head Golf Professional, or Ricky Serrano, Director of Instruction, who can work in Tandem with your Golf Fitness Specialist to fine tune your game to the next level.

Nine of the last ten major winners on the PGA tour have a T.P.I. team behind them. Whether you want to lower your scores to beat your friends, you want to have more fun, or you just want to feel better and stay healthy, schedule your free consultation today and get Cattail Fit! There’s no better time than now!

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Ladies Night

cooking class

Thursday, April 20 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join Cattail’s very own Chef Tom to create a delicious menu including the dishes below...

Farro with Kale Basil Pesto Brown Rice Pilaf with Saffron & Ginger Layered Frittata with Leeks, Swiss Chard & Heirloom Tomato

Roasted Tilapia with Lime, Papaya & Avocado Salsa

Roasted Asparagus Salad with Arugula & Hazelnuts

Yogurt-Berry Brulee with Maple Almond Brittle

Enjoy your delicious creations after your hard work is over with all other ladies in attendance, family style. $35++ Per Person | Drinks by Signature

Guests Welcome!

APRIL 2017

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THE GREEN REPORT CHRIS HARRIMAN [GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT]

The new Green/Red combo tees should provide more enjoyment for juniors, women and high handicappers on the Front 9 this year.

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It has been an incredible start to the 2017 agronomic season. As I look back through the old newsletters and blog posts, each start to the year has been totally different. The temperatures and relative lack of snow this year have played in our favor, so we have been able to complete our early spring projects in March. We are really going to have all of April to get the Course dialed in quickly from a details standpoint, which is a rarity!

As I eluded to, we are finished with Spring Aeration! The greens are making an effort to fill in, and they should be putting nicely by the respective Opening Days. We will not be aerating the greens again with large tines until next spring. The tees and fairways have been aerated, verticut and topdressed and are also healing in. In total, we have put almost 500 tons of sand on our greens, tees and fairways. The sand topdressing helps water infiltrate the surface, protects the plant from mower, cart and golfer traffic and helps firm up the surface. Most importantly, the sand fills up aerification holes so that air and water can reach the roots of the turf, thus promoting a deep, healthy root system. As the creeping bentgrass grows over the aerification holes, roots drive through the sand channels. Over the next few weeks our playing surfaces will be healed and playing beautifully.

In addition to completing all of our cultural practices for the spring in March, we also finished up building four new forward “Green” tee boxes on #1, #2, #6 and #7. These new forward tees will be mated with the forward tee on #9 and be utilized as a Red/ Green combo tee. This means that at any hole without a green tee (#3, #4, #5, #8) you would just play from the red tee. The entire Golf Course is due to be re-rated by the MSGA for course rating, slope and individual hole handicap in May. Until the Course is re-rated, you will just take four strokes off your front nine, red tee handicap to equalize the shorter distance. All five Green tees together knock 397 yards off the Red tee distance. The Golf Shop will be happy to introduce you to these tees and explain how to work your handicap correctly. We are excited to put these new tees in play in mid-April and observe the impact they have on our younger golfers, as well as higher handicappers that are seeking more enjoyment on the Golf Course!

With the warmer temperatures we know activity will pick up on the Golf Course. We would like to remind all golfers to be aware of and fix their own ball marks on the Greens. The cart rules will remain the same as last year; no cart traffic is allowed on #5 and #6, along with the par 3 holes. Cart access rules are posted on the card in the roof of your cart. Cart traffic should be concentrated in the fairways and not in the rough or on the mounds. All carts should gently start to exit the fairways at or before the black and white recycled plastic posts that we place in the fairways. Most importantly, scatter your traffic to a fresh area; do not follow exactly where someone else has been. These simple rules will help keep the Course consistent and beautiful.

Keep up with the Green Department Blog for updates on everything from how fast the grass is growing to the progress on the new project grow-ins. We are looking forward to another great season!

APRIL 2017

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Finally, spring has arrived!

Care for our Course –

Chris and his team are working diligently to get our

Please make a conscious effort to leave the Golf Course

Golf Course in fantastic condition for your opening

in better condition than you found it. Three easy ways

events and regular play.

I would like to begin by

to do this are by observing the cart restrictions found

applauding our Golf Professional Staff, Management

in the Golf Carts, replacing your divots when they are

Team and Golf Committee this year for their hard work

in one piece, and repairing one additional ball mark

in scheduling and programming our events here at the

(other than your own) on every green.

Club for 2017. We have an exciting year ahead of us.

Members take this advice to heart, we will continue

The start of a new season is a perfect time for a few friendly reminders.

Adhering to these guidelines will

help us to provide you, along with all of our Members and Guests, a fantastic golf experience here at the Cattail.

to enjoy outstanding conditions on a daily basis.

Post your Scores To ensure fair and equitable competitions, all Golf Members are required to maintain a correct and

Play without delay

current handicap in order to be eligible to play in Club

An 18-hole round of golf at Cattail Creek must be completed in 4 hours 15 minutes or less, without exception.

If all of our

A Pace of Play subcommittee has been

established to help monitor and enforce this policy.

tournaments.

After each round of golf, golfers are

required to apply equitable stroke control and post their adjusted score.

The Golf Professional Staff is

always happy to assist with the posting of scores or with any handicap related questions you may have.

Dress for success Please adhere to, and ensure that your Guests adhere to, our dress code policy. Denim is not permitted on

We look forward to seeing all of you out on the Golf Course soon!

the Golf Course or Practice Facilities at any time.

Golf shirts must be tucked in and remain tucked in and hats must always be in the forward facing

Everything for Golf,

position. Your Golf Professional Shop is fully stocked with a great selection of apparel; remember, the first step to playing better golf is to look the part!

Make a Starting Time

Bob Wampler

Booking a starting time in advance is very much

PGA Head Golf Professional

appreciated and helps the golf staff prepare and provide you with the best possible service.

If you

are bringing Guests with you, please inform us of your Guest’s first and last name(s) in advance.

BUNKER to BUNKER

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BETTER BALL TYLER CHAPLIN [FIRST ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL] This year, golf companies focused on changing the compositions of their golf balls.

Companies like TaylorMade, Callaway, and Titleist have created even better products that have been proven to work on tour.

Here are their characteristics and how they might fit into your game:

TAYLORMADE TP5 AND TP5X TRI-FAST CORE The unique 3-layer core system in TP5 and TP5x features progressive compression, enabling maximum energy transfer and generating massive speed on full shots.

DUAL-SPIN COVER The contrast of an ultra-soft cast urethane cover and a semi-rigid inner-cover creates maximum interaction between the cover and club grooves, resulting in exceptional spin performance with full wedge shots and pinpoint control from around the green.

TP5 – Long distance, mid trajectory, mid spin, high wedge spin, and softer feel Vs. TP5x – Longer distance, high trajectory, low spin, high wedge spin, and soft feel

CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT AND CHROME SOFT X Exceptional distance, more control into the green, and incredibly soft feel. The chrome soft golf ball is designed for tour proven performance with exceptional feel. The 4-piece construction and Dual SoftFast Core provide higher ball speeds and optimal spin rates to maximize performance through the bag.

Chrome Soft – Long distance, high trajectory, low spin, high wedge spin, softer feel Vs. Chrome Soft x – Long distance, mid trajectory, mid spin, high wedge spin, soft feel

NEW TITLEIST PRO V1 AND PRO V1X The new Pro V1 and Pro V1x offer total performance for every player. Each element of a new Pro V1 and Pro V1x is precisely formulated and designed to work together to deliver the performance you need on every shot.

Pro V1 – Long distance, mid trajectory, mid spin, high wedge spin, softer feel Vs. Pro V1x – Long distance, high trajectory, low spin, high wedge spin, soft feel

FEBRUARY 2017

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C AT TA I L C R E E K WO M E N ' S G O L F

Opening Day TUESDAY, APRIL 18 • 8:30 A.M. BREAKFAST | 10:00 A.M. SHOTGUN

open to all women golfers THE DAY INCLUDES: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | BOXED LUNCH | APPETIZERS INDIVIDUAL SIGN-UP ONLINE RANDOMLY SELECTED FOURSOMES 18 - HOLE SCRAMBLE (NET) FULL HANDICAP INCLUDED WITH TOURNAMENT CLUB

continental breakfast Coffee & Hot Tea • Hard Boiled Eggs • Fresh Fruit Assorted Danishes

BOXED LUNCH Turkey Club Wrap • Apple Slices • Bag of Chips Cookie • Granola Bar • Bottle of Water

Appetizers Maui Shrimp Spring Rolls • Chicken Yakatori Garlic Hummus & Vegetable Crudite • Mini Crab & Brie Panini Eggplant Caprese with Balsamic Syrup

Included with Tournament Club or $50 | Drinks by signature

GOLF SHOP NEWS! BOB WAMPLTER [HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL]

Cattail is excited to announce

Country Club in her home town of Denver, CO. We have

a couple of changes to

hired Annie Shearer as our new Merchandiser and Buyer

the Golf Professional Staff.

for the Professional Shops. Annie moved to Maryland

As you know, K.J. McClay

from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

accepted

on

Merchandising at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

at

and soon after began her journey in the luxury goods

Los Angeles Country Club

market. She has worked as a buyer at Smyth Jewelers

the

a

position

Professional

last month.

Staff

I am excited

in

to announce that, rather

She studied Fashion

Timonium

since

2014,

and during this time, she

than trying to find a new

developed

a

passion

for

Assistant Professional, we are promoting David Amato.

merchandising and display.

David joined our team as a member of the outside

In her free time, she enjoys

service staff last spring. Not only was David an all-star

spending her time outdoors,

for us throughout the year, he has also enrolled in the

including

PGA PGM program and is pursuing a career in the golf

kayaking.

business. David will serve as Assistant Golf Professional

moved to Frederick, MD and

and Outside Service Supervisor for the 2017 season.

is ecstatic to join the team

We also have a change in the Merchandise Coordinator position. Lexie DiLoreto, who joined us in September, accepted the Merchandiser position at Columbine

and

Annie recently

at Cattail Creek and get to know all of our Members.

Annie’s first day will be Tuesday, April 4. Please join me in welcoming Annie to the Cattail family!

R I C KY ’ S T I P

3. PLAY RELAXED GOLF

FOUR TIPS FOR ENJOYING YOUR NEXT ROUND OF GOLF

Everyone plays their best when relaxed. When you start

RICKY SERRANO [DIRECTOR OF GOLF INSTRUCTION] 1.

hiking

HAVE FUN

to feel the pressure, or you become critical of yourself during the round, your muscles get tighter and

you

start to swing faster. The results: you play your worst golf. Most swing problems are caused by this; so instead

On your way to the Course, make this decision: whatever

of trying to analyze your swing, simply lightening your

happens you’re going to have FUN! This mindset will

grip a little and feel the weight of the club. Reducing

help you stay more relaxed when you feel the pressure

the tension in the hands will help you relax your muscles

is on. Remember: it is not life or death; golf is a game.

throughout the whole body and you’ll start to get your tempo back and your ball striking will improve.

2. ABSOLUTELY NO SWING THOUGHTS WHEN PLAYING

4. ACCEPT EVERY BAD SHOT Save your swing thoughts for the practice tee. When on the Golf Course, you are playing golf, not swinging.

Golf is not a game of perfect. During a round of golf,

See the shot, feel it, and hit it to your target. Trying to

your emotions are going to be tested. Golf can be an

fix your swing and checking what your body is doing

emotional roller coaster if you let it. The quickest way

is only going to disconnect you from the shot you are

to loose your game is to get frustrated for hitting a bad

intending to hit. It’s all about the target!

shot. Accept it, and don’t get down on yourself.

APRIL 2017

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T H R E E T I P S TO W I N I N S I N G L E S ALEX JUSTINIANI [DIRECTOR OF TENNIS]

In last month’s article, I wrote about three easy ways to win in doubles. This month I would like to go over the same easy ways to approach and improve your singles game.

DON’T CHANGE DIRECTIONS OFTEN The safest play in singles is to hit the ball cross-court. Be wary of changing direction of the ball and going down the line—it is the higher part of the net, and a tougher shot to execute. By keeping the ball cross-court, you reduce your risk of mistakes. Not to say you should NEVER change direction of the ball, but make sure you are in a good, offensive position before uncorking that forehand winner down the line.

USE THE WHOLE COURT Often times we end up playing very linearly. We hit very straight forward—even if we hit to our opponents forehand, then their backhand, our opponent does not often stray too far from the middle of the court. Use the drop shot or hit an angle—hit deep, then short—hit short, then deep—anything. Anything that can get your opponent out of their comfort zone.

KEEP THE BALL IN PLAY Over the last few weeks, I have been focusing on one very important, and often overlooked, strategy in tennis— keeping the ball in the court. Although it seems obvious and somewhat silly, it is the primary objective in tennis, right? If you keep the ball in the lines more times than the other person, you win—plain and simple. Sometimes we strategize to the point where we can cause more harm than good because we end up confusing ourselves.

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SIX TIPS TO AN ALEX JUSTINIANI-LIKE FOREHAND CHRIS COZZILLIO [HEAD TENNIS PRO]

1. BE READY: The key to any successful shot in tennis is to have a good ready position beforehand. Staying on your toes, keeping your racket up in front of you, and being ready for anything will give you an advantage.

2. TURN YOUR SHOULDERS: Keeping your arms in your ready position, turn your shoulders and set the racquet back.

3. THE NON-DOMINANT ARM:

This

step is more important than it sounds.

Using our non-dominant hand to track the ball’s path is vital to hitting a clean forehand. Since we only use one arm to hit our forehand, we often just let the non-dominant arm hang by our side while our dominant arm does the swinging.

4. LOWER THE RACQUET:

Your

shoulders are turned, the racquet is set, and you are tracking the ball—now it is time to drop that racquet low and swing! When we lower the racquet beneath the ball, it enables us to swing low to high—generating topspin.

5. EXTEND AND FINISH: After we’ve made contact with the ball, it is common to not finish our swing. Make sure you do not make this mistake! Extend your dominant arm all the way towards your target, then wrap your racket around your non-dominant shoulder.

6.

ACCELERATE:

Acceleration

is

pivotal in developing a dangerous forehand.

The confidence to swing

faster than usual is easier said than done due to the fear of missing.

APRIL 2017

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19

FAMILY NIGHT:

GEODE CRACKING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 | 5:00 P.M. DINNER 6:30 p.m. for children 7 & Under 7:15 p.m. for children 8 & Up

Learn about rocks, geodes, crystals & more! Each child will receive a geode of their very own to crack open & enjoy!

Kids Buffet: Fresh Fruit Cheese Flatbread Pizza Beef Taco Cups Chicken Tenders Macaroni & Cheese Cheesy Potatoes Ice Cream Sundae Bar � Assorted Cookies CAT TALES 2017

20

$19++ PER CHILD