FROM VISION TO LEGACY
John Rohrs President
As we mark 30 years of Belfair, we should be inspired by the vision that brought this community to life. Belfair has always stood for more than just golf, it represents a lifestyle of health and wellness, charitable acts in an environment of inspiring nature, and most importantly a community of like-minded families. As we look to the future, the Board remains committed to preserving that legacy while guiding the community through its next great chapter.
SANDI HARWICKE CULTURE & EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
JANUARY
MARCH
MAY
FEBRUARY
APRIL
JUNE
Tom Angelo, Community Manager
Debra Roller, Marketing and Communications Director Rod Bullock, Chief Financial Officer
Angie Doucette, Lead Bartender at the 1811 Grille
Mike Kondash Golf Guest Services Attendant
Megan Burriss, Server at the 1811 Grille
Kenneth Rogers, Chef de Cuisine at the 1811 Grille
Angel Arroyo, Spray Tech on the West Course
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
NOT PICTURED
Eddie Dean & Katy Franklin – Children: Cooper 16, Cullen 13, Easton 12, and Archer 9
Robert & Karen Thomas
Eileen Fitzpatrick
James & Shannon McGinness
Robert & Barbara Wischerath
William & Alicia Melchionni
Lisa & Ken Karlberg
Dana & David Thrash
Vince & Kathy Willey
Don & Tracey Clarke
Jill & Timothy Coogan
Louise & David Simmons
Lisa & Mike Higgins
Dave & Laura Watt
Noreen Powell & Robert Wood
Debbie & Tim Biehle
David & Datra Herzog
Al & Amanda Paul
Peter & Dana Turk
Kari & Casey Kostecka
Sarah & Jay Traverse Harriet & David Volpe
Barbara & Nicholas Cecere
Erin & Chuck DiGrande
Marianne & Sam Mufson
Andy & Kathy Frost
PARADISE FOUND
Celebrating 30 years of excellence and camaraderie at Belfair
From its earliest days, the land where Belfair sits today has been graced with scenic saltwater marshes and abundant wildlife, epitomizing the natural, oftenstunning beauty of the Carolina Lowcountry. The half-mile drive under a canopy of century-old, moss-draped live oaks is as grand an entry as one will find, teasing the charmed lifestyle found inside the elegant community’s gates.
THE DREAM TAKES SHAPE
Thirty years ago, Belfair’s developers had a vision to transform the land into the finest private golf community on the East Coast. At the time, building a community “over the bridge” from Hilton Head Island seemed almost like a fool’s errand.
“Many of my friends told me I was crazy,” said John Reed, managing partner of the development group Belfair Plantation LLC, which purchased the land in 1994. “At first, it was difficult to get Hilton Head real estate brokers interested in seeing what we had to offer, so to get the word out on the new
In Belfair’s early days, the mansion and cows grazing on the Avenue of the Oaks were the main attractions until the mid 1990s when developer John Reed and his team began planning a transformation of the land into the golf community we know today.
(It is an) outstanding property with so many great features and a developer who set the tone for a very high-quality experience. When you have those elements, it’s like you’re starting off on third base.”
tom fazio
development, we hosted Thursday night cookouts at Belfair to give them a feel for the area.”
Reed and his partners — John Cardemone, David Everett, Ed Blakely, and Phil Herrington — had just completed Colleton River Club next door to Belfair and were looking for their next project.
“Colleton was Mark Brown’s idea originally,” Reed said, referring to the founder of LINKS Magazine, which was based on Hilton Head. “We met through church, and he introduced me to the land.”
Reed, who cut his teeth working for the legendary Charles Frasier at Sea Pines Company, took what he had learned from Frasier (who is credited with originating the concept of the master planned community), combined it with his experience developing Colleton River, and set about something new and exciting at Belfair.
“We had a plan to create the best golf community. I had great partners on the team. We wanted to have two golf courses with one clubhouse, practice facilities, and more amenities — like the Learning Center and Fitness Center — to set it apart. Our goal was to make the product better than Colleton River Club.”
EARLY DAYS
Originally a country estate and working plantation in the early 1800s, the property was purchased by the Mingledorff family in the mid20th century. The grandson, Bud, has vivid memories from over the decades.
“My family bought Belfair for $50,000 in 1951, when I was young,” Bud recalled. “My father and grandfather decided they were going to go into the cattle business. (It) turned into a financial boondock. So, they sold the cows to Millhaven, a big farming company out of Georgia, and Belfair was back to square one.”
During the 1950s, Bud’s father, W. Lee
Mingledorff Jr., simultaneously served as Savannah’s mayor for three terms and patriarch of the family land. After the cattle, they next tried their hand at running a turkey farm on the land, but it wasn’t profitable either. Later, Bud’s stepmother wanted Belfair to be a park.
With rising taxes, the Mingledorff family ultimately sold the property in 1982. Four decades later Bud still visits.
“My bride had taken up tennis, so we bought a lot in Belfair in 2006,” he said. “We’ve never built on it, but we have a Sunday lunch ritual at the Bistro after church. The benefit of being a member is getting away from the tourists!”
OUT OF THE GROUND
As Reed and his team began the planning and permitting of Belfair, they realized that one of the first challenges they needed to overcome was that The Avenue of the Oaks and the land bordering Highway 278 were still owned by Belfair’s neighbor, Rose Hill.
“We had to buy that back because we wanted a beautiful entryway,” Reed remembered. “Before he died, Charles (Frasier) told me the Belfair entranceway is the best in the Lowcountry.”
For the golf concept, the team chose Tom Fazio. “We had worked with Nicklaus at Colleton River and wanted to do something different,” Reed said.
“We had such a great relationship with Tom Fazio; he was just fun to work with. Numbers 17 and 18 make the course. Once he developed the West Course it was hard not to have him design the second course.”
Looking back, Fazio agreed. “(It is an) outstanding property with so many great features and a developer who set the tone for a very high-quality experience,” he shared. “When you have those elements, it’s like you’re starting off on third base. It looks so easy, but it takes
great planning and management.”
When the West Course opened in 1996, it earned a distinction from LINKS as “the finest set of golf holes in the Lowcountry, if not on the East Coast.” The East Course followed in 1999, and members celebrated at the first Belfair golf club championships in September of that year. A comfortable, yet elegant new clubhouse was added in late 1999.
Despite its early struggles attracting the attention of Hilton Head brokers, sales soon took off, even before many of the amenities were added. In April and May of 1995, 46 home sites sold, with prerelease prices ranging from $110,500 to $249,500. By the spring of 1996, 84 more homesites had sold, with an average home site and home price of $461,621.
In 1997 the sales team celebrated 139 new closings. The next year, sales continued to rise and by the end of 1999, 650 homesites had sold, and rentals were added to the mix with new three-, four-, and five-bedroom golf cottages. Buyers also had a new option at The Preserve, with 49 wooded club home sites within walking distance of the Activity Center.
Longtime residents Nancy and Ross Kuykendall fondly remember Belfair just before moving into their new home there in May 1999.
“We were drawn to the two private Fazio golf courses, tennis, and fitness. The Avenue of Oaks didn’t hurt either!” Nancy remembered. “At that time, there were many empty lots, the clubhouse was in a cottage, and the pro shop was in another cottage. Not all the roads were in yet and there was no back gate.”
As the community steadily grew, so did sales. A notable year was 2005 with $6.7 million sales in the first quarter, up
by 59 percent from the previous year’s first quarter. By 2009, 451 homes were completed and occupied within Belfair, and almost 62 percent of the available lots had been sold.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
A sense of community was, and still is, one of the strongest magnets that attracted buyers to Belfair. The Activity Center debuted in 1998. Members wanted to share hobbies and interests with their neighbors, so they began forming clubs in 1999. One of the first groups was the Dinner Club, then several bridge groups, Women’s Connections, men’s, women’s, and couple’s golf associations, a Book Club, Garden Club, and Gourmet Club. Many more were added over the years. Charitable endeavors inside and outside Belfair were another strong interest.
Belfair residents didn’t only buy lots. Eventually they took over ownership of the whole community, including the two golf courses and infrastructure.
“We turned Belfair over to the property owners as they purchased into the development with a 1/750th share of the club,” Reed explained. “We wanted to make sure the property owners controlled it and assure them they would own it. It was turned over to them in 2000 at 90 percent.”
This was a big endeavor. Members started by forming the Belfair Property Owner’s Association. Its first board was tasked with building a management team, including a general manager, starting a reserve from scratch, and creating the Architectural Review Board to ensure a consistent look throughout the community. The next year, the second board created the first Belfair Long Range Plan. By then, Belfair had grown to 770 members and 140 employees.
SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES
As
the Belfair community grew, members began forming social and sports clubs to enjoy all of the amenities.
LONG RANGE PLAN
Part of the Long Range Plan was to address ongoing improvements throughout Belfair. Between 2000 and 2005, the Fitness and Sports Complex was expanded, and residents celebrated Belfair’s 10th anniversary.
Over the next decade, amenities continued to grow with the addition of grass tennis courts and an expansion of the clubhouse to accommodate the growing community.
To meet the food & beverage demand, The Bistro was added, and Café 37 opened at the bag drop. New pickleball courts satisfied the fast-growing demand for the new sport, and the 21,000-squarefoot state-of-the-art Sports and Lifestyle Campus was renovated in 2019.
How does a highly rated golf course get even better? Fazio Design brought their expertise back to Belfair for a $5.8 million renovation project completed in 2022 to improve the West Course’s playability, aesthetics, and drainage.
Overall improvements have been an ongoing goal at Belfair. Between 2022 and 2032, the board has vowed they will reinvest more than $22 million to do just that.
Bud Mingledorff sums it all up nicely: “The facilities and views from Belfair are amazing today. It makes me proud to have it continue to look pretty since we owned the property. To have John (Reed) build it brought it to where it was supposed to be.”
Belfair has been in caring hands throughout its long history. Today’s owners carry on the time-honored tradition of preserving the amazing natural landscape, while at the same time enjoying the many amenities of a topshelf club.▪
Sports&Fitness
GOLF LEARNING CENTER
CONGRATULATIONS TO BELFAIR ON ITS 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
Ioften ask new and current members about what brought them to Belfair. While each individual has a unique story, the answers always include the sense of community and the scope of the practice facility. We all recognize that golf is the heart of Belfair and over the past 30 years the membership has invested in not only the two courses, but also in the quality and offerings of the Learning Center. When it comes to practice facilities, Belfair has some of the best I have seen. The success of the Learning Center has to do with you, our members. I can only speak on the last six years, which is my time at Belfair, but I have heard the stories of the
development of the facilities, and I recognize and honor the amazing instructors that have been here during its history. I can honestly say that being a part of the Belfair Learning Center has been an honor and privilege. The membership continues to support the development of not only the instructional staff, but also the offerings and technology at the Learning Center. Continuing education is a crucial part of being a successful instructor and Belfair invests in each teaching professional and their desire to be better. It’s the membership that supports all the offerings we create, from group clinics and programs to individual lessons and club fittings. Our
Learning Center has technology available in the outdoor hitting bays, which is unique to most private facilities and our instructional bays have some of the best systems and tools available for analysis of the golf swing.
I believe that your Learning Center and practice facilities, are some of the best and there are numerous opportunities to continue to develop and improve in the future.
Congratulations to you and to Belfair and a personal “thank you” from your entire Learning Center staff.
— Bruce Wilkins, PGA Master Professional, Director of Instruction
TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL
■ CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Thanks to Cheryl Landry and her hardworking elves for putting together a great Christmas in July pickleball mixer. The decorations and props were outstanding. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the rain hit right as play was scheduled to start. The ladies still had a great time as there was plenty of food, drink, and some pickleball trivia.
■ MEN’S PICKLEBALL DIVISION WINNER
Congratulations to the Belfair Men’s 3.5A team on winning their division in the Lowcountry Pickleball League this Spring. The team was captained by Chris Cento with players Mike Arnell, Doug Brown, Tom Carney, Bruce Duff, Dave Fischler, Fred Gumbinner, Stan Hall, Tom Harvey, Bill Johnston, Ed Sammis, Doug Smith, and Steve Varga. The team is already hard at work and looking forward to playing 4.0 next season.
SAVE THE DATES
Belfair Charitable Fund Pickleball Event –Monday, October 6
Belfair 30th Anniversary Tennis Event –Thursday, October 9
Belfair 30th Anniversary Pickleball Event –Thursday, October 24
WEEKLY PLAY OPPORTUNITIES
■ TENNIS
Men’s Open Play –Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 pm, Saturdays at 8 am
Women’s Open Play –Tuesdays at 6 pm, Saturdays at 8:30 am
Drill and Play –Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 am
■ PICKLEBALL
Men’s Open Play –Mondays and Thursdays at 8 am, Sundays at 3 pm
Ladies 2.5/3.0 Round Robin –Saturdays at 10 am
Ladies 3.0/3.5 Round Robin –Saturdays at 8:30 am
Ladies 3.0/3.5 Open Play –Wednesdays at 8:30 am
FITNESS AFTER 50: THE POWER OF A LONGEVITY LIFESTYLE
At Belfair, we are focusing on longevity; about building a strong foundation for a vibrant, independent life.
More and more of our members are focusing on what’s known as longevity lifestyle: sustainable daily habits built over time. The best results come from integrating certain behaviors into your identity and routine, not just doing them occasionally. It’s not about perfection!
HERE ARE CORE HABITS:
■ Eat for Health
■ Movement and Exercise
■ Manage Stress & Live Mindfully
■ Engage Your Brain
■ Stay Socially Connected
■ Have a Sense of Purpose
Longevity isn’t about a onesize-fits-all approach. We asked several members about the personal paths they are taking to support their own longevity. Whether it’s something they do for their physical health, emotional well-being, spiritual growth, or community involvement, here are testimonials on what longevity looks like for them:
To me longevity has meant people and a purpose! I look forward to seeing friends at classes, tennis, cards, dinner, and lots more. I work hard for organizations and causes that I believe in. These two things keep me moving, which is always a good thing.”
— Nancy Kuykendall
I’ve always been an early-tobed, early-to-rise person. I consider the morning “my time.” I developed the habit of rising at 5 am when my children were small. I continue that practice in retirement. Mornings are when I meditate, plan my day, and I literally run through the house. It’s a slow trot for 30 minutes. The trot, or slow run, leaves me feeling strong and fulfilled. Then I head to Belfair for a class or two. One other thing: you truly are what you eat. I am a big advocate of healthy eating.
— Gloria Statham
As you know, I turned 80 two weeks ago and someone asked me, how does it feel to be 80? My answer is that it feels no different than turning 70 or 60. My physical health is excellent, I take no medications, and I feel blessed that I am able to take my weekly beatings administered by Chris Boyd. I find great comfort
“Exercise is by far the most potent longevity ‘drug.’ No other intervention does nearly as much to prolong our lifespan and preserve our cognitive function. But most people don’t do nearly enough, and exercising the wrong way can do as much harm as good.”
— From OUTLIVE, by Peter Attia, Chapter 1: The Long Game: From Fast Death to Slow Death, pg. 17.
mentally with my involvement in the golf team at JP II School and running the Martha’s Vineyard Hospice Golf Tournament. Physical health and mental health go hand in hand for a productive and rewarding life.
— Michael Cunniff
Longevity is an elusive goal … some of it is luck, like being blessed with “good genes,” as my doc tells me. But some factors are not luck because they’re behaviors we can control. I focus on three behaviors: staying physically active by daily exercise; nurturing old friends and making new ones; and being actively involved in the community through volunteer work.
— George David
Although exercise and eating well are very important to living a long healthy life, I believe that one’s attitude and outlook on life are even more important. Most important is being grateful for what we have – not necessarily just the material things that we work very hard to acquire, but our health, our friends, and the people closest to us that we love dearly. I recently read this great quote that suggested: “Take a deep breath and focus on the simple, important things: you are alive, you are breathing, and you are enough as you are.” I also tell people I look young for my age because I’m immature for my age.
—Geri O’Brien
When I think about what longevity means, I consider it to be having a long health span, so one can engage in a range of activities, resulting in a fulfilling and interesting life. In this community there are many that are expert in longevity, either through having already achieved a long health span, or acting in a manner likely to do so. There is much that can be learned from many.
I consider six keys regarding longevity: 1) relationships, 2) mental and physical exercise, 3) healthy food choices, 4) quality sleep, 5) managing stress, and 6) having goals. For me, relationships begins with family. Having a partner and children that bring joy to life is the foundation that everything is built upon. Mental exercise can take many forms. For me it includes
researching topics of interest and having stimulating conversations with others. Physical exercise abounds here in Belfair, from golf and pickleball to swimming, cycling, and gym workouts. The gym has become my focus. Healthy food choices can include a range of approaches. For me, adequate protein, fresh veggies and fruit, and avoiding ultraprocessed foods are priorities. I do use a sleep tracker and try to get the quality and quantity of sleep required to allow muscle recovery from gym workouts. Some stress is probably good, but too much becomes exhausting. Having goals means one has something to work towards. For many, sports provide this opportunity…this is the case for me with powerlifting.
I hope to have a health span well into my 90s, but even if this falls short, the journey will have been worth it.
— Mark Spetsersis
Longevity training is a style of fitness that prioritizes strength, balance, mobility, and injury prevention. Whether it’s climbing stairs with ease, carrying groceries, improving your golf swing, or simply feeling more energized throughout the day, your workout should support your lifestyle.
Our fitness team is here to help you feel stronger, safer, and more confident at any age.
CELEBRATING BELFAIR’S 30TH
On October 6, 2024, Belfair’s Croquet Club was launched, with an incredible inaugural year that followed. We are currently 218 members strong! The October-May program calendar consisted of weekly professional instruction, Sunday Mixed Open Play, Special Events, and Interclub Mixers, with 113 activities total and 150 members participating. In addition, many members established their own weekly groups which often provided those coming off the 18th holes a fun view of this new sport within Belfair.
The momentum gained in year one will continue in year two, with a few program additions: Mallets and Men Open Play, nighttime Glo-Ball Croquet, and a croquet version of the President’s Cup! Our official end of year one will culminate with a croquet celebration of Belfair’s 30th anniversary on October 13. This will be an exclusive event for the current Croquet Club members. Watch for more details about it via Group Valet starting in late August.
Immediately following this event, new members will be offered the opportunity to join the Croquet Club for 2025-2026. For those interested in joining the Croquet Club, watch for more details via the Monday Around the Community emails in September. ▪
MEMBERSHIP CONTACT: Karen Walker –tommy47g@comcast.net or Julie Cardio –julie.cardio@gmail.com
The Belfair Men’s Golf Association (BMGA) is the largest golf association at Belfair. As of January 1, 2025 we have a membership of more than 350 golfers. Our role is to provide an opportunity for male golfers, regardless of skill level, to meet for the purpose of friendly competition and camaraderie here at Belfair and at selected away venues.
NINE IS FINE
The Belfair Ladies NineHole Golf Association (BL9) delivers friendly and enjoyable nine holes of golf for women that are “new to golf” and all ladies regardless of handicaps. We offer an environment of camaraderie, support, and friendship with fun golf on course and post-play socializing.
BL9 serves more than 200+ members. Our active annual schedule includes monthly play dates, reserved tee times, and fun holiday-themed events such as Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Halloween, an Annual Charity Couple’s Tournament, and our 2-day Palmetto Cup Tournament.
BL9 works closely with Belfair Golf professionals to advance learning and skills with BL9 curated clinics and fun skill events. BL9 Ambassadors invite new members for the BL9 “Four and Pour,” a great introduction to new Belfair members or new golfers to learn the course, course etiquette, and to meet other new members and ambassadors at a casual social gathering after golfing four holes.
BL9 works closely with Belfair Golf professionals to advance learning and skills with BL9 curated clinics and fun skill events.
Giving back to our local community is also part of BL9’s activities. We sponsor a hole in the Belfair Charitable Fund tournament, put on our “Putting for PAL” event to support the Palmetto Animal League, a local animal rescue organization. This year’s contributions of our Annual Couple’s Tournament will go to Family Promise of Beaufort County.
BL9 participates in the Low Country 9-Holers Association and Exchange Program, which offers members the opportunity to play at other courses in the Lowcountry throughout the year. We also plan an annual Away Trip for weekend play at destination courses.
Come join us!
For information, please contact membership chair, Peg Shaw, at psrnbc@aol.com.
Sports&Fitness GOLF
FUTURE FUN
The fall tournament schedule has been announced, and it looks like Belfair players are in for some fun! It’s always a great pleasure to see long-term friends and meet new members. We hope you’ll consider joining in on the action.
■ LABOR DAY OPEN
September 1
The Fall Tournament season kicks off with a fun event in the Labor Day Open. You will sign up as a foursome, single or couple, and if needed we will pair you up. The format for this event is 2 Best Balls on Holes 1-8 and 10-17 and 3 Best Balls on Holes 9 and 18, all scored with a fun Stableford Point System. Registration opens on August 4.
■ LADIES MEMBER/GUEST
September 25-27
Our premier ladies member event of the year is the Ladies Member/Guest, and this year they will be putting on the Ritz with a Gatsby-themed event. Tournament play will begin by playing a Scramble/Shamble format on the East Course followed by Round 2s Pinehurst/ Better Ball. Both our gross and net overall champions will be recognized, in addition to all the respective flight winners. In the spirit of great competition, best of luck to all participants and play well! Register for this event on the ForeTees events page beginning July 28.
■ BELFAIR FAMILY CUP
October 16-18
Arguably one of the most popular events of the year, this has been given a refresh and new twist. Belfair’s Family Cup is sure to have a full field of parents, children, grandchildren, and in-laws ready to compete. This year’s event is scheduled to begin with an optional practice round shotgun on Thursday, October 16 at 8:30 am or 1:30 pm, with tournament play on October 17 and 18. The competition will once again include 36 holes of medal play using a unique Better Ball of Partners format where each player must count their best nine holes on par threes, fours, and fives to reach an aggregate team score. We will have both gross and net competitions, and this year our field will also be flighted by handicap and specific division to increase the enjoyment of all participants, while also awarding an Overall Gross & Net Champion in both the Father Son Division as well as the Parent Child Division. We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces
and so many new ones for this special event. Registration will open to members beginning August 18. Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible.
■ CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
October 25-26
Registration begins September 2.
■ FALL SHOPPING EXPO
October 30
■ GENTLEMEN’S MEMBER/ GUEST
November 5-8
The Belfair tournament season would not be complete without our Annual Gentlemen’s Member/Guest. A practice round available on November 5 is included but no F&B will be provided. The event itself will then be contested on November 6 (18 holes), November 7 (18 holes), and November 8 (9 holes and shoot-out). The format will include our traditional round robin event comprised of five nine-hole matches within each flight, and a full-field putting contest, skills challenge, and
the Championship Shoot-Out. Also new this year, we have moved our Championship Dinner to be hosted on the final night, November 8, where we will officially crown our overall champions. Registration will open to members beginning September 1 via ForeTees. Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible.
■
SADIE HAWKINS
November 15
Alright ladies, grab your favorite guy and sign up for one of the best mixed couple’s events of the year! Belfair’s Annual Sadie Hawkins Championship will be held on Saturday, November 15 with a noon shotgun start. This year’s tournament will feature a traditional 6-6-6 format, with each team playing six holes of Shamble, six holes of Pinehurst, and six holes of Better Ball gross and net to identify the overall champions. Best of luck to all the teams in this year’s competition. Registration begins on September 8.
For more information, please contact the Golf Shop.
OVER 20 YEARS STRONG
Belfair Women’s Golf Association (BWGA) has been a part of the fabric of Belfair for more than 20 years. Our ongoing goal is to promote interest in golf and build camaraderie among our close to 190 members. All women golfers with a documented handicap at Belfair are invited to join our 18-hole association.
We play on most Wednesdays, offering competitive and fun events. The BWGA Board has been working hard to ensure we have an amazing 2025! Opening Day was January 8 and closing day will be December 4. In between, we have had many exciting events including The Ringer and the Solheim Cup events in February and March. These two-day events bring out the best in our members.
We also help support both the Member/Guest and Member/ Member events each year with the theme, decorations, gifts, etc.
Additionally, we will continue the tradition of going on an Away Trip, this year to Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, GA. Susan Kelly, Jodie Jandreau, and Kelly Boss have stepped up again to make the arrangements and it is always a lot of fun!
We are also planning two amazing charity day events. Near the end of the year, as our most prestigious event, we play the Telfair Cup – a true net stroke play event and our newly named BWGA Championship. Sprinkled through the entire year are our Stableford Days and regular play days. These events
ALL WOMEN GOLFERS WITH A DOCUMENTED HANDICAP AT BELFAIR ARE INVITED TO JOIN OUR 18-HOLE ASSOCIATION.
are overseen and managed by Cynthia Love and Theresa Boland. All bring fun and competitive opportunities for our membership!
To learn more about the BWGA, please contact Colleen Pratt @ cmprattsapp@gmail.com or contact the Pro Shop.
ClubLife
JULY - DECEMBER 2025
MONDAY MORNINGS
9:30 am - 12:30 pm Ladies’ Card Room
Prior registration required on GroupValet.
Contact Gail Bujold at gailbujold@mac.com
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS
12:30 pm Ladies’ Card Room
FRIDAY MORNINGS
10 am - noon
Carolina Room of the Ladies’ Locker Room
Contact Heidi Stone at h.stone812@gmail.com
FRIDAY AFTERNOONS
1 - 3:30 pm Ladies’ Card Room
Contact Kathleen Stroh at kstroh107@aol.com
BRIDGE
Bridge has been around at Belfair for almost all of Belfair’s 30 years. There are good reasons why — bridge is good for your brain!
♠ It’s an intellectual, challenging game with ever-changing problem-solving aspects.
♥ It’s been shown that bridge stimulates the immune system.
♦ Bridge players score higher on cognitive tests.
♣ Bridge games provide good socialization environments.
Belfair is an ACBL-sanctioned club with certified directors and all the equipment needed to run sanctioned games. There are several different opportunities for Bridge within the Belfair community.
In general, we offer the following games:
Ladies Duplicate: Most every Monday afternoon at 12:15 pm in the Ladies Card Room. Contact Laurel Ludden at (816) 7181950 or Lscgolfer@mac.com.
CANASTA
Men’s Duplicate: Monday evenings on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays at 6:30 pm in the Old Tabby Room. Contact Leigh Son Hing at (843) 715-1877 or lilcdn@yahoo.com.
Mixed Duplicate: Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm either in-person in the Old Tabby Room or on BBO.com. Contact Laurel Ludden at (816) 718-1950 or Lscgolfer@mac.com.
Ladies Social Bridge: Most every Thursday at 1 pm in the Ladies Card Room. Contact Sharon Busch at (843) 870-0988 or sharon. busch@gmail.com.
Our website has a wealth of information with calendars and schedules, past results, upcoming lessons, lesson materials, and an extensive document library. You can explore all of this at www.bridgewebs.com/Belfair.
We look forward to playing bridge with you!
1ST, 3RD, & 5TH WEDNESDAY EVERY MONTH 5:30 pm Dinner in 1811 Grille 6:45 – 9:30 pm Play in the Ladies’ Locker Room
Run by Carolyn Lanning
If you are a new player, a time will be arranged to have other ladies join us who are interested in learning to play Canasta. If you have any questions, please call Carolyn Lanning at (843) 757-9726 or (843) 295-9009.
At Belfair, we believe that genuine friendships are the cornerstone of our community. That’s why we invite you to join our Dinner Club — an easy and enjoyable way to meet new residents, strengthen bonds, and build lasting relationships. Forget the fancy tableware; our club celebrates “gourmet friends” not “gourmet food.” Whether you’re a new face or a familiar one, the Dinner Club offers a warm welcome without the fuss.
HOW TO JOIN? It’s simple! You can become a member at any time of the year. To sign up, just download the registration form and send it to Molly Hopkins at thopk74673@ gmail.com. Remember, there are no fees involved. The only thing required is your enthusiasm for connecting with neighbors and hosting three other couples once a year.
We’re excited to see how the Dinner Club will continue to enrich our lives and make Belfair an even more special place to live. Join us and let’s make memories together!
FLIX & CHIX - THE BELFAIR MOVIE CLUB
JOIN US for a monthly movie at the theater, a film at the club, or at home on your own, followed by a lunch or dinner discussion. Dates, hosts, and venues vary each month, so participate when you can.
Please contact Deb Barnum at (802) 343-2294 or bygonebooksvt@gmail.com, or Margaret Kloet at (630) 334-9188 or mmbck1@gmail.com to be added to the email list via GroupValet.
More details are also available on the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/4553084808091671
See you at the movies!
AMAZING GRAZING
A Club for Belfair Foodies
Amazing Grazing is a club for Belfair women who like to cook, try out new recipes, and share family favorites with others at a fun “sampling” lunch held once a month in a member’s home. There is a Monday group (meets on the second Monday of the month) and a Tuesday group (meets on the second Tuesday of the month), so pick the group that works best with your schedule.
For more information about the Monday group, please contact Katie Carman at katiedcarman@gmail.com or call (703) 623-5422.
For more information about the Tuesday group, please contact Gretchen Parisi at gparisihome@verizon.net or call (703) 629-0812.
CAMERA FUN
The Belfair Photography Club (BPC) remains Belfair’s largest club due to its diversity of opportunities. Whether you are an iPhone user, a beginner, just enjoy field trips or a serious photographer, BPC has something for you. This past spring was no exception as detailed below.
Recently, three important members of the BPC board retired. Ann Finson organized the Gallery Wall for many years. Karen Renshaw, past club copresident, has stepped down after eight years of service, mostly as co-president. Tom DiGiacomo stepped down as webmaster after a wonderful upgrade, with Ray Parisi taking over and not missing a beat. Of course, they will all be missed. Rosemary Arnell has assumed the Gallery Wall duties, which has just added a new hanging system, and Joanne Hiemenz has a new role
for BPC as treasurer. Lead by John Keating, the board is comprised of 11 Belfair members who organize the many activities of the Belfair Photography Club.
▪ 30TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS
While still in development, there are plans to highlight photos of Belfair at its inception with current ones. More recent residents may not be aware of the initial appearance of Belfair and how it has matured into a famed golf and lifestyle club. The Belfair Photography Club celebrated its 15-year anniversary this year as well.
▪ LECTURE SERIES
As noted below, the BPC website
lists slides and/or highlights of each lecture and educational session. This year there were two lectures a month starting with Pete Schramm on “Urban Photography” in Savannah’s Starland District. We learned that you don’t have to just photograph wildlife and scenery, as he had some interesting examples of street photography.
Next was the incredible Bob Speare on “Adding Interest to Your Photos.” Not only is Bob an expert on wildlife and our area but he knows cameras quite well too. Bob also leads private tours; some you can sign up for at Wild Birds Unlimited or contact BPC board members for more info.
Jill Moore gave the next lecture
on “The Best Photo Opportunities in the Area.” She is so entertaining and full of knowledge not on just the common locations like Pickney or Cypress Wetlands. She gave a list of about 20 hidden gems of locations all within a 45-minute drive from here. See the BPC website under lecture series for the list.
Member Dave Howitt gave a fascinating lecture on “Low Light Photography” in February with tips for photographers of all levels. Dave is a real asset for Belfair.
Organized by Suzanne Butler, a March field trip to Middleton Place, near Charleston, brought members to a beautiful environment steeped in history and magnificent gardens at the
height of azalea season.
Anneliza “Pippi” Iktor gave a lecture on “People/Portrait Photography in Natural Light.” Again, lectures like this expands our photography knowledge.
There was a guided field trip to Savannah on Revolutionary War history as a walking tour in April. The year was concluded with the well-attended Year-End Dinner Meeting with over 120 members present. There was a large Member’s Showcase of Photos in different formats, and an informational presentation followed by a lecture by Ben Ham on his unique photography in black and white and sepia only. He sells his photos suitable for hanging in his gallery in Old Town.
▪ WEBSITE
Tom DiGiacomo turned over the reins of the BPC website to Ray Pirisi this year and Ray is also doing a wonderful job. If you haven’t checked it out, you are missing a great resource. The site always has an updated program schedule, slides or items from lectures, as well as informational sessions on topics like How to Choose a Camera and Bird Photography. There are too many other interesting sections to mention, so check it out at BelfairPhotoClub.com. The home page highlights a Photo of the Month submitted by members.
▪ CALENDAR
The Belfair Calendar remains popular both in online and paper versions. Last year’s calendar choices are also on the website.
The photos accompanying each month are all supplied by Belfair Photography Club members. Steve Higgins is looking for submissions for the 2026 calendar, due in early fall. Any Belfair photo is considered, so send it in a large file format (iPhone is fine) to epdoch@ gmail.com. Photos selected are not only in the calendar but also displayed around Belfair at informational sites, so you could be famous!
▪ SIDE-BY-SIDE EXHIBIT
BPC partnered with Belfair Art League for a new concept of a Side-by-Side Exhibit on the Art Wall in the clubhouse. Photo Club members provided images that were then reinterpreted by the artists and displayed adjacent. It was a fascinating showcase for February through May, particularly seeing the various interpretations of the
photos from near duplicates to abstract variations. A list of the photographers and the artists involved are on the BPC website.
▪ FALL 2025 PROGRAM
While the Fall program is still being developed, there are already some exciting plans. Mary Alice
Tartler, the famed Shipyard photographer, will speak on “Love Is In the Air” at the Fall Kick-Off Meeting. She will introduce the upcoming breeding season in the Lowcountry. Come meet and greet other members of the Belfair Photography Club. A field trip of the SCAD Equestrian Center in Hardeville is planned for October. Two lecture series opportunities to expand your photography skills include Astrophotography with Bill Gwynne (“Bill the Sky Guy”) and Pet Photography by new Belfair resident Annie Ballantine.
There will be many more programs to come, as well as Pop-Up sessions, throughout the year. If you don’t already belong, consider joining by emailing Kathleen Erb at kathmerb@gmail.com for more information.
REPORT FROM BELFAIR CHARITABLE FUND
The mission of the Belfair Charitable Fund is to support local charities that are striving to meet the needs of local residents in need in the Bluffton area.
This March, the Belfair Charitable Fund distributed $170,000 to 18 local charities.
Here are some of the projects funded.
▪ NEIGHBOR OUTREACH
Year-round education initiative focused on pre-K through grade 8 in Bluffton location
▪ HOPEFUL HORIZONS
To fund a portion of the cost to provide trauma focused therapy for child and adult victims of abuse
▪ FAMILY PROMISE
Provide shelter, family stability, and housing solutions for homeless families with children
▪ BLUFFTON SELF HELP
Providing food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance while finding a path to self-reliance
▪ OPERATION PATRIOTS
Support veterans through recreational therapy (peer-to-peer mentoring) to save lives due to suicide
▪ VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
A grant to allow patients access to prescription drugs and immunization
▪ LOWCOUNTRY AUTISM
A grant for orchestra events for level 3 autistic individuals
In addition, the Belfair Charitable Fund gave grants to SC Nursing Retention, Med-I-Assist, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, Hugaroo, BackPack Buddies, Second Helpings, Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, Meals On Wheels, Child Abuse Prevention Association, Programs for Exceptional People, and Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
All of these charities told us to thank the members of Belfair for their generous support.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Belfair Charitable Pickleball, Golf and Cocktail Events Oct 6-8. Mix fun with giving.
BELFAIR NATURE CLUB
The Belfair Nature Club celebrates its third anniversary this year and joins our community in the celebration of Belfair’s 30th anniversary. A lot has changed in 30 years, but one thing remains the same: our membership’s passion for the natural beauty we enjoy.
The mission of the Nature Club is to deepen our connection with nature and wildlife, thereby promoting enjoyment of and respect for our environment.
It is appropriate in this annversary year that we announce the start of the Audubon International Sustainable Community certification initiatve. This prestigeous certification will place Belfair among the top communities worldwide that place a value on conservation, education, safety, and engagement. The project is co-sponsored by the Nature Club and will help to insure that Belfair remains a healthy, desirable, and vibrant place to live. The certification working group has been formed and will begin by gathering community data and baselining our environmental assets. You can look forward to a community-wide informational meeting and a survey in the fall.
This past spring the Nature Club members enjoyed a presentation by Janine Propst, SC Master Naturalist on The History of Belfair; Prehistory to the Present. A trip through time, this program offers an appreciation of where we stand in relation to the all of the peoples that have called Belfair home. This program will be offered to the community-at-large on September 19 at 10am in the Oaks Dining Room as a part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration.
OTHER SPRING PROGRAMS INCLUDED:
▪ Lowcountry Raptors on Display
▪ NestWatch Training
▪ Marsh Ecology and Rice Gates in Belfair
▪ Cypress Wetlands Tour
▪ Kayaking on Ebenezer Creek
UPCOMING FALL
PROGRAMMING WILL INCLUDE:
September 16 Dolphin Cruise
September 19 The History of Belfair
October 25 Spooky Nature Trail Event
November 4 The Sex Lives of Plants and Insects
December Open Land Trust
December Christmas Bird Count
janine propst shares her vast knowledge of nature at belfair.
CLEAN & GREEN BRIGADE
In 2019, a significant amount of trash and litter was accumulating on Highway 278, directly in front of Belfair.
Concerned member Marc Feinberg contacted Beaufort County to establish a volunteer group to join Adopt-AHighway (AAH) efforts. This initiative commenced in January 2019 with 21 volunteers, forming the Clean & Green Brigade.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (S.C. DOT) installed signage on Highway 278 acknowledging Belfair’s participation in the Adopt-A-Highway effort. Since the inaugural pick-up event in 2019, the Clean & Green Brigade has
organized 37 additional events, attracting a total of 75 volunteers.
On average, the Clean & Green Brigade has removed over 500 pounds of trash per event, collecting more than 18,000 pounds from both sides of Highway 278. This
initiative has inspired other communities adjacent to Belfair to establish their own AAH groups.
Currently, over 80 groups in Beaufort County volunteer their time and energy to highway clean-up efforts. Notably, the “Keep America Beautiful” campaign was initiated in 1987, with Beaufort County being the first county in South Carolina to participate. In 2024, it is estimated that 2,357 volunteers collected over 56,000 pounds of trash. In 2023, Belfair’s Clean & Green Brigade was recognized as Beaufort County’s volunteer group of the year.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
▪ GAMES, GAMES & MORE GAMES is a co-ed social group open to all Belfair members. If you enjoy playing group games like Bingo, Family Feud, Jeopardy, Telestrations, Scattergories, Bocce, Corn Hole, and others, then this group is for you. Events are held monthly, usually on the first Thursday of the month.
To become a member, search for Games, Games & More Games in GroupValet and join.
E-mails will be sent to all members when events are announced.
Contact Cheryl Landry at (862) 222-4678 or cheryl.landry@att.net with questions.
Since our founding over 10 years ago, the Belfair Art League (BAL) has been a vibrant, active haven for Belfair’s artists and art enthusiasts. Part educational, part social, BAL is so much more than the sum of our parts!
We meet regularly to share our appreciation of art, to encourage each other as artists, and to facilitate learning through a variety of activities. Programs often include guest speakers, member and outside artist demos, field trips, and plein air painting. We welcome all Belfair artists, aspiring artists, and art lovers! We are an inclusive, supportive group with members at all points in their art journey, from beginner to professional. We build lasting friendships along the way.
Belfair sunsets with our Sunset Soiree at the home of artist member Julie Williams. We sipped and snacked in style as we watched the sunset from a perfect vantage point for creative inspiration. An art book discussion was hosted by artist member Margie Clarke in June.
ClubLife
BUNCO
Bunco is played the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening of the month at 7 pm in the Belfair Clubhouse Ladies Locker Room. Please bring $5 for prizes. Play is completed by 9 pm. You may also join us for dinner prior at 5:30 pm in the Sunroom. It’s definitely luck more than skill that matters, so fear not and come join us for a fun evening of socializing.
We’ve really outdone ourselves for 2025, with more new members, more participation, and more activities than ever before. February saw a fun kickoff cocktail party and annual meeting. Also in February, in conjunction with the Photography Club, we put on a wildly successful joint exhibition, “Partners in Art: Side by Side Exhibit.”
In April, we visited a special exhibition at the Gibbes Art Museum in Charleston followed by a lively lunch. April also brought a still life demo at the home of member artist Leslie Dyas.
May was a month to celebrate our inspiring
The remainder of 2025 promises to continue the fun with a floral arranging workshop conducted by artist member Sue Higgins, an excursion to be announced, and a festive Christmas Party to wrap up our year. As always, we fill in with “Open Studio Days” throughout the year, an opportunity for members to meet informally to share techniques and to work individually. We also conduct an online “Monthly Challenge,” providing a theme to work in the medium of your choice and share with our group.
We always enthusiastically welcome new members to join our circle of fun and creativity!
For information contact Diana Abshire at dianaabshire@icloud.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Liz Brandel at elbrandel@gmail.com.
LUNCH BUNCH
LUNCH BUNCH
Lunch Bunch is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn about Belfair and our greater community. We meet at noon on the first Tuesday of each month in the Magnolia Room of the clubhouse. All Belfair women are welcome to attend.
For information please contact Jill Toth at jillstoth@gmail.com.
To make reservations please RSVP by 5pm the Sunday before Lunch Bunch on the member website or contact the front desk at (843) 757-0700.
74
Lexington Drive, Belfair
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