2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
president's letter
I am honored to serve a second term as President of the DAC Board of Directors this year. Our Board is proud to represent our membership as we focus on the strategic vision of the Dallas Athletic Club. I want to take this opportunity to welcome our newest board members, Kim Elliott and Charlie Milner, and to thank our outgoing board members, Matt Sisk and Jim Koch. Matt and Jim were excellent stewards and representatives who volunteered countless hours of service to the Club.
The management team and DAC department heads have just completed a day-long presentation to our Board, and I wanted to share a few highlights with you. In the past four years, we have invested $15 million in DAC capital projects as part of our longterm strategic plan, reaching all areas of our clubhouse and grounds. Phase 1 of the Blue Course is on budget and on time. The upgrades include a state-of-the-art irrigation system, improved drainage, and new cart paths. Congratulations to Tim Brown on his promotion to Co-Head Golf Professional. Tim and Ryan Bowey are a dynamic team focused on the member experience from courses to the clubhouse. Renaldo Chiang is settling in as our Director of Golf and has exciting plans for our golfing members, the Pro Shop, and the Pro Shop staff.
As you may know, Chef Michael Lamping earned a position on the 2028 USA Culinary Olympic Team, but it doesn’t stop with him!
Celebrating One Year
Jose Bañuelos
Oscar Salgado Nunez
Jocelyn Wright
Cristina Arias
Ashley Ward
Victor Fuenmayor
Abby Easley
Armin Gordillo
Alexandra Hoskins
Angelica Mares
Austin Allen
Celebrating Two Years
Katelyn Rees
Peter Curley
Andrea Leon
Alexa Leon
Celebrating Three Years
John Burriss
Angel Herrera
Adrienne Beale
Celebrating Four Years
Josue Araiza
Celebrating 5+ Years
Aurora Mayoral
Maricela Diaz
Jo-Dee Burston
Cassie Thames
Ana Hernandez
Celebrating 10+ Years
Jose Godinez
Jesse Monson
Celebrating 20+ Years
Isidoro Cornejo
Celebrating 30+ Years
Juan Gonzalez
Refugio Mena Romero
Executive Sous Chef Torian Jenkins has just been honored as the Texas Chef Association Dallas Chapter Chef of the Year 2025; in August, he will compete for the Texas Chef of the Year title. Please congratulate him if you see him! The DAC culinary team produces Club favorites and creative, seasonal menus that are not to be missed. We are fortunate to have such exemplary talent in our DAC kitchen.
Renovation to the women’s locker room has begun, which will complete the look initiated a few years ago, improve amenities, and update the beverage station. Refurbishment of the 19th Hole, a full kitchen revamp, and a pickleball complex are just a few pieces of the strategic plan currently being reviewed. DAC is in a fiscally healthy position, and the resident golf membership category remains full with a roughly two-year waitlist. Director of Membership, Cari Wheatley, is constantly analyzing best practices of waitlist management and is happy to answer any questions you might have about new member sponsorship.
The sun has come out, and beautiful weather is here. Whether you are out on the courses or courts, sunning at the pool, or competing in the 1919 Member-Guest, I hope to see you at the Club soon. If you should ever have comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
It is my pleasure to serve DAC and its members. See you at the Club (pool!),
Whitney Ragsdale President
Charlie Milner Secretary Kim Elliott Board Member
FROM THE ARCHIVES
membership cards
Cari Wheatley MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
At Dallas Athletic Club, we pride ourselves on our rich history and the traditions that have shaped our community over the decades. Recently, we were thrilled to uncover a box of vintage membership cards/certificate receipts, some dating back as far as 1947 (with 1 cent postage). These remarkable relics not
ACCOUNTING
CLUB BILLING & PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cassie Thames CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
only symbolize exclusivity and belonging but also provide a tangible connection to the Club’s past.
Each card tells a story, capturing a snapshot of history, from the style of the card designs to the names inscribed on them. Imagine the generations that have passed through our doors, each member contributing to the legacy of Dallas Athletic Club. These cards serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and shared experiences that define our community. They stand as a testament to how much has changed over the years.
With the rise of digital technology, physical membership cards may seem outdated, but there is an undeniable charm in holding a piece of history in your hands.
We always want to make sure that your statement charges and credits are accurate, so we ask that all members review their statements for accuracy each month and notify us of any potential discrepancies. It is important for us to fix these in a timely matter, so we kindly ask you to review all charges and report issues before the next statements are issued. It can be difficult to fix issues if more than a few weeks have elapsed. Please note that adjustments requested after 60 days may not be possible.
It’s been some time since I last updated the membership on expectations regarding the payment of your monthly Club statement. Club statements are typically generated by the 5th of each month and can be accessed via email, the Club website, or the app. The DAC bylaws state that payment is due by the 25th of each month and late fees accrue at the beginning of the following month. Additionally, in 2023 the Board has limited indebtedness to the Club to $5,000 if your balance is more than 30+ days past due. While we want you to enjoy your Club, we also want to make sure that accounts are paid in a timely fashion. There are several convenient ways to pay your monthly dues and charges, including check, online payments via the website or app (using your bank account), credit card payments through Plastiq, or automatic drafts on the 20th of each month (sign-up required).
Our accounting team is happy to assist you with any questions, help you set up online payments, or provide support in any way we can. My team and I are available weekdays from 8:30am-5pm or you can reach me via email at cthames@dacstaff.org
I invite you to visit my office anytime and take a journey back in time with us. Whether you’re a long-standing member or new to our Family, these vintage cards are bound to ignite a sense of nostalgia and spark conversations about the past!
OF 2025
Please submit your graduate's information to be featured in the July/August newsletter. Scan the QR for the submission form. Last call! TO SUBMIT YOUR GRADUATES PHOTO!
WHAT'S NEW AT CLUBKIDS CLUBKIDS CORNER
These past four years leading ClubKids have been truly wonderful, from enhancing our daily operations to creating unforgettable events and building an amazing team. Thank you for your continued trust and support!
As summer approaches, please note that we’ll be spending much of our time outdoors. With the warm weather ahead, we kindly ask parents to ensure their children are dressed appropriately. We recommend lightweight clothing, shorts, closed-toe shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen.
NEW SWIMMER EVALUATION: MAY 22 | 5:30-7:00 PM
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of summer swim season at Dallas Athletic Club! One of the highlights every year is cheering on our very own DAC Dolphins. Whether your child is just getting started in the water or wants to refine their stroke and build confidence, our swim team is the perfect place to dive in. Open to all swimmers ages five and up, the DAC Dolphins offer a fun, welcoming environment where kids grow their skills, make friends, and compete with pride against other local country clubs.
Ready to join the pod? Visit our swim team website, dacdolphins.swimtopia.com to learn more and sign up!
• Reservations must be made through the DAC website or app.
• Reservations open one week in advance. Same-day bookings are considered walk-ins.
• Guests are welcome Tuesdays through Thursdays only.
We’re especially excited for our upcoming events, including Mom & Son Game Night and the Daddy Daughter Dance, now in its fourth magical year.
We look forward to making even more fun-filled memories with your family this season!
Mila Luna
Mila Luna CLUBKIDS MANAGER
ON COURSE FOR SUMMER: SPRING MAINTENANCE & PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Travis Moore GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
We have worked hard over the last several months to complete a long list of critical spring maintenance practices in preparation for a busy May and June golf season. A few examples include aeration of greens, sod work, applications of spring weed control and fertilizer, drainage improvements, annual flower changeout, and much more.
Obviously, this year is even busier than normal thanks to the ongoing Blue Course
TEAM UPDATE
improvement project. The project is progressing well and we plan to have all major work (cart paths, irrigation, drainage, and tee construction) completed by mid-Summer. In the meantime, we will continue to make every effort to keep as much of the course open and playable as possible. It is also important to note that we will be completing important cultural practices such as aeration and sand topdressing on tees, fairways, and roughs.
NEW CO-HEAD PROFESSIONAL
We have elevated our team member Tim Brown to position of Co-Head Golf Professional. Tim brings a world of experence to the team and will continue to shine and help move our golf operation to the next level.
PGA ASSOCIATE
We’re excited to introduce Zach Sudinsky, a PGA Associate and one of the newest faces on our professional golf team. With a year and a half of experience in the golf industry, he brings both competitive insight and a strong passion for helping others improve their game.
Before joining the professional side of the golf business, Zach competed on various mini tours, gaining firsthand experience in high-level tournament golf.
These practices can be disruptive to golfers and we strategically scheduling as much of this work as possible on holes that are already closed due to the Blue Course improvement project.
Thank you again for your continued patience and we look forward to getting these much-needed improvements completed as quickly as possible.
Tim Brown HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL GOLF RULE RULE 18: SEARCHING FOR A LOST BALL
When searching for a lost ball, the player has (3) minutes to find and identify that ball. The clock starts when the player arrives at the area and begins to search. If the ball is lost the player must return to the spot where the previous shot was played and proceed from there. Under Rule 18, lost ball is Stroke and Distance penalty.
Pro Tips from Zach:
“Think your way around the golf course. The quickest way to improve your scores is to avoid bogeys and doubles, rather than focusing on making more birdies.”
Fun Facts
Favorite Course Played: Inverness Club
Dream Golf Destination: Kiawah Island
Favorite Club in the Bag: 7 iron
Go-To Pre-Round Routine: Trunk Slamming
Whether it’s lowering your handicap or simply enjoying your time on the course more, Zach is passionate about helping members play better, smarter, and with confidence.
STRONGER SWINGS, BETTER SCORES
THE BENEFITS OF STRENGTH TRAINING FOR GOLF
Jeff Hoke FITNESS DIRECTOR
As a certified Golf Movement Specialist, I've had the privilege of working with PGA and LPGA professionals, NCAA athletes, high-level amateurs, and high-handicap golfers for the past 18 years. One crucial factor that consistently drives better golf performance, greater consistency, and fewer injuries is strength training.
With over 130 scientific studies examining the link between golf fitness and performance, one thing is clear: strength training is essential. Here are five key takeaways from the research that can help elevate your game:
Gain Distance
Develop a Faster, More Explosive Swing
While distance is crucial, strength training also boosts other important aspects of your swing. Research shows that strength training enhances:
• Lead arm speed and acceleration
• Clubhead speed
• Rotational power, force, and velocity
Interestingly, many studies found that traditional, non-specific strength training yielded better results in swing speed and driving distance compared to golf-specific exercises. For instance, an 18-week study of resistance training showed greater improvements in both driving distance and swing speed in a general strength training group versus a golf-specific program.
Improve Performance on the Green, Distance Control, and Accuracy
Strength training also improves your ability to control your body and swing with precision. By enhancing neuromuscular function and proprioception (awareness of body position), strength training helps golfers refine their control over body movement and swing force. In one study, Division 1 collegiate golfers who trained for 12 weeks experienced a remarkable 29.6% improvement in putting distance control.
Maintain and Improve Flexibility
Reduce the Chance of Golf-Related
Injuries
Injury prevention is another major benefit of strength training. About 60% of professional golfers and 40% of amateur golfers suffer injuries each season, with common injuries occurring in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and lower back due to the stress and torque of the golf swing. Strength training can reduce sport-specific injuries by up to 33% and decrease the risk of overuse injuries in golf by 50%.
Conclusion
Strength training is a game-changer for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to hit longer drives, improve your swing mechanics, or stay injury-free, strength training should be a cornerstone of your golf fitness routine. DAC Fitness Professionals are available to help you design a customized strength training program tailored to your needs and goals, so you can take your game to the next level. 1 2 3 4 5
The most striking discovery from the research is the consistent increase in driving distance across all golfers, regardless of age, skill level, or fitness. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, increasing strength correlates with significantly longer drives. Research shows that golfers who strengthen their bodies can consistently hit the ball farther.
FITNESS CENTER REMINDER
Parental supervision required for youth in the Fitness Center
A common misconception is that weight training leads to stiffness and reduced flexibility. However, research shows the reality is strength training not only maintains flexibility but improves it more effectively than static stretching, flexibility training, or massage alone. This makes strength training an essential component of maintaining a full range of motion, which is crucial for effective, injury-free golf.
BEGINNING JUNE 3RD
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 10:00-10:45 AM
For the safety of all members, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and actively participating in a fitness program that uses the equipment. Any exceptions must be approved by the House Committee.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
CLUBHOUSE UPDATE
A LOOK AHEAD: SPRING EVENTS & SUMMER PLANS
Macon Simonson CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
Spring is in swing and the Clubhouse is busier than ever! We had a windy but fantastic Egg Hunt weekend in early April followed by a beautiful and well-attended brunch on Easter weekend. Mother’s Day is right around the corner and reservation time slots for our annual Mother’s Day Brunch are sure to fill up fast. We look forward to this wonderful event every year and cannot wait to host our members in celebrating Mom.
Next up, pool season! It’s hard to believe Summer is almost here along with swim team and summer camps. Sign-ups are
still open and we would love to have your kids participate. We’ll be opening the pool on Memorial Day weekend with our 2025 Summer Kickoff Pool Party on Monday the 26th! Chef Lamping and his team will provide a fresh and delicious buffet spread sure to excite. This is going to be a great summer at DAC and we can’t wait to spend it with you!
See you at the Club!
Macon Simonson
Snapshots from our Tennis Court Ribbon Cutting event on March 6th. Members gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for DAC’s newly renovated tennis facility.
Hours of Operation
CLUBHOUSE
Tuesday-Sunday 7:00 am-Close
19TH HOLE
Tuesday-Sunday 8:00 am-Close
9 1/2 SNACK BAR
Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday - Sunday 8:00 am-6:00 pm
KITCHEN & THE ELM
Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am-9:00 pm Friday 8:00 am-10:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Sunday 7:00 am-9:00 pm
FITNESS FACILITY
Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 am-Close
Sunday 6:00 am-Close
TENNIS PRO SHOP
Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am-6:00 pm
GOLF PRO SHOP
Tuesday-Friday 7:30 am-7:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday 7:00 am-7:00 pm
CLUBKIDS
Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 pm-9:00 pm* Parents must remain on Club grounds in order to utilize the ClubKids services.
* Wednesday Evenings the ClubKids Building will be closed.
CONTACT NUMBERS
CLUBHOUSE
GOLF SHOP
TENNIS SHOP
972-279-3671
972-279-6517
972-279-1549
www.dallasathleticclub.org
facebook.com/dallasathleticclub
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instagram.com/dallasathleticclub
