July / August 2023 | Dallas Athletic Club

Management Team

General Manager

Brent Burkhart bburkhart@dacstaff.org

Executive Assistant

Pat Stevens pstevens@dacstaff.org

Chief Financial Officer

Cassie Thames cthames@dacstaff.org

Clubhouse Manager

Joanna Brewer jbrewer@dacstaff.org

ClubKids Manager

Mila Luna mluna@dacstaff.org

Communications Director

Kelsey Bohlman kbohlman@dacstaff.org

Events & Catering Director

Madison Vaughan mvaughan@dacstaff.org

Executive Chef

Michael Lamping mlamping@dacstaff.org

Fitness Director

Jeff Hoke fitness@dacstaff.org

Assistant General Manager

Phil Callahan pcallahan@dacstaff.org

Director of Golf

Lance Patterson lpatterson@dacstaff.org

Golf Course Superintendent

Travis Moore tmoore@dacstaff.org

Massage & Wellness

Galen Flemons gcflemons@gmail.com

Membership Director

Cari Wheatley cwheatley@dacstaff.org

Director of Retail Bridget Bartlett bbartlett@dacstaff.org

Service Director

Isis Marquez imarquez@dacstaff.org

Director of Tennis Natalia Prinz nprinz@dacstaff.org

Board of Directors - 2023

President

Lance Lane

First Vice President

Matt Sisk

Second Vice President

Don Gafner

Secretary David Brock

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

Tim O'Brien

Governance Committee Chairman

Kris Moldovan

House Committee Chair

Scott Dooley

Membership Committee Chairman

Whitney Ragsdale

Strategic Planning Committee Chairman

Warren Sibley

Golf & Grounds Chair

Paul Broome

Scholarship Committee Chairman

Jim Koch

Email the Board of Directors boardofdirectors@dacstaff.org

Mr. Preston and Haley Sandknop and their two boys, Pierson and Prescott at last year's DAC Fourth of July Celebration.

JULY 2-3, 2023

Fourth of July Weekend

Pool Party & Cookout

Buffet Menu

$16 per Adults & Children (Children 3 & Under Complimentary)

Burgers

Hot Dogs, Brats

Chicken Breast

Coleslaw

Potato Salad

Pasta Salad

Bags of Chips

Ice Cream Novelities

There will be no a la carte available at the Pool during the Holiday Weekend. (Sunday, July 2 through Monday, July 4)

Reservations are not required.

Please reference our Club Feed for up-to-date Pool Capacity.

Holiday Weekend Guest Fees: $25 per Guest; Two (2) Guests Per Membership

president's letter

Summer is here once again and all of the programs are in full swing. Golf, tennis, and swimming activities are underway. You may have also noticed that the golf course renovation is moving right along. I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to experience a new, modernized Gold golf course. Let's continue to show patience to Lance and his staff as they work to get everybody who wants to play golf that opportunity.

Travis and his staff continue to do an exceptional job keeping the Blue course in excellent shape. The fairways and greens look fantastic, and the feedback I've received around the Club is positive. Also, the split tee times used most often on the weekends have really helped keep things moving and are allowing more golfers to go out and play despite having either nine or eighteen holes closed.

2023 DAC Scholarship Recipients

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Employee Scholarships. Scholarships are given annually by the Communities Foundation of Texas who administers our Scholarship Fund.

In 2016, the Board of Directors established the Employee Scholarship Fund to further the education of our employees and dependent children of our employees. It is awarded to deserving students to forward their education and change not only their lives but also the lives of their families both now and in the future. Each year, we arrange for a voluntary contribution to the fund by each member. We want to thank all of our members this year who participated and helped to make these scholarships possible.

If you would like to donate to the Scholarship Fund, please scan the QR code and it will allow you to make a tax deductible contribution to the Scholarship Fund.

The employees and management staff continue to be thankful for your support of the Scholarship Fund.

As I have discussed in many past newsletters, our membership waitlist continues to grow. It is still about a two-year wait, and we have new people joining the waitlist every month. This, again, is a testament to the great things that are going on here at Dallas Athletic Club. We are no longer the best-kept secret inside of LBJ.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the Pool at DAC with family and friends. When you're out at the pool, please be respectful of the other members and their children. The pool scene is very active, and there are a lot of young children playing throughout the area. As a parent, please keep an eye on your children and remind them to use the bathrooms accordingly. We all like to go and enjoy the pool, and it is frustrating when we have to get out so they can shock the pool for an hour because of an accident. Thanks for your help and understanding regarding this matter.

The 4th of July is near, and you should make your reservations early because this is the busiest time of the year for the Club. Be sure to also stop at the Front Desk to get your parking pass for the event. If you need an additional parking pass, you can purchase one for $25. This annual event is not to be missed! Let’s have a great summer!

Lance Lane President

Employee Anniversaries at

DAC

Celebrating One Year

Jennie Aguirre

Ricky Albiar

Jose Carreon

Kimberly Esquivel

Giselle Meza Orduno

Nicole Ramirez

Cristian Roman-Cedeno

Bri Reaves

Dani Cruz

Oscar Novoa

Taya Palmer

Gabriella Spear

Celebrating Two Years

Grace Satterwhite

Eva Benitez

Miah Ayala

Joanna Brewer

Kameron Burrack

Marcus Erickson

Gavin Strohl

Celebrating Three Years

Refugio Guerrero

Jose Rodriguez

Sebastian Alvarez

Celebrating Four Years

Cari Wheatley

Celebrating 5+ Years

Stuart Hendley (5)

Chris Guilhoux (6)

Esperanza Rivas (9)

Pascual Valle (9)

Celebrating 10+ Years

Rachel Arreola (10)

Shelly Davis (11)

Celebrating 20+ Years

Maria Aguilar (25)

Federico Leon (26)

Juan Devora (29)

Celebrating 30+ Years

Catalina Lopez (35)

Celebrating 40+ Years

Christine Mejia (45)

Brianna "Miah" Ayala Dallas College Eastfield Campus

Francisco "Alex" Luna University of Texas at Dallas

Meagan Youngman Tarleton State University in Stephenville

Scan the QR Code to make a donation to the Scholarship Fund!

Jamie Ezpeleta University of Texas at Arlington

Brienna Reaves Collin College at McKinney

Warren Hamilton University of Oklahoma

Angelica Rocha Texas A&M

Cayden Henderson Texas Tech University

Patricia Rocha University of North Texas

F rom the Desk of Cari Wheatley

Keeping your member profile up to date is very helpful for our team! Do we have the correct e-mail and contact information for you and your family members? Have you recently moved, changed your phone number, or perhaps had a new addition to your family? We need to have a current and updated membership database to be able to keep you well informed, whether it be relevant membership information or important upcoming event details; we want to keep you in the loop! We strive to provide the highest level

of service. By uploading a photo to your profiles through the App, our team can customize your preferences and train our new summer staff to deliver the DAC experience you know and love!

Cheers,

CariWheatl

Membership Director cwheatley@dacstaff.org

welcome to our newest & littlest DAC members!

New addition to your family?

September 5, 2022

Proud Parents: Taylor & Lori Lovitt Members since 2022

Robert Charles "Charlie" Poorman

September 17, 2022

Proud Parents: Callie & Steve Poorman Members since 2021

SPOTLIGHT: graduating seniors

As the summer sun sets on yet another school break, parents across the nation are preparing to say goodbye to their High School Seniors beginning their “adulting” in college. Among them are a special group of young individuals who have spent their childhood at Dallas Athletic Club. These remarkable seniors have not only emerged as accomplished graduates but have also left an incredible mark on the fabric of our DAC Family.

As we bid them farewell, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and express our gratitude for the privilege of being a part of their story. We have no doubt that they will continue to inspire and make a difference wherever life takes them. Though, we hope it leads them back to DAC as Legacy Members with families of their own someday!

February 5, 2023

Proud Parents:

Members since 2023

We want to celebrate our littlest new members! Please e-mail cwheatley@dacstaff.org a picture of your baby along with their name and date of birth to be included in the following newsletter! I will also make sure they are updated in your DAC Member Profile!

Taylor Kendall Lake Highlands High School Graduate

University of Arkansas, Communications

Emmett Ramirez Richardson High School Graduate Belmont University, Music Business

Owen Sibley Bishop Lynch High School Graduate Hampden Sydney College, Government & Playing Golf for the Tigers

Karoline Kraft Woodrow Wilson High School Graduate University of Oklahoma, Economics & Finance

Jack Satterfield Sunnyvale High School Graduate University of Oklahoma, Biology

Alice James Lovitt

Lila Evelyn Clear

Nate & Cassie Clear

Parker Burns Lake Highlands High School Graduate Auburn University, Finance

Olivia Ranta Sunnyvale High School Graduate University of ColoradoBoulder, Management & Entrepreneurship

Jake Sefzik Woodrow Wilson High School Graduate Southwestern University, Undecided & Playing Football for the Pirates

Member Milestones

Celebrating Five Years at DAC

Thomas & Shannon Ramirez

Steve & Melanie Hedrick

Paul & Kimberly Daniel

Edward & Paula Dudlo

Ross & Rebekah Gilbert

Judy Lynn Prestidge

Ashley & Cody Mason

Warren & Haley McCarty

Ian & Hayden Duffy

Robert & Molly Ann Baucum

Jeffrey Orosco & Dina Krzovic

Robert & Lindsey Dahlquist

Michael James Buttarazzi Jr.

Condred III & Kathleen Roberts

Andrew & Andrea M. Holmgreen

Rob Krupp & Jeri Thibodeaux

William & Connie Elam

Ashley & Kyle Brinkley

Leah & Luke Lanier

Jeffrey Rodriguez & Bella Alaverdyan

Celebrating 10 Years at DAC

Allison Holland & Crystal Williams

Belinda Dea Epps

David & Eilis Meyer

Rick & Julie Carroll

Worth & Deidra Williams

Steven & Kelly Aldous

Richard & Nancy Baker

Celebrating 20 Years at DAC

James & Fran Terry

Greg & Karie Nation

Richard & Anne Cree

Phil & Aleah Powell

Celebrating 30 Years at DAC

Nicholas & Patricia Jent

Gregg & Karen Ewing

Celebrating 40 Years at DAC

Sam & Diane Fisher

Summer at DAC!

by Joanna Brewer, Clubhouse Manager

We are well into the 2023 Pool Season and from the entire management team, we are so excited to be fully in the swing of things! Our Grab 'N Go feature on our app has been working smoothly to ensure speedy delivery and our eager seasonal employees are always around to offer a cold beverage. Between indoor dining, pool days, ClubKids and Summer Camp there is plenty to keep the entire family active and busy this summer. Be sure to sign up for our 4th of July Celebration if you plan to partake in Chef's Grande Texas Buffet. It's going to be a weekend full of delicious food, quality time spent with your families, and our spectacular fireworks show to end the fun-filled long weekend! We look forward to seeing everyone at the Club soon.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Mandy & Mike VanDenBerg

In 2017 Mandy and Mike VanDenBerg were drawn to Dallas Athletic Club because of the two championship courses and prestigious golf culture the Club boasted. What started out as an objective to support professional business opportunities, quickly turned into a place where the entire family is actively engaged!

Tell me how your family has used the Club over the years? When the kids were younger, they loved the Gingerbread House-building party and Wednesday night family dinners as well as Music on the Lawn. Our favorite holidays to celebrate at the Club are July 4th and Easter Brunch. A highlight that keeps both Mike and me active is Galen Flemons’ massages. We also enjoy being a part of the Wine Society.

What are Joshua and Kora’s favorite parts of DAC? Kora (12) said, “I enjoy tennis, practicing on the putting green, and riding around with my dad while he is playing golf and the Caesar salad.” Joshua (14) said, “I love the pizza and burgers. I also enjoy playing tennis at DAC.”

What is your favorite event hosted by DAC? Why is this your favorite? “I love the Davis Cup event. It’s an opportunity to play some great, fun tennis with lots of members and enjoy friendly competition while there is strong team pride for your assigned country,” Mandy said.

Mike said, “Tradition is a special event. The memories made through the competition and events surrounding that weekend are remembered for years, and I can count how many new friends as a result of participating.”

If you were to spend all day at the Club, describe the perfect DAC day. (On this day you can do anything you want! Today can be whatever “perfect” means to you.) Mandy said, “My perfect day would be playing tennis followed by a massage

with Galen, lunch with friends, and then dinner during Music on the Lawn with Mike, kids, and friends PLUS there would be the July 4th firework show!”

Mike's response, “A perfect DAC Saturday involves tennis drills first thing, then a round of golf followed by a cocktail in the Men’s Grill or 19th Hole. To cap it all off, Mandy would join me for steak night.”

What is one thing you would tell a friend that is considering joining DAC? I would have never guessed how much joining DAC would impact our lives. Not just picking up a new sport, but the friendships that we have made since 2017 will last a lifetime. I would tell them that DAC is a place where the members are real, and they can be themselves at Our Club.

Is there anything else you want to share about your DAC experience over the years? We are excited about the future of DAC. We can see that the recent investments the Club has made and know the Club is committed to providing a premier experience for us as members!

Thank you to the VanDenBerg family for their continued support of DAC!

If you would like to be considered for our next Member Spotlight, please email Cari Wheatley at cwheatley@dacstaff.org. We enjoy being able to highlight our members and their enthusiasm for Dallas Athletic Club.

Mike and Mandy at a DAC Wine Society Event.

Mike and Mandy at an away TCD Match

Mike, Joshua, Mandy, and Kora at the 2023 DAC Easter Brunch.

dining & social

CELEBRATION Fourth of July

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Poolside Burger Buffet, Pool Games

Burger Buffet - $16 Adult and Children 4 & up, Children 3 & under complimentary. Pool Games: Big Splash, Coin Dive, Soda Dive, Beer Dive, Patriotic Swimwear Contest! Pool Games Schedule Online. Reservations are not required for activities before 4:00 pm.

1:00 – 5:00 pm: DJ McCrae at the Pool

4:30 – 9:00 pm: Fourth of July Grande Texas Buffet Opens

$48 for Adults, $18 for Children of All Ages. Airbrush Tattoos, Face Painters, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker. Reservations are required.

6:30 pm: Joyce Spencer Takes the Stage for a high energy performance of live music

9:30 pm: Fireworks Extravaganza Begins

COMPLIMENTARY ALL-DAY:

Cotton Candy • Snow Cones • Popcorn • Lemonade

Menus are available to view online and on the DAC App. ClubKids will be closed Sunday and Monday, July 2 and 3, and the evening of Tuesday, July 4. THE CLUB WILL BE CLOSED

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5 IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

JOYCE SPENCER

As an award-winning saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist from Dallas, TX, Joyce covers the gamut of musical influence, style, and genre from traditional to contemporary jazz and classical to R&B, funk, fusion, blues, pop, and Gospel/Christian. The mixing and blending of musical styles in her upbringing are definitely her forte and an asset to writing music and entertainment. Whether it's upbeat music, sultry smooth jazz, or ballads, Joyce provides sensational musical entertainment on saxophone (soprano, alto, and tenor), flute, and vocals that cater to the fans or venue.

RESERVATIONS:

Reservations are not required for the 11:00 am – 4:00 pm portion of the Fourth of July Pool Party. Reservations are required after 4:30 pm on Tuesday, July 4th. Your reservation includes a table, a meal from the buffet, and one parking pass. One additional parking pass may be purchased for $25 at the Front Desk. Tables will be assigned by reservation size. When making your reservation, please select the time you plan to eat off of the buffet. Over ten in your reservation? Please call the Front Desk to make your reservation. 72-hour cancellation policy in effect. Cancellation deadline is July 1st at 4:00 pm. All reservations and any cancellation after July 1st at 4:00 pm will be charged the full price.

POLICY UPDATES

Everyone entering the gates on July Fourth will be required to have a Parking Pass attached to their rearview mirror. You will not be able to enter the Club without a parking pass as of 3 pm. Golfers and Tennis Players will not require a parking pass if entering the Club before 3 pm.

Parking passes can be picked up at the Club’s Front Desk. Members are allotted one (1) complimentary parking pass per family. One (1) additional parking pass may be purchased for $25.

In an effort to manage crowd size, Pool Guest Fees for all ages will increase to $25 , and a maximum of two (2) guests per membership, for July 2nd – 4th, 2023. Out of respect for your fellow members, saving seats on the pool deck will not be allowed.

Reservations are necessary for anyone requiring a table for dining purposes (4:30 pm and after) on Tuesday, July 4th. You will be charged for the number of seats you reserve for the buffet.

Reservations are now being taken online, on the app, and by calling 972279-3671.

Anyone that plans to attend solely for the Fireworks Show does not require a reservation and there will not be a table set for you. You may enter the grounds at 8:30 pm with your blanket or chairs to secure your spot for the fireworks display. You must have a parking pass in order to enter the Club. Please pick up your Parking Pass for the Fireworks Show at the Front Desk.

Cancellation deadline is July 1st at 4:00 pm. All reservations and any cancellations after July 1st at 4:00 pm will be charged the full price.

culinary rockstars

by Michael Lamping, Executive Chef

A lot of times, I get all of the credit, especially if something is outstanding. I am humble enough to share that it is not always me doing the dirty work. Here at DAC we have something special, something I have never encountered in my career, so many long-term employees -- and a lot of them! When I learned that a third of my staff has been employed at DAC for over 20 years, my jaw dropped!

That is an insane statistic, and one to be proud of. I want to bring special attention to a special group on the culinary team - the prep cooks. We have eight employees who work diligently every day to make sure we keep operations at a high standard. They crack eggs, peel potatoes, slice deli meats, scrub oysters, peel shrimp and on and on and on. It’s a great feeling to know our prep cooks have it all under control. Who knows what we would do without them. The three that I need to bring special attention to are these three DAC culinary rockstars - Ronald (Luis) Bobadilla, Yolanda Lopez and Eva Benitez. These three are all equally special and I cannot stress enough that without them we would be struggling every day. So please if you see them in the hallways, setting up or running a buffet, please say hello!

Left to Right: Yolana Lopez, Ronald "Luis" Bobadilla, and Eva Benitez

Cancellation Policy for Club Events

At Dallas Athletic Club, we have a 24-hour cancellation policy in effect for all special event reservations. Any reservation that is canceled after the 24-hour cancellation period is to be charged for their reservation. Dependent on the extent of the event activities and/or entertainment provided, the hours in which a reservation may be canceled may be subject to increase up to 48 hours. Please keep this in mind when making and/or canceling your reservation.

Tuesday Date Night

Every Tuesday Evening

Enjoy complimentary ClubKids when you make your reservation in advance with the Front Desk!

Wednesday Family Nights

Every Wednesday Evening in The Elm Kids 12 & Under Eat Free!

July 12th

EAT LIKE A KID NIGHT- $18

Chicken Tenders, Waffle Fries, Mac & Cheese, Corny Dogs, Cheeseburger Sliders, French Toast PB&J, Toasted Cheese

Sandwiches, Grapes & Strawberries, a Variety of Adult Friendly Salads with Grilled Chicken, Seared Beef Tips, Grilled Shrimp, Sundae Bar

July 19th

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

$30 PER CHILD, $12 PER ADULT

Honey Brine Roasted Turkey

Breast, Dressing, Green Bean

Casserole, Whipped Potatoes & Gravy, Sweet Potato Casserole, Spinach & Berry Salad, Waldorf Salad, Chicken Tenders, Buttered Noodles, Fresh Fruit, Holiday Pies, Sundae Bar

July 26th

BUILD YOUR OWN PIZZA NIGHT - $18

Pick your favorite toppings or select from a pre-made selection of Pepperoni, Margherita, or BBQ Chicken, Breadsticks, Chopped Italian Salad, Kids Pizzas, Baked Penne, Sundae Bar

August 2nd

MINI NIGHT - $18

Sliders, Popcorn Chicken, Bagel

Bites Mini Pizzas, Corn Pups (Mini Corn Dogs), Shoestring Fries, Popcorn Shrimp, Sundae Bar

August 9th

FRIED CHICKEN NIGHT - $18

House Fried Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Peas, Creamed Spinach, Mashed

Potatoes and Gravy, Buttermilk

Biscuits, Marinated Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Sundae Bar

August 16th

SUPERFOODS NIGHT - $18

Berry Salad, Açai Smoothies, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Stuffed

Avocado, Poke Station, Baked

Chicken Kabobs, Fresh Fruit, Carrots & Celery Sticks, Baked Chicken Tenders, Broccoli, Sundae Bar

August 23rd

GREEK NIGHT - $18

Beef Gyros, Chicken Pita Tzatziki, Baba Ghanoush, Spanakopita Lasagna, Marinated Artichokes with Olives & Feta, Baklava, Fresh Fruit, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Sundae Bar

August 30th

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER- $18

Pancakes, Waffles, Omelet Station, Bacon, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Fruit, Quiche, Sundae Bar

Steak Night

Every Saturday Evening, 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Prime Filet 6 oz., $42

Prime Strip Steak 10 oz., $42 or Prime Ribeye 14 oz., $46

Served with a Wedge Salad or Cup of Soup du Jour

All prime steaks are served with a Steakhouse Baked Potato and Fresh Seasonal Vegetable.

For dessert, enjoy a slice of warm pie a la mode or your choice of an ice cream sundae.

OR The Month’s Featured Steak

Dining reservations in The Elm or 19th Hole can be made online, on the app, or with the Front Desk at 972-279-3671.

It's All About the Roots

by Travis Moore, Course Superintendent

The "dog days of summer" have officially arrived. This expression is said to have originated during early Roman times and refers to the hottest part of the summer (traditionally considered to be from July 3rd to August 11th). From a golf course superintendent's perspective - it refers to the most stressful time of year for southern bentgrass greens. From a golfer's point of view - this is the time of year when putting speeds are slower, ball marks are more evident, and staff is constantly hand-watering greens during play. But why does this happen?

During the spring and fall bentgrass is actively growing and is able to develop a healthy root system. This allows us to be more aggressive with our maintenance practices and focus on providing faster and firmer greens. In the heat of the summer, the grass uses more energy than it is able to produce and the root system begins to decline as a result. Consequently, the greens must be watered more frequently, and are more susceptible to external stresses such as rolling, mowing, traffic, and disease. The basic goal is to have enough roots heading into summer to account for this decline, and then keep the turf healthy enough so that recovery is possible in the fall.

There are many ways we work to achieve this, but perhaps none is more important

Gold Course Renovation Update

As mentioned in previous newsletters, this renovation is based on the Gold Course Master Plan provided by Golf Course Designer, Chet Williams. The overall scope of work is extensive and includes a combination of infrastructure upgrades and design improvements. We broke ground in early April, and have made considerable progress over the last two and a half months. During that time, every effort has been made to keep the course at least partially open for play.

than managing soil moisture through precise hand watering. Applying too much water can be just as bad, often even worse, than not enough. Deciding when and how much to apply is more complicated than most golfers realize. It takes an experienced crew to take into consideration factors such as weather, time of day, the visual appearance of the turf, and current soil moisture. They must also be able to work efficiently through the course while minimizing interference with golfers. Fortunately, at DAC, we have a six-man "greens crew" with an average tenure of 25 years. Led by 32-year team member, Jose "Juarez" Espitia, these men work seven days a week and take great pride in keeping "their" 46 greens in the best shape possible.

We look forward to September and putting the "dog days of summer" behind us. Our greens and those who play, and work, on them will be ready for cooler temperatures and the improved putting conditions that lie ahead.

What's in the bag?

Each newsletter we will be highlighting one of the Professional staffs' “What’s in the Bag.” This month we will be looking at Golf Professional, Ryan Bowey's bag. Ryan has been a TaylorMade staff member for five years and plays the Stealth2 Driver and the P770 irons. Ask Ryan about any of your equipment questions and remember to always get fit for your gear at DAC.

In Ryan's bag you will find...

• Stealth2 Plus Driver - 8 degreeBlack Diamana Stiff

• Stealth2 Plus 3 Wood - 15 degreeBlue Tensei Stiff

• Stealth2 Plus Hybrid - 19.5 degreeBlue Tensei Stiff

• P770 Irons - 4 through 9 iron - Project X 6.0

• MG3 Wedges - 46, 52, 56

• Hi-Toe 58 degree

• Spider EX Putter

GOLF RULE: scoring

by Stuart Hendley, Director of Instruction

However, as we head into July and August the entire course will need to be closed. We appreciate your patience and look forward to getting this exciting project completed. Please look for our weekly updates and visit our course renovation page on the website for detailed project information, updates, videos, photos, and more.

Tournament season is in full swing now on all of the professional golf tours, big amateur events, tournaments here at our Club, etc. Part of playing tournament golf is signing the card correctly after you've finished your round. When adding up your score in a stroke play round of golf, you are simply checking to make sure the hole-byhole scores are correct. There is no penalty for adding your scores up incorrectly. If you sign your card and you have a score on a hole that is higher than what you made, you simply have to take that score. For example, if you make a four, but you sign for a five, you take the five. If you sign for a lower score on a hole than what you made, it is a disqualification if you've signed your card and turned it in. Always make sure your holes are correct. Roberto De Vincenzo from Argentina signed an incorrect scorecard that cost him getting into a playoff at the 1968 Masters. Thankfully, he had a very successful professional golf career playing around the world with lots of wins, including seven PGA Tour wins.

Left to Right: Genaro Espitia (29 years), Roberto Martinez (27 years), Juarez Espitia (32 years), Ernesto Gonzalez (24 years), Roman Garcia (14 years), Arturo Vargas (24 years)

GOLF LESSON: wedge spin

by Shelly Davis, Assistant Golf Professional

Ever wonder how PGA Tour players spin the ball with their wedges, and want to figure out how they do it? Executing the one-hop-stop, or spinning the ball back 15 feet certainly looks cool, but there are several reasons why they can do it, and amateurs mostly can't. In this article, I'll explain some key requirements so you can figure out how to put spin on a golf ball with your wedges.

WHAT ARE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS?

For the majority of amateur golfers, you do not need to spin the ball like a pro to play effective golf. On longer wedge approach shots (70-120 yards) you simply want the ball to stop within a reasonable distance of its landing point. You don't need to suck it back 15 feet; it's just not necessary.

As you get closer to the hole, your goal is also to control your spin so the ball is not excessively running out. If you have less green between you and the hole this becomes even more important.

FRICTION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART!

The most important factor required for extra wedge spin is friction. This has to do with the type of equipment you are playing, turf conditions, the quality of your strike, the ball you are playing, and if there is any debris on your clubface.

In order to really spin the ball with your wedges, you need to have optimal conditions. Some of these factors are within your control and others are not.

YOUR WEDGES

I teach a lot of golfers who have wedges that are more than five years old. The faces are completely worn out and this greatly reduces your ability to spin the golf ball around the greens. This is an area that is under your control. It really does depend on the kind of wedge you are playing and the quality of the materials used. They will all wear down differently. I think it makes sense to swap them out once you are approaching the four to five year mark, and playing a decent amount of golf.

THE GOLF BALL

The quality of the golf ball you are playing will also have a large impact on your spin rate. If you are playing a low-quality

"distance ball", it probably will affect your ability to put spin on the ball with your wedges. Playing a premium golf ball will absolutely help you get the job done.

TURF CONDITIONS

The more debris that gets between the golf club and the ball will greatly affect the spin rate. Having a clean lie on the fairway is obviously your best chance to put the most spin on the ball. However, even then moisture and debris can still get on the face of the wedge before impact.

Generally speaking, the less grass and moisture you have to deal with, the more spin you are able to generate. Once you get into the first and second cut of rough, your spin rates are going to greatly decrease because there is more grass between the clubface and the ball.

CLEAN YOUR WEDGES!

This might be the most important takeaway from this article. If you want the best chance to spin the ball, you need a clean clubface.

QUALITY OF STRIKE

If you really want to know how to put spin on a golf ball with your wedges, then you have to master the strike. All of the factors I have discussed play a big role, but how you are striking the golf ball is important.

Simply put, you need to be striking the golf ball first, and then the turf. This is where most golfers fail because they are striking the ground first, and debris and moisture will get trapped between the face and the club. Also, if you really want to spin the ball a lot, you need speed. Clean Strike + Clubhead Speed = More Spin.

All of these factors will allow you to generate more friction between the golf ball and your clubface. Some of them are within your control, and others are not. The good news is you don't need to do all of them to play effective golf. If you take care of the easier ones ,and get better at improving your strike, you can have success.

Remember, you don't need to spin it like the pros. You simply want the ball to stop within a reasonable distance of its landing point, and I believe all of you reading this are capable of that. Now you know what it takes, so the shot should be a little easier!

GOLF WORKOUT: scapular stability

by Jeff Hoke, Fitness Director & Lance Patterson, Director of Golf

What is the scapula? The scapula is an area that is comprised of the muscles in the upper back region. Those muscles are the rhomboids, levator scapula, trapezius muscles and multiple scapular stabilizers to be more specific. The correct positioning of these muscles is necessary to transfer and generate force in the golf swing.

Training the scapula properly allows you to:

- Adequately rotate your thoracic spine

- Generate increased clubhead speed

- Control the clubface through impact

The following exercises will help you increase the mobility and stability of your scapula.

WALL SLIDES – This exercise activates the upper back muscles and scapula stabilizers. It is especially good for mobility.

Keep the head, upper back, lower back and forearms in contact with the wall throughout the movement. Try to feel the shoulder blades rotate in a circular pattern. Perform this for 30 seconds, rest and repeat.

T'S ON THE BALL OR BENCH – This exercise activates the small stabilizers of the scapula. Their role is to aid the scapula in proper movement.

Position your chest on a ball or bench. Point your thumbs up and extend your arms by your side. Raise the arms, concentrating on squeezing the shoulder blades on each rep.

Perform this exercise for 10 repetitions, rest and repeat. Golf workout article continued on page 11.

who made a Hole-in-One!

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Carey Carter Gold #2 - 8-Iron - 125 Yards May 23, 2023

Marun Haddad Blue #7 - 8-Iron - 120 Yards May 28, 2023

A Message from Natalia Prinz

Welcome to summer tennis at DAC. The heat is here, but tennis at DAC does not stop. Make sure you are well prepared for the high temperatures by hydrating at least 24 hours before your play time. For all our players that sweat a lot, we have some tips below to help you keep cool during play. Try to avoid playing during the hottest part of the day as the court temperature is at least 20 degrees higher than the actual air temperature. Also, don't forget to grab one of the ice cold scented towels from the coolers in front of the Pro Shop.

SUMMER TENNIS TIPS:

• Rosin bags and tacky towels help keep your hands dry

• Wristbands help keep sweat away from your racquet grip

• Towel off every time you get a chance

• Bring extra socks, visors, and hats to change during the match

• If you play more than once a day, change your shoes for better support

• Put ice or a cold towel on the back of your neck and inside of your wrists during the changeovers

• Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

We hope to see you on the courts soon!

Natalia Prinz

Tennis Director nprinz@dacstaff.org

Summer Q&A

Question: Do extreme temperatures affect my strings?

Answer: Yes, extreme temperatures can negatively affect both the racquet frame and the string job. In general, extreme heat is probably the worst of the two and could damage your strings as well as potentially damaging the racquet frame itself. Extreme heat (like the trunk of your car in the summer) can cause significant tension loss in your strings and can even cause the strings to become brittle, resulting in reduced durability and playability. Extreme cold isn't as bad, but to prevent potential damage, it's best to keep your racquets in a temperaturecontrolled environment whenever possible.

Junior Corner

Coach Jason, Coach Aggie and Coach Jamel have private group sessions for children of all ages available during the summer. If you would like to give your junior tennis player more play time, please reach out to Coach Jason directly at jmason@dacstaff.org.

Doubles & Bubbles

, 2023

Event information available online and on the app.

Registration | Online and on the App

Congratulations, USTA 3.0 Teams!

WTA Martini Bingo

August 30, 2023

Event information available online and on the app.

Registration | Online and on the App

The Women's team had to win six matches in a row to advance to the national level. They beat SETX, Laredo, Corpus Christi and NOHO to move to the semifinals against Houston, and finally, beat Austin in the finals.

The Men's team won three consecutive matches in Houston with a 12-0 record, beating San Antonio, Austin, and SETX.

USTA WOMEN'S 3.0 TEAM

USTA MEN'S 3.0 TEAM

fitness

Hydration Tips

by Jeff Hoke, Fitness Director

We all know we're supposed to drink water regularly to stay hydrated and we know to drink more when it's hot or when we're exercising. However, we often forget to drink or wait too long to quench our thirst. Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

DRINK A GLASS OF WATER FIRST THING IN THE MORNING – This gets your metabolism running and gives you an energy boost.

INVEST IN A WATER BOTTLE – A good water bottle can serve as a visual reminder to drink more water throughout the day.

USE ALARMS OR NOTIFICATIONS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE – Set alarms or notifications on your smart device as reminders to drink more water throughout the day.

FOCUS ON YOUR BODY'S SIGNALS –

Be mindful of whether your body is thirsty or hungry. Sometimes we overeat because we mistake thirst for hunger.

DRINK A GLASS OF WATER BEFORE EACH MEAL – It will help you stay hydrated, help your body digest food better and help you feel fuller faster.

SET A DAILY GOAL – A simple daily goal can help you stay motivated and work towards maintaining a healthy habit.

I hope that these tips are helpful to you in staying hydrated this summer!

Pool Safety

by Sarah Tanco, Aquatics Director

Summer is here and the pool is officially open! Our DAC Dolphins are working hard to strengthen their strokes and shave off time during their events. We have had a great first month of the pool being open and my attentive lifeguard staff is looking forward to helping make your summer fun and safe.

Before coming to the pool, please take a moment to go over a few key rules with your children to ensure everyone is safe at the pool.

SLIDES: One rider at a time. Please wait until the bottom area is clear of swimmers.

GOLF WORKOUT: scapular stability

Continued from page 9...

BENT OVER ROWS –

This exercise activates the larger muscles of the upper back. The rhomboids, traps and posterior deltoids to be more specific.

Bend from the hips, keeping your spine straight. Begin the row, keeping your arms close to your ribs. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and repeat for 10 repetitions. Do not fully extend your arms. Keep the tension in the upper back through-

Berry-Watermelon Smoothie

A great way to stay hydrated this summer is with a tasty hydration smoothie. This smoothie tastes great and is less than 300 calories.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup Coconut Water

• 2 cups Frozen Berries (Strawberry / Blueberry mix)

• 1 cup Fresh Seedless Watermelon, Diced

Slide feet first only and swim clear of the slide.

POOL DECK : Everyone should walk on the pool deck at all times.

DIVING BOARD: When using the diving board, it is imperative that you jump forward off the end of the board. Jumping sideways is strictly prohibited.

Lastly, please remember that the baby pool is a no lifeguard on duty area and all children should have an adult with them in this area. Helping your child understand these pool rules will help DAC Aquatics have another great summer!

out the movement.

SWING – In the backswing, the tummy will turn for the majority of the backswing until the shoulders turn at the end. When the shoulder turns at the end of the backswing, the right scapula (for a righty) pulls towards the spine. That is a really important aspect of the swing that sets your lag and helps you maintain clubface control through impact. Once the scapula is set at the top, it does not come unset until post impact. At the end of the follow through the left scapula pulls towards the spine and this completes the turn of the shoulders in finish. This is a really important concept that is often overlooked and should be a part of every golfers thought and training.

• 1/2 cup Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the liquid ingredients into the bottom of the blender first, followed by the fresh ingredients. Place the frozen ingredients into the blender last.

2. Blend at a slow speed for thirty seconds. Increase to

a high speed and blend for two more minutes.

3. If the smoothie ends up being too thick or chunky, try adding one or two tablespoons of water or coconut water, then blend again.