in this
ISSUE
3
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
DAC’s successes and exciting plans for the year ahead!
4
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome new members who began their membership at DAC between October and November 2024.
5
DAC MOMENTS
Look back at fun moments from DAC's Holiday Events.
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GOLF LESSON & RULES
Improve your game with expert golf tips and brush up on key rules to keep your play sharp!
8
FROM THE COURTS
Get the latest update on court renovations and a sneak peek at the 2025 tennis calendar.
9
FITNESS & WELLNESS
The DAC Wellness App is here! Jeff Hoke introduces the DAC Wellness App's features.
Management Team
General Manager Brent Burkhart bburkhart@dacstaff.org
Chief Financial Officer Cassie Thames cthames@dacstaff.org
Executive Chef Michael Lamping mlamping@dacstaff.org
Catering Director Ashley Ward award@dacstaff.org
Director of Communications Maribel Barbosa mbarbosa@dacstaff.org
ClubKids Manager Mila Luna mluna@dacstaff.org
Fitness Director Jeff Hoke fitness@dacstaff.org
Massage & Wellness Galen Flemons gcflemons@gmail.com
Assistant General Manager Phil Callahan pcallahan@dacstaff.org
Clubhouse Manager Macon Simonson msimonson@dacstaff.org
Assistant Clubhouse Manager Chris Guilhoux cguilhoux@dacstaff.org
Membership Director Cari Wheatley cwheatley@dacstaff.org
Interim Director of Golf Tim Brown tbrown@dacstaff.org
Interim Director of Golf Ryan Bowey rbowey@dacstaff.org
Golf Course SuperintendentTravis Moore tmoore@dacstaff.org
Director of Tennis Natalia Prinz nprinz@dacstaff.org
Board of Directors - 2024
Whitney Ragsdale, President
Matt Sisk, First Vice President, Scholarship Committee Chairman
Scott Dooley, Second Vice President, Membership Committee Chairman
Tim O'Brien, Treasurer & Finance Committee Chairman
David Brock, Secretary, Governance Committee Chairman
6
TURF TALK
Know the latest on the Blue Course Project with Travis' update on Progress on the Blue Course Master Plan.
cover...
10-11
DINING & SOCIAL
Read about DAC Team Updates, explore upcoming events, and check out Family Night features!
our rich history and tradition.
Jim Koch, House Committee Chairman
Kris Moldovan, Strategic Planning Committee Chairman
Paul Broome, Golf & Grounds Committee Chairman
Justin Thompson, Board of Directors Member
Email the Board of Directors boardofdirectors@dacstaff.org
president's letter
Farewell to 2024, and welcome 2025!
Last year was a successful year of growth and improvement all around DAC, and we are pleased with the progress already in motion on projects being undertaken in 2025. Because of the hard work and dedication of Dallas Athletic Club employees, we continue to execute significant pieces of our strategic plan with efficiency and flexibility. Our staff strives to provide a remarkable experience for every member, every day. Please take any opportunity to show your appreciation, ask questions, and engage.
In the coming months we begin the process of selecting a new Director of Golf. In the interim, Tim Brown and Ryan Bowey have had enormous success stepping in to steward the Golf Pro
Shop and programs. We are grateful to these men, and their team, for their extraordinary commitment to both our Club and our golfing members. In the first quarter of the year, we will elect new members to the Board of Directors, as well as recruit interested members to serve on various DAC committees. Club management will continue to communicate with our membership about the Blue Course project and tennis court renovations. These facility upgrades will not only improve the member playing experience but also help maintain the high standards that make your Club such a special place.
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended the annual Holiday Member Social & Toy Drive on December 15th benefitting Sharing Life Outreach. DAC graciously hosted a record number of members and collected loads of toys to benefit children in our local area this holiday season. It was so much fun to greet friends and toast the holidays on this special evening. As we move into the new year, I want to extend best wishes to each of you. May 2025 bring good health, happiness, and success to you and your families. The DAC Board of Directors is looking forward to another year of impactful progress as we continue to enhance the value of your Dallas Athletic Club membership.
Cheers to an exciting year ahead!
I look forward to seeing you at the Club soon,
Whitney Ragsdale President
ANNIVERSARIES
Celebrating One Year
Macon Simonson
Caroline Goad
Jack Boling
Jose De Los Santos
Carson Coldwell
Wells Padgett
Efrain Coria
Zane Henderson
Celebrating Two Years
Parker Stone
Jay Mitchell
Celebrating Three Years
Marleny Fuenmayor
Travis Moore
Donovan Begay
Celebrating Four Years
Eric Dye
Francisco Morales
Celebrating 5+ Years
Erich Bein
Urbano Calderon
Jonathan Velez
Diego Vazquez
Ramiro De Leon Perez
Celebrating 20+ Years
Ernesto Gonzales
Arturo Vargas
Jose Neira
Celebrating 30+ Years
Olivorio Carreon-Rodriguez
Rafael Ortiz
NEW MEMBERS
THE DESK
Cari Wheatley MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Last year, you found yourself signing them up for DAC Summer Camp, and before you knew it, you were guiding them through their college application journey. Watching our youngest members flourish within the Club is a treasured part of the DAC Experience.
While we have a special appreciation for our youngest members, we also want to celebrate the Class of 2025 with a Senior Spotlight feature in our July/August newsletter! Be sure to submit your senior's photo along with their current high
school and college plans through the QR Code by June 2, 2025.
CariWheatley cwheatley@dacstaff.org
CLASS OF 2025
SUBMIT YOUR GRADUATES PHOTO
NEW ADDITION TO YOUR FAMILY?
We want to celebrate our littlest new members! Please e-mail cwheatley@dacstaff org a picture of your newest addition 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!
Please submit your graduates information to be featured in the July/ August newsletter. Scan the QR for the submission form.
Will & Jade McDonald Resident Golf
Darien & Lori Holt Resident Golf
These new members began their membership at DAC between October and November 2024.
Troy & Alix Scarlott Tennis
Lisa Gallagher & Jim Shives Tennis
Doug & Sarah Turpin Resident Golf
Robert & Marley Goudge Resident Golf
Daniel Filbey & Vanessa Bowen Athletic
Vince & Sarah Houk Athletic
Mark & Emily Perkins Athletic Joel & Maggie Thompson Athletic Lynne Connelly & Suzy McAnally Tennis
The holiday magic came alive at our DAC's 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, with the tree glowing brightly and kids enjoying fun festive games.
Snapshots from our Gingerbread House Decorating Party and Family Night captured DAC members crafting their gingerbread houses with colorful candies and icing, while families shared special moments together. 1-3
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause at Pancakes with Santa 4-5
TALK turf
Progress on the Blue Course Master Plan
IRRIGATION INSTALLATION AND DRAINAGE INSPECTIONS ARE UNDERWAY
Travis Moore GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
We are excited to start the New Year with Phase 1 of the Blue Course Master Plan underway. To date, irrigation installation as been our primary focus. Crews from Sanders Golf have been busy installing mainline irrigation pipe on several holes. They will also soon complete installation of new valves, pipe, and sprinklers at each green – also referred to as “greens loops”. We decided to prioritize these areas, because once competed – crews will be able to more efficiently move through other areas of the course. Installing “greens loops” requires trenching all the way around each green. This provides our staff with a unique opportunity to inspect the greens' subsurface drainage system. Most of the drain pipes are more than 40 years old and we have been using a combination of original construction maps and a sewer camera to map the lines and ensure everything is working properly - both underneath the green and in the surrounding areas. The majority of the pipes carry water out of the front of the green and then connect to a larger drain that ultimately takes the water to a creek or pond. Our goal is to determine if any of these pipes are compromised – causing unnecessary wet areas in the approaches or other high play areas. While
we are not planning to replant greens until Phase 2 (Summer of 2027), gaining a better understanding of the drainage systems will help us determine the extent of construction needed when the time comes.
Sanders Golf will continue with irrigation installation for the next several months. By mid-to late February, they will also be starting construction of new cart paths and
installation of additional drainage (on holes where irrigation has been completed). Chet Williams has visited DAC several times since the project has started and is currently finalizing plans for new teeing areas and other design improvements which should begin taking shape in March and April.
Overall, the project is going well. We appreciate your continued patience and look forward to a great 2025!
DAC's Shoe Shine Club includes unlimited shoe-shine service for your golf and dress shoes.
Service includes: wash/dry, dusting, leather lotion, wax, polish, and antibacterial treatment. Ready the next day and delivered directly to your locker (if you have one).
Not a member? No problem! Non-members can get their shoes serviced for just $5 per pair. Email Dennis at daparicio@dacstaff.org for more details or to sign up today!
▲ Installation of Drainage on the Construction map Blue Course. December 2024. from 1984. ▶
CHIPPING IN THE WINTER
Ryan Bowey, PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
It is that time of year when it becomes very difficult to chip around the green when you have a tight lie! When I do not have a lot of green to work with, and the green is elevated, I almost always use a hybrid to chip in the winter months.
The margin for error is so much lower with a hybrid. You greatly reduce the risk of hitting it thin or fat. The technique is pretty simple, it just requires a little bit of practice and feel.
I use a chipping stance (feet close together and body open), but I stand a little taller and
RULE
Tim Brown GOLF PROFESSIONAL
grip down to the bottom of the grip. From here it is just a putting stroke. It does take a little practice to gauge the distance.
A hybrid with a loft between 17 and 23 works best. This gets the ball elevated at first, but then rolls like a putt up the hill and onto the green. I think it is easier and more effective than using a putter or 7 iron.
I may not get the ball as close as I would when chipping with a wedge under normal conditions, but I am greatly reducing the risk of leaving it short or hitting it over the green (avoiding double bogeys!)
Feel free to grab me around the Club if you want a quick 5-minute tutorial in person!
UNDERSTANDING HOW TORECORD SCORES ON CLOSED HOLES
As we continue with the Blue Course Master Plan construction, some holes may be temporarily closed. For handicapping purposes, players should record a Net Par for any closed holes during their round.
What does this mean? A Net Par is calculated based on your course handicap and the stroke index of the closed hole:
· If you do not receive a stroke on the closed hole, you should record a par.
· If you do receive a stroke, record a bogey (par plus one).
Recording Net Pars ensures your GHIN Handicap remains accurate while construction progresses. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve the course for everyone!
JAN 18 Legends Junior Tour Saturday, January 18 - Sunday, January 19.
FEB 21 MGA Event
More details in upcoming Tee-It-Up weekly e-news.
FEB 26 WGA Short Game Clinic
Improve your skills with the WGA’s Short Game Clinic this February.
WHAT'S
IN THE BAG
In the second edition of our “What’s in the Bag” series, Golf Pro Zach Sudinsky shares the gear he relies on to perform at the highest level:
· Driver: GT2 9.0 Degree with Tour AD DI 7S
· 3 Wood: GT3 15.0 Degree with Tour AD DI 7x
· 7 Wood: GT2 21.0 Degree with Ventus Black 8x
· 4-9 Irons: Titleist 620 MBs with KBS 120 Tapers
· 46° & 50° SM10 Vokey Wedges: KBS 125 610 Wedge Shaft
· 56° 12° Bounce D Grind: S400 Shaft
· 62° 8° Bounce M Grind: S400 Shaft
· Putter: 34-inch Evenroll ER2
Ask Zach about any equipment questions in his bag and in the shop!
from the
COURTS
A MESSAGE FROM NATALIA PRINZ
Natalia Prinz
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
We’re excited to share some updates to our 2025 event calendar! The MTA will host a brand-new tennis and pickleball event this year, and the DAC Team Cup will debut in the fall. Our popular 105 Socials will continue on the second Friday of each month, and the Doubles Club Championship is making its return.
Later this month, we’ll announce the reopening date for our new courts. It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for tennis at DAC, and we can’t wait to see you on the courts!
Natalia Prinznprinz@dacstaff.org
TENNIS CALENDAR
MAY 3 Davis Cup
A thrilling team event where co-ed teams compete in doubles matches, led by their team captains and DAC pros, playing for pride and glory.
OPEN flexible format
SEPT TBD DAC Team Cup
An exciting new team competition is coming this fall! Details will be announced soon—stay tuned and save the date.
2025 Club Championship
Compete for the title in our flexible-format tournament! After the registration deadline, draws will be released, and players will have two weeks to complete each round and report their scores.
MTA CALENDAR
FEB 22 Sneaks & Cleats
Enjoy a day of tennis and golf at this fun-filled event. Grab your sneakers and cleats and join the action!
APRIL 19 MTA Tasting Event
Join us this spring for an exciting tasting experience hosted by the MTA. Stay tuned for more details!
SEPT 5 U.S. Open
Experience the excitement of New York’s biggest tennis tournament with a fun co-ed competition on our courts.
DEC 6 Pickleball Tennis Event
A fun-filled day of tennis and pickleball is coming your way this December!
WTA CALENDAR
JAN 14 WTA Annual Luncheon
Celebrate the season at the WTA Annual Luncheon! Reservations will be available online and the app.
MARCH 5
Big Shamrock Little Shamrock
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the WTA’s Big Shamrock Little Shamrock event! Costumes are encouraged, and prizes await.
AUG 27 Martini Bingo
Enjoy a night of bingo, martinis, and fun with the WTA!
OCT 15 Rally for the Cure
Participate in a fun day of tennis with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Pink attire is encouraged to show your support!
NOV 20 WTA Member Guest
Stay tuned for the WTA's Member Guest this Fall.
fitness
& WELLNESS
THE DAC WELLNESS APP IS HERE!
Jim Hoke FITNESS DIRECTOR
We are thrilled to introduce the brand-new DAC Wellness App, now available for download on your device. The app offers a wide range of features designed to support your health and fitness journey.
Basic features include:
· Comprehensive Exercise Library
· 600 + Healthy Recipes
· Workout and Warm-Up Routines
· Nutritional Recommendations
· Healthy Habit Tracking and Monitoring
· Fitness Calendar
· Smart Device Integration
· Community Support Groups
Additional Tiered features include:
· Customized Workout Programs
· 1-on-1 Coaching
· Virtual Training
· Progression Tracking
· Two-Way Messaging
· Nutritional Guidance
We’re excited to offer this powerful new tool to help you stay on track with your wellness goals. To get started, email Jeff Hoke at fitness@dacstaff.org
We look forward to supporting your health and fitness journey!
dac team update
Kaylyn Burns has been promoted to Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at DAC! Following a two-year stint of continued hard work and consistent enthusiasm serving the DAC membership, Kaylyn has earned this leadership role and will undoubtedly continue exceeding expectations at the Club!
RESERVATIONS | ONLINE, ON THE APP OR WITH THE FRONT DESK. MOVING ON UP...
Gio Ross has been promoted to Beverage Manager at DAC! In the 12 years Gio’s worked here, there’s a 99% chance he’s served you a drink. A consistent professional with a desire to lead and be challenged, we couldn’t think of a better person to take over this role.
Congratulations to Kaylyn and Gio!
AN EVENING WITH TEXAS' OLDEST DISTILLERY
Friday, January 17, 6:30 pm | $40 per person
Please join your fellow Members as we celebrate with "Whisky Magazine's 2024 World's Best Craft Distiller".
Balcones Distilling is producing some of the world's finest Single Malt and Pot Distilled Whisky's.
Michael Scheel will be here this evening to lead a tasting of their Corn, Rye, Single Malts and different Barrel Finished Whisky's.
Chef Lamping will pair small bites with each of the seven spirits.
It's chilly outside, and this is the perfect opportunity to warm up with your friends, family and outstanding Texas Whisky.
EVENTS UPCOMING
JAN 30 Bingo Night - Adults Only
7:00-9:00 pm inThe Elm
$30 per person
Parents, it’s your turn for a night out! Enjoy a delicious buffet, thrilling rounds of bingo, and exciting prizes in a lively, adults-only atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to relax, have fun, and win big!
FEB 14
ClubKids Valentine's Craft Night
5:30-7:30 pm
$35 per child | Ages 4 & Up
Get ready for a lovely evening of creativity and fun! Kids will enjoy making adorable Valentine’s crafts while treating their taste buds to a kid-friendly buffet.
REGISTER ON THE APP
REGISTER FOR EVENTS ON THE DAC APP!
To register, select "Menu" from the homescreen. Scroll down to the Social section and select "Upcoming Events". Select the event or search for an event.
Registration can also be done online or with the Front Desk.
In The Elm
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!
January 8th
SOUPS, GRILLED CHEESE & MELTS - $20
Navy Bean & Ham, Chicken Tortilla, Tomato Basil, Assorted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Teo’s Melt, Patty Melt and Turkey Melt, House Chips, French Fries, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Bluebell Sundae Bar
January 15th
TEX-MEX - $20
Cheese & Bean Quesadillas, Crispy Fish Tacos, Fajita & Nacho Stations
Smoked Beef Chimichangas, Elote, Cumin Rice, Mojito Salad Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli, Bluebell Sundae Bar and Churros
January 22nd
BUILD YOUR PASTA BAR - $20
Assorted Pastas, Sauces & Toppings, Baked Lasagna, Italian Salad, Veal Parmesan, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli, Bluebell Sundae Bar
January 29th
BBQ NIGHT - $20
Smoked Ribs, BBQ Brisket, Beer Can Chicken, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli, Bluebell Sundae Bar
February 5th
YAKITORI & SUSHI - $20
Assorted Sushi Rolls, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Shrimp, Salmon , Assorted Garnishes, Tempura Chicken, Simple Fried Rice, Broccoli, Bluebell Sundae Bar
February 12th
CASSEROLE NIGHT - $20
Shepard's Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Cheddar Broccoli & Rice, Buffalo Chicken, Corn Bread & Texas Chili Bake, Green Bean Casserole Assorted Salads, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli Bluebell Sundae Bar
February 19th
FRENCH NIGHT - $20
Beef Bourguignon, Coq Au Vin, Sole Meunière, Cassoulet, Pomme Boulangère, D’asperges Aubergine Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Peas, Bluebell Sundae Bar, Crepes
February 26th
FRIED CHICKEN NIGHT - $20
Fried Chicken, Gluten-Free Fried Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Biscuits & Honey Butter, Sauté Green Beans, Broccoli, Tomato And Cucumber Salad, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli, Bluebell 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.
