We are often asked in the golf shop the difference between the 2 courses and which people should play if they can only play one on their visit While I find it hard to ever choose between the 2, we are blessed to have 2 great choices for our round Everyone has their own opinions, and it really depends on your game and enjoyment Here ’ s mine:
Lake Course: if you ’ re looking for visuals, Lake has it all: elevation changes, forced carries, near island greens and you can play anywhere from approximately 4,500 yards to 7,300 yards. It is by far the course with better visual appeal. However, to some, , has more challenging holes with the amount of water that needs to be managed. A stretch of 4 holes on the back, 11-14, all require either a well-placed tee shot or some solid iron play to make it through without a lost ball.
Additionally, 18 can be a difficult club selection off the tee to bite off as much as you can without reaching the hazard that spans across the fairway All in all, for all the water that comes into play on the Lake course it is a bit more friendly on wayward tee shots than Creek
Creek Course: There is certainly a different feel once you cross the road for the first time on Creek and make your way to Hole # 3. It quickly feels like you are more secluded and at times feels like you are in one of those rooms where the walls are moving in and getting more and more narrow. While Creek is a bit shorter, it places a higher premium on the tees shot with tree lined holes and narrower fairways. Even if you can manage your tee shots, you are now hitting into smaller greens A left to right shot shape may help, but the creeks that run through the course offer many risk/reward decisions Hole # 5 being a perfect example! You want to hit the tee shot as far as possible for a shorter shot into the elevated/bunker protected green, but the creek that runs up the right side and crosses the fairway can easily make you rethink Hit it too far right (or long) and it’ s in the hazard, hit it too far left and it’ s in the woods. Lay back and then you have a long shot up hill to deal with. The 18th is another perfect example of risk/reward…hit too long off the tee and trouble comes into play on both sides…lay up and you have a difficult shot into a green carved out into Lake Trace.
You may have noticed I did not really answer the question they are both great courses and offer a different feel and challenges The Lake has great visual holes while The Creek is a shot makers course. You cannot go wrong either way.
Pro Tip:
Do you struggle hitting more greens? Forget where the pin is and play for the middle of the green and don’t take the club that will only get there on your good shots, but one that gets there on your good misses
“This is a game of misses. The guy who misses the best is going to win. ” -Ben Hogan GOLF UPDATE
SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
COURSE UPDATE
SUPERINTENDENT
Eric Graveen
Hello Members,
As we head into May and the grass begins to green up beautifully, I’d like to take a moment to address a common question we receive this time of year: What are the dead-looking spots on some of the fairways?
These patches are the result of Spring Dead Spot (SDS) a fungus that reveals itself as the bermudagrass breaks dormancy SDS attacks the roots, rhizomes, and stolons during the fall and winter months. While it doesn’t directly kill the plant, it weakens it and makes it more vulnerable to winter injury. Recovery typically occurs as the surrounding bermudagrass spreads into the affected areas, but this process can be slow.
What’s our plan to address it this season?
On May 13 & 14, we ’ll be applying a wall-to-wall fertilizer to encourage strong growth and overall plant health. In addition, we ’ll begin aerifying the fairways to improve air, water, and nutrient movement to the root system. These steps should help promote a quicker recovery.
Driving Range Maintenance Reminder:
Beginning this week, the driving range will be closed every Wednesday morning until 9:30 AM for maintenance. We ’ll keep you informed of any changes such as early openings or extended closures via the app in our regular Wednesday morning update.
Thank you all for being such supportive members. Play well!
GOLF
MGA UPDATE
David Travis
Our 2025 calendar of events has been filled with some great competition and a lot of fun
The last event was a four-man team event with each team having to select one best ball gross and one best ball net score per hole. The event was well attended and all those who participated enjoyed a fun day. Our next event will be a three-tee tournament where players play from 6 white tees, 6 gold tees and 6 red tees This requires players to adjust their normal approach to their game as they navigate through the holes This is a four-man team event with teams selected by ABCD pairing by the pro-shop staff.
May brings our annual member-member event where players chose a partner and compete as a team over 5 nine-hole matches across both CTCC courses In keeping with our goals to allow for maximum participation, we have adjusted the dates of the matches Pick a partner and sign-up for this event so you don’t miss out on the fun.
We are using Golf Genius to score our events. If you are not familiar with this application, ask any member of the board or pro-shop staff
We can get you trained up quite easily We use this application as it makes it easier to track the event and ties in directly with the course handicaps.
We continue to add new members each week and we are pleased to say that we have increased our membership by over 50% this year It is not too late to join us All men over the age of 21 that are CTCC golf members are free to join
We have posted our annual event calendar on the MGA Bulletin Board in the Men ’ s Locker Room Take a look at all of the events we are offering. We have made many changes to the calendar to provide more opportunities for our members who are still working. The sign-up sheets are posted in the Men ’ s Locker Room approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled event
If you have questions or just want to discuss anything about the MGA, please feel free to contact one of the board members.
Dues for 2025 will remain at $100. Please drop off a check for $100 made out to MGA in the pro shop and be sure to provide your email address
CALENDAR May Events
THUR.& FRI
LADIES
A glamorous, roaring twen-tees inspired ladies golf event where members and their guests tee off in style, enjoy spirited competition and celebrate with flair-it’ s the ultimate swing back in time!
MEMORIAL
Join us for our Memorial Day Scramble and Cookout! 9AM tee off time on the Lake course with a cookout to follow Sign up on the bulletin board outside the proshop
DAY SCRAMBLE & COOKOUT 26
JOSETTE’S WREATH MAKING CLASS 29 THURSDAY
Come join Josette for a wonderful night of hand making wreaths! 5:30PM-7:30PM Reservations Recommended
SUNDAYS: Member-Guest Days MONDAYS: Art Club 12:30 PM
TUESDAYS: Rummikub 1-4 PM; Gin Rummy 12 - 5 PM WEDNESDAYS: Mahjongg 1-4 PM FRIDAYS: Fish And Chips 11 AM - 8 PM
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FEATURED RECIPE
Carmine Sacchitello
Classic American-Style Potato Salad
A classic potato salad recipe Most potato salads look and taste better when made with low-starch red boiling potatoes. You can use any size of this variety, but the small new potatoes cook 10 to 15 minutes faster than the larger ones. Choose potatoes that are all roughly the same size, if possible, so they cook in the same time
Ingredients:
2 pounds red boiling potatoes, scrubbed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 hard-cooked eggs
1 small celery stalk
¼ cup chopped sweet pickle (not relish)
3 scallions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
Instructions:
1 Place potatoes in a pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer, stirring to ensure even cooking, until a thin-bladed paring knife or a metal skewer inserted into a potato can be removed with no resistance, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again Cool slightly
2.Cut warm potatoes into 3/4-inch dice. Layer them in a bowl, seasoning with vinegar, salt, and pepper as you go.
3.Cut eggs, celery, and pickle in 1/4inch dice. Thinly slice scallions. Add to potatoes, along with parsley Stir in mayonnaise and mustard until everything is combined. Chill, covered, before serving
Nutrition Facts:
291 Calories
17g Fat
29g Carbs
7g Protein
FITNESS & TENNIS
POOL SEASON
Fitness Director
Caroline Boyd-Castelly
With pool season finally here, it's the perfect time to dive into one of the most refreshing and effective ways to stay active water exercise! Whether you're easing back into movement after a long winter or just looking for a fun way to shake up your routine, the water has something for everyone.
One of the best things about water workouts is how gentle they are on your body. The buoyancy of the water takes pressure off your joints, which means you can move more freely and comfortably perfect if you've got sore knees, tight hips, or are recovering from injury But don’t be fooled water adds natural resistance, so you ’ re still getting a serious strength and cardio workout without needing to pound the pavement or lift heavy weights.
The best part? It’ s fun! Walking laps, doing water aerobics, or simply playing with your kids in the shallow end all count You ’ll burn calories, boost your heart health, and improve flexibility all while staying cool and enjoying the sunshine.
And let’ s not forget the mental health boost. There’ s something about being in the water that just melts stress away It’ s peaceful, playful, and gives you a chance to be fully present
So as the neighborhood pools open and the warm weather rolls in, let’ s make the most of it. Invite a friend, bring your float, and get moving. Your body (and your mood) will thank you.
TENNIS NEWS
Jayne Loo
Being a member of the country club, and subsequently a member of the Carolina Trace Tennis Association is a great way to enhance your social and tennis experience. We are in the process of collecting dues for 2025. Dues are $25 for the year
For more information regarding about becoming a Carolina Trace Country Club Member, please contact the Carolina Trace Membership Director, ShaRelle Gutierrez, at 919-499-5121 x4
For further information regarding the Carolina Trace Tennis Association, please contact any one of the CTTA board members listed below.
