Forest Hills October 2023 On Course Newsletter

Club News & Reminders

Club Closed for Dinner Service on Friday, October 20th

Due to the club wide annual Autumn Extravaganza event, we will not offer a la carte dinner service on Friday, October 20th. Lunch service will still be available from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

A la Carte Dining Closed on Tuesdays Beginning in November

Please be reminded that during the months of November 2023 - March 2024, the Club does not offer a la carte lunch service on Tuesdays. The Club always remains closed throughout the year on Tuesday evenings for dinner service.

Congratulations to the DeMay Family!

Carter DeMay, FHCC Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, and his wife, Jodi, welcomed their son, Cooper William, on September 12th. Cooper is the younger brother of their son, James (3). Both mom and baby are doing great!

Congratulations to the Peimann Family!

Alex Peimann, FHCC Maintenance Assistant, and his wife, Brandi, welcomed their son, Rafael Erich, on September 30th. Both mom and baby are doing great!

Clubessentials Payments Update

We are pleased to announce that effective October 2nd, Forest Hills Country Club will be upgrading our payment platform within our website to provide you with an improved user experience and empower our Club with a modernized, optimized toolset for payment and statement administration.

You will need to update your payment information on our website. This upgrade will allow members to pay their member statements by credit card plus a 3.4% merchant fee, beginning on October 3rd.

Updating Payment Information

1) Click on Manage Payment Methods within your Member Statement online from our website.

2) Click Add Bank Account or Add Credit Card

3) Enter your bank, or credit card, information as prompted.

4) For a full guide of adding payments, please review our Paycloud Guide from the email sent on Monday, October 2nd.

Updating Scheduled/Recurring Payments

The payment options will allow you to make one time and scheduled payments, either from your desktop, or from the convenience of your mobile device. All stored payment methods are tokenized and encrypted for maximum security.

1) Make a one-time payment

2) Save a new payment method to your file (Credit Card or Bank Account)

3) Schedule a future or recurring payment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Club.

Dear Forest Hills Members,

We trust you’re savoring the early days of autumn, even though, as I write this, the thermometer still reads a scorching 90 degrees, reminiscent of summer. Our fall season has kicked off in style with our “S’moretember” event, where numerous families gathered to roast marshmallows and bask in the glow of a bonfire on our lower patio. We are looking forward to many more fall events including the Seafood Boil, Haunted Autumn Extravaganza and the Father Daughter Candyland Dance.

Behind the scenes, our Culinary Team is already gearing up for the upcoming holiday season and is ready to help make it a breeze with our holiday to go meals. Executive Chef Michael and Executive Sous Chef James have created a fabulous Thanksgiving to-go offering and Ava is ready to start accepting orders! We are also excited that Soup Club is back starting this month through March 2024!

Now a brief update on projects taking place. Our Better Billy Bunker contractors continue to make impressive progress. However, our sand vendor has encountered a few supply challenges, resulting in a delay in sand deliveries, which you may have noticed with the quantity of open bunkers over the past month. The good news is that our sand vendor is successfully wrapping up two other projects in early October, paving the way for an increased quantity of sand deliveries over the next few weeks. We are still on track to complete the remaining bunkers (except for Hole #17 greenside bunkers, as previously communicated) by the end of October or early November.

The eagerly awaited driving range net has finally arrived and was successfully installed in the last week of September. We appreciate your patience during the installation process. In conjunction with this project, our Grounds Maintenance Team also took care of several outstanding needs on the range, including seeding the bunkers that were removed earlier this year.

Looking ahead, our contractor for Phase 2 of “The Creek Project” is poised to mobilize the week of Thanksgiving. To ensure a seamless start once they’re on site, we’ll be draining the pond a few weeks in advance of their arrival.

Some months ago, we sought your input through a survey to guide our strategic planning process for the Clubhouse with the Long-Range Planning and House Committees. We are thrilled to report a record response rate of 406 members. Your feedback resonated loud and clear – the membership desires enhancements to the indoor dining areas, with a preference for a modern and vibing ambiance. Over the next several months, we will be collaborating with an Architect Design Firm to discuss the future needs of our indoor a la carte dining area. We will continue to provide further updates in the coming months as this exciting planning process begins.

See you around the Club soon!

Have Exciting News To Share?

Driving Range Net Upon Installation

We encourage our members to share with us the interesting and exciting things happening in your lives! Please send your details to Ava Reynolds at avar@foresthillscc.net. We will do our very best to include your information in our upcoming newsletter. The deadline is always the 20th of the month.

Newsletter Prize

Hidden within the pages of this issue and future issues, we have included a member’s number chosen at random. If you come across this number and it happens to be yours, contact Ava at avar@foresthillscc.net to redeem a $100 Gift Certificate toward your next food and beverage purchase.

Upcoming Events

Fellow Club Members,

We have a hard working team of both staff and members who are focused on making sure our Club Experience is the best that it can be. The staff and members who are responsible for care and maintenance of our property have achieved significant improvements for us. The attractiveness of our property begins as we pass the landscaping improvements made along Forest Club Drive to help welcome people to the Club. The flowers and plantings in the common areas and parking lots are constantly renewed with bright and welcoming colors as we approach the Clubhouse and pool areas. Our staff can be encountered working on weeding and cleaning up the landscaping beds. When you see them, please greet them with a hearty thank you for their efforts.

The racquet sports area of the club is in constant use. The tennis and pickleball courts are newer and attractive and provide for many hours of exercise, competition, learning and enjoyment by Club members of all ages. Kyle and his staff work diligently to help maintain these areas in top condition. I’ve found a new favorite place for a morning cup of coffee sitting on the couches at the Tennis Chalet. It’s quiet and great place for contemplation.

Scott Reynolds and his grounds team have made remarkable improvements to the golf courses during the current year. Feedback from members regarding concerns in the past have led to thoughtful and effective changes to current practices being followed to maintain the courses. Examples of this effective feedback loop are many: changes to green aeration timing and practices have led to rapid playing surface recovery; increased density of overseeding in the green surrounds along with increased focus on fungal control have provided for better playing conditions in those areas; addition of winter weed control has reduced concerns regarding weeds being present; experimentation with new chemicals that eliminate bermuda grass in green surrounds and zoysia areas are ongoing and showing positive results; use of new chemicals which eliminate poa grass in the greens have been effective. Please make sure to express your thanks and appreciation to the entire team when you encounter them on the courses.

In addition to the Club staff involved in these areas, we have a dedicated group of club members serving on the Grounds and House Committees. These members help to provide your concerns and positive feedback to the staff. You can find the list of committee members on the Club website and also on the display board in the hallway entrance from the south terrace. If you have any concerns, feel free to let anyone on these committees know, so we can work to address those things. If you’re enjoying your club experience, please share that as well.

With a property that covers hundreds of acres, and one of the largest Clubhouses of any club in the St. Louis area, we know that there will always be things that need attention. The staff and committee members are constructively working to address things for us. Examples of things being looked at for this coming year to improve are: new artwork in the Clubhouse (House Committee); overseeding with new types of grass seed in the rough and green surrounds that is more heat tolerant and fungal (Grounds Committee); developing a durable repair approach for the turf along the lake on hole 3 to eliminate holes and erosion in this area (Grounds Committee); development of approaches to address the desires members expressed in the recent surveys (House, Finance, Long Range Planning Committees).

I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

Racquet Sports News

Beer Pong Tournament—September 16th

Congratulations to Amy and Adam Ruebsam, our Beer Pong Tennis Tournament Champs! Sarah and Dallas Anthony took second.

Baby Showers, Wedding Showers, Birthday Parties, and Luncheons there really isn’t an event we can’t plan for you!

Not only have we been busy renovating our events department to improve every member experience, but our culinary team has also been working tirelessly to revamp our banquet menus. We cannot wait to share them with you!

Our goal has been to work closely with you in the planning process to capture your vision and perfect all the details and create the most memorable events for our membership.

Thank you for trusting Forest Hills with all your special occasions!

Since I started as Events Director, I have been hearing all about Men’s Member Guest and the production that this weekend is for all departments. I am very visual, so I know it is going to take at least one trip around the sun for me to get used to all of our special golf events, especially considering my background is mostly in wedding planning.

Now, I have the successful 2023 Men’s Member Guest under my belt and I have getting feedback like this: “Been playing in this event since 2000…this one had to be one of the better ones if not the best one.” I am so proud of our team!

Congratulations to Matt Reyering and Rick Angevine on your win! We are looking forward to next year!

by Kristen Chamberlain

Labor Day

Summer Fun at Forest Hills!

Evening

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 18th ● 6:00 pm

Come join us for a lively discussion, and some fun and laughter beginning at 6:00 pm. Sign up for all events on ForeTees.

We will be reading Horse by Geraldine Brooks for the October 18th book club.

Reminder, we are meeting in November this year!

We will be discussing Zero Days by Ruth Ware for November 15th book club.

It's not too early to mark your calendars for our Christmas book club event on Wednesday, December 13th More details to follow.

bettinaesser@gmail.com

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 14th ● 10:30 am

The Morning Book Group meets at 10:30 am at the Club on the second Wednesday of each month and all are welcome even if you haven't read the book! Our selection for the October 10th meeting is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.

Other selections include:

November 9th Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman

December 14th Personal selections from Linda Mahkovec's Christmastime series

February 14th Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark

Although we do not meet in January, we have a range of books from a re-worked classic to a Valentine's Day romance, with a haunting plot and feel-good tomes in-between.

18 Hole Ladies Golf News

christyehren@gmail.com

October, really?!!! I have mixed feelings writing my last 18 hole ladies newsletter article. I have been doing this for 5 years. October is our month to wind down. Starting with the November newsletter, you will be hearing from the new recording secretary. New officers will be elected at the Autumn Closer on October 18th.

Upcoming October Events

Tuesday, October 10th : Beat The Pro Tee times from 8:00 to 9:20 am.

Tuesday, October 17th : Autumn Classic 9:30 am Shotgun. 9 holes only. Lunch and Year-end prizes. Plus, elections of the new Board. Please sign up on ForeTees.

We want to congratulate Jane Loomes on qualifying for membership in the St. Louis Women’s District Association!

Finally, many thanks to all the women who have served on the 2023 Board and chaired committees this past golf season. It has been a wonderful year! Next month, we will announce the new board for the 2024 season.

Morning Book Club by Bettina Esser

Book Club by Tracey Bierman

by Christy Ehrenreich

by Amy Jung

The leaves are turning, the greens are aerated, and the weather is perfect for golf.

No Putts About It Winners

1st Place Joyce Jackson

2nd Place Pam Thelen

9 Hole Member Guest Winners

1st Place — Front 9 Amy Larson, Mary Hebrank, Cheryl Mohan, Melissa McMurtrey

3rd Place Kathy Wenstrup

1st Place Back 9 Tracy Bierman, Julie Skrainka, Talie Manning, Sherri Black

Thanks again to Christy Ehrenreich and Brenda Pohl for a lovely Garden Par-Tee Member Guest event!

Thursday, October 5th : Prize Day

Upcoming October Events

Tuesday, October 10th : 9 Hole Tee Times due to Thursday, October 12th : No Play

Thursday, October 19th : Fall Closer and Awards Luncheon (Sign ups are open on ForeTees).

Banter About The Course

If a ball lands on or near a cart path or other manmade object that interferes with the players stance or swing, a FREE drop of ONE club length (no closer to the hole) is allowed to provide relief.

Bals, PGA

Fall has arrived, and so has a great selection of merchandise. Exceptional pieces from Peter Millar, Greyson, and Johnnie-O are now on the floor. This is a fantastic time to use that credit earned throughout the summer. We currently have $22,000 of credit that must be spent by the end of the calendar year. Come browse at the Golf Shop when you are out enjoying the fall weather. Not only do we have apparel and equipment, but we have specialized items as well. For sports fans, that includes unique items such as Forest Hills logo’d footballs, football helmets, and mini basketball hoops. These certainly provide that one-of-a-kind item someone will appreciate.

The golf course is better than it has ever been, and the greens are in great shape for the fall. Make time on your busy calendar to come enjoy the golf course. The newly grassed range tee is also in great condition. As a reminder, when hitting off the turf at the driving range, your divot pattern should be linear and not scattered. This is critical to keep the tee in premium condition.

The “Fast Track” pilot program on the weekends has provided great insight on pace of play. This program provides members with a round where the pace of play requirement is 3 hours and 40 minutes or less, instead of our standard 4 hours and 10 minutes. In observing these groups, especially those who play 18 holes in close to 3 hours, one notices a few things that would be beneficial to all golfers. Some of these include: (1) Arrive at the tee 5 minutes before your tee time so you start on time, (2) Play ready golf, (3) Hit one ball off the 1st tee instead of two, (4) Keep your search for any golf ball under 2 minutes, even though 3 minutes is allowed by the rules, and (5) Don’t waste time going from #9 green to #10 tee. These few adjustments alone can save 10 to 15 minutes.

We look forward to seeing you out on the golf course enjoying one of the best months of the year to play golf in St. Louis.

Senior Men’s Golf Association

by Jim Harf

There have been four events since the last newsletter. The first event, the 15-15 Balls, was won by the team of Steve Seevers, Jim McLaren and Ed Mayuga in a scorecard playoff with a net score of -10. Finishing second was the team of John Sherman, Tom Faerber and Pat Hopkins. In third place was the team of Larry Giglio and Fred Salerno.

The second event, Red Tees, was captured by Jim McLaren with a net score of -8, followed by Dave Ganz and Bill Bennett in second and third place respectively. The Crazy Tees event was won by John deGreck in a scorecard playoff with a net score of 66, followed by Pete Geer and Ed Mayuga in second and third place respectively.

The final event, Regular Play, was captured by John Sherman with a net score of -1. Charles Nance and Dale Hoette finished second and third respectively.

Hole in One News

Dining Events

Thank you, Members, for another great summer at Forest Hills. As things cool off outside, they start to heat up inside the Clubhouse! The Food and Beverage Team has a plethora of fun activities planned and great dining opportunities. Thursday Night Football Watch Parties, Mexican Buffet, Wine Flights, Thursday features (Chicken Enchiladas Verde in October), a week of Oktoberfest Specials, and more! There’s no excuse not to be up at the Club. As you start to frequent the Clubhouse, let’s take a moment to remind everyone of our Clubhouse dress code, and a few changes that were recently approved by our Board of Directors.

Please pay close attention to a few items that have changed; (1) golf hoodies, like the ones sold in our Pro Shop, are allowed in the Clubhouse, provided a collar shirt is worn underneath (for men) and the hood is never up; (2) Tennis attire is no longer allowed in the Clubhouse or on Eagles View; (3) During watch parties, team jerseys are allowed in designated watch party areas. Below is the updated dress code as it reads in your Club Rules.

Dress Code – Appropriate Country Club attire including golf attire are appropriate in all dining and function rooms at the Club, provided the clothes are neat and clean in appearance and are not wrinkled, torn or frayed. Swimwear and Tennis attire are prohibited in the clubhouse and a la carte dining areas.

Men: Shirts must be collared or turtleneck. Shirttails should be tucked in except when the shirt is designed to be worn untucked. Denim clothing in good clean repair is allowed at the Club except at any Club event where the membership is notified that denim is not allowed. Golf style hoodies are allowed when worn over a collared shirt with the hood down, but workout or casual hoodies are not permitted. Tee shirts, cargo pants and cargo shorts are not permitted. Hats are prohibited inside the Clubhouse except the 19th Hole and Golf Shop. Hats are allowed in our outdoor dining spaces. All hats must always be worn forward.

Women: Skirts, shorts or skorts must be an appropriate length. Women’s shirts may be with or without a collar. Denim clothing in good clean repair is allowed at the Club except at any Club event where the membership is notified that denim is not allowed. Golf style hoodies are allowed with the hood down, but workout or casual hoodies are not permitted. Tee shirts, tank tops, tube tops, and halter tops are not permitted. Women may wear hats inside the clubhouse. All hats must always be worn forward.

Ladies and men may wear opened-toed dress sandals in the Clubhouse. Traditional “beach” style flip-flops are only permitted at the pool area and on the Lower Patio.

Children, thirteen (13) years and older, are subject to the adult dress code.

Members are responsible for their guests’ compliance with the dress code.

Watch Parties: Clubhouse dress code is required with the exception of team jerseys in designated watch party areas only.

Bocce Reminder

Bocce Reservations Policy

To ensure court and equipment availability, please remember to make Bocce reservations 24 hours in advance of when you would like to play.

Email Kristen at kristenc@foresthillscc.net or Ryan at ryans@foresthillscc.net to reserve. Thank you!

Bocce Leagues

There are two more weeks of our Fall Bocce League; Wednesdays October 4th and 11th and Thursdays October 5th and 12th. Let’s finish this fall season strong!

658

Forest Hills Country Club

36 Forest Club Drive

Chesterfield, MO 63005

If the electronic copy of On Course fails to meet your family’s needs and you would like to optin to receiving a physical mailing, please notify Ava Reynolds at avar@foresthillscc.net. Copies are also available in the Clubhouse lobby.

Club Contacts

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair

Mark F. Forst Membership Chair & Racquets Chair

Laurie Lambert-Hopkins Treasurer / Finance Chair

Charles H. Nance Board Chair Long Range Planning Chair

Edward A. Dorch Golf Chair

Michael A. Flavin Director

Stephen A. Sigman Grounds Chair

Michael C. Buescher House Chair

John D. Mazzola Entertainment Chair

Robert M. Whiting Swim Chair

Emma Gore General Manager/COO 636.207.3515 ● emmag@foresthillscc.net

Michael Dority Executive Chef 636.207.3518 ● michaeld@foresthillscc.net

Scott Reynolds, GCS Grounds Superintendent 636.227.5044 ● scotts@foresthillscc.net

Julie Kennedy Controller 636.207.3513 ● juliek@foresthillscc.net

Abby Le Director of Human Resources 636.230.2507 ● abbyl@foresthillscc.net

Ryan Schaben Assistant General Manager 636.207.3512 ● ryans@foresthillscc.net

Jimmy Bals, PGA Director of Golf 636.227.1528 ● jimmyb@foresthillscc.net

JT Tierney, PGA Head Golf Professional 636.227.1528 ● jtt@foresthillscc.net

Ali Kaplan Director of Membership and Marketing 636.207.3545 ● alik@foresthillscc.net

Clubhouse (636) 227-5030

Office Fax (636) 227-2540

Golf Shop (636) 227-1528 www.foresthillscc.net

Chris Ballard Food and Beverage Manager 636.207.3532 ● chrisb@foresthillscc.net

Ava Reynolds Marketing & Communications Coordinator 636.207.3536 ● avar@foresthillscc.net

Adam Goad Assistant Food and Beverage Manager 636.207.3519 ● adamg@foresthillscc.net

Monica Knudtson Office Manager 636.207.3514 ● monicak@foresthillscc.net

Kristen Chamberlain Director of Events 636.207.3528 ● kristenc@foresthillscc.net

Kyle O’Leary Director of Racquet Sports 314.369.1153 ● kyleo@foresthillscc.net

Emma Knopf Concierge 636.227.5030 ● concierge@foresthillscc.net