New Members

Antonio Rappa

Trimax Mowing Systems

Class E

JimmySoria

DelRioCC

ClassB

DonVanVilet

WestCoastSand&Gravel

ClassE

AndrewHeinrichs

EdgewoodTahoe

ClassC

Jacob Berry

Edgewood Tahoe

Class B

Mike Stieler

Spring Creek G.C.

I would like to start off this article with a Big Thank you to Mike Stieler for hosting this year’s Scholarship and Research Tournament. For those of you who have hosted an event for your peers, you know what I’m talking about (in the Central Valley, in July). We appreciate you Mike!

We all know about Mikes Golfing Skills, his competitive edge and never-ending energy. He is also a student of the History of Golf Course Design and Architecture. With that said, Mike has been under construction/projects/improvements non-stop for the past 5 years. Greens, Bunkers, Irrigation and Landscape projects, most all of which were done in house. Next on the list are some upgrades to the Maintenance Facility. That’s the energy I spoke of earlier. Pro Tip from Mike: When the Ladies at the Club hate you for “tearing up their golf course”, get a dog! Suzie Q, a Border Collie, has become a trusted friend and ally for the Maintenance Team at Spring Creek. Spring Creek CC opened in 1964 as a 9-hole Jack Fleming designed golf course. The back nine, Lee Weintz designed, was finished in 1972.As you play the golf course, keep this in mind. Mike has gone to great lengths to keep some of their influences as he over saw rebuilding of the Greens Complexes. You will also see/feel the influences ofAlister MacKenzie on the Front 9 and Don Ross on the Back 9 as you choose your approach shot into each green.

I asked Mike what his favorite course and toughest course was that he had ever played?? Without hesitation he said, “Spyglass in Tournament Condition covered both questions.”

When Mike has some “free time” he and his wife Heather love spending time with their adult children and the Grandkids! Mike also spends some time on his bicycle. “Great exercise and easy on the knees”.

Mike also loves to talk about golf and agronomy. I encourage you to approach Mike if you’re planning any scale of rebuild or improvement. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is willing to share the how to’s and how not to’s.

Thank you Mike and the Crew for sharing Spring Creek Country Club!

-Tim McCoy