Issuu

Celebrating 25 years

Granite Golf Club

C O N T E N T S

P A G E 3

CLUB PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

P A G E 4

THE GENERAL MANAGER

P A G E 6

TEE TIMES & PACE OF PLAY

P A G E 9

MEMBERSHIP

P A G E 1 0

FOOD & BEVERAGE

P A G E 1 6

TURF

P A G E 2 5

25TH ANNIVERSARY

P A G E 3 2

HR: MEMORABLE SUMMERS

P A G E 3 3

MEMBER REMINDERS

P A G E 3 7

SAVE THE DATE

ANDREW ZIMAKAS 2025 CLUB

PRESIDENT

We are excited about the opening of the 2025 season at GGC!

By all accounts, the golf course has wintered well, notwithstanding the challenges of the late March freezing rain. Thanks to the hard work by the Maintenance Team, we expect great early season conditions.

The pro shop is stocked and has been redesigned to provide a better experience for members. We will once again be offering vendor fit days and the professional staff will be available for fittings with the Trackman throughout the season.

We have a nice blend of returning staff and new faces on board. All staff members are energized for the new season and eager for to greet our members.

The Captains Committees have planned a great calendar of events – some returning, some new or refreshed. We hope this provides an opportunity for all members, both long-time and new, to make new acquaintances, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the GGC golf experience.

As highlighted at our recent Annual Members Meeting, this is season marks GGC’s 25th Anniversary. We will celebrate this milestone together in various ways, including a day-long celebration on Saturday, July 19 (more details to follow).

If you wish to contact the Board directly, please feel free to reach out to board@granitegolfclub.ca. I want to assure you that all correspondence will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

As per our mission statement, Granite Golf Club Granite is meant to be an enjoyable escape with friends, family and colleagues that is appreciated by all. Please help us to bring this to life in the 2025 season – we look forward to seeing you soon!

RE’S TO OUR WENTY-SIXTH PENING DAY

Opening Day is always a special day at Granite Golf Club. Even though we are celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2025 this is in fact our 26th opening day. On Saturday July 15th, 2000, Granite Golf Club officially opened to the members after over 2-years of construction and almost a decade of planning, promoting and dreaming.

The original routing, as played between July and early September of 2000 was a little weird until you understand the backstory. You will need to pay attention as this will undoubtedly be a trivia question at some point this season. The first teeshot at Granite was not struck off the first tee, it was hit off of #6 and the front nine wouldn’t be ready for play until April of 2001. The first 9-holes that were open for member play were 6,7,8,13,14,15,16,17 & 18. If you have ever noticed or wondered why there is a cart path linking #17 green to #13 tees, the answer is simple and not overly exciting. It was built to facilitate this ad hoc routing and allowed our patient but eager members to play their brand new golf course. Since then it has been enjoyed as a sneaky shortcut for the maintenance department, and some sneaky members as well. In early September of 2000 the entire golf course was opened for play, with the exception of the second and third holes which were still not ready as they were the last to be built and logistically challenging. The 2nd and 3rd holes are basically landlocked and required access from the adjacent St. Lawrence Starch property along with permission from Uxbridge Township, Metrolinx, Go Transit and CN Rail just to cross the abandoned rail line that straddles our northern property line…that may be a story for another day? In September and October of 2000 the routing was as follows; tee off on #1 and either walk from #1 green, or drive your cart, on the path to #4 tees. From there the rest of the course played as it does today. The full 18 holes would open on Saturday April 28th 2001 and the rest as they say, is history.

Over the last 25 years we have had some very interesting opening days. In 2010 we set a Granite record that may never be broken, we opened on April 6th and to be honest we could have opened earlier. As a sidenote, after an unseasonably warm March and straight up hot early April in 2010, Mother Nature proceeded to hand us snow, sleet and rain until the May long weekend - just in case you’ve forgotten who’s really in charge around here. Not all of our opening days have been in April either. In 2018 and 2019 we opened in early May due to rough winters, April blizzards, and widespread turf damage. The eighth green suffered serious winter injury in both 2018 and ‘19 and was closed until early June both years.

Not all of our delayed May opening days have been weather related. Who can forget the May 16th and May 22nd opening days during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021? Too soon?

Opening day is all about new beginnings and endless possibilities. Whether it’s breaking 100 for the first time, draining your first eagle putt or making it over the wetlands on #4, your golf canvas is blank and ready to be painted. By building upon our strong foundation, celebrating those who paved the way and forging ahead into the future 2025 will no doubt be another fantastic chapter in the Granite Golf Club history book.

TEE TIMES & PACE OF PLAY

STEVE HALSE

20 years ago, I had the great pleasure of attending the Master's with my father. In 2005, Tiger Woods wowed the crowd with an amazing chip-in on the 16th hole and went on to win the Green Jacket. This year's Masters was just as exciting. Rory McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam and was crowned Master’s Champion! If you are like me, seeing the beauty of Augusta National on TV increases the desire to get outside and play golf. Our maintenance department has been working hard to get the golf course ready for play!

New Tee Time Information

As weekends and holiday Mondays continue to be our busiest days, the tee sheet will now open for walk-on times at 6:30 am. This change goes into effect on Saturday, May 3, and will remain this way until the fall. Tee times from 6:30 am to 7:50 am will all be walk-ons. Booked times will start at 8:00 am, with every other time bookable until 10:40 am. At 11:00 am, all tee times will be bookable until 3:00 pm, with every other time being bookable for the remainder of the day. There are no changes to weekday times. Our tee sheet opens at 7:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm. Please visit the website for further details on league play and events.

Please note that, from April 25 to May 3, tee times will start at 8 am.

Speaking of events, registration opened on April 7. I am pleased to note that all events have registrants, but there is still room for you to sign up if you have not already done so. Your Men’s, Ladies’, and Mixed committees have worked to provide you with a mix of competitive and fun events.

PACE OF PLAY TIPS

This season, our starters/player assistants will have real-time access to our Tag Marsall system. The starter’s podium has been outfitted with a laptop, and they will be monitoring it closely Having said that, we all can do our part to keep rounds at 4 hours or less. Here are a few reminders that will help you keep pace with the group in front of you.

1.If you are walking with a push cart or riding in a power cart, remember to park your carts at the back of the green. This way, once you hole out, you are walking away from the golfers behind you waiting to execute their next shot. If parking behind the green is not an option, for example, at hole 11, please park at the side of the green.

2. When riding with a partner, drop them at their ball and make your way to yours. You don't need to codependently watch each other’s swings.

3.If you are the one who got dropped off, make your way toward the cart once you’ve hit your shot.

4.Inside of 60 yards, drop your partner off with a club and a putter. While the driver is parking the cart, the other golfer has a short walk to the green, which is a time saver.

5.If you happen to be the only cart rider in a group, use your cart to help track down other players' golf balls.

A lot of this is common sense, but these points serve as a small reminder of golf cart etiquette. Whether you are carrying your bag, pushing a cart, or riding in a power cart, observing just a couple of these methods can save time throughout 18 holes.

Lastly, the golf shop is full of the latest and greatest golf gear We have once again partnered with our vendors to offer multiple fit days. Please visit the Club calendar for all the details or contact the golf shop. If there is something you desire that is not available in the shop, Joanne Plaunkett and the professional staff will be happy to source it for you. Cory Jones, Mike Vance, Steve Dayman, and Andrew Waldie are all gifted instructors. They can help you knock the rust off your swings and get you in tip-top shape.

On behalf of the Golf Operations staff, welcome to the 2025 season We are looking forward to seeing you soon.

MEMBERSHIP

Bryan Rourke

This spring felt like it took a little longer to arrive this year but mother nature always seems to keep us on schedule for right around the last week of April. With over 25 years of working at golf courses, I still get the same excitement about a season beginning as I did when I began

my career in golf. There is a lot of to look forward to this season as we begin our 25th anniversary with fun celebrations and another year of strong memberships numbers

Membership continues to remain healthy, and inquiries remain steady. Over the last couple of months we have spent time welcoming new members, and we recently held our Membership Orientation which provides an opportunity for new members to get comfortable at the club before the season begins. We also recently held our open house at Granite Club and connected with members interested in joining Granite Golf. It was especially nice to have so many of our own Granite Golf members come to visit myself at the golf bubble to say hello and catch up before the season begins.

We are so fortunate to have members continue to spread the word about how special of a place Granite is. We are also happy to reward any member that brings in a member with a referral credit that can be used for any Golf Shop and Food and Beverage purchases. Members who refer any Full or Intermediate members will receive $500 worth of credit and a referral for a Test Drive Membership will receive $250 after they complete their first season. We do have spots remaining for our Test Drive Membership so if you have that one friend who is considering membership, please don’t hesitate in reaching out.

E A G E R L Y A W

Y O U R R E T U

Jasmine Angelini

Welcome back! We’ve been eagerly awaiting your return. When you're away, we focus our efforts on preparing for your arrival. From the moment you walk through the doors, we want to greet you, help you with your locker, take your order, and ensure you have a wonderful experience. Our goal is to make you feel anticipated and valued.

Before you head out to the tee, please stop by and say hello!

Here are some of the exciting events to look forward to this season!

events

OPENING COCKTAIL PARTY

May 2, 6 - 8pm

MOTHER ’ S DAY BRUNCH

May 11

PRIME RIB SUNDAYS

Starting May 18

PASTA NIGHT

June 1

FATHER ’ S DAY BBQ

June 15

Greig King

GRANITE GOLF GREENS & GOURMET: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS WITH A TASTE OF ONTARIO'S BEST

Welcome Back to your Club!

As the fairways begin to green and the anticipation for another fantastic golfing season builds, we in the Kitchen are thrilled to welcome you back for our 25th Anniversary year! It's hard to believe that it's been a quarter of a century since the early days of Granite Golf, and I personally cherish the memories of assisting with events even before the clubhouse stood proudly on this land. Now, driving up that familiar driveway each day, especially during the vibrant golfing season, truly feels like coming home.

This year, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of global markets and discuss everything from tariffs to US Presidents, our focus remains steadfast on bringing you the very best. We are deeply committed to showcasing the incredible bounty of Canadian produce. While Ontario's growing season is naturally limited, rest assured that our priority is to source locally whenever possible, supplementing with quality ingredients from south of the border and other friendly nations only when absolutely necessary.

A New Era of Exceptional Beef

Introducing Wellington County Premium Beef. For the past few years, Certified Angus Beef has been a cornerstone of our menu This season, however, marks an exciting evolution as we proudly announce our partnership with Wellington County Premium Beef as our primary beef supplier.

This isn't just about serving beef; it's about celebrating flavour that is Delicious Beef, Distinctly Local.

Established in collaboration with Ontario Beef and the esteemed Rowe Beef Company, the Wellington County Premium Beef program was specifically created to make high-quality, sustainably produced Ontario beef readily available across our province. We believe this partnership perfectly embodies our commitment to quality and supporting our local community.

From Ontario Pastures to Your Plate: The Wellington County Difference

Imagine beef raised on certified Ontario family farms, where cattle graze on lush, natural pastures before transitioning to a carefully balanced finishing diet of locally grown grains. This program goes beyond just the taste; it's about a commitment to excellence at every stage.

The dedicated farmers participating in this initiative are trained to adhere to industryleading standards in:

Nutrition: Ensuring the cattle receive optimal nourishment for flavour and quality.

Animal Welfare: Prioritizing the humane treatment and well-being of the animals.

Biosecurity: Implementing stringent measures to protect the health of the herd.

Traceability: Allowing us to know the journey of the beef from farm to table.

Food Safety: Maintaining the highest standards to ensure a safe and delicious product.

We are incredibly enthusiastic about offering Wellington County Premium Beef and believe you will taste the difference that this dedication to quality and local sourcing brings to your dining experience.

A Menu to Delight: Familiar Favourites and Exciting New Flavours

The wait is over! Our new menu is now live on the website, ready for your perusal. You'll find many of the club favourites you've come to know and love, alongside some exciting new creations designed to tantalize your taste buds.

Continuing our commitment to keeping things fresh and interesting, we will once again be rotating 5 to 6 menu items each month. Our popular Fortnightly Features will also be making a welcome return, providing even more opportunities to discover new culinary delights. And, as always, keep an eye out for our daily specials and features, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Your Culinary Team: Here to Serve You

Behind the scenes, our dedicated kitchen leadership team remains at the helm. Brendan Davis continues in his role as Sous Chef, and Jordan Ireland as our Senior Chef de Partie, all under my guidance. We are all incredibly passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences for you.

Here's to another fantastic year on the course and within the welcoming embrace of our Clubhouse. Let us raise a glass (and a fork!) to celebrate our 25th Anniversary together, filled with great golf and even greater food.

See you soon!

TURF TIMES

Yanik Mayer

MOTHER NATURE MOTHER NATURE

MARCHES

TO THE BEAT OF HER BEAT OF HER OWN DRUM, BUT OWN DRUM, BUT WE WE ADAPT ADAPT AND AND PROSPER PROSPER..

MARCHES TO THE

ICE STORM

The ice storm on March 29 was an experience that our maintenance department won't soon forget Despite its beauty, the storm caused considerable damage, requiring a rapid response with only a month remaining until opening day. Although we successfully cleared the damage and debris, the effort required over these past two weeks has definitely impacted our progress in other areas. Despite the challenges, our maintenance team has demonstrated incredible resilience and has put forth a tremendous effort to get us back on track.

PREPARING THE GOLF COURSE

I am incredibly grateful to our maintenance team Their hard work, focus, and positive attitudes are the reason the golf course is in such great condition for opening day.

Mother Nature hasn't been very cooperative this spring. These weather conditions required us to prepare the golf course for opening in reverse order. We usually start with bunker preparation and turf mowing, followed by golf course hardware distribution and finishing touches just before opening. This spring, however, things unfolded differently. Our first cuts of the season and bunker work didn’t begin until the third week of April, just two weeks before opening day, as cool temperatures kept the bunkers frozen and the grass dormant While this isn't ideal, it highlights the fun and unique challenges of working outdoors!

Happy Anniversary!

Throughout 2025, the Club will celebrate the last incredible 25 years as well as our bright future with a series of special events and initiatives. We look forward to sharing more with you as we move through the golf season.

In anticipation of this exciting milestone for Granite Golf Club, we welcome and encourage all our Members to share their Granite Golf Club stories, photographs, and memorabilia from the past.

Please email feedback@granitegolfclubca with anything you'd like to share for this momentous occasion.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

When sharing photographs and documents, kindly provide highresolution files.

K BY POPULAR DEMAND REHIRE RATE

INCREASES

Sam Willetts

Since stepping into the role of HR Coordinator this January, I’ve had the privilege of working behind the scenes to help shape the incredible team that will be taking care of you this season. People are the heartbeat of any hospitality experience, and at Granite Golf Club, that couldn’t be more true.

elping build our team for the 2025 season. We hit the y, diving straight into the hiring process. Over several busy weeks, I reviewed applications, conducted phone screenings, set up interviews, and worked closely with our team to bring in individuals who not only had the right skills, but also the right mindset and passion.

I’m proud to share that our staff return rate has increased by 38.1% since 2023, with over 54% of our staff for this season being returning employees. That kind of growth speaks volumes it reflects a culture where people want to come back, contribute, and be part of something meaningful. And for our members, it means more familiar faces, smoother service, and stronger team connections across the club.

This season, we’re welcoming back many returning staff along with some fantastic new additions who are already bringing great energy to the team. I’m incredibly excited about the season ahead and grateful to be part of the Granite Golf Club community already.

Thank you for the warm welcome I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you as the season unfolds.