A u g u s t 2 0 2 5
Twenty-Fifth Celebration
Positive Feedback
Seasonal Reflections
GRANITE GOLF CLUB:
A QUARTER-CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY
On Saturday, July 19th, Granite Golf Club marked its 25th Anniversary with a day and night that truly captured the club's spirit: a perfect blend of traditions, warm camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. This significant milestone highlighted the club's lasting legacy and the vibrant community it has fostered over the past 25 years
The celebrations began in the morning with the sound of a traditional Scottish piper, mirroring the club's opening 25 years ago and filling the air with a sense of history and grandeur Under a bright, sun-filled sky, a magnificent day of golf unfolded with both morning and afternoon shotgun starts. These rounds perfectly demonstrated the core values that have always made Granite Golf Club exceptional. Members enjoyed friendly competition, punctuated by laughter and a genuine appreciation for being part of such a special community
As the sun began to set, the festivities moved to the Clubhouse. The evening featured delicious food and drinks, lively music, and engaging conversation, fostering a sense of gratitude and reflection on the club's journey and enduring friendships The practice green was ingeniously transformed into an elaborate and challenging 9-hole mini-putt course, made even more amusing by putting with a soft-serve ice cream cone.
The night concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the skies above Granite- and most of Stouffville- with an explosion of vibrant colors and light This spectacular display of pyrotechnics was more than just a visual marvel; it was a fitting tribute to a milestone occasion, a brilliant nod to 25 years of shared history and collective achievement.
Over the past quarter-century, Granite Golf Club has evolved from a humble vision into a thriving, dynamic community This growth is evident not only in its physical infrastructure but, more importantly, in the deep-seated connections and lasting friendships that unite our Members. The 25th Anniversary celebration served as a reminder that the club's greatest strength lies not in its facilities, amazing golf course, or amenities, but unequivocally in its Members, the true heart and soul of the Club
As we stand at this pivotal moment, looking ahead to the next 25 years, we do so with immense pride in what has been built, boundless optimism for the future, and profound appreciation for every individual who contributed to making Granite Golf Club not just a place to play golf, but a place to call home. The legacy of Granite Golf Club is a testament to the power of shared experiences, unwavering dedication, and the enduring spirit of community.
Phil Scully, GM
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Jasmine Angelini, Clubhouse Manager
Around this time of year, I always find myself pondering over potential topics for my section It's often a challenge to find something fresh, especially with all the exciting happenings already highlighted in the Food & Beverage department, on the club calendar, weekly reminders, and screens However, I've recently come across a topic that I simply can't keep to myself.
I wanted to share some very positive feedback regarding the service our guests have been receiving at Granite Golf Club
We consistently hear praises about the attentiveness of our servers, the welcoming nature of our locker room attendants, the helpfulness of everyone in the golf shop and backshop, and the pristine condition of our course. These comments often come from guests who are Members at other clubs, giving them a valuable benchmark for comparison. Most recently, we had the pleasure of hosting over 40 ladies from another club, and their comments upon entering the designated setup for their event were overwhelmingly positive. It was so impactful that I even noticed their Head Golf Pro taking photos of our lovely farmer's market style setup for our homegrown zucchini giveaways, presumably to share with their own club I truly believe this exceptional guest experience is a part of the "secret sauce" that makes Granite Golf Club shine While we are always Memberfocused, it's incredibly rewarding to see our commitment to service recognized by our guests.
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS: THE METHOD BEHIND THE MENU
SEASONAL REFLECTIONS
& A LOOK BEHIND THE EVENT MENU
August is upon us, and with it comes a moment to reflect on a fantastic season so far The Club Championships have been contested and our victors crowned. All four of our major Invitationals have been held, with winners decided and unforgettable memories made for all who participated. A thank you is also in order for Yanik and his crew, who have given the course some mid-season TLC with days of essential aeration
On the whole, the feedback, comments, and criticisms we've received this year have been overwhelmingly positive. I personally feel this has been one of our better seasons for consistency, with the kitchen and the waitstaff working exceptionally well as a team Thank you for noticing and for your kind words.
Answering Your Questions: The Method Behind the Menu
To collate a few comments I heard from the Invitational feedback surveys: "Who picks the menu?", "Why can't we have this or that?", "There's too much food," "There's not enough food," "Why isn't a breakfast included?", "Why is a breakfast included!"
Let me try to explain the process. At the beginning of each year, well before the season starts, our Club House Manager, Jasmine, and I meet several times with each section's captain and committee. The goal of these meetings is to determine two main things: the expectations for each event and the budget each section has to spend With that information, I, with the help of our talented Sous Chef, Brendan Davis, write a series of menus.
These proposed menus are then presented back to the committees for comments. This process goes back and forth until we are all in agreement. When crafting these menus, we are looking at a variety of factors:
Introducing new and interesting items.
Including club-favourite and popular dishes.
Keeping up with what is new and in vogue in the culinary industry
Ensuring pricing is fair and consistent across all three sections.
Deciding if the budget allows for extras like hors d'oeuvres or food on the course
I hope this gives those with questions a little insight into the off-season work we do to make life during the golf season much smoother.
F
ood for Thought: Our Season by the Numbers
One thing that always amazes me during the season is just how much of any one item we go through To give you an idea, here are the numbers for just four items from the beginning of April to the end of July:
Chicken Fingers: 123 cases, which is 615 kg
Eggs: 63 cases, totaling 11,340 eggs
Russet Potatoes: 92 cases, a whopping 2,300 kg
2% Milk: 51 cases, or 612 litres
I hope the rest of your summer and your golf season are successful I look forward to seeing you in the clubhouse or on the patio soon.
MEMBERSHIP BRYAN ROURKE,
MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
The 25th anniversary season has certainly been one to reMember with the highlight being our celebration on July 19 It was so great to see everyone enjoying the club from those that were founding Members to those that had recently joined. It was especially special to see the young children out enjoying everything Granite Golf has to offer, as well as the parents and the Grandparents, as we build generations of Granite Golf Members.
“Great camaraderie” is often a statement I hear from those that are new to the club and big reason why many join. This was certainly easy to see why I hear that so often on days like this.
There is still lots to look forward to for the back half of the season. Fall golf is a thing of beauty here at Granite Golf. With course conditions immaculate and the leaves changing color, the golf course will be really showing off to our Members in the coming weeks
We’ve had another strong year in Membership with plenty of new faces this season. It is always refreshing to hear about how happy our new Members are each season, especially after leaving another golf club.
Interest has already begun for the 2026 season and Member referrals continue to be the #1 driver for new Members here at Granite If you have someone thinking about joining Granite Golf, please don’t hesitate in having them reach out to me at brourke@granitegolfclub.ca
A CULTURE OF CARE: SAFETY
AT GRANITE GOLF CLUB
Sam Willetts, HR Coordinator
At Granite Golf Club, we pride ourselves on being more than just a picturesque destination, we are a safe and welcoming environment for both our valued Members and dedicated staff Upholding that standard is the ongoing mission of our Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC).
ENSURING THAT GRANITE REMAINS A PLACE WHERE MEMBERS CAN ENJOY THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH CONFIDENCE AND PEACE OF MIND.
Composed of 10 dedicated team Members from all departments, the JHSC meets monthly to assess how we can continue to enhance the safety, comfort, and functionality of our Club These meetings focus on both long-term improvements and immediate, practical solutions, ensuring that Granite Golf Club remains a place where Members can enjoy their experience with confidence and peace of mind
Our inspections span the full property, covering everything from staff training and facility upkeep, to on-course details like clearing low-hanging branches and monitoring potential hazards. Whether it’s verifying that golf operations staff are practicing safe lifting techniques or ensuring walkways and cart paths remain clear and safe, no detail is overlooked.
Each month, the JHSC also focuses on a new health and safety theme, helping to keep both staff and Members informed and protected For example, last month’s focus was working in the heat, ensuring that our team remains vigilant and well-prepared during the hottest days of the season, ultimately contributing to the seamless service and care that Members receive.
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the JHSC, Granite Golf Club continues to foster a strong culture of safety, professionalism, and hospitality It’s just one of the many ways we’re committed to ensure every guest enjoys a proper Granite Golf Club experience.
PACE OF PLAY
Steve Halse, Head Golf Professional
The 2025 season has flown by! With the majority of events behind us, there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy at our amazing golf course. For those who participated in our Member events, we thank you for making them a success The guests of all four invitationals were treated to wonderful golf, amazing food, and an abundance of camaraderie There are still a few events left, so make sure to sign up soon.
Tag Marshal - Pace of Play Update
Pace of play has been a hot button in golf for as long as the game has been played. Everyone has a different idea of what pace should be. There is a difference between “pace of play” and the pace you want to play At Granite Golf, we publish a pace of 4 hours for 18 holes Yes, we do ask that you keep up with the group in front of you, but in some cases, a small gap is acceptable and likely does not warrant a call to the golf shop If the group in front of you lets you play through, that is an acceptable action. Jumping ahead of a group without permission is an unacceptable action. To the right is a picture of a group that jumped ahead and negatively impacted the pace. Notice the straight line from the 14th tee to the 15th tee.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “PACE OF PLAY” AND THE PACE YOU WANT TO PLAY.
Our Tag Marshall system provides us with many data points. This picture, for example, tracks the round and where the tag travelled. The tags are synced with the tee sheet, and the staff can see your average playing times. Here are some statistics from July 2025
Rounds tracked - 2618
Average Round Time - 3:52:48
Holes 4 and 15 are the fastest to play, with an average play time of 7 minutes and 30 seconds
Holes 9 and 13 take the longest to play, with an average play time of 16:00 minutes
All this being said, slow play does happen from time to time Here are some tips to help you speed up play
1. Be Ready to Play
Be prepared to hit when it’s your turn: glove on, club selected, and distance checked.
Use “ready golf” in stroke play.
2. Limit Practice Swings
One or two practice swings max.
Visualize the shot as you approach the ball, not after you're set up.
3. Keep Up with the Group Ahead
Always aim to be right behind the group ahead not just ahead of the group behind
4. Lost Ball Protocol
If you think your ball might be lost, hit a provisional. Limit search to 3 minutes (as per the Rules of Golf).
5. Efficient Cart Use
Drop off your partner and head to your own ball Park carts on the exit side of the green for a faster getaway
At its core, a good pace of play shows respect for the game, your fellow golfers, and the course staff working to keep play on schedule. If you are approached by a player assistant or golf professional on the golf course, it may be because you have fallen behind Please reMember that those staff Members are doing their best to ensure all golfers enjoy their rounds In many cases, we get reports of rounds that “felt slow.” We can’t argue with feelings, but we can check the data, and it usually proves rounds are played in acceptable timing. Let’s all do our best to keep PACE.
2025 CLUB CHAMP WINNERS
What an incredible weekend of golf!
A huge thank you to all the Members who came out and competed with such passion, skill, and sportsmanship. Your dedication to the game and to the Granite Golf Club community was on full display.
We saw a fantastic turnout, with players bringing their best to the course delivering impressive shots, thrilling finishes, and great camaraderie throughout.
Congratulations once again to our 2025 Club Champions, and thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s championship such a memorable event!
Men's
Andre Zhu
A Flight
Brett Noiles
B Flight
Dave Devine
C Flight
Tony Lauria
D Flight
Phil Smith
Ladies'
Ivy Steinberg
A Flight
Christie Acker
C Flight
Natalia Dukszta
D Flight
Dawn Kerrigan
CLUB
2025
Aeration.
WHY WE AERATE AND TOPDRESS AND WHY AUGUST IS THE BEST TIME TO DO IT
Yanik Mayer, Superintendent
If you’ve ever seen the greens on a golf course covered in little holes or a thin layer of sand, you’ve probably wondered, “What’s going on here?” That process is called aerating and topdressing, and even though it might look strange or messy, it’s one of the best things we can do to keep the grass healthy and the greens rolling smooth.
What is Aerating and Topdressing?
Let’s break it down: Aerating is when we poke millions of small holes into the grass and soil. This helps air, water, and nutrients get down to the roots of the grass. It also loosens up the soil so the roots can grow deeper and stronger Topdressing is when we spread a layer of sand over the desired playing surface. This helps smooth the surface, breaks down the layer of dead grass (called thatch), and makes the turf healthier over time Together, these steps help the grass grow stronger, recover from stress, and stay in good shape for golfers.
Why August is the Best Time to Do It
There’s a type of grass that grows on many greens called Poa annua (we usually just call it “Poa”). It’s not a very strong grass. It has shallow roots and doesn’t handle summer heat or stress very well.
By August, after a long hot summer, Poa is already weak and struggling That’s exactly when we want to aerate and topdress. Why? It gives us a chance to thin out the weak Poa and make room for stronger grass (like bentgrass) to grow.
The soil is still warm, and the weather is good, so new grass can grow quickly and recover before the cooler fall weather arrives.
We get the messy part out of the way before the busy fall golf season.
W
hy It’ s Worth It
Even though aerating and topdressing can be disruptive for a few days, the long-term benefits are huge:
Healthier, stronger turf
Smoother, more consistent greens, tees and approaches
Less disease and fewer weeds
Better playing conditions all year long
So, the next time you see holes in the green or sand on the surface, just reMember it’s part of the plan to keep the course playing great not just today, but for seasons to come
A CULTURE OF KINDNESS
Aly Longstreet, HR & Communications Manager
At Granite Golf Club, kindness is more than just a value, it's a way of life that shapes every interaction, both among staff and with our Members. Our culture is built on mutual respect, empathy, and support, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included. This foundation of kindness fosters strong connections between team Members and encourages a sense of belonging, making Granite a place where people don’t just come to work, they come to thrive.
By prioritizing a safe and respectful workplace, Granite Golf Club empowers its employees to be confident, authentic, and engaged in their roles. Team Members are encouraged to communicate openly, support one another, and take initiative, knowing they are backed by leadership and peers who genuinely care about their well-being This atmosphere of psychological safety helps build trust, reduces stress, and allows everyone to perform at their highest level without fear of judgment or failure.
The result of this intentional culture is exceptional service that feels genuine and effortless. When employees feel supported and valued, they naturally extend that care to our Members, creating memorable experiences and fostering long-lasting relationships. At Granite Golf Club, kindness is the cornerstone that elevates every part of our community, from our team dynamics to the outstanding service our Members receive every day.
STATE OF THE CLUB
Presented by: David Brown, Finance and Membership Committee Chair
Introduction
As we make the turn to the back nine of our 25th Golf Season, I would like to thank all Granite Golf Club Members for their unwavering support of their Club. Reflecting on the past 25 years and all we have been able to accomplish as a Club, makes me proud to be a small part of these successes, and of the new horizons ahead. Granite Golf Club has significantly evolved over the years and is on the cusp of it’s largest Capital Project since the construction of our Clubhouse. Below are some highlights of the Club’s financial position at midyear
Key Highlights from the Past Year
Membership Growth:
We have experienced gradual Membership growth over the past 8 years or so, culminating in a Senior Equivalence figure of just over 500 as of this month This is a Membership level we have not seen since 2010 and is a testament to both our Club and our Membership, as most new Members find Granite Golf Club through existing Member referrals
Operational Achievements:
A vital component of our business model includes a break-even net operating position, which we have been able to achieve during the period of 2020 through 2024 after a decade of operating losses. For the past five years, costs of operation have been fully covered by revenues generated through our operations plus annual dues Our budget for 2025 also includes a break-even operational budget and we are well on our way to achieving that, and yet another financially successful year Breaking even operationally helps to ensure that all Entrance Fee Revenues can be used to fund the Club’s Long Term Capital plan while the Annual Capital fund can be used to reinvest in our property plant and equipment to ensure all obligatory Capital needs are met, while keeping aspirational Capital needs in mind.
Member Engagement:
Since the unusual spikes in activity levels caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic, we have seen Member engagement and utilization of the Club normalize slightly, with high levels of Member support indicated by attendance levels at various events held by the Club throughout the year. Granite Golf Club is a Member owned not-for-profit entity, and it is great to see so many Members embrace that and think of themselves as owners rather than solely consumers; putting the best interests of the Club ahead of their own
2025 Financial Overview
Operating Performance:
2025 operating revenues have been strong and have us on pace to meet or exceed our targets for the year. We have recently surpassed the 500 Senior Member Equivalence threshold which contributes to our annual dues targets being achieved. Historically 62% of our gross revenues has come from Annual Dues. This surpasses industry standards that suggest that a minimum of 55% of a private club’s gross revenues should come from annual dues Those of you who have attended the Club Benchmarking presentations will recall Chris Barron stating that as a private club, “we are in the dues business”. When 62% of our gross revenues come from annual dues, we are much less reliant on other, much less predictable, sources of income such as outside events. Higher than expected revenues also drive costs slightly higher than expected, while some additional unbudgeted service upgrades put into place for this golf season are also contributing to higher costs. Even with those cost increases we are still on pace to meet our goal of a break-even operating ledger.
Capital Investments:
We are also on pace to meet our 2025 Capital Budget target, which was to generate $625k in total revenues from our Annual Capital fund Of that, we budgeted to reinvest $345k in Capital needs As of early August, we have reinvested $227k and project to spend well within our allotted budget, barring many unforeseen expenses. This fund is crucial to enabling us to maintain the quality of our existing assets. Any unspent surplus in this account will be used to help fund our Long-Range Capital Plan, which is primarily funded by Entrance Fee revenues, (often very sporadic and hard to predict)
Challenges and Pressures
Rising operating costs are a continual challenge we face within the Golf industry
As a luxury industry we are subject to rates of inflation much higher than Bank of Canada core rates of inflation. When you combine that with ever evolving Member expectations, Management is challenged to provide equal or improved levels of service year over year by stretching each dollar as far as possible to meet expectations while maintaining financial prudence.
Looking Ahead
The next 12-24 months here at Granite Golf Club will be very exciting ones as we approach the commencement and eventual completion of Project: Next 25 (PN25). Management, the Board, all Club Committees, including the Finance and Membership committee, have been working tirelessly planning and preparing for a vast range of possible operating outcomes and making decisions that we feel are in the best interest of the Club while addressing Member expectations There will be more information shared regarding PN25 over the coming 12 months leading up to the start of the execution of the initiative, so stay tuned.
Call to Action
As always Granite Golf Club is only as good as our Members; in order to help drive further growth and success I encourage you all to have your voices heard through both our year-end Member survey and through our feedback@granitegolfclub.ca email address.
