COCKTAIL PARTY
J U L Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 5
CLOSING MESSAGE TO MEMBERS
2025 Season
Phil Scully General Manager
The speed at which the 2025 golf season flew by is quite remarkable. It feels like yesterday we were praying to the golf gods for the last of the snow to melt so we could open the Club to our eager members. Opening on April 25th — our 25th anniversary felt like the perfect way to begin the season. I’d love to say it was by design, but as always, we opened when our Superintendent gave us the green light.
The season got off to a slow start — and by slow, I mean wet and miserable. May brought below-seasonal temperatures and above-average rainfall, a concerning start to say the least. Fortunately, it seems Mother Nature front-loaded her precipitation for the year.
After May, she turned off the taps and delivered an unprecedented stretch of spectacular weather from June through mid-October. That run of perfect days drove incredible member engagement across all areas of the Club. Every event was well attended and enjoyed by all, and it was great to see so many new members getting involved. To me, this reflects the hard work and dedication of our section committee chairs, convenors, and volunteers.
Looking back, my favourite day of the year was July 19th the day we officially celebrated the Club’s 25th anniversary with an epic all-day event. If you set aside the beautiful weather, two fantastic shotguns with over 220 members playing, the full day of food and drinks, live music, games, and the fireworks that lit up not only the golf course but most of Stouffville and Uxbridge what truly stands out are the friendships. Seeing generations of members together, some here since day one and others brand new, all celebrating how far we’ve come and looking forward to what’s ahead that’s the essence of a private club. Yes, we are a golf club, but at its heart, Granite is about people. Golf may be why members join, but it’s the community that makes you stay.
On a personal note, 2025 marks my 25th season with the Club. Having spent nearly half my life here, I’ve had the privilege of quite literally growing up at Granite. From day one, this Club has felt different never transactional, always a place that feels like home. A value imprinted on me early in my career still guides us today: Granite is more than just a great golf course or a beautiful clubhouse; it’s an extension of your home and a place where friends feel like family. Our goal every day is to make you feel that way from the moment you see the red barn on your drive in, to the warm welcome when you arrive in the clubhouse, and the fond farewell as you leave, already looking forward to your next visit.
Our hope is that by stringing together enough unforgettable moments throughout the season, you’ll forget the bad scores, rainy days, and errant tee shots and be left with a feeling. A feeling that you’re part of something special a community that takes care of one another.
As the sun sets on another season at Granite Golf Club, I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our department heads, managers, supervisors, and especially our incredible team of seasonal staff. Each year, we aim to deliver 12 months of excellence in a 200-day season. We hope 2025 has been a memorable one for you, and on behalf of everyone here, I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy off-season. We’re already hard at work finding new ways to make 2026 even better.
Warm regards,
Phil Scully General Manager
MAY 7, 2025
L A D I E S ’
MAY 8, 2025
This year, we’ve embraced the idea of “fairway to fork.” With the help of our dedicated grounds team, pockets of the course have been transformed into vibrant gardens filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and more.
A GOLF CLUB CAN BE MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO PLAY – IT CAN BE A LIVING, BREATHING ECOSYSTEM THAT NOURISHES BOTH BODY AND SOUL.
MAY 10, 2025
PRO’S CORNER STEVE HALSE
What an incredible fall we are having! Many of you have taken advantage of the warm weather. The leaves are now starting to change, and the golf course is in wonderful condition. We will continue to notify you of frost delays but on cold mornings please contact the golf shop for updates.
As part of our ongoing commitment to integrity and fair play in the game we all love, I’d like to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of consistently posting your scores to Golf Canada. The score posting season in Ontario is April 15 to October 30, so don’t forget to post those last few scores.
Posting your scores is not just about maintaining a handicap it's about ensuring a level playing field for all members.
Here's why it matters:
1. Accuracy of Handicaps
TheWorldHandicapSystemreliesonaccuratescoringdatatoproduceafair andequitablehandicapindexforeverygolfer.Whenscoresarenotposted,it canleadtodiscrepanciesthatimpacttheintegrityofbothcompetitiveand socialplay.
2.CourseRatingandSlopeAdjustments
Eachpostedscorehelpsrefinehowourcourseisratedovertime,particularlyin varyingweatherorplayingconditions.Thisfeedbackloopcontributestoamore accuratereflectionofplayingdifficulty,benefitingallplayers.
Wedorecommendthatyouposthole-by-holescores,asitfurtherenhances theabilitytoaccuratelyrateourgolfcourse.Thegolfcoursewillbere-rated afterthePN25projectiscomplete.Thatbeingsaid,wewillstartthe2028 seasonmandatinghole-by-holescoreentry.Manyofyoualreadydothis,keep upthegoodwork!
3.FairnessinCompetition
Whetheryou'replayinginclubtournaments,interclub events,orcasualgames,acurrentandaccuratehandicap ensuresfaircompetitionforeveryone.Incompletescore postingunderminesthatfairness.
4.PersonalGameTracking
Beyondcompetition,postingyourscoresallowsyouto trackprogress,identifyareasforimprovement,andset realisticgoals.It’sapowerfultoolforpersonalgrowthin thegame.
Weencourageallmemberstomakeitaregularhabitto postscoresimmediatelyaftereachround,whetherplayed atGraniteGolfCluboranothercourse.TheGolfCanada ScoreCentre(viatheapporwebsite)makesthisprocess quickandeasy.Iampleasedtoreportthat77.9%ofour memberrosterrecordsscoresinGolfCanada.Thisis slightlyhigherthanaverageforClubsofoursize.
Shouldyouhaveanyquestionsabouthoworwhentopost scores orhowthehandicapsystemworks please don’thesitatetoreachouttotheGolfShoporanymember ofourprofessionalstaff.We'reheretohelp.
Nowthatweareinthelastweeksoftheseason.Checkout ourgolfshopsalesonapparel.Wealsohavesome fantasticgiftgivingideas,whichwillincludeGGC ChristmasTreeOrnaments.Thankyouonceagainfor supportingthegolfshop!
J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 2 5
It has truly been an incredible season at Granite Golf Club. Our staff have done an exceptional job of elevating the member experience. Whether they were the welcoming face in back shop, maintaining the course to high standards in maintenance, energetically delivering exceptional food in F&B, or the quiet heroes maintaining order in the locker rooms, their dedication made 2025 the season it was.
The success is also built on the foundation of our full-time staff. From admin teams, to department managers and skilled technicians, our year-round team members embody dedication and passion.
The staff’s commitment to creating a supportive, fun, and challenging workplace has a tangible result. This year, we achieved the smallest turnover rate in the club’s history, a testament to the value we place on our people and our identity as a leading employer of choice.
As we channel this momentum into planning for 2026, we thank you for your continued support of our club!
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
INTERMEDIATE, MID AM, SENIOR, SUPER SENIOR
As another golf season comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all members for your continued support, enthusiasm, and respect for the golf course. Your passion for the game and appreciation for the property makes our work both rewarding and meaningful. As we shift from active play into winter preparation, we want to share some insight into the essential work that takes place behind the scenes to protect the course during the off-season and ensure a strong start next spring.
Irrigation Blowout – Protecting Critical Infrastructure
In northern climates, any water left in irrigation lines can freeze, expand, and cause significant damage to pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Properly blowing out the irrigation system is a vital step that protects one of the golf course’s most valuable and expensive assets. This process ensures that the system remains intact and ready for immediate use when warmer temperatures return.
Raising Heights of Cut – Preserving Turf Health
As we transition into fall, you’ll notice that the height of cut on greens, tees, approaches, and fairways is gradually raised. While greens speed is an important part of the playing experience during peak season, slightly higher leaf tissue going into winter helps the plant store more carbohydrates, improving its ability to withstand cold temperatures, ice cover, and desiccating winter winds. This subtle change plays a major role in spring recovery.
Cultural Practices – Setting the Greens Up for Success
Late-season aeration, topdressing, and nutrient applications are key cultural practices designed to relieve compaction, improve drainage, and build a healthy soil profile before winter dormancy sets in. These practices give the turf the best possible chance to resist disease, tolerate cold stress, and emerge in strong condition once growth resumes.
Managing Native Grasses and Naturalized Areas
You will also see work taking place in native grass sections and naturalized areas around the course. Cutting back these areas in the fall prevents excessive thatch buildup, reduces winter lodging (grass matting under snow), and improves airflow and visibility heading into spring. This maintenance step preserves the intended aesthetic of these areas while also ensuring they remain manageable and healthy for the upcoming season.
While it may appear that the course goes dormant in winter, our maintenance efforts during this transitional period are critical to the long-term health and playability of the property The work completed now directly impacts the conditions you will experience on opening day next season.
On behalf of our entire turf team, thank you again for a wonderful season. We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring to a course that is wellprepared, healthy, and ready for play.
J U N E 8 , 2 0 2 5
As we reflect on the past season, one theme continues to rise above the rest: celebration. The energy and excitement surrounding our 25thanniversary milestone created an incredible atmosphere, one that has continued to build momentum throughout the season. From full dining rooms to lively events, it's been truly rewarding to see more members and guests enjoying the clubhouse than ever before.
In fact, we've welcomed a record number of TAG diners during my time here, and it’s clear that more of you are choosing Granite golf Club as a destination. Seeing members return, week after week, even on non-golf days, is one of the strongest signs that the Club is becoming a true home away from home for many of you.
This success is not accidental. It comes from the trust you’ve placed in our team, in our service, in our standards, and in our shared commitment to excellence. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank my incredible team for delivering the level of quality service and warmth you've come to expect.
Aswemoveintothewintermonths,Iencourageyouto continuemakingtheClubapartofyourseasonal traditions.Whetheryou'rejoiningusforaprivateholiday gatheringorsimplyaquietwalkonthesnow-filledcourse, knowthatwe’reheretomakeitspecial.
Thankyouagainforyourongoingsupport,yourtrust,and thevibrantenergyyoubringtotheClub.Ithasbeena pleasureservingyouthisseason.
Haveawonderfulwinter!
J U L Y 2 3 , 2 0 2 5
U L Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 5
AFinal Word from the Kitchen: Reflections on a Milestone
Season
Writing the last submission for Tee 2 Green each year is always a bittersweet moment. It's bitter because another wonderful season of golf and camaraderie is ending, but sweet because it marks the end of a marathon effort from our entire team. This year, that feeling is especially poignant as we close the chapter on the club’s incredible 25th-anniversary season. It has been a pleasure to see the old photos and speak with founding members about the club’s remarkable evolution. I was reminded of my own history here, coming up from The Granite Club in 2003 to help out with BBQs in what wasn’t even a parking lot yet, long before our beautiful clubhouse stood.
While I have now had the honour of being your Chef for four seasons, my memories and affection for this club go back much further.
The "sweet" part of the season's end is the well-earned respite after five and a half months of six-day work weeks. My team’s long hours are driven by a single goal: ensuring unwavering quality and consistency for you, our members This dedication is what allows us to tweak the menu every four weeks and introduce new features fortnightly, keeping the dining experience fresh for those who dine with us multiple times a week.
I am extremely fortunate, as are you, that we have Brendan Davis as your Sous Chef. Brendan has now worked with me for over seven years, and I have had the privilege of watching him grow into a confident and exceptional leader. He is an invaluable member of not only the kitchen but our entire 'heart of house' team
Our team's strength lies in its evolution. I am proud to have a core group of staff who have been with me for my entire four-season tenure, complemented by talented individuals in their third, second, and first years. For a seasonal club, this blend of veteran experience and fresh perspective is the perfect recipe for success.
Many members ask what happens in the kitchen during the "offseason" While the course is quiet, our work continues We have numerous events to execute between now and the festive season, and planning is already underway for member events next year, like Valentine's Day. The opening menu for the next season must be crafted a delicate balance of embracing new culinary trends, perfecting club favourites, and introducing a few innovative dishes. Early in the new year, Jasmine and I will sit down with the new section captains to begin designing menus for all of next season’s golf events.
Thank you for a memorable 25th-anniversary season. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back for the 26th season of golf.
G R E I G K I N G
E X E C U T I V E C H E F
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
U G U S T 9 - 1 0 , 2 0 2 5
N E W M E M B E R S
Flo Popalis
Cameron Muller
Kyle Thomas
Evan Storey
Evan Blakey
Ryan Moser
Nick Marinos
Adam Bone
Blair Bilodeau
Dean Lagis
Will Sinclair
James Tourloukis
Ian Storey
Matt Gauthier
Wil Irons
Charlie Bunker
Michael Katsman
Samantha Lawr
Mitch Skelly
Dimitri Manikis
Michael Zabaneh
Nicholas Zanabeh
MIke Dobbins
Lu Han
Karen Johnson Basra
Chris Westbrook
Alison Wheeler
John Bentley
Paul Etherington
Donna Forrestall
Andy Lennox
Stephanie Ho
David Looi
Xin Sun
Jacques Prevost
Larry Yang
Paul Wei
Duke Pham
Rachel Mok
Russel Li
Mike Mallinos
Maria Malinos
Rick Donahue
Carlo Nasturzio
Roger Daher
Lui Longo
Paul Pignatelli
John Pignatelli
Alex Chang
Matthew Truong
Sam Serruya
Scott Dorey
Michael Gray
Samantha Lawr
Armin von Eppinghoven
Peri von Eppinghoven
Dear Members,
As the days grow shorter and a chill fills the air, we are reminded that another golf season is drawing to a close. As the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end,” making this the perfect moment to look back and reflect. I am incredibly pleased to share that 2025 has been another outstanding year for Granite Golf Club both on and off the course.
Financial Performance
The Club delivered strong financial results across all areas this year. We extend our sincere appreciation to all members for your ongoing support, engagement, and enthusiasm throughout the season that is essential to our financial results. Overall revenues exceeded budgeted targets, and prudent cost management allowed us to meet all major financial targets. Our operating ledger is on pace to meet our target of fully funding the member experience while breaking even and our capital ledger continues to drive overall financial growth and success for the Club. These positive results help ensure Granite remains well-positioned to reinvest in our assets and facilities, continually enhance our member experience, and sustain the long-term financial health of the Club. C O N T R O L L E R ’ S C O R N E R
Membership Statistics
Equally encouraging, membership levels are the strongest they have been in more than 15 years. We welcomed a number of new members this season and have continued our recent trend of gradually growing our membership. Given our current membership levels and enviable access to the tee we hope to continue this trend of being able to replace membership attrition on an annual basis, with periods of marginal growth. The vibrancy of our membership community continues to be one of Granite’s greatest strengths and a key driver of our success as word of mouth and member referrals remains one of our major marketing strategies.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward 2026, our focus remains on maintaining fiscal responsibility while continuing to invest in the areas that most enhance the member experience from course conditioning and amenities to social programming and elevated service levels. Your participation, feedback, and pride in the Club are what make Granite truly special.
Wishing everyone a wonderful final month of the golf season and through the off-season. We look forward to welcoming you back for what promises to be a truly memorable year as we embark on a major capital project that will shape the Club’s future.
M
E M B E R S H I P BRYAN ROURKE
Our 25th Anniversary season is concluding, and we are reflecting on a truly memorable year. Thanks to outstanding weather that extended our golf season deep into the fall, we all enjoyed maximum time on the course.
The highlight was celebrating our 25th Anniversary. Our anniversary party complete with a double shotgun and family activities, as a beautiful demonstration of the warm, family-centered community that makes Granite Golf Club your second home. Seeing our members of all ages enjoy the festivities was a clear reminder of what makes our club so special.
Our community continues to grow successfully. We added many new members in 2025, and their smooth integration is thanks entirely to the welcoming nature of our existing membership. We appreciate your efforts to make Granite such an inclusive and enjoyable club.
As Member Referrals remain our strongest source for new members, please continue to share your positive experiences. If you know someone considering joining, encourage them to contact me at brourke@granitegolfclub.ca.
J U N E 1 9 - 2 0 , 2 0 2 5
LADIES’
MIXED SLICE OF SUMMER
AUDUBON
21 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
Achieving certification in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses is a significant accomplishment.
While golf is notoriously bad for the environment due to the use of chemicals, water, and other resources used to maintain a pristine golf course, threatening the quality of our environment. Golf also has the opportunity to enhance and protect our environment.
Through education and certification by the ACSP, we can do our part in protect water, support plants and wildlife, protecting the environment.
To achieve this, Granite Golf Club had to meet standards set forth in six categories.
Environmental Planning
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Outreach and Education
Chemical Use Reduction and Safety
Water Conservation
Water Quality Management
Granite Golf Club has been able to continually demonstrate environmental leadership to not only achieve this certification, but we have proudly been certified for 21 years.
At Granite Golf Club, caring for the environment is part of our game plan. Each year, Superintendent Yanik and his team review site assessments, set goals, and map out habitats and resources to guide sustainable practices. Staff are trained on techniques that protect land, water, and wildlife, while progress is carefully tracked and shared with members, employees, and the community; proving that great golf and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
We also work to protect and enhance wildlife by maintaining natural habitats and water sources, installing nesting boxes, and planting native species. At least 80% of our landscaping supports local ecosystems.
Staff are trained to understand the impact of their practices, while ongoing inventories track birds and mammals across the course. By preserving woodlands, wetlands, and minimally used areas, we ensure safe movement for wildlife and provide food, shelter, and thriving spaces for species ranging from butterflies to bats.
Granite Golf Club follows strict best management practices to ensure chemicals are stored, applied, and handled safely for both people and the environment. Staff receive training in pest management, soil and plant health, and the potential risks of treatments, while mowing practices are maintained at levels that reduce the need for chemical inputs. Soil types across the course are inventoried to guide decisions, and detailed records are kept to track treatments and improve future practices. By setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and sharing updates with members, employees, and the community, we keep sustainability at the forefront of course management.
Water conservation is achieved through efficient irrigation practices, including using weather data and moisture meters to guide watering, targeting hot spots instead of entire areas, and avoiding peak evaporation times. Soils and turfgrass are managed to maximize absorption and reduce runoff, while unused areas receive little to no irrigation. Daily monitoring, monthly tracking, and annual targets ensure continual improvement, with turfgrass selected to suit local climate and growing conditions.
Through careful planning, responsible management, and a commitment to protecting our natural surroundings, Granite Golf Cub continues to strengthen the relationship between golf and the environment. Earning and maintaining our Audubon Certification is something we are extremely proud of, as it reflects not only the practices we follow but the values we uphold, ensuring Granite Golf Club
