TARA - Newsletter August 2025 - FINAL by HGMarketing

TARA DIRECTORY

MAIN CLUB HOUSE PHONE NUMBER: 941.756.7775

EXTENSIONS:

GENERAL MANAGER: 1222 | DAVID TAYLOR

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER: 1230 | MORGAN BUECHNER

ADMINISTRATION: 1229 | JILL OROLOGIO

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER: 1225 | SAMANTHA CROCKER

ARC (ARCH. REVIEW): 1221 | CHRISTINE KANAYAMA

LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR: 1224 | OLIVIA BALDASSARI

MEMBER BILLING : 1223 | BRASHELLA KEYS

GOLF SHOP: 1231 | MARLENE & RICK

GOLF PROFESSIONAL: 1226 | MELISSA WILLIAMS

FIRST ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL: 1241 | NATE WEBER

RESTAURANT & RESERVATIONS: 1235 & 1242 | ERIC, JOANNA & ALAINA

SNACK BAR: 1227 | NANCY & STEPHANIE

TARA COMMUNITY NEWS

MESSAGE FROM PHILLIP

PARSH, PRESIDENT

Tara Board of Directors

Your Board of Directors has been very busy this summer with all the improvements that are being made at the club. These updates are made possible by the hard work by our committees and management. It takes a lot of time and effort to make sure these projects are done properly and are finished in a timely manner.

These are some of the improvements:

• Parking lot has been re-sealed.

• Pro shop and conference room have new paint and carpet.

• Automatic opener has been added to the front door.

• All roofs (main clubhouse, fitness center, pro shop, and cart barn) are being replaced.

• Vacant lot development is progressing and is on time to be completed this October. (We will have a new pickleball amenity.)

• We will be updating the landscaping at the front of the clubhouse with some minor changes to the bag drop and cart staging area. (This work is scheduled to be completed in October.)

• Management is in the process of implementing club essentials, new software to improve club operations.

• An outside firm is auditing our reserve schedule just to be sure we are properly funded.

In the next month or so the Board of Directors will be deciding on a general contractor and the financing for the upcoming clubhouse refresh work.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

TARA’S MISSION: The mission of Tara Golf & Country Club is to provide an exceptional private country club experience while maintaining the club’s reputation as a financially sound and highly valued community where Members enjoy outstanding golf, vibrant amenities and social camaraderie.

TARA COMMUNITY NEWS

MESSAGE FROM DAVID TAYLOR, GENERAL MANAGER dtaylor@taragcc.com

Dear Members,

As we enter the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made together here at Tara. It’s been a season of energy, of focus, and of quiet determination to continue building something great for this community we all love.

From the moment summer began, your team has been hard at work – not just maintaining, but improving, upgrading, and preparing Tara for an even brighter future. If you haven’t yet walked through the golf shop or peeked into the conference room, I invite you to do so. Fresh paint and new carpet have transformed these spaces, giving them a vibrant, welcoming feel that reflects the high standards we set for ourselves and for one another.

Outside, you’ll see the dark bronze metal roofs taking shape on all of our main buildings – strong, durable, and built to last for decades to come. They don’t just protect what’s inside – they make a statement about where we’re going.

On the course, we’ve completed two rounds of aerification, and those Monday afternoon closures have given our team the time and space to build a foundation that will serve us well this winter. It’s a long game – and we’re playing it wisely.

Meanwhile, the Refresh Committee is on the verge of selecting a general contractor for the Clubhouse Refresh. Their diligence and collaboration have been nothing short of outstanding. We’ll be holding another Town Hall this September, so please stay tuned – your voice, as always, will be vital.

Behind the scenes, your management team is deep in the weeds – and proud of it – preparing to launch a new point of sale and reservation system. This is no small feat. It’s a major undertaking, one that will elevate your experience here at Tara. And yes, it will take a little time for everyone – staff and members alike – to adjust. But if we show a little patience, a little grace, we’ll get there together.

The House and Greens Committees have also joined forces on a major landscaping update at the front of the clubhouse and throughout the parking area. Not only will it bring new life and beauty to the entrance of our club – it will expand our cart staging area for smoother, more efficient play. Look for that to wrap up in October.

And for those who’ve been asking (and we know there are many of you) – our pickleball courts are nearing the finish line. The project has been running smoothly, and we are thrilled to be adding this exciting new amenity to the Tara experience. We can’t wait to see you out there.

So yes, it’s been a busy summer. But it’s also been one filled with purpose. At Tara, progress isn’t just a word we use – it’s something we live every day. I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support, your positivity, and your commitment to making this club not just a great place to play – but a great place to belong.

We’ll see you around the club,

David Taylor

TARA COMMUNITY NEWS

MESSAGE FROM MORGAN BUECHNER, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

941.758.7775 x1230 | mbuechner@taragcc.com

Dear Members,

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially stepped into the role of Assistant General Manager here at Tara Golf & Country Club. This updated title more accurately reflects my daily responsibilities and the ways I support both our team and valued members. As part of a broader initiative, we are restructuring titles across the club to better align with the evolving needs of our membership and enhance operational efficiency.

In this role, I will have direct oversight of clubhouse operations and food and beverage, ensuring we are delivering exceptional service, responding to member feedback in real time, and addressing check corrections promptly. I will also continue to manage outside banquet sales and remain involved in the oversight of pest control services, Dehardt alarm systems, and systems updates. Additionally, I will work closely with the maintenance department alongside our General Manager to ensure the property is maintained to the highest standard.

To further support club operations, I will be attending all committee and board meetings to gain a well-rounded understanding of the club from every perspective. This will allow me to make more informed decisions that align with member expectations and overall club goals.

Looking ahead, I will also begin learning more about the golf and golf course departments, with the goal of better supporting these areas and helping our team continue delivering the exceptional experiences Tara is known for.

Above all, my key role is to cultivate a positive experience for both members and staff while ensuring the smooth, day-to-day functioning of the club. I am committed to maintaining a welcoming and responsive environment where everyone feels valued.

It’s an honor to serve in this expanded role, and I look forward to continuing to support the growth and success of Tara Golf & Country Club.

Morgan Beuchner

IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY: David Sackman – July 2, 2025

Our TARA family is keeping the loved ones in our thoughts & prayers.

TARA GOLF HAPPENINGS

MESSAGE FROM MISSY WILLIAMS, HEAD GOLF PRO 941.758.7961 x1226 | mwilliams@taragcc.com

Happy August, everyone!

With summer rain and lightning all around, please stay mindful of your surroundings. Remember, the lightning alarm is fully automatic and will sound when lightning strikes within 5 miles of Tara. While some may find this disturbance annoying, it’s crucial for everyone’s safety. If you hear the alarm, seek shelter immediately. Additionally, if you spot a warning on the GPS screen without hearing the alarm, that’s another indication to find shelter right away.

As we enjoy the summer days, keep in mind that spending extended hours in the heat can lead to health issues. Stay hydrated and make sure to supplement with electrolytes. Delaying those behind you can lead to lessthan-pleasant situations, possibly forcing them off the course, so please play without delay.

What is our desired pace of play? For a group of four, aim for around 4 hours or less! To keep things moving smoothly, choose games that don’t take up too much extra time. Try to stick to similar tee boxes as much as possible within groups, as using four different sets of tees can really slow down the pace of play.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• September 1st – Labor Day Golf Event: Get your buddies together for a great day of golf. Scramble format in which 6 holes, all must play from the VII tee, 6 holes, all must play from the VI tee and 6 holes, all must play from the V tee. The team’s choice on which holes to use for those above tee boxes, but you must all play from the same set. Handicap will be based off the V tee, it will be flighted and a luncheon will follow after golf.

Golf Genius sign up link: www.golfgenius.com/ggid/cevbp8/register

• September 8th – 10th: Golf Shop sale coming up! The course and driving range will be closed for the final aerification of the season during those three days.

Missy Williams

TARA COURSE HAPPENINGS

MESSAGE FROM DON ABELL, COURSE

SUPERINTENDENT

941.751.5593 | dabell@taragcc.com

The second aerification of the year was a success. The greens, tees, fairways and rough were aerified with 1/2 inch and ¾ inch hollow tines in order relieve soil compaction and remove thatch. The greens were aerified and with the help of warm weather and rain the greens are healing back very nice. The aerification created pore spaces which allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to get to the root zone. Remember, to grow good grass, it must have deep healthy roots and getting oxygen into the root zone will relieve soil compaction and create new pore spaces for the roots of the plant to grow. The fairways were aerified with ¾ inch hollow tines. The fairways were also verticut and circle mowed to remove thatch from and grain from the turf. A wall to wall fertilization was applied to the golf course to help the grass recover from the aerification. These cultural practices keep the golf course in the best possible condition throughout the year.

The following is the aerification schedule for the rest of the summer.

• September 8th-10th: The green tees, and fairways will be aerified.

Also, an application of pre-emergent fertilizer will be applied to the entire course.

Don Abell

TARA FOOD & BEVERAGE NEWS

A NOTE FROM SAMANTHA CROCKER

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER

941.758.7775 x1225 | scrocker@taragcc.com

Hello Tara Members,

August is already off to a strong start, and we’re keeping the momentum going with exciting events, refreshed service standards, and a team that’s more prepared than ever to deliver top-notch experiences. Whether you’re sipping, painting, or simply enjoying a great dinner with us, there’s a lot to look forward to this month!

Sip & Paint – Sold Out!

Our upcoming Sip & Paint event sold out in just 48 hours, thank you for the incredible response! With such high demand, we’re already working on planning the next one. This first round is a bit of a trial run to see what works best, so if you have any suggestions for future timing, feel free to send me a quick note. Stay tuned as more fun is on the way!

Training Days: Raising Expectations

While the clubhouse was closed in July, I hosted a two-day, mandatory front-of-house training designed to reset, refocus, and elevate our service standards heading into season. From guest engagement to wine and liquor knowledge, our team is ready to impress. Next time you’re dining with us, ask your server what they recommend—you’ll be surprised at how far they’ve come.

We’ve got more up our sleeve here in Food & Beverage, so keep an eye on these newsletters to see what’s next!

Warmly,

Samantha Crocker

Food & Beverage Manager

TARA LIFESTYLE HAPPENINGS

MESSAGE FROM OLIVIA BALDASSARI, LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

941.751.4637 ext.1224 | obaldassari@taragcc.com

Hello Tara Members,

A big thank you to everyone who attended our July 4th Celebration — it was a joy to see so many members come together and enjoy the day. Your energy and spirit made it a memorable event for all.

During our two-week club closure, we stayed busy behind the scenes developing new ideas, refreshing spaces, and preparing for an exciting season ahead. We’re looking forward to sharing all that’s in store and wrapping up the summer on a high note.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up in August:

• August 7th – Our first Sip n’ Paint for August 7th has been sold out, but don’t worry, we are planning another one for September! We have received wonderful feedback about this event, and we will start planning for next month soon!

• August 16th – Endless Summer Celebration: Join us at the clubhouse pool from 1–4 PM for a grill-out buffet, steel drummer, caricaturist, cornhole, water volleyball, and rum drink specials in honor of National Rum Day.

• August 30th – Evening with the Chef: Enjoy elevated food and drink pairings while our chefs prepare each course live for an intimate and interactive dining experience.

We’re also planning another Chef’s Table for September, so keep an eye on your email for more details. We hope August brings a chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy all the experiences Tara has to offer.

We hope August brings moments of both relaxation and connection for all of our members. As always, keep an eye on your inbox for updates on upcoming events, fitness activities, and everything happening here at Tara.

Warm regards,

Olivia Baldassari