THE CREEK
BOARD OFTRUSTEES
Michael Hughey
President
Dean Kramer
Vice President
Chris Noyes
Treasurer
Tyler Prime
Secretary
Joe Canataro
Scott Duman
Sean Fox
Kiel Gilliland
Erich Herkloz
Dan Katona
Thomas Koerner
Greg Markus
HOURSOFOPERATION
GeneralManagerInsights
ElishaCancelli
With the golf season now in full swing, it’s great to see the energy return to both the golf course and tennis courts In just a few weeks, the pool complex will also be open, and we look forward to welcoming you there as well
As we enter this busy time of year, I’d like to remind everyone that dress code guidelines vary across club amenities Please take a moment to review the full dress code at the link below, which is also available anytime on our website and mobile app. We encourage you to share this information with any guests you plan to bring to the club.
Dress Code Link
While dress codes can sometimes feel restrictive, they are an important part of our club’s identity. They help distinguish us and reflect a shared respect for fellow members and the overall club experience
I’d also like to thank everyone who participated in our Annual Membership Meeting This meeting provides a valuable insight into the past year and look ahead to what’s to come in the current year and beyond It is also a great opportunity for the membership to ask questions We were pleased to offer a Zoom option this year, allowing additional members to join who may not have been able to attend in person
Annual Meeting Link
Although the presentation does not capture all the discussion, it offers a helpful overview of key topics and updates I encourage you to review it, and please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions
Following the annual election, I’m pleased to share that Sean Fox, Erich Herkloz, and Chris Noyes will continue their service on the board. Please also join me in welcoming our newest board member, Dan Katona.
I would like to extend sincere thanks to John Higgins and John Venne for their dedication and contributions to the club during their tenure on the board. Additionally, congratulations to Chris Noyes and Tyler Prime on their appointments as officers.
The Executive Committee is as follows:
Michael Hughey – President
Dean Kramer – Vice President
Tyler Prime – Secretary
Chris Noyes – Treasurer
Erich Herkloz – Ad hoc Executive Committee Member
Thank you all for your continued support and engagement I look forward to a fantastic season ahead
MembershipMatters
PattyFagan
Each year around this time, I’m reminded just how special this season is for so many of our Laurel Creek families Graduation is such an exciting milestone, filled with pride, celebration, and the anticipation of what’s ahead
A few years ago, when my oldest son was preparing to graduate high school, I asked members to share photos of their graduating children so we could recognize them in our June newsletter What started as a simple idea quickly became one of my favorite traditions There is something truly meaningful about seeing these young men and women, many of whom we’ve watched grow up at the Club, reach such an important moment
I’m excited to continue that tradition again this year and will be featuring our 2026 graduates in the June newsletter. If you have a child graduating from high school or college, I would love for you to be part of it Please send a photo along with where they will be attending this fall or, for college graduates, their degree and major
This time of year also brings a different kind of milestone that is not talked about as often As parents, we spend years in the rhythm of busy schedules, carpools, games, and school events. Then suddenly, the house becomes a little quieter.
I’ll be honest, I don’t think you are ever fully prepared for that shift With both of my boys now away at college, I am still adjusting to the stillness It is a new chapter that feels unfamiliar at first, but also full of opportunity
This season often brings new faces to the Club, along with familiar ones rediscovering it in a different way.
I see a similar pattern here at the Club Many families join during those busy years when the Club becomes a hub for pool days, junior sports, and family time As life evolves, we often see members rediscover the Club in a new way. Some spend more time on the golf course, others pick up tennis or pickleball, and many simply enjoy a night out and reconnecting with friends
In many ways, Laurel Creek grows with you. It is there for the busy years of raising a family and for the next chapter when life slows down just enough to rediscover old passions or find new ones
As we celebrate this year’s graduates, we also celebrate the families who have supported them every step of the way and the exciting season ahead for all of you
I look forward to sharing this special group of graduates with our membership in June
NewMembers
MeetourNewSwimInstructor
Hello Laurel Creek Country Club members! My name is Alexandra Robinson and I'm excited to announce that I’ll be offering swim lessons at the club this summer
I previously worked as a swim instructor at Lifetime Fitness, and have several years of lifeguarding experience, which has helped me develop a strong focus on safety and building confidence in the water. I was a member of the Pheasant Run Swim Team for nine years and competed at the varsity level in high school before graduating in June of 2025. I am currently furthering my education at the University of Delaware.
My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment with a focus on working with children, of all skill sets, so they can build confidence, develop essential skills, and enjoy their time in the pool safely. I look forward to a great summer with you all!
Chris Kersey & Olivia Lippincott
Erin & Lewis D'Ippolito
The Ennis Family
The Williams Family Jeff & Bridget Bell
The19thHole BobHennefer
PACE OF PLAY: A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY THAT IMPROVES EVERYONE’S EXPERIENCE
One of the greatest benefits of golf at Laurel Creek is the ability to enjoy a beautiful course, great company, and a relaxing round with friends However, one element has a greater impact on member enjoyment than almost anything else: pace of play
At Laurel Creek, our standard pace of play for a foursome, for an 18-hole round is approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes Early morning groups are expected to play fastest, along with threesomes and twosomes are expected to play faster
Slow play affects more than just the group waiting behind you. It creates backups throughout the golf course, shortens enjoyment of the round, impacts dining reservations and family schedules, and can take away from the rhythm and flow that make golf enjoyable A well-paced round keeps the course moving, improves energy, and allows everyone to finish with a positive experience So everyone can have an understanding about pace of play and expectations, here is a snapshot of April so far. When booking your round, this is a pace you can expect, and are expected to maintain, no matter what day of the week
Open to 9am 3 hours and 26 minutes
9am to 10am 3 hours and 49 minutes
10am to 12pm 4 hours and one minute 12pm to 2pm 3 hours and 49 minutes 2pm to close 3 hours and 40 minutes
Pace of play is not about rushing it is about being ready. Small habits make a significant difference over the course of 18 holes:
• Play “ready golf” whenever appropriate
• Limit practice swings and keep pre-shot routines efficient
• Read putts while others are preparing to putt
• Move promptly to your ball and be prepared when it is your turn
• Park carts strategically near the next tee
• Record scores at the next tee, not on the green
• Keep up with the group ahead not simply stay ahead of the group behind
One important distinction we often discuss is the difference between being behind pace and being out of position Even if your group feels comfortable, if there is a gap ahead of you, it usually means your group has fallen behind the expected pace The goal is to maintain connection with the group in front and preserve the natural flow of the course
Morning rounds often move faster, and smaller groups are expected to play accordingly. Members are also responsible for ensuring their guests understand and respect Laurel Creek’s pace expectations
What makes this conversation even more encouraging is that our recent pace-of-play data shows that Laurel Creek members are already doing a strong job keeping the game moving. During the first half of April, daily average pace ranged from approximately 3:17 to 4:03, even on busy days with more than 150 rounds played Weekend mornings traditionally the busiest times on the golf course averaged between 3:47 and 4:05, demonstrating that efficient play is absolutely achievable, even during peak demand.
When groups play ready golf, remain aware of spacing, and keep pace with the group ahead, Laurel Creek consistently delivers rounds that are enjoyable, efficient, and respectful of everyone’s time
LCWGA
CELEBRATING A GREAT START TO THE SEASON
What a wonderful way to kick off our golf season! Opening Day was a tremendous success and truly set the tone for the weeks ahead From the energy on the first tee to the camaraderie shared throughout the day, it was clear that everyone was excited to be back on the course Thank you to all who participated and helped make the day both fun and memorable.
Although the weather was cold, spirits were high, and the course looked fantastic It was great to see familiar faces reconnect after the offseason and to welcome newer members into the group Laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of great shots made for a perfect start to the year
Our teams also wasted no time jumping into competition with the Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia matches This year we are excited to field 2 teams! Team 1 is in the 12th cup and Team 2 is in the 25th cup
Team 1 played a hard-fought first match, showing determination and resilience throughout the day. While they ultimately came up short, their effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork were on full display It was a competitive contest and should be proud of how they represented Laurel Creek
Team 2 delivered a strong and confident performance in their first match Playing tough from start to finish, they secured a well-earned victory. Congratulations to the second team on a fantastic win and a great early-season statement!
LOOKING AHEAD
With Opening Day behind us and competitive play already underway, the season is officially in full swing We have many exciting events, matches, and opportunities to connect on the calendar, and we encourage everyone to get involved. Whether you’re playing weekly, joining special events, or cheering on our teams, your participation makes our group special Please sign up for our Wednesday matches by Sunday.
A big thank you to Rita Gordon for bringing back the Jersey Girls matches These matches are a fun way to meet new women and play at other clubs in our area. Please reach out to Rita for more information
Here’s to a season filled with great golf, new friendships, and plenty of fun along the way We look forward to seeing you on the course!
PromwithMom
AtTheTable RyanReeves
We’ve been busy with exciting updates and new events around the club Join us this Saturday afternoon for our first-ever elegant Kentucky Derby celebration Don your finest Southerninspired attire and enjoy elevated whiskey libations, curated mint juleps, and classic Derby fare Place wagers for a bit of spirited fun and capture the day with equestrian-themed photo opportunities, an unforgettable afternoon of style, tradition, and camaraderie
On May 8, Blu hosts its last “Blu After Dark” event before our summer break. For one electrifying night, Blu transforms from fine dining into a sultry cocktail lounge with nightclub lighting, pulsing beats, and signature drinks to keep the energy high Enjoy late-night bar bites, VIP vibes, and an immersive atmosphere as Blu becomes the hottest lounge in town. Don’t miss this exclusive afterhours experience
For a more personal experience, book our intimate Chef’s Table Chef Pete will craft a personalized menu and prepare it tableside while you watch the kitchen in action. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and special celebrations, this elegant experience seats six comfortably (we can accommodate up to eight) and is best suited for guests aged 12 and up It’s a unique way to entertain friends and learn about the cooking process straight from the chef.
We’re excited to announce a unique K-pop dance party for kids this year Meet the Huntrix as they perform and connect with fans Capture the moment with photo ops, then enjoy glitter tattoos and face painting A live DJ will spin all your favorite K-pop hits to keep the energy going throughout the evening.
Introducing our new flagship beer: Double Divot, brewed in collaboration with Double Nickel Brewing This easy-drinking lager (5 3% ABV) is available in cans and on draft throughout the club, perfect poolside or with a beverage bag from the grill In non-alcoholic news, we have a brand-new hydration station in the lobby from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, offering ice-cold, fruit-flavored water to quench your thirst as soon as you arrive. Come on by, try Double Divot, and stay refreshed during your visit.
EmployeeoftheMonth KaitlynRoland
We’re pleased to recognize Kaitlyn as our Employee of the Month Since joining the team in 2022, Kaitlyn has been a reliable and valued presence at the Club, assisting with pro shop operations and merchandising She is known for her positive attitude and her constant willingness to step in and support both members and fellow team members wherever needed
Kaitlyn approaches each day with a team-first mindset, helping ensure the pro shop runs smoothly while maintaining an inviting and wellpresented retail space. Her professionalism, adaptability, and calm demeanor make a lasting impression on everyone she interacts with We’re grateful to have Kaitlyn as part of our team Congratulations, Kaitlyn, and thank you for all that you do
TheEventEdit ErinSchafer
Celebrate Life’s Special Moments at the Club
Looking for the perfect place to host your upcoming celebration? The club offers a beautiful and welcoming setting for all of life’s milestones Whether you’re planning a graduation party, baby shower, or bridal shower, our space provides the ideal backdrop to gather with family and friends
With customizable event options, flexible layouts, and a dedicated team to help every step of the way, we make hosting stress-free and enjoyable. From elegant décor to delicious food and beverage selections, every detail can be tailored to fit your vision
Make your special occasion truly memorable book your upcoming graduation party, baby shower, or bridal shower at the club today.
OntheCourts
DanBatchelor
May is here and that means the season is officially underway!
Our courts are open, and lessons and clinics are in full swing - there’s no better time to jump in, get involved, and make the most of everything the club has to offer
A big thank you to everyone who came out to our Mimosa Mixer - it was a fantastic event and a great way to kick off the season. We loved seeing so many of you on court enjoying the day, and we look forward to more events like it throughout the summer.
We’re also excited to kick off league play this month. Best of luck to all of our teams competing in the Burlington County Pickleball League, as well as our Ladies Interclub teams we’re cheering you on all season long!
As always, we’ve built an incredible weekly lineup with something for everyone and this month we’re especially excited to introduce a couple of brand-new weekly offerings:
Monday Nights – Laurel Creek Open Play Padel (NEW!) Come try the fastest-growing, most addictive sport in the world If you haven’t played yet, this is your chance! It’s easy to learn, incredibly social, and instantly addictive fast-paced, fun, and the kind of game you’ll want to play again as soon as you step off court even if you’ve never played a racquet sport before.
Tuesday Nights – Men’s Tennis League Competitive, fun as always, and a great weekly battle under the lights
Wednesday Nights – Pickleball Open Play (NEW!) A brand-new weekly open play designed to bring even more energy and play to our pickleball community fast points, great rallies, and a fun social atmosphere.
First Friday of the Month – Dinks & Drinks Social: The perfect mix of pickleball, laughs, and community one of the best nights of the month
And to cap off the month, don’t miss our Memorial Day Cardio Clinics the perfect way to sweat, have fun, and kick off the summer season with energy. Summer is here… let’s go!
You can find more info at my Linktree: https://linktree/LaurelCreekCC or please reach out with any questions Don’t forget to sign up through the app!
See you on the courts!
FromtheGreens
JohnSlade
For a few reasons, we always deal with smoothness issues on the greens in the spring. Unfortunately, this year the ball may be hopping a bit more than we've seen in a while With last fall's aerification holes still being visible, it's easy to blame them as the main cause; and while the aerification holes may be part of the issue, it appears that the bigger culprit is the Poa annua in the greens
As most golfers know, Poa goes to seed this time of year We make preventative growth regulator applications to suppress this process, since less seed equals smoother greens in the spring. The timing for these sprays is based on a Growing Degree Days model--basically a measure of heat accumulation
It appears that this past winter's weather threw a curveball into this predictive model for us, and resulted in much less seed suppression than we typically achieve One possibility is that despite below average temperatures, the insulation from the prolonged snow cover kept the Poa on pace for seed production
As you can see above, the greens are comprised of a combination of both Creeping Bentgrass along with multiple biotypes of Poa annua, which are currently growing at very different rates This lack of uniformity in grasses adds another wrinkle to the smoothness challenge
With the greens being cut at 1/10" in height, it may be hard to believe that one area is actually higher than another on the putting surface And at 1/10" it's a bit challenging to take a picture that shows the difference of Bent vs Poa. However, if we look at an approach, it may be easier to visualize the difference on two types of grass being cut the same
In the photo above, it's pretty easy to see how the clumps of Poa rise above the still semi-dormant Bentgrass, even when precisely cut with a reel mower A ball rolling across this surface will tend to have a little hop to it.
In order to address the issue on the greens, we have decided to fumigate, strip and reseed the putting surfaces to Bentgrass--just kidding. We have actually been lightly verticutting and topdressing them, but having a bit of patience may be the best thing we can do at the moment The Poa seed will soon end
