Mother’s Day Brunch is on May 10 ! Click the flyer on Page 8 to RSVP. th
See Page 10 for Eli’s update on turf health during drough and water restrictions
2026/2027
Board of Directors
Brian Corcoran President
Tom O’Shane Treasurer Mark Siewert Vice President & Membership Committee Chair
Robert MacGillivray Secretary & Golf Committee Chair
Shannon Antonini House and Entertainment Committee Chair
Beth Foster
Jim Grant
Jeff Mack Greens, Building, and Grounds Committee Chair
Meg Taylor Long-Range Planning and Governance Committee Chair
Damon Williams General Manager
As we turn the calendar to May, I want to take a moment to wish all of the wonderful mothers in our membership a very happy Mother’s Day. We hope your day is filled with family, appreciation, and a little time to relax and enjoy the day.
I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our entire membership for what has been a truly memorable season. The support and engagement we’ve experienced over the past several months are what make Lemon Bay such a special place. For those of you preparing to head north, we wish you safe travels and a wonderful summer but please know we look forward to welcoming you back in the fall.
As we transition into May, we still have a couple of meaningful events ahead. On May 9th, we will host a tournament benefiting the Boys & Girls Club, followed by our Mote Marine event on May 15th, which will feature a unique twist with a live fish release. These events are great opportunities to enjoy the game while supporting outstanding organizations.
For our year-round members, we’re pleased to continue Friday Night Bites throughout the summer months. It’s a great way to stay connected, enjoy the club, and keep the social atmosphere alive during the summer season. In addition, Ryan is actively working on securing some excellent reciprocal arrangements with other clubs, which will provide additional playing opportunities and variety for those staying with us over the summer.
Please also take note of our upcoming golf course closures as part of our ongoing maintenance and improvement plan:
May 26th – June 5th
July 20th – July 31st
September 8th – September 27th
These closures are critical to ensuring the long-term health and playability of the course, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
We are also excited to welcome members from Sarasota National who are joining us this summer through a special one-time summer membership opportunity while their course undergoes renovation. We know you will help us extend the same warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines Lemon Bay.
served
Top red wine by the glass: Benton Lane Pinot Noir Top white wine by the glass: Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
Top club manufacturer: XXIO
Top golf ball: Callaway Supersoft, edging out the Titleist ProV1
And no surprise here—our busiest pro on the range: Ben McCoy. Ben, thank you for your continued dedication to helping our members improve and grow their love of the game.
As a management team, our work doesn’t slow down in the summer, it just simply shifts. We are now entering our planning and budgeting season, laying the groundwork for another successful year ahead. Along with that comes several capital projects that we will be working through over the summer months. We will be sure to keep you informed as those progress.
Once again, thank you for your continued support of Lemon Bay Golf Club. We wish you all a wonderful summer, and we are hopeful that Mother Nature gives us another summer with no storms. Know that we will be here, preparing and looking forward to your return for what we believe will be our best season yet.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back home to Lemon Bay.
Damon Williams
Hannah Madison Membership Director
Closing One Season, Opening Another
Expanding opportunities for members and guests
As the season at Lemon Bay begins to wind down for many of our members, we look forward to a different, but equally special, time of year at the Club. Our year-round members will continue to enjoy the course and clubhouse throughout the summer months, and we’re excited to welcome more frequent visits from our Summer Plus members as well.
Summer Plus, one of our newest membership categories, continues to gain momentum. This membership offers unlimited access to the clubhouse and dining events year-round, unlimited golf from May through October, and limited golf from November through April. Summer Plus is a great fit for those who are in and out of the area, travel frequently, or enjoy the Club lifestyle and want a membership that aligns with a working schedule especially when more free time becomes available in the summer.
If you know someone who might be a great fit for Summer Plus membership, I encourage you to share my contact information or feel free to pass theirs along to me. I’m always happy to connect and provide additional details.
This summer, we are also pleased to welcome Sarasota National Guest Members to Lemon Bay. As Sarasota National undergoes their golf course renovation, we’ve introduced a one-time guest membership opportunity, granting access to our course from mid-April through October following a joining fee. This initiative not only provides a highquality golf experience during their renovation, but also brings added exposure, energy, and activity to our Club throughout the summer months. Finally, I’d like to extend a special thank you to Jeff and Marilyn Clyne, along with Brian and Sigrid Corcoran, for sponsoring our newest members, Scott and Julie McBride of Lakeland, Florida. Please join me in giving them a warm welcome when you see them around the Club!
As another season comes to a close at Lemon Bay, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has truly been a remarkable year. From outstanding rounds of golf and new champions to unforgettable holes-in-one and lively events, this season has been filled with moments that remind us why we love the game and this club.
Ben McCoy Director of Golf
have to wait until late fall to welcome many of you back. Lemon Bay is at its very best when it’s filled with members, laughter, and a shared passion for golf.
Golf is a unique sport. It challenges us endlessly yet keeps us coming back for more None of us will ever truly perfect it, and perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so special.
This time of year, it is always bittersweet for our staff. While we’re incredibly grateful for the season we’ve shared together, it’s never easy knowing we’ll
We feel fortunate every day to be part of such a special club, made possible by an exceptional membership. Like so many on our team, I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day. In fact, the hardest days are the ones spent away from the club during the season I can’t help but wonder what great shot, memorable round, or perfectly timed zinger I might be missing.
Lemon Bay Golf Club is more than just a place to play; it’s a sanctuary for many of us. I am truly grateful to be a part of it.
Looking ahead, please know that we remain committed to making each season even better than the last. Continuously improving every aspect of the club is incredibly important to us, and we are dedicated to ensuring your experience here is always exceptional.
Enjoy your summer and know that we’ll be here ready and excited to welcome you back.
Warm regards, Ben
Ryan Hartnett Head Golf Professional
As another wonderful season at Lemon Bay Golf Club winds down, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our entire membership for making it such a special and successful year. The support and enthusiasm you bring to the club each day truly make Lemon Bay a remarkable place!
We hope many of you will be staying with us through May to continue enjoying the course and club before heading north for the summer months.
For those preparing to travel north, please remember that the Golf Shop staff is happy to assist with shipping your clubs. If you would like to make arrangements, simply stop by the Golf Shop and we will take care of the details for you.
Course Maintenance Closures & Upcoming Events
To maintain excellent course conditions, the following maintenance closures are scheduled. We appreciate your understanding as our team continues their great work.
Scheduled Maintenance Closures:
May 26 – June 5: Course Closed – Aerification
July 20 – July 31: Course Closed – Verticutting & Core Aerification
September 9 – September 26: Course Closed –Annual Clubhouse & Course Maintenance
We are also excited to host several events this summer. On event dates, the course will be reserved until approximately 1:30 PM
Upcoming Events:
May 9: Boys & Girls Club Event
May 15: Mote Marine and Emerge Marine – Live Fish Release and Tournament
June 13: WCCC Club Tournament
June 27 – 28: FSGA Women’s Inaugural Scramble
May 11-October 11
2026ReciprocalGolfProgram
Our Summer Reciprocal Golf Program will begin on May 11th, and we are excited to once again provide members with additional playing opportunities throughout the area
Reciprocal & Tee Time Policies
Members may book tee times 14 days in advance beginning May 1st
Reciprocal guests may book 7 days in advance
Reciprocal tee times at Lemon Bay will begin at 8:30 AM daily
Mondays: Reciprocal play will begin at 10:00 AM
Lemon Bay Golf Club
2026 Summer Reciprocal Clubs
May 11-October 11
Tee Times at Lemon Bay will be reserved exclusively for members and their guests only from 7:30AM-8:30AM daily.
Dear Members of Lemon Bay Golf Club, It finally happened Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield hit the Queen of Hearts jackpot on Friday the 18th!
After 45 cards were drawn throughout the season during Friday Night Bites, the jackpot has officially been claimed. We would like to extend our congratulations to the Mansfield’s, as well as our appreciation to all the members who participated and helped make this such a fun and engaging event.
As another wonderful season comes to a close, the entire Food and Beverage team would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm.
From post-round lunches to Friday Night Bites, and our many special events, it has truly been our pleasure to serve you. Your presence, feedback, and camaraderie have made this season especially memorable, and we are grateful to be part of your Lemon Bay experience.
We have thoroughly enjoyed creating menus, preparing your favorite dishes, and providing the level of service that brings people together. Whether you joined us for a casual meal or a special celebration, your patronage has inspired our team to deliver our very best each day.
As we look ahead, we are already developing new ideas and offerings for the upcoming season and look forward to welcoming you back with fresh experiences, familiar faces, and the same commitment to excellence you have come to expect
Until then, thank you once again for making this season so special. We wish you a relaxing and enjoyable off-season. As for our year-round members, we look forward to seeing you throughout the summer for lunch and Friday Night Bites.
Winners!
Understanding Current Turf Stress
Drought, Restrictions, a
The combination of sustained drought and reliance on reclaimed water creates a challenging environment for turfgrass health. When rainfall is scarce, the mechanical and chemical properties of our irrigation source become the primary drivers of soil health.
The Impact of Drought & Water Restrictions
During a drought, the lack of natural precipitation prevents the "flushing" of the soil profile. Water restrictions further limit our ability to maintain optimal moisture levels, leading to:
Localized Dry Spots: Soil becomes hydrophobic, repelling water even when irrigation is applied.
Increased Crown Concentration: As the plant loses moisture, salts and minerals concentrate in the crown, leading to physiological wilt.
Reduced Root Mass: Turf shifts energy from leaf production to survival, resulting in a shallower root system that is less capable of pulling deep moisture.
The green glow coming off this irrigation pond is a direct result of increased salts in the reclaimed water.
The Problem with Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water is a necessary resource, but it carries a high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) load. Unlike rainwater, which is pure, reclaimed water contains significant levels of:
Sodium (Na): Displaces calcium and magnesium in the soil, destroying soil structure and causing "tight" ground that won't drain.
Chlorides (Cl): Directly toxic to turf at high concentrations, leading to leaf tip burn and desiccation.
Bicarbonates: Increase soil pH and tie up essential micronutrients, making them unavailable to the plant.
Drought stress shows up quickly on sloped areas and those typically watered by rough heads
Managing Soil Salinity
Without rain to leach these salts through the root zone, they accumulate near the surface. To combat this, our management strategy focuses on:
Flushing Cycles: Applying heavy "slugs" of water when permitted to push salts below the root zone. Soil Amendments: Using gypsum or calciumbased products to displace sodium molecules so they can be washed away.
Wetting Agents: Utilizing surfactants to ensure water penetrates the soil surface uniformly rather than channeling.
We are currently navigating a period of high physiological stress. While the turf may show signs of "off-color" or wilt, these are often defense mechanisms. Our focus remains on managing the soil chemistry to ensure long-term survival until the rainy season provides a natural flush.As the summer rains arrive, we will be more aggressive with our aerification to ensure healthy soils heading into the 2026/27 season.
in
Creek Our Audubon-certified grounds continue to support a diverse range of wildlife. This rare manatee activity is a reminder of the
ecosystem we’re proud to protect.
Bryan Hawn Controller
StewardingGrowth&Stability
A transparent look at capital planning, operating costs, and industry trends
As we transition into summer, the accounting office and management team at Lemon Bay are shifting focus toward planning for the upcoming season. One of our key priorities is preparing the budget for the year ahead, and we want to ensure transparency in this process. Our goal is to maintain efficient operations while thoughtfully planning our capital expenditures. There are several current challenges facing clubs in the industry, but a few key challenges currently include:
Competitive market in Southwest Florida which continues to impact costs (specifically payroll) and renovation projects.
Dues Fatigue – club dues continue to increase on average between 9% - 15% per year to meet operational cost increases and capital demands to maintain member satisfaction.
Clubs are strategically evaluating capital projects between obligatory capital needs (replacements) and aspirational desires to enhance the member experience.
Capital pressure as costs continue to rise and clubs look for ways to generate capital dollars that are needed.
When forecasting the cost of running the club in the coming years, we prepare two distinct budgets: the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget
Capital Budget: Investing in the Future
The capital budget helps us plan major expenditures and projects over the next five years. But what qualifies as a capital purchase? At Lemon Bay, our policy defines it as any project exceeding $5,000 with a useful life of at least two years These purchases are recorded as assets on our balance sheet and depreciated over time.
As a club, we rely heavily on capital investments, which can generally be divided into two categories: Membership Experience (Aspirational) and Asset Replacement (Obligatory).
Membership Experience improvements such as the Look to the Future renovation and clubhouse upgrades enhance the overall experience for our members.
Asset Replacements indirectly support the membership experience by maintaining essential equipment, such as fully depreciated kitchen appliances or greens rollers. While these items don’t introduce new enhancements, they are crucial for our day-to-day operations
Capital expenses are primarily funded through initiation fees and capital dues The more members we welcome, the greater our ability to invest in these improvements. Currently, capital dues are $2,500, and the average initiation fee is $75,000, represented as an Initial Capital Contribution for new members.
Below represents club trend comparisons using similar clubs to Lemon Bay within the SWFL market. This information is provided by Club Benchmarking and Phillips Feldman Group.
Clubs are spending a minimum of approximately 150% of depreciation over a 5-year average. Clubs are spending at least $1.0M - $1.5M on an annual basis on routine capital expenditures. As the capital footprint of a club expands, the member experience grows as well.
Operating Budget: Maintaining Club Excellence
The operating budget accounts for approximately 85% of your annual membership cost. These funds cover club operations, including labor, golf course maintenance, facility expenses like electricity and insurance, and of course our beloved Lemon Bay cookies!
Payroll and related costs are by far the largest percentage of costs as related to operating revenues. Historically, Lemon Bay’s payroll ratio is
approximately 56% compared to the industry median of 56%.
Our goal is always to break even in operations. To achieve this, we project revenue based on our current membership level and evaluate the costs associated with running each department. In recent years, inflation has played a significant role in rising dues, bringing us closer to an operational break-even point.
Navigating Inflation & Cost Management
Over the past few years, operating costs have climbed significantly. When preparing preliminary budget projections, it’s essential to factor in these price increases to accurately estimate next year’s expenses. While we remain hopeful for a slowdown in inflation, it is unlikely that costs will decrease. Our priority remains delivering a world-class experience for our members while simultaneously exploring ways to enhance efficiency. During the summer, our department heads and accounting office will collaborate to identify opportunities for savings across all
areas of club operations, ensuring that we mitigate the effects of inflation on membership dues without compromising quality.
At Lemon Bay, we are committed to responsible financial planning while preserving the premier experience that makes our club special. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to another exceptional season ahead!
Below represents comparisons of 2025 operating revenues and expenses for Lemon Bay. This information is confirmed by Phillips Feldman Group as part of our year-end audit
First and foremost, thank you to everyone who helped make our 30th anniversary celebration in March such a tremendous success.
Now, we turn our focus to scholarship season. On May 11th, Scholarship Chair Whitty Ransome will present a total of $35,000 in scholarships to seven graduating seniors from Lemon Bay High School. In addition, we are proud to renew $105,000 in scholarships for 23 current college students for the upcoming academic year.These students continue to impress us with their achievements, and we look forward to sharing updates on their progress throughout the summer.
Finally, our summer junior golf program is just around the corner. We already have 140 junior golfers registered, and we fully expect participation to exceed 200 young players learning the game, education, and etiquette at Lemon Bay.
None of this is possible without your help. A heartfelt thank you to all who have made our program possible.
Cindy Claude Executive Director
Lemon Bay Pin Board Lemon Bay Pin Board
Employee of the Month May
Kathy Johnson
Over her two years of seasonal employment, Kathy has become a valued member of our team, serving as both a server and bartender with professionalism, warmth, and consistency.
Originally from Shakopee, Minnesota, Kathy brings a positive attitude to every shift and helps create a welcoming atmosphere for members and guests alike She is truly a go-to staff member whenever and whatever is needed, Kathy is always there to step in and help, doing it all with a smile and a great attitude
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, working out, and relaxing at the beach Kathy’s favorite memories at the club include our company Christmas parties and the many lunch get-togethers with her fellow wait staff moments that reflect her strong connections with the team.
Employee of the Month June
Tim Seelye
Tim has been a valued member of the team for the past 10 years as one of our dedicated starters.
Originally from Queensbury, New York, he brings a passion for the outdoors and a positive attitude to his role each day.
Tim was chosen for this recognition because of his consistent work and the strong connections he builds with our members who truly enjoy seeing him at the club. He shares that interacting with members is his favorite part of the job and what makes each day fun.
Tim is also grateful to work alongside such an amazing team that makes coming to work enjoyable. Congratulations, Tim, and thank you for your continued dedication!
Nominated for Golf Professional of the Year & the Player Development Award by PGA of America!
Congratulations to Head Professional, Ryan Hartnett, for his nominations by PGA of America, South Florida Chapter! Ryan’s contributions have made a positive impact on members, junior golfers, Lemon Bay, and the game of golf.
Staff Anniversaries
Cindy Claude: 37 years
Michael Durett: 9 years
Liam Durett: 8 years
Diane Hale: 8 years
Ashley Westendorf: 3 years
Jason Garland: 3 years
Course Closed through June 5
Course opens at 9:00am
Course Closed Course Closed Course Closed
NIGHT
Course Closed
FRIDAY
Course opens at 9:00am
Course & Club closed for A Better Shot
Course opens at 9:00am
Course & Club closed for A Better Shot
Course opens at 9:00am
Course & Club closed for A Better Shot Course & Club closed for A Better Shot
FRIDAY BITES NIGHT
FRIDAY BITES NIGHT
Staff Contacts
General Manager, Damon Williams
damon.williams@lemonbaygolfclub.com
Ext. 202
Director of Golf, Ben McCoy
ben.mccoy@lemonbaygolfclub.com
Ext. 208
Head Golf Professional, Ryan Hartnett ryanhartnett@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext 207
Director of Agronomy, Eli Rahz
elirahz@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext. 217
F&B Director, Michael Durett
michael.durett@lemonbaygolfclub.com
Ext. 204
Controller, Bryan Hawn
bryanhawn@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext 214
Membership Director, Hannah Madison hannahmadison@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext. 205
Hours of Operation
Golf
Golf Shop: 7:00am - 6:00pm
Practice Facilities (Tues-Sun): 7:00am - 6:00pm
Practice Facilities (Mon): 8:00am - 6:00pm
Golf Course (Tues-Sun): 7:30am - 6:00pm
Golf Course (Mon): 9:00am - 6:00pm
Dining
Lunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Bar Service: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Administration
Accounting (Mon-Fri): 9:00am - 5:00pm
Membership (Mon-Fri): 9:00am - 5:00pm
Executive Director of A Better Shot, Cindy Claude cindy.claude@lemonbaygolfclub.com
