EAGLE SPEAKS
Check out page 8 for a new addition to communications: The 2025-2026 Golf Events Guide Meet the Seasonal Assistant Professional Staff on page 9
Fill up your social calendar with Dining Events on page 11
Board of Directors
Meg Taylor President & Long-Range Planning and Governance Committee Chair
Brian Corcoran Vice President & Membership Committee Chair
Tom O’Shane Treasurer
Mark Siewert Secretary
Shannon Antonini
Jim Drobnyk Golf Committee Chair
Beth Foster
Jim Grant House and Entertainment Committee Chair
Jeff Mack Greens, Building, and Grounds Committee Chair
Carol Johnson In Memory Of
Damon Williams General Manager
As we welcome everyone back for what promises to be a wonderful season at Lemon Bay Golf Club, there’s a genuine sense of excitement and anticipation throughout the entire team. This year feels especially meaningful, as we
enter a season without the challenges of major hurricane recovery, bringing a welcome sense of normalcy, optimism, and the opportunity to focus on what makes your Club truly special It’s a joy to celebrate the community and countless memorable moments that make Lemon Bay a remarkable place to belong.
Before sharing the exciting updates, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Lemon Bay team. Over the past year, their dedication, resilience, and genuine care for your Club have been extraordinary. From navigating recovery efforts with professionalism and grace to ensuring the membership continued to enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Lemon Bay, the team has gone above and beyond at every turn. Their pride in their work shines through each day, and it’s because of their passion and commitment that Lemon Bay continues
Now, with your Club fully open and no storm recovery, there’s renewed energy across the property. You can feel it in the enthusiasm of the team, the lively activity around the clubhouse, and the joy of members returning to enjoy the course This season, our focus is on what makes Lemon Bay so special: great golf, great community, and memorable experiences for everyone who calls your Club home.
I hope you’re enjoying the golf course conditions. The new trees and screening areas have added both beauty and character to several holes, and it’s been wonderful to see these enhancements come to life. Around the clubhouse, the recent refresh has brought new energy to familiar spaces, setting the perfect tone for the season ahead.
I’ve also been asked about the dining room chairs. That project is underway, with the LongRange Planning Committee, chaired by President Meg Taylor, working closely with our interior designer, Abbey Harms, to select replacements that complement the overall tone and feel of the clubhouse.
We have an outstanding lineup of events to kick off the season. Highlights include our new Music Trivia Night on November 6th, the Annual Thanksgiving Buffet, our always festive Christmas
Hannah Madison Membership Director
Introducing new members and moments from our remarkable
community Community Corner
I’m so happy to see members returning to town! This time of year is always so special, as a season of reconnection with familiar faces and of welcoming our wonderful new members
Our membership continues to grow in the best way. Nine of our eleven new memberships come with existing ties to current members, which is such a wonderful reflection of the close-knit community that makes Lemon Bay special. As always, each new membership is thoughtfully vetted and reviewed by both the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors to ensure we uphold the values that define your club. You can read our newest members’ introductions on the next page by clicking their photos, and I hope you’ll join me in giving them a warm welcome at our New Member Mixer on January 17th!
As always, I’m here to help with anything you might need this season to make the most of your membership Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can make your experience even better!
Membership Milestones 20Years 20Years
Stephen & Trudy Bernsten
Bob & Lynda Jamison
Bob & Diane Johnson
George & Betsy Vogt
15Years 15Years
Steve & Molly McCreadie
MemberSpotlights
Congratulations to Mike Rollyson for winning the Legends Division of the Vermont Senior Amateur Championship with a score of 143 (+3)! With this victory, he completes the Vermont Senior Amateur Championship’s trifecta, winning each the Senior, Super-Senior, and Legends Divisions in his career.
Over the summer season, Chip French and Alison Phillips attended the 15 Annual Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament at The Shoe Club in Cape May County, NJ. As the founders of this tournament, Chip and Alison were thrilled to help raise over $55,000 for the foundation at this milestone event. th
Click their photos to see their full biographies
Ben & Virginia Potter
Englewood, FL
Jeff & Marilyn Clyne Lakeland, FL
Jim & Kathy Stathopoulos
Randy & Eazy Milligan Richmond, VA
Buffalo & Rochester, NY Portsmouth, NH
Dave & Tricia Mansfield
Jason & Susan Moo Kansas City, M
Janet William Greenwich, CT
Peter Samue
Placida, FL
Ben McCoy Director of Golf
The Course Is Calling
Experience the beauty, challenges, and excitement of our best season yet
As autumn settles in, we’re eagerly awaiting everyone’s return for incredible season here at Lemon Bay! It has been a wonderful fall, and it feels good to say that! The golf course is in pristine condition, the wildlife is thriving, and our spirits couldn’t be higher We’re ready to welcome you back to what’s sure to be our best season in years!
This summer brought many exciting improvements to the course, and with them, a few new challenges for every player. Accuracy off the tee will be key this year, our beautifully defined fairways are bordered by lush rough that’s ready to test your game. The greens are rolling at a
consistent, smooth speed, though mastering their subtle breaks will take some practice (I’m still learning them myself!).
Men’s XXV+ Men’s XXV+
We invite you to join us on Mondays and Thursdays for our Men’s XXV+ League! This league
Nature is putting on quite a show this season, too. Our resident eagles have returned and are nesting once again, while the course is alive with the songs of countless birds. Even the gators seem to be enjoying the perfect fall weather as we look forward to a fantastic season at Lemon Bay
We can’t wait to see everyone back out on the course soon!
Warm regards, Ben
is for golfers with handicaps of 20 or higher who want a fun and laid-back atmosphere. Players are encouraged to meet for lunch around noon on the Patio. At 1:00 PM, there will be a 9-hole shotgun scramble, followed by laughs and drinks in the Clubhouse.
The game fee is $5 CASH + applicable member charges.
Click here to sign up!
Fluffy pup, Maggie G is celebrating her re Florida with her new Bay dog toy!
Grab one for your fu in the golf shop t
Your Guide to an Unforgettable Season
IntroducingourfirsteverGolfEventGuide yourgo-to resourceforeveryleague,event,andprotipthisseason
Dear Members,
What a beautiful time of year it is to be back at Lemon Bay Golf Club! The weather is perfect, the course is in spectacular condition, and the 2025–2026 golf season is officially underway On behalf of the entire Lemon Bay Professional Staff welcome home! We’re thrilled to have you back for another season filled with great golf, good friends, and lasting memories.
As the holiday season approaches, we want to thank each of you for being part of the Lemon Bay family. Your enthusiasm, support, and love for the game make this club truly special. Here’s to a wonderful season ahead!
Ryan
MemberTeeTimes
A friendly reminder: tee times can be made up to 7 days in advance. When booking, please help us prepare by selecting your preferred mode of transportation:
Hole-in-OneClub
Golf Cart
Electric Push Cart
Tempo Walk Cart
Welcome to the 2025–2026 Hole-In-One Club open to all golf members at no cost!
Qualification:
Must occur during a round of at least 9 holes
A minimum of one witness is required
Payouts:
$500 in Golf Shop Sweeps
Saturday,December13 AnnualHolidayExtravaganza
Saturday, December 13 Annual Holiday Extravaganza
A Lemon Bay tradition and one of our most festive days of the year! Start your day with our Annual Christmas Sale, featuring:
Fun games to win extra discounts
Santa’s elves offering complimentary gift wrapping
Holiday bites and a signature festive drink
While you shop, stop by the XXIO Demo Day to test out the latest equipment. Then, end the day with our Holiday 9 & Dine beginning at 3:00 p.m. a perfect way to celebrate the season!
Ryan Hartnett Head Golf Professional
2025–2026 Golf Events Guide
We’re excited to share the brand-new Lemon Bay Golf Events Guide, featuring all of this season’s tournaments, leagues, and special events – all in one convenient place. The booklet also includes updated 2025–2026 rates and a helpful guide for everything golf-related at the club.
DemoDays-Getfit,playbetter!
Join the Professional Staff on the range for your free custom fitting and discover how the right equipment can make all the difference.
Proper club fitting ensures:
Maximum distance and accuracy
Improved consistency and control
More comfort and confidence on every shot
TannerSliker
Returning for his second season from Wooster Country Club, Tanner is a graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. His enthusiasm for
golf and passion for member relations make him an invaluable part of our team. When not at the club, Tanner enjoys fishing, hunting, and being outdoors
MaxwellDoehr
A proud Michigan State Spartan, Max joins us from a number of prestigious clubs across Michigan and California. He’s an avid sports fan, loves playing golf, and brings great energy to the team.
TygerGuarnizo
Originally from Highland Park, Illinois, Tyger comes to Lemon Bay after three years at Exmoor Country Club in Chicago. He’s working toward his PGA Membership and brings a strong
passion for both teaching and playing the game.
Michael Durett F&B Director
Gather,Dine,Celebrate
November & December Dining Experiences
YouWon’tWanttoMiss
It’s wonderful to see so many of our members returning for another fabulous season at Lemon Bay! We have an exciting lineup of events planned for November and December.
On November 6th, join us for Southern Night, featuring plenty of classic Southern dishes prepared by our talented culinary team. On November 20th, we’ll host Music Trivia Night enjoy a lively evening of trivia following our delicious dinner buffet Be sure to sign up early for our Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet on
November 27th, always a member favorite! Looking ahead to December, we’ll kick off the holiday spirit with our Members’ Christmas Party, complete with festive Christmas carolers. On December 11th, don’t miss our famous Prime Rib Night, and on December 18th, join us for something new Breakfast for Dinner! We’ll close out the year in style with our New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31st. We look forward to sharing another memorable season with all of you at Lemon Bay!
Bryan Hawn Controller
Safe,Easy,andOnTime: PayingYourStatement
Do you often find yourself asking, ‘What is the safest and most efficient way to pay my Lemon Bay statement each month?’ When comparing the safety of credit cards, mailing physical checks, and ACH transfers, here’s how they stack up:
1. Credit Cards: While many sources consider credit cards the safest option due to their robust fraud protections and widespread acceptance, there are several reasons they are increasingly being eliminated as payment options at clubs, including Lemon Bay:
Transaction Fees: Credit card companies charge processing fees, which significantly impact club revenue.
Declined Payments: Expired or invalid cards create administrative challenges, requiring time and resources to update payment details.
State Regulations: In some states, clubs cannot pass on credit card fees to members, forcing clubs to absorb these costs
2. Mailing a Physical Check: This method is considered the least secure of the three due to: Theft: Checks can be intercepted in transit, leading to fraud.
Overview of current member participation in ACH transactions for paying monthly club statement balances.
Check Washing: Criminals can alter stolen checks to change the payee or amount.
Exposure of Sensitive Information: Checks reveal personal details like bank account and routing numbers, increasing the risk of identity theft.
Delayed Payments: Lost or delayed mail can result in late fees or penalties.
3.
Automatic/Manual ACH Transfers: ACH transfers are often the preferred payment option for monthly club statements due to their benefits:
Convenience: Automating payments eliminates the need to remember due dates.
Cost-Effectiveness: ACH transfers have lower fees than credit cards, benefitting both members and clubs.
Reliability: Direct transfers reduce the risk of delays or lost payments.
Security: ACH transactions are encrypted, protecting sensitive information
Improved Cash Flow: Clubs benefit from timely, predictable payments, easing financial planning.
StreamlineYourPaymentsonthe LemonBayWebsite
We’d like to highlight the convenient features on our website, designed to simplify your club experience. From reviewing transactions to reserving tee times, you can also automate monthly payments directly from your account.
Here’s how to set up automatic payments:
1.Visit LemonBayGolfClub.com.
2 For first-time users, register your account using your member number and name.
3.For login assistance, contact Hannah Madison at Hannah.Madison@LemonBayGolfClub.com or call 941-697-4190 x205.
4.Once logged in, navigate to the “Statements” section and select:
“PAY NOW” for single payments or “MAKE RECURRING PAYMENTS” for automatic payments.
To ensure a smooth process, set: Payment interval: Monthly Payment mode: Account Balance
Expiration date: Choose one toward the end of the month.
Current member participation in automatic (with payment plan) and manual (without payment plan) ACH transactions for paying monthly club statement balances.
Prepare your bank account and routing numbers for the ACH payment form. Once submitted, the transaction will reflect within a week.
For any issues or questions, our team is here to assist you. While online payments are highly encouraged, we continue to accept mailed checks for your convenience.
Eli Rahz Director of Agronomy
he Science of a Great Season
Updates on turf care, tree and shrub plantings, and strategies to keep our greens in top condition
The agronomy team is excited to see more familiar faces arriving at Lemon Bay each week!As I write this in my office, the Leibold team is here finishing up some small adjustments recommended by Drew Rogers during his annual meeting. The crew has seen over 280 trees planted, thousands of native grass plants, and hundreds of shrubs added to the property over the past few months Anyone who finds themself left off the tee on #10 is certain to notice the changes in that area!
Additionally, we’ve reimagined the cart traffic around holes 1,2,16 and 17 by reducing the size of the main tee on #2. This
Aesthetics vs. Playability Aestheticsvs.Playability
Those who have returned may have noticed mower scalping on some surfaces, most noticeably the greens. October can be a spooky month even before Halloween as declining daylight hours, and less favorable sun angles trigger physiological reactions in the turf.This time of year, areas with a strong store of reserve nutrients tend to elongate, stretching out to collect more sunlight and increase biomass as shorter days approach. The turf becomes more reactive to the weather, and on clear warm days vertical growth is aggressive.
On the greens, these reactions can lead to scalping. Areas that were sodded at this time last year, have more reserves than the original turf grown in from sprigs, and we saw a little more scalping in those spots. Those areas also have a less mature root zone which has been more impacted by the increased salinity in our water. Whereas the sodium can become tied up in the thatch layer, we routinely use solid-tine venting to create channels for the sodium to leach
allowed us to add some turf behind the V tees on hole 17 and realign the tee surface with the direction of play.
Around the edges of the course, we’ve also
made some minor adjustments. Over an acre and a half of turfgrass has been removed in out of the way areas. Nearly 40 truckloads of screenings replaced the turf, allowing us to be more efficient and effective in where we apply fertilizer and plant protectants Finally, we replaced much of the bahia grass around ponds and the preserve in continuation of our native planting theme.
downward. Last week, the routine venting coincided with great growing weather, and as a result we had some scalping that appeared on the greens
Our soil sample results from earlier in the month have now come in, and we will be flushing excess sodium and following that with slowrelease fertilizer to recover from that damage and continue building root mass. How we react to the challenges of this time of year will impact the health of the greens throughout the rest of the season. We must balance some aesthetic impacts with the necessary cultural practices to ensure the scalping is a short-lived phenomenon and does not continue throughout the season.
Please bear with us as we dial in these surfaces for a successful season. The long-range forecast shows us in a La Nina cycle that projects favorable growing conditions throughout the upcoming season We look forward to seeing each of you on the course!
Plan with Purpose. Give with Impact.
Autumn is more than changing leaves it's a time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead.
A Better Shot Foundation invites you to “Fall into Giving” and make a lasting impact through thoughtful generosity.
Your support helps us: Teach youth through our summer junior golf and educational programs. Build Champions by empowering students to reach their dreams with important life skills
Impact Communities by creating an opportunity to help the area youth pursue their education past high school
SmartWaystoGive: Donor-AdvisedFunds(DAFs):Recommenda grantfromyourDAFtosupportourmission. PlannedGiving:Leavealegacythrough bequests,beneficiarydesignations,orother estategifts.Shareyourintentionshere. MatchingGifts:Seeifyouremployermatches charitablecontributions.
Whetheryouareorganizingyouryear-endgiving orarelookingtomakeameaningfulgifttoday, yourgenerosityfuelsourmissionandupliftslives inourarea.
T o u r n a m e n t S c h e d u l e 2 0 2 52 0 2 6
November
8th 10:00 am Callaway Demo Day
13th 11:30 am Ladies Trip - Ritz-Carlton GC
15th 9:00 am Welcome Back Tournament
22nd 10:00 am XXIO Demo Day
December
4th 9:00 am Ladies Friendship Match at CCC
9th 9:00 am Ladies Friendship Match at the Gasparilla Inn
13th 10:00 am XXIO Demo Day
13th 3:00 pm 9 & Dine Holiday Scramble & Golf Shop Sale
27th 10:00 am Member’s Family Junior Clinic
January
8th 9:00 am Ladies Friendship Match at LBGC
10th 3:00pm Caddyshack 9 & Dine
23rd-24th Captain’s Cup
27th 9:30 am Ladies 9-hole Member-Member
28th 9:00 am 1-day Men’s Member-Guest “Eagle Invitational”
31st 10:00 am XXIO and Ping Demo Day
February
3rd Honey Cup Matches
3rd 9:00 am Ladies 18-hole Net Club Championship
4th 9:00 am Men’s 18-hole Net Club Championship
7th 10:00 am Callaway Demo Day
7th 3:00 pm Superbowl 9 & Dine
13th-14th 8:00 am Gross Club Championship
17th 9:00 am Ladies 18-hole Member-Member
18th 9:00 am Men’s 18-hole Member-Member
23rd-24th Ladies Member-Guest “Lemon Drop”
March
3rd Play for Pink - Gasparilla Inn
12th-14th Men’s Member-Guest “Talon Cup”
21st 9:00 am A Better Shot Tournament
26th 10:00 am Ping Demo Day
28th 10:00 am XXIO and Callaway Demo Day
April
8th 3:00 pm Masters Par 3 Event
10th 9:00 am Hank Wright Clinic Event
18th 3:00 pm Superintendent’s Revenge 9 & Dine
Lemon Bay Pin Board Lemon Bay Pin Board
Employee of the Month Employee of the Month
November: Scott Gravino
Congrats to Scott Gravino, one of our dedicated Greencaps! In just seven months, Scott has become a valued part of the team, greeting golfers with a smile, preparing carts and clubs, and keeping club storage and cleaning in top shape. Originally from New Haven, CT, he enjoys golf and good cigars in his free time. Scott says his favorite memory is “every day at work,” as he enjoys the members, environment, and team.
December: Diane Hale
Congrats to Diane Hale, our Golf Shop Clerk and Receiving Lead! For seven years, Diane has expertly managed the shop’s receiving operations, coordinating with multiple vendors and keeping everything
Happy Retirement!
Congratulations to Bruce Crocker on retirement! After 34 years of hard work and dedication at Lemon Bay, he’s truly earned it He’s been a valuable part of the team, and will be greatly missed. We’re wishing him all the best in this next chapter!
Staff Work
rcie Marshall- 19 years
n McCoy- 15 years
m Seelye- 9 years
hn Stickles- 8 years
z Bosnak- 7 years
mon Williams- 4 years
manda Rahz- 4 years
Scott Brown- 3 years
Sandra Hanus- 3 years
Bryan Hawn- 1 year
Madison Mann- 1 year
Steve Hansen- 1 year
Lars Johnson- 1 year
Course opens at 9:00am
Course opens at 9:00am
Course opens at 9:00am
Course
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
Ext. 203
