March 2026 Eagle Speaks by lemonbayES

EAGLE SPEAKS

L E M O N B A Y G O L F C L U B

Celebrate 30 Years of A Better Shot! Join us March 20–21 for an unforgettable weekend of golf and giving back.

From frost to flourish read Eli’s course update on page 12 The Green Flash is coming to Lemon Bay! Island Fest takes place March 26 . th

MARCH 2026

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

Damon Williams General Manager

Dear Lemon Bay Members

There’s something about March that makes the greens roll a little truer and the scorecards a little tighter. As we move closer to spring, the golf course continues to shine. Eli and his team have it in great condition.

Firm, fast, and playing exactly as it should this time of year. It’s a fantastic stretch to be at Lemon Bay, and you can feel that momentum and energy throughout the club.

March is stacked with exciting events:

Lobster Night – March 5th

The Talon Cup – March 12–14

The Better Shot 30th Anniversary Cocktail Party & Golf Tournament – March 20–21

Island Fest featuring The Green Flash – March 26th

The 30th Anniversary of The Better Shot promises to be the best event in the history of the ABS. It’s a special milestone for a tournament that has meant so much to your club and greater Englewood community, and we look forward to celebrating it in a big way. And don’t miss the first edition of Island Fest featuring The Green Flash as this is shaping up to be a night to remember.

On the course, congratulati Gross Club Champions. In the congratulations to Polly Flinn McGowan. Both played fantas represented championship pla both of you, on an impressive

As we move through a busy moment to speak about feedba in how we improve our proces experience at your club While

right, we are human and occasionally, mistakes happen When they do, we want to know about it in the moment That allows us the opportunity to correct it, make it right, and learn from it. Your thoughts on our events, tournaments, dining experiences, and overall operations truly matter. Constructive feedback helps us refine what we do and ensures Lemon Bay continues to evolve in ways that serve the membership best.

Speaking of feedback and evolving processes, beginning March 1st we will be transitioning our Sunday brunch from a buffet to an à la carte format. The regular lunch menu will remain available, and we will also introduce a special brunch menu. Our hope is that this change enhances the overall dining experience and allows members to enjoy brunch in the way they prefer whether that’s a lighter selection or a more traditional brunch offering without committing to the full buffet. We believe this will create greater flexibility and elevate the overall experience

Additionally, on Maintenance Mondays, rather than offering the outdoor grill, we will provide the à la carte brunch/breakfast menu from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. With tee times starting slightly later on those days, this day golfers the opportunity to the club before heading out

r at Lemon Bay. The course is s full, and the club is eing everyone at your club

Hannah Madison Membership Director

Building the Club’s Future Together

Strengthening Our Membership and Preserving What Makes the Club Exceptional

As we move further into the season, I’d like to reflect on the strength and momentum of our membership community.

We currently stand at 317 memberships, with a goal and capacity of 340. That means we are entering an exciting and important phase in the life of the club. Growth at this stage is no longer about numbers alone it is about being thoughtful, selective, and intentional as we shape the next chapter of our membership.

Thank you to the following members for generously sponsoring new members these past few months: Susan Tinsley, Elizabeth Hay, Susan & Peter Lejeune, Jean & Hugh Halsell, Shirley & Tim Thompson, Tricia & David Mansfield, Joe McGowan, Tom O’Shane, Jim Gleason, Nancy & David Hunter, David Gulick, Steve Bilodeau, John Yovanovich, Gail & Don Pearson,

and Stefany & Tom Welch.

Thank you for your continued support, your sponsorship, and your participation in club life. The strength of this membership is not defined simply by reaching 340 it is defined by the quality, character, and camaraderie of the people who make up that number.

Mem

30Years 30Years

Anne Bowman

George Castrucci

Harriet Christakos & Dan Sandford

Raymond & Iliene Corcoran

Laurie & Carol Dooge

John & Eleanor Durno

Bill & Liz Ghriskey

Seymour & Hope Grayson

Helen Haas

Susan & George Haggarty

Louise Head

John & Joan Hillenbrand

Anne Honey

Hal Johnson

Audrey Knapp

Ned & Susan Lambrecht

L.Colvin & Madelaine McCrady

Doris Richards

Ben & Louise Scott

Susan Stringer

Judith Taylor

George & Carol Tilley

MaryJo Wilson & Terry Dunaway

25Years 25Years

Bob & Candy Rost

115Years 5Years

Mike & Judy Alexander

to our February Tournament Winners

Ladies Net Club Championship

First Flight: Polly Flinn

Second Flight: Yanna Saari

Third Flight: Mary Jo Wilson

Men’s Net Club Championship

First Flight: Dan Shannon

Second Flight: Michael Cowdrey

Third Flight: John Yovanovich

Superbowl 9 & Dine

Patriots Flight: Carol & Michael Clark, Louise Marx, Yanna Saari

Seahawks Flight: Jean & Hugh Halsell, Jane & Bill Doepke

Gross Club Championship

Ladies: Polly Flinn

Men’s: Joe McGowan

Ladies 18-hole Member-Member

Eagle Flight: Eileen Glover & Rachelle Lang

Osprey Flight: Michelle Harris & Lisa Nouss

Heron Flight: Lu Cotta & Virginia Potter

Gross: Jane Lippincott & Judy Sandy

Men’s Member-Member

Eagle Flight: Bill Doepke & Joe McGowan

Osprey Flight: Dave DeKock & George Vogt

Heron Flight: Steve Bilodeau & John Yovanovich

Gross: Tom O’Shane & Mike Rollyson

Lemon Drop: Ladies Member-Guest

Lemon Squeezy Net: Beth Foster & Shara Fordyce

Lemon Squeezy Gross: Polly Flinn & Kay Schnepf

Lemon Zesty Net: Meg Taylor & Martha Durkin

Lemon Zesty Gross: Lu Cotta & Janie Ramsay

Lemon Twisty Net: LuAnn Smith & Dina Noel

Lemon Twisty Gross: Virginia Potter & Debbie Scott

Ben McCoy Director of Golf

More Than Just a Round

ChampionshipConditions,IncredibleWildlife,and theCompanyWeKeep

What a great start to the season! There’s nothing better than being back with friends at Lemon Bay, and the beautiful fall weather has made it even more enjoyable.

A tremendous thank-you goes to Eli and his entire maintenance crew, who deserve real recognition for the outstanding work they’ve done over the past few seasons. Maintaining the property through some very challenging conditions has been no easy task. The effort required to keep our turf and surrounding areas healthy has been significant, and their dedication truly shows. Thanks to their hard work, we can now fully enjoy the vision our architect, Drew Rogers, had in store for us, a course

that is both fun to play and wonderfully challenging, all while providing the perfect setting to enjoy time with others.

Beyond the golf itself, there’s another exceptional pleasure we all share: the incredible wildlife that calls this property home. Almost every day brings

something new majestic eagles and their young, gators along the water, an occasional manatee sighting near the bridge on hole 13, and countless species of birds throughout the course. There’s always something memorable happening beyond the scorecard.

On a personal note, I have truly fallen in love with our new course. Learning where to place the ball off the tee, then the best way to approach the greens has been an eye-opening experience. But what really sets this course apart is what happens once you reach the putting surface. Our greens are amazing they challenge your imagination and your thought process on every putt.

Every great golf course I’ve ever played shares these same characteristics, so well done, Drew Rogers. Golf has been the love of my life from playing as a little boy with my family to becoming a PGA Professional. This journey has been a true blessing, and being able to experience it here at Lemon Bay, surrounded by friends, makes it even more meaningful.

We are truly fortunate to have a property that offers not only a fantastic golf experience, but also a beautiful natural environment that makes every visit special

See you on the first tee, Ben

Bunker Blunders vs. Brilliance

Ben shows what not to do in the bunker—and the proper way to handle it.

Golf,Giving,&GreatCompany

Greetings Lemon Bay Members,

We hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful season here at Lemon Bay Golf Club! As we swing into March, we have an exciting lineup of events you won’t want to miss. We’re looking forward to sharing some truly special events with all of you.

Ladies 9 Hole Member-Member

Pick your favorite partner and enjoy a fantastic day of friendly competition and championship golf. Don’t have a partner? No problem! The Professional Staff will be happy to pair you up so everyone has the opportunity to participate. Sign up today we look forward to a wonderful day of golf with you all!

Men’s Member-Guest

Registration Deadline: Monday, March 2nd

The countdown is on! Don’t miss your opportunity to compete in one of the most exciting and competitive events of the season. If you have any questions or need assistance securing a guest, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to another outstanding Talon Cup!

and

Ryan Hartnett

Braving heavy wind

rain, Ginny Bryant sank a 94-yard eight-iron shot for a hole-in-one on Hole 2 during Sunday couples’ play with Joansie, Henry, and Chuck Young. A thrilling and unforgettable moment for the course! Congratulations Ginny!

Course Closure & Modified Tee Time Notice

Thursday, March 12 – Saturday, March 14:

The golf course will be reserved for the Talon Cup Men’s Member-Guest The course will reopen for regular play beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 14

Friday, March 20:

The last tee time will be 9:30 AM to allow preparations to begin for the Better Shot Cocktail Party and Auction

Saturday, March 21:

The course will be reserved for the Better Shot Golf Tournament and will reopen for regular play at 2:00 PM

Congratulations to our Lemon Bay FSGA Interclub Ladies!

Congratulations to our Lemon Bay FSGA Interclub Ladies on qualifying for Regionals! Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud of the way you represent Lemon Bay Golf Club.

A Better Shot 30 Anniversary th

This March, we are incredibly proud to host the largest event in club history as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of A Better Shot!

Tournament Registration Here!

Saturday, March 20

An unforgettable evening awaits featuring: Live entertainment & music Outstanding food

A spectacular trick shot performance by Dan Boever Live Auction

Dan’s show is filled with humor, incredible trick shots, and plenty of surprises that will leave you amazed. The evening will be followed by our Better Shot Auction, raising funds for the endowment that supports: College and Trade School Scholarships

Summer Junior Golf Instruction Programs

Community outreach initiatives

Your support makes a lasting impact on the lives of young golfers in our community.

Saturday, March 21 - ONLY TWO SPOTS REMAINING!

The celebration continues with the Better Shot Tournament. As a graduate of A Better Shot Junior Golf over 25 years ago, this program is near and dear to my heart. I am personally grateful for what it provided me, and it is incredibly meaningful to now see it continue to impact the next generation.

If you have not yet signed up and would like to participate, please let us know we would love to have you join us for this milestone celebration.

Dan Boever Promo Video

IntroducingÀLaCarte BrunchatLemonBay

ANewSundayTraditionBeginsMarch1st Plus LobsterNightandtheDebutofIslandFest

Michael Durett F&B Director

I would like to thank all of the members who joined us for Grapes on the Green. It was a wonderful evening filled with outstanding wines and fabulous food prepared by the talented Lemon Bay Kitchen staff. Events like this are always special because of the great participation and support from our membership.

We have another busy and exciting month planned for March.

Beginning on Sunday, March 1st, we will introduce our first à la carte brunch. While we will no longer offer the buffet-style brunch, we will continue serving brunch favorites from a specially curated à la carte menu from 10:00am to 2:00pm. We look forward to offering a more personalized brunch experience while maintaining the quality you’ve come to expect.

We are also adding Monday Breakfast, perfect for those grabbing a bite before their tee time or simply looking to enjoy a relaxed morning at the club. Breakfast will be served Mondays from 8:00am to 11:00am.

On March 5th, we will host our annual Lobster Night, featuring a fresh 2-pound Maine lobster always a member favorite and an event you won’t want to miss.

Then on March 26th, we are excited to introduce a brand-new event: Island Fest. This lively evening will feature music by The Green Flash from Boca Grande. In addition to the entertainment, we will showcase an assortment of food inspired by the restaurants of Boca Grande We are very excited about this new event and hope it will be a highlight of the season.

We look forward to seeing you at the club throughout March!

ontheGreen rapes

Eli Rahz Director of Agronomy

Springtime at Lemon Bay

Understanding Winter’s Impact and the Promise of Spring Ahead

Ladies and gentlemen, spring has officially sprung!

We had a brief taste of winter with hard frosts that sent the rough into dormancy, but the turf, trees, and insect activity now confirm the worst is behind us. Occasional cold fronts may still pass through for a day, yet soil temperatures continue to rise, fueling fresh growth across the property.

Ongoing Improvements

The team continues making targeted improvements outside the playing areas to enhance the property while minimizing maintenance impact on your rounds. Recent projects include stripping and replanting around the pond between holes 13 and 15, expanding cart staging between holes 10 and 18, and enlarging the pollinator garden at h 10 h

Winter in Florida

The recent cold snap, combined with our preemergent herbicide application and cart traffic, left parts of the course looking off-color and patchy. The accompanying fertilizer remained largely ineffective until soil temperatures climbed above 55 degrees. The course is now rebounding quickly: short-mowed surfaces like tees and fairways escaped the frost and stayed vibrant, while the taller rough bore the brunt explaining the striking contrast. With growth paused during the cold, green speeds increased daily even after skipping mowing for 4 days.

In the weeks ahead, the oaks and cypress will sprout new leaves, frost-damaged rough will be mowed away as it recovers, and the maintenance resume chasing ideal green speeds.

A Better Shot’s 30th Anniversary Auction & Golf Tournament is shaping up to be our biggest celebration yet, thanks to a hardworking committee and dedicated board! Join us March 20–21 as we honor 30 years of impact with two incredible days of golf, giving, and great fun This is an auction you won’t want to miss get ready to sip, bid, and be amazed!

We’re thrilled to welcome back renowned trick-shot artist Dan Boever, who will dazzle the crowd with his unforgettable show. Dan will also lead our live auction, bringing his signature humor and high-energy style to help us raise record funds for the A Better Shot Foundation. Get ready to laugh, cheer, and bid often as we rally support for our mission. With exclusive travel, golf, and lifestyle packages, there’s something exciting for everyone Reserve your table today we have room for up to 300 guests, and spots are filling fast! Invite your friends and family and be part of this milestone celebration Out on the golf course, the fun keeps swinging with our special par-3 scramble The tournament is nearly sold out, so gather your five-person team and secure your place now!

Can’t join for the full event—or want to make an even bigger impact? There are plenty of ways to participate:

Purchase raffle tickets (or ten!) for a chance at great prizes

Support our “$3,000 to Celebrate 30 Years” campaign as we aim to raise $300,000 Sponsor, donate an auction item, or underwrite part of the event

Every bid, ticket, and gift helps us expand our impact and continue changing lives through the A Better Shot Foundation

Join the Living Wall

Supportour“$3,000toCelebrate30Years” campaignasweaimtoraise$300,000!Usethe linkbelowtodonate.

$3,000 Living Wall Campaign

Bring your energy, your generosity, and your friends let’s make this a record-setting celebration and launch the next 30 years of impact together.

Bryan Hawn Controller

FinanceataGlance Stewardship,Stability&Long-TermPlanning

One of the questions members occasionally ask fairly and understandably is how private clubs manage long-term finances In particular, why do some clubs carry debt on their balance sheet while others focus on paying it down as quickly as possible

The short answer is that healthy clubs focus less on being “debt-free” and more on being financially resilient, well-maintained, and positioned for the future. Debt should be used as a planning tool not viewed as a problem.

Debtvs.Cash:WhattheCorrelation

(Intentionally)

Most healthy private clubs do carry debt and often choose to. Some typical reasons debt correlates with stronger clubs includes:

Preserves liquidity for operations and capital surprises

Spreads capital costs across generations of members (fairness argument)

Maintains flexibility for sudden course, irrigation, or clubhouse issues

Avoids special assessments, which hurt morale and spark resignations

Clubs with moderate, well-structured debt often have higher initiation fees, maintain stronger reserves, invest more consistently in the course and amenities, and show better long-term member satisfaction.

In short: Debt itself is not a red flag poor liquidity is.

Why does liquidity matter? Strong reserves allow the club to:

Address unexpected repairs without disruption

Invest proactively in course conditions and facilities

Avoid special assessments whenever possible

Maintain consistent service levels and staffing

In the private club world, moderate, well-structured debt is common and often intentional Long-term financing allows clubs to fund major improvements such as course renovations, infrastructure upgrades, or clubhouse enhancements while sharing the cost fairly among the generations of members who benefit from those investments. Equally important, maintaining appropriate debt levels allows a club to preserve cash reserves, which are critical to stability and flexibility.

AggressivelyPayingDownDebt withCash

Using all available cash to aggressively eliminate debt can, in some cases, leave a club more exposed rather than less particularly when unforeseen needs arise.

Clubs that rush to eliminate debt often do so for emotional or political reasons rather than financial ones. This approach typically correlates more with: Older memberships resistant to assessments

Clubs with governance pressure to “be debt-free”

Short-term board thinking (3 – 5-year horizons)

As a result, common outcomes include:

Thin operating reserves

Deferred maintenance (especially agronomy and infrastructure)

Surprise assessments later

Board turnover when something breaks and there’s no cash

Instead of “Should we pay off debt?”, the smarter question is: “Is our cash earning a higher member value return elsewhere than the interest rate on our debt?” If the answer is yes, paying down debt early is often a mistake TheRealQuestionBoards ShouldAsk

WhereCashIsOftenBetterSpent ThanDebtReduction

Across the club industry, high-performing private clubs consistently prioritize:

1.Course & Infrastructure (Highest ROI): Irrigation systems, Drainage, Bunker renovations, and Cart paths. These don’t just improve play, they reduce annual maintenance costs, protect against catastrophic failures, and preserve property value and reputation Deferred agronomy almost always costs more than interest

2 Capital Reserves (Liquidity Premium): Strong clubs typically target 6–12 months of operating cash and separate restricted capital reserves Overall, liquidity lowers risk, improves lender terms, and prevents panic decisions.

3.Member Experience & Retention: Examples of these often include clubhouse refreshes, dining upgrades, fitness / wellness improvements, and technology (tee time systems, POS, mobile apps). Retention and initiation fee growth almost always beat the savings from accelerated debt payoff.

4.Staff Investment and Operation Excellence: Retention of staff is an integral part of a club that operates at a high level. Retention should focus on things like competitive wages, Superintendent resources, professional affiliations, and continued training and education. High staff turnover quietly destroys clubs far faster than interest expense.

5.Strategic Land or Asset Opportunities: Occasionally cash allows for land purchases, practice facility expansion, and future-proofing assets These opportunities disappear quickly and rarely come back

The 3 Pillars of Private Club Financial Health

WhenPayingDownDebt DoesMakeSense

Therearetimeswhenpayingdowndebtistheright move,buteventhen,partialpaydownsorrefinancing areoftensmarterthanfullpayoff.Someinstancesto paydowndebtinclude:

Interestratesarevariableandrising

Debtcovenantsarerestrictive

Theclubhasexcesscashbeyondreserves Debtwasincurredforafailedorobsoleteproject Thebalancesheetscareslendersorbuyers

Therearefrequentlyhiddenrisksthatnobodytalks aboutforclubsthatbecome“debt-free.”Manyofthese clubstentostopplanningcapitalproactively,lose financialdiscipline,anddriftbackintodebtlater but underworseterms.

Debtisn’ttheenemy.Unplanneddebtis.

OurClub’sApproach

At Lemon Bay, financial decisions are made with a long-term, balanced perspective. The goal is not simply to minimize one line on the balance sheet, but to ensure that we:

Maintain strong operating and capital reserves Invest responsibly in the assets members value most

Protect the club from unexpected financial stress

Position the club for stability and continued success.

We appreciate the continued trust of our membership and remain committed to thoughtful planning and transparent communication as we move forward together

“Ahealthyprivateclubbalances liquidity,investment,andlongtermplanning.Overemphasizing anyoneareaattheexpenseof theotherscanincreasefinancial riskandlimitfutureoptions.”

Lemon Bay Pin Board Lemon Bay Pin Board Employee of the Month

Steve Hansen

Steve has been a dedicated Starter/Ranger (Greencap) at Lemon Bay for 1 year and 3 months. Originally from Galena, IL, he spent much of his banking career in Illinois and Wisconsin, which helps him easily connect with many of our members. Steve enjoys getting to know everyone and takes pride in making each person feel welcome. He especially enjoys our Nine & Dine events and themed socials, where he has a great time assisting members and being part of the fun. Outside of work, Steve enjoys traveling, cruising, reading, golf, coin collecting, movies, music, weekly date days with his wife Wendy, and watching sunsets

Thank you, Steve, for your positive attitude and commitment to our members!