Zac Wilbur Executive Chef zwilbur@northwoodclub.org
Shara Capper Director of Membership scapper@northwoodclub.org
Kiana Van Gerwen Director of Catering kvangerwen@northwoodclub.org
Rebecca Johnson Human Resources Manager rjohnson@northwoodclub.org Director of Wellness whaddad@northwoodclub.org
2024 Board of Governors
Anne Voisinet President
Jeff McBrayer 1st Vice President
Joe H. Schmidt 2nd Vice President
Craig Bailey Secretary
Brien P. Smith Treasurer
Rives Castleman 2025 President-Elect
Paul Taylor Past President
Michael N. Campbell
Jeff Montgomery
Alan W. Page
Greg Jackson
John Graham
John Kinzer
RandyL. Hill 10-year Presidential Advisor
Hello Members,
As I sit down to draft a message to you all, my thoughts go to the unrest in the world, our divisive political climate and general sense of aggression that seems to have permeated our lives, simply driving in Dallas seems to be more challenging!
I am certain that better, calmer days will arrive, but I am struck by how very fortunate we all are to have Northwood Club as our haven. Your Board recognizes the culture at our Club is unique and quite special and worth protecting. Our membership is filled with friendly, nice people, which are very underrated qualities in my opinion; and, our dedicated and talented staff in every department across the campus is second to none. Let’s please make sure all these important people know how much we appreciate them.
We are working diligently on the Building for the Future Plan, so please continue to participate and watch for updates from Chairman Castleman. I am confident we will develop exciting plans that will further enhance all our experiences at our beloved home away from home that is Northwood Club.
Hope to see you soon,
Anne Voisinet
2024 President
Here to celebrate with us on the the 4th of July were some very tall Texans!
PRESIDENT | Anne Voisinet
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
New bimonthly newsletter format
Our bimonthly newsletter has a fresh look which combines all areas of the club, is concise, informative and easy to read with eye-catching photos. The name “Generations” represents family roots past, present and future and captures the spirit of preserving time-honored traditions while also seeking innovative ways to change for the better to provide the best overall club experience for our members.
Two Pickleball Courts Added
Permanent Pickleball lines have been
972-239-1366
NC Phone app under Reservations: Dining Reservation Reservations/Dining Menus
Website, northwoodclub.org under Dining: Make a Reservation Hours of Operation Menus Catering
To plan a private event at Northwood Club please contact the Catering Office.
Kiana Van Gerwen Director of Catering (972) 383
September 2 and closes for the seasonSeptember3
The pool will continue to be open during normal hours of operation until Monday, August 12, when it will be open weekends only through Monday, September 2. The pool will close for the season on Tuesday, September 3.
GENERAL
MANAGER | Jon Davis
Welcome to our new digital newsletter. We felt after five years of the previous format that a refresh was needed. The goal is to have a piece that is vibrant and fun to read and look at, informative but not overwhelming. Our last newsletter was in four sections and packed a lot of information into it that we felt could be a bit overwhelming, especially when you received a new piece every four weeks. Our new newsletter is a digital flip book with plenty of information and pictures; however, we will now send it out every two months. With a little investigative work, we found that many clubs are sending out their newsletters on a bimonthly basis because they have lots of information and wanted to give the members plenty of time to digest all of the information included in it.
From now on, adjacent to my article, I wish to acknowledge the anniversaries of our team members, many whose names you may recognize. The team is a big one, getting close to 300 this time of year, and all are dedicated to providing the Northwood experience you have come to expect.
Let’s finish out the summer strong, Northwood!
Jon Davis
SEPTEMBER
CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
John Northcutt SUMMER VACATION In Cabo San Lucus
Greetings members,
What a great summer it has turned out to be! The 4 a big success, and hats off to the team for all their hard work.
Now that it’s August, the summer Olympics are in full swing. Come on into the Open Bar and cheer on our athletes. The golf course will be closed for a couple of weeks to give Kevin and his team time to get it ready for the busy fall season. We will be putting a hold on the grilling station at the Oak House until after Labor day weekend. We will keep you updated as we get closer to firing the grill back up.
The pool season is winding down, and school will be back in session very soon. Thank you to Dayan, Jasmine and the rest of the team that helped make this season so successful.
We are currently revising our wine by the glass menu. Stay tuned for some changes in early to mid
The NFL kicks off the season on Thursday, September 5, with the Cowboys opening the season on the road against the Saints on Sunday, August 8, at noon. Come on into the Open Bar and enjoy the game along with complimentary chips and queso on Sunday afternoons during the season.
The fall TCD season kicks off on Thursday, September 5. All members are welcome to come in for lunch on Thursdays and enjoy the buffet in 1946.
We are planning an Italian Wine Brunch for September 8. Stay tuned for more details.
We have a couple of other specialty themed brunches planned for September to include Disney and Despicable Me themes. We will be sending out updates as we get the details.
My wife and I had a great time in Cabo San Lucus. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed our time together very much. We had a very successful fishing trip. Michelle caught a nice mahi mahi, and I caught a 60-pound white Marlin. The 45-minute camel ride was fun, but 10 minutes on a camel is plenty.
I enjoyed a round of golf at the Solmar Golf Links which is about 45 minutes north of Cabo. It is a beautiful links-style course that runs along the Pacific Ocean with scenic views and a steady wind off the ocean. The time away was very refreshing, and now I am glad to be back.
John
EXECUTIVE CHEF Zac Wilbur
Late Summer Northwood Club Menu Inspirations
As we transition into the dog days of summer, our talented culinary team will be crafting dishes that celebrate the bounty of summer’s end with fresh, vibrant flavors, such as garden-fresh tomatoes and sweet corn, Northwood peaches and our very own honey. Join us to experience this harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients that promise to tantalize your taste buds and offer a perfect culinary bridge between summer’s farewell and fall’s welcome. Look for updates to the 1946 menu monthly. Thank you all for your support, and we strive to create memorable dining experiences for all.
Cheers,
Chef Zac Executive Chef
ChefZac’sTexas-StyleBarbecuePop-Up
This summer, Chef Zac brings the heart of Texas barbecue to the Northwood Club in an exclusive series of BBQ To Go pop-up events! Join us as we indulge in a culinary journey where smoky briskets, tender ribs and mouth-watering sides take center stage.We are highlighting our new smoker that was hand built in Mesquite, Texas, by J&RSmokers.We are also using premium post oak wood from ButlerWood in the heart of Texas for a deep and richflavor. Featuringlocal Texas meats to include Rosewood Ranch Briskets, Texas Heart Brand Akaushi Sausages and Vande Rose Duroc Pork Ribs. Experience the passion that transforms each bite intoamasterpiece.It’sagastronomicaffair youwon’t want to miss perfect for members who appreciate the finer (andtastier)thingsinlife!
EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF
Chris McCord
These French almond cakes are buttery, nutty, and made EXTRA special using plump juicy Blackberries. It is fun to grow your own Blackberries, which grow well in Texas, but using fresh seasonal store-bought berries works great, too.
Originally resembling a bar of gold, Financiers (or French tea cakes) became popular in the Financial district of Paris surrounding the stock exchange.
1. Place the butter in a 2/3 qt sauce pan over medium heat stirring occasionally until the milk solids drop to bottom.
2. Stirring occasionally will help to keep browned milk solids from sticking to bottom of pan.
3. Once golden brown, transfer to a wide bowl or cake pan and let cool until just barely warm.
*Careful, this will be EXTREMLY hot!*
4. Once cooled slightly, begin making cake.
Financier Batter
1. Pre-heat oven to 375° and spray 24 muffin cup pan with nonstick spray.
2. Separate eggs placing whites in medium bowl.
3. Place sugar into large mixing bowl, zest the lemon over sugar, and mix slightly with your hands.
4. Add the almond flour, all-purpose, and salt to sugar and whisk about 30 seconds to combine.
5. Whisk the egg WHITES until foamy, add to dry ingredients, and mix with spatula. Make sure to get the bottom mixed well.
6. Add brown butter and mix until well combined.
7. Scoop the batter into muffin tin about 3/4's way up the side and place a fresh Blackberry on top of each Financier.
*Feel free to sprinkle top with sugar or almonds slices.*
8. Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit at room temp for about 10 minutes and remove with spatula.
*Serve warm or room temp.*
GOLF NEWS
DIRECTOR OF GOLF | Phillip Prude
Why Course Closure?
Throughout the year positive comments are made about how good the condition of the golf course is, even with the level of activity that is seen each year. We have an outstanding agronomy team led by Kevin Carpenter. Aside from the quality of our team and the standard agronomy practices that are followed, Kevin Carpenter says there are two additional practices that lead to these kinds of conditions. The first is carts on path in the winter. The second is the two-week course closure at the end of July. Not all clubs are able to do this, but the course and our campus benefit tremendously from this time. Kevin comments, “The two-week course closure comes at a time when the summer heat is at its peak and many members are playing less or away traveling with their families. Allowing the greens to take a break from play and reducing mechanical stress from mowing allows the greens to rest and recover before entering the last phase of summer. During this break we also complete aeration of the fairways, tees and approaches. These areas are also verti-cut, topdressed and fertilized. Much of this work is dirty, dusty and noisy and a great time to complete while closed.”
In addition to the agronomy practices, there are several projects that are accomplished during these two weeks. These projects range from golf course to campuswide improvements that help us maintain the top-notch facility that we have. Without the closure, these additional projects would either be a major interruption to normal member usage of the Club, or they would not get done at all. During the closure the stone curbing will be replaced near the 12th tee and the Oak House and near the green at 17. A few cart paths will be repaired that are broken or uneven. Drainage at 4 tee will be improved as well as near the cart path between #3 and #4. Trees that were damaged or killed during the June windstorm will be removed along with tree trimming to continue to remove damaged branches. Also, construction for the new bentgrass nursery green will begin during the course closure.
The Golf Operation team also has an opportunity to get caught up on several facility maintenance needs as well as needed preparation and organization for the upcoming fall season of golf. Phillip shares that the day-to-day activity is positive. “Things are healthy at the Club, and members clearly enjoy utilizing the Club. While the course is closed, we take advantage of the time to fix different equipment or facilities that may be broken, repair and detail golf carts, and clean from top to bottom, inside and out. It gives our operation a chance to reset and get organized for the next wave of activity.”
Throughout the two weeks, a lot of behind-the-scenes work is done that keeps our golf facilities and other areas of our campus in great shape that may not get done otherwise.
DIRECTOROFAGRONOMY |Kevin Carpenter
The
Agronomy Team Has Been Working Hard on Course Maintenance During the Course Closure
Cart path repair on hole #4
Drainage installation between driving range tee and tees on hole #4
Aeration of the approach on hole #18
New stone curbing #12
Greens Checkers:
Greenside Gossip
Did you know?
Q. Ever wonder what those devices are that the guys watering the greens are using?
A. Those are soil moisture meters. Before greens are watered, the greens checkers are probing various areas around the green to scout out where the wet or dry areas are on the green. Given that the greens aren’t flat certain areas (humps or high spots) dry out quicker while other areas (low spots) can hold more water. So only watering the areas that are necessary helps keep moisture uniform within the green.
Aerification Process:
Q. How many tons of sand get put on the golf course during the aerification process throughout the year?
A. During our summer maintenance shutdown, fairways, tees, approaches and collars are topdressed. the greens and other areas are aerified and top dressed. topdress material is a combination of sand and organic compost. In total, there are roughly 400 tons of topdressing material used annually. Topdressing helps keep the playing surface smooth and allows water to penetrate the soil more efficiently that results in drier and firmer conditions.
New Nursery Green
Northwood Welcomes New Staff
We are delighted to welcome Bradi Ruehl to the Golf Operations team as the new Golf Shop Merchandiser. Bradi is excited to come on board full-time and learn from Katrina. She has the unique benefit to learn what has done well over the past 30 years while eventually providing her own touch on this aspect of our operation
Bradi was born and raised in Cullman, Alabama, where she developed a love for golf at a young age. Growing up, she honed her skills on the high school golf team and eventually earned a scholarship to play at Wallace State Community College. After a year at Wallace State, she decided to challenge herself by transferring to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
At UCCS, Bradi pursued a degree in Professional Golf Management with a focus on business. She also gained valuable experience working as an Assistant Golf Professional at The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, where she learned the ins and outs of running a successful golf operation.
With a passion for both golf and fashion, Bradi knew she wanted to combine her interests in her career. This passion ultimately lead her to the merchandiser role at Lakewood Country Club. She has been working with us for a couple of days per week since the end of July, getting her feet wet while finishing up her time at Lakewood. She will begin with us full time on August 20. Her email address is bruehl@northwoodclub.org. Feel free to welcome her aboard.
We also are pleased to welcome Kevin Garrity who recently joined Northwood as Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. Kevin grew up nearby in Southlake, Texas. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and was trained as an avionics technician. He spent four years on active duty and did one deployment to the Persian Gulf on board the USS John F. Kennedy. After the Navy, he attended Texas A&M University, where he studied turf grass management. Combining his love of golf and the outdoors made this an obvious choice. For his internship, he opted for a unique experience and went to Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana. After graduation, he went to The Woodlands Country Club, Tournament Course, followed by the Player Course and Palmer Course. While at The Woodlands C.C., he hosted four PGA Champions tour events, multiple PGA qualifier events and some AJGA events. He has an eye for detail, love of the game and passion to provide the best conditions for every golfer. He is excited to be a part of the Northwood Club team.
Bradi Ruehl Golf Shop Merchandiser
Kevin Garrity Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Dear Members,
TENNIS NEWS
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS | Eric Bailey
I am excited to announce permanent Pickleball lines have been added on courts 1 & 2 outdoors. This addition gives us 4 outdoor courts with a great viewing area to watch matches, host events, and cheer on our teams as they compete in league play. These courts will be designated for Pickleball only unless we need all 12 courts for Tennis. Northwood now has a total of 8 Pickleball courts with 4 indoor and 4 outdoor. That gives the club more Pickleball courts than any of the other private member owned clubs in the area.
Northwood actually has a bit of history with Pickleball. Our former Director, David Redding, was kind of a pioneer in introducing the game to the Dallas area. He started playing in 2013 and then introduced it to members with Monday evening clinics. Then, as he got more involved in playing tournaments, he brought other tennis pros in the area to play at the club. In 2014, Northwood added lines to the indoor tennis courts, making this one of the first clubs in Dallas to have permanent lines for Pickleball.
Pickleball itself is not as new of a sport as many think. The game was actually invented in Washington state back in 1965. There were a couple of businessmen who normally played badminton with the kids in the backyard. One day they went to play and most of the equipment was broken. The kids were bored so they got some table tennis paddles and a wiffle ball and created pickleball. The name came from their dog Pickles. The sport started getting some play in the 90s and early 2000s but started to gain more traction and popularity in the 2010s. It was mainly being played by more senior players at first. Arizona, California, and Florida were kind of Ground Zero. By 2017 there were over 3.1 million Pickleball players in the US. When Covid came and people were forced to stay at home, families started making courts in their driveways and in the streets. The next three years Pickleball has exploded. It went from 4.2 million players in 2020 to over 13.6 million players at the end of 2023. Pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the US and currently played predominantly by those under 30.
That growth has also taken place at our club as well. Since 2020, Pickleball at Northwood has grown every year. We have had increasing numbers of casual play, office outings, birthday parties, and club events. Group lessons have also increased with our three certified pros as well. I’m also very excited to introduce league play beginning this fall! Northwood, DCC, and Royal Oaks have combined to create a new Pickleball league that will cater to the facilities within the Dallas city limits. The ladies league will be played on Friday mornings beginning September 13 and the mixed league will be played on Saturday afternoons starting September 14. We currently have over 60 members signed up for both leagues.
The Racquets department sees a bright future for Pickleball at the club. We are still searching for a financial solution for permanent standalone Pickleball courts. We will continue to add more programs and events in the upcoming year. We want our Pickleball program to be as healthy as Tennis has been over the years. Any questions you might have about the program, please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to seeing you on the new courts!
WELLNESS NEWS
DIRECTOR OF WELLNESS | Will Haddad, CSCS
Psychological Training for Peak Performance in Golf and Tennis
Will Haddad, CSCS
While the physical skills of swinging a racket or club are crucial in both golf and tennis, the mental game often plays an equally important role in separating champions from contenders. Psychological training has become an essential aspect of athletic development, helping players optimize their focus, manage emotions, and build resilience under pressure.
The Science Behind the Mental Game:
• Focus and Attention: Numerous studies have shown the link between focused attention and performance. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology by Gucciardi et al. demonstrated that golfers with better attentional control displayed superior putting accuracy under pressure. Similarly, research by Cutsem et al. (2017) in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that elite tennis
players exhibited a greater ability to maintain focus during rallies compared to their less skilled counterparts.
• ImageryandVisualization: Sports psychologists recommend imagery techniques to enhance performance.
A 2020 meta-analysis published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise by Simonsmeier and Bueckner reviewed studies on mental imagery and found a positive effect on athletic performance across various sports, including golf and tennis. By mentally rehearsing successful shots and cultivating a winning mindset, athletes can boost confidence and improve motor skills.
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• Self-Talk and Emotional Regulation: Negative self-talk during competition can be detrimental. A 2016 study by Marshall et al. in the International Journal of Golf Science found that golfers who engaged in positive self-talk strategies displayed lower levels of anxiety and performed better under pressure. Techniques like cognitive restructuring and relaxation training help athletes manage negative emotions and cultivate a more positive self-dialogue.
State-of-the-Art Practices Used by the Pros:
• Mental Rehearsal Routines: Top golfers and tennis players often employ pre-shot routines that incorporate visualization. These routines involve mentally picturing the desired shot, including the ball trajectory, swing mechanics, and desired outcome. This mental rehearsal helps athletes refine their focus and build confidence in their execution.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices like meditation are increasingly popular among professional athletes. Mindfulness training promotes present-moment awareness and emotional regulation, which can help players stay calm and composed under pressure. A 2017 study by Chuang et al. in the Journal of Current Psychology found that mindfulness training reduced anxiety and improved focus among golfers.
• Mental Game Coaching: Many professional athletes work with dedicated mental game coaches. These coaches assess an athlete's mental strengths and weaknesses, develop personalized training programs, and provide strategies for managing emotions, dealing with setbacks, and maintaining focus during competition.
Psychological training plays a vital role in optimizing athletic performance in golf and tennis. By incorporating evidence-based practices like focus training, imagery, and self-talk strategies, athletes can cultivate a winning mindset and enhance their resilience under pressure. The integration of mindfulness and mental game coaching further highlights the growing sophistication within sports psychology, empowering athletes to reach their full potential on the course and court.
Further Resources:
• Simonsmeier, Bianca & Andronie, Melina & Buecker, Susanne & Frank, Cornelia. (2020). The Effects of Imagery Interventions in Sports: A Meta-Analysis. 10.31234/osf.io/g5tp2.
• Mahoney, John & Gucciardi, F. & Ntoumanis, Nikos & Mallett, Cliff. (2014). Mental Toughness in Sport: Motivational Antecedents and Associations With Performance and Psychological Health. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. 36. 281-292. 10.1123/jsep.2013-0260.
• Van Cutsem J, Marcora S, De Pauw K, Bailey S, Meeusen R, Roelands B. The Effects of Mental Fatigue on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review. Sports Med. 2017 Aug;47 (8):1569-1588. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0672-0. PMID: 28044281.
• Marshall, Dave & Hanrahan, Stephanie & Nikos, Comoutos Former Zourbanos. (2016). The Effects of Self-Talk Cues on the Putting Performance of Golfers Susceptible to Detrimental Putting Performances Under High Pressure Settings. International Journal of Golf Science. 5. 116134. 10.1123/ijgs.2016-0001.
• Chuang, Hsin-Yun & Wang, Fong-Jia & Chi, Li-Kang. (2021). Mechanisms of mindfulness for professional golfers: the mediating role of basic psychological needs. Current Psychology 42. 10.1007/s12144-021-01877-3.
MEET ALI FRENCH, NASM CPT
Ali French isn’t your average trainer. An NASMcertified pro with a powerhouse background as a division 1 volleyball player, Ali brings championshiplevel intensity and expertise to every session. Whether it’s sports performance, weight loss, or overall health, Ali is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Ready to get started? Email us at: wellnesscenter@northwoodclub.org
Hours of Operation & Direct Phone Lines
Clubhouse
972-239-1366
Mon., Closed
Tue. - Sun., 7 a.m. - Evening (Closing Time Varies)
Reception Desk
972-239-1366
Mon., Closed
Tue. - Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tennis Shop
972-383-6223
Mon., 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tue. - Thu., 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fri. - Sat., 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Accounting Office
972-383-6271
Mon., 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tue.- Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 pm.
Sat. - Sun., Closed
Catering Office
972-383-6214
Membership Office
972-383-6256
The Wellness Center
972-383-6260
Mon. - Thu., 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri. 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. - Sun., 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Pool & Terrace
972-383-6238
*See website for Pool & Terrace hours of operation
Golf Shop
972-934-0544
Mon., Closed
Tue. - Fri., 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sat. - Sun., 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
*See website for range hours
Security
972-383-6203
The 19th Hole
972-383-6236
Open Bar
972-383-6233
*Hours of operation may change on holidays. You will be notified by email in advance.
