22 “Riding the Wind” with Chris Myers 25 Director of Golf’s Message
28 Northwood in Southern Africa
30 Golf Calendar
31 Director of Racquets’ Message
32 Racquets Events
33 Director of Wellness’ Message
36 Hours of Operation / Phone Numbers
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAY 03 Kids Night Out - Star Wars Night
MAY 03 Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
MAY 04 Firefighter Brunch
MAY 11 Mother’s Day Brunch
MAY 16 Love of Pearls Luncheon
MAY 22 Adults-Only Pool Party & Happy Hour
MAY 23 Family Pool Opening Party
MAY 26 Memorial Day Pool Party & Fishing Tournament
JUNE 07 David Frost Golf & Wine Dinner
JUNE 15 Father’s Day Brunch
JUNE 19 Japanese Whiskey & Food Tasting
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
RivesCastleman
“Here we GOOO!” – Dak Prescott
Hello, Northwood. Here we go is right! The City construction permit on the Pool Grille has been “pulled” (as they say), and we are ready to GOOO! … (almost). May & June will be busy on our campus, indeed.
Pool Terrace: In the coming weeks, you will see a construction fence erected around the existing grill and Fitness building, with demolition to commence shortly thereafter Don’t worry, fitness buffs, your access to Fitness will be uninterrupted I will leave it to Jon Davis and his staff to communicate on Pool & Fitness construction operations and logistics. You should have seen a brief, but very informational, video from Jon Davis on March 21 on the subject – if not, please go have a look. Jon and his team have done a phenomenal job preparing for a pool season of minimal disruption - for a summer of fun in the sun, dining, Gator Camps, 4th of July and all the other special events throughout the Summer to which we all look forward. A very hearty shout-out to Jon and his team: Beth Greeson, John Northcutt, Chef Zac and Maggie Milek – all of whom have gone above and beyond to ensure your member experience this summer is as special as ever!
Clubhouse: Schematic Design refinement iterations on the new Clubhouse continue. Alan Page, current Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), and his team of member-volunteers are forging ahead to ensure our new Clubhouse will be as special as we all expect and on budget Northwood is very lucky to have nine special member-volunteers actively involved in the SPC Project Management committee who are professionals in the commercial development, construction, interior design and restaurant sectors. The SPC is also in the process of conducting member focus groups to maintain the member engagement your Club leadership has promised from the outset. Currently, those areas include Women’s Locker Room, Lounge and other amenities; Men’s Locker Room and 19th Hole; and Open Bar & 1946. Expect to see a brief video update from Alan Page any day now.
Pickleball: Construction of 4 Pickleball courts immediately to the north of tennis courts 1 through 4 will launch late-May, early-June Final bids are being collected now and the contracts will soon be awarded Thank you, Kevin Carpenter and crew, for all your help on the sitework, retaining wall, landscaping and lighting designs. We appreciate everyone’s patience on the Pickleball project, as locating the “best” site (which still poses significant design challenges) on Northwood’s +/- 170 acres proved to be quite challenge in itself.
That’s all for now, Northwood. See you at the Pool soon!
Rives E Castleman
2025 President
LETTER FROM THE GM
Jon Davis
Hello Northwood, and welcome to “Almost Summer.”
As we work our way through Spring and the campus is greening up, I cannot help but think about the Summer operations, most notably the pool.
As you will soon see, construction will be underway at the Terrace (Pool Grille) rendering it out of commission for the pool season. This includes all food and beverage amenities and the locker rooms. But not to worry, we have big plans in the works for the pool this season and I promise a great experience as I stated in my most recent video released a few weeks ago. Let’s go over a few of the changes we will have in place this season
First, a construction fence will be erected at the bottom of the entrance steps on the west side of the pool, extending around the building to the green space (Event Lawn) between the Pool Grille and Clubhouse. There are plans to level out and landscape the Event Lawn however, depending on the timing, the fence may stop at the Event Lawn or may wrap around it and end at the front near the ramp leading from the Clubhouse into the Wellness Center.
RivesE.Castleman President JeffMontgomery 1stVicePresident
MichaelN.Campbell 2ndVicePresident
JeffMontgomery Secretary BrienP.Smith
Treasurer AlanW.Page 2026President-Elect
AnneVoisinet PastPresident
John Graham
Greg Jackson
John Kinzer
Jonathan Dyer
Joel Pustmueller
Stephen R. Schmidt
Craig Wilson
C.ChristoperHarris 10-yearPresidentialAdvisor
The main entrance to the pool will remain the regular entrance near the front of the Wellness Center. The steps will not be available so you will need to use the ramp in order to enter the pool campus. At the bottom of the ramp there will be a 20x20 tent that will house the lifeguards. The lifeguards will check you in here and issue towels if needed. The tent will also be utilized for various housekeeping and storage needs.
...continued
on page 5
EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
MAY
Name Department
Lara, Olga
Vasilev, Ivan
Melendez, Jose
Castillo Torres, Dayan
Wortham, Kelsey
Godinez Arias, Edwin Torres, Liliana
Gutierrez, Yolanda
Chavez, Carmen Herrera, Raquel
Serna-Novas, Rachel
Rodriguez Villavicencio, David
Puckett, Michael
Arevalo, Kathryne
Vargas, Jacob Olmos, Vianey
Ipanaque, Nuria
Teague, Alex
Horton, Rayshel
Robinson, Audra
De La Riva, Valerie
Hernandez Hurtado, Carmen
Castellano, Isabella Bol, Nyariak
Parker, Caelan
Zeigfinger, Emily
JUNE
Bailey, Eric
Rives, Luis
Pina, Saul
Dos Santos, Lydia
Mendoza Ruiz, Margarito Dixon, Elizabeth Morrow, Coby
Haddad, William
Northcutt, John
Monson, Luke
Papa, Spencers
Svoboda, Jiri
Mason, Jacob
Van Duinen, Jack
Ramirez, Luis
Blanton, Sara
Wilbur, Zachary
Angeles, Jaime
Garrity, Kevin
Carmona-Lopez, Itzel
Campero Balduz, Luis
While the construction fence will enclose the space in front of what was the Snack Bar and Gator Lounge, the areas on the west side of the pool to include the basketball court, playground, splash pad and pool deck will go untouched. On the east side of the pool, we will utilize the Pavilion Bar and an adjacent 15x30 climatized tent for snack bar items. Adult and kids’ beverages will come out of here as well as many grab and go items, ice cream, slushies and more. We plan to provide you with most of the items that you would typically get from the old snack bar (or The Box). We also plan to stage buffets on this side of the pool for various themed nights.
All summer sports programs will be held as planned with buffets and seating on the Veranda
We will continue to offer a Poolside Menu as in previous years that you will be able to order from. Our servers will be able to enter your order from handheld tablets or the strategically located POS stations that will immediately send orders to the 19th Hole kitchen. Food runners will be positioned in the kitchen in order to get orders to the pool promptly, with the goal to optimize and streamline operations
What about bathrooms you ask? We plan to have a bathroom trailer located near the entrance of the pool at the top of the ramp for those at the pool. Should you need an area to change clothes or for a quick shower to rinse off the chlorine, the locker rooms at fitness and tennis will be readily available. The bathrooms on the main level of the clubhouse are also available for changing purposes. We do ask that you refrain from using the clubhouse women’s and men’s locker rooms to shower the children as there is too much grown-up activity in those locker rooms.
So yes, there will be plenty of activity at Hightower Pool this summer and we plan to have a great time and to provide you with the great experience you are accustomed to having at the pool. The rest of the Northwood campus remains the same so let’s get ready for a great summer and we shall see you soon!
John Northcutt
Greetings Northwood Members!
Spring is officially here, and summer is just around the corner! Maggie, Dayan, and the team are gearing up for an exciting pool season kick-off over Memorial Day weekend. Chef Zac, Craig, and the culinary team are finalizing the pool menu, and we’re looking forward to another great summer together.
While this year’s operation presents some challenges, we’ve developed a strong plan and will be fully staffed to ensure a smooth experience for all Due to the Terrace being unavailable, all à la carte service and food preparation will take place in the Clubhouse, specifically out of the 19th Hole kitchen. We’ll have several food runners and servers dedicated to meeting all our members’ needs.
The Pavilion Bar will be open daily and serve as our main service bar. Additionally, as noted in Jon’s message, two large tents will be set up one for member check-in and lifeguards, and the other as a convenient grab-and-go station for both kids and adults. On peak nights, we will offer themed buffets located near the fire pit beside the Pavilion Bar.
Despite the changes, we’re thrilled about the upcoming pool season and are committed to providing the exceptional service you’ve come to expect.
We’re also happy to share that our Kids Night Out events have been a big hit—many have sold out! A big thank you to Maggie for her creativity and hard work in making them such a success
As we move into May and June, the calendar is packed with exciting club events. Kiana and her team have done a fantastic job putting together an impressive lineup, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
We’ll see you around the Club soon! Warm regards,
John Northcutt
ClubhouseManager
UpcomingEvents NorthwoodClub
MAY 3
MAY 3
KIDS NIGHT OUT – STAR WARS NIGHT
4:30 PM - 9 PM | $50/child
Calling all young Jedi! Drop your kids off for a fun-filled Star Warsthemed evening while you enjoy a relaxing night at the Club.
kentucky derby viewing party
5 PM - 7 PM
Giddy up! We’ll be serving our featured cocktail, a Maker’s 46 Mint Julep, and watching the Derby in style. Dress up, drink up, and join the fun!
Firefighter Brunch
11 AM - 2 PM | $40/adult, $30/child
Celebrate National Firefighter Day with a special brunch honoring our local heroes who keep our community safe.
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Reservations begin at 10:30 AM | $70/adult, $30/child
Celebrate the amazing moms in your life with a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch, featuring a seasonal menu and lovely ambiance.
LOVE OF PEARLS LUNCHEON
11:30 AM | $40/person
Join friends at the Club for a pearl jewelry shopping and lunch event! All attendees will receive a beautiful pair of pearl stud earrings!
ADULTS-ONLY POOL PARTY OPENING HAPPY HOUR
6 PM - 8 PM | $30/person
Listen to live music, grab a drink, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the start of pool season in style!
family pool opening party
5 PM | $40/adult, $25/child
Get your swimsuit and dive into summer with our LED-themed pool opening party! Fun for the whole family!
MEMORIAL DAY POOL PARTY & FISHING TOURNAMENT
5 - 9 PM | $40/adult, $30/child
Kick off your summer with our beloved fishing tournament, then head to the pool for the Memorial Day buffet and some fun in the sun
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Kristi Martin
Greetings!
Wow, what a busy couple of months we have had in the membership department. We are excited to see so many new faces. You will see in this month’s newsletter, we have welcomed 35 new members into the Social category and are excited to have them as part of the Northwood family. If you too would like to send them a welcome text or email, you can always find their information online in the membership directory.
Despite enrolling so many new members this month, the Club still remains healthy and at capacity in the Resident, Resident in Waiting, Junior and Social categories.
Social membership is the starting point for every new member. If you or your friends have questions about wait times or the membership process, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Also, please remember to review the nominee lists you see around the clubhouse. We still have over 75 nominees currently going through the vetting process looking for support. You never know you might be able to write a letter of recommendation for.
Many Thanks,
Kristi Martin Director of Membership
Welcome NEW MEMBERS
CRIBB & KAYLA ALTMAN
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Tommy Crowell
BROOKS & ALLIE BURGIN
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Charles McKinney
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Randall Wilkins
DAN & ELIZABETH BENSON
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Jos Worsham
BEN CAMPBELL
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Mike Campbell
STEVEN & KATRINA BRADFORD
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Robert Wyatt
CARNEY
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Mark Carney
& CHLOE COOPER
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Bob Myers
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Mike Maguire
ROBERT
WADE & MARGE ANNA CASTON
COLLIN
BEN & ANNA CORNWELL
Welcome NEW MEMBERS
ERIC DELL
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Mark Carney
PATRICK & CAROLINE FLOECK
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by David Northrup
HOLT
Social Sponsored by Joel Pustmueller
BILL & KATIE DERING
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Greg Laczkowski
DEREK & MEGAN HARVEY
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by David McBee
& HUNTER LACEY
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Steve Folsom
& HOLLY DINAN
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Chris Harris
TREY & ELLEN HATCHER
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by John Graham
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by John Landon
REED
JENNY
GRANT
RUSTY LANDON
Welcome NEW MEMBERS
NICK & HALEY LIDJI
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by John Rexford
DIMITRI & MOLLY MASTORAKOS
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by John Graham
JOE & ALYSIA LYNCH
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Jeff Russell
THOMAS & NATALIE MCCALL
Social Awaiting Resident
MENTESANA
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Chris Harris
MAX & HILLARY MARKLEY
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by William McCaddon
Sponsored by Chris Elliott
WARREN & HALEY MCCARTY
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Brad Caldwell
& HANNAH MESH
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Jeffrey Green
& LESLEY NAPPER
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Omar Fetouh
MATT
WYATT
BRADLEY
Welcome NEW MEMBERS
SHANNON O’CONNOR
Social Awaiting Junior
Sponsored by Tim O’Connor
RICHARD & ELEANOR PUTNAM
Social
Sponsored by John
KRIS & NATALIE OLSEN
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Chris Harris
CHRISTOPHER & BETH RICHARDS
Social Awaiting Resident d
& MOLLY WELLSFRY
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by Michael Bandy
RUSSELL & BETH PODRAZA
Social Awaiting Resident
Sponsored by David Quisenberry
TOPPER & AHNIE SHEEHY
Social Awaiting Resident d b el Pustmueller
Social Sponsored by Stephen Woram
GRAYSON
PHILIP & TARA WORAM
ZacWilbur
Hello Northwood family,
I can’t believe we’re already talking about summer! Things are picking up around the Club, and I wanted to share a few updates I’m especially excited about First off yes, the pool is opening soon! Memorial Day weekend is the big kickoff, and we’ve got some fun things planned Think sunny afternoons, cold drinks, and easygoing bites by the water. It’s one of my favorite times of year here, and I hope to see you out there relaxing and enjoying it.
Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer it’s a meaningful time to gather with family and reflect. We’re putting together a special menu to honor the day, with a mix of classics and a few creative takes from the smoker. It’ll be casual, festive, and delicious. Definitely bring your appetite.
And speaking of food our new summer inspired menus are on the way. I’ve been working closely with the team on refreshing everything, including some exciting updates to our sushi offerings. We’re leaning into bright, seasonal flavors think fresh seafood, crisp garden herbs, and clean, vibrant presentations utilize local farms and ingredients Whether you’re craving something light by the pool or a full dinner in the dining room, we’ve got you covered
We’ve also been getting our hands dirty in the summer garden, and it’s really going to pay off We are planting a variety of tomatoes, fresh jalapeno peppers, vibrant basil those ingredients will be starting to make their way onto your plates. I’m especially looking forward to our upcoming harvest of plums and my favorite: peaches! There’s nothing like cooking with produce picked that morning it’s a game changer, and I think you’ll taste the difference in every bite. See you around the Club!
Cheers, Zac Wilbur
Executive Chef
RIDING THE WIND:
HOW TO TACKLE WINDY SPRING CONDITIONS IN TEXAS
with Northwood Club’s Chris Myers, Director of Golf Instruction
Spring is in full swing at Northwood Club, and while this season offers some of the year’s finest golfing conditions, it also brings one of Texas' signature challenges the wind.
Whether it’s a steady breeze or a strong gust out of the Panhandle, wind is part of the game this time of year. But for prepared and knowledgeable players, it presents a chance to improve, adapt, and even lower scores. Here are a few key strategies to help you navigate the elements and take advantage of windy spring conditions:
1. Know Your Course and the Wind
Understanding how wind interacts with Northwood Club’s layout is essential Our course features:
8 holes facing North
5 holes facing South
3 holes playing East
2 holes facing West
Our prevailing wind typically blows Southwest to Northeast, meaning:
North-facing holes = Downwind
South-facing holes = Into the wind
When a cold front moves in, this pattern reverses. Checking your weather app for hour-by-hour wind direction before your round can be a game-changer.
Here’s how the prevailing Southwest wind typically affects each hole:
2. Club Up, Swing Smooth
As the old saying goes: “When it’s breezy, swing easy ”
Avoid swinging harder into the wind it adds spin and sends the ball higher, making it more vulnerable Instead, club up and swing at about 75–80% You’ll get a lower, more controlled trajectory
Drill Tip: On the range, try hitting your 7-iron at different speeds 100%, 75%, 50%, then back to 85%. It builds feel and helps you adjust when your tempo isn’t perfect (which is often the case on-course!).
3. Read the Wind + Shot Shape
Your ball will curve more into the wind and less downwind.
From the fairway (more spin): expect more curve
From the rough (less spin): expect less curve
Adjust your strategy accordingly based on your lie and wind direction.
4. Master the Knockdown Shot
Lowering ball flight helps tremendously in the wind.
Move the ball slightly back in your stance
Hands ahead of the ball at address
Finish low to keep it penetrating
Pro Tip: This setup can encourage a right-to-left shot (draw), so aim accordingly
RIDING THE WIND:
HOW TO TACKLE WINDY SPRING CONDITIONS IN TEXAS with Chris Myers, Director of Golf Instruction
Into wind = quicker stops
Adjust your landing spots and spin expectations on chips and pitches.
7. Stay Mentally Tough
Windy rounds require patience Accept the unpredictability and focus on smart course management A well-earned bogey in tough wind may be better than pushing for par and making double
Bonus Tip: Equipment Check
Sometimes, the right gear makes all the difference. Consider a lower-spin ball or re-evaluating your driver shaft if you’re consistently battling wind. Our Golf Shop team is here to help dial in your setup.
Spring winds are part of the challenge and the fun of golf in North Texas. Embrace the conditions, make the right adjustments, and you just might play some of your best golf yet.
See you on the course with your cap tightened down!
Chris Myers Director of Golf Instruction
GOLF UPDATE
PhillipPrude
Hello Northwood family!
As we transition into the busy spring golf season, we want to thank you for continuing to make Northwood Club an exceptional place to enjoy the game we all love. Usage and demand for tee times remain high, and we appreciate your attention to a few key reminders that will ensure all members have a great experience while helping us maintain excellent course conditions.
Course Care:
Please help us keep the golf course in top shape: Fill divots with sand – After hitting, fill your divot and smooth it out with your foot.
Repair ball marks – Repair your ball mark and one other on every green.
Keep fans turned ON – Do not turn off the greens fans. Shutting them off can harm the motors and potentially impact turf health Please leave them on at all times
Pace of Play:
Our standard at Northwood Club is a pace of play of four hours or less for all group sizes. Help us maintain this pace with the following practices:
Play from the appropriate tees for your skill level. 1.
Be ready to play repair ball marks and read your putt while others are playing.
Move directly to your ball and avoid traveling together.
Mark your scorecard on the next tee, not by the green.
Allow faster groups to play through when there is open space ahead.
If stopping at the Oak House, please order ahead using the Northwood App.
Pick up your ball if you’ve reached your maximum allowable score (Net Double Bogey).
Limit yourself to one shot off the first tee.
Golf Shop Communication:
Planning a round with fellow members or guests? Please notify the Golf Shop by phone or email with:
The number of players
Participant names
Approximate tee time
Golf Cart Etiquette:
Proper cart use helps preserve course conditions:
Stay at least 30 yards from greens and tees unless on the path.
Keep carts out of tall fescue areas many have been newly seeded.
Avoid driving on wet, bare, or visibly worn ground.
Always stay on cart paths on Par 3s (Holes 5, 9, 12, and 16), and after the bridge on Hole 18. Practice smart cart use—after teeing off on Hole 1, stay on the path until you’re near your ball. Avoid pulling off the path prematurely (90° Rule)
North Instruction Tee Usage:
The North Range sees frequent instruction use, and we appreciate your cooperation:
Two designated stations (with bag stands and balls) are reserved for member warm-up or practice.
If both are in use, please use the lower tee area instead of creating a new station on the instruction tee.
Dependent/Junior Golfers:
With school letting out soon, we know many of our junior golfers will be eager to hit the course. Please take a moment to review the Dependent Rules (updated in 2022), included in this issue for your convenience.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping Northwood Club a premier golfing destination. We look forward to seeing you out on the course this spring.
Phillip Prude
DirectorofGolf
NORTHWOOD IN SOUTHERN AFRICA!
Twelve Northwood couples recently returned from an unforgettable journey through Southern Africa.
The trip began with three days in the Cape Winelands, where the group explored the towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
Golfers played the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pearl Valley Golf Course, while others enjoyed wine tastings and lunch at Babylonstoren and Boschendal estates.
Next, the group spent three nights in Cape Town, taking in views from Table Mountain, golfing at Steenberg Golf Club, touring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and visiting Constantia Glen Winery. A day trip included stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach to see the famous penguin colony.
The journey continued with a three-night stay at Londolozi in the Sabi Sands private game reserve, where daily safari drives offered close encounters with South Africa’s wildlife. Golfers visited Leopard Creek, while others enjoyed a helicopter tour over Blyde River Canyon.
The final stop was Zambia, with two nights of adventure including a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a walk with white rhinos, and a day trip to Zimbabwe to see the majestic Victoria Falls.
Special thanks to Kent World Travel for organizing this extraordinary experience for Northwood Club.
RACQUETS NEWS Eric Bailey
Northwood Spring Tennis and Pickleball leagues are wrapping up as I write this newsletter. It has been another successful season, and I will share the results in the coming days. I want to extend my gratitude to all our captains for their dedication this season.
Tennis will kick off this May with our NLTA MemberGuest 105 event. This year's theme is the Kentucky Derby, and we are eager to see the fantastic outfits it will inspire. It’s always one of our favorite days in tennis Additionally, the NLTA will be hosting a Summer Playnight on June 10 from 6 PM - 9 PM This will be a high-court, low-court rotating doubles format You can sign up in the app
Get ready to don your all-white attire for the Wimbledon mixer on June 28! You can register with a partner or join solo. The event will feature a mix of men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles matches, taking place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by brunch on the patio.
Additionally, our Summer Junior tennis and golf programs will launch on June 3. Kids will enjoy an hour of tennis and an hour of golf, followed by lunch and swimming at the pool Each session runs for four days from Tuesday to Friday, from 9 AM to 1 PM We will take a break during the week of Golden Tee and have two more weeks in June. There will be no sessions during the week of July 4, but three more sessions will be held in the last three weeks of July. Participants will develop skills, engage in games, and grasp the fundamentals of both sports. For any inquiries, please reach out to Juniors Director Brigit Destino at Bdestino@northwoodclub.org. You can register on the club's website. I’m eager for a bustling couple of months and a fantastic kickoff to the summer!
Eric Bailey Director of Racquets
RACQUETS EVENTS
Summer is our slower season - a great time to gear up for fall or enjoy some time off. We have a few events to keep your game sharp in the meantime!
TUESDAY, JUNE 10 6 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
This playnight is for members of the NLTA looking to keep their game sharp! This will be a high-court/low-cort roatating doubles event. NLTA Summer Playnight
St. Patrick’s Da h
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Wimbledon Doubles Mixer
All white outfits on the court for this mixer and brunch! You can sign up alone or with a partner.
JUNE & JULY | 9:00 AM - 1:00
Kids Night Out – Sports Camp
SUMMER PROGRAM
SPORTS SPORTS
JUNE
JUNE
This June and July, Northwood will host its annual Summer Sports Program, running for three weeks in each month. Children will enjoy an hour of golf and an hour of tennis, followed by lunch on the Veranda and leisure time at the pool.
June 3-6
June 17- 20
June 24-27
Participants can register on the Northwood website. Guests must attend with a member.
NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF WELLNESS Will Haddad
THE VOICE THAT WINS:
In the heat of competition—whether on the court, on the course, or in the boardroom your most important opponent may not be the person across from you, but the voice inside your head. Many of us fall into patterns of negative self-talk, undermining our potential in high-pressure moments. Learning to take control of this inner dialogue can unlock greater reserves of your competitive potential and make competition and performance a joy rather than something to be feared.
1. THE LIES WE TELL OURSELVES: THOUGHTS WITHOUT EVIDENCE
Human beings are not always rational thinkers, especially under stress. During competition or challenging events, we often fall prey to cognitive distortions negative automatic thoughts that are not based in evidence or reality. These might include:
Catastrophizing (“I can’t believe I just did that. I’m going to lose.”)
Mind Reading (“Everyone will think I’m a failure.”)
Labeling (“I’m a failure.”)
All-or-Nothing Thinking (“If I don’t win, I’m worthless.”)
These kinds of thoughts create an emotional and physiological response tight muscles, shallow breathing, impaired decision-making—that can directly hinder our performance. In business meetings, they may lead us to hold back valuable ideas or shrink from opportunities. On the field or competition mat, they can paralyze our physical performance or drive us into panic.
THE VOICE THAT WINS:
2. STOPPING NEGATIVE SELF-TALK IN THE MOMENT
When the pressure is on and your mind starts spiraling, the key is not to suppress those thoughts, but to intervene and redirect.
Here’s how:
Call it out: During performance, we don’t always have the time to evaluate our inner dialogue and reframe it. Sometimes, you just need to tell that unwelcome voice in your head to go sit on the bench. You’ll be shocked at how quickly this will boost your confidence and put you back in the driver’s seat.
Anchor: Once you’ve silenced the noise, it’s time to fill the space with something more powerful and helpful. Short, simple phrases to help refocus your mind and ground yourself can literally change the momentum in a flash.
“I got this”
“Smooth and steady”
“Breathe and attack”
Mental anchors like this are more than fluff—they’re cues that help you halt the negative spiral. They help spark confidence, boost energy, and improve the positive aggression needed in those critical moments of performance.
3. TRAINING THE SKILL: BUILDING THE HABIT OF POSITIVE SELF-TALK
Like any high-performance skill, positive self-talk needs to be practiced consistently not just in the heat of competition, but in training, daily life, and even downtime. You’re building a reflex a default mode of thinking that shows up automatically when pressure hits.
Here’s how to start:
Daily Reps: Just like strength training or drilling technique, you need repetition. Set aside five minutes a day to speak or write affirmations grounded in truth. These might be: “I perform well under pressure,” “I adapt quickly,” or “I am focused and prepared.” Keep them short, believable, and actionable. Review the Tape: After practices or performances, journal how your self-talk helped or hurt you. Where did your inner dialogue go off track? What would’ve been a better cue or phrase in that moment? This kind of reflection is where the habit begins to harden.
THE VOICE THAT WINS:
Pair It with Breath: Anchoring a phrase like “Calm and ready” with a slow exhale or physical gesture (e.g., shaking out tension in the hands) can connect mental and physical readiness. Eventually, that phrase will cue a physiological response, helping you reset under stress.
Practice Under Pressure: Don’t wait until game day. Simulate pressure situations in training countdowns, penalties, consequences and practice using your mental anchors to recover quickly. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s resilience.
4. WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Research across sports and business psychology consistently shows that positive self-talk is linked to improved performance, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Athletic Performance: A 2011 meta-analysis in Perspectives on Psychological Science found that self-talk significantly improves performance, especially on fine motor and strength-based tasks. Athletes using instructional and motivational self-talk perform better under stress.
Stress Regulation: A study in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) showed that self-talk can help reduce cortisol levels, enabling clearer thinking and faster recovery during high-stakes situations.
Business and Leadership: In executive coaching, self-talk is a key focus for developing confidence, decision-making, and persuasive communication. Leaders who engage in constructive internal dialogue tend to be more resilient, emotionally intelligent, and effective under pressure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) also underpins much of this work. It shows that changing thought patterns can lead to meaningful behavioral change a principle now used by high-performing athletes, military units, and Fortune 500 CEOs alike.
Positive self-talk is not about deluding yourself with false hope or cheesy mantras. It’s about practicing mental discipline, choosing focus over fear, clarity over confusion, and belief over doubt. The thoughts we rehearse become the beliefs we hold, and those beliefs shape our behaviors.
Whether you're walking into a final match, pitching an idea to a boardroom, or just trying to stay composed under pressure, train your mind to be your strongest teammate. The right words spoken silently can make all the difference.
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