A Letter from the GM/COO
As we wrap up the busy summer months, we wanted to take a moment to highlight a couple of important behind-the-scenes initiatives that often go unnoticed
Each year, an independent agronomist from the United States Golf Association (USGA) visits our course to evaluate its condition and review our agronomic practices This includes everything from the health of our putting greens and ryegrass management to the use of technology and upcoming projects
While you can access the full report HERE, Mr Ross Niewola’s closing comments this year captures the results:
“The agronomy team at Overlake Country Club, led by Mr. Cory Brown, continues to demonstrate an impressive balance of daily excellence and forward-thinking investment. Through the use of data, thoughtful cultural practices, and openness to new technologies, the golf course remains in superb condition while preparing for future improvements With strong leadership, strategic vision, and support from the membership, Overlake is well positioned to maintain its high standards and further elevate the golf experience for years to come We appreciate your continued support of the USGA Green Section and look forward to working with you in the future.”
Our members’ dedication to committee and club service at Overlake is truly something to be proud of!
This year, 108 members are serving across 10 different committees. Each committee is tasked with a set of assignments and goals outlined by the Board of Trustees, all designed to advance the initiatives laid out in our Strategic Plan
This important work keeps our club moving forward in a cohesive and collaborative way, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our membership
A notable addition this year is the formation of our new Foundation Committee, which is currently overseeing the creation of the 100 Years of Overlake Golf & Country Club history book. Author Dan Raley has already interviewed more than 60 current and past members including many past presidents, long-tenured members and staff, and others who have played a pivotal role in the club’s development over the years
If you’ve ever considered joining a committee, I encourage you to do so It’s a fantastic way to get involved, connect with other members, and contribute to the club’s ongoing success. Committee service is also a great first step toward potential nomination for a Board Trustee position.
We will be forming our 2026 committees this December stay tuned for more information!
As we transition into the fall, we’re excited to welcome you to our upcoming events. We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a memorable season.
Shelly Inman
Shelly Inman General Manager / Chief Operating Officer
Shadia Alqurashi 2025 OGCC Hospitality Intern
We were so lucky to welcome Shadia Alqurashi to Overlake this summer through our internship program with Washington State University’s School of Hospitality Business Management. Shadia came all the way from Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where her husband and two young daughters, ages five and three, were cheering her on. She is pursuing a double major in Hospitality Business Management with a minor in Wine and Beverage Business Management at WSU and will graduate in May 2026. After graduation, she plans to spend a year in the hospitality and food & beverage industry before returning to Saudi Arabia to continue her career.
Shadia jumped right in and embraced every part of the club She especially loved her time with the banquet team, helping plan and set up events, and working in the kitchen, where she said the energy was always exciting and full of fun tasks Both areas quickly became places she could see herself working in the future She was most surprised by her week with the greens team, which was completely new to her but full of laughter From working with Cory and Sam to helping in the pollinator garden and making bouquets for events, she discovered a side of club life she never expected to enjoy so much She also loved spending time with Kathleen in the Golf Shop, learning the art of merchandising, and she even opened her very first bottle of wine, which she did like a pro!
Outside of school and work, Shadia loves visiting coffee shops and kayaking with her daughters. She brought warmth, curiosity, and joy to every team she worked with, and we are so grateful to have been a part of her journey. We invite you to take a look at her final presentation HERE, and we thank our members for supporting programs like this that help shape the next generation of hospitality leaders.
OVERLAKE OSPREY UPDATE
The resident ospreys Birdie and Bogey returned for their 3rd breeding season on the course in April. Osprey mate for life and will return to the same nesting site every year. We are happy to have chosen as a safe place for these birds to breed and raise their young each year.
The osprey pair successfully laid 3 eggs in May Osprey on average lay 1-4 eggs per season During incubation the mother keeps the eggs warm, while the father brings fish to keep mom healthy and fed. All three of these eggs later hatched in June under the careful care of mom and dad. The three siblings have now been taking their first flights and strengthening their flight muscles. Building strength is important before they begin their long journey south for winter. These birds will travel down to southern California or Mexico where the winter temperatures remain stable, and fish are plentiful
During these final months at the nest the birds are learning how to fish from their parents. The baby ospreys look very similar to the adult birds, the distinguishing feature being white speckling on the brown wing feathers. The adults lack this speckled pattern.
The birds will begin migrating in early September The adults will leave a few weeks before the babies This means the young birds will make their first long journey alone Make sure to check out the live stream camera available on the Overlake website before they leave for there first big journey.
Sam Smiley
Sam Smiley Horticulturist
Women’s 18-Hole Division Season Recap
What an incredible season it has been for the Overlake Women’s 18-Hole Division! We were blessed with beautiful weather all spring and summer, giving our golfers every opportunity to enjoy the immaculate course and the camaraderie that makes this division so special.
From Tuesday morning play with weekly competitions and lottery prizes to testing your skills at seasonal events, women of all levels had the chance to be part of a group that embraces everything this game has to offer This year brought record participation on Tuesday mornings, well done to all the ladies who booked those tee times quickly, and especially to those who stepped outside their comfort zone to join new groups That willingness to mix it up is what strengthens the bonds of our division
The weekly competitions added a little extra spark to each round, giving players a chance to have “something on the line” (and maybe even win a little prize money along the way!).
Our special events were another highlight of the year. Whether it was some lighthearted fun at the Purple Tee Party, the challenge and pressure of the MemberMember, or the excitement of hosting guests for tournaments, every event brought a different experience of golf We are so grateful for the participation and spirit our members bring, these events are about more than competition; they’re about connection, fun, and showcasing our club
We’d also like to thank our leaders for helping bring the WG18 and W9 Divisions together this season With a little creativity and flexibility from our Grounds Crew and Kitchen, we were able to grow events and create opportunities for everyone, whether playing 9 holes or 18, to come together and celebrate the game.
Season Highlights
Laurie Brown scored a Hole-in-One on #5 during the first day of our Member-Member! Beth Campbell drained a 60-foot downhill breaker to win the Member-Member shootout, securing backto-back victories with partner Kim Hong
Michele Lake knocked it to within 1 foot on the final hole of the horserace during the Member-Member to seal the win!
Tauni Yarnell made Eagle on #16 during the Diamond Classic Guest Day on her way to winning her flight
Gwynne Johnson, Beth Campbell, Suwalee Moore, Leigh Johnson, Karissa Marker, Lisa O’Keefe, and Korynne Wright all conquered the Beat the Pro challenge against Adam Rogers at Spring Opening Day
A big cheer to everyone who hit personal bests this season, golf is hard, and every milestone is worth celebrating!
A Special Thank You
We owe a huge thank you to our Captain, Laura McKean, for her leadership, planning, and dedication Balancing the captain’s role with a fulltime job is no small feat, and Laura’s commitment to listening, advocating, and keeping the best interests of our division at heart has been truly admirable Thank you also to the many WG18 members who stepped up to help organize and run activities, it really does take a village, and your support has been invaluable
Beyond Overlake
Our members also continue to represent the club with pride beyond our own course. With Cameron Cassidy as our SWGA representative and Gwynne Johnson as our WSGA representative, our division provides opportunities for women to play at other beautiful courses around the region.
The Overlake Women’s Golf Team had an outstanding season in interclub match play, competing against top Seattle-area clubs Led by Cathy Bachmann and Heather McKay, our team of over 40 talented ladies has shown grit, grace, and sportsmanship from March through October With matches still to come in September, a special clinic in August, and Overlake set to host a team match in October, there’s still plenty of excitement ahead. If your handicap is 25 or lower, consider joining the team for the fun, competition, and camaraderie of match play across the region.
The Latest News in Membership
Dear Members,
It has been a wonderful year at Overlake so far, and I’m excited to share a few updates as we look toward the fall and years end.
As of August, we have welcomed 25 new Social families and 6 new Golfing families, bringing over 100 new Members into the Club this year It’s been fantastic to see so many new faces enjoying the Club and becoming part of the Overlake community. Thank you for continuing to welcome these new families and strengthening our Club!
Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about with the plan the Long Range Planning Committee and Board have put forward. With projects like the full racquet court rebuild targeted for fall 2025/winter 2026 and the pool house remodel scheduled for fall 2026/winter 2027, along with future opportunities to expand the pool deck, café, and patio, it’s an exciting time for Overlake and a wonderful time to join our Club
From a Membership perspective, we continue to welcome new Social Members as they complete the application process. On the golf side, we currently have availability in our Intermediate category and continue to see healthy movement in Proprietary Membership If you have friends or family who may be interested in joining, now is a wonderful time to introduce them to the Club especially given the improvements ahead. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to connect prospective Members with me directly.
I am looking forward to the many great events ahead this year and to meeting more prospective Members as they join our great Club. Thank you for continuing to make this great Club what it is.
Chris Benner-Kenagy
Chris Benner-Kenagy Director
Have you Tried one of our Mocktails?
Have you noticed how popular non-alcoholic drinks are this season? We have too, and in keeping with current trends, we’ve developed our own Mocktail list. You’ll find it right on the menu in the center of your table when you join us at the club to dine. Refreshing and delicious, these handcrafted drinks range from elevated takes on your favorite classics to inventive new concoctions designed to delight the palate
At the Club, we’ve curated a selection that reflects this rising trend, here are a few you can try:
OVERLAKE PUNCH
Fresh Lemon & Lime Juice, Bordeaux Cherry Juice, Lemonade, Soda & Sprite
WATERMELON REFRESHER
Evolution Watermelon Juice, Jalapeños, Cucumber
LAVENDER GLOW*
Dhos Gin Free, Lavender Simple Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Soda
Across the hospitality world, mocktails are being celebrated for their complexity, presentation, and ability to deliver the same sense of occasion as a cocktail, without the spirits
This movement aligns beautifully with the broader cultural emphasis on wellness and balance. Guests are increasingly mindful of how they dine and drink, seeking out options that complement healthier lifestyles while still feeling indulgent Mocktails provide a way to savor bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and imaginative pairings without compromising on vitality, these drinks are as nourishing as they are sophisticated
Importantly, this shift isn’t about saying no to fun, it’s about expanding it. Mocktails embody this new era of mindful indulgence, where health and sophistication go hand in hand. Next time you visit the Club, explore this growing movement for yourself and raise a glass to elegance, wellness, and the simple joy of savoring the moment
Lou Brill
Lou Brill Beverage Manager
*Non-Alcoholic spirits may contain up to 0 05% alcohol Not recommended for minors
Changing Seasons in the OGCC Kitchen
In early September fall flavors become a hot topic around the Overlake kitchen, as seasonal change is always exciting for culinary team. It signifies a turning of the page from the long hot summer months into the cooler cozy fall weather the PNW is known for. This also brings one of the more diverse produce changes locally, introducing a wide range of new items for us to work into our menus.
Fall flavors typically include a range of spices we call “warming spices” like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Most notably these spices begin showing up in the pastry world or your latte, however these have a very prominent place in the savory side of the kitchen as well. These spices will find a creative way into a number of our dishes in the coming months
Outside of your typical fall veggies and spices, we look to different cuisines around the world too There are number of areas that inherently use these “warming spices” in their day to day recipes, which make for a fantastic starting point Northern Africa, areas of the Middle East, and Indian cuisines all tend to lend to a palette of the more fall flavors we’re seeking here in the PNW
Putting all of this together we end up with some OGCC favorites such as Berbere (Ethiopia origin), Ras el Hanout (Morocco Origin) and Garam Masala (India Origin). All of these spice blends can be mixed with a little extra salt and pepper and used as a replacement for your poultry, pork and beef. Another naturally fall addition in the culinary world is compotes, jams and dried fruits finding their way back into menus as the summer bounty is preserved. Some favorites in the years past such as brandied figs, port poached pears, and apricot mustard compote will accompany chicken and pork items.
New flavors and spices Chef will be working with this fall
o Berbere
o Garam masala
o Chaat masala
o Cardamom
o Ras el Hanout
o Bay leaf
o Dry curry spice blends
Other Compote Ingredient Ideas
o Alcohols, brandy, port, whisky
o Vinegars, red win, champagne, balsamic
o Aromatics, lemon grass, ginger, star anise
o Dry fruits, apricot, apple, fig
Changing Seasons in the OGCC Kitchen
Now lets make one of my fall favorites, a tart cherry fennel and pear compote, and serve it with a berbere rubbed chicken breast for a perfect sweet and savory fall entrée. The attached recipe will yield a simple fruit compote. This recipe is designed to be modified to your liking, add or subtract different fruits or alcohols like brandy and port, just keep the liquid, sugar and fruit portions somewhat similar and your results will be fantastic!
To prepare this dish we will take a tsp of berbere spice, available at whole food or amazon, and mix it with a tsp of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and liberally season a skin on chicken breast (you can do this the day before) I then leave the chicken breast out at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking, this is a pro tip – letting your proteins acclimate a bit before cooking will lead to more even cooking of the meat and less dried out edges, careful however it will cook more quickly then normal. For this process I’m going to sear the chicken breast skin side down in a hot non stick pan, with a little avocado or canola oil. Once the skin is nice and golden brown, we’ll flip the chicken over and put it into a 325 degree oven, cook until the thickest part reaches 165 degrees. Remove the chicken from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then plate and top with our cherry fennel pear compote!
Tart Cherry & Pear Fennel Compote
4oz Dried Pears
4oz Fresh Fennel
4 springs Fresh Thyme
5 Bay Leaves
16oz Apple Cider Juice
-Prepare pears with 1/4in dice
- Prepare fennel with 1/4in dice
½ cup Sugar
⅓ cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ of the Rind of a Lemon
3oz Tart Dried Cherry
- Leave cherries whole – preference
- Make thyme bundle tied together with butcher twine
- Add all ingredients to a pot
- Reduce liquid on medium by about 1/2, will become syrupy
- Try not to cook it for more then 30 minutes or so to preserve structural integrity of the dry fruit
- Remove lemon rind, thyme, and bay leaf
- Cool down in shallow pan
- Pull out to warm to room temp, or microwave lightly to take chill off before serving
2025 JAG RECAP
Our 2025 JAG Program has been a tremendous success! This year, more than 200 juniors participated in our programs, totaling over 1,000 individual entries, meaning that, on average, each junior enjoyed at least five days of golf at Overlake
Program Highlights:
JAG Camp: 115 juniors joined us for three days in June
Drive, Chip & Putt Clinics: 45 juniors participated across five spring sessions
PGA Junior League: 32 junior members played in up to 13 practices and matches throughout the summer
Intro to On Course: 12 juniors under 8 years old joined us for four spring sessions (with the fall semester beginning in September).
Overlake On Course: 14 juniors aged 9 and above participated in eight spring sessions (fall semester beginning in September).
These programs have provided our juniors with meaningful opportunities to learn, play, and grow in a fun and welcoming environment. Thank you to our Members for supporting junior golf at Overlake, we’re proud to see the next generation of golfers thriving on our course!
Caddie Program Update
Our Caddie Program has continued to grow in 2025, expanding from just 2 dedicated caddies in 2024 to 6 this year So far, our members have taken caddies for more than 150 loops, showing tremendous support for the program
This summer, our 4 female caddies completed their season with the Seattle Caddie Academy and will return in June 2026, while our 2 male caddies will continue through the month and are expected to caddie on weekends into September.
Thank you to all members who have supported this program. Not only does it provide a great summer job experience, but it also offers these young people a pathway to the Evans Scholarship, helping make higher education more accessible for them and their families.
Women’s 9-Hole Division Season Recap
The Niner’s Division proudly boasts over 150 lady golfers at Overlake, living by the motto: “half the holes, double the fun.” This group welcomes everyone, from brand-new beginners to seasoned veterans, and continues to shine as one of the most inclusive and relaxed divisions at the Club.
Throughout the year, the Niner’s enjoyed a variety of themed events including 9-Hole Guest Days, a Women’s Member-Member, an evening Couples’ Event, and even a memorable Desert Trip that kicked off the season with 45 ladies in attendance. The Division also partnered with the 18-Hole Ladies Division for several joint events, creating wonderful opportunities to bring both groups together in a fun and cohesive way.
A signature tradition, the Thursday morning 9:00 am shotguns, regularly brought out 24–32 ladies each week for nine holes of golf with a fun game attached, an exciting new addition from the board this season To further support beginners, the Niner’s Board and Niner’s Pro JJ Schultz introduced a 3-Hole Program on Thursday mornings, helping brand-new golfers build confidence before transitioning into full 9-hole play
A huge thank you goes out to our 9-Hole Captain, Keri Kono, and the entire board for their hard work and creativity in making the 2025 season such a success We look forward to even more fun, community, and golf in 2026!
From Athletics & Recreation
THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC SUMMER
SEASON!
And that’s a wrap on another amazing summer season with Overlake Athletics and Recreation this year It was a crazy few months, but one of our favorite summers so far!
Maks Bartiuk, our Head Racquets Pro, led our court programming to new heights this summer. Court reservations were at an all-time high, with members clamoring to get out and play in the beautiful Washington summer weather. Interest in Pickleball Open Plays grew so much that we ended up with 7 different Open Plays available each week just to accommodate members’ desire to build community and socialize. Tennis players were not to be outdone either, with record attendance for our Live Ball classes each week Lastly, we launched our first Youth Tennis and Pickleball Academies to great success Modeled after JAG Camp, these new three-day programs gave kids the perfect opportunity to get out on the courts and learn more about tennis and pickleball with their friends
Samantha Van Appledorn, our Youth & Family Programs Manager, created another fantastic season of camp programs for the membership. Campers arrived each week to a brand-new theme, unique activities and games, and a team of outstanding counselors focused on fun. At Overlake, campers did everything from decorating an underwater Christmas tree and having a snowball fight to building and sailing their own pirate ships across the pool On Field Trip Fridays, campers adventured all over the Puget Sound area, from amusement rides at Remlinger Farms, to broomball at the Kraken Iceplex, to aircraft simulators at the Museum of Flight We also premiered our Counselor in Training program to give our older campers a chance to learn the ins and outs of running a youth camp and even earn a CPR certification in the process.
At the pool, things heated up quick, with our Overlake Otters Swim Team running another great season, finishing 3rd in our Division at the League Championships, seeing countless swimmers improve their strokes and their times, all while having a blast in the water Several swimmers broke club records, we ran our first ever Junior Coaching program, and we’re so proud of the hard work our swimmers put into the season. We even added Otto the Otter to our Overlake team with his official debut as our Team Mascot!
However, there was much more going on at the pool besides swim team! We started the season off with a big winter-themed Polar Plunge, complete with Ice Baths and the introduction of our newest inflatable obstacle – the Swing Fast-forward to Memorial Day, and we saw a record number of members at the pool enjoying the water and our poolside games, like the Dollar Duck Derby and the Poolside Shootout The fun continued as we entered July and saw the start of our Summer Sounds events, with live music, great food, and our full inflatable Wibit obstacle course
Water Polo began and ended their short season with one of the largest teams we’ve seen so far From early morning practices to weekend tournaments, the Troverwood (Triangle, Overlake, and Norwood) team worked hard every day, and had a fun and successful run against the other teams in the league
Looking forward, there’s still more to be excited about as we enter the Fall and Winter: Beginning in September, we will be restarting our monthly Parents’ Night Out programs, the perfect opportunity for kids to have fun with our staff while parents enjoy a quiet dinner in the restaurant or live music in the bar!
Family Swim will transition to 12-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays in September and then wrap up October 1.
There is a Dive-In Drive-In movie on October 3rd, so mark your calendars and be ready to come enjoy food and drinks by the pool and watch a movie on the biggest screen we could find!
Unguarded Lap Swim will expand its hours as pool programming slows, so make sure to keep upto-date on the schedule through the website or by talking to the Athletics Desk The off-season is the perfect time to get the pool to yourself and really make progress on your aquatic fitness! Private lessons will also be available based on instructor availability in the Fall and Winter Remember the water will be heated year-round!
There’s never a dull moment in the Athletics and Rec Department, and the staff loves nothing more than seeing all the members enjoying themselves, whether out on the courts, jumping off the diving board, or hopping on a bus to an Away Swim Meet or a Friday Field Trip Thank you all for another unforgettable season at Overlake – we can’t wait for 2026!
Alex Hager-DeMyer
Alex Hager-DeMyer
How to Throw a Great Party: From Showers to Surprises
Throwing a memorable party isn’t just about great food or music it’s about creating an experience that feels thoughtful, fun, and welcoming from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, bridal bash, surprise soirée, or festive holiday gathering, the basics of great party planning are the same with a few tweaks for each occasion.
Know Your Party Type
Each celebration calls for its own vibe:
Baby Showers: Soft and joyful with sweet treats and lighthearted games
Bridal Showers: Elegant with a splash of fun that celebrates the bride’s personality
Surprise Parties: Timing and secrecy are everything, teamwork makes it happen
Holiday Parties: Cozy and classic or bold and festive, lean into the season
Decor That Fits the Theme
Pick a theme or color palette to tie things together. Balloons, florals, banners, and a few DIY touches can transform a space without going over budget.
Entertainment & Activities
Balance planned fun with room for mingling. A good playlist sets the tone, games or hands-on activities add energy, and photo ops give guests memories to take home.
Make Guests Feel Welcome
The best parties are the ones where everyone feels included Greet guests warmly, keep food and drinks easy to access, and create cozy spots for conversation Thoughtful touches, like allergy-friendly labels or name tags for larger groups, make a big difference
Food & Drinks That Flow
Keep the menu simple but plentiful Brunch spreads shine for showers, appetizers work for surprise parties, and themed food bars or buffets are perfect for holidays Always offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, bonus points for a signature cocktail!
Hosting With Heart
Great parties don’t have to be perfect. They just need intention and warmth. When guests feel cared for, they’ll remember more than the decorations or the menu, they’ll remember how much fun they had.
At OGCC, we’re always happy to share ideas and trusted vendors to help bring your next gathering to life.
Happy Party Planning!
Tracy Hinchcliffe
Tracy Hinchcliffe
Men’s Division Season Recap
The 2025 Men’s Season did not disappoint. Thanks to the outstanding support of our Membership, it has been another successful year filled with competition, camaraderie, and plenty of great golf. Under the leadership of Men’s Captain Eric Browne and with the support of the Pro Shop, the division continues to thrive. New ideas and event tweaks have been introduced to keep formats fresh and engaging, and while some experiments worked better than others, the effort to evolve and enhance the division remains strong.
This year, 285 of our male Members participated in at least one golf event, roughly 70% of all eligible Members, a fantastic number that speaks to the strength of our program From monthly tournaments to Overlake Cup points, private lessons, and fitting events, the enthusiasm and participation have been outstanding
Congratulations to our 2025 Major Winners:
Member-Member Champions: Chris Taylor & Todd Parsons
Silver Classic Champions: Mark Laura & Tom Quickstad (G)
Men’s Club Champion: Ayden Stack
Captain’s Cup Champion: Alexander Kruse
Senior Club Champion: Tracy Quickstad
Super Senior Club Champion: Gail Ryder
Legends Club Champion: Miles Adam
The season isn’t over yet Trophy Stag Day on September 24 will close out the year in style, when we’ll also crown the 2025 Overlake Cup Champion, one of the division’s most distinguished honors Planning for the 2026 season will then kick off with the Ice Cup this fall
A sincere thank you to all who participated and supported the Men’s Division this year With your continued involvement, we look forward to keeping the tradition strong and the competition exciting for years to come
