Tim Edwards Course Superintendant tge@rivercrestgolfclub com
GREENS
C O U R S E U P D A T E
August is ending with an early taste of fall. A lot of cool, sunny, dry days lately have the Crest in great shape for the last months of the season. The agronomy team completed our aeration and the course is coming back quickly with all this good weather This season so far has been a wild one We have had three very different weather patterns Very cold and dry to start the spring, then an extremely hot and wet first half of summer, followed by a cool and dry end to the season These big shifts in weather have had the team on their toes shifting agronomy practices seemingly overnight multiple times Thankfully the Crest has weathered the weather well and we are looking forward to a great fall of golf
The greens are recovering nicely from aeration and will be ready for the upcoming slate of tournaments. Early this summer the greens were under a lot of stress from all the heat and moisture, our venting in midJune was very helpful in letting them breath during that harsh period of weather. As we move into the fall our plan is to pick up our normal daily mowing and rolling of the greens
TEES, FAIRWAYS AND APPROACHES
All the other “short” grass on the course is having a similar season The hot and wet weather early on helped bring out a challenging season for weeds. The moisture and high temperatures cause our preemergent herbicides to break down too quickly and we had to treat many areas with additional weed controls With this very nice early fall weather the grass is now recovered from aeration and the stress of the season.
ROUGH
The rough was under the most pressure because of the early harsh weather. We were treating surrounds with fungicides every 7-10 days and still seeing active disease and damage This August we aerovated and seeded a significant portion of the rough, spreading over 5000lbs of seed in all the in-play areas and surrounds As these areas fill in they should be thick and full for the end of the season and next spring Some minor areas will be sodded out in the coming weeks
FESCUE
The fescue areas never really “browned out” this season because of all the early moisture. The team has decided to start mowing them and prepare them for next season This should make the course a little more playable for a few of our members and guests.
As always thank you so much for all your continued support of the grounds team From kind words, to dropping off cases of gatorade during heat waves, to baked goods in the fall. We can not express our appreciation enough to all the members of the Crest We will see you on the course, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
I pledge to abide by the following policies to ensure an enjoyable experience for all Members of the Club: RiverCrest Membership Pledge to create awareness and encourage proper course etiquette while maintaining a 4 hour pace of play.
R E S P E C T T h E C o u R S E
In every aspect, leave the course in better shape than you found it
R E S P E C T P A C E o f P l A y
Play in 4 hours and allow faster groups to play through
R E P l A C E D I V o T S
Please always replace your divots
R E P A I R B A l l M A R k S
Repair your ball mark and others you see on the greens
R A k E B u n k E R S
Bunkers are to be raked after each use leave rakes in the bunker
R E S P E C T C A R T R u l E S
Carts are never to be in the native grasses or within 30 yards of a green
Friday, September12th
Chef Anthony & Co. will be firing up the grill and serving up seafood specials!
October 12th
12pm to 3pm on the terrace and driving range Kids buffet ·$25 per child sign up online!
PASTA NIGHT
BYOB - EVERY SUNDAY
INCLUDES HOUSE SALAD & GARLIC BREAD STARTING SEPTEMBER 21ST
PASTA OF THE DAY MP chef's daily selection
CHEESE RAVIOLI 20 cheese ravioli, red sauce, parmesan, herbs
PASTA & MEATBALLS 24 chef selected pasta, slow cooked red sauce, meatballs
PASTA ALFREDO 20 chef selected pasta, cheesy cream sauce, herbs
TEX AS HOLD’EM TEX AS HOLD’EM
Wednesday, September 17th
Starting at 6pm in the Fireside
Starting at 6pm in the Fireside
Jeff Baun hosts this season long tournament with monthly prizes, drink specials and more in the Fireside.
Players deal • $25 buy ins NO SIGNUP REQUIRED! JUST SHOW ON UP TO PLAY!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23RD
MUSiC BiNGO iS A FUN AND EXCiTiNG TAKE ON THE CLASSiC GAME OF BiNGO. WiTH SONGS REPLACiNG THE NUMBERS ON A BiNGO CARD, THiS GAME CAN BE PLAYED BY MANY. AFTER RECEiViNG A CARD, THE HOST WiLL PLAY MUSiC, AND iF YOU HAVE THAT SONG LiSTED ON YOUR CARD, YOU TiCK iT OFF. SiNG ALONG, DANCE AND WiN PRiZES!
TO SIGN UP... CALL BROOKE AT THE HOST NO ONLINE RESERVATIONS FREE TO PLAY
MAXIMUM TEAM SIZE IS 6
O L F N E W S & N O T E S
2 0 2 5 C L U B C H A M P I O N S !
MEN'S CHAMPIONS
overall Champion - Brian Mahlstedt
first flight - Andrew Castrichini
Second flight - Scott Palde
Third flight - Bill Teuful
LADIES CHAMPIONS
overall Champion - Alexandra Engart
first flight - Cindy fessick
Second flight - Trish McGarry
Third flight - Patty levering
SENIOR CHAMPIONS
overall Champion - Tim Westfall
first flight - Rich Bass
Second flight - Stan Musial
YOUNG EXEC CHAMPIONS
overall Champion - kevin Robertson
first flight - Chris Beauchamp
Second flight - Tyler Scavello
JUNIOR CHAMPIONS
18 hole Boys – Jack Reed
9 hole Boys – Anthony Robustelli
9 hole Girls – Trisha lobo
5 hole Boys – Cole Robertson
5 hole Girls – kenzie Robertson
13U JUNIOR LEAGUE A SUCCESS!
The 2025 13u PGA Junior league at RiverCrest was another success We had several new faces this year which was great to see. Everyone had fun playing together all while making new friends on the golf course This is what junior golf is all about! We finished the season 2-2-2 (tied for 3rd place), although we gave the only undefeated team (Bellewood 6-0) a run for their money in the last match of the summer, falling 8-7 at RiverCrest! for those who are graduating out of 13u, thank you for your participation over the years hope to see everyone next summer!
2025 HOLE IN ONES
APRIl 4, 2025
kevin Reilly hole #17
APRIl 25, 2025
Matt Mandia · hole #5
MAy 25, 2025
Deb Wilkins hole #17
JunE 29, 2025
Marjorie Wentz · hole #17
JunE 29, 2025
April Pettinelli hole #17
July 11, 2025
Jim Babb · hole #3
July 16, 2025
Tom Clement hole #5
July 20, 2025
Tim Burns · hole #5
July 28, 2025
Bob huntsinger hole #17
July 28, 2025
Mike Beattie · hole #3
AuGuST 10, 2025
Sean Morris hole #5
AuGuST 24, 2025
Brad Scioli · hole #3
August 30, 2025
Bill McGeehan hole #3
MEN’S LEAGUE GOES DOWN TO THE WIRE
We have completed another fun year of Men’s league Golf! This year the league was expanded to 112 players, so we had plenty of new faces every match Thanks to everyone who came out and played this year! We had some very close flights this year, here are all the flight winners.
flight 1 – Mike Martin & Bill McGeehan
flight 2 – Greg Quinton & Time Veitz
flight 3 – Rick Moyer & Craig hammer
flight 4 – Mark Citrone & Jay francis
flight 5 – Tony Collins & Time king
flight 6 – Dave Gulati & Dave Gulati Jr.
flight 7 – Tim McGraw & Shane Gross
We had a close Championship Match, between nate Zipay & Seth kaas vs Carter DeVol and David o’Brian, which was won 2 & 1 after the 17th hole
your 2025 Men's league Champions are nate Zipay & Seth kaas Congratulations on a great year!
CABA AND LITTLE WIN MEN'S MEMBER MEMBER TITLE
The 2025 Men's Member Member was held early this summer The course was in great shape, the food was outstanding, and the drinks plentiful. oh, and there was some pretty good golf as well. 120 players competed over 45 holes of match play, with winners in 10 flights participating in a 3-hole Playoff After two holes, five teams were within one shot of the lead. All five teams were around the 18th green in two shots. Chris Caba and Joe little were faced with a pitch shot from rough near the water's edge Chris lofted his shot on the green, and watched intensely and it rolled into the hole in front of the entire field for the victory! Congratulations Chris and Joe!
Overall Champions - Chris Caba and Joe Little
Overall Runner-Ups - Sean Morris and Mike Ogilivie
flIGhT WInnERS:
flight 1 Andrew Castrichini & Tim Westfall flight 2 Chris Caba & Joe little flight 3 Rob lawson & Brian DeVinney flight 4 Vince Small & Vince lancenese flight 5 Andy Peyton & Paul farnsworth flight 6 Mike ogilvie & Sean Morris flight 7 hector Escobar & Greg Smith flight 8 Jason henson & Carter Devol flight 9 Joe Bush & Stan Musial flight 10 Michael Roberts & larry Eisenhart
CRAIG AND THOMAS WIN LADIES MEMBER MEMBER TITLE
The ladies 2025 Member Member was held on friday, June 6th A record field of 68 ladies participated in the event in 6 flights Teams played three 9-hole formats to determine the flight winners once the winners were determined there was a 3-hole playoff on holes 16, 17 and 18. It was a closely contested playoff with three teams all tied on the 18th green After the first two teams missed, the winning putt was made by Janie Craig and the celebration began. Congratulations Janie and Susan! And congrats to the other flight winners as well
Overall Champions
Janie Craig & Susan Thomas
flIGhT WInnERS:
flight 1 - Diane Bartunek & Brenda Johnson
flight 2 - Eleanor fobben & Tammy Virnig
flight 3 - Michele Caba & leslie little
flight 4 - Jennifer Barrett & Debbie Wilkins
flight 5 - Janie Craig & Susan Thomas
flight 6 - Marie latoff & Marjorie Wentz
R I T A ’ S R U L E O F
R ule 17.1 Options for Ball in Penalt y Area
By Jamie Komancheck, PGA Head Golf Professional
It ’ s been quite a while since I’ve written a Rule of the Month. S o long in fact, that they ’ re not even monthly rules anymore. The Rule of the Month started when Colby was just a month or two old, which is now 16 years ago, making the Rules old enough to drive (and Colby as well.)
S peaking of driving, Rita is becoming a driving fiend. S he’s now old enough to qualify for the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta This year she advanced to the 2nd stage, and came in the top 3 in Driving for 7–9-year-old gir ls (even though she was only 6 at the time ) Way to go Rita! I think azaleas are in your future.
S he is also playing 18 holes now, which provides for a lot of excitement in our family foursome Her first official 18 happened to be played on the famous Crooked S tick Golf Club in Indiana. That ’ s the course that launched John Daly ’ s career as well Not a bad start for your first full round.
The round had it ’ s ups and downs, as well as smiles and frowns. It even provided one of the more unique rules situations I’ve encountered. We were playing the beautiful par 3 17th hole which has water on the lef t lined with Pete D ye ’ s famous railroad ties. Rita’s tee shot started over the pond, and was cutting back towards the green. It looked like it might make it, until the ver y last second when it came up a little short. The ball ricochetted off a railroad tie, flew back across the pond, landed on the cart path, and bounced down the path right into a covered bridge The ball came to rest right in the midd le of the bridge. Rita got a big laugh out of that, but then wanted to know what the rule was?
Under Rule 17.1 Options for Ball in Penalt y Area, since the covered bridge is in a red penalt y area, the ball is deemed inside the penalt y area as well Rita has two options, 1) play the ball as it lies without penalt y, or 2) or
with a one stroke penalt y play a ball from outside the penalt y area by taking penalt y relief under stroke-anddistance, or back-on-the-line. Rita, never one to back down from a challenge, went with option one, and decided to play a driver off the plank (she had to keep it low to escape the covered bridge.) It was a noble attempt, but it didn’t go so well the first, second or third time. We all got a good laugh from it, and a big smile from Rita.
Once we got back home, Rita wanted to show our Golf S hop intern Kate how well she is driving. S o, Kate took her out for a few holes Rita can be quite convincing when she wants to be. S he convinced Kate that driving not only inc luded her tee shots, but also taking the golf cart for a spin.
I am not sure what ’ s scarier, hearing that Kate trusted your 6-year-old enough to actually let her drive a golf cart right into a curb Or now having a 16-year-old taking your car onto Route 422 and hitting ever y possible pothole. And then having both of them smiling ear to ear as they tell you their version of the stor y “Here’s the stor y Dad.”
Probably the scariest part to me is how fast it all goes I can’t slow any of it down, but I’m making sure to enjoy the ride.
Brian Moose Director of Instruction moose.brian@gmail.com
JUNIOR HALLOWEEN CLINIC
Tuesday, october 28th from 5:15 to 6:30 pm the Golf Academy will see the return of The halloween Junior Golf Clinic! This will not be your typical golf clinic at the academy. first, all participants are encourage to wear their halloween costume for the clinic Second, we will be playing fun games during the clinic ranging from putting to full swing. Third, there is no charge for the clinic, but in order to participate each junior will be asked to bring a bag of canned goods to donate to a local food bank in Royersford, PA. The halloween Clinic will be limited to the first 12 participants aged 7-12.
C L U B H O U R S O F O P E R A T I O N
Each of our amenities has varying hours which are subject to change seasonally. The hours below offer a general guide. Please visit our website, or check the inside cover of our monthly newsletter, The Preserve, for the current hours of operation
G o l f C o u R S E
open daily March through november until dusk
Refer to the Club's website for first starting times, frost delays or superintendent notifications Course closed on Tuesdays, including practice facilities
Temporary greens December through mid-March.
D R I V I n G R A n G E
open a half hour before first starting time
Mondays - closes 90 minutes early for maintenance
March – weather permitting (check website)
April, May & September – closes at 7:00pm
June, July & August - closes at 8:00pm
october - closes at 6:00pm
november - closes at 4:30pm
January, february & December - closed
G o l f S h o P
open daily 15 minutes before first starting time.
Tuesdays - closed
January - closed
february, March, november & December – closes at 5:00pm
April, May, September & october – closes at 6:00pm
June, July & August - closes at 6:30pm
C l u B h o u S E R E S TA u R A n T
Wednesday through Sunday - open for lunch at 11:00am & dinner starting at 5:00pm no food service after 9pm on Wednesday thru Sunday. kitchen closed daily between 4:30pm - 5:00pm.
f I R E S I D E l o u n G E
April through December
opens Wednesday through Sundays at 4pm
Closed when firepit Patio bar is open
January through March
Closed on Sundays
f I T n E S S C E n T E R
April thru october - 6:30am to 6:00pm on Monday / 6:30am to 9:00pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Tuesdays - closed november thru March - 8:00am - 5:00pm on Monday / 8:00am - 9:00pm Wednesday through Sunday.
