La Vie - January & February 2022

La Vie

January & February 2022

Kick Off The New Year In A Royal Way...At The Club!

A Message from the President Dear Members, What a year we had! Looking back on 2021, I am extremely thankful to have had the chance to serve as your President This opportunity definitely had its challenges as we navigated through our very first assessment, but it allowed me to learn so much about our diverse Membership here at Royal Oaks. Thank you for trusting me and allowing not only myself but our 2021 Board of Directors the chance to represent the Club.

In 2021 we achieved so many accomplishments that have propelled our Club towards the future: •

• • • • • • • •

We were able to stabilize our Membership despite losing Members in the Spring. While we’ve grown in most of our membership categories, it has been exciting to watch the Young Professional category take off ! Previous Boards and Committees have made a priority and it’s great to see the fruits of our labor pay off. Our Membership department has done a great job welcoming so many new families into the Royal Oaks family that are excited about starting their legacy. Our Membership is the soul of this Club and seeing so many new faces join brings me great excitement at where our Club is headed.

We finished our Bunker Renovation project that brought a new look to our amazing golf course! We also replaced several ball washer’s, as well as tee boxes to help improve our Members experience on the course.

Our Golf Course Maintenance team also made strides in re-grading areas around the course where silt had built up over the years preventing proper drainage, this will better assist with proper drainage to keep the course in the best shape possible throughout the year.

Within the Clubhouse we have also started working on improving various features that are sure to be noticed, such as the drapes. This has made a huge impact to the overall look and feel within the Main Clubhouse.

The foundation repair at the Palm Grille is also well underway and should be completed in the next few weeks!

Once the foundation repairs are completed, we will be able to repair the cracks and settling that have appeared on the interior of the building.

As anticipated, the Charter Debt reduction plan will improve the financial stability of the Club in the future. By the end of November 2022, we anticipate having repaid almost $1.4 Million and will have less than $500,000 remaining.

The Club built a great seating area that opened in early 2021 near the first tee that included two fire pits and this turned out to be a great gathering spot for the Members.

The Club has also started progressing towards better financial stability in 2021. With the assessment that went out at the beginning of the year, this has allowed our Club a better opportunity at becoming financially stable so that we can continue to improve areas of the Club to better enhance the overall Membership experience for all Members.

Our New Year’s Eve Gala was a huge hit! All the Members who attended celebrated the evening dancing and toasting the night away.

While we had so many great things happen in 2021, I am even more excited to watch the new Board continue to shape the Club and improve on all our experiences and future accomplishments. Thank you again for the chance to serve our Membership as a Board Member and President, I’m excited for the New Year and to continue to watch this Club grow to its full potential. When everyone keeps the best interest of the club in mind, we will continue to be a great club.

Dave McMahon Royal Oaks Country Club Past President

As we slide into the New Year and look forward to the many activities the Ladies Association has planned for the upcoming year, we can’t help but reflect with thankfulness for all the gatherings we were able to once again enjoy in 2021.

Our regular activities include monthly themed Happy Hours, Lunch Bunch, Casual Bridge, Mexican Train Dominoes, and Mah Jong. All groups are currently meeting in the Ladies Locker Room. As well as all of these regularly scheduled events, the ROCCLA also organizes field trips, like one recent Brookwood trip, historic tours, museum tours, movie night, safety class, gfit wrapping, flower arranging, etc. Bingo Night and alternating Bunko Night which are sometimes just the ladies and occasionally couples events. A couples Bingo night is scheduled for February 14th.

The Annual ROCCLA Member Luncheon and Meeting was a big success. It was so enjoyable for the 115 ladies in attendance to gather in a larger group again. The member vendor showcase was a particular highlight with 12 members not only showcasing their businesses but raffling off gifts at the end of the luncheon.

ROCCLA completed the calendar year of Happy Hours with a Very Merry Happy Hour. Ladies were asked to wear a festive holiday sweater, whether elegant or tacky.

A Couples Bunko Night on December 14th, The specialty menu and beverages made for a nice date night. Do you have to come as a couple? Of course not. Ladies are always welcome to come by themselves or with a friend if they choose.

The ROCCLA sponsored a Christmas Village Open House at Rich and Diane Sperandio’s on December 9th. The Sperandio’s have been collecting and adding to their Dept 56 Christmas Village houses for the past 45 years. Rich designed a new table layout last Christmas, their first at Royal Oaks, to fit in their new home. Diane painted the road layout for the finishing touches. ROCCLA’s elves not only dressed the part but baked goodies for the guests. The day was a success with 83 people stopping by, including Santa, Mrs. Claus and two of his elves. All of the guests were asked to help spread artificial snow on the village to help create a winter wonderland.

A Day at Brookwood on Tuesday, November 30th was a welcomed annual event. Fifteen of our ladies carpooled to the Brookwood Community where they enjoyed a day of shopping, and most were available to stay for lunch.

The Royal Bookies finished reading and discussing Pulitzer Prize winning author David McCullough’s historical book about the Northwest settlers, “The Pioneers”. Book Club meets in the Ladies Locker Room on the last Wednesday of the month at 4pm, just prior to our Happy Hour. It’s always a well-attended gathering where drop ins are always welcomed. The group is taking a short break for the Holidays and will resume in January reading “West With Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge. February will find them reading “Sweet Taste of Liberty” by W. Calem McDaniel.

Forty-three attended the November 17th Fall Fest Happy Hour. It was a bit earlier this month to not interfere with Thanksgiving plans. As with all Happy Hours, member sign beverages or specialty cocktail is available along with complimentary Hors d’oeuvres.

The November 15th Lunch Bunch gathering was at Korean Noodle House on Long Point. The food was tasty and the company terrific. The December 20th Lunch Bunch went to Chama Gaucha’s for Brazilian food.

Connie Smith continues to keep the Mah Jong group active in the Ladies locker room on Thursdays at 1pm.

Although Connie, after many years, will be passing the torch on to Kindel Burton. The new players have learned more about this challenging game by playing with the more experienced players over the past several months. Watch for more opportunities to learn how to play. There’s currently a plan to offer another lessons session in January once it can be confirmed with the instructor.

Plans are already underway for the upcoming year, beginning with a Jan 21st Museum of Fine Arts trip for a private tour of the “Incomparable Impressionism” Exhibit and lunch at Cleburne Cafeteria. Roundtrip bus transportation from the club for this one.

To keep up with our regularly scheduled and added activities, be sure to check out our events on the Club Calendar, the ROCCLA tab on the club app and follow us on Next Door.

CLUB CONTACTS General Questions/Club Reservations: Concierge 281-899-3200 | concierge@royaloakscc.com

Membership:

Membership Director - Meghan Smith 281-899-3207 | msmith@royaloakscc.com Membership Assistant - Lizz Barber 281-272-6665 | lbarber@royaloakscc.com Member Statement/Accounts Receivable 281-899-3253 | ar@royaloakscc.com

Dining:

Clubhouse Manager - Gregory Constantinou gconstantinou@royaloakscc.com Pick-Up/To-Go Orders The Bistro: 281-899-3230 The Turn: 281-899-3227

Events:

Catering & Events Director - Allyson Brown 281-899-3293 | abrown@royaloakscc.com Catering Coordinator - Lauren Davis 281-899-3290 | ldavis@royaloakscc.com

Welcome New Members November & December Daryl & Dana Kenningham Ryan & Kim Kreuger Juan Pablo Orantes & Mara Rincon Marlene Bratten Richard & Carol Ogle Garima Swami & Shashank Ramanan Jessica Vu Kish Israni & Natalie Cummings David & Michelle Mabee Kenneth & Rosie Neupert Brian & Sandy Nielson Mike & Tami Gust Geoffrey & Lauren Harrison Jason & Malissa LaGrega Kieran & Leanne O’Brien Marc & Whitney Lawson

Sports Club:

Front Desk 281-899-3250 | sportsclub@royaloakscc.com Fitness Director - Pam Owens 281-899-3236 | powens@royaloakscc.com Tennis Director - Peter Farrell 281-899-3219 | pfarrell@royaloakscc.com

Golf:

Golf Shop 281-899-3270 Head Golf Professional - James Brown 281-899-3205 | jbrown@royaloakscc.com Director of Instruction - Derek Hooper 281-899-3217 | dhooper@royaloakscc.com

www.royaloakscc.com

A MESSAGE FROM MEMBERSHIP Dearest Members, Happy New Year!!!

I can guarantee that if you have a goal, or an interest, in any of our active lifestyle offerings, we have the And what a year we have in store… I am just so team to get you where you want to be. If you are just excited about the positive energy around the club and looking to socialize, we can get you connected there look forward to growing your connections, and game, too. We have plenty for you to brag to your friends in 2022. about, you just have to get involved to find out. Let us show you all your membership has to offer.

This year our focus is Member Engagement. I know you have heard me speak of this a million times I look forward to continuing to support you in growing but just like “we are only as good as what we are the membership. I promise to do all I can to ensure communicated,” what you get out of the club is what your friends and family are well informed and feel you put in. welcome. I hope you connect me with them. If each member referred just one friend, then they refer one of A Few ways you can make the most of your membership their friends, think where we can go! this year: Cheers to a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

• Do you have your app downloaded and your login credentials to be able to check out the CLUB HAPPENINGS PAGE? If not, let us help you get set up so you don’t miss out.

• Are you getting the weekly emails? Dining Specials on Monday and Club Happening Updates on Tuesdays. If for some reason you aren’t, let us make sure you do.

• Please take the time to update your member profile and pictures. This is not only beneficial for your fellow members in addressing you, but it also helps the staff be the best at their roles.

• Attend events, host your next celebration, or bring your friends out for a meal; it’s a great way to Membership Director - Meghan Smith showcase the benefits to membership of all levels. msmith@royaloakscc.com • Stop by the Fitness Center and ask about tailoring a fitness program that meets your needs and personality with one of our great personal trainers.

• Have you wanted to take up tennis, pickleball or golf ? Meet with one of our pros to get you on the right track. They are the best in the business and work with all levels.

• Lastly, and most importantly, get to know your operations team members personally! We are all here to provide the best service we can and there is no more effective way to make the most of your membership than communicating directly with your service teams.

NEW YEAR = NEW OPPORTUNITIES! Starting a New Year means that there are so many opportunities to hit your goals! Whether you are looking to hit fitness goals, make new friendships, or be more present! The New Year is a fresh start!

My New Year’s Resolution is to be more present and intentional with my time! I want to take the time to capture memories that I will cherish forever and ensure I don’t miss a single moment!

We always invite our Members to share their special moments with us as well, so that we can all celebrate along with you! So take photos here at the Club or with your family and share them with us, we’d love to cheer alongside you!

Communications Manager - Hannah Vines hvines@royaloakscc.com

No matter what your goal in the New Year is, our Club is full of staff members well equipped to help you achieve it! Stop by and learn about all the new opportunities the Club has to offer!

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MOMENTS WITH US! Share life’s special moments with us!

Whether celebrating here at the Club or from afar, we want to celebrate with you! @RoyalOaksHTX

KITCHEN NEWS

Happy New Year!

2022 will be full of excitement in the kitchen! Following a period of learning and observation, the team is coming in with a new menu and a high spirit. Lots of changes are happening behind the wall of the dining rooms. We all want to make this year the best yet.

Since I dropped my knives in the kitchen a few weeks ago, I witnessed a strong desire to serve and a thirst for excellence and knowledge from chefs and cooks alike. The direction we are taking is vertical; we want to improve and enhance your food and service experience. This might come with some missteps and I hope that you will forgive us, but I will welcome all your feedback and improve our work every day.

Concretely, in January the new Bistro menu will be up and running, offering healthier options, new items, and the Club’s classics. We have new kitchen equipment coming in to bring more consistency to your plates. It will then be time to review our banquet offerings and get ready for Valentine’s day.

I personally want to thank every member that I have met or that has contacted me by email. I appreciate your warm welcome and will work hard with our suppliers and all our staff to make you love YOUR club even more.

On behalf of the kitchen team, thank you for your trust and support.

Executive Chef - Olivier Burgos oburgos@royaloakscc.com

BUILDING LONGEVITY

Focus on these 3 areas: strength, cardiovascular fitness and muscle mass. Build overall strength of joints and You can’t say I want to live long and healthy then movement capacity, add or maintain muscle mass not work to get and stay healthy. Your daily habits and increase cardio-vascular fitness as well as reduce no matter how small yield compounding “results” over risk from smoking, alcohol consumption, weight gain time. The thing is these compounding results can from over consumption, sarcopenia, weight gain and either increase or possibly decrease your health and inflammation. effect mortality rate. Doing nothing for as little as 3 weeks can result in loss of muscle that may have taken The Sports Club has many offerings for members that months to add. Yet gaining more strength from a low build health span and lifespan. We are Just launching level to a moderate level of strength can give you a 3 free CARDIO COMBOS workout program cards to use at the Sports Club. Our trainers have written times reduction in all-cause mortality. cardio programs for a wide variety of intensity levels No drug can come anywhere close to the same and workout lengths. Just check out the laminated mortality reduction benefits as exercise. “Exercise CARIO COMBOS cards for your use. See a trainer is the single most longevity drug we have” says Dr. or desk staff for assistance on using these workouts.

Peter Attia, longevity doctor. Get on the path with Mark your calendar for KNOW YOUR NUMBERS small daily habits where you focus on strength and on Saturday, January 29, our annual “health fair” to cardiovascular health. Think of adding more cardio meet staff and plot out your plan to improve your and more strength work so you actually see and numbers that impact lifespan and health span! experience measurable results. It’s not about punishing yourself by working to some imposed breaking point but instead do enough to expand or improve what you currently can do.

Focus on making 1% gains. If you don’t work out at all, then do a minimal workout for 5 minutes. By doing a shorter workout you are carving out the space for it and building the habit of working out. Building a workout habit builds a healthy person identity.

Now, identify with those who work out and consider yourself someone who pursues health.

What we’re really talking about is extending your health span not just lifespan. Health span refers to maximizing the quality of life throughout your lifespan by reducing disease risk. Exercise is the lowest hanging fruit to manage and reverse disease risks such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

Fitness Director - Pam Owens powens@royaloakscc.com

FITNESS FEATURES...

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Hiroshi reached out to Curtis Long, our evening trainer, when he learned of the ROCC the TRI event. He needed a custom training program in preparation for the Ironman in Cozumel. The customized program helped Hiroshi surpass his race objectives.

“Using Curtis’ training program allowed me to focus on only the workouts.The training program gave me confidence, knowing I was doing the correct workouts for my Ironman race. Curtis also gave me valuable tips and race strategy which allowed me to achieve/ finish my fastest Ironman so far.“ Curtis said, “It was a joy coaching him and I look forward to helping him train for future events!”

SOCIAL LIFE IN 2022 Happy New Year Members!

I want to thank all of you for your continued support throughout 2021. I know the event world was a bit of a rollercoaster, and I appreciate you all joining us for the ride!

I am grateful that we were able to create memories for you and your families, and share in these fun times with you!

It is so rewarding to see our planning and visions come to life, and to watch you enjoy these special moments. We are looking forward to another fun year!

As the social world continues to ebb and flow, I want to remind everyone the importance of early reservations and event bookings. We will always do our best to accommodate last minute requests, and we can provide a much better experience with proper planning and advanced notice.

Over the next couple of months we have some of our favorite events planned for you! Our annual Chinese New Year celebration will be on January 27th, and Chef Olivier and his team have a wonderful menu planned for this night.

We will also have the fabulous lion dancers perform two different shows during dinner! If you haven’t come to our Super Bowl Party before, be sure to mark your calendars for February 13th, because it is a SUPER fun event and something unique that the Club does every year. Enjoy the game on big screens outside, play in our beer pong tournament, and bring cash to purchase squares at the event!

Another popular event is our Sweetheart Dinner, which will be on Saturday, February 12th this year. Spend the evening with your sweetie and dance the night away to our live band or bring your girlfriends for a “galentine’s” night! There will be some other fun events early in the month to celebrate Valentine’s Day as well, so be sure to check out the calendar and your email for flyers!

I look forward to serving you all and helping create new memories in 2022!

www.royaloakscc.com

Catering & Events Director - Allyson Brown abrown@royaloakscc.com

UPCOMING EVENTS...

Check the online calendar for the most up to date info!

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT Friday, January 21

CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER Thursday, January 27

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS DAY Saturday, January 29

KENDRA SCOTT POP-UP Tuesday, February 8

VALENTINE’S PICKLEBALL SOCIAL Friday, February 11

SWEETHEART DINNER Saturday, February 12

SUPER BOWL WATCH PARTY Sunday, February 13

SCENE AROUND THE CLUB Our Members enjoying the many Club amentities!

@RoyalOaksHTX

www.royaloakscc.com

PLAY YOUR BEST GOLF IN 2022 Information on how to drive the ball further, make more putts, hit more consistent shots, and shoot lower scores is everywhere. Whether you find this information in your monthly golf magazine of choice, through online videos, or watching The Golf Channel, there is plenty of information and the majority of it is pretty good. Yet none of the best players in the world reached the Tour by implementing tips from any of these sources. So why would that be the best way for you to improve your own game?

START THE NEW GOLF YEAR WITH AN ON-COURSE ASSESSMENT! Shooting lower scores on the golf course is about more than a repeatable swing and predictable ball flight. You must be able to chip, pitch, putt, play from bunkers, play shots from various stances and lies, choose appropriate targets and manage your emotions, just to touch on a few.

If you need to do all these things well to shoot a lower The players on the PGA Tours have a regular Coach score, then is a full swing lesson on the range really who works with them to assess their individual going to help you accomplish that goal? strengths and opportunities for improvement, and together they map out a clear plan to reach the Why not start your year with an on course assessment? player’s goals. If this is the pathway the best players Play 9 holes with a Coach who can observe all the areas use, then shouldn’t you use that same pathway? of your game and then work with you on designing a plan that matches your goals and the time you have At the beginning of a new year, I encourage my players available. This is the only real way to discover the to look back over the previous year. To consider what one or two key skills, that if improved, will yield the they did well, what could they have done better, did they biggest results for your game. achieve their goals and what goals will we set for the upcoming year. From there we discuss what skills need Reach out to one of our Professional Staff to book to be improved to accomplish those set goals, and then we your on course assessment and give yourself the best build a plan to ensure the identified skills are improved. opportunity to make 2022 the year you play your best golf.

The depth of this plan will vary depending on the player. A junior golfer who wants to play in college will have a different plan to an ex-college player who is wanting to go to Q School, which will be different from a Club golfer who wants to break 90 for the first time. The plan is designed to fit the player, their time commitment, and skill level.

As we start this new year, consider what you envision for your golf game this year. Will you settle for another year of mediocrity and frustration, or will you do something about your golf game and commit to what is required to play your best golf ever in 2022?

Director of Instruction - Derek Hooper dhooper@royaloakscc.com

www.royaloakscc.com

NEW YEAR, MORE GOLF It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone…and, we are so glad to see that the golf activity around the Club remains very active. A very warm and sincere Thank You, goes out to you, the Members, for supporting the events that we have been able to conduct in 2021. We have endured through many weather disruptions and course projects, but we were able to get in all of our events in a shortened calendar.

Derek and Robert have scheduled another instructional semester Operation 36 that is sure to prepare those golfers wanting to take up the game of golf from the ground up and help you become comfortable with the golf operation all the way to those golfers wanting to take your game to the next level.

Also, do not let your golf game go into hibernation during the cooler months, keep your game in top shape.

The bunker project is complete, the bunkers look Contact the Instructional Staff to help you improve great and continue to get better all the time. If you’ve your golf games, find more fairways, hit more greens, had an opportunity to play, hopefully, you’ve noticed and make more putts…book your lesson today. a dramatic improvement aesthetically to the course and notice a slightly different method of having them Please remember to visit the website for the upcoming prepped daily with smooth sides and the middle of the events around the Club and upcoming MGA and WGA bunkers raked. tournaments.

I hope you and your families remain safe and have enjoyed a Joyous and Blessed Holiday Season. The WGA has their Annual Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 12th following the 9-hole Scramble and, the MGA will kick off its season on Saturday, January 15th with the One-Man Scramble. Both the WGA and MGA have a full schedule of events planned for 2022, so be on the lookout for plenty of tournaments and socials throughout the year.

We are glad to see several Members utilizing the Golf Genius app for information and live scoring. We plan to continue to utilize the Live Scoring feature for those participating in the event as well as providing information to those not playing, so they can follow the action.

It will not be long until Spring is here, and we will all be ready to take advantage of warmer weather on course. We anticipate the shipping of the product to continue to improve and we hope to have more fitting days from our vendors coming soon.

Head Golf Professional - James D. Brown jbrown@royaloakscc.com

WHAT’S UP IN TENNIS?

WARMER WINTER WEATHER Although winter has officially begun, we are experiencing a never-ending fall season it seems. At the time of writing, we still have not experienced our first frost of the season and have actually enjoyed multiple days in a row of temperatures in the 80’s. The warmer temperatures during the month of December have allowed us to continue to grow grass and maintain much of the color around the course. Warm temperatures this time of year do bring along a series of adjustments in maintenance practices that we are not typically used to.

We have a busy few months planned ahead and are really enjoying the current weather conditions. The reduced regular maintenance routine allows us to adjust our focus into these areas that will ultimately improve the course condition in the long term. Let’s just hope that we do not have to deal with another winter freeze.

On behalf of the Royal Oaks Maintenance Team, we hope that you had a terrific holiday and we look forward to seeing you out on the course in 2022!

Unlike last December when we received nearly 7.5 inches of rain, this December has been considerably drier. The drier and warm conditions have allowed us to get an early start on some of our project list that we will be focusing on this winter. During the coming months, we will be again focusing on problematic collar dams around greens and overly wet drainage basins. Both of these projects will improve overall course conditions but in the short term will require large areas of sod work to be completed in fairways and near greens. Please be patient with our staff as we work to improve the course this winter.

Golf Course Superintendent - Cody Alexander calexander@royaloakscc.com

www.royaloakscc.com

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE Check the online calendar for the most up to date events!

Mission Statement

Royal Oaks Country Club provides an environment of enjoyment to all members and their families by offering exceptional golf, fitness, recreational sports, social and dining experiences.

Vision Statement

To be recognized as the private club of choice for Houston families by offering a convenient and relaxed lifestyle with superior amenities and facilities.

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Values

Members Members are our most important asset Membership is a privilege through a thoughtful selection process Amenities First class golf and recreational sports experience Remarkable social experiences promoted by members Employees Attract staff who are high performers and outstanding in their field Uphold fiscal responsibility through effective Club governance Community Promote fellowship in a welcoming social environment Adhere to the Golden Rule...treat others as you want to be treated

@RoyalOaksHTX