S ACountry H A Club LEE
TOM TOM
December 2023
Holiday Hours December 24th - Christmas Eve Golf Shop 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Range will close at 2:00 PM All carts riding and electric must be returned at 3:00 PM. Members may walk and carry until dusk. Dining Room 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM December 25th - Christmas Day Golf Shop, Golf Course, & Clubhouse are Closed. December 31st - New Year’s Eve Golf Shop 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Dining Room 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM New Year’s Eve Party 7:00 PM (Reservations Required) January 1 - New Year’s Day Golf Course 8:00 AM Golf Shop & Practice Tee 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Golfer’s Grill with special holiday drinks 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Clubhouse Closure The Clubhouse will be closed from Janaury 2nd - 17th for spring cleaning.
January 18th January 21st January 24th January 28th February 2nd February 8th February 11th February 14th February 16th February 21st February 25th
LEADERSHIP TEAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LESLIE LUDLOW GENERAL MANAGER/COO LESLIE@SAHALEE.COM
SCOTT HEYDON - PRESIDENT
BRYAN NICHOLSON DIRECTOR OF GOLF BRYAN@SAHALEE.COM
TYLER DION - VICE PRESIDENT MARYLE TRACY - SECRETARY TOM DIMECO - TREASURER MIKE DENTON BILL BONNELL NORMAN CHEUK KIM SHEK PETER ZOBRIST
COMMITTEE CHAIRS BRIAN SELBY - GOLF WHITNEY FRYKMAN - GREENS BRETT VANDENBERG - FINANCE MARCIA MARTIN - HOUSE JAY KIRSCHENMAN - MEMBERSHIP JEANNE LINK - RULES AND HANDICAP BEAU CLINE - JUNIOR GOLF
CHARLIE SCHAUWECKER AGRONOMY DIRECTOR CHARLIE@SAHALEE.COM SIEMON SLAGTER FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR SIEMON@SAHALEE.COM DEANN ANDERSON DIRECTOR MEMBERSHIP DEANN@SAHALEE.COM CALEB KRAUS HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL CALEB@SAHALEE.COM ADRIAN SIBUG CULINARY DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE CHEF ADRIAN@SAHALEE.COM DEVIN OSSINGER INTERIM FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR DEVINO@SAHALEE.COM SARAH FRANTZ DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS SARAH@SAHALEE.COM
TYLER DION - CHAMPIONSHIP DAVID LAROCQUE - LONG RANGE PLANNING JULIANNA KIRSCHENMAN - SOCIAL MARCIA MCAFEE - WOMEN'S DIVISION
VINCENT CUCINELLI DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES VINNY@SAHALEE.COM LAURIE COLEMAN ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR LAURIE@SAHALEE.COM
President's Message from Scott November brought two major events to the calendar: Sahalee’s Annual Meeting (Annual Meeting Presentation) was held on November 14th. I’d like to thank the nearly 100 members who attended in person and virtually. The Board also announced a Special Meeting on December 14th to vote on two recommended Bylaw changes (Associate Membership clarifications and a new Young Professional membership category to replace the current Junior Executive Membership). Both changes have passed at 91% and 89% respectively. At the Annual Meeting, the Board reviewed the wide variety of facility and operational improvements enacted in 2023. Here are what I consider the key highlights: Held four Member “forums” to share Board thinking and get feedback (Membership, Jr. Executives, Seniors, and an updated Capital Plan). Development of a Strategic framework with four cornerstones: Championship Golf, Financially Stronger, Robust Membership, and Member Engagement Membership changes have gained considerable traction and seemed to have reduced departures while also attracting new Members. Hosted nearly twice the number of social events and added 8 more Member golf events. Continued improvements to club facilities and fixtures that elevate Sahalee’s brand and make the club more attractive to current Members and guests as well as prospective Members. Developed a long-term Capital Plan that fully funds the Golf Course Master Plan and puts the Club in a position to pay off our debt in 2031. But any recount of past performance wouldn’t be complete without acknowledgment of our opportunities. As discussed at the Annual Meeting, Sahalee still recognizes the need to improve our Food & Beverage quality, delivery, and service. The candidates provided for the Director of Food & Beverage Operations have not come fast enough (in season) or been the caliber we were hoping for. While interviews are continuing, as a part of a multifaceted strategy Leslie has brought in an industry consultant to help us re-set high standards of operations while we finalize a permanent candidate. Additionally, with the delayed start to selling our new membership categories, we have been behind all year on our membership goals and dues revenue. This directly impacted the operating budget. The current projection is we will miss our 2023 operating budget by about 2%. Unfortunately, this year’s operating loss follows a pattern over the last several years. As I commented at the Annual Meeting, that this trend is not sustainable and must be corrected. The BOD and Executive Team have worked hard to manage expenses and eliminate costs where it doesn’t impact member experiences in a substantial way. But with a primary miss on Dues (which flow through 100% to the bottom line), it’s challenging to fully recover through cost savings alone. The Finance Committee and Board will be meeting this month to determine how to best handle this situation as well as approve a 2024 Operating and Capital Budget.
Past Business The Board approved several Committee Recommendations at our November Board Meeting: Proposal from the Golf Committee for the 2024 Golf Calendar Proposal from the Greens Committee to spend $17k in capital to replace our dated and damaged yardage markers before the 2024 KPMG Championship. This will include special markers that denote amazing shots by our Major Champions (Vijay and Brooke). Recommendation from the House and Championship Committees to order a Women’s PGA Championship replica trophy. This will complete our collection of each major championship the club has hosted. The trophies are planned to be on display prior to the 2024 championship. New Business As my three-year Board term comes to an end, I’ve had several members ask me if I’m looking forward to my term ending. The reality: it’s bittersweet. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many new people while having robust conversations about the Club. With each conversation, it’s very clear to me how passionate we all are about Sahalee. We all want it to be the very best club for ourselves and future generations. My goal when starting this role was to leave Sahalee a little bit better off than when we started. Achieving new membership categories, hiring a fantastic GM/COO in Leslie Ludlow, improving the governance, and developing a detailed and well-funded longterm capital plan leave me feeling good about the last two years and all the Boards have accomplished. Over that time, I’ve come to learn a few things as I’ve gotten to know Sahalee and our strategic position a little bit better: 1. There is no doubt in my mind, the single most important measure is getting to the point of having a waitlist. Achieving that objective will enable Sahalee to unlock additional value levers. And we’re not that far off! Reduced attrition, increased membership sales, and a better member experience are proof. Additionally, the Board has discussed various strategies that could get us there soon. 2. It never ceases to amaze me how all of us use the club in so many ways. This means we all value various aspects differently. As you provide and listen to feedback, please keep this in mind. There will never be a onesize-fits-all solution for any Club challenge. 3. We have a fantastic group of Sahalee Staff members and an amazing executive team of true professionals in Leslie, Bryan, and Charlie. Our executives are each working incredibly hard to improve our Sahalee experience and club stature for you. I can’t begin to tell you how much is on their plates given the relatively flat hierarchy the Club has. 4. Over the last two years, the Board has explicitly moved to focus more and more on long-term strategic issues, leaving detailed operations to our incredible team. As members, we all have our areas of specialty and expertise. But none of us really knows the country club industry the way our executive team does. Let’s all trust their knowledge and abilities. 5. Lastly, it does take a village. None of the progress and improvements we’ve made would be possible without massive efforts from Committee members, Chairs, and Board members. I am so thankful for such an amazing group of Members who have contributed so much to improve our Club. With our six remaining Board members and three new ones Ben, Brett, and Collin, I am confident in our continued progress. Sahalee’s long-term future is in great hands under our President-elect Norman Cheuk’s leadership. Finally, with the holidays fast approaching, I’d like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season, filled with friends and family. Here’s to a happy, joyous holiday and a wonderful New Year! Sincerely, Scott Heydon Sahalee Club President
The Sahalee family warmly welcomes our DiningMembers!
THE BYRNE FAMILY DINING MEMBERS
CLARE HULEEN DINING MEMBER
AKELLA/BAKER FAMILY SOCIAL FAMILY
Monthly Message from Leslie Ludlow, GM/COO Dear Sahalee Club Family, As we bid adieu to an extraordinary year at Sahalee Country Club, it is with utmost pride and appreciation that we reflect on the milestones and achievements across our golf operations, course conditions, membership expansion, and the collective prowess of our exceptional team. 2023 has been a testament to our commitment to excellence, setting new standards and embracing growth in every facet of the High Heavenly Ground. Our golf operations have not just met but surpassed expectations, standing tall as the “Gold Standard” according to members and guests alike in tournament organization and execution. From flawlessly orchestrated club championships to hosting prestigious outside tournaments for MLB, American Cancer Society, KPMG and more, our team's dedication and meticulous planning have solidified our position as the pinnacle of golfing excellence. The resounding success of each event speaks volumes about our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences for our members and guests. In addition to tournaments, the expansion of outside services including our caddie and VIP programs were extraordinarily well received by those utilizing the offerings. The Pro Shop also received National recognition being voted by the Association of Golf Merchandisers as a Platinum Golf Shop this month. This award of being a Top 100 Golf Shop in the world, is the first for the state of Washington. Based on the overwhelming majority of the feedback we have received, Bryan, Caleb and the rest of the team truly elevated the golf experience in a tangible way this year. Meticulously manicured fairways, immaculate greens, and the overall pristine state of our course have been the hallmark of our commitment to excellence. The tireless efforts of our Agronomy team have ensured that every round of golf played on our grounds is an experience to cherish. The accolades and commendations received for the course conditions affirm our unwavering dedication to maintaining a world-class golfing facility. I have heard member after member express 2023 being the best conditions they have experienced in a decade. Aside from incredible conditions, the morale within this department couldn’t be better which is reflected in an over 90% retention rate year over year of the team! It is no wonder Charlie was voted Leader of the Year by the staff & leadership team. In 2023, we proudly opened new membership categories, welcoming a diverse array of individuals who share our passion for golf and community. This expansion has not only enriched our club's fabric but has also amplified the sense of camaraderie and inclusivity among our esteemed members. Your continuous support and enthusiasm have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant and thriving community at our club. Thanks to the very proactive outreach approach by Deann this year, she was able to add over 100 new families to Sahalee. The prospects for 2024 are certainly bright with over a dozen Preview Members already enjoying the Club and Deann having a full year under her now! While celebrating our triumphs, we acknowledge the potential for growth in our Food & Beverage Department. We've embraced successes and learned from challenges, and in 2024, we're poised to enhance and elevate the culinary experience at Sahalee. Through innovative menus, elevated dining experiences, and attentive service, we aim to create offerings that meet and exceed the expectations we all have for our food & beverage programming. As we close out the year, there are already several initiatives in place, with more to come during our annual January closure.
As we venture into 2024, our focus remains steadfast on growth, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We recognize the challenges ahead and are committed to addressing them with determination and resilience. With your unwavering support and the dedication of our exceptional team, we are poised to make 2024 a year marked by unprecedented accomplishments and continued success. Anticipation and excitement reverberate through our club as we eagerly prepare to host the esteemed KPMG Tournament in 2024. This prestigious event not only showcases our capability to organize world-class tournaments but also underscores our club's prominence on the global golfing stage. We're honored and thrilled to welcome participants and spectators to the High Heavenly Ground for this momentous occasion. In closing, I extend heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being an integral part of our club's incredible journey. Your enthusiasm, support, and participation are the driving forces behind our growth in 2023 and is what will propel all of us forward in the year ahead. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with cherished moments both on and off the course. Cheers,
Leslie
Congrtulations Kim & Kim!
Last week, the women’s competition in the PGA National Club Championship took place in Scottsdale, Arizona. Playing at both Troon North and the Westin Kierland Golf Clubs, the competition included the Club Champions from facilities with a PGA Professional from across the country. Our Women’s Club Champion, Kim Santiago, took on the field in one of her few competitive tournaments since her collegiate career at USC. Santiago fired a three day total of 226 (75-75-76) to secure 3rd place overall in the Championship! In the Senior Women’s Competition, Kim Shek battled back and forth for sole possession of the lead against KimKeyer Scott from Shadow Wood CC in Bonita Springs, FL. Shek was tied for the lead throughout much of the final round, until a late bogey on the 17th hole pushed her one shot behind Scott. Shek’s birdie chip on the 54th hole came up one revolution from dropping, and settled for an incredible second place finish after firing a 225 (72-75-78) in the Championship. Both Kim Santiago and Kim Shek earned an exemption from the PGA into the 2024 competition to be hosted at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, GA after their fine finishes. Congratulations to both Kim’s for their fabulous play and representing Sahalee so well during the championship!
Membership Director Deann Merry and Bright! These words come to mind when I look back at 2023 for Membership at the Club. We all know that no year comes without challenges, but we also know that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning. We have faced hurdles, certainly, but we've also had triumphant victories that made all the hard work worth it. 2023 was such a year; a year filled with memorable moments, and I have no doubt that 2024 will be the same. A significant part of our success in 2023 is due to the outstanding commitment of our Membership Committee. Their efforts have been instrumental in attracting and welcoming new members to the Club. This year, we not only increased our numbers but also expanded our membership options. We've made a deliberate attempt to cater to various community segments, to accommodate different interests, and to foster a sense of inclusivity. All these strategic decisions have produced successful results. Our Member Referral Program has also seen a fantastic response. With over 30 member referrals, it's clear that our members see the value in growing the club with their friends, family, and colleagues. Every new member truly contributes to the Club's unique charm, and I have been delighted to get to know them and welcome them into our community. As we look forward to 2024, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all members for making 2023 a memorable year. Your referrals, ideas, feedback, and most importantly, your support, have been invaluable. May 2024 bring you joy, peace, and prosperity, and may our Club continue to serve as a conduit for these blessings. Here's to another year of great memories, fantastic growth, and unshakeable camaraderie! Cheers,
Deann
PREVIEW
A “Fall in Love with Sahalee” PROPRIETARY MEMBERSHIP Sahalee Country Club organizes a full calendar of golf and social events. This may include tournaments, clinics, social gatherings, and educational programs aimed at improving golf skills or fostering social connections among members. Preview Members have access to Sahalee Country Club's nationally ranked 27-hole championship golf course. This allows them to enjoy regular rounds of golf and participate in tournaments or competitions. Preview Membership includes access for children up to the age of 18, allowing families to enjoy the club's amenities together. Preview Members have the option to add their spouse and children aged 18-25 for golf access, potentially for an additional fee. This allows the whole family to participate in golf activities and enjoy the course.
CLUB ACCESS INCLUDES: Unlimited access to our 27-Hole Championship Golf Course Complimentary usage of our Swing Studios Fitness Center Advanced Reservations to Social and Golf Events Unlimited Access to our practice facility Locker Room and Lounge Waived Private Room Rental Fees World Class Instruction Concierge Program for Booking Tee Times at Clubs across the Country Delicious Bites and Refreshing Beverages in our Runyan Dining Room /Acton Bar
THANK YOU! Thank you to our members that have already provided referrals, we look forward to celebrating you at our Gala in 2024! Andy Lindsey Scott McCammant Beau Cline Shawn Schoonover Bob Bailey Stephen Bean Bob& Mitzi Fritz Trevor Roberge Dave Caple Deok Choi Doug Wilson Dwayne and Dana McIntosh Daniel Waggoner Tom Baxter Eric Varness Dino Rossi Glenn Fourie Chris Falco Harry Shedd Colin Clark Shardul & Erin Kiri Kari Sokol Karishma Kiri (10) Mark Steen Mark Schoonover Bobby Adams Miles Otoupal Pat Bettin Morgan Bell Shuo Chen Nina Lindsey Gigi Mitchell Norman Cheuk Tom Baxter Peter Koong
We can't wait to add even more members to the guest list across the rest of 2023!
Letter From Bryan Nicholson, PGA Director of Golf From all the Sahalee Golf Professional team, we’d like to wish you and your family a very safe and joyous holiday season! What an incredible past 12 months we’ve enjoyed at Sahalee. 2023 has been a transformative and positive year for us at the Club, giving us a tremendous wave of inertia as we look ahead to a historic 2024. I am excited when reflecting upon the many accomplishments of this past season, which were highlighted by record member participation in our golf events, new golfer amenities, an improved outdoor service area, the rebirth of the Sahalee Players Championship, and golf professional visibility both on the tee and on the golf course with members. We’ve made other significant investments in both our operation and with our staff throughout the this past year, and we are poised for an incredible upcoming year. It hasn’t been lost on me when looking through some notes that exactly a year ago we were lamenting over snowfall and cold weather that kept the course closed for a significant period late last fall and early winter. What a difference one year makes as this start to our final month of the year has meant crossing Noah’s Ark throughout this historic “atmospheric river.” Despite the much needed rainfall, we will take the wet over the white stuff (or at least I will) and soon enough we will be walking the fairways again here at the High Heavenly Ground! Last month, I accepted an award as the Merchandiser of the Year for Private Club operations from the Western Washington PGA. This was a true honor, and one that reflects the hard work from within our entire team. Upon my arrival to Sahalee, one of my top objectives was to invest in the retail operation and make it equally reflective of a top caliber private club operation in the United States. To achieve this goal, we needed improvements in vendor assortments, product quality, visual merchandising, member service, along with some fresh member initiatives. Some of you may not know Stacie Scheffer, who serves as our Golf Shop Merchandiser, but she has been instrumental in helping to propel these efforts and deserves much recognition as well. While it has taken time to build this momentum, I am both excited and grateful to the membership for their support of the shop this past season. In addition to the PGA Award, we were also nominated for a Platinum Club Award from the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). To be recognized by the AGM for this distinction, would mean that we are regarded as a Top 100 Golf Shop (private, public and resort) in the World. Speaking of retail, your Sahalee Golf Shop “elves” have turned the Golf Shop into the “Sahalee Christmas Store” with big savings this holiday season! Please come by the golf shop all throughout the month for great savings. Each Saturday, we are featuring a different discount opportunity, or “doorbuster” specials. We will have a Christmas Tree ornament draw on Saturday, December 16 for additional discounts between 10 - 35% off the member price! As a reminder, we can always special-order items directly from many of our vendors, and we offer complimentary gift wrapping in “Santa’s Workshop” or even have the items delivered right to your doorstep! Here is a deal that you cannot pass up: Even if your holiday items are not purchased from the golf shop – bring them by, and we will wrap them for you at no charge. It’s our way of saying Merry Christmas! Pivoting a bit, the Golf Committee has been very hard at work on the 2024 Golf Calendar, and the Board recently approved the golf activity schedule. We will be releasing information related to the event dates later this month, and at the beginning of January. The calendar contains both Invitationals and Member-Member Championships for the Men’s and Women’s Divisions, which is unprecedented in a year where the club is hosting a major Championship. Speaking of, as a reminder, the Women’s KPMG Championship will require a golf course closure next summer from June 12 – June 24, with the Championship being contested Thursday, June 20 – Sunday, June 23. In addition to the Women’s PGA Championship, please also take note that we will also host the Sahalee Player’s Championship the first weekend in September 7 – 8.
I would be remised if I didn’t take a moment this month to comment on the recent news from the USGA and R&A on the golf ball rollback. First, we value our relationship with the USGA and R&A and respect their role as administrators of the Rules of Golf and the equipment standards of the game. They do not have an easy role, and it’s often a thankless one. This announcement is the culmination of several years (over 5) of exhaustive study and research conducted by the governing bodies of our great game. Both Associations felt that the time is now and it’s necessary to introduce these adaptations to the rules to protect the future of the game, the integrity of the courses we play, and the future of our sport. As some of you may have heard, earlier this year a proposal to bifurcate the Rules for elite competition and recreational golf was offered for comment by the USGA. In that open comment period, nearly all members of the PGA of America agreed that rules bifurcation it is not in the best interest of the game for a multitude of reasons. Given the important role of the 29,000 PGA of America Professionals play in the recreational game, I am pleased to hear that there is a delay until 2030. I am in lockstep with our Association in remaining strongly opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game, or any equipment modifications which diminishes the unprecedented momentum our game is enjoying. We will continue to share these concerns with the USGA and R&A and look forward to furthering this important conversation while finding a positive resolution with all our golf industry partners. These are indeed, some interesting times! I will leave off this month by encouraging everyone to start thinking about how to be the best version of yourself in 2024 and improve your quality of golf! I will come back in January with some suggestions on how to get started, and what you can do to achieve these goals. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays, and we look forward to making many more great memories at the High, Heavenly Ground in 2024! Fairways and Greens,
Bryan
Hole in One!
Mr. Kurt Peterson recording an ace on #5 South November 20th! He hit with a 6 iron rom 160 yards to record his second hole in one ever. Way to go!
I’ve been asked a lot lately “what do you still need for volunteers?” With over 600 of our 1,100-volunteer goal secured, we still have lots of openings. But let’s shine a spotlight on some specific needs. Signup information can be found here. We have a chance to have Sahalee members serve exclusively as Marshals on the first and 18th holes of the championship. Most host clubs barely muster enough to cover one hole, but we are just 30 away from owning the two most visible positions in the tournament. I would love to see us accomplish this, so please, consider signing up as a Marshal. Leaderboards: We currently have 14/65 volunteers. This committee is responsible for posting contestants' scores on leaderboards throughout the course. Player Transportation: We currently have 18/54 volunteers. This is position comes with great interaction to the contestants. Committee members stage vehicles prior to the championship, transport players, families and VIP’s during Championship Week, and collect the vehicles for the luxury sponsor post-event. Tee Refreshments: We currently have 20/55 volunteers. These roles place coolers filled with water, Gatorade, and snacks on each tee box for the contestants and caddies. This is an ‘inside the ropes’ role, with some lifting required. Championship Support: So far, 0/35 volunteers. This committee will serve as backup to cover any no-show volunteers during Championship Week. If you are flexible and can be available ‘on call’, this role is for you! On the ticket front, the PGA has put a great holiday incentive together: if you purchase four Sahalee Member tickets by January 12th, you’ll be entered into a drawing for two VIP Runyan Club daily tickets – a $950 value! Click here for details. And if you’re considering a VIP table in the Runyan Room, there are only a couple remaining. Contact cmcluckie@pgahq.com for details. Lastly, I’d like to thank all of the members who are working so hard behind the scenes to make this event a success. The Executive Committee, Divisional and Committee Chairs are all meeting, planning, recruiting and evangelizing in support of our fourth major. THANK YOU so much for supporting our club! Happy Holidays, Tyler Dion General Chair TDSahaleeWPGA@gmail.com
KPMG Women’s PGA Player Spotlight The Women’s KPMG Championship is knocking on our doorstep in 2024 with just a little over 6 months until the first tee goes in the ground! This month, we are profiling Minjee Lee who is 27 years old and c, currently ranked #4 in the world. Hailing from the Australian city of Perth, this smooth swinging Aussie packs quite a punch with her game. Interestingly, Lee's younger brother is Min Woo Lee, who recently won the Australian PGA Championship, and competed in the Sahalee Players Championship just a few years ago. The brother/sister tandem is quite a force to be recognized within the world of golf, and they are the only duo to both win the USGA Jr. Amateur. Minjee became the top ranked amateur golfer in February 2014 and remained the world number one until turning professional in September 2014. Minjee earned her LPGA Tour card in 2015 and won her first LPGA Tour tournament the following season in 2016. Later that same year, Minjee represented Australia in the Olympics, and would go on to play for her country during the games of Tokyo in 2020. In 2018, Minjee finished behind Lydia Ko on the official money list with $1.6 million in earnings and was recognized with the Greg Norman Medal as the best Australian Golfer. Today, Lee now has 10 LPGA Tour victories to her credit, including two major championships, the Evian Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. Minjee has amassed nearly $14 million in career earnings globally, and now 70 Top 10 finishes in her LPGA Tour career. We look forward to welcoming Minjee to the High Heavenly Ground, and we hope it suits her eye as it did her brother back in 2019.
Minjee Lee
Use the Off Season to Improve Ryan Benzel Before we know it we’ll be watching the PGA Tour play golf in Hawaii! If you’re like me, that always makes me feel like our golf season is right around the corner. I would encourage all members to use the early months of 2024 to improve your golf game. In 2024, we can find something in your full swing to improve, we can get out and improve your wedges, or we can dial in your putting using Quintic Ball Roll. Lessons and coaching can bring you more enjoyment with your golf game and more purpose to your practice. There may be some frustrating times, but those are better in February or March instead of July. Please connect with me if you want to improve your game or refine what you already know. Email/call me to setup a lesson at ryan.benzel@sahalee.com or 206-683-0025.
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Turf Talk with Charlie As we round out the fall months at Sahalee, extreme weather has certainly been impactful to the course(s) and our ability to enjoy the outdoors and the game of golf. Over the past six weeks, 11 inches of recorded precipitation at Sahalee bookended a stretch of cold and dry weather which closed the course(s) for 11 days with heavy frost and frozen soil. Throw in several days with wind gusting over 30 mph and it made for a difficult November and start to December for golfers at Sahalee. Despite the adverse weather, the turf care team has continued to make progress with our off-season punch lists as we prepare for an exciting 2024 golf season. Frost and Frozen Soil During this time of year, when sunny and dry days are in the forecast they are often accompanied by cold nighttime and morning temperatures. Clear and calm weather allows cold air to settle on the golf course(s) resulting in frost formation on exposed turf areas. In more severe cases, when temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) for extended periods, ice can form in the soil surface creating a layer of hard frozen ground. Both of these conditions pose a risk of damage to turfgasses and golf courses although in different ways.
When icy frost is present on turfgrass areas, the plant leaf tissue becomes susceptible to damage by traffic (walking, driving, etc.). Traffic on frosted turf crushes and tears grass leaf tissue and on a cellular level ruptures plant cell walls killing the plant cells. This type of damage to turf is visible within days and presents itself as black and necrotic turfgrass. The ‘crunch’ of traffic on frosted turf is indicative of this damage taking place.
Turfgrasses on frozen soils are vulnerable to a different type of damage from traffic which occurs below the soil surface in the plant rootzones. As soil freezes, turfgrass roots become locked in the hard frozen soil layers. While sunlight and warming air may thaw the soil surface during the daytime, frozen soil can persist deeper in the plant rootzone. Traffic under these circumstances shifts the top layer of soil while frozen roots and ground remain stationary below. This movement results in ‘root shear’ where plant roots in the frozen soil are torn away from the surface roots and turfgrass above. Unlike frost damage, root shearing is not immediately visible but rather presents itself much later in the spring and summer when turfgrasses rely on healthy root systems for water and nutrient uptake. The damaged root systems caused by root shearing is evident in weak and thinning turfgrasses during the summer and results in playing surface decline.
So, what does this all mean for our golfers at Sahalee during periods of cold weather over the winter months? When the agronomy team detects frost on our playing surfaces, a frost delay will be in effect until sunlight or warm air can thaw the frost from turfgrass areas. When frozen soil is observed, the agronomy team will assess the severity of the freeze as well as weather forecasts to determine when the soil may fully thaw. If frozen soil on golf course playing surfaces is not anticipated to fully thaw during a given day, then the course(s) will remain closed on that date. We appreciate our members’ support and understanding during these cold weather days to help protect our course(s). With the year winding to a close, I’d like to thank all our members and the Sahalee team for making 2023 such a great year on the course(s). Outstanding tournaments and events hosted, goals achieved, and camaraderie throughout made it a year to remember. Thank you all and happy holidays! See you on the course,
Charlie
SWD Captain Julie Reid Mother Nature has thrown us some challenging conditions, but there remain a hearty number of women turning out for Saturday golf with Sue Ursino. While golf isn’t always accomplished due to conditions, many still gather for a meal, and sometimes a walk around the course. Kudos to Sue for continuing her tradition of organizing Winter Golf for the women. We will soon be launching Thursday Women’s Simulator Golf. This will give women an opportunity to play some fun courses while staying dry, keep our swings fresh, and socialize with amazing women,. Look for announcements on start date and method for signing up. As we wrap up another year and ready ourselves for 2024, we can look forward to a very busy calendar full of fun and exciting events. Wishing you all a Happy and Joyful Holiday season,
Julie
Women's Division Simulator Block Calling all Women's Division members! We will be hosting a block in the simulator specifically for you! Every Thursday evening, ladies can come together for indoor golf and socializing from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Please RSVP using the link HERE. Sign up quickly, there are only 8 spots available each week!
Charcuterie Class
Wishing you a Merry Christmas
Santa BRUNCH & DINNER 2023
Wreath Decorating Class
Gingerbread House Decorating
31 DEC 7 PM RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT SAHALEE! Bottomless Champagne, DJ, Live Entertainment, Delectable Spreads of Appetizers, & More! Sign up on your Sahalee app or contact Sarah@sahalee.com
Host your event at Sahalee Looking for an event space? Invite your colleagues, friends, and family to Sahalee! We are excited to welcome you to Sahalee and invite you to host any kind of event here! Our facility can accommodate small meetings, corporate parties, and even large banquets in our elegantly renovated ballroom. You and your guests can enjoy a delicious meal from our new catering menu, along with special cocktails that we have created with much care. Enjoy the elegant background of our renovated interiors while hosting your events. We’re sure you’ll make wonderful memories here at Sahalee. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like more information. We look forward to having you with us soon!
Contact Sarah Frantz Director of Events and Communications sarah@sahalee.com
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