S ACountry H A Club LEE
TOM TOM
November 2023
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 TYLER DION - CHAMPIONSHIP DAVID LAROCQUE - LONG RANGE PLANNING JULIANNA KIRSCHENMAN - SOCIAL MARCIA MCAFEE - WOMEN'S DIVISION
CHARLIE SCHAUWECKER AGRONOMY DIRECTOR CHARLIE.SAHALEE@GMAIL.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 ALEXA MENDOZA FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER ALEXA@SAHALEE.COM SARAH FRANTZ DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS SARAH@SAHALEE.COM VINCENT CUCINELLI DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES VINNY@SAHALEE.COM LAURIE COLEMAN ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR LAURIE@SAHALEE.COM
November Events November 14 November 18 November 18 November 19 November 22 November 23 November 30
Holiday Hours Thanksgiving November 22nd - Thanksgiving Eve Golf Shop 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Dining room 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thanksgiving To Go Orders - Pick up windows from 10:30 AM-5:30 PM November 23rd - Thanksgiving Day Golf Shop, Golf Course, & Clubhouse are Closed November 24th Black Friday Golf Shop 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Golf Course 8:00 AM Dining Room 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Dinner 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Christmas 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
New Years New Year’s Eve Golf Shop 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Dining Room Breakfast 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM New Year’s Eve Party 7:00 PM (Reservations Required) New Year’s Day Golf Course 8:00 AM Golf Shop & Practice Tee 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Golfers Grill with special holiday drinks 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
President's Message from Scott Members put on a spectacular Team Appreciation event a couple of weeks ago. It was an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for all the Sahalee team does to provide us with great experiences. Whether it was arranging for food from Olive Garden, participating in the welcome tunnel complete with red carpet, bringing hand-made desserts, decorating the clubhouse, serving team members, bartending, completely cleaning up after the event, or contributing gifts, prizes, cash and more for the team member raffle, members showed how much they care for Sahalee team members. Thank you to everyone who participated in any way. October Past Business Our October meeting kicked off with a variety of special recognitions that continue to solidify Sahalee as the preeminent Golf Club in the Pacific Northwest. I’d like to take a moment to recognize Kim Shek on being named one of the Players of the Year by WA Golf, and Bryan’s Merchandiser of the Year award for Private Clubs of Western Washington. Congratulations! On the membership front as of November 1st, Sahalee had 462 Proprietary Members (38 club-owned), 19 Members on the ‘To Leave’ list, and 12 Preview members who have all expressed interest in converting to Proprietary Membership in 2024. Team Sahalee’s efforts are paying off with fewer members on the ‘To Leave’ list and more members choosing to pull their name off that list. The current 19 Proprietary Members on the ‘To Leave’ list represent a much more reasonable 5.5% annualized member turnover rate (vs 7.4% at the same time last year). You may remember one of the Board’s objectives was to reduce membership turnover from high to mid-single digits. We’re well on our way, and there’s more to do. On November 1st, we welcomed several new members to Sahalee in November (impressive given the time of year). Please join me in welcoming these new members: One Proprietary Member, Yi (Evan) Cheng and his family. Two new Preview Members: Brandon Morrow and family, as well as Don Bacic (a former Proprietary Member). Two upgrades from Dining to Social (sport) Memberships: Sujan Akella & Katherine Baker family, and the family of Josh & Karen Dahmen. The Board reviewed several bylaws recommendations and approved moving forward with the following: A new Junior Executive program designed to attract younger families and increase conversion rates to Proprietary Membership. Current Junior Executives will have the option of moving into this new program or stay in their current Membership. Changes to the Associate Membership bylaws language to improve clarity. Lastly, the Board reviewed financial results for the first 9 months of the year. The Club’s financial operating performance has been hampered by our slower-than-forecasted start to the new membership categories. As we evaluate the first nine months of 2023 and look towards the full-year forecast, this has created a deficit of roughly $215k in dues revenue. Lower-than-plan greens fee revenue added another $65k to the gap. These flow straight to the bottom line, putting us $280k in Net Operating Income behind our 2023 plan (or 2.8% of revenues). Thanks to amazing efforts, the leadership team has reduced this deficit down to a projected operating loss of around 1.3% of revenues. This compares to Sahalee’s last full “normal” year of operations in 2019 of an Operating Loss of 1.4% of revenues. Given all the unknowns at the end of 2022, as well as a new GM, that margin of error is quite good.
As we look to the 4th quarter forecast, know that leadership is deferring unnecessary expenses and aggressively managing costs – with a clear focus on the experiences that matter most to members. Additional plans for handling the shortfall and more conservative budgeting will be shared with Members at the Annual Meeting. November Business On November 2nd, we held a Financial Forum, focused on Sahalee’s long-range Capital Plan. It was well attended with nearly 100 members in person and online. Participants learned of the sophisticated plan the Finance Committee, BOD, and leadership team has developed to project all Sahalee’s Capital Account sources and uses. Four headlines were shared about the conservatively oriented plan: Sahalee’s annual Sustaining Capital needs (average $1.3M / year) are fully funded through 2040. The LT Capital Plan fully funds the three remaining Golf Course Master Plan projects (tee renovation, irrigation renovation, new golf practice facility). Presently, the plan projects earning money on the club’s on-hand Capital Account Balances (+$25k income 2023 vs interest expense of over -$200k in 2022). The Capital Fund currently has roughly $5M in cash on hand because not all of the debt secured in 2021 has been directed yet to the long-range Golf Course Master Plan projects. Finally, the plan puts Sahalee in a position of fully paying off our debt in June of 2031 with some Capital Cash left over. The plan projects these achievements mostly from conservative estimates of new member Initiation Fees, the introduction of monthly capital dues for all membership types (replacing the $85/month most Proprietary Members pay today), and WITHOUT any Capital Assessments. Now, as was stated at the Forum, the plan is a projection of estimated inflows and outflows. Things can and will change. The Finance Committee and BOD are committed to reviewing the plan each year and making necessary adjustments. You can find the presentation and accompanying FAQ here. Sahalee’s Annual Meeting will be held at 4pm on Tuesday November 14th. Please attend in person or online. The Board will recap 2023, announce results of the new Board Member election, and provide insight into our 2024 Operating Plan (to be finalized before the end of the year). If you haven’t already done so, please vote for new Board Members here. Additionally, as discussed in our October BOD meeting, the Board is reviewing several additional bylaw changes. If thorough communications can be finalized and approved in time for the Annual Meeting, these changes may be introduced to Proprietary Membership at that time (with vote to occur mid-December). Lastly, we will welcome the newly elected Board members at our November meeting as non-voting members so they can observe the discussion and get acclimated to the Board operations. As a reminder, Board terms now start and end at the end of the calendar year. Wrapping Up And finally, if you’re looking for a special holiday gift for that special someone (or yourself) Sahalee golf course images are now available for purchase on Evan Schiller’s website. Mr. Schiller came to Sahalee this summer to update our course photography collateral given our substantial new course look with the bunker renovation. This has already proven helpful as the PGA advertises the 2024 KPMG Championship at Sahalee. There are 16 amazing images to choose from with a variety of printing options. Sincerely, Scott Heydon Club President
The Sahalee family warmly welcomes our Golf Members!
YI (EVAN) CHENG AND FAMILY
DAHMEN FAMILY
PROPRIETARY GOLF MEMBER
SOCIAL MEMBER
DON BACIC AND FAMILY
BRANDON MORROW AND FAMILY
PREVIEW MEMBER
PREVIEW MEMBER
Monthly Message from Leslie Ludlow, GM/COO Dear Sahalee Family, I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As we head into a season that is marked by giving thanks, it is with a warm heart and immense gratitude for the remarkable evening of our recent 1st Annual Team Appreciation Celebration. It was a true testament to the strong and vibrant community that is at the center of Sahalee Pride. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the countless members who dedicated their time, effort, and resources to create an unforgettable Hats Off! experience for the entire Sahalee Team. Your collective efforts transformed the Club into a haven of joy and camaraderie, reminding us once again why our Club is so special. Here are just a few highlights from the evening for which I would like to express my gratitude: 1. Decorations and Ambiance: Our Clubhouse was beautifully adorned, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately set the tone for an extraordinary evening. With efforts led by Marcia Martin and Ashley Clark, the red carpet, beautiful balloon arch, fantastic Sahalee banner, clotheslines of notes of gratitude and exquisite floral arrangements added a touch of magic to the celebration. 2. Entertainment: As usual, Jay Kirschenman shined on the mic with a trivia game that was an absolute blast! (We won’t talk about what team members may have had drinks with a criminal)!! There is no way to describe how much fun the team had with the hats that were provided by Karen Dion. The nearly 30 Members who created an incredible tunnel of love created a moment for the team that left an indelible mark for both team members and family members in attendance. 3. The Food & Beverage Team: Between watching the Zobrists and Fatima Siddiqui “man the ovens” in the back of the house with Mary Love Mattox, Jackie Lange, Dana McIntosh, and the Carters, plating up hundreds of desserts made by hand, while Kim Shek and the Lams ran food and President- Elect Norman Cheuck tray passing desserts was truly a site to behold. Behind the bar Rick Halbert & Club Treasurer Tom Dimeco rocked it with their bar backs consisting of Club Secretary Maryle Tracy, Past Presidents John & Dawn Naye and Peggy Halbert ensuring that everyone had a great time! 4. Community Spirit: The camaraderie and warmth that filled the room were palpable. Over 20 members donated to an AMAZING raffle prize table, plus a contribution of over 100 bottles of wine so every team member received a parting gift. There were dozens and dozens of thank you notes that adorned the walls along with so many notes of electronic love sent via the Sahalee KudoBoard . Based on an event like this, it's evident that Sahalee is not just a place to play golf or share a meal, but truly a family. 5. The Heart of the Operation: Whether it was extension cord searches, raffle ticket management, garbage purge or any other last-minute task under the sun done by Director Mike Denton and Kent Martin, every hand mattered in making this an incredible time for the team. As if everything else that evening wasn’t already enough, every member there, including Sue Ursino, Ellen Wang and all those mentioned above stayed to the bitter end to ensure that the ENTIRE Club was cleaned, wiped down, trash taken out and reset so no one had to do a thing the next morning. 6. Appreciation Awards: I was honored to recognize each department for their contributions to both an incredible, and record breaking, 2023. It was an equal joy to present 11 individuals on our team with awards for Team Members of the Quarter, as well as Special Appreciation Awards to those who went above and beyond this year with thier passion to enhancing Sahalee. The final awards of the evening, as voted by the entire Sahalee staff, went to our Team Member of the Year, Dante Fields & Team Leader of the Year, Charlie Schauwecker. Congratulations to all the welldeserving recipients!
I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who attended, and especially to the families who accompanied the team. Without the support of our husbands, wives, and children, it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to follow our dreams within this industry that takes us away from holidays, weekends, summers and more. As we reflect on the night, it's clear that the success of the Appreciation Celebration was the result of our members' dedication and willingness to come together to celebrate the spirit of our Club. This sense of community is truly priceless. As we look forward, I am excited to continue to nurture this sense of togetherness and work towards making Sahalee an even more wonderful place for members and team alike to enjoy. Thank you once again for your incredible support and for making our Hats Off Appreciation Celebration an event to remember. We're already looking forward to the 2024 Celebration! Cheers!
Leslie
Sahalee Employee Appreciation
Q3 Team Member of the Quarter
Caden Smith, Food & Beverage
Scott Larson, Agronomy
Rookie of the Year Congratulations to Parker Wynn from our Golf team for being named Team Member of the Quarter and Jerard Kelly from our Agronomy team for the Stamina Award!
Remy Taylor, Food & Beverage
Impact Player of the Year
Unsung Hero of the Year
Deann Anderson, Membership
Scott Isaac, Food & Beverage
Inspiration of the Year
Iron Pillar of the Year
Alexa Mendoza, Food & Beverage
Laura Kraft, Golf
Leader of the Year
Team Member of the Year
Charlie Schauwecker, Agronomy
Dante Fields, Food & Beverage
2023 Leadership Team
Membership Director Deann Hello November! A month to remind us of the positive and wonderful things that come our way. At the top of my list is to thank each one of you for your commitment and passion towards Sahalee Country Club. Your referrals and shared enthusiasm have not only enriched your club's spirit but have also brought so many new faces into the Sahalee family. Their presence has added new dimensions and created memories and traditions that resonate with the core values of our club - camaraderie, passion for golf, and celebration of life's special moments. With the advent of the new year approaching, our referral program will also come to an end. It's important to note that the referrals that you bring to us, the stories you share, and the bonds you help forge make Sahalee much more than a club, it transforms it into a haven that people want to be part of. If there's someone you think would be a perfect fit for the Sahalee Country Club, please refer them my way. I can't wait to share with them the incredible benefits that come with being a member of one of the top 150 Platinum Clubs of America. As a refresher on the 2023 Referral Program, each member who sponsors a new member will receive a Swag Bag filled with goodies, a chance to win free dues for the entire next year, and a fantastic soiree that will be held in the first quarter of the year as a token of our appreciation. In conclusion, thank you once again for helping create a community that I am proud to share with prospective members. I eagerly look forward to the remaining 2023 being full of shared joy, success, and memorable moments. Cheers,
Deann
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much Helen Keller
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! Norman Cheuk Andy Lindsey Peter Koong Beau Cline Scott McCammant Bob Bailey Shawn Schoonover Bob& Mitzi Fritz Stephen Bean Dave Caple Trevor Roberge Doug Wilson Deok Choi Dwayne and Dana McIntosh Daniel Waggoner Eric Varness Tom Baxter Glenn Fourie Dino Rossi Harry Shedd Chris Falco Shardul & Erin Kiri Colin Clark Karishma Kiri (10) Kari Sokol Mark Schoonover Mark Steen Miles Otoupal Bobby Adams Morgan Bell Pat Bettin Nina Lindsey Shuo Chen
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 Wow - we’ve had quite a spectacular fall golf season at the Club as our Men’s, Women’s and Mixed events were hosted and officially closed out our 2023 golf activities calendar. We had the privilege of hosting over 50 for the mixed glow-ball competition on a damp and chilly Sunday, and then 80 total ladies participated in their fall member-guest! For the first time in a couple of years, we were able to host a proper Awards Day and recognize the achievements in both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions. In total, 75% of our membership played in at least one golf event at the Club again this season, (the Women’s Division was near 90%) and I am thrilled that we have a plethora of events and opportunities to engage and socialize through our great game. Our 2023 season included 64 days of tournaments and events, and 114 total days of various golf activities between late February and the end of October. From golf clinics, speed training, junior golf development & camps, PGA junior League, demo days and our tournament calendar, the golf professional team delivered a record setting year for our membership. There are so many highlights to reflect upon, but top of mind includes the relaunch of the collegiate Sahalee Players Championship, Nelson Yu and his partner George Neffner winning their second consecutive Men’s Invitational, and Ben Minyard and Kim Santiago capturing their first respective Club Championships. Not to be outdone, our Sahalee Women’s Team yet again were Champions of the interclub competition! The season will also be highlighted by the incredible feat of 8 holes in one recorded by our membership in the month of August, and the Pro’s Exhibition which was hosted in mid-June. Overall, I am very proud of the golf professional team that we have assembled at Sahalee, reinvigorating our brand of world-class championship golf, and adding another special chapter in the history of our Club. My commitment to continuous improvement in the golf operation was highlighted by our refreshed practice tee and tee markers, new competitive experiences, complimentary developmental clinics for our women’s division, ecart storage, family golf hours, VIP Guest experiences, and the golf professional team each played with at least 50 different members this past season! (Including me!) Further, we tripled the amount of caddie usage from year 1 (2022) to this past season (2023). I will not rest, however, and as the adage goes, “the best is yet to come.” With our fantastic team, we are already hard at work on building an unbelievable 2024. Next year will be incredibly special as we host our 4th major championship at the High Heavenly Ground. I won’t spill the beans on our operational initiatives and goals in this month’s newsletter, but my steadfast commitment is to make the Sahalee the best of the Northwest! As we head into “off-season” mode, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind everyone of the awesome AboutGolf simulator bays we have available in the Swing Room. For those that haven’t yet experienced the system, I would encourage you to check it out during this cooler (potentially frosty) and rainy days that are surely ahead. AboutGolf is more than just a practice tool – as it offers opportunities to play over 90 courses from all over the world. Additionally, the system has a variety of “games” and challenges to help make improvements in a variety of facets with your game. To reserve a time in the simulator bay, simply use the Sahalee App, or call the golf shop and we will help make it available. For those entering the off-season (and to our friends in the sunny desert already) – I encourage you to start thinking about your personal golf goals and develop a plan to help you play your best next season. The golf professional team can absolutely help articulate those plans in greater detail. Personally, I am committed to putting improvement (I averaged 31 putts per round this season) which had me paying out far more than I was collecting! I’m already working on a couple of drills and an equipment change to help me recapture a little more magic on the greens. Just wishing it, however, will not make it better. As we all know, it takes a concentrated effort and a knowledge of what to do to be successful.
Don’t forget, Assistant Golf Professional Laura Kraft offers TPI screenings, and the off season can also be a great time to work on your physical health by improving your stretching/flexibility and overall conditioning. Believe me, it will help you to improve your game and increase your speed! As we start to enter the holiday season, we are working on transforming the golf shop into “Santa’s Workshop.” Soon you will be hearing all about the fun promotions that we have for the holiday shopping season, including a Saturday balloon pop for discounts! Also be on the lookout for a Thanksgiving weekend special and the best deals on equipment and golf bags of the year! As the calendar moves us closer to the holiday season, and in the spirit of giving thanks this month, I would like to thank the Sahalee membership for all their incredible support of the club and golf shop this past season. We could not accomplish all these amazing goals without your unwavering support. I wish you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving season, and I forward to seeing you on the first tee! Fairways and Greens, Bryan
SMD Turkey Shoot The team of Tyler Dion, Ben Minyard, Dean Kain and Erik Monahan took home the Overall Gross prize with a great round of -10! On the Net side the team of Dave Coulombe, Aidan Waine, Derrick Fluhrer and Rob Richmond shot a great score of -14 net to win first place.
In seven months Sahalee hosts the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship –momentum is building fast! You may have noticed the PGA’s sign and trailer installed in the back of the parking lot. Please drop by and meet the local team. Lindsey Hannah (Volunteers) Garo Kalpakjian & Jack Wachter (Operations) and Callum McLuckie (Sales) would love to make your connection. From a revenue perspective, we are just above 70% of our goal – which is right on track. National sponsorships are being finalized and we are in discussions with several local employers to host special events during the championship. Please note that only 6 VIP tables and 5 Pro-Am groups remain available to purchase. If you, your friends, or your company are looking for a unique allinclusive experience at the championship, the time to act is now. These tickets are the only way to access the clubhouse, patio, and Acton Bar during the championship. Please contact cmcluckie@pgahq.com to explore the right experience for you. Volunteer numbers recently surpassed 50% of our 1,100 goal. Some committees are filled, while others are starting to ramp up. I’m finding many members simply need to be asked to volunteer, so please consider this your invitation. I sincerely hope you will consider signing up to support this great event. Please click here to register. On the topic of tickets, I’d like to clarify a couple of details: There will not be free tickets for members or SMA residents. The economics of this tournament simply don’t allow for that to happen. As a volunteer, you receive a weeklong access with your volunteer credential. Sahalee member/volunteers, you also get access into the Member’s Viewing Suite with your volunteer credential. General admission tickets and VIP clubhouse tickets can be purchased here. Please consider doing so for your family and friends – they’d make a great holiday gift! Thanks for your support of Sahalee’s fourth major championship. I will use this forum to provide regular updates to our membership going forward. Please feel free to reach out with any questions at any time. Happy Holidays, Tyler Dion General Chair TDSahaleeWPGA@gmail.com
KPMG Women’s PGA Player Spotlight We are only 7 months out from the return of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship! As we continue our march onward toward the Championship next June, please enjoy another introduction from players expected to participate in our profile series. This month, we are excited to present Megan Khang! Packing a powerful swing in a small frame, the 5'1" Khang started playing golf at the age of 5. Born outside Boston, MA, Khang’s parents were refugees of the Vietnam War from Laos and came to the United States with their respective families in the 1970s. After picking up the game at such a young age, Megan spent many years playing on the U.S. Challenge Cup Tour in New England. During her years as an amateur, she posted an impressive resume, including low-amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open, a Jr. U.S. Solheim Cup Team win, and ultimately a T6 finish at the LPGA Qualifying Tournament in 2015. When Megan teed off on the LPGA Tour as a professional in 2016, she was the first player of Hmong and Laotian descent to ever compete. She is widely known on Tour for her magnetic personality and ability to make anyone laugh. With an LPGA victory, 36 top-10s, and three Solheim Cup appearances under her belt, Megan has claimed her place amongst the world’s best on the LPGA Tour and is currently ranked 14th in the Rolex Rankings. In the past few years, Megan Khang has earned an excellent reputation for herself in the golf world. And 2023 has proved to be a terrific season for her. She has recently recorded a T9 finish at the Amundi Evian Championship and the Chevron Championship earlier this summer. She also finished T3 at the Women’s PGA Championship earlier this year at Baltusrol. Her first LPGA Tour win came in her 191st start on August 27, in a playoff at the CPKC Women's Open over Ko Jin-young. Khang capped her breakout year as a member of the US Solheim Cup team, an honor she has had the distinction of now three times in her young career. We look forward to welcoming Megan to our High Heavenly ground next June!
Megan Khang
Learn to Curve the Golf Ball Ryan Benzel
In my newest video, I talk about Learning to Curve the golf ball. This can be a simple process to learn with a little time and effort on the practice tee. You will also find this extremely helpful when navigating the trees around Sahalee! First, you must identify your TARGET LINE (TL)…the line from your ball to your intended target. Next, you are working to create your START LINE (SL) to be to the right for a draw / left for a fade of your TL. Adjust your body to align parallel to your SL with a clubface still square to your TL. The clubface will be ‘closed’ for a draw and ‘open’ for a fade in relation to your SL. Finally, swing normal to your aligned SL and watch the ball curve! Please connect with me if you want to add this to your game or refine what you already know. Email to setup a lesson at ryan.benzel@sahalee.com
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Aces, Eagles, and Great Shots ERIC NELSON GOT A HOLE-IN-ONE OCTOBER 23 HOLE: 9S YARDAGE: 147 CLUB: 7 IRON
Turf Talk with Charlie Despite seasonal rains and cooling temperatures, October was a busy month on the golf course(s) at Sahalee.Between preparing for member tournaments and outside events, the turf care team has been focused on fall course cleanup, weed and disease control, irrigation and drainage repair/maintenance, and course improvement project work.
The staff appreciation party in October was a highlight of the month, bringing together our members and team for an evening of fun, food, and recognition. We’re truly appreciative of the member volunteers, donations, and gratitude which made the event so special for the Sahalee Team! Rounding out the month was the Turkey Shoot (Superintendent’s Revenge), a new event that we’re sure will become a Sahalee tradition. Pat and our Assistant Superintendents (Casey, Alex, and Dionicio) exacted their revenge on the competitors (especially our own competing turf care team) with ridiculous pins, trickery, and a myriad of obstacles in what was a fun filled day of golf.
Off-Season Golf Course Improvement Work November marks the start of the official ‘off-season’ on the course(s) at Sahalee which runs through the month of February. During these winter months while the course(s) are less busy, Sahalee operates as an 18-hole course each Monday through Friday. Operating as an 18-hole course allows for project work that would otherwise be disruptive to take place on the third (closed) 9-hole course. This off-season’s project goals include: o Hazardous tree removal and ongoing limbing o Tee leveling and resodding (focus on championship tees) o Retaining wall/staircase removal/repair o Cart path grinding and resurfacing o Mowing contour updates o Drainage and irrigation installations and modifications As these course improvement projects begin and progress, the team will keep members up to date on course happenings via the weekly golf update. We look forward to getting underway on this important work for improved conditioning and golf experiences in 2024. See you on the course, Charlie Schauwecker
Welcome our new SWD Captain Julie Reid! The Seattle Women’s Golf Association 2023 Awards luncheon was held at the Seattle Golf Club on October 11, 2023. Congratulations to our Sahalee Women’s Team – the 2023 Majors Scratch Champions. Congratulations are also in order for these Sahalee women: Flight 1 winners include Tomoko Ratzlaff, and runner up Michelle Hood, flight 2 winner Soon Kim, flight 4 runner up Ellen Wang, flight 15 runner up Dana McIntosh, flight 18 runner up Shane McTaggart, flight 20 runner up Barbara Heiner, and flight 23 winner Jackie Lange. We are proud of the way you all represent Sahalee
Chef’s Corner As a Culinary team, we wanted to express our sincere appreciation to all of you for joining us at our recent Frightful Feast dinner. We are grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more wine and wonderful food with you in the future!
As the crisp autumn air descends, anticipation builds at our restaurant, we have crafted an enticing changes to the menu for the upcoming fall and winter season. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we're excited to unveil our "Thanksgiving to Go" kits, allowing families to savor the holiday's traditional flavors in the comfort of their homes. Check out the options and details on the app under "Dining -> Thanksgiving To-go" and have your orders in by the 15th. We're also introducing a unique whiskey and food pairing experience on December 1st with Macallan, perfect for those seeking a touch of warmth and sophistication. Make your reservations asap as there are limited seats available.
Bingo & Bubbles Saturday, November 18th 6:00pm - 9:00pm We are thrilled to welcome you back for a night out here Bingo and Bubbles at Sahalee! Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and have a night filled with excitement, prizes, and good company at our Bingo Night event. Whether you're a seasoned bingo enthusiast or new to the game, this is an evening of fun and entertainment you won't want to miss. Dinner buffet & bar will open at 6:00pm and bingo begins at 6:30pm! Prizes Galore: Win fantastic prizes with every bingo, from gift cards to experiences here at Sahalee! How to Play: Bingo cards will be provided, and our friendly hosts will guide you through the rules. It's easy to learn, and newcomers are always welcome! We'll play multiple rounds of bingo, ensuring more opportunities to win and enjoy the game. More Chances to win: Additional Bingo Cards will be available on a first come first serve basis for $10 each | Max 3 per person Registration: Register on your Sahalee App or contact Sarah@Sahalee.com OPEN SEATING - Tables will be set with chairs of 8-10 so choose a seat upon arrival | Guests welcome | Adults Only | Kids can play bingo too! Please sign them up for our Milkshake Club, going on the same night from Cost: $50 Per Adult | Includes 2 bingo card to play and win all night, dinner buffet, and bubbles ALL NIGHT!
Bingo Night Milkshake Club! Saturday, November 18th 6:00pm -9:00pm
Calling all young adventurers and milkshake enthusiasts! Join us at the Milkshake Club for Kids on Saturday, November 18th for a special evening of Bingo, crafts, and delicious treats! Sahalee is thrilled to host this special event where kids can let their imaginations run wild while creating lasting memories and friends while parents hit the course or enjoy a meal at the Clubhouse! Cost, Inclusions, and Registration: $45 per child | Your little one will enjoy three hours of non-stop fun, engaging crafts activities, a scrumptious dinner buffet with macaroni and cheese delights, and the cherry on top – a milkshake! During this time, we do require a parent or guardian to stay on site, so we invite you to make a dinner reservation and enjoy a meal at Sahalee, or a tee time and hit the course! Space is limited to 20 with ages 3-12 years old welcome! Registration is required by signing up on our Sahalee App through your event portal. Once you sign up expect an email with FAQs and the Code of Conduct for you to review. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity for your children to socialize, play games, unleash their creativity, and enjoy delicious treats in a safe and welcoming environment. Let the adventure begin! The Sahalee Team
WINE GALA
HAUNTED N O I S MAN
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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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