SAHALEE NEWSLETTER
January - February 2025
Kim Shek | President
Ben Minyard | Vice
Collin
Jeff
Yom
Jeff
Leadership Team
Kevin Bales | Director of Golf kevin@sahalee com
Pat Oien | Golf Course Superintendent pat@Sahalee.com
Cathy Walker | Food & Beverage Director cathy@sahalee com
Zakary Meszaros | Executive Chef zakary@sahalee com
Deann Anderson | Director of Membership deann@sahalee com
Vicki A’Court | Controller/Accounting vicki@sahalee com
Sarah Frantz | Director of Events & Communications sarah@sahalee.com
Vincent Cucinelli | Director of
vinny@sahalee com
Jeff
Steering the Course
Kim Shek, Club President
Dear Sahalee Members
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we begin another exciting new year at Sahalee Country Club. I would like to share several significant updates and an upcoming event that highlights some of our valued members.
A New Chapter in our Communications
In keeping with our commitment to evolve while honoring our heritage, we are transitioning our newsletter’s name from “Tom Tom” to “Sahalee Newsletter” This change reflects our dedication to clear, relevant communication that resonates with our modern community while maintaining our tradition of keeping members well-informed.
Strategic Vision for 2025 and Beyond
In mid-January, the Board of Directors conducted an intensive two-day retreat at Sahalee, engaging in comprehensive discussions about the club's future Our strategic framework emphasizes aligning all decisions with the club's mission and vision, implementing process improvement and systems, optimizing operations, and advancing our "One Sahalee" initiative through the practical application of our collective experiences
The Board's comprehensive review encompassed critical areas, including governance, communication effectiveness, member engagement, amenity improvements, and fiscal oversight. In collaboration with our Leadership Team, we ' re implementing new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to enhance our decision-making processes and maintain the highest standards of club management.
Leadership & Committee Structure Updates
The Board of Directors has appointed two new officers to lead our club forward along with one returning officer Ben Minyard will serve as Vice President, Collin Clark as Treasurer, and Brett Vandenberg as Secretary Our committees have also been restructured to include some new committee chairs and board liaisons. This robust leadership structure ensures comprehensive oversight of all club activities and initiatives. The Golf and Social committees are under direct board oversight as we refine their strategic focus before appointing permanent chairs.
Steering the Course - Page 2
Committee
Finance
Greens
House
Golf
Rules & Handicap
Junior Golf
Membership
Social
Sahalee Players Championship (ad hoc)
Fitness & Wellness (ad hoc)
Technology (ad hoc)
Committee Chair
Staff Liaison
Board Liaison
Robert Williams Vicki A’Court Collin Clark
Matt Adamson Pat Oien Brett Vandenberg
Michael Nanakul Vinny Cucinelli Jeff Tomlinson
Tom DiMeco
Jerry Carter
Kevin Bales Tom DiMeco
Kevin Bales Ben Minyard
Beau Cline Sabrina Bonanno Tom DiMeco
Hal Matthews Deann Anderson Yom Senegor
Jeff Harris
Tom DiMeco
Jeff Tomlinson
Prestigious National Representation
Sarah Frantz Jeff Harris
Kevin Bales
Tom DiMeco
TBD Jeff Tomlinson
Jeff Tomlinson Vinny Cucinelli Jeff Tomlinson
Sahalee will be prominently represented at the upcoming 5th PGA Club Championship event at Reynolds Lake Oconee, Georgia. The club's delegation includes three outstanding players in the Men's Division: 2024 Club Champions (Open, Senior & Super Senior) Andrew Stull, Steve Brozinick, and Anthony McLaughlin, who will compete March 1-3, 2025. The Women's Division, scheduled for March 8-10, 2025, will feature Kim Santiago and Kim Shek, both of whom earned exemptions through their impressive top-5 finishes at last year ' s Championship at Troon North / Westin Kierland
This prestigious 54-hole stroke play competition brings together club champions from across the nation to compete on three renowned courses: The Oconee Course, Great Waters Course, and The National Course For more information on the event including following our delegates, click 2024 PGA National Club Championship.
Lastly…
We encourage all members to stay engaged with club activities and to join us in wishing our championship competitors the very best as they represent Sahalee on the national stage
Warm regards,
Kim
Kim Shek
Club
President
From the Fairway
Kevin Bales, Director of Golf
What a winter it has been here in the Pacific Northwest! We kicked off the winter season with a bomb cyclone in November, and recently, we ’ ve seen below-freezing temperatures and snow that kept the golf course closed for 33 consecutive days While the weather has certainly posed its challenges, our Professional Staff has been hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for the upcoming season. As we look forward to warmer weather and the return of golfers to the course, we ’ re confident that we ’ re ready to deliver an exceptional experience.
As we navigate these winter months, it’s an important time for our Golf Professional Staff to plan for the entire 2025 season Each member of the team has specific responsibilities, and we ’ re committed to ensuring the membership enjoys the best possible experience on and off the course You may notice some new faces as we welcome new staff members for the upcoming season We are incredibly fortunate to have assembled such a talented team, each bringing their own unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table We’re excited for you to meet them and benefit from the fresh ideas and passion they bring to our club.
In addition to preparing for the season, we ’ ve made a strong commitment to continuing education and professional growth. Collectively, our team has completed over 300 hours of training, certifications, and educational opportunities Most recently, Grant Heilman and Cody Oakes traveled to PGA Headquarters for their Level 2 PGA PGM seminars We couldn’t be more proud of the hard work they put in to achieve this next step toward PGA membership, and we are excited to see where their dedication takes them As we look forward to the upcoming season, we ’ re confident that our ongoing efforts to improve and grow will ensure a memorable year for our members We’re all eager to share what we ’ ve learned and continue building a top-tier golf experience for you!
Our Director of Instruction, Sabrina Bonanno, has been hard at work developing a comprehensive Instructional Program designed to help golfers of all levels improve their game. Sabrina is excited to work with each of you, whether you ’ re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, and she is committed to helping you play your best golf For those seeking group instruction, we ’ re offering the Ladies Operation 36 program and Sip & Chip events
These programs are ideal for beginners, novices, and even advanced golfers looking to improve in a group setting In addition, Junior Golf sign-ups are now open for both PGA Junior League and Operation 36
From the Fairway - Page 2
If you have any questions about your junior golfer’s eligibility or ability to participate in these programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sabrina directly. Sabrina will continue to unveil additional instructional programs throughout the season to ensure there’s something for every golfer. For those who prefer a more personalized approach, individual lessons are always available We’re thrilled about the upcoming season and all the opportunities for growth and learning that Sabrina has in store for our members!
The tournament season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to start planning your tournament calendar for the year As a reminder, all events will be available for sign-up 30 days in advance. However, some of our “Major” tournaments will allow for early registration, and these events will be advertised in advance, so you won’t miss out on securing your spot. For those of you interested in participating in the Men’s Division tournaments, Assistant Golf Professional Grant Heilman will be overseeing the division, with the support of Cody Oakes. Grant and Cody are available to assist with any questions about event registration, formats, or eligibility, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them On the Women’s Division side, Assistant Golf Professional Isabel Vela will be managing the Sahalee Women’s Division, with Kelly Dunn assisting Isabel and Kelly are excited to meet all the members of the SWD and bring new, fun, and innovative ideas to the division this season They are committed to creating a welcoming and exciting atmosphere for all participants We can’t wait to kick off tournament season, and we ’ re here to help ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable. Get ready to compete and have fun!
With your lessons lined up and tournaments on the calendar, the final step in getting ready for the season is ensuring your equipment is up to par. The Golf Shop is fully stocked with everything you need to look and play your best whether that’s apparel, clubs, balls, or accessories Assistant Golf Professionals Noah Rocheleau and Austin Guske are here to assist with all your merchandising needs, so don’t hesitate to stop by and get set up for the season Throughout the year, we’ll continue to host major club manufacturers for fitting days, where you can test and customize your equipment
Be sure to check the weekly golf email for specific dates and times, so you don’t miss these great opportunities. If you can’t make it to one of these fitting events, don’t worry! Our Golf Professional Staff is fully trained and equipped with the fitting technology from the same manufacturers, and we ’ re ready to help you find the perfect fit for your game. Additionally, we’ll be offering our annual golf ball sale from Titleist, Taylormade, and Callaway an excellent opportunity to stock up for the season ahead Let’s get you ready to hit the course with confidence, style, and the best gear to match your game!
While Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, we ’ re hopeful that the worst of the extreme weather is behind us The entire Golf Professional Staff is eagerly looking forward to welcoming golfers back to the course, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy the course once again. Thank you for your patience through this challenging winter, and we look forward to seeing you all out there soon, ready to kick off a fantastic season! See you on the course!
All the best,
Your paragraph text Kevin
Turf Talk
Pat Oien, Golf Course Superintendent
It has been a chilly couple weeks on the golf course, but the agronomy team still had plenty of work to accomplish We had a total of 33 consecutive days of being frozen or snow covered, prompting us to close the golf course to ensure we come out of winter healthy and ready for a busy golf season. We looked at this in a positive note, with Mother Nature forcing us off the grass and getting into the in between areas to clean up tree debris, spread wood chip piles and evaluate tree health We are finally starting to feel like we are back to our “normal” winter state after a couple months of “Bomb Cyclone” clean up efforts that changed our winter plans on the golf course.
Just before the freeze happened on January 18th, we executed some high priority tree root pruning around problem bunkers and greens to give the grass the competitive advantage to moisture and nutrients. Now that the freeze has lifted, we are planning on taking our tractor driven root pruner (which is less abrasive than the trencher we used in tight spaces) around known problem fairway locations.
Bunker maintenance has been a priority to us this offseason to ensure the investment made by the club meets the standards that went into the decision to rebuild them in 2022 We have noticed by raking the bottoms only also known as “Aussie Style” we tend to get a buildup of algae and moss on the smoothed faces. In January we removed all this unwanted material and have implemented a full rake of bunkers once every other week during the wet season to not only mix the blended sand up but also to keep the moss/algae from forming and weeds from growing in the faces
Turf Talk - Page 2
In January we removed all this unwanted material and have implemented a full rake of bunkers once every other week during the wet season to not only mix the blended sand up but also to keep the moss/algae from forming and weeds from growing in the faces We do believe we will need to do this once a month in the irrigation season, but our goal is still to keep the faces firm, allowing balls to release into the bottom of the bunkers with no fried egg lies We have also repaired some of the rolled grass edges that were lost in the summer heat. These South facing edges will remain a challenge for us, but we are implementing a new wetting agent application with our watering practices this year to alleviate this damage from happening again.
At the end of January, we had our licensed arborist out for a week of strategic and hazardous tree removals on the golf course. The Board-approved strategic tree removals, in alignment with our Rees Jones Master Plan, took place with the removal of two cedars on 1 South, one on each side of the fairway opening tee shots to the fairway bunker on the left The cedar on the right side will no longer punish you for being on the right side of the fairway On 2 South we removed the two sickly looking cedars on the right side closest to the fairway, it will allow big hitters a risk/reward shot to go for the green in two if you over hit the fairway on the right On 4 South the first maple on the left side was an approved strategic removal and while the arborist was looking at the second maple on the left side that was damaged in the Bomb Cyclone, he deemed it unhealthy and unsafe. The last strategic removal was pruning the maple tree right of the approach on 8 South allowing more shots into the greenside bunker instead of ricocheting in the branches and getting an unfavorable bounce. The rest of the dead/hazardous trees throughout the property were in the in-betweens with little to no effect on how each golf hole will be played
See you on the course,
Pat
Culinary Insights
Cathy Walker, Food & Beverage Director
We started off the new year with the annual maintenance in the first two weeks of January with deep cleaning and staff training The training of staff will continue throughout this year with the goal of ensuring members reap the benefits of this ongoing activity.
Launching on January 24, the new selections from our updated menus have elicited favorable feedback from you. These changes reflect our continued commitment to delivering exceptional service and making our dining venue the perfect place for you and your guests We look forward to making 2025 an epic year with the food and beverage at Sahalee
During January and February, Dining hosted several celebrations of life and private events and also held our annual Valentine’s Day dinner, in which everyone truly enjoyed the meal and ambience I want to shout out to Chefs Zak and Ed and their team for their tremendous contributions to this evening and also give a shout out to Shawn Williams and the front of the house staff for their efforts in making the evening special.
Looking forward to the near future, we will be hosting several evening events such as the Taco Bar on March 8 and Around the World with Reds on March 13 On March 15, there will be live music along with our first monthly wine tasting with Al Lago Wines March also is Washington wine month so a different Washington wine will be featured every week throughout the month
I want to inform you of the dates for our big events in 2025.
Easter
Mother's Day
Halloween
Santa Brunch
Santa Dinner
Ornament Dinner
New Year's Eve
April 20
May 11
October 31
December 6
December 7
December 19
December 31
Sunday Sunday Friday Saturday Sunday Friday Wednesday
My team and I are committed to delivering fantastic dining experiences Your feedback helps us greatly so please keep sending it my way My door is open
Cheers, Cathy
Membership Pulse
Deann Anderson, Membership Director
As we step into 2025, we ’ re filled with excitement for the year ahead. At Sahalee, our community continues to thrive because of members like you, who bring warmth, support, and a true sense of belonging This year, we’d love for you to help us expand our circle by sharing the experience of being part of this incredible place with the people you care about Whether it's a friend, family member, or colleague, we ’ re excited to grow together with those you invite into our community
The Golf Course: A Place of Peace and Camaraderie
As a member, you already know just how special our beautiful golf course is. Whether it's enjoying a peaceful round of golf, challenging yourself on the greens, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, there’s something truly unique about the experience here. If you ’ ve found peace, enjoyment, or a bit of friendly competition out on the course, we encourage you to share that with others Let them experience the sense of relaxation and camaraderie that makes being part of our golfing community so special
Our Events: Where Connections Are Made
Beyond the golf course, our traditional events are one of the best ways to connect with others and build lasting memories. From seasonal celebrations and friendly tournaments to our many social gatherings, these events are at the heart of our community spirit. If you ’ ve enjoyed the warmth and sense of togetherness at these events, imagine how wonderful it would be to share that with your loved ones, giving them the chance to experience the same joy and connection
Exclusive Memberships for Every Interest
At Sahalee, there’s a membership for every interest and lifestyle, whether your referral is a foodie, a golfer, or someone who loves to unwind and enjoy great company If they enjoy delicious food with a stunning view, they’ll love our Dining Membership. It’s the perfect way to savor exceptional meals while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Whether it's a casual meal or a special gathering, they'll experience dining at its finest
Membership Pulse - Page 2
Golf Memberships: A Quick Refresher
For golf enthusiasts, we offer a range of membership options designed to fit all skill levels. Our stunning 27-hole course, exceptional practice facilities, and rich golf calendar provide the ideal setting for improving your game and meeting fellow golfers Here’s a quick refresher on the memberships available:
Proprietary Membership: Access to our premier courses and all the benefits of full membership Young Professional Membership: Perfect for those starting out or looking to connect with others who share a passion for golf.
Social Membership: For those who prefer a more relaxed, social experience while still enjoying the club’s vibrant atmosphere.
National Membership: This would be an ideal option for individuals living out of state who would like to be part of our stunning golf course community when visiting the area
No matter which membership your referral chooses, they’ll be joining a welcoming community with plenty of opportunities to connect, grow, and enjoy the game
Inviting Others: Sharing More Than a Membership
We know that when you invite others to join, you ’ re offering them more than just a membership. You’re sharing the opportunity to become part of a space where friendships are built, connections are nurtured, and there’s always room for growth and enjoyment
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Year
We’re excited about all that 2025 has in store, and we ’ re deeply grateful for the strong foundation each of you provides Together, let’s make this year memorable by welcoming new faces, deepening connections, and sharing all that makes Sahalee such a special place.
Here’s to a year of new beginnings, shared experiences, and a community that continues to grow.
With gratitude and a big smile, Deann
Sahalee Women’s Division
(SWD)
Eleanor Devlin, Captain
Greetings! It has been a cold and snowy winter so far and not too good for golf However, it is always a pleasant and fun environment in the golf simulator room Please use Golf Genius to sign up for the women ’ s block on Thursday evenings from 4-6pm You can play a few holes and meet up with old and new friends
The 2025 golf calendar has been finalized. We are looking forward to hosting the SWGA City Championship in June. I hope many ladies will play in this event. For more information, please see the next page.
The women ’ s division opening day is April 22 This event is open to all women members The Golf Genius sign up will be opening soon
SEATTLE WOMENS GOLF ASSOCIATION (SWGA)
Welcome to the 2025 Seattle Women’s Golf Association season It will be a very exciting year as Sahalee will be hosting the SWGA City Championship from June 9th – 12th. Fourteen local private clubs will be represented at this event. The theme is the “Summer of 69” (the year that Sahalee opened).
More information will follow for registration and volunteering for this amazing event
Shane McTaggart, Sahalee Member
2025 SWGA President and City Tournament Chair shane@austechinc.net
Sahalee Women’s Division - Page 2
2025 SWGA Events and Highlights
2025 SWGA CITY Tournament @ Sahalee this year!
June 9-12 (Mon.-Wed.). Don’t miss it. Come out to play or watch. it’s only at Sahalee every 15 years! 14 local private clubs will be represented at this event
The theme is the “Summer of 69” (the year that Sahalee opened)
More information to follow for registration and volunteering for this amazing event
2025 SWEEPS Events:
Tuesday, April 15th - Sand Point Country Club (Chapman Partner)
Tuesday, May 20th - Inglewood Golf Club (Partner Best Ball)
Tuesday, July 15th - Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club (Partner Best Ball)
Tuesday, September 16th - Rainier Golf & Country Club (Medal Play and Past President)
Friday, November 7th - Annual Trophy Luncheon. Also, at Sahalee for the first time in 15 years! ALL SWGA members are invited to attend!
SWEEPS - Highlights:
SWEEPS is an annual series of women ’ s interclub matches sponsored by the SWGA
For a nominal fee ($25 annual membership fee + $53 per SWEEPS match you play) you get to play rounds at multiple private clubs in the Seattle area as well as enjoy a post-celebration and awards lunch after every event
It’s an incredible deal and an excellent way to meet other female golfers from other private clubs all around Seattle!
There are a limited number of players from each club who can participate in each event. If space is available, more players may be able to play.
SAHALEE TEAM- Highlights:
Each year we have a group of women who represent Sahalee on TEAM, a competitive group within the Sahalee Women’s division that competes against other private clubs’ own competitive teams
These matches, like SWEEPS matches, are organized by the SWGA Players must be members of the SWGA to participate
Over the years, the Sahalee TEAM has earned many awards and trophies on behalf of Sahalee. In fact, the Women’s Team from Sahalee has won more championships than any other club in the SWGA/Seattle area.
If you have questions about qualifying for and playing on TEAM, please reach out to TEAM Captain, Maryle Tracy, or Assistant TEAM Captain, Jeanne Link for more information
As with SWEEPS, there is an annual dues fee of $25 00 to join SWGA as a TEAM member
For City tournament inquiries, please reach out to Tournament Chair/2025 SWGA President, Shane McTaggart For SWEEPS inquiries, please contact Peggy Halbert
Junior Golf 2025
Beau Cline, Committee Chair
First and foremost, I’m excited for our new Director of Instruction, Sabrina Bonanno, to start working with our Sahalee junior golfers. She is passionate about junior golf and excited to help grow the game. There are numerous opportunities for juniors to experience golf at Sahalee this year.
PGA Jr. League
We are thrilled to announce that sign-ups for the PGA Jr League are now open through March 12th (www pgajrleague com) for junior golfers ages 13 and under The season starts in April and runs through June This league offers a fantastic opportunity for junior golfers to learn and compete in a team environment The program is designed to build confidence, teach respect, and instill a love for the game. Join us for an unforgettable season filled with fun and camaraderie.
Sahalee Birdie Golfers
Sahalee Birdie Golfers is a great way to introduce kids ages 3 - 6 to the game of golf. Each Saturday in March, kids will learn basic golf skills and etiquette To register, email Sabrina (sabrina@sahalee com)
Raven 36
Our Operation 36 program continues to provide an innovative approach to golf instruction It focuses on progressing junior golfers towards shooting par (36) or better for 9 holes. Participants follow a structured curriculum in both classes and on-course training sessions. It’s a perfect way for juniors to develop their skills and enjoy the game in a supportive and engaging environment. Email Sabrina for more information or to sign up.
Junior Summer Camp
This summer on June 24 – 26th, we are hosting an exciting Junior Summer Camp that promises to be both educational and enjoyable The camp includes comprehensive golf instruction, games, and activities designed to improve golf skills while having fun It’s an excellent opportunity for juniors of all skill levels to make new friends and enjoy the game of golf.
Junior Club Championship
Mark your calendars for the Junior Club Championship on August 9th! This prestigious event will showcase the talents of our junior members as they compete for the title It’s a great chance for young golfers to experience the excitement of competition and demonstrate their skills on the course
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Outside Junior Events at Sahalee
We are pleased to host several notable outside events this season, providing our junior golfers with opportunities to broaden their competitive experience
The Washington Junior Golf Association (WJGA) will be holding a subdistrict tournament at Sahalee on July 7th. This is a significant event on the junior golf calendar, and we encourage all eligible juniors (ages 8 – 18) to participate and represent our club with pride. Registration opens on March 3rd at www wjga net
In addition, the US Kids Seattle Fall Tour Championship will take place at Sahalee on October 26th This season-ending championship will bring together some of the best junior talent in the region (ages 6 – 18), providing a fantastic finishing course for the Fall season and an opportunity to showcase our club to local families. Sign-ups will open sometime in August (www.uskidsgolf.com).
We look forward to an exciting season of junior golf at Sahalee Country Club. Whether your junior is just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, we have a program to offer Let’s make this a memorable year for our junior golfers!
Make Memories Happen
Host your event at Sahalee
We welcome you to host your next event here! Our facility can accommodate small meetings, corporate parties, and even large banquets Choose from our catering menu and work with our team to create the ambience you want your guests to experience
The available rooms are as follows:
To learn more, contact Sarah Frantz at sarah@sahalee.com and get your event
