& Country
2025 Board of Directors
John Astorino
President john.astorino@longandfoster.com
Bob Sampson Vice President bsampson71@gmail.com
Tom Stribling Secretary tjstribling@gmail.com
Dan McCarthy Treasurer danm5691@gmail.com
David DeLorenzo david.delorenzo@gmail.com
Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com
David Kelly davidnkelly@verizon.net
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com
Harrison Smith hharrisonsmith@gmail.com
2025 Committees
Audit
Dave Nachison dnachison@yahoo.com
Communications
Katie Kissal katiekissal@gmail.com
Facilities & Maintenance
Peter Vogt gmte1e6@verizon.net
Finance
Dan McCarthy danm5691@gmail.com
Fitness
Gayle Burgoyne gayleburgoyne@aol.com
Food & Beverage
John Palladino jape199@aol.com
Golf
Matt Lougheed matthew.lougheed@gmail.com
Golf Rules
Bruce Nordstrom bnorthstream@yahoo.com
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com
Greens Tom Stribling tjstribling@gmail.com
Dan Derisio dderisio@yahoo.com
House John Palladino jape199@aol.com
Membership Johnny Garstka johnnygarstka2024@gmail.com
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com
Personnel
Bob Sampson bsampson71@gmail.com
Racquets
Harrison Smith hharrisonsmith@gmail.com
Social
Natalee Siveroni nataleesiveroni@gmail.com
Marie Denslow a93aggie@gmail.com
Strategic Planning
David DeLorenzo david.delorenzo@gmail.com
Swim/Pool
Mike Goede goedes@me.com
General Manager's Message
BY STEVE LAWSON, CCM | GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
It’s been quite a summer! At the time of writing this article, we are four months into Fiscal Year 2026 and off to a strong start. We are within 1% of budget, total revenues are $38,219 better than the $1,087,465 budgeted and $87,000 higher than this time last year. Fitness and racquets have seen amazing success, and while August financials have not been closed out, preliminary reports show the pool had a great season. Despite the increase in rainfall and decrease in Member cart usage, both of which affect revenue, the golf department YTD is better than budget. As of the end of July, the total round count for the year is 16,597. If you’re interested in learning more, a list of all monthly financial statements can be found on the Governance webpage under the Financials tab.
While the Club has been bustling with activity, the Strategic Planning Committee and Board have been continuing to define the Club’s vision and refine the strategic direction for capital projects. Over the past few months, the Strategic Planning Committee has made significant strides in understanding the Club’s capital needs in both the short and long term.
Since their June meeting, the Strategic Planning Committee has been presented with information and insights from all Club departments in the form of SWOT analyses. The Committee asked each Department Head to put together a research presentation from both a capital and operational perspective on what is going well in their departments, what could be improved, as well as areas of potential opportunity and threat. I presented at the June meeting; Director of Golf Alessandra Maurtua, Golf Course Superintendent Shawn Gill, and the Director of Racquets Branden Beets presented at the July meeting; and Director of Fitness Reggie Edwards presented at the August meeting. Each department provided research-backed data from the Member Satisfaction Survey, industry trends, and ongoing feedback to inform future project prioritizations for desired initiatives.
I am proud of the hard work, intentionality, and critical thinking our Staff poured into this process. They each shared insightful feedback and presented in a clear, impactful manner, drawing conclusions and delivering solutions that make me extremely
excited about Springfield’s potential. There is no limit on how far we can push the envelope to relentlessly pursue becoming the Club we want to be.
At the July meeting, Strategic Planning also received a focus group analysis report accompanied by a presentation on the results of the driving range conversation. The report included charts and graphs showcasing the quantitative data as well as qualitative themes from the pre-questionnaire, discussion questions, and post-questionnaire. Future steps were
nominating and election procedures. The Board will focus on the Club’s mission and vision as well as values and goals for themselves and the Committees, laying a foundation of guiding principles. By the conclusion of the retreat, the Board’s goal is to have a better understanding of how industry-leading boards operate and what practices our Board can be working on to foster stronger governance, succession planning, financial management, and member stewardship.
The Board and I are particularly looking forward to this time as these conversations are vital to the long-term prosperity of Springfield. It is an incredible privilege and honor to get to serve as the General Manager and take part in this work. I am very pleased with the direction the Board, Committees, Staff, and Club are moving, and I thank you for your continued support and engagement with each other and SGCC.
Current Board President John Astorino recently had the honor of presenting Ronald Deane with a logoed blazer in commemoration of his previous service on the Board of Directors. Mr. Deane joined Springfield Golf and Country Club in 1963 and served as President of the Board in 1968.
Fit for Fun: Healthy Kids Start with Movement
BY JACKIE O'SHEA FITNESS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
When we think of kids and fitness, it’s easy to picture team practices, game days, or hours spent training for competitions. But the reality is physical wellness isn't just for athletes; it's for every child.
Exercise in children goes far beyond physical appearance or sports performance, laying the groundwork for healthier bodies, sharper minds, and more confident kids. Rafal Tokicz, one of SGCC’s personal trainers, specializes in youth fitness and wants to make exercise accessible, engaging, and empowering for all children, whether they’re in sports or not. The benefits of regular exercise include better cognitive function, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, enhanced metabolism, and even stronger immunity and bone density. These aren’t just perks—they’re foundational to every child’s long-term well-being.
For many children, structured sports may not be appealing, or even an option. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. Even simple forms of movement help kids focus better in school, regulate their emotions, and build habits that last into adulthood. Rafal explains that exercise enhances kids' ability to handle everyday tasks with more energy and less stress, whether that’s carrying a backpack, running around the playground, or simply getting through the school day with focus and confidence. “All of this work will hopefully instill a lifelong habit of exercise and its many benefits,” says Rafal.
Encouraging active play like bike rides, family hikes, jumping on a trampoline, or even games like Twister or tag can do
wonders. Rafal also recommends integrating movement into daily routines: doing chores together, taking walks as a family, or exploring interactive video games that encourage motion. “Find ways to play together,” he says. “That’s how you build movement into their world in a fun and sustainable way.”
Exercise also has a powerful effect on a child’s mindset and emotional resilience. Whether through structured training or casual play, movement teaches lessons in persistence, overcoming challenges, and coping with setbacks. Rafal notes that doing hard things like physical exercise develops a more resilient mind, often boosting leadership skills and calming stress through the natural release of endorphins.
In our KidFit program, Rafal helps kids build these qualities in a positive, fun, and social environment. He focuses on agility, strength, and endurance, all while making it enjoyable and
accessible for kids of all fitness levels. “We combine fun games with performance training, creating a community where kids push each other to excel,” he explains. “I want them to leave feeling accomplished, eager to return, and more in love with movement.”
Fitness isn’t just a requirement for athletes, it’s a critical part of every child’s growth, learning, and happiness. Encouraging kids to move their bodies, explore different types of exercise, and build healthy habits can change the trajectory of their lives. And they don’t have to do it alone!
With leaders like Rafal Tokicz and programs like KidFit, kids are finding joy in movement, gaining confidence in their bodies, and developing the tools they need for a healthy future—on and off the field.
Adults and children ages 9 and up are invited to join us for GOAT YOGA on Sunday, September 14 from 4:30–5:30 PM. Registration is required and can be found online.
Pro's Pointers: Mastering the Mental Game of Golf
BY ALESSANDRA MAURTUA, PGA | DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Golf is often called the ultimate mental sport. While swing mechanics, fitness, and equipment are important, your mindset can make or break a round. Learning to manage the mental side of the game not only helps lower scores but also makes golf more enjoyable. Here are a few strategies to strengthen your mental game:
Develop a Positive Mindset
“Of all the hazards, fear is the worst.” – Sam Snead
A positive outlook creates resilience on the course. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, shift your focus to what you can control: your routine, attitude, and commitment to each shot. Stay present—don’t let a bad shot or hole carry into the next. Treat every swing as a fresh start. Rather than obsessing over your final score, concentrate on controllable habits such as your pre-shot routine.
Use Visualization to Your Advantage
“I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head.” – Jack Nicklaus
Your mind is one of the most powerful tools in golf. If you can clearly see a shot in your mind, you give yourself a better chance of making it happen. Many professionals visualize their shots before stepping into position—imagining the ball flight, where it will land, and how it will roll out.
Like any skill, visualization requires training. Incorporate it into practice rounds by adding small challenges to simulate pressure.
A famous study by Dr. Blaslotto at the University of Chicago in 1996 highlighted the power of visualization. Three groups of students were tested on free throws:
• Group 1: No practice No improvement
• Group 2: Practiced 30 minutes daily 24% improvement
• Group 3: Visualized making free throws for 30 minutes daily 23% improvement
Now imagine the impact of combining physical practice with consistent visualization—you’d be training both your swing and your mind!
Overcoming Mental Blocks
“Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course—the distance between your ears.” – Bobby Jones
Every golfer experiences doubt, nerves, and frustration— whether it’s over a tricky chip or a three-foot putt. What matters is learning to reset. A solid pre-shot routine creates a familiar, comfortable space that calms the mind. Above all, stop fearing the miss. Instead, focus on execution and trust the work you’ve put in.
Remember! Golf mirrors life: it rewards patience, positivity, and resilience. Train your mind just as intentionally as you train your swing—and don’t forget to enjoy the process.
New Lighting at Racquets
In August we began work on a long-anticipated project— all new lighting for the indoor tennis and pickleball courts. Improved lighting was the number one request in the racquets portion of the Member Satisfaction Survey, and this project has been two years in the making with thorough research, multiple bids and photometric studies, and collaboration with the Strategic Planning Committee.
Our new LED lighting is competitive grade, falling between 70 and 90 footcandles. Our previous lighting measured between 17 to 35 footcandles—for context, recreation grade is between 30 and 50 footcandles, so an update was sorely needed. The improved lighting is more consistent, more energy efficient, and creates a better experience for all racquets players.
We were excited to begin the project on August 4, but we ran into a snag: the bulbs shipped to us were not the correct ones. With each of the bulbs being custom made to fit our new light fixtures, we were worried about the impact of delaying the project, but knew that the bright white light we originally planned would be worth the wait.
And it was! All three indoor courts now boast the new lighting and it is already making a noticeable difference in players' ability to track the ball and play their best. Thank you for your patience throughout this project—the future is bright at SGCC Racquets!
Above Image from Left to Right: New Lighting Fully Installed on Court 1; Lights Off/In Process on Court 2; Old Lights on Court 3
Dutch Apple Bread
BY LINDSAY WEBB | PASTRY CHEF
Fall is around the corner, but with plenty of warm weather and sunshine ahead, it might not always feel that way. If you're ready for fall coziness no matter what the weather app says, this Dutch Apple Bread with hints of cinnamon and sugar is the perfect midafternoon pick-me-up!
Ingredients
Bread:
• ½ Cup Softened Butter
• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 1/2 Cups Green Apple, diced and peeled
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts or Pecans, chopped Crumble Topping:
• 5 TBSP Cold Butter
• 1/3 Cup Flour
• 2 TBSP Granulated Sugar
• 2 TBSP Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon Vanilla Glaze:
• 1 TBSP Melted Butter
• 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 TBSP Milk
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a bread pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
3. Add in eggs, milk, and vanilla and stir to incorporate.
4. Mix in flour, salt, and baking powder.
5. Fold in apples and nuts.
6. Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan.
7. To make the crumble topping, combine all ingredients and mix with a fork or pastry mixer until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter in pan.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in bread, comes out clean. (Internal temperature of bread will be 200°F when fully cooked.)
9. Let cool.
10. To make the glaze, whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
11. Once bread is cooled, remove from pan and drizzle top with vanilla glaze.
12. Slice and serve.
Learn More About Our September Events...
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LABOR DAY PICNIC AT THE POOL
12:00–8:00 PM
Featuring Food (12:00-7:00 PM), Live Music (1:00-8:00 PM), Bounce Houses, and Tons of Fun, Make a Splash at Our Annual Labor Day Picnic at the Pool! Registration Only Required for Food Wristbands.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Breakfast, 7:00-11:00 AM
Lunch, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Racquets & Fitness Center Close at 4:00 PM
Clubhouse & Golf Shop Close at 5:00 PM Pool Closes at 8:00 PM
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DOG SWIM 6:00–7:00 PM
The Pool is Closed for the Season, but Man's Best Friend is Invited to Take a Dip! Open to Members Pups Only, No Guests. Dogs Must Arrive on a Leash and Be Supervised by their Family. We're Pawsitively Excited for the Return of this Event!
5 REIKI + SOUND 6:00–8:00 PM
Experience the Transformative and Healing Power of Sound and Reiki. Includes Guided Meditation, Sound Bath, Group Reiki, and Brief Individual Reiki. Registration Required.
2-DAY GOLF SCHOOL 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
6–7
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Elevate Your Game with a Focused, High-Performance Training Experience Including: Full Swing, Iron Precision, Chipping, Putting, Pitching, Bunkers, Ball Flight Control, and a 9-Hole Playing Lesson Covering Course Strategy, Decision Making, and Scoring. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Both Days. $365/person Includes Lunch. Registration Required, Space is Limited.
CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS DUE
Candidate Applications for the Annual Board of Directors Election Must be Submitted to Steve Lawson by September 11. The Nominating Committee will Conduct Interviews September 17 & 18.
12 JUNIOR TENNIS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
5:00–9:00 PM
10U Orange Ball, 12U Green Ball, 17U Yellow Ball. Registration Required, $20 per player.
LADIES GOLF CLINIC 2:00–3:00 PM
Perfect for Women Golfers of All Skill Levels. Designed to Provide a Relaxed, Social Learning Experience While You Improve Your Golf Fundamentals. Registration Required.
Join Us for a Fun Flow on the Driving Range with Goats! Great for Adults and Children Ages 9 & Up. Please Bring Your Own Yoga Mat or a Towel. Registration Required, $40 per person.
6:00–7:30 PM
All SGCC Teens are Invited to Join Rafal for an Equipment Demo in the Gym! Get More Comfortable in the Gym by Learning What Muscles Each Machine Targets, How to Set Them Up, How to Use Proper Form, and More! Registration is Required.
Featuring
Flight. Dining Reservations Encouraged.
A Unique, Family-Style Dining Experience Between Holes 1 and 9 Featuring a Curated Farm-to-Table Menu. Registration Required, $65++
October 2025
Club Championship Mixology Lab 6:00–8:00 PM
Reiki + Sound
6:00–8:00 PM
Music on the Patio 6:00–10:00 PM
Club Championship Club Championship
Golf Course Open
Dueling Pianos Adult HOWLoween Bash 7:00 PM
Flying Ace Distillery Trip 10:30 AM–5:30 PM Ladies Golf Clinic 2:00–3:00 PM
Family Halloween Festival 6:00–10:00 PM Parent/Child Golf Clinic 4:00–5:30 PM
Annual Meeting of the Membership 7:00 PM
Learn More About Our October Events...
MIXOLOGY LAB WITH TARA 6:00–8:00 PM
Try Your Hand at Making Four Holiday Cocktails! Learn About the Benefit of Using Fresh Ingredients, How to Make Your Own Syrups and Mixers, and How to Build a Balanced Cocktail. Registration Required, $20++
3 REIKI + SOUND 6:00–8:00 PM
Experience the Transformative and Healing Power of Sound and Reiki. Includes Guided Meditation, Sound Bath, Group Reiki, and Brief Individual Reiki. Registration Required.
MUSIC ON THE PATIO 6:00–10:00 PM
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Featuring Spike Burton. Dining Reservations Encouraged.
13 GOLF COURSE OPEN
Clubhouse/Dining Closed
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DUELING PIANOS ADULT HOWL-O-WEEN BASH 7:00 PM
Themed Cocktails, Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres, Dueling Pianos by Howl at the Moon. Costumes Encouraged, Registration Required. $45++ Adults 21+ Only
FLYING ACE DISTILLERY & BREWERY TRIP
10:30 AM–5:30 PM
Includes Bus Ride, Snacks and Drinks on the Bus, and Reserved Area at Flying Ace. Registration Required, $60++
18 LADIES GOLF CLINIC 2:00–3:00 PM
Perfect for Women Golfers of All Skill Levels. Designed to Provide a Relaxed, Social Learning Experience While You Improve Your Golf Fundamentals. Registration Required.
24 FAMILY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
6:00–10:00 PM
Registration Required, Costumes Encouraged. $32++ Adults and Children, Children Under 4 Are Complimentary.
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PARENT-CHILD GOLF CLINIC 4:00–5:30 PM
Fun Family Clinic Featuring Stations and Games Designed for Shared Learning and Bonding. Registration Required, $50 per family.
ANNUAL MEETING 7:00 PM
Annual Meeting of the Membership in the Ballroom. Hear from the Board about the State of the Club. 2025 Board Election Results will be Announced. A Quorum is Required, Please Plan to Attend.
Membership Corner
BY SHELLY GOOREVICH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Please join me in welcoming some of our newest Member families:
Carlos Mateos is a first-generation Cuban American with a deep-rooted passion for growth, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. Born in New Jersey and raised in Virginia, Carlos went on to play college baseball at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, but eventually stepped away from the sport to join his family’s business in 2011. He takes pride in building strong teams, leading with purpose, and investing in people. Outside of work, Carlos is into sports and spending time with those closest to him. He is driven by legacy, loyalty, and the belief that hard work and heart can take you anywhere.
Brendan and Julie Peter are both natives of Northern Virginia and have been married for 29 years. Brendan is the head of Global Public Policy for Zscaler; Julie is a Fairfax County Public Health Nurse. Together they enjoy traveling, hiking, pickleball, outdoor concerts, wine, and spending time with family and friends. They have two adult sons: Jacob, 24, is a graduate of Georgetown University, lives in Arlington and works at Capital One; Luke, 20, is a rising junior at George Mason University studying accounting. The family also has a five-year-old mini goldendoodle named Zoe. The Peter family looks forward to being active members in the SGCC community and plan to participate in golf, tennis/pickleball, exercise, and social activities.
Andrea and Mitchell Porwoll live in West Springfield with their son Theo (1) and beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Winston. Mitchell is originally from Bakersfield, CA and attended college in Memphis, so he is always looking for good BBQ recommendations. Andrea is from Orlando, FL and is a proud alumna of Florida State University. While they have been in the D.C. area for the last 10 years, they look forward to building community and staying active at SGCC.
Brendan, Julie, Jacob, and Luke Peter
Carlos Mateos
Andrea, Mitchell, and Theo Porwoll
Turf Talk
BY SHAWN GILL | GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
It seems as though every month I begin my article with comments about the weather. I guess that is because it is the single biggest influence on course conditions and our ability to fully realize the goals we have set. Why change what works? Here I go, but shorter and sweeter than usual.
I hate the weather here in the Mid-Atlantic! Just as I feared, the spigots have shut off and there’s been no rain since July 31. On the bright side, the temperature has cooled off tremendously and I think we have (fingers crossed) just enough water to get us through. Perfect aeration and turf healing weather is nice for a change! Okay, now on to more exciting stuff.
I mentioned aeration. We could have not asked for better conditions for fall (not sure last week of August qualifies as fall) maintenance week. The low stress weather has allowed us to really go gang busters with cultivation. We are wrapping up the operation after a few very long days for the crew. All
greens, approaches, short-cut surrounds and tees have been aggressively cored and topdressed, and now we are working on smoothing the surfaces for when you come out to enjoy this fall like weather. It sure is nice to get the timing perfect once in a while. I also mentioned that we have not received measurable rain in nearly a month. Even though it has cooled off, this is still causing a lot of stress on the fairways. The texture of the soil in some areas allows water to perk in well and in other spots it gets hard as a rock. The problem is that now we have a mix of too dry and too wet in the same fairway. Hole #14 is a great example: you can observe dry turf damaged from cart traffic and soft spots that are mushy to walk on within 20 yards of each other in a relatively flat location. It’s got me thinking that we will start contracting fairway aeration in the fall as well as the spring so that we can keep more consistent playing surfaces and make more good use of the time that we are closed.
Recently, Kate Fulton conned me into shooting some videos
as a way for me to show the Membership how they can be a part of Keeping Springfield Special. That’s not entirely fair; I was in complete agreement with the video idea since I don’t get the chance to connect with you in a visual way very often. It was fun making it, and I hope that you all enjoyed the first installment or at least got some good information that will help improve the course. I have to admit that it was truly painful for me to watch! I’m glad I never had an inclination to take up acting. Kate and I will be doing a series of these to help inform our Members of the ways they can help separate SGCC from the pack and become the envy of other clubs. From ball marks to bunkers and traffic to tee disposal, we’ll cover the subjects in a way that will, hopefully, open your eyes to what a big difference the little things can make.
It may seem like things will slow down for us now that we have gotten through the worst of summer, but with the Fall Member/Guest coming up soon and the mac-daddy (Club Championship) only five weeks away, we are still in full-speedahead mode. Not to mention it is tulip ordering time and we are not too far from pulling out the annual flowers and putting in the winter-hardy pansies for continued fall color. That is actually a tough one for me. The summer annuals tend to look spectacular in September, but they have to be swapped out early enough to give time for good development of the fall plantings before the real cold and shorter days become the norm.
Speaking of summer annuals, my favorite bed this season has definitely been the one right of hole #11 tee. This was a bit of a glorious accident. I had contemplated removing the bed because it was in the way when we sprayed the tee and it adds a lot of stress when applying chemicals and you have to worry about killing the flowers accidentally. After conferring with Jose Barahona, my Assistant, we decided it would be better to move it slightly so that it was no longer in the way and use the opportunity to expand it as well. As I had planned to do away with it, there was no planting plan, so I told our head gardener to use the “extra” flowers from our spring order to make a nice design. It turned out to be about the most colorful and brilliant bed with great contrast of bright and dark colors as well as varying heights. Nice job, Julio! I’ve always been pretty much “turf centric” but that bed has inspired me to look for other spots to add some WOW to the course visuals without impacting playing areas or creating too much extra work for my team. One nice thing is that plantings near tees get watered regularly from overhead irrigation so they need less supplemental watering by the garden crew.
Once again, I’d like to end things by speaking about the great people who make up the Greens Department here at SGCC. There is a group of them that have been here for many years and have developed close relationships both in and outside of work. But as we’ve added new employees, it is super rewarding to see how the experienced ones take the time to
teach, guide, and nurture the newer team members. Over the course of this season, I have seen members of the crew who used to seem more “on the outside” becoming enveloped into the group that supports one another and spends an amazing amount of time laughing—genuinely! Sometimes I have to stop them and remind them that this is work, and they should be miserable, and hate being here. And then we all have a good laugh. Watching them work together the past several days, completing a herculean amount of work and smiling when they get here the next day, exhausted, humbles me!
Coach's Corner: How to Shake Off Mistakes
BY BRANDEN BEETS | DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS
Let’s face it, mistakes happen. And you know what? That’s okay. In fact, mistakes are one of the most important parts of learning and growing, especially on the court. They give us the chance to adapt, reflect, and come back stronger.
When I was younger, I played a lot of team sports and experienced all kinds of coaches; some lifted me up, others made me second-guess myself. The coaches who had the biggest impact on me weren’t the ones who barked orders and pulled me out after a misstep. They were the ones who gave guidance but also trusted me to figure things out while I was still in the game.
That freedom to problem-solve is where confidence is discovered.
In racquet sports, the dynamic is different. You’re either playing solo or with a doubles partner. There’s no bench. No substitutions. Just you, your partner, and the match. While a coach can smile, clap, or give a quick fist pump, once play begins, it’s up to you. That can feel intimidating—but it’s also incredibly empowering.
The key? Learning how to shake off the mistakes and move forward with purpose.
At some point in my coaching journey, I developed what I call the 4 R Recovery Process—a quick mental reset that helps players bounce back between points. It’s simple, and it works. For this article, here’s how the process looks after a mistake:
Review
The point is over. Take a moment to think: What happened? Maybe you hit into the net, mistimed a lob, or forgot to switch on a drop shot. Quickly acknowledge it without judgment.
Reset
Now let it go. Don’t blame yourself or your partner. Mistakes are part of the game. Accept it and mentally move on. Tap racquets, high five your partner, look at your strings, and take a deep breath.
Refocus
Turn your attention to the next point. Pick one thing to focus on:
• “Next time I’ll aim higher.”
• “I’ll trust my swing.”
• “I’ll wait for the right toss.”
Keep it simple and positive.
Reenergize
With your mind ready, get your body there too. Hands up, eyes focused, feet active. Show your opponent (and yourself) that you’re locked in.
That’s it! Review, Reset, Refocus, Reenergize. It takes practice, but with time, it becomes second nature. Here at SGCC, you won’t get pulled out after a mistake. You get to keep playing, keep learning, and keep improving. So come out, shake off those mistakes, and enjoy the game.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in action this fall!
Bridge Banter
BY DON FREDERICK
Summer is rapidly drawing to a close. The pool season has ended, and a nip will soon be in the air. Looking for a new way to step inside and enjoy our beautiful club? Do you play bridge? If yes, come join the SGCC Friday Evening Bridge Group at one of our upcoming sessions.
Here are the results of our recent sessions:
AUGUST 1
First: Letty and Ken Silverberg
Second: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers
Third: Ellen and Charles Rolen
AUGUST 15
First: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers
Second: Letty and Ken Silverberg
Third: Ellen and Charles Rolen
We play relaxed, party bridge on the first and third Friday evenings of each month. Many of us gather for dinner first. If you’d like to join us, call Don Frederick at 703.425.9722. Our next scheduled evenings are September 5, September 19, and October 3.
Folk Music Folks
BY MERYL WEINER
Calling all folk music enthusiasts! If you’re interested in starting a new group at SGCC that brings people together who enjoy playing instruments and singing folk music, please contact Meryl Weiner at merylweiner1@gmail.com. This group would meet monthly either on Tuesday or Sunday evenings. Let’s make meaningful and beautiful music together, and let’s have fun doing it!
Retirees' Corner
BY RUSTY ROESCH
With only five games left until the playoffs, the Springfield Retirees are building momentum with several convincing wins. Our latest wins on the road have made a substantial difference in our standing as we continue to maintain a strong secondplace in our division, putting us in a good position to earn a spot in the October playoffs. Looking ahead, we have potentially challenging, critical-to-win home matches during September against Belmont Country Club, Fort Belvoir, and the current league leader, Army Navy Arlington Country Club.
July 16 was a beautiful summer day. It was perfect for a friendly match with Washington Golf and Country Club on their course. Tom Natoli and Bruce Nordstrom finished in the lead, and their foursome took home a big share of the winners’ pot. Following close behind, Steve Bartlett’s and Chuck Carlton’s foursome came in second. Bruce Sheaffer and Tom Skrobala helped their foursome capture third place. Springfield’s low gross scores and low net scores were turned in by Tom Natoli (gross 81, net 68) and Bruce Nordstrom (gross 82, low net 70). Peter Lee also recorded a low net 70.
On July 24, we continued our winning streak on the road at Belmont Country Club. Springfield Retirees carried the day 19 to 17. Our only 3-point winning team was Ron Devine and Robert Wooding. Multiple teams delivered with 2½ points each: Charles Rolen playing with John Benda and Steve Bartlett teamed with F.D. Rosenberger. Hank Webb and Stanley Quick won 2 points. Significant low gross scores included: Harry Kline (76), Charles Rolen (76), and Jim Yates (80). The key to our win was numerous outstanding low net scores: Mark Hite (68), George Cave (70), Charles Rolen (70), Steve Bartlett (70), F.D. Rosenberger (70), Steve Barker (71), Jim Wilson (71), Jim Yates (72), and Robert Wooding (72). Springfield took first and third places in the sweeps. Although Harry Kline and Steve Barker lost their match ½ to 2 ½, they won the sweeps. Third place went to Steve Bartlett and F.D. Rosenberger.
On August 7, we prevailed on our home course over Hidden Creek Country Club 21½ to 14½. Jesus Medrano and Mark Morganfield were the only 3-point winners. Strong showings were made by multiple teams to deliver 2½ points each: Matt Jordan and Mark Crook, Charles Rolen and Steve Barker,
and Jim Wilson with Rob Monick. We also took three spots in the sweeps with net scores five under par: second place went to Brad Westerman and Robert Wooding, third place was awarded to Jesus Medrano and Mark Morganfield, and fourth place went to Mike Saylor and Jim Workman. Our best gross scores were turned in by Richard Lion (76), Mike Saylor (76), Matt Jordan (77), and Charles Rolen (77). Impressive low net scorers included Greg Gerlach (61), Mark Spooner (68), Mark Morganfield (68), George Alapas (69), and Jesus Medrano (69).
August 14 was a very hot and humid day, and Army Navy Country Club Arlington managed to win a highly competitive, closely watched match on their course 19½ to 16½. Derrick Smith / Jim Workman, Jim Yates / F.D. Rosenberger, and Don Bisenius / Mark Hite all delivered 3 points. Two teams turned in 2½ each: Richard Lion / Brad Westermann and Mike Saylor / Jim Wilson. Richard Lion and Brad Westerman captured third place in the sweeps with a net 63. The best gross scores for the match were recorded by Derrick Smith (76), Richard Lion (76), and Mike Saylor (77). Several team members excelled with the best net scores of the day: Jim Wilson (69), Bruce Nordstrom (70), Derrick Smith (71), and Lee Morgan (71).
To support highly competitive home and away matches, our Retiree Team needs fresh players every year. Note that it is never too late to join the Retirees (just be 50+ and dream about retirement). For more information on joining, please contact Bruce Nordstrom at bnorthstream@yahoo.com or call 202.494.6558.
Shout Outs G O L F
Congratulations to Tucker Sprague on winning Second Place in the U.S. Kids Golf 2025 World Championship at Pinehurst!
Congratulations to Matt Jordan on getting a hole-in-one on August 17!
Congratulations to Mike Nelson on getting a hole-in-one on July 26!
Congratulations to Ban Tran on getting a hole-in-one on August 21!
Member-Run Golf Tournament Nets Fun for All
Community, culture, connection—these are some of the values we seek to cultivate here at SGCC. The Club is a place where you can be yourself, enjoy time with friends and family, and make memories. It's an incredible thing to see so many friendships take root and flourish.
In addition to the many Club-sponsored leagues and tournaments, Members often get together to make their own fun! Recently, a group of Members put on their own Ryder Cup-style tournament; while it wasn't a Club-sanctioned event, Jim Workman was able to organize a fun and friendly game in which anyone could participate.
Two teams—Team Happy Gilmore captained by Brett Hiserman and Team Shooter McGavin captained by Brandon Streicher— took each other on in traditional Ryder Cup fashion. The
format was six holes of singles matches, six holes fourball, six holes alternate shot.
Congratulations to Team Happy Gilmore on emerging victorious, 12.5–7.5!
Do you have a fun Member event, Club memory, or personal success you'd like to share with your fellow Club Members? Please reach out to Emily Kauffman at emily@sgccva.org.
