EDITORIAL STAFF
Publisher
Joseph Malcarney
Production
David Latimer
Content Coordinator
Michelle Scianni
Contributing Editors
William H. Bromley, II
Patrick Butkus
Linda Eynon
David Latimer
Colin Mack-Allen
MaryKay Maley
Jack Merget
Chef J. Kelly Morrow
Michelle Scanzano
Michelle Scianni
James ”Cheech” Shukdinas
Jason Walker
Newsletter Contributions
Tavistock News publishes original articles written by members other than our editorial staff. Letters of opinion and varying viewpoints are also solicited.
Address your comments to:
The Publisher
Tavistock News
100 Tavistock Lane Haddonfield, NJ 08033 or email: mscanzano@tavistockcc.com
The comments, opinions, views & recommendations are strictly the authors. They do not represent the opinion of Tavistock News, its staff, its committee, or the Board of Governors of Tavistock Country Club.
Good News
Email your major personal, professional and life milestones to Michelle Scanzano with the subject “Good News.”
Email mscanzano@tavistockcc.com
Greetings From The Golf Shop
GOLF SHOP
Patrick ButkusAs the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, it’s time to get ready for another exciting season at Tavistock Country Club! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got plenty of tips, news, and updates to help you make the most of your time on the course this spring.
Spring is the perfect time to fine-tune your swing and shake off the rust from the offseason. Look out for our upcoming series of articles featuring tips and insights from our Professional Staff on how to improve your game. From driving distance to putting precision, we’ve got you covered.
Thinking about upgrading your equipment this season? Stay tuned for our in-depth reviews and recommendations on the latest golf clubs, balls, and accessories. Whether you’re in need of a new driver or just want to try out the newest technology, we’ll help you find the perfect gear to suit your game.
From the Masters to our very own Club events, spring is packed with exciting golf tournaments and events. Keep track of all the action with our updates via ForeTees, Tavizine, Instagram and our website to stay up to date on the latest tournament results, player news, and highlights of the 2024 golf season.
We want to hear from you! Share your favorite golf memories, photos, and stories with our Club. Whether it’s a hole-in-one celebration or a memorable round with friends, we greatly appreciate celebrating along with you.
We on the golf staff wish you all well in 2024!
Annual Meeting Reminder
The Board of Governors and General Manager cordially invite each member to the elections of Officers and Annual Meeting of Tavistock Country Club on Monday, April 15th, 2024. The meeting begins at 8:00 PM. Polls open 9:00 AM and close at 7:45 PM.
Please reference the email sent on 1/3 for more information.
Spring Has Sprung At TCC!
THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
William H. Bromley, IINow that winter is behind us (and hopefully all the snow and cold weather), it is time to think of warmer weather, longer golf days and exciting entertainment at our Club. The Entertainment Committee has lined up some great events for your spring enjoyment.
Look! We’ve done it again! We scheduled a Complimentary Spring Wine Tasting on Wednesday, April 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. All three ballrooms will be filled with purveyors featuring wines from Paul Hobbs, Charles Krug, Banfi, Analcota, Verite, Yangarra, Bertani, Beckstoffer, Educated Guess, Truth Be Told and many more! Enjoy food stations by Chef Kelly to compliment your tastings. Limited to members only, please make your reservation for this free event by calling the Main Office.
Dads and Grandfathers: The Butterfly Ball is currently sold out but you can still join the waitlist for April 13th. Registration to do so is online.
Saturday, April 27th marks the opening of the golf season at TCC! After golf on Saturday, help us kick off the season for the Spring Opening Dance Par-tee featuring the band Love 77, heavy hors d’oeuvres, food stations and an open bar for the duration of the party. Open to all membership classes, this event features a band that plays all the popular favorites that will have you dancing all night long. At $80++ per person, this casual members-only event is sure to sell out, so get your reservation in, your dancing shoes on and enjoy the fun!
Saturday, May 4th is the ever-popular Kentucky Derby Day celebration at the Club. Ladies, wear your fanciest hats to possibly win the best hat contest. Enjoy
specialty drinks and food stations on the Rooftop Patio. Catch the action on multiple TVs. A southern style buffet will follow. $85 per person, inclusive of tax and tip. Register online or call the Main Office.
Returning this Spring – Camp Tavistock!
On Saturday, May 18th, kids and their parents can camp out in their own tent on the golf course between the 10th and 18th tees. Enjoy campout cuisine created by our own Chef Kelly and his team. Desserts by the campfire and storytelling make it a night your kids will remember. After early morning camp breakdown, a hearty breakfast will be served. Sign up early as it is sure to sell out fast. Register online or call the Main Office.
SAVE THE DATE for these future events before your calendars fill up with other summer events. The Tavistock Carnival makes its return on Thursday, June 27th. Chip & Sip returns twice this summer starting Saturday, July 13th and again on Saturday, August 17th
On behalf of the Club and the Entertainment Committee, we would like to extend our appreciation and thanks for your continued support of the Tavistock entertainment events. We have tried to provide you with new events, along with the traditional favorites, and your support has been nothing short of amazing! It is you – our membership – who makes Tavistock Country Club the social envy of other clubs in the Delaware Valley and for that we thank you!
See you at the Club!
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMPLIMENTARY
SPRING WINE SHOW
Wednesday, April 10th
BUTTERFLY BALLSOLD OUT
Saturday, April 13th
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROFESSIONAL’S DAY
Wednesday, April 24th
SPRING OPENING
DANCE PAR-TEE
Saturday, April 27th
KENTUCKY DERBY DAY
Saturday, May 4th
CINCO DE MAYO PARTY
Sunday, May 5th
MOTHER’S DAY
Sunday, May 12th
CAMP TAVISTOCK
Saturday, May 18thSunday, May 19th
RESERVATIONS: 856.429.1866
SAVE THE DATES
Please hold all reservations for Save The Dates until a formal advertisement is published.
FAMILY BBQ BUFFET
Sunday, May 26th
TCC CARNIVAL
Thursday, June 27th
CHIP AND SIP
Saturday, July 13th
Clubhouse
Main: 856.429.1866
Golf Shop
Direct: 856.429.1827
Clubhouse Manager
Jack Merget
Main: 856.429.1866 x651
Direct: 856.857.6790 jack@tavistockcc.com
Head Golf Professional
Patrick Butkus
Main: 856.429.1866 x621
Direct: 856.857.6954 pbutkus@tavistockcc.com
Banquet Manager
Catherine Drew
Main: 856.429.1866 x613
Men’s Locker Room Bar
Direct: 856.857.6964
Ladies Lounge Area
Direct: 856.857.6969
General Manager
Colin Mack-Allen
Main: 856.429.1866 x612
Direct: 856.857.6946
cmack-allen@tavistockcc.com
Direct: 856.857.6947 banquets_manager@tavistockcc.com
Banquet Manager
Christine Novzen
Main: 856.429.1866 x653
Direct: 856.857.6792 cnovzen@tavistockcc.com
Membership Director
Michelle Scanzano
Main: 856.429.1866 x677
Direct 856.857.6797 mscanzano@tavistockcc.com
Valet
Direct: 856.857.6963
Controller and Office Manager
Susan Klemick
Main: 856.429.1866 x615
Direct: 856.857.6948 susan@tavistockcc.com
Communications Director
David Latimer
Main: 856.429.1866 x654
Direct: 856.857.6793 dlatimer@tavistockcc.com
Executive Chef
J. Kelly Morrow
Main: 856.429.1866 x631
Direct: 856.857.6962 kmorrow@tavistockcc.com
Greens Superintendent
Victor Frederico
Main: 856.429.1866 x691
Direct: 856.857.6584 vfrederico@tavistockcc.com
Food & Beverage Director
Michelle Hawk
Main: 856.429.1866 x662
Direct: 856.857.6794 mhawk@tavistockcc.com
Hooray! Spring Is Finally Here
TCCWGA 18 HOLE GROUP
MaryKay MaleyIt is time to dust off your shoes and clubs! We hope you enjoyed your winter and are ready for a fun golf season ahead. To help you get back in the “swing” of things, please join us for our 18-Hole open play days on Tuesday, April 2nd, 9th and 16th. Also, an 18-Hole women’s clinic will be held on May 10th at 4:30 PM to help you prepare for our season opening. The official 18-Hole women’s golf season opening day is May 14th, with a 9:00 AM shotgun start. Registration can be made on ForeTees.
For those women registered to play our WGAP matches, there will be WGAP team clinics on Thursday, April 4th,11th, and 18th at 5:00 PM. The annual WGAP Kick-Off Party will follow the Team Clinic on April 18th at 5:30 PM.
If you haven’t already signed up to join either the 18-Hole (Tuesday play) and/or the 9-Hole (Wednesday play) women’s golf leagues, it is not too late to do so. We would love to have you join the fun; please call Sue Tindall in the office (856.857.6968) or e-mail her at stindall@tavistockcc.com to register for either 18-Hole play, 9-Hole play, or both. Once you state the group(s) you would like to join, more information will be forwarded to you.
Happy April! We hope to see you on the course and around the Club!
In Memoriam
Robert Creighton
Passed on February 25th
A Letter From The Greens Committee
THE GREENS COMMITTEE
Jason Walker, Greens ChairpersonDear Members,
We did it! Despite encountering our first measurable snowfall in two years, we’ve weathered a reasonably mild winter, and now Spring has finally arrived. I am pleased to share an update on the winter work carried out on the golf course and the progress of our Golf Course Master Plan project.
For those of you who have had the chance to venture out onto the course, you’ve likely noticed the improvements Vic outlined in his recent letter. Over the winter months, our team has been hard at work cleaning up the area between the 12th & 17th holes, as well as clearing the area to the right of the 5th hole. This included stabilizing the drainage ditch, removing undergrowth, and installing new drainage systems. These initiatives align with the objectives set forth by the Greens Committee, aiming to enhance the beauty of our course while ensuring drier playing conditions. Thanks to our diligent drainage and tree management plans, we’ve achieved some of the driest course conditions Tavistock has ever seen, resulting in consistently excellent day-to-day playability. Furthermore, we’ve experienced fewer closures following significant rainfall events, allowing for more golfing opportunities.
As you may recall from last year, the Club enlisted the expertise of Jaeger Kovich from ProperGolf.com as our new Golf Course Architect, with the primary objective of developing a new Master Plan for Tavistock. After thorough review and approval by the Greens Committee and the Board of Governors, I am thrilled to announce that the plan is now ready to be unveiled to the membership!
At our upcoming Annual Meeting later this month, we will showcase displays of the overall plan as well as individual hole designs. Jaeger will be in attendance to discuss the plans and address any questions. I’ll also be sharing some additional insights during my annual committee presentation. It’s important to emphasize that this plan represents a significant departure from the approach taken in the 2000s. Our new Master Plan serves as a comprehensive blueprint for both the present and the future, addressing many of the challenges our course currently faces. Consequently, there will be minimal disruptions, with closures limited to standard winter hole closures that we’ve come to expect.
I want to extend a huge thank you to our Superintendent, Vic Frederico, and his incredible team for all their hard work on the winter projects, ensuring the course is in top shape for Opening Day.
Warm regards,
Jason Walker, Greens Committee Chairman
Interested In Serving On A Committee?
Our Club has had the great fortune over the years to attract members who have been phenomenally generous with their time and talents. Our committees are seeking volunteers. If you are interested in serving on any one of Tavistock’s committees go to our website.
Click on the MEMBER CENTRAL
Click on JOIN A COMMITTEE
Click on the VIEW button
By doing so this will give you more information and enable you to start the process.
GAP Corner
THE GOLF ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA
The golf season is here. That means you can post scores from golf courses in the GAP region to your handicap record. As a part of the World Handicap System, handicap indexes will revise the following day any time a score is posted. For more information regarding score posting, contact Brad Jewett, Manager of GHIN Technical Support, at bjewett@gapgolf.org.
GAP Member Play Days give members a chance to experience the region’s finest facilities in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. The following venues will host the following Member Play Day events in May: Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club in Whitehouse Station, N.J. (May 6th); Heidelberg Country Club in Bernville, Pa. (May 7th); The Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes, N.J. (May 13th) and Springdale Golf Club in Princeton, N.J. (May 20th). Registration is available at www.gapgolf.org. For more information on GAP Member Play Days, contact Jason Funderburg, GAP Director of Member Outreach, at 610-687-2340 ext. 0022.
Take a trip overseas with GAP this fall. GAP Travel heads to Northern Ireland Sept. 21st-28th. The trip includes seven nights in four-star hotels, including five rounds at the following world-class venues: Portstewart Golf Club, Royal Portrush, Ballyliffin, Ardglass and Royal County Down. To register, or for more information, visit www.gapgolf.org/travel.
Tee-rific Golf Tip Of The Month
GOLF SHOP
James ”Cheech” Shukdinas, PGA Assistant Golf Professional
Is The Driver Swing the same as the Iron Swing?
During lessons, we get asked this question often. The answer is both “Yes” and “No”. The answer is “Yes” in that both swings go around an imaginary arc. And we ideally want to hit the center of the clubface with each club. The difference comes in the attack angle.
When we hit our irons, especially our shorter irons, we want to have a descending angle of attack on the golf ball. With the driver, we want an ascending angle of attack. We want this for two reasons. One, the ball is up in the air on a tee. If we try to hit down too much on a ball on a tee, it’ll pop right into the air and go nowhere! The second reason is so we can reduce spin, which will make a golf ball go further.
Here’s an example of why we want to reduce spin. If two golfers are both swinging their driver at 100MPH, but one has a SPIN RATE of 2,000 rpm’s, and the other has a spin rate of 3,000 rpm’s, the first golfer will be hitting by his partner all day long. Angle of attack affects SPIN Rate.
So here is where the swings differ. With the driver, we want to have more “side bend” with our spine at impact to get the ascending angle. With our irons we have some “side bend”, but with the driver we want more! To get this feeling, simply stand up straight facing a mirror. Now, bend your spine to the right (left-handed golfers bend to the left), that’s SIDE BEND. When it comes to differences between the two clubs, this movement is the key.
See you on the greens!
Tee Sheet Restrictions
Rules:
Guests limited 5 rounds
SOA limited to 10 rounds
NRG limited to 10 rounds
SOG limited to 5 rounds
JA may play after 3 pm each day
The Golf Association of Philadelphia official score posting season begins on Monday, April 1st. Please post all your scores at any of the scoring kiosks located in the golf shop, Men’s and Women’s locker rooms. You may also post your score in the Club’s ForeTees app or by downloading the USGA GHIN app on your smartphone. The posting season goes through November.
What do you like about your current position?
Cleaning and taking care of a place where people appreciate your work.
Where did you work prior to Tavistock?
Prior to Tavistock I worked for the Collingswood Board of Education. Five years in the Custodial Department in the High School and twenty-three years for the Maintenance Department in the district.
What was the first job you ever had?
My first job I worked for the family business; a liquor store named Liquorama.
What are some things you like to do when you’re not working?
I used to love riding motorcycles and downhill skiing, both in the past. Now I work on wood art projects.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, my wife and I have a four-year-old cat that we recently rescued.
Seasonal Reminders
DRESS CODE
Now that the 2024 season is upon us please visit the House Rules on the Club’s website to familiarize yourself with the dress code on the course and around the Clubhouse.
SHOE CHANGING POLICY
Changing shoes should be done in the Golf Shop or Locker Room and more specifically not in the parking lot.
ROSTER VISIBILITY
Please check your Roster listing on the TCC website and make sure the visibility of your personal information meets your preferences. If you would like to be more accessible by other TCC members, please make sure your contact information is made visible.
OTHER REMINDERS
No cell phone conversations in the Member Dining Areas.
Please make dining reservations so we can better serve you.
No ripped jeans. Shirts should be tucked in. Athletic wear before noon only. Hats off in the Clubhouse.
Administrative Offices
FRESH START TO SPRING
MichelleScianni, Communications Department
The Administrative offices got a mini facelift at the end of February. New carpet was installed and the walls recieved a fresh coat of paint. Temporary offices were set up in the Garden Room as the work was being done.
Chef’s Corner
BEET AND RICOTTA HUMMUS
Chef J. Kelly Morrow
If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty vibrant appetizer for your next gathering, Chef Kelly recommends giving this one a try.
INGREDIENTS:
1 baseball-sized red beet (about 6 ounces), scrubbed
1 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed, drained
1/3 cup tahini, well mixed
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup ricotta
1 garlic clove, finely grated or smashed to a paste with flat side of knife on cutting board
1 teaspoon (or more) kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
Suggested garnishes ~ Mint leaves or basil leaves, poppy or sesame seeds, and olive oil drizzle
PREPARATION:
Step 1
Preheat oven to 425°. Wrap beet tightly in foil and place on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the tines of a fork slide easily into the center of beet, 60–70 minutes. Let sit until cool enough to handle.
Step 2
Meanwhile, process chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander in a food processor until smooth.
Step 3
Using a paper towel, rub beet to remove skin (it should slip off easily and any staining to your hands will be temporary). Trim root end and cut beet into 8 pieces; add to food processor. Process until mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if needed.
Step 4
Transfer hummus to a shallow bowl. Top with garnishes and drizzle with oil. Prep a day ahead. Hummus can be made 4 days ahead. Hold in an airtight container.
Makes about 2¼ cups. Best with toasted pita or baguette crostini for dipping.
Dining Hours
Sunday Breakfast
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch + Lounge
Tuesday – Sunday
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner + Lounge
Tuesday – Thursday
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday-Saturday
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
No Lounge Service Between Lunch and Dinner
Men’s Lounge Bar
Monday-Friday
1:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
BAR CLOSING HOURS
TCC Bars close at 2:00 AM
Last call is 1:40 AM.
All members and guests must exit the Club by 2:00 AM.
The bar will close:
Monday – Friday 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday 8:00 PM if there are no members to serve.
