Jan/Feb Cliff Notes 2024

THE LEDGES

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2024

Cliff Notes

The Ledges

Cliff Notes Newsletter HOURS OF OPERATION

DINING

Monday: Closed Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

PRO-SHOP Monday: Closed Tuesday - Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - dark POOL/TWENTY-TWO Closed for the season NEW YEAR’S DAY Closed

CONTACT INFORMATION Clubhouse 256-883-0860

Guard House 256-883-1901

Pro-Shop 256-883-4191

The Twenty-Two 256-469-7753 ••••••••

STAY CONNECTED A great way to stay informed is to subscribe to our email list. Email bcarr@theledges.com if you need to be added to the list.

Like us on Facebook at theledgescountryclub and Follow us on Instagram at @theledgesclub

Rob Clark Director of Golf/General Manager rclark@theledges.com Craig Bocking Director of Instruction cbocking@theledges.com Phillip Collier Executive Chef pcollier@theledges.com Jordan DeBonis Head Golf Professional jdebonis@theledges.com Leigh Ann Club Administrator leighann@theledges.com

32 Castle Down Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

Jim Howell Director of Agronomy jhowell@theledges.com

Dave Lux Director of Food & Beverage dlux@theledges.com Bailey Carr Director of Communications bcarr@theledges.com Sarah Melendez Member Relations Coordinator smelendez@theledges.com Zach Weaver Lead Golf Professional zweaver@theledges.com Terry Wilbanks Director of Membership twilbanks@theledges.com Arlene Zanlunghi Events Coordinator azanlunghi@theledges.com

A Farewell

from Jim Ausley Dear Members, As I am sure many of you are aware, I will be leaving The Ledges in early January for another opportunity.

The Ledges is a rare and unique club. While many contribute that to the golf course and the property, I would argue it’s the people - the membership, the staff, and the ownership – that truly define what makes it so special.

I am forever grateful to Mr. Steve Denney and Dr. Bill Salter for believing in me and trusting me to carry out their vision for The Ledges. This club has been my home for the past twelve years. The people I have met and the friendships I have made will always hold a special place in my heart.

Regards, Jim Ausley

TEEING OFF WITH Rob Clark, Director of Golf

With the dawn of a new year, we welcome a fresh golf season filled with innovative ideas to enhance your club experience. Our theme for the year revolves around elevating the member experience, given our current full membership and waiting list. Reflecting on 2023, the course achieved its peak condition throughout the entire year, a testament to the outstanding efforts of our Agronomy Team, favorable weather conditions, and heightened member engagement. While expressing gratitude for the past year, we acknowledge the potential for improvement in various aspects. Our primary goal, as in previous years, is to boost activity. In 2023, with a full membership, we surpassed the milestone of 25,000 rounds played—an all-time high. Looking ahead, we anticipate maintaining this level. Our team has dedicated the off-season to crafting an even better experience for both members and their guests, embracing the challenge with enthusiasm.

Important Golf Dates for 2024: The Reunion: April 13th The Cliffhanger (Member-Guest): May 30th - June 1st The Ledges Championship: July 4th - 6th The Battle: August 10th - 11th For the 2024 Cliffhanger (Member-Guest), invitations will go out early February. All Full Golf Members will have priority over Sport Plus and Sport Members. Members will have until March 15th close of business to turn in your invitation. We will keep a Google sheet of every returned invite. On Tuesday, March 19th, the Golf Staff will do a lottery for the 64 spots for this year’s event. New for 2024 is the following for exemptions and lottery: • Past five champions are exempt (must play with your winning partner) • For every year your name has been in the drawing and you have not been drawn, an additional ball will be placed in the lottery dated back to 2020 • Must have been a member at least one calendar year from the date of the tournament We will continue to encourage all who don’t make the cut in 2024 to consider the Fall Member Guest which you will have first option to join. We will have those dates in the golf booklet that will go out before the end of February.

As we gear up for the 2024 season, our shop will soon feature new apparel and equipment. We take pride in meeting your corporate needs, offering a range of options for employees or clients to showcase your company’s brand. If you’re interested, we’re more than happy to arrange a meeting and presentation to demonstrate how we can add value to your business while saving you money—a service many of our members already enjoy. Feel free to reach out with any questions or specific requirements; we’re eager to serve you.

For those who haven’t visited the Academy recently, we encourage you to stop by. Our Director of Instruction, Craig Bocking, has upgraded the teaching bay with state-of-the-art technology and information. In 2024, we’re focusing on improving putting skills, and we invite you to sign up for fittings or clinics to enhance your game.

We’re excited to reconnect with everyone at the Club and are open to any suggestions on how we can enhance your experience. See you at the Club!

S AV E T H E D AT E

2024 GOLF TOURNAMENTS THE REUNION April 13th

CLIFFHANGER May 30th - June 1st

LEDGES CHAMPIONSHIP July 4th - 6th

T H E B AT T L E August 10th - 11th

COURSE UPDATE FROM Jim Howell, Director of Agronomy Anticipating the upcoming 2024 golf season, we are excited about the enhancements we aim to bring to the golf course conditions for both our valued members and guests. Last year saw the formation of a solid Agronomy team, featuring Superintendent Wyatt Kotary, First Assistant Eli Gipson, and Will Parker as our lead Equipment Technician. This dedicated group navigated challenging conditions during the Huntsville Championship prep, enduring rain, fog, and double shotguns with 16-hour workdays. Post-tournament, we focused on addressing “Winter Kill” issues in collars, approaches, and fairways, resulting from the cold temperatures the previous December. By summer’s end, the course had beautifully grown in, showcasing the remarkable efforts of the entire team.

This year promises to be less eventful, especially with the Huntsville Championship moving to a different venue. Nevertheless, I take pride in the three years we hosted, during which our course earned accolades from talented players, tour officials, and spectators. Their rave reviews are a testament to the course’s quality and the hard work of our team.

In our continuous pursuit of excellence, this year’s improvements will focus on the aesthetic and playability of the course. We plan to eliminate mulch beds in playable areas and resod with Tiff Tuff Bermuda and Palisades Zoysia. The initial work has commenced, starting with the left side of 1 fairway, behind 13 green, and behind 16 green. Our schedule aims to complete holes #1, 2, 7, 10, and 14 before the golf season kicks off in April.

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support as we strive to enhance the golfing experience for our membership.

Regards, Jim Howell

building a bluebird haven on the fairway with robbie robinson In 2016, the move back to Huntsville from San Francisco marked the beginning of an unexpected journey for member Robbie Robinson, fueled by a chance encounter with a bluebird at the Ledges golf course. Little did he know that this encounter would ignite a passion for conservation, leading to the establishment of a bluebird trail on the course.

“The first time I saw a bluebird, it was at the Ledges. I was captivated by its vibrant blue plumage. I love to paint and I remember thinking that color could never be replicated with a brush” said Robinson.

As the fascination grew, so did the realization of the importance of preserving their habitat and ensuring their survival. The journey toward building a bluebird trail took an interesting turn when Robinson, an avid golfer, noticed that several prestigious golf courses around the country had installed bluebird boxes. Intrigued and inspired by initiatives like the one at Skidaway Island, Georgia, which supported over 15,000 bluebirds, the idea of creating a similar haven at the Ledges took root.

Research into bluebird boxes and their construction followed, revealing a lack of carpentry skills. Fortunately, a solution presented itself in the form of David Harwell and his friend Phil Kern, a bird box specialist. With Phil’s expertise and guidance, the decision was made to start with 18 boxes, with aspirations of expanding to 75-100

boxes across the golf course, driving range, and the surrounding

boxes, equipped with baffles and steel to deter predators, provide

neighborhood. The project took on a distinct identity with the

a safer environment for bluebirds, boasting a 95% survival rate

creation of a logo, designed by Robinson’s daughter Caroline, a

compared to natural tree holes.

Senior Art Director with experience in golf-related branding. The logo added a unique touch to the bluebird boxes and represented a

“Starting in March I hope to have volunteers check the boxes weekly

personal investment in the project.

and record activity” says Robinson, as the bluebirds go through their breeding season. There’s potential for each pair to have three broods

However, the road to building the bluebird trail was not without

a year, totaling 4-5 blue eggs per brood. The boxes, designed with

its challenges. Personal distractions and the passing of Robinson’s

grooves for hunting and fledgling navigation, aim to contribute to

mother, Sara Ann, temporarily delayed the project. Yet, a conversa-

the conservation of bluebirds.

tion about the trail with Sara Ann in the hospital and her encouragement became a driving force to push the initiative forward.

Ultimately, the creation of the bluebird trail at the Ledges serves

Enthusiasm and support from the Ledges community, including Dr.

as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved when a

Salter, Katie Denney, and others, further fueled the project.

community comes together for a common cause. Beyond providing a safe haven for bluebirds, it stands as a testament to the importance

The bluebird boxes, ready by August, were presented to Rob Clark,

of preserving wildlife and creating a legacy that will endure for

who saw the potential but deferred the final decision to Jim Howell.

generations. As the bluebird haven flourishes, it becomes not only a

When meeting with Jim, Robinson was met with a grin and a hug,

symbol of conservation but also a source of joy and inspiration for

learning that the Ledges was already a certified Audubon course and

all who encounter it.

the stage was set for the creation of the bluebird trail.

Phil Kern and Robinson erected 15 birdhouses in a day, facing only minor mishaps along the way. The following morning, the birds were already making use of their man-made homes. These cedar

Holidays at The Ledges 2022

Decking the Halls A THANK YOU TO THE TEAM BEHIND OUR CLUBHOUSE DECORATIONS We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful group of ladies who dedicated their time and creativity to transform our clubhouse into a festive wonderland this Christmas. Your efforts and attention to detail have made our space truly magical, spreading joy and warmth to everyone who walks through the door.

A big thank you to: Jean Salter, April Denney, Pamela Anderson, Ivy Downs-Albert, Carol Ann Ellers, Paula Dial, Janis Simpson, Nancy Forrester, Sandy Sparks, Sandra May, Sarah Melendez, Maren Thurman, Brandon Dunn and Team

CALENDAR January 1-4 Clubhouse & Course Closed

February 6, 6-7:30PM Wine Tasting

January 9, 6-7:30PM Wine Tasting

February 7, 5:30-7:30PM New Member Fiesta

January 11, 6:30PM Bourbon Tasting

February 8, 6:30PM Scotch Tasting

January 12, 5:30PM Steak and Seafood Night

February 9, 5:30PM Steak and Seafood Night

January 17, 6:30PM Somm Series: Cabernets from Around the World

February 11, 10AM-2PM Sweetheart Brunch

January 20, 6:30PM Wild Game Dinner January 24, 6:30PM Midwinter’s Night Dream Ladies Cocktail Party January 25, 6:30PM Robert Burns Scotch Dinner January 26, 5:30PM Italian Night

February 14, 6:30PM Valentine’s Dinner February 17, 5:00PM Father Daughter Dance February 21, 6:30PM Somm Series: Sake Dinner February 22, 6:30PM Bourbon Tasting February 23, 5:30PM Italian Night February 29, 6:30PM Craft Beer Dinner

All events have a 72-Hour Cancellation Policy.

Any cancellations or changes to the party sizes must be made before 72-hours prior to an event.

After that time, the full price of the event will be charged.

32 Castle Down Drive Huntsville, Alabama 35802