September October Cliff Notes

THE LEDGES

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021

Cliff Notes

IN LOVING MEMORY of Ledges friend, leader and owner

Steve Denney

As a member of the original ownership group, Steve Denney helped take The Ledges from a dream to reality. In the early years, the ownership structure changed several times before Steve, along with friend and business partner, Dr. Bill Salter, became the principal owners. Together, over the past 17 years, they guided The Ledges and garnered recognition as one of the top clubs in the Southeast.

Steve was a visionary. He just simply saw things differently. Employing the mantra that no dream is too big, no challenge is too great and nothing we want for our future is out of reach, he pushed The Ledges team to not only be better, but to want to be exceptional. It takes a special person who can cultivate relationships where employees want to perform, not out of fear, but out of respect.

The impact Steve Denney had on this club and the community will carry on and not soon be forgotten. His legacy will live on forever through the countless individuals he made a difference in by quietly encouraging, mentoring, and praying over.

STAFF TRIBUTES A T R I B U T E F R O M J I M AU S L E Y Chief Operating Officer Steve Denney was my boss. We had a working relationship for over 10 years. He trusted me and valued my input. We experienced times of success and times of struggle. The man I saw in the valley was the same man I saw at the peak. He possessed a work ethic that few could match. He was driven and purposeful with vision and a mind that never stopped thinking of how to be better. I admired that man.

Steve Denney was my friend. To really know Steve, you had to know the man - who he was as a person and the things that were important to him - his family, his faith, and his friends. I am blessed to be counted as one of his friends. He cared about me as a person. He only wanted the best for me. He knew my family and never failed to ask about them. He prayed for me every day. We discussed life and how to live it. We laughed often and I looked forward to the time I would get to spend with him. The impact he had on my life cannot be measured and I will miss him dearly. I loved that man.

A T R I B U T E F R O M K AT I E M A R T I N Director of Communications Very rarely in this world do you come across a truly exceptional person. You know, the kind of person who makes you feel better after you leave the room, or the kind of person who when they say they’re praying for you - they really are. The kind of person you know is always in your corner, no matter what.

My mom was that person. She passed away in 2017, and that’s when I had the opportunity to really get to know Mr. Denney - who told me to call him Steve - but I never could. I quickly learned that Mr. Denney was that same type of person. A once in a lifetime type of person - but luckily for me, I got it twice.

I could say a lot of things about Mr. Denney, like the fact that he always made time for a phone conversation or a chat. The truth is, I loved his advice. Or I could say that he is the one who encouraged me to take up golf. And when he realized I didn’t have a set of my own clubs, he got me some. But, if I could only say one thing about him - it's how much he loved.

He loved his wife.

He loved his girls.

And he loved this club.

His legacy is his love. And although he will be painfully missed, those who were most fortunate to be able to experience that love will never forget it.

A TRIBUTE FROM ROB CLARK PGA Director of Golf To many of us, Steve Denney was more than just one half of the ownership team at The Ledges. He was a mentor, a leader and a great person to lean on. He was demanding yet fair, and he made us all want to be better people.

Steve Denney was a master of promotion. He was always one step ahead of you and it was fun to be in a room with him when we were presenting ideas. He always asked the right questions and had a great vision. Nothing was out of reach, and no challenge was too great. He set goals, and achieved them. He never gave up. This is something that he instilled in the staff at The Ledges, and we will all never stop striving for excellence.

A TRIBUTE FROM

I always considered it a privilege when I got to hit the links with

T E R RY W I L BA N K S P G A

him. He enjoyed the game, took in the views, and truly

Director of Membership

appreciated the course. He was a sneaky good putter….something that runs in the ownership.

Steve and his family have been a large part of my life for over 19 years now.

Steve and I worked closely together at the club, and became friends while teaching him and his family to play golf. He loved to see his girls enjoy the game and had always said that he wanted to play more. Over the past two years, we were able to get on the course more. Those afternoons on the course are times I will never forget.

I’ve always admired his professionalism and business style approach to the club, and life.

Steve truly loved his family and this club to the fullest and he will be deeply missed.

A TRIBUTE FROM JIM HOWELL Director of Agronomy Steve was a good friend and leader not just to me, but the entire Agronomy team. He was never afraid to introduce himself to the staff and he treated them like he had known them forever.

Before every deer season we would get everything ready, because he said that was going to do more hunting, slow down and enjoy time in the woods.

Knowing him for all of these years, I knew that wasn’t going to happen because he was so active in everything he did, but we prepped anyway.

He will be missed dearly but I know he will always be with us!

A TRIBUTE FROM SARAH MELENDEZ Member Relations Coordinator LCA Admin Mr. Denney would always greet me with a friendly smile and a warm hug. I loved our talks when we would sit together after board meetings, and he would praise, uplift, and mentor me.

He truly wanted the best for those around him. I admired his sense of self and purpose. I learned so much from him as a leader and will carry his teachings with me throughout life.

One of my favorite memories of Mr. Denney, was when situations would seem tense, he would always turn around and give me a wink and a smile.

His faith and love for his beautiful family, was an inspiration to see.

His wonderful daughters are a reflection of that love.

Being around him and his family was magnetic, you were just drawn to them.

Brain Cancer Research Fund

R. Steven Denney

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (UAB)

The R. Steven Denney Brain Cancer Research Fund will partner with the Principal Investigator (PI) at UAB to actively accelerate research that will transform the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONLINE: Donations can be made online at https://go.uab.edu/RStevenDenneyBrainCancerResearchFund MAIL: Checks can be made payable to UAB Nerosurgery with R. Steven Denney Brain Cancer Research Fund in the memo and mailed to UAB Gift Records, 1720 2nd Avenue South, AB 1230, Birmingham, AL 35294-0112

GOLF NEWS

JIM HOWELL'S COURSE UPDATE

The Agronomy team began several improvement projects in August. You have probably noticed construction on the back lawn where we are renovating our putting green. You've probably also noticed work being done near The Twenty-Two where we are creating an additional parking lot, with 40 new spaces.

To assist with putting green renovations, we have hired a contractor to oversee the construction. The reconstruction will take the putting green from its now 6,100 square footage to 7,500 square feet. In addition to the size of the putting green increasing, the sloping of the putting green will be smoothed out, to provide more puttable space. The chosen cultivar is 007XL which has proven to be the hardiest cool season turf in the transition zone. The texture is much finer than our A-1 variety we had before, and it handles heat and disease stress very well.

Work will conclude by the first week of September, and the putting green will be closed through the season to allow the grow-in process to complete.

Upon completion, the putting green will be separated from the Championship Tee on hole one. The Championship Tee will be reduced in size and will receive a wall with steps around the teeing surface.

We are looking forward to the larger, flatter practice putting green which we believe will make for a better practice experience. While the main putting green is closed for the season, remember that there is a putting green located at the Short Game Area.

I know our members will enjoy both of these expansions.

Regards, Jim Howell

TEEING OFF WI TH R OB CL AR K What a year it has been, with some of the best golfing weather yet to come. Last year we had a record year of 30% growth in rounds played from the previous year. This year we are on pace for a 6% growth in rounds from 2020. Many would think that would be an alarming number based on last year’s rounds, but it is a very significant number. Rounds across the southeast region are down 8%. Weather has played a large factor in that, as our precipitation is up almost 30% from last year. It would be smart to think we are approximately up 15% on the rest of the region. That speaks to our active membership and the quality of our golf course. I want to thank all of you who support the club by coming out and playing. I hope you will continue to do so as we strive to get better each day. I always say right now is possibly the best 8 week stretch we have in our season. The course is very green from the season and the weather is starting to cool down. I hope you will find time to come out and enjoy it. We still have plenty of activities to participate with other members. See below for the golf events for the next two months.

PUTTER FITTING DAY: Thursday, September 9 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Master Fitters: Craig Bocking, Director of Instruction and Rob Clark, Director of Golf This is an opportunity to have your putter custom fitted and find out if you have the correct style, lie or length. Our cutting-edge Sam Put Lab technology will allow us to measure face rotation, skid length as well as many other factors. The cost of this service is $75 and includes any bending we will need to do on your putter. The appointments will be in 30-minute increments. This will be a fantastic way to make sure you have the right equipment in the most important part of the game.

Nine, Wine and Dine: September 17 and October 8 The Nine, Wine and Dine events have been very popular this year, and we appreciate all who participate. The September format will be Par 3 Challenge with 9 holes of par three. This is a fun format, so make sure to sign up and come out and try your iron shot making skills. The October event will be our end of the year format and we will play a five-hole scramble of the top holes only.

Pro-Shop News If your company outfits its employees with logoed apparel or gear, know that we are able to provide those items at most likely a lesser price. We have been able to save a good amount of money for many of our members who purchase apparel and or gifts for their employees and customers. If this is something you do and would like to meet for a quote, we will be glad to come make a presentation.

Club Fitting Update We continue to stay very busy on the club fitting front. If you have a need or just want to make sure you are playing with the right equipment, sign up for an equipment evaluation. We can make sure your shaft flexes are appropriate for your swing and your lies on your clubs are consistent. We can fit you in just about any type of equipment they make. Call the Pro-Shop to make an appointment.

SEPTEMBER 22 OCTOBER 27

FOUR PERSON TEAMS • One member, three guests • Two members, two guests NET BEST BALL 1 ball required on holes 1 through 6 2 balls required on holes 7-12 3 balls required on holes 13-17 4 balls required on 18 $600 for the team Dinner and Football Watch Party After-Play

Limited Spots Remain

Dinner on the Greens GREEN GODDESS SOUP WITH LUMP CRAB TORCHON WITH COMPRESSED APPLES AND ARUGULA SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH SLOW BRAISED LAMB PUMPKIN ROULADE WITH ALMOND LACE w e d n e s d ay october 15

the ledges back lawn

h a l f pa s t s i x in the evening

Reservations Required

$65 per person member charged bar

the ledges

Ages 13 and up: $50, Ages 6-12: $20, Ages 5 and under: $10

September 15 6:30 p.m.

THE LEDGES

SOMM

bourdeuax

SERIES

TORTELLINI WITH WHITE BEANS, BUTTERMILK PARM

Sauvignon Blanc CONFIT DUCK WITH APPLE CRISP

Merlot BEEF BOURGUIGNON WITH ARICHOKES

Cabernet BLUEBERRY BOMB CAKE

Sauternes

The Ledges Annual LADY GOLFERS

MASTERED THE COURSE DINNER W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 6 , 2 0 2 1

At 6:30 in the evening

on the menu PIMENTO CHEESE CAESAR SALAD WITH LOBSTER F I L E T W I T H A S PA R AG U S PEACH HAND PIES

$65

LAST HORRAY AT THE TWENTY-TWO

6

THIS SEASON'S LAST HORRAY AT

THIS SEASON'S LAST HORRAY AT THE TWENTY-TWO

6 0 P E S

10AM 2PM

Y P HAP R LABOM -

10A DAY 2PM

• MUSIC • FOOD • FUN • BBQ BUFFET WITH HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS, PULLED PORK, SMOKED BRISKET CONECUH SAUSAGE, WINGS, BANANA PUDDING, DIRT CAKE AND MORE ADULTS: $25

6-12 YEAR OLDS: $15

5 AND UNDER: $5

The Ledges Back Lawn

September 1, 6:30 p.m.

Live Music by Brandon Elder Italian, Spanish, and French Cuisine Wine Pairings $55

The Battle: Saturday play

The Battle: Sunday play

The Battle Luau

Sunday Brunch Buffet 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Labor Day Cookout 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wine Tasting 6-7:30 p.m.

Scotch Tasting 6:30 p.m.

Football on the Rocks

Ladies Wine Night 6:30 p.m.

One Day Member Guest

LA Junior Family Day 2 p.m.

Bourbon Tasting 6:30 p.m.

Somm Series: 6:30 p.m.

Goldschmidt Wine Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Trivia Night 5:45 p.m.

Live Music by Preston Watts

Fall Fest 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wine Tasting 6-7:30 p.m.

Ladies Golf Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Somm Series: 6:30 p.m.

Bourbon, Golf and Cigars

Trivia Night 5:45 p.m.

Scotch Tasting 6:30 p.m.

Dinner on the Greens 6:30 p.m.

Movies on the Lawn

Reed + Alyssa Ledges Reception

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.-6:00 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 Closes for the season on September 6 THE TWENTY-TWO Closed for the season.

CONTACT INFORMATION Clubhouse 256-883-0860

Guard House 256-883-1901

Pro-Shop 256-883-4191

The Twenty-Two 256-479-7753 ••••••••

STAY CONNECTED Like us on Facebook at theledgescountryclub and follow us on Instagram at @theledgesclub to find out news and information on upcoming events. Another great way to stay informed is to subscribe to our email list. Email kmartin@theledges.com if you need to be added to the list.

32 Castle Down Drive HSV, AL 35802

Jim Ausley Chief Operating Officer jausley@theledges.com

Jim Howell Director of Agronomy jhowell@theledges.com

Craig Bocking Director of Instruction cbocking@theledges.com

Dave Lux Director of Food & Bev. dlux@theledges.com

Rob Clark Director of Golf rclark@theledges.com Phillip Collier Executive Chef pcollier@theledges.com Jordan DeBonis Assistant Golf Professional jdebonis@theledges.com Leigh Ann Evans Club Administrator leighann@theledges.com Greg Harnage Assistant Golf Professional gharnage@theledges.com

Katie Martin Director of Communications kmartin@theledges.com Sarah Melendez Member Relations Coordinator LCA Admin smelendez@theledges.com Terry Wilbanks Director of Membership twilbanks@theledges.com Arlene Zanlunghi Events Coordinator azanlunghi@theledges.com

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