B e a r Tracks Winter Carnival Saturday, January 21 More Details on Page 4. January - February The Club at Carlton Woods Newsletter

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1 The Club at Carlton Woods Newsletter B e a r Tracks January - February Winter Carnival Saturday, January 21 More Details on Page 4 Photo by Susan Lee Photography

2 From the Manager BY STEVE SALZMAN At the time of this writing, we have just completed our monthly Board Meeting and there is again much to cover. Platinum Club Over the last six months I have written about Platinum Club status, what it is, and what it represents. Without revisiting it all in detail, this is the foremost listing of premier Clubs in the country. It is only achieved by industry peer review with no outside influence of being a client of a particular agency or committing to marketing purchases. Many great Clubs in the country and world aspire to be a Platinum Club. The pursuit alone makes a substantial statement of a Club s commitment to quality and the noble pursuit of achieving excellence. For the Platinum Club recognition, approximately 6,000 ballots were sent out to every general manager and Club President or Owner of a Club. This resulted in a return of over 3,800 ballots to rank the top 150 Country Clubs in the country, which represent the top 5%. The results are just back and I am very pleased to announce that our industry peers ranked us as #121 in our first appearance for consideration as a Platinum Club. To receive this level of accolade on our initial appearance was unexpected, I knew we would be well regarded but did not expect to actually be a ranked Club. It is an amazing result and as our universal recognition increases, I fully expect us to climb this ranking list in subsequent two year voting cycles. I hope this achievement makes you proud of your Club. I hope you feel a pride in belonging because of all that was achieved in our first year as a Member Equity Club and the momentum we carry forward into this coming year. What is clear is that this Club, with the support of this membership, is capable of everything and will be recognized continuously as one of the finest in the country. Membership By now you know that I believe this is the most important area that determines our success. To be candid, we all know that the Club must expand our roster from its current level. There are only two ways to impact our roster. First, we have to retain all our current members by continuing to strive for excellence in everything we do and provide. Second, the membership has to expose friends, neighbors, acquaintances from social organizations, or business associates to the Club and provide names of people you believe would make a good Member to the membership director, Aleya Davis. This is important now more than ever with the transition attrition now behind us. To remind you, the Board opened a limited number of non-equity golf memberships to help jump start a growth program initiative whose primary success factor is instilling a culture of referral at Carlton Woods. As a Club we will only be successful if you provide us with names of people you believe would make a good addition to our Club. Board Meeting Items I felt much was accomplished at December s Board meeting and want to share several things with you that occurred and that will be occurring in the next several months. and it must support the department and staff with which they work. I bring this up because it speaks to the focus on the main priority this year explained above in the membership section. Once the Committee and Board finalize their objectives we will share the top three to five items from each with you. A couple projects were brought to conclusion. First, the presentation and layout of the Founders recognition plaques was given final approval. We will now have the vendor make final changes and prepare the final proof to move towards production. Second, for the last several months we have been reviewing our golf course maintenance equipment lease which expires in stages beginning now and continuing for the next four months. A lot went into this decision by the Finance Committee and then the Board. Weighing the selection of what should be purchased new, versus off lease, what pieces were necessary to maintain the quality of our courses, and what could be supplemental purchases to enhance the agronomic health and quality of our exceptional courses were top considerations. The cost of this project totals just over $760,000. It is important to note that the current monthly cost of equipment is just over $34,000 each month. The new structure once fully in place will be about $22,000 per month. It is a good example of the work being done to make wise financial decisions, increase quality and reduce unnecessary expense. We also want to commend the work of JC Childree and Tim Huber whose input and expertise was invaluable in bringing this necessary project to conclusion. Culture of Excellence I shared at the Annual Meeting highlights from our Employee Partner Commitment Card. I like it and it animates me every time I have the opportunity to discuss it with employees which is very regularly. The last requirement of the employment process is a New Employee Orientation where I spend time in a very interactive session discussing our goals as a Club and our commitment to the Members. I bring this up again because this commitment is what drives us to provide the best we can every day. It began our continuing effort to purchase the finest groceries available, locally sourced when possible, but always the best available to us. It resulted in the decision to provide the Pro V1 program on the range and has guided every operational and capital decision since. Culture is a hard thing to instill in an organization. I believe as you experience every different product, service and area of the Club, you can see a vivid difference from where we started a brief 15 months ago to where we are today. We have much left to accomplish but I am proud of what this Employee Partner Team has accomplished in a short period of time. See you at the Club, You all know that we have several active Committees at the Club. The Board has asked each group to independently submit objectives that will be the focus of this year. The guidance given to arrive at those objectives by the Board was as follows: It must aid in the retention of existing Members, it must aid in the enrollment of new Members 2 The Club at Carlton Woods Steve Salzman, Chief Operating Officer

3 Halloween Spooktacular Photos by Susan Lee Photography Welcome New Members Santo Gonzalez & Julieta Guerro Alejandro Dabdoub & Barbara Aranda John & Rhonda Morris Mark & Anel Pond Chris Pagano & Marti Newman Alejandro Dabdoub & Barbara Aranda 3 January - February 2017

4 January & February 11 Wine University Wednesday, January 11 6:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Taste six wines from major wine-growing regions in Spain, and learn what has made Spain both a great value and a classic wineproducing country. A flight of Spanish cheeses will be included. $50++ per person. Reservations required. Limited to 14 people Winter Carnival Saturday, January 21 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Our annual Winter Carnival returns this January with more wintertime family fun at your Club! It is a guaranteed snow day, so bring the whole family out to slide, bounce, and dine at the Nicklaus clubhouse. Reservations are required, so hurry now to reserve your family s spot! 12 Girls Night Out Thursday, January 12 6:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Prepare for a heat wave! Join us at the Nicklaus clubhouse and enjoy a taste of the islands at our Caribbean themed Girls Night Out. We ll be serving up unlimited tropical drinks and hors d oeuvres for you and your guest, and treating you to live entertainment - straight from the Caribbean! $50++ per person. Reservations required. Open bar available until 8:00 PM. 19 TATE Wine Dinner Thursday, January 19 6:30 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Founded in 2011, TATE produces small-lot wines from micro-vineyards dotted along the valley floor and hillsides of the Napa Valley. $140++ per person Limited to the first 35 people. FEELING HOT IN THE WINTER Girls Night Out $40++ per person. Reservations required. Children 4 and under are complimentary. 25 Uncorked Wine Social Wednesday, January 25 6:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Have a new wine locker, or just running low with your old one? Come by the Nicklaus clubhouse and try a variety of wines that will make the perfect addition to your personal collection. Reservations required. Complimentary for wine locker members. $15++ for all others. 29 Mother-Daughter High Tea Sunday, January 29 2:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Enjoy a delightful afternoon of High Tea and Social engagement for Mothers and daughters alike. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the Harp and learn the etiquette of a formal tea service. Open to all ages. $35++ per person. $30++ per child Reservations required. 4 The Club at Carlton Woods UNCORKED

5 14 Sweetheart Valentine s Dinner Tuesday, February 14 5:00-9:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Romance is in the air at the Nicklaus clubhouse! Invite that special someone in your life to dine with you in the beautiful candlelit ambiance of the of the Club, and enjoy a fabulous coursed menu prepared by Chef Barrios and his culinary team. Vocalist Bridgette Cooper will be providing entertainment throughout the evening. $75++ per person. Reservations required. Club casual attire. Hours of Operation Nicklaus Clubhouse Closed Every Monday, Unless Otherwise Noted Clubhouse Opens at 6:30 AM Lunch Dinner Nicklaus Grille Tuesday - Friday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 5:00-9:00 PM Saturday - Sunday Breakfast 8:30-11:00 AM Lunch 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Breakfast Lunch Dinner Men s Grille Tuesday - Friday 7:30-11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 5:00-9:00 PM 25 Father-Daughter Sock Hop Saturday, February 25 6:00-9:00 PM Nicklaus Clubhouse Rock around the clock! Put on your poodle skirt, slide into those dancing shoes, and head to the Nicklaus clubhouse for a special father-daughter dance. We ll be spinning the hits and serving up your favorite 50s diner treats, including root beer floats, malts, burgers, and more! $75++ per duo. $30++ per additional child. Grandfathers and uncles welcome. Reservations required. Saturday - Sunday Breakfast 7:30-11:00 AM Lunch 11:00 AM -until last tee time is in Fazio Clubhouse Closed Every Tuesday, Unless Otherwise Noted Clubhouse Opens at 5:30 AM Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM Friday - Saturday 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Prime Rib Night January 26 & February 23 at the Nicklaus Clubhouse Join us for our newly-reformatted Prime Rib Night, taking place on the last Thursday of every month. Tennis & Fitness Nicklaus Monday - Thursday 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM $42++ for a King Cut (16 oz) or $30++ for a Queen Cut (10oz) 5 January - February 2017 Saturday - Sunday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

6 Brunch with Santa Wyatt & Ezra Nath The Malonson Family Shannon Wing & Son Jennifer Harris, with Sophia & Olivia The Schwertner Family 6 The Club at Carlton Woods Photos by Susan Lee Photography

7 Holiday Open House Mark & Gloria Tressler Jonathan & Amy Homeyer Brad & Karen Goebel Surinder & Koel Bhatia Ramiro & Gina Rodriguez, Steve & Stacey Bourque DuJuan & Tina McCoy Nancy Wagner, Soly Lachterman, Janet Wong, & Lisa McCarriston 7 January - February 2017 Photos by Susan Lee Photography

8 Golf BY JASON ALEXANDER, EMILE ASOUS, & DANIEL GONZALES Men s Carlton Cup The 2016 Men s Carlton Cup as contested at the Nicklaus Course this year, with Team Alexander/ Peddy trying to take down the defending champions, Team Asous/Gonzales. The teams were evenly matched and the team totals were close for 45 holes. With 9 holes to play the teams were tied, looking like it would come down to the final match on Sunday. And then the tide turned in favor of the defending champions once again. With the final score of Team Asous/ Gonzales retained the cup and plunged into the lake on the 18th hole for the traditional victory celebration. We would like to thank everyone for participating in all of the club events throughout the year. And congratulate everyone who qualified and play in the 2016 Carlton Cup! Its been a few years since I played in the Carlton Cup. I remember now why I enjoyed it so much before. Aside from the excellent job you did in running the event, it struck me, now that I have an owner s perspective in the Club, how impressive this experience is for building the kind of camaraderie and social networking critical to the Club s success. The style in which you managed this was certainly a catalyst to that experience. Emile even threw in a new baby just to add to the mix! Congratulations again. An intense golfing experience under world class conditions where win or lose, in the end you have members embracing members in appreciation for having shared something special. I don t know how much better for a Club it can get, except one thing...how to engage more in the pursuit and the experience of similar events. I just wanted to say thanks again for a great job and all that you did to make it special. -Bo McBee Ladies Carlton Cup The Carlton Cup is the premier event of Carlton Woods where the top 20 CWWGA point earners of 2016 get to participate. The Annual competition is between the Angels, captained by Jason Alexander, and the Goddesses, captained by Daniel Gonzales. The first round of Carlton Cup always proves to be and exciting day, from the opening ceremony festivities to the first points posted on the scoreboard. The Goddesses came out strong, winning the first match and giving them the early lead. The Angels wouldn t be discouraged though, and battled back by earning points in the rest of the matches. All of the matches were close but after the First Round the Angels (3) had a slight lead over the Goddesses (2). As the final day of Carlton Cup went underway it wasn t clear who would become victorious. The Goddesses came out strong winning 2 of the first three matches to tie everything up at 4 points. At the end, the Angels prevailed, winning to last two matches to become the 2016 Carlton Cup Champions. Ladies 9-Hole Carlton Cup The Club at Carlton Woods Fazio hosted the 2nd Annual Ladies 9-Hole Carlton Cup. Team Fazio - consisting of Terri Norwood, GK Merrill, and Alejandra Lorenzo - went to battle against Team Creekside - made up of Kay Hunsicker, Amy Torres, and Lis Fisher. The ladies played a 3 person scramble with points available for the low front 9 score, back 9 score, and total. Team Fazio got off to the early lead, but Team Creekside came back riding some very hot putters on the last few holes carding 3 birdies coming in! The competition and camaraderie were at an all-time high, rewarding the six participants on a great year. Please congratulate Mrs. Hunsicker, Torres, and Fisher on a great win! Carlton Bowl III After a 3 year hiatus, the world renowned Carlton Bowl is back! Join us on Super Bowl Sunday February 5 at Carlton Woods Fazio for a 10:00 AM shotgun. We will offer breakfast and cocktails on 2017 the range along with an action packed round of golf, with a couple of football themed challenges to determine which team will take home the prestigious Carlton Bowl trophy. This is a great way to start off Super Bowl Sunday. So grab your best buddies, family, or fellow members and join us for a fun filled day at the Club! Call Jason Alexander at for more information. 8 The Club at Carlton Woods 2016 Rally For the Cure The 2016 Rally for the Cure, held October 20 at the Nicklaus course, was a great success for a worthy cause. Our ladies in attendance were treated to a 9-hole golf tournament, along with a delicious luncheon with raffle prizes and a silent auction. In total, the Rally for the Cure raised over $39,000 for Susan G. Komen and their partner programs. The Club would like to thank Carla Govreau, Evelyn Lee, and Terri Norwood for their tireless work all year long on putting together this event, and for all the other member volunteers who made it happen. Congratulations, on a wonderful and meaningful event!

9 Agronomy BY TIM HUBER Finalizing the Bunker Project Staff Training Although the bunker renovation is done, moving into the New Year our team will have plenty of work to do to officially complete the bunker renovation in our eyes. We are all eager for spring weather so we can get the grass growing again. Our focuses will be on restoring areas disrupted by the bunker renovation work, such as, replanting native Bahiagrass areas throughout the course and planting trees in key areas now void of bunker space. Our team feels that the bunker project was successful and changes to the golf course will be enjoyed by all levels of golfers. Structural concepts considered for each bunker, in general, were placement or location of the bunker, depth, and its size. These concepts took into account original design and course theme, difficulty for each type of player, and sustainability for the future. With the help of Fazio Design, we feel that the large structural changes made will not be needed again, even into the next decade when the Fazio course bunkers are potentially replenished with all new sand, the scope of work, time, and cost will be greatly reduced. The goal going into the bunker project was to enhance the course and improve bunkers now and for the future as well. Our team believes we achieved exactly that. With the start of the New Year I will focus on crew training and staff development. This is always ongoing in our department, but we will hit it hard the next two months. For the crew it means training sessions as a group on the course. We will cover all of the various tasks and expectations. We will task our assistant superintendents with attending various local seminars on current topics in the industry and expose them to administrative duties within our department. JC and I will attend our National GCSAA Conference in Orlando this February to stay connected with the latest research findings and golf course trends. Staying Connected Agronomy departments are behind the scenes. Reading e-blasts, Bear Tracks, and website updates are important to the agronomy department, and the Club communications often help communicate the current oncourse activities, closures, and more. Follow JC and I on twitter for periodic pictures and projects: JC Tim Fazio #6 After 1 of Heavy Rain Fazio #6 Pre-Renovation Fazio #6 Renovation Design Fazio #6 Renovation Complete 9 January - February 2017

10 Tennis BY CARY LOTHRINGER Ladies Holiday Tennis Social & Luncheon On December 1, we kicked off the holiday season with our annual Ladies Holiday Tennis Social and Luncheon. Blessed with perfect weather, the event began with scrambled tennis matches followed by an exceptional lunch prepared by Chef Barrios and his amazing staff. Our holiday trivia showdown, always a big hit, was won by Nicole Riggs! Jumpstart Ladies Clinic January 10, 11, and 12 We are looking forward to a great 2017 season of ladies league tennis in the spring. To make sure that our teams are ready for league play, we will host our annual Jumpstart Clinics on Tuesday, January 10, Wednesday, January 11, and Thursday, January 12. The clinic will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM each day, and will consist of technical instruction, highenergy doubles drills, and playing strategies. The cost will be $120 for the three day package or $50 per day. Please sign up by ing Cary Lothringer at cary.lothringer@carltonwoods.com to reserve your spot now! Polar Bear Tennis Mixer Friday, January 27 from 6:00 9:00 PM Let s beat the winter cold by warming up the courts at the Polar Bear Tennis Mixer. Come join us for an evening of mix-and -match social doubles. This event will kick off the new season of fun activities and events. Hors d oeuvres will be served. Please sign up by ing Cary Lothringer at cary.lothringer@carltonwoods.com. The cost is $30 per person or $55 per couple. Valentine s Mixed Doubles Mixer Friday, February 10 from 6:00-9:00 PM Come join us to make every tennis player s Valentine s dream come true. Play will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 8:00 PM. Chef Barrios will provide a candlelight dinner at the conclusion of play that everyone is sure to enjoy. Your spouse or significant other will appreciate celebrating the Valentine s tradition before the day even arrives. This is one event in which we ask you to sign up as a team as this is a set partner event. If your special someone doesn t play, we will assist you in finding a playing partner. You are welcome to invite your special someone to dinner. The cost will be $100 per couple. You may sign-up by visiting the website or by calling the tennis shop at Ankle Biters Wednesdays from 3:15 4:00 PM Ankle Biters tennis class is designed for children 3-4 years of age. Classes will consist of three to four stations during a 45 minute class. These future tennis players will participate in a fun energetic environment while learning to share and interact with other children. The focus will consist of basic tennis techniques to handeye coordination drills. The cost will be $25 per class. Please contact Andy Benedict for more information at andy.benedict@carltonwoods.com. Winter Junior Tennis Program Sessions: January 2-26 January 30 - February 23 February 27 - March 30 (No classes March 13-17) Quick Start Pee Wee Class (Ages: 4 6) Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 5:00 PM Session: $175 This class is designed around the Quick Start Tennis Program. Low compression red balls will be utilized on 36 foot courts to introduce children to the game of tennis. Each class incorporates handeye coordination drills, basic stroke techniques and cooperative rallying skills! Quick Start Beginner Class (Ages: 7 9) Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00 5:00 PM Session: $175 This class is designed around the Quick Start Tennis Program as well and will also utilize 36 foot courts with low compression red balls. The lower bounce is appropriate for child s size. Development of technique and simple tactics will be covered. Little to no tennis experience is required. Cooperative team games and activities are played. Quick Start Intermediate Class Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00 6:00 PM Session: $175 This class will utilize 60 foot courts with low compression orange balls. The goal will be to develop all the strokes. Fun, competitive drills and games that teach tactics will also be covered. Elite Program Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 7:00 PM Session: $280 These players have demonstrated the desire and determination to take their games to a higher level. Advanced tactics and techniques will be taught in this class. There will be more emphasis on individual achievement versus cooperative play. High performance drills and match play will be the focus. 10 The Club at Carlton Woods Please contact Andy Benedict with any questions at andy.benedict@carltonwoods.com

11 Fitness Trainer Spotlight - Josh Scott Josh Scott joined the Carlton Woods Tennis and Fitness Team in the Fall of He earned a degree in Kinesiology from Texas Lutheran University where he played four years of basketball. After graduating from college he returned to The Woodlands area where he began his fitness career. His passion for fitness and strength and conditioning inspired him to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).He has been helping a variety of athletes in the Woodlands area for the past six years increase speed, power, running mechanics, and explosiveness, while developing dynamic strength and agility. His specialized fitness training programs have helped many of our members reach their individual fitness goals. He has experience training youth athletes and regular clients in both individual and group settings. Josh currently serves as the Strength and Conditioning coach for the University of St. Thomas men s basketball team in Houston and also coaches the 8th grade boy s basketball team for The John Cooper School. Gentle Yoga Starting Friday, January 6 at 9:00 AM Gentle-style yoga moves at a slow, meditative pace. Class will include a variety of postures (standing and floor poses), basic breathing exercises, and relaxation with guided meditation at end of class. Props (e.g. blocks, towels, blankets) will be utilized to support the body and joints to optimize poses for greater benefit of one s practice. This class is beneficial for individuals ranging from beginners to intermediate levels. In addition, this class will benefit older adults, individuals with limited mobility due to injury, and those seeking improvement in general flexibility, strength and concentration in their daily activities. Meet the Trainers January 14 from 8:00 AM to Noon It s that time of year again. Time to make your health and fitness resolutions! Our personal trainers will be available on Saturday, January 14 from 8:00 AM 12:00 PM to speak with you about your goals. They will be hosting FREE 30 minute training sessions to new clients. Call the fitness center at to sign up for a spot. We will also be offering specials on personal training packages. Sign up for 10 sessions in the month of January to receive a $50 savings (sessions expire 6 months from purchase date, new clients only). Culinary Corner The Club at Carlton Woods is now curing and smoking various cuts of meat for our members. Starting in December, Chef Kurt Gehlhaar and our team are bringing in fresh turkeys and smoking them on premise to offer on our deli board. We ll also be utilizing smoked turkey for some winter favorites, like pot pie and hot soup. The Club will be introducing more cold weather comfort foods to the menu, like our housemade chili beans in our Chili Mac lunch entrée, braised beef akaushi short ribs, and beef bourguignon to name a few. Caviar service, Dover sole, and wild striped Cape Cod bass is in season as well, and we ll be offering these during dinner. And don t forget our Sticky Toffee Pudding and other winter favorites! Whatever you re craving this winter, we ll have it at the clubhouse waiting for you. See you at the Club! 11 January - February 2017

12 1 SUNDAY 2 MONDAY New Year s Day (F) 3 TUESDAY 4 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Fried Chicken Night (N) Fried Chicken Night (N) Wine University (N) Girls Night Out (N) Pasta Night (F) 7 SATURDAY 14 Ladies Tennis Jumpstart Clinic (N) Martin Luther King Jr. Day Fried Chicken Night (N) Fried Chicken Night (N) Uncorked Wine Social (N) Prime Rib Night (N) Suzanne Tate Wine Dinner (N) Winter Carnival (N) No Dinner Service at Fazio Polar Bear Tennis Mixer (N) Chef s Table (F) Pasta Night (F) Fried Chicken Night (N) J FRIDAY Mother-Daughter High Tea (N) 6 Pasta Night (F) Fazio Open Until 5:00 PM 5 ANUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 1 WEDNESDAY 2 THURSDAY 3 FRIDAY 4 SATURDAY Pasta Night (F) Fried Chicken Night (N) 8 9 Valentine s Tennis Mixer Valentine s Day Sweetheart Valentine s Dinner(N) Girls Night Out (N) Fried Chicken Night (N) Vice Versa Wine Dinner (N) AJGA Boys Championship (F) Fried Chicken Night (N) EBRUARY Pasta Night (F) Carlton Bowl (F) F Chef s Table (F) AJGA Boys Championship (F) Prime Rib Night (N) Pasta Night (F) Father-Daughter Sock Hop (N)