Eagles Mere Country Club www.eaglesmerecc.com A monthly newsletter from Eagles Mere Country Club August 2009 One Country Club Road, PO Box 360 Eagles Mere, PA 17731 (570) 525-3475 Reservations: reservations@eaglesmerecc.com Email: office@eaglesmerecc.com Upcoming Events: August 14, Friday -Battle of the Lakes August 20, Thursday -Lobster Night August 21, Friday -Stag Day August 22, 23, 29 Sat., Sun., Sat. -Men s Club August 25, Tuesday -Ladies Year End Luncheon August 26, Wednesday -Men s League Final September 1, Tuesday -Ladies Field Day September 4, Friday -Fred s Retirement Reception September 5, 6, 7 Sat., Sun., Mon. -Ryder Cup and Ladies Solheim Cup September 6, Sunday -Annual Awards Dinner 2008/2009 Board of Directors: Robert A. Zelten, President Diane K. Ryan, Vice President & House Robert S. Ryan, Secretary & Gas Exploration T. Martin Milligan, Treasurer & Finance Donald Besecker, Jr. John (Skip) Brand, Tennis William Druschel Frank M. Hoopes, Green Thomas G. Kitchen, Building & Grounds Louise J. Rubel, Membership J. Stanley Smith, Golf George B. Wilkes, III Alan M. Zuckerman, Long Range Planning Joyce Zutz Staff: General Manager: P. Dean Homer Golf Professional: Fred Pacacha Green Superintendent: Don Keefer Dining Room & Bar Mgr: Debra Stanton Executive Chef: Jim Lehman All Lady Golfers!!! Ladies Club Monday, August 10th Tuesday, August 11th Tuesday, August 18th Tee time 8:00 a.m. Sign up by noon on Saturday, August 8th Mark your calendars for three days of fun and stroke play to determine our CHAMPION! Fred Pacacha s Retirement Reception We will be honoring Fred, Jackie and family on Friday, September 4th from 4 6pm in the Clubhouse. All members, staff and their families are invited to attend to give a formal goodbye to Fred who has been our pro for 25 years. It is a complimentary reception with wine, beer, soda, and light hors d oeuvres. A brief ceremony will take place at approximately 5:15-5:30. Those who wish to stay for dinner following the reception need to make reservations (570-525-3242).
TOURNAMENT PRIZES Pursuant to questions raised by tournament participants I have reviewed our historical method of distributing entry fees to tournament participants. While my review turned up some anomalies, I can assure the membership that the aggregate cost of the prizes distributed exceeds the total of all entry fees collected. First, the competitions that are not true Club tournaments (e.g.,, Ladies Day, Kickers) involve entry fees that are returned 100% by the Pro in merchandise credits. Nothing goes to the Club as a result of these events because no Club prizes are awarded. Clearly, the Pro enjoys some markup profit on the merchandise credits but this is recognized as part of the compensation package. This same policy is followed for the Ryder Cup where the $10 fees are distributed to the winning team as credits. Second, the entry fees for the Club Tournaments involving men (e.g., Better Ball, President s Cup, Stroke Play, Match Play), go entirely to the Club to offset the cost of the prizes awarded (glassware). Some years back, the distribution policy for the Men s Senior Tournament was changed for reasons no one seems to recall. For this event, one-half of the entry fees go to the Club and the other half is returned as merchandise prizes in the Pro Shop. This latter 50-50 distribution was adopted for the Albertini Memorial Tournament as well. Half of the $910 collected went to the Club and the other half was distributed as merchandise credits. Glassware prizes will be awarded for this event. Also, the Club paid $675 for the plaque that will be displayed in the Club House. Third, there are no entry fees for the Club Tournaments involving women. Nevertheless, glassware is awarded to various winners. I do not know the rationale behind this situation but it will be examined further. Last year, the Club collected $2,084 in entry fees and incurred $4,078 in prize expenses for the men and women. This does not include minor costs for engraving etc. Some readers may be familiar with the procedures followed at other Club s where each year every golf member is billed a tournament fee at the beginning of the year to fund tournament prizes and Club tournaments do not carry an entry fee. Finally, it falls to the Pro to order the glassware at the Club s expense. I can assure 1680 you that this is not a simple task. Additionally, the Pro goes back several years to determine that glassware recipients are not receiving the same prize that they may have received in previous years. Bob Zelten Golf Notes: It has been a cool summer, but it was a hot day for the first William O Albertini Memorial Tournament! A total of 91 players competed making this the largest combined competitive event of the year- -even more players than Ryder/Solheim Cups. There were 65 men and 26 women. Scott Fletcher and Louise Rubel took the honors. What a great tribute to Bill! We still have some exciting events to come. The Ladies Club starts after Water Carnival followed by the Men s Club. The Interlake rivalry heats up with the Battle of the Lakes August 14th. August 21st (Friday) is a men s Stag Day--we are trying to get more participation by having a Friday afternoon Stag Day. Sorry for the twilighters that 8/7, 8/14 and 8/21 are events and no Nine and Dine. September starts off with the popular Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup and don t forget the awards dinner Sunday night 9/6--always a good time and a great meal. Jack Easton has agreed to again do the pairings for the Ryder Cup. Chuck Matter and Dave Werner are the captains of the Eagles and the Hawks respectively and vow to continue the great competition. Jay Smith Golf Committee Chair
Search Committee Our efforts in search of a new head golf professional began in September of 2008. Our opening was broadcast by the PGA to its members in February of this year, and we have received a very encouraging response. Formal interviewing of six candidates has taken place. We feel we have some outstanding applicants and clearly the final decision will be a difficult one. EMCC is fortunate to be able to attract such talented candidates. We hope to have a final decision by mid-august. Frank Hoopes Search Committee Dining Schedule Sundays: Brunch 11-1 in August Lunches 11-5 5:00 Golf Awards Dinner 7:00 Sept 6 Mondays: Lunches 11-5 except Sept 14 Family Style Dinner Buffet 5:30-8 in August 5:00 Sept 7 Tuesdays: Lunches 11-5 5:00 Wednesdays: Lunches 11-5 5:00 Mens League Banquet Aug. 26 Thursdays; Lunches 11-5 5:00 Lobster Night Aug. 20 Fridays: Lunches 11-5 5:00 Dinner Buffet Aug. 14, 21 Fred s Retirment Reception Sept 4 Saturdays: Lunches 11-5 Tenderlion & Seafood Buffet & A la Carte 6:00 5:00 Sep 12 Lobster Night Sept 19 Reservations are necessary for all special dining events. (866) 525-3242 toll free or (570) 525-3242 Please refer to the calendar Green Committee While the greens have not recovered from last winter's ice damage as quickly as we had hoped, they are making progress. We have seeded the damaged areas with bent grass and have topdressed. We are rolling daily but not verticutting in an effort to protect the root structure of the problem areas. Warmer weather will be our best friend going forward. We have cleared out all out-of-bounds line areas by removing brush, bushes and ferns to enable the OB lines to be more identifiable. We have not yet overseeded our fairways but will do so this fall. The fairway turf seems to be as good and firm as it was last year. We still have some tee leveling to do and will address this in the fall. Our next major project will be the restoration of 21 of our bunkers. Depth and drainage are the two major issues, and work will begin when finances permit. Please let us know of additional concerns and suggestions. Frank Hoopes Green Chairman HANDICAP POLICY: Handicaps are meant to reflect each player s potential ability. The handicap committee has the responsibility and obligation to protect the field. The committee may reduce or increase the handicap index of any player whose handicap does not reflect the player s potential ability. Sometimes it is necessary to make adjustments faster than the GHIN system can react. Section 8-4c, USGA handicap system manual. Handicap Chairman, Sherwood Schoch
This tournament is for all EMCC members. Battle of the Lakes August 14th Shotgun at 1 p.m. Format: Better ball of partners Foursomes consist of 2 Lake Mokoma Association (LMA) and 2 Eagles Mere Association (EMA) members. Scoring: Best ball of Partners Net (36 handicap limit.) 3 pts. Awarded per match Sign up: If affiliated with one of the lakes as a member, sign up on the appropriate LMA sheet or EMA sheet. All other golfers sign up on the other sheet and you will be assigned a team. The Pro Shop will assign and set up the teams. Sign up deadline is Wed. Aug. 12th at 5 p.m. $5 entry fee for prizes to be paid at the pro shop. A fun prize will be awarded to be displayed in the beach shop of the winning team, and then passed back and forth to the winning lake association each year. Dinner will follow play at a cost of $21.00 plus tax and tip. The dinner will be baked ham, honey stung chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, baked beans, two vegetables, salad bar, dessert bar and non-alcoholic beverages. Non playing family members are welcome to join the golfers for dinner. Cocktails will be at 5:45 and dinner at 6:30. Come and join us for this fun event! If you have any questions, please contact George Underwood (946-4505) from LMA or Dave Switzer (525-3433) from EMA. This information is also on Eagles Mere Country Club s website: www.eaglesmerecc. com New After 2:00 p.m. Green Fees 22 and under $15 Members $35 Accomp. Guest $35 Unaccomp. Guest weekday (incl cart) $60 Unaccomp. Guest weekend (incl cart) $70 Updated Membership Directory The latest up-to-date version of the EMCC Membership Directory is available anytime. Send Marge Dailey an email requesting the directory (marge@eaglesmerecc.com) and she will send you the document electronically. A printed version can also be mailed to you.
FINANCIAL UPDATE In light of the current economic environment, I would like to present the membership with a brief overview of the Club s financial condition as of June 30, 2009 (eight months into our fiscal year). It is important to note that due to the foresight and diligence of previous leaders, the Club is not facing the financial distress forcing other clubs to take drastic measures. Nevertheless, we are doing what we can to control costs and minimize capital expenditures in order to preserve cash. I encourage you to utilize the Club often and extravagantly. Our employees are to be commended for their cooperation in these difficult times. The managers are dedicated partners in the Club s effort to remain financially strong while providing the best service possible within the constraints currently faced. They deserve and appreciate words of thanks and support. It should be little surprise to the members that the Club is experiencing a sub-par year financially. While the 2009 budget anticipated a decrease in membership the NET drop has exceeded our projection due to the nearly non-existent influx of new members. The consequence of this is lower dues revenue and lower user fees for golf and dining activities. Moreover, it also appears that the continuing membership is spending less per capita than previously. Here are some facts without the sugar-coating. The approved fiscal 2009 budget embodied a projected operating loss of $15,000. This included noncash depreciation expense of $186,000. If the last four months of this fiscal year (July through October) duplicate the results of last year s final four months, we will end the year with an operating loss in excess of $70,000. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that we can do as well during the last four months of this year as we did last year. Revenue will definitely be down and most expenses are fixed. We also have some additional payroll costs due to the need to cover for the dining room manager during her recovery. Thus, we are looking at an operating loss of about seven to eight percent of revenue. Due to other income items (mainly deferred initiation fees) and the curtailment of capital expenditures we hope to end the year with a cash balance little changed from last year. However, the Board recognizes that this is not a sustainable strategy. All roads lead to membership recruitment. It is the lifeblood of the Club. Think of friends and neighbors who might consider joining. Our very able Membership Committee Chairwoman, Louise Rubel, is anxious and ready to assist and always welcomes suggestions. In closing, let us remind you of the fact that a few open dates remain to have lunch with the President. If interested, please contact Dean Homer and make your $10,000 check payable to the Eagles Mere Country Club. The fee covers the meal. Marty Milligan, Treasurer ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH at 7:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for the Annual Awards Banquet, Sunday, September 6th at 7:00 p.m. The cost will once again be $29.00 per person and Chef Jim has planned a menu featuring filet of beef and shrimp stuffed with crabmeat. Reserve your table now.
Member Shotgun starts in August At 8:00 a.m. August 17, 26 (Men s League) August 14 (Battle of the Lakes) August 21 (Men s Stag Day) At 8:30 a.m. August 12 (Interclub Match) REMINDERS: LOBSTER NIGHT Thursday, August 20th after 5:30 p.m. 1.5 lb Lobster incl. potato, vegetable and salad Lobster Pie As requested 2 1/2lb Lobsters available at Market Price Must be pre-ordered!! Reservations limited by 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18th Plus Menu For the Men only: Caps and visors must be removed in the Clubhouse Prior to Memorial Day on Saturday evenings appropriate casual dress is acceptable. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend ( inseason ) on Saturdays in the dining room after 6:00 p.m. all gentlemen 21 and over are required to wear a sports jacket; women are asked to wear appropriate dresses or pants suits. Casual attire (e.g. clothing suitable for golf) is acceptable after 6:00 p.m. in the grill room and porch area only. Denim Blue Jeans, cut-offs, t-shirts and halter tops are prohibited at all times in the Clubhouse and on the Golf Course Centennial Celebration The long range planning committee has started to think about ideas for our centennial celebration (2011). The committee is extremely interested in any input from members. People who have ideas or interest in volunteering can respond directly to Alan Zuckerman, either via email at azuckerman@hss-inc.com, or by phone: 570-525-3531 2009 Bag and Cart Service Rates: Golf Bag Service $50.00 Push/Pull or electric cart service $30.00 (Billed by Fred Pacacha) ********************************* Push/Pull electric cart storage $20.00 (Billed by Eagles Mere Country Club) Battery charging service $45.00 ********************************* Lessons: Golf lessons are available with Brian McKee and Fred Pacacha. Rates for Brian McKee: $25.00 per 1/2 hour or $50.00 per 1hour Rates for Fred Pacacha: $30.00 per 1/2 hour or $60.00 per 1 hour The Pro Shop will be happy to schedule clinics for 5 or more at $10.00 per person per session. REMINDERS: Non-metallic spikes are now mandatory. Please continue to maintain handicap integrity by posting all scores into the computer. Range Club is available for 2009 $125.00 per individual $190.00 for 2 family members $25.00 for each additional family member The 2009 Range prices: Small bucket $4.00 Large bucket $8.00
When: 2009 EMCC RYDER CUP Gentlemen Voting, Extended Family and Junior Members Only Saturday, September 5, Tee times start at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, September 6, Tee times start at 12:30 p.m. Monday, September 7, Tee times start at 8:30 a.m. Extra Annual Awards: Dinner for golfers, wives, and guests Sunday, Sept. 6, Cocktails @ 6:00, Dinner @ 7:00 p.m. Sign up sheet: At pro shop, August 11 through September 2, for Ryder Cup Competition and dinner. Gentlemen: Plan now to participate in what has become a most memorable and enjoyable conclusion to the summer season at EMCC. For prior participants: Rest assured that last year s highly successful format will continue. The only question is: Can the Eagles bounce back from last year s humiliating defeat? For new participants: This competition is probably the single best way to meet other players and forge lasting relationships. It is also the most fun that you will ever have in three days on a golf course. Upon entering this competition, you will be designated either a Hawk or an Eagle, an affiliation that you will likely keep throughout your years at EMCC. Each day of the Ryder Cup is characterized by a different format, partner and opponent. Handicapping insures spirited competition and every match counts towards the team total. While you may sign up for one, two, or all three days of competition, playing on all three days is highly recommended. Previous Ryder Cups have been closely contested affairs often decided by the last few foursomes on Monday. This Labor Day, be among your teammates as they surround the eighteenth green and cheer your final group to victory and bragging rights for another year. Details will be posted with the sign-up sheet at the Pro shop. Cordially, The Golf Committee JUNIOR GOLF EVERY TUESDAY AT 2:00 p.m.
MEN S STAG DAY For Members and their Guests Friday, August 21, 2009 SHOTGUN START at 1:00 p.m. Two Better Balls of Foursome $76.00 per guest, $66 per member (Includes golf, cart, dinner, prizes and range balls) Enter individually or as a group (Fred will form foursomes) Reward yourself and your friends and/or associates with a memorable day at EMCC: Spirited competition followed by cocktails and our famous succulent prime rib buffet. Call the Pro shop (570-525-3460) to enter. 2009 SOLHEIM CUP PLAY FOR EMCC WOMEN Who: EMCC Women Golfers What: Three Days of Fun Match Play Competition Where: EMCC When: Sept 5, 6, 7, 2009 7:30 a.m. tee times all 3 days Why: Just because.. How: Sign up for 1, 2, or all 3 days of competition by noon on Wed., Sept. 2nd The pool of women that sign up will be divided into 2 teams the Eag-lets and the Hawk-lets (the younger and more beautiful forms of Eagles and Hawks!). Saturday s play will be alternate shots between teammates; Sunday s match will be better ball between 2 teammates; Monday s play will be singles matches. Golfers do not have to sign up for all three days join us for whenever you re able. Questions? Call Beth Myers at 971-2361
Eagles Mere Country Club Special Dinners August 2009 Thursday, August 6 th Special Sports Week Italian Night: Fresh made Meatballs, Sweet and Hot Sausage, Chicken Piccata, Pasta & Marinara Sauce, Home made pizza, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Sherbet and Cookies 15.50 Monday, August 10 th Southern Style BBQ: Smoked Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Red Beans & Rice, Braised Greens, Roasted Potatoes, Corn Muffins, Salad Bar, Rolls and Cookies 15.50 Monday, August 17 th Asian Night: Pepper Steak Stir Fry, Sweet and Sour Pork Chicken Satay, Wok seared Green Beans w/garlic, Rice, Fortune Cookies and Sherbet for dessert 15.50 Thursday, August 20 th Lobster Night: Monday, August 24 th English Style Fish and Chips: Beer Battered Haddock, Homemade English Chips, Steamed Vegetables, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, Salad Bar and Cookies 15.00 Monday, August 31 st Home Style Roast Turkey Dinner with Mashed Potatoes, Pan Gravy, Dressing, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables, Cranberry Sauce, Salad Bar and Cookies 15.00
Aug 9 Brunch 11:00AM to 1:00PM Clubhouse Calendar August 9, 2009 - September 19, 2009 Aug 10 Eagles Mere Country Club Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Aug 11 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 15 Family Style Dinner Buffet 5:30PM to 8:00PM Battle of the Lakes Dinner Buffet 6:30PM Tenderloin/ Seafood Buffet & A la Carte Dinners 6:00PM Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 22 Brunch 11:00AM to 1:00PM Family Style Dinner Buffet 5:30PM to 8:00PM Lobster Night & A la Carte 5:30 to 8PM Stag Day Prime Rib/Seafood Buffet Members Welcome 6PM Tenderloin/ Seafood Buffet & A la Carte Dinners 6:00PM Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 25 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug 29 Brunch 11:00AM to 1:00PM Family Style Dinner Buffet 5:30PM to 8:00PM Men's League Banquet Tenderloin/ Seafood Buffet & A la Carte Dinners 6:00PM Aug 30 Aug 31 Sep 1 Sep 2 Sep 3 Sep 4 Sep 5 Brunch 11:00AM to 1:00PM Family Style Dinner Buffet 5:30PM to 8:00PM Fred's Retirement Reception 4-6 pm Tenderloin/ Seafood Buffet & A la Carte Dinners 6:00PM Sep 6 Sep 7 Sep 8 Sep 9 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Clubhouse Closed Clubhouse Closed Golf Awards Dinner 7 pm Labor Day Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Clubhouse Closed Lobster Night & A la Carte 5:30 to 8PM Rosh Hashanah
Eagles Mere Country Club Golf Course Calendar August 9, 2009 - September 19, 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Aug 9 Aug 10 Ladies Club 1st round Men's League 12:30PM Shotgun Aug 11 Open Tee Times 7:24 to 7:32 Ladies Club 8:00 to 10:00 AM Jr. Golf Clinic 2:00-4:00PM Aug 12 Member Shotgun 8:30AM Interclub Match 1 PM Shot Gun Aug 13 Aug 14 Member Shotgun Jr Golf Clinic 11:00AM Battle of the Lakes 1:00PM Shotgun Aug 15 Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 22 Member Shotgun Men's League 12:30PM Shotgun Open tee times 7:30-7:36AM Ladies Club Jr. Golf Clinic 2:00-4:00PM Member Shotgun Jr Golf Clinic 11:00AM Men's Stag Day 1:00PM Shotgun Men's Club 1st round 8:30-10:00AM Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 25 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug 29 Men's Club 2nd round 8:30-10:00AM Open Tee Times 7:30 to 8:08AM Ladies Golf 8:30 to 10:00AM Ladies Year End Luncheon 12:30 pm Member Shotgun Men's League Final 12:30PM Shotgun Jr Golf Clinic 11:00AM Nine and Dine 4:00PM Men's Club (Semifinals) 8:30-10:00AM Jr. Golf Clinic 2:00-4:00PM Aug 30 Aug 31 Sep 1 Sep 2 Sep 3 Sep 4 Sep 5 Men's Club (Finals) 8:30-9:30AM Open Tee Times 7:30 to 8:30 am Ladies Field Day 9AM Shotgun Ladies Solheim Cup 7:30AM Eagles Mere Ryder Cup - 8:30-11:00AM Sep 6 Ladies Solheim Cup 7:30AM Eagles Mere Ryder Cup 12-2:00 P.M. Golf Awards Cocktails 6:00PM Banquet 7:00PM Sep 7 Ladies Solheim Cup 7:30AM Eagles Mere Ryder Cup - 8:30-11:00AM Labor Day Sep 8 COURSE CLOSED Course - Aerating Sep 9 LIMITED PLAY Course - Aerating Sep 10 Sep 11 Nine and Dine 4:00PM Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Open Tee Times 7:30 to 8:40AM Nine and Dine 3:00PM Rosh Hashanah Ladies Golf to 10:30AM