Signal Mountain News Table Of Contents April 2014 At Your Club 2 Golf News 3 Out of the Rough 4 SMLGA News 5 Welcome New Members 4 Capital Needs Update 6 Member ID Card Registration 7 New Policies and Amendments 8 April Dining 9 Easter at SMGCC 10 Club Information 11 Happy Easter from all of us at Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club! SMGCC Tax Relief Supper Tuesday, April 15th 5pm 8pm Soup and Salad Bar Hobo Stew Chef s Assorted Desserts $9 Ages 6-12 Chicken Pot Pie $4 Reservations Please! 886-5767
At Your Club Hello everyone! As I sit here writing this it appears that a Signal Mountain Spring has finally decided to settle in but based on the weather the last week or so, I still remain cautiously optimistic. By now, most of you have learned that the Board of Directors adopted a couple of new policies at their regularly scheduled meeting in March. If not, they are included in this newsletter. The policy that I want to refer to involves the pool this season. Recognizing the challenges for the management and staff to maintain the use of the pool area for members and their guests, the Board has taken a firmer stance on the staff s ability to recognize you. This year the Club will be providing membership ID cards for members and guests will be required to register with a short questionnaire upon entering the pool. In order to effectively do this, an ID Card Registration Form is enclosed in this month s newsletter. You will also be able to pick one up at the Club or have it e-mailed to you. All you have to do is print it out and fill in the information and your cards will be ready to pick up before pool season starts on Friday, May 23rd. All members and their family will be required to have these cards in their possession while at the pool this summer. I know, I know.it sounds somewhat extreme to some of you but I can assure you that it is necessary to better assist at the prevention of nonmember usage and help the seasonal staff that may not be as familiar with our members as the golf or house staff. Recently, a number of members requested that I reprint one of my articles discussing member usage, particularly in Food and Beverage. In it I basically said that if every member would dine at the Club just once a week and just have a sandwich and a beverage, a la carte sales would almost double. I call it the ham sandwich hypothesis! At the end of 2013, I did an analysis of food and beverage spending here at the Club and it was eye opening for everyone including myself. Here is what we found: Member F&B Spending through November. 2013 Total Sales Avg/Member/Month YTD High (Ind) YTD Low (Ind) Golf $181,320 $1,148 $8,282 $9 Social(other) $119,170 $651 $3,871 $99 Of golf members utilizing F&B, 44 had average spending below previous minimum; 55 social(other) had average spending below the same mark. Interesting fact: Paul Helle and Tommy Lee together have spent more on F&B than 72% of the members. So I welcome all of you to prove me wrong! April couldn t be a better time to come out to the Club if the weather has been keeping you in. Try the new Lunch Express or one of our nightly specials or, shoot, just have a ham sandwich. We ll just be glad you are here! Hope to see you soon At Your Club. Tommy SMGCC News April 2014 Page 2
Golf News Well it looks as if 2014 is starting off similarly to 2013 in regards to the weather. We have already had to cancel two of our first three events of the year but can only hope that the weather breaks. April is looking to bring some wonderful weather early that we can only hope sticks around for some time. The Golf Shop is gearing up for the busy season by stocking the shelves with some great merchandise from equipment to apparel to accessories. The newest line of Titleist Vokey wedges have arrived. Bob Vokey has once again used his expertise to create one of the greatest wedges in golf. If you are in the market for some new wedges but all of the options seem a bit to daunting to choose from, feel free to check with one of the pros to get fitted for the proper wedge to elevate your game. We have also received the new line of putters from Scotty Cameron and Odyssey. There are so many different styles of putters that can be used to complement your preferred style of putting. The racks are beginning to fill up with the new styles of shirts from Adidas and Ashworth. The FootJoy line should be arriving soon. For anyone looking to protect their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, we are now carrying the Maui Jim line of sunglasses. We have several different models to choose from as well as the ability to special order any pair that we do not currently stock. Maui Jim is one of the top manufacturers in the sunglasses business. We will be offering special member pricing on the Maui Jim line. The Signal Mountain Junior Golf League is just around the corner, and we still have plenty of room for to get your juniors signed up. Our goal is to give kids the opportunity to learn about and play competitive golf in a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere. The league is open to boys and girls ages 6-14 of all ability levels. Participants will learn a basic knowledge of etiquette, rules and tournament/team golf. Golfers will compete according to age and ability. The Signal Mountain Junior Golf League will prepare players to compete in a team as well as an individual format to better prepare them for high school and college golf. The season will run from Mid-April through Mid-June, with Evaluation on Saturday, April 5th, and the first practices the following Tuesday. Please visit to find print off the registration and medical release form. Please continue to check your club emails. We will be emailing out upcoming dates and information for our Mom s Night Out Golf Clinic once we nail down the specifics. We will also be emailing the reschedule information about our Demo Day. I hope to have all of this information in the upcoming weeks and out as soon as possible. Upcoming Dates April 5 Super Skins / Shootout #1 April 6 St. Patty s Day Putting Tournament (Reschedule) April 10 Ladies Opening Day April 12-13 Master s Blind Draw April 16 One Day Member-Member / Member- Guest May 2 Demo Day May 16-18 Signal Mountain Invitational Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ty Gosnell for all of the tireless hours and dedication he has put into this club to make it a better place. Ty will be leaving us on April 16 to get married and pursue his career with his wife in Charleston, SC. Please stop by the golf shop to let Ty know how much he has been appreciated over the past few years and to wish him well. SMGCC News April 2014 Page 3
Out of the Rough April 2014 I m confident April will bring some much needed warm weather and give our turf the kick start it needs. It s been a long winter and we are all ready for some sunshine! Let me give you a brief overview of what the Turf Team will be focused on this month. The biggest concern I have right now is how our warm season grasses will break dormancy. Although our viability tests were fairly encouraging, we never really know for sure what survived the winter until sometime in April when soil temperatures climb into the upper 60 s. It s difficult to say when that time will be. You may remember that on March 25th we were soaking wet, had near white-out conditions and a snow covered golf course. As I write this article, it s sunny, 70 degrees and the team is out mowing fairways and approaches. Bizarre weather patterns like these make it difficult to put a time frame on anything that happens on the golf course. I anticipate having to lay some amount of sod in the approaches around the 12th and the 17th greens. As you may already know these are 2 of our most challenging microclimates. They simply don t get enough sunlight and stay shaded and cold all winter long. It s also possible that we will lose a little bit of turf on a few tees such as the 3rd, 10th and 17th for similar reasons. Through selective tree pruning and removal we are beginning to see these growing environments become more suitable for turfgrass and our potential for winterkill will be drastically reduced going forward. We budgeted for a fair amount of sod this spring so we should be in good shape to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us. As you know, torrential rainfall took its toll on the new extension at the 17th green last July. After some TLC last fall it made a great recovery and William J. Dobak, M.D. (Full) a Maternal-Fetal medicine is off to a wonderful start this spring. Once soil physician with Regional Obstetrical Consultants, and wife Melissa temperatures warm up enough to sustain growth and twins McKenzie Grace and John Michael (10 months). we will start to see this area improve more each Recommending members Karen Jennings and Katherine Powers day. I anticipate needing a couple weeks of good growing weather before we are able to use the area Greg Pawson (Junior), with Signal Energy, and wife Kristin and children Tyler (12) and Cassidy (9). Recommending members for a hole location, but at this time I see no reason Donald Horseman and Ryan Piersant it can t be in play prior to the Signal Mountain Invitational. Be careful what you wish for, with a back left pin placement, the 17th becomes quite possibly the most challenging par 3 in all of Chattanooga. Once we re confident that sod work is behind us we ll construct a new forward tee on the 17th. This tee will be approximately ½ way between the existing tee and the creek. I can t wait to get this tee in place and see the positive impact it will have on our membership. It will give a number of our members a chance to hit the green in 1 shot and create some variety on the hole for tournaments and daily play. See you on the course! Pat The Signal Mountain Golf & Country Club would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new members and returning members for March 2014. Welcome To: James Blevins, Jr. (Full) a Broker, and wife Cari Camden and child Jay (3 months). Recommending members Mike LeVan and Katherine Powers SMGCC News April 2014 Page 4
SMLGA News April 3rd at 10:00AM we start the SMLGA golf season with Captain s Choice. April 10th is opening day and we will play an 18-hole select shot. Then we are off to seven months of Tuesdays and Thursdays of organized golf. Our tee time for April is 10:00AM with a meeting on the putting green at 9:45. Sign up on sheets on our bulletin board in the downstairs ladies lounge by 5:00PM Sunday for Tuesday play and 5:00PM Wednesday for Thursday play. Nine-hole (or five-hole) players will start at 10:00AM on Thursdays. The group is open to all lady golfers who have a time constraint or feel inclined to fewer than 18 holes. Rachel Karimian is in charge of this group and can be contacted at rdeerkarimian@gmail.com. There is no exception to the rule. Those who want to play from the forward tees must declare preference on each sign-up sheet. If we fail to mark the forward tee, we will play from the green tee. Always playing from the forward tees may not be the best plan. Our forward tees are 4800 yards, our green tees are 5200 yards and our handicaps are adjusted to reflect the tee. Jean St Charles explained The yardage that women at most of the clubs in this area compete range from 5200 to 5400 yards. Although most clubs have recently added forward tees, they still normally compete from tees that range from 5200+ yards. It is suggested that the players at Signal Mountain who play most of the time from the Blue Tees (forward tees) also play from the Green Tees if they plan to play in events at other clubs in the area. Most of the golf tournaments, one-day events and the CWGA will be played at the 5200+ yardage. SMLGA is a group of golfers who enjoy playing golf at all levels. Any new or experienced golfer is invited to enjoy an introduction play day by e-mailing Sylvia Friedl @ sylviafriedl@hotmail.com or Cheryl Johnson @ shevyl@comcast.net. The ladies tournament fee at $75.00 is a bargain. It covers fourteen events beginning with April 6th St Patty s Day Tournament and includes the Ladies Club Championship July 26 27. St Patty s is a short (21/2 3 hrs), fun (Long, crazy putts) event that starts at 3:30PM. Do wear green. INCORRECT Info Previously I wrote Paul Helle s golf clinic would be on Wednesday at 1:00PM and would cost $10.00 per clinic. The facts are the clinics will be on Wednesday at 11:30AM and cost $15.00 per clinic (still a good price.) Chee Allen has posted on the bulletin board information on Va l l e y b r o o k s Rosebud (May 15), CWGA City Amateur at Council Fire (July 14 19) and SMLGA Invitational (June 12). Chee will post information as she receives it. Susan Stuart has posted thankyou cards from families of our deceased members acknowledging contributions we made to the Memory Garden. Mark Your June Calendars: June 1 Deadline for Naomi Lindsey to receive Brasstown check. Make $145.00 check payable to Brasstown Valley Resort and mail to Naomi at 208 Mathis Lane 37377. June 12 SMLGA Hollywood Edition of the Lavish and Decadent Invitational. Sign-up sheets on bulletin board. After last s year s rave reviews, seats will go quick Signup soon. June 19 Kistler Match-play Tournament kick-off day. The Kistler will be played on your schedule to the closing days of August 13 16. Happy Easter Cheryl Johnson SMGCC Book Club Thursday, April 24th at 6 pm President s Room April Selection: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini Melanie Hake and Cheryl Johnson will be the discussion leaders. The Book Club meets on the 4th Thursday of each month, and all ladies of the club are invited to join the group and stay for dinner afterwards. Please call your dinner reservations directly to the club and mention that you will be eating dinner with the Book Club. SMGCC News April 2014 Page 5
SMGCC Capital Needs Contributions through March 31, 2014 - $36,510.00 Capital Needs Fund Form We hope you are still considering a pledge to the SMGCC CNF for the future of the club. You may do so by completing the information below and returning. If additional information is needed, please refer to our website. I pledge to contribute to the Capital Needs Fund Payable as follows: $ Single Contribution $ Quarterly Contribution $ Monthly Contribution $ Annual Contribution I understand that I can alter contributions at any time for frequency or amount including the termination of future contributions. Signature: Member #: Date: SMGCC News April 2014 Page 6
Member ID Card Registration 2014 Pool Season Below is a simple form for you and your family to fill out for ID cards that will be issued for the 2014 pool season. Each card will have your member number and date of birth coded for easy identification of the staff. Each member of the family regardless of age will be required to have an ID card in their possession to enter the pool and must be able to present the card if requested by Club management. Thank you all in advance for your cooperation in our efforts to maintain the integrity of your private club membership and to assure that only authorized members and guests get to enjoy the amenities that you pay for. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Member Name: Member # Spouse: DOB: Child: DOB: M / F Child: DOB: M / F Child: DOB: M / F Child: DOB: M / F Emergency Phone Number: Suggestions and/or comments: Member Signature:
New Policies and Amendments approved by the Board of Directors on March 25, 2014 Effective 4/1/14: Golf Guest Policy: Our policy states that a guest may only play once a month during April through October and must play with a member. A guest who lives within a 100 mile radius of Chattanooga is considered a local guest. A member may only have one guest on Saturdays prior to noon. During the off season, there are no restrictions on the number of times a guest can come with a member. Events that are available for non-member participation are exempt from this policy. Effective 4/15/14: Social Guest Policy: The privilege of using credit cards will continue to be extended to members in good standing in all food and beverage areas. Guests may only use credit cards in the pro shop. Contracted special events are excluded from this policy. Amendments to Pool Rules and Policies: Members must present membership card upon entering the pool and will be available at least 30 days before the pool opens each season on Memorial Day weekend. Rule #13. : Children under the age of 12 (up from 10) may not be left unattended at the pool. A parent or a responsible guardian at least 16 years (up from 13) old must be present. Pool Guest Fees Local Guest - $7.00 per guest per day. Out of Town Guest - $7.00 per guest per day. Out of Town Guest Family Pass - $20.00 Good for one week Member must always accompany guests. Member is responsible for their guests and must sign in each day.
Upcoming Events Wednesday Mac s Family Night Specials - $10.95 with Salad Bar ½ Price Kids Meals and Free Soft Beverage April 2nd Catfish April 9th Lasagna April 16th Fried Chicken April 23rd Meatloaf April 30th Catfish Thursday $2 Wine and Domestic Draft Beer Chef s Seafood Special April 10th Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet Friday 1/2 Price Appetizers and Chef s Dinner Specials Saturday Two for $20 Sunday Facebook Page Specials $2 Wine and Domestic Draft Beer Specials! Lunch Express Buffet A different menu every day! Tuesday through Saturday in the Grill 11:30am 2pm $7.95 including soft beverage Salad Bar Only $3.95 Ladies Day Bridge Wednesday, April 9th Morning Coffee and Tea Lunch served at Noon Chicken Pot Pie with Fresh Fruit Cornbread Muffins Fudge Brownie & Ice Cream Coffee, Iced Tea and Soft Drinks $15 Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet Thursday, April 10th 6pm 8:30pm $19.95 Reservations Suggested 886-5767 SMGCC News April 2014 Page 9
Easter Weekend at the Club! A full family weekend has been planned for you at SMGCC and it starts on Saturday, April 19th with the Bunny Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt. Come out for a special pancake breakfast with sausage, juice and coffee beginning at 8AM in the Dining Room followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at approximately 9:30AM. $5++ for children up to 12 and $9 for adults. All reservations must be in by Thursday, April 17th. Easter Sunday Brunch Sunday, April 20th 11AM 3PM Carved Roast Prime Rib and Whole Ham Pasta Station Egg and Omelet Station Soup, Salad & Fruit Bar with assorted toppings and dressings Peel and Eat Shrimp Simple Grilled Atlantic Salmon Grilled Boneless Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Feta Green Bean Casserole Cream Corn Steamed Vegetable Medley Garlic Mashed Potatoes Seasoned Brown Rice Assorted Fruit Pies and Cakes $23.95++ Adults / $10.95 12 & under / 4 & under eat free Limited Seating. Reservations and/or changes will not be taken after Friday, April 18th. Cancellations within 48 hours will be charged to account as will no shows.
Clubhouse Extensions: (423) 886-5767 Pro Shop & Tee Times Ext: 226 To-Go Orders & Reservations Ext: 229 Business Office Ext: 225 Chef s Office Ext: 245 Main Bar Ext: 223 Men s Card Room Ext: 227 Tuesday - Friday 10am - Dark Saturday & Sunday 8am - Dark Club Manager Ext: 242 Administrative Fax (423) 886-2879 Golf Shop Hours Tuesday - Sunday 7:30 am - Dusk Range 8am - Dusk Clubhouse Hours Signal Grill Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 3pm Saturday: 8am - 5pm Sunday: Closed Dining Room Wednesday - Saturday: 5pm - 9pm Sunday Brunch: 8am - 2pm Main Bar Wednesday - Saturday 5pm - 9pm Sunday 10am - 8pm Signal Mountain Golf & Country Club Board of Directors 2014 OFFICERS: Bobby Morrison III, President Jay Greeson, Vice President Mike Levan, Treasurer Shane Vandeventer, Secretary Doug Fisher, Past President DIRECTORS: Woody Hamilton Sylvia Friedl Andy McDaniel Andy White William Trumpeter Jeff Caplenor MANAGEMENT STAFF: Pat Rose, Golf Course Superintendent Ryan Corley, Asst Course Superintendent Paul Helle, Head Golf Professional Ty Gosnell, Asst Golf Professional James Fletcher, Executive Chef Tommy Lee, Club Manager Katherine Powers, Accounting SMGCC News April 2014 Page 11