French Creek Golf Club Newsletter
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
Annual Labor Day Jack and Jill
Scramble
Sunday, September 2nd - 12:30 pm Shotgun
Make plans to play in the annual Jack and Jill
Scramble before the Labor Day Luau! This
mixed team scramble tournament is made up of
teams of 2 Jacks and 2 Jill's and can comprise of
any golf member category! Twosomes can be
paired by the golf shop to create teams. Special
added contest is the Best Dressed Golf Cart and
Team Outfit! Create a theme, decorate your
cart and run wild with it! The entry fee per
player is $10.00.
BRIDGE ANYONE?
We have had several Members who have
expressed an interest in getting a weekly Bridge
team(s) together. This is something we have
done in the past and would be a great addition
to our calendar going into the off season and
colder months! Cards are always popular,
whether day or evening.
If you are interested in joining in contact Jackie
Hogan at jhogan@frenchcreekgolf.com or
610-913-6330 ext. 101
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
Page 2
THOUGHTS FROM THE OUTSIDE GUY
Happy to see August in the rear view mirror so hopefully it’s on to cooler days and nights with a day long rain now
and then thrown in for good measure. Though we’ve received numerous t-storms during the summer, which certainly
have value, a slow, gentle rain for an extended period would be most welcome. Fairways are littered with isolated
dry spots which need that slow soaker to re-hydrate the soil. Sure it will come soon enough. Very ironic that New
Orleans recently experienced Hurricane Isaac seven years to the day that Hurricane Katrina hit. We do not need that
amount of moisture!
Presently into our aeration, verticutting, overseeding and topdressing season. This work will continue well into
October as we look to beat up the turf; remove excessive thatch and organic matter, and begin setting the stage for
2013. We’ll also make time for disease and week sprays before we close the books on this growing season. As these
renovation projects take substantial staff hours you may see French Creek getting a little rough around the edges as
we devote man hours to these projects. We’ll always strive for wonderful playability, but a little something in day to
day maintenance has to give while we prepare the turf for next year. I promise you’ll always be able to find your ball
in the rough though!
The new tees at 9 & 11 have been well received which greatly pleases all concerned as we have hopefully made the
course a bit more playable and enjoyable. We’re seeing a noticeable shift this year to increased white tee use so these
new tees come at an appropriate time. Jeff is currently getting new score cards printed which will reflect the course
changes.
As mentioned in previous articles play is up around the country for 2012 and French Creek is no exception. Rounds
for us are up approximately 1,400 through July. Having read the last sentence you can better understand why the
range tee has been closed for the past ten days as we work diligently to grow back some grass on the tee and get it
ready for the September and October rush. Those increased rounds have added greatly to the tees usage and since
grass does not grow overnight we thought it best to close for a brief spell and again get ready for September and
October. Thanks for understanding.
So it’s getting to my time of year. I truly enjoy that initial trip around the course when a sweater is needed and that
cool, crisp air invigorates you. I’m sure many of you feel the same way, though only a few would want to join me
at 6 AM or so for that early morning drive, but I’ll certainly see many of you around the course enjoying great fall
golfing weather.
Bruce Cadenelli, Head Greenkeeper
REMEMBERING TED HARRISON
I arrived home last Monday evening, from Colorado. Sue and I spend our summers out there at
our cabin. Prior to leaving for Colorado I spoke with Ted Harrison. I new he was very ill and
yet we had a very upbeat conversation. Ever since Ted became ill we would periodically have a
conversation regarding his condition. He was sanguine about things. He faced his situation with
grace and dignity. On last Tuesday morning I picked up my Daily Lack of News and found
Ted's obituary. Needless to say, I was saddened.
I thought about Ted and our times at French Creek. The many times we played together came to mind. Ted played
from the other side of the ball, you know. He also bought, played and lost boxes of "Noodle" balls. I was thinking if
Ted played just a while longer, we would be able to walk straight from tee to green on #3. I still occasionally find
Noodle balls....they must be Ted's. He was a fun guy to play with. He had an impish grin which made one wonder
what he was getting away with! He was a past board member and served a our club's secretary....he gave of his time
and expertise. He, like many of us, really appreciated French Creek. We had good times here. We are going to have
to think about naming some feature of our course to remember/honor Ted. I am thinking of a large rock on #14.....
Jimmy (Two Down) Allen
Chairman French Creek Membership Committee
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
FROM THE KITCHEN
September and October are without a doubt my favorite months of the year. The
weather cools down and winds pick up a bit. This is great golf weather. It is also
great food weather, but when isn’t it? I will be rolling out a new menu the
beginning of September. I am still focused on having some lightness to the menu
featuring freshness from the garden, but will also throw in some appetizers and
entrees that will just make you happy. I will change the menu again at the
beginning of December and bring on the winter comfort food that can keep you
warm during the cold months. Stop in and take a look!
Before we get to into the fall months, let’s still think summer. In August we had
a number of first time specialty night menus that went over quite well…..
We had a Steak Night where we set up the grill on the patio and you could pick out
your steak and we grilled it for you. We grilled 43 steaks that night, and it is
always fun conversation at the grill.
Later in the month we had Prime Rib night. We offered sizing from Jr. (8oz.) to
Colossal (20 oz.) and served 48 Prime Rib dinners. I was cutting the Prime Rib to
order and wished I was having dinner in the dining room that night. Sooooo good.
We then had featured a Kid’s night where kid’s had a chance to order three courses
from their own menu. I always like to see the youngsters at the club. It was also a
great deal for parents, as there was no charge for kids on Kid’s night. It was a good
time.
We are always trying to come up with different ideas for the members to keep
things new and interesting. If you have any suggestions please stop in and talk to
myself or Patrick or email me at jherner@frenchcreekgolf.com. I would welcome
any suggestions.
Page 3
HOURS OF
OPERATION
Grill Room
Monday - Closed
Tuesday
Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Pub Fare and Specials
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday
Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Pub Fare 5:30 pm - 8:00
pm
Dinner 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday
Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Pub Fare 3:00 pm - 9:00
pm
Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday
Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Pub Fare and Specials
One last note I wanted to pass along. French Creek once again put a team together
to compete in this year’s annual American Culinary Federation’s Annual Chef’s
Outing. This year it was held at Spring Mill CC. Our Assistant Professional Bill
Kindoll, our Membership Sales Manager Jeff Simon, and my Sous Chef Joe Tucker
joined me to put together the winning score of 14 under par to bring home the
trophy by 3 shots over Downingtown CC. It was a successful defense of our win
from last year. Just had to brag a little. Always nice to represent French Creek
Golf Club!
Reservations are always
recommended for Thursday,
Friday and Saturday
evenings, as well as Family
Style Dining!
Enjoy the rest of the summer, and be sure to stop in to check out what’s new at the
club and say hi.
Golf Shop, Course
and Range
Chef Joe
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Monday Closed
WWW.FRENCHCREEKGOLF.COM
Please take the time to update your profile with any changes you may have to your
address, email, phone etc. There is also an area to add a photo!! Some of you still
have your information marked “private”. Please go in and uncheck the privacy box
so your fellow members can access your information and your photos. You can
pick and choose what you would like seen! In the event you have never logged on,
your login is your first and last name (all one word, the way you filled out your
application for membership) and your password is temp, unless you have already
changed it in your profile. If you require help with this email Katie at
ksangerman@frenchcreekgolf.com.
Tuesday - Friday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Range will close 1/2 hour
earlier on Wednesdays &
Sundays
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
Page 4
Five Essential Golf Warm Up Tips Before You Tee Off
Warming up for a round of golf is an essential part of your golf game. Do not brush it off or ignore it. Professional
golfers devote time to warming up before actually beginning their tournament play. Just like any other sport, you need
to prepare for your golf game by properly warming up your body, both physically and mentally. Here are a few tips
and techniques that will help you establish and maintain a warm-up routine before your round of golf.
Get to the Golf Course Early:
Getting to the golf course early is the first step to warming up for a round of golf. By getting to the course early you
have time to get your golf supplies and tasks without feeling rushed or you have forgotten something. It is important
to get all these basic necessities out of the way before properly warming up for a round of golf.
Light Golf Stretches to get your Body in rhythm:
Properly stretching is very important when warming up for a round of golf. Even some light stretches will help release
any tension in your muscles and make your swings much more fluid and consistent. Hold your golf club on each end,
place it over your head and on your shoulders, assume your swing stance and lightly rotate your body back and
through the "ball." Next, use your pitching wedge and make a few light swings, not power swings, visualizing your
swing rotation. These basic tips will get you into the rhythm of your golf swing as well as limit the chances of having
an injury during your full power swing on the course.
Short to Long Golf Practice Shots:
While on the practice range start with your pitching or sand wedge and move up through your irons, using your driver
last. Depending on how much time you have, skip a club or two along the way, but always start with your short clubs
and move on to your driver. Aim to get at least five practice swings for each club you use. This should give your body
a chance to warm up to the full power swing of your driver.
Green Sessions - Chipping:
Take the time to practice your green. This alone will save you a few strokes along the way. Start off by practicing
greenside chipping. Use your pitching wedge or sand wedge as well as your 7 or 8 irons to see how fast the green
runs. Try to make your chips at least within 3 to 5 feet from the hole. During this time remember the rhythm of your
short swings and stance you took to make those short chips onto the green. These chips may seem simple, but often
times they cause havoc on the golf course, so it is good to be prepared.
Green Sessions - Putting:
Practice your short putts within the 3 to 5 feet range. These short putts are where many golfers, including professionals, get the yips - that shakiness and nervous feeling that often results in bogey scores. Making these putts will not
only improve your score but your confidence on the next tee and throughout the game. So again take the time to
practice your green and get comfortable before your round of golf.
(Continued on Page 5)
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
Page 5
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Couples Championship:
(Continued from Page 4) Five Essential Golf Warm
Up Tips Before You Tee Off
2012 Champions: Mark & Tina Zolfaghari
Net Winners: Wayne & Maryann King
During your warm up at the practice range it is good
to visualize your shots as if you were playing your
round of golf. If you have played the course before,
Men’s Senior Club Championship:
visualize some of your past troubles and practice those
2012 Senior Champion: Wayne King
specific golf shots. Doing this will prepare you
Net Winner: Andy Donaldson
mentally for your round of golf and give you more
confidence on your approach to these difficult lies.
With the golf season in full swing, establishing and
Men’s Super-Senior Championship:
2012 Super-Senior Champion: Bob Abruzzese
Net Winner: Barry Snader
maintaining a warm-up routine before your round of
golf will go a long way at improving your consistency
and your confidence during play. Do not start your
round of golf without warming up, especially if its
Women’s Senior Club Championship:
2012 Women’s Senior Champion: Judy Uhrich
Net Winner: Judy Donaldson
early in the season or you are just getting out to play.
Unless you practice indoors throughout the winter
season, or are one of the lucky ones to play golf
year-round, then take the time to do a good warm-up
Women’s Senior Club Championship:
2012 Women’s Super-Senior Champion: Judy
Uhrich
routine before your round of golf. The last thing you
need is an injury or a faulty swing that will nag you
throughout your golf season
Net Winner: Meredith Snader
Jeff Haas, PGA
Patriot Golf Day
Once again French Creek Golf Club will participate in the Patriot Golf Day to be held over the Labor
Day weekend, August 31 – September 3.
Millions of golfers and golf fans will be inspired to participate in Patriot Golf Day 2012. Therefore, your participation this year in Patriot Golf Day will provide a needed link for those in our game to truly touch the lives of those
in need. The Patriot Golf Day and the Folds of Honor Foundation provides education scholarships for children and
spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our Great Nation.
Learn more at www.PatriotGolfDay.com
Upcoming Golf Events:
Sat/Mon – Sept 1st & 3rd – Labor Day Better Ball (Patriot Golf Day) 9:00am Starting Times
Sun – Sept 2nd – Jack & Jill Labor Day Scramble 12:30pm Shotgun
Fri – Sept 7th – 9, Wine & Dine 5:30pm Shotgun
Tues – Sept 11th – Bishop Shanahan Golf Outing 12:00pm Shotgun See calendar on on page 7 for Closing Info
Sat/Sun – Sept 22nd & 23rd – Men’s & Women’s Member-Member Championship (Course Closed for the
Tournament)
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
Page 6
SPECIAL NOTICE- 2013-2014 OFFICER’S ELECTION
The FCGC Election Committee is hereby soliciting the membership for nominees to be elected as
club officers on the Board of Directors. We invite all interested individuals to submit nominations
during the next few weeks, with September 20th being the cut-off date.
You are encouraged to self nominate, or nominate any other qualified full golf member in good
standing. Social and House members are not eligible to run or vote. Please refer to the FCGC
By-Laws, or contact any member of the election committee for details.
The three elected positions are President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. Each is elected
to a two year term. Anyone interested may submit their nomination to the French Creek Election
Committee c/o Katie Sangerman at the address below. You may also fill out a nomination form
available on the desk located at the entrance to the locker rooms. All nominations are kept
confidential.
We will be communicating through the monthly billing statements and also through email and the
newsletter. The broad timeline established allows for candidates to be identified and vetted by
September 25th, their positions and biographies to be communicated and sent on November 1st,
along with numbered election ballots. The objective is to have election results by December 1 st
with the newly-elected candidates announced in a special email from the Board and formally
introduced at the Annual Membership Meeting in mid January 2013.
We are seeking and need candidates that can commit to taking us to the next stage of development. Please take this as a Call to Action. We will be coordinating and communicating through
Katie Sangerman in the Membership office. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and
inquiries.
Sincerely,
Dan Cooney, Election Committee Chair
Cell (610) 613-7240 or email dac33@comcast.net
Bo Statton
Cell (484) 459-2778 or email boselbo@comcast.net
Rick Slack
Cell (484) 947-1719 or email fslack@verizon.net
I nominate
_________________________________ for President
I nominate
_________________________________ for Vice President
I nominate
_________________________________ for Secretary/Treasurer
Please send nomination to Katie Sangerman at French Creek Golf Club. 4500 Conestoga Rd. Elverson, PA 19520
September Edition 2012, Volume 9
Page 7
September 2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Labor Day
Better Ball Round 1
2 Jack & Jill
Scramble
Labor Day Luau
3 Labor Day
Labor Day
Better Ball Round 2
4
CLUB CLOSED
9
10
CLOSED
16
23 MENS/WOMENS
MEMBER?MEMBER
TOURNAMENT
5
Women’s Golf
Morning
6
Winning Golf Show
11 Bishop Shanahan
Golf Outing
**CLUB
CLOSING**
12
Women’s Golf
Morning
17
CLOSED
18
24
CLOSED
25
COURSE CLOSED
UNTIL END OF TOURNY
GRILL OPEN NORMAL
HOURS OF OPERATION
7
9/Wine & Dine
8
13
14
15
19
Women’s Golf
Morning
Family Style Dining
“Across the Globe”
20 ELECTION
NOMINATIONS
DUE!!
Green Committee
Meeting 7 pm
21
22 COURSE &GRILL
26
Women’s Golf
Morning
27
28
on 18th green 7am-12
pm
MENS/WOMENS
MEMBER?MEMBER
TOURNAMENT
Board Meeting
30
October 2012
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
2
3
Women’s Golf
Morning
4
5
6
7
8
CLOSED
9
10
Women’s Golf
Morning
11
12
13
Berkshire v FC
14
15
CLOSED
16
17
Women’s Golf
Morning
Fall
Member/Guest
18
19
20
Tournament of
Champions
21
22
CLOSED
23
24
Women’s Golf
Morning
25
26
Glow Ball
Night Golf
27
Board Meeting
Halloween
Hayride
Brunch
29
CLOSED
(Member/Member
Rain Date)
Main Phone Number
610-913-6330
1
CLOSED
28
29
**Tues 9/11/12**
Grill closed all day –
Golfers must be off
course by 11:30 AM
(Member/Member
Rain Date)
Sun
CLOSED ALL DAY
30
31
Halloween
Women’s Golf
Morning
Family Style
(Tourn of
Champs Rain
Date)
Dir. of Member Services
Billing
Katie Sangerman - ext 100
Sales and Catering
Jackie Hogan - ext 101
Clubhouse Manager
Patrick Marshalek - ext 102
Golf Shop
Bill/Derek/Vickie-ext 103/104
Golf Professional
Jeff Haas - ext 106
Horticulturist
Linsey Rummel - ext 108
Assistant Greenkeeper
Chris Jerauld - ext 109
Head Greenkeeper
Bruce Cadenelli - ext 110
Director of Operations
Jihad Nicolas - ext 111
Grill Room/Bar
Bob Biggins/Staff - ext 112
Banquet Manager
Mark Scattolini ext 113
Executive Chef
Joe Herner - ext 114