Hills Course Golf Committee

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 @ 6:00pm at Stonebridge Clubhouse

Attendees:

Steve Szewczyk (Chair), Jim Campbell, Robey Canaday, Renee Cook-Garcia, Suzy Finn, Matt Mitchell, Jerry Obenour, Trent Redden, Trudy Stewart, Lin Tanner, Judy Malton (For Kristi Thiele), Larry Robicheaux (For Don Holec)

·         Steve called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

·         Lin Tanner volunteered to take notes

·         Timekeeper Jim Campbell

Introduction of New Committee (Steve Szewczyk)

·         General introduction of all committee members stating history, group represented, background, other committee positions and general club involvement.

·         The 2010 Golf Committee is made up of some new and returning members and represents all the golfing groups.  Steve is positive that the diverse group will have some good ideas and make some forward thinking recommendations to the club this year.

·         Lin Tanner will chair when Steve is not available.

Review Purpose and Goals (Steve Szewczyk)

We reviewed the purpose and goals of the committee. Some of the areas discussed were:

·         Challenges we should consider and goals we could attain this year

·         Committee members should show leadership to other members of the club.

·         Work in support of the BOG.

·         We will post meeting minutes on the Hills Course Golf website and on the bulletin boards.

·         It is our responsibility to work closely with the entire membership to exchange information and knowledge of the club with everyone we interact with.

·         We will be working closing with the golf management team.

·         We reviewed the stated attendance policey.  Attendance for the meetings is strongly encouraged and the league heads were asked to send someone in their place if they cannot make a meeting.

·         It is the responabiliy of the committee to ensure all golf rules and policies are upheld.  We do not enforced or police but make recommendations to the BOG and Golf Management.  Bring offenders to the attention of Golf Management.

Matt reviewed the Club Corp policy on volunteer Marshalls.  Volunteer marshalls are not allowed for liability reasons.  A course marshall would require a paid staffer and there is no headcount available at this time.

Update on Course Maintenance (Robey Canaday)

·         Cold weather is affecting start time so we are not yet back to a regular maintenance routine.

·         In the next several weeks, an application of pre-emergent is scheduled for the fairways and roughs to stop spring weeds.  Tee boxes will be done afterwards.

·         The cold temperature has stopped some of the scheduled maintenance on 19 thru 27.  Robey’s crew was able to cut and roll them a few times before the cold weather set in.  They have rooted in real well, are healthy but are not up to playability.  Will continue topdressings and rolling into spring.  Hoping to open in early spring (March-April) if weather holds but they will have limited play until they are able to handle full play traffic.

·         Tree trimming is taking place on the course and by the club house.  Focus is on number 5 and areas where shade prevents the sun to hit the greens.  This will help with play delay.

·         During this cold snap esoteric maintenance is taking place: stump grinding, painting trash cans, etc.

·         Vandalism is still rampant on some areas of the course.  Robey is removing a lot of markers, boxes, etc. from the course to prevent temptation, especially on 19 thru 27.

·         Discussed the #10 tee box being so worn in the same place.  It is a small tee box that really should be a bit bigger; the tree needs to be trimmed to open it up and the ground fixed.

·         Clock on driving range was knocked down by the wind.  Should be back up soon.

Update on Golf Operations (Matt Mitchell)

·         Tournament schedule for 2010 passed out to committee.  No major changes expected for 2010 (See Attached)

·         2009 Rounds vs Plan and 2008 reviewed. (See Attached)

·         Overall 2009 rounds down to plan by 3,926 or 8.1%

·         Total rounds 2009 to 2008 down 1,626 or 3.5%

·         Guest rounds for 2008 up over plan and 2008 due to member guest certificates

·         YTD 2010 - only 289 round of golf in first 2 weeks due to cold weather.

·         Matt comented on the 2010 capital requests – freeze on capital still seems to be in effect as no updates have yet been received from Club Corp.  No items on the list submitted last have been removed or changed at this time.

·         TaylorMade and Addidas fixtures will be added to the proshop for 2010.

·         Acknowledged the SMGA Veterans for providing the funds for the U.S. flag as you come off the 18^th hole.

·         Q School still up in the air for 2010.  Matt should know the final decision by end of January.

·         Last year was the last for The Pinehurst.  Matt wants to get some past competitiors and some committee members together to discuss ideas on how to enhance this years potential event at Barton Creek.  Texas clubs not too excited about going to Austin and if the cost of Barton Creek is the same as Pinehurst, the event may not be successful.  Some ideas that make it easier to qualify, different team make-up or allowing more teams to compete should be explored.

PRIDE Action Plan Discussion

·         Jerry presented his guide of common cart and course etiquette that could be printed up and handed out to members/guest as they start play.  We will go forward with printing for the Hills course and begin distribution.

·         A draft cover letter had been developed at the end of last year that was going to be the mode of distribution to get this message out to the membership.  Matt made a motion that the letter be updated to come from the Golf Committee Chair and sent out to the membership, card to be printed up and handed out to all players.  Motion approved and targeted to be out by March.

·         Jerry to modify the card to add pushcart rules and stress nothing on the greens.

·         2010 action for golf committee is to create more awareness, get the information out as much as possible and to hopefully gain momentum throughout the membership.

·         Suzy suggested signs in front of the forward tees that read “Enter at 90 Degrees” to help create a better understanding and enforcement of the 90°.

We will not have meeting in February as it is still a winter month.  Next meeting will be in March.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:12 pm.

Next meeting to be held on Monday, March 8^th, @ 6:00 p.m. in the Ranch Clubhous dining room.