Golf committee minutes
Meeting February 24th 2010
In attendance – Brian Dyer (Chair) Tim Skogen, Jennifer Dammeyer, Tom Shephard, Donna Wyatt, Bobbie McAlpine, Andy Zamiara, Ronda Manspeaker, John Hubbuch, Annika Wilkes, Regrets Al Egge.
Business arising from last meeting and from correspondence.a. Tee time booking software. Working well, for the most part. It was agreed that if we had any issues with booking tee times, we would notify Jennifer by email for follow up. Tim Skogen will talk to the software provider (EZlink) and arrange for a representative to come to DFCC and hold a short seminar for those who need assistance. It was agreed that better written material was needed for those signing up for the first time.
b. Regarding the timing for WGA golf, Ronda Manspeaker advised that an informal vote taken at a recent meeting and that the women golfers had a preference for earlier tee times. Management took this under advisement and will give consideration to re-scheduling the WGA times for next winter.
c. Regarding the additional computer for posting scores, management are now considering installing this computer downstairs, so that issues in posting can be quickly addressed by the pro-shop staff. Minor networking problems with installing this computer are being addressed by JW.
d. Ball marks on Green. A divot repair party is scheduled for Friday Feb 26th. In addition, Ron Palma will be distributing a plan whereby each member’s name will be linked with a particular hole, to encourage each member to ‘take ownership’ for repairs.
e. A recommendation was made to provide ‘tee cups’ on the gold tees (to help tidy up the tees)
f. ‘Coot guy’ – in response to a question about the work schedule for the ‘coot guy’ we were advised by Tom Shephard that he attends several times a week. (The committee was disappointed to hear that some homeowners are encouraging the transient bird population by providing food. This is counter productive to the policy of trying to minimize the mess left by geese and coots).
g. There were discussions about the ‘unusual’ pin placement on some holes. Tom Shepherd agreed that he would provide more guidance to those involved in daily pin placements and outlined to the golf committee the rationale behind the daily pin locations.
h. The neglected condition of some of the bathrooms was discussed and it was suggested that the facility maintenance staff be provided with a checklist to ensure the bathrooms were properly maintained.
i. We were advised that many women use ‘combo’ gold and red tees. Accordingly, it was suggested that where a tee is a ‘dual purpose’ tee, it should be appropriated marked in both colors.
j. Tom Shephard agreed that he would remove the ‘dead’ tree on 8th fairway.
k. Tom also agreed that he would have his staff work on improving the appearance of the flower beds outside the clubhouse and pro-shop. Tom also said he would be planting the flowers that are bought for the Fallies and that new flowers had already been ordered.
l. A reference was made as to the apparent lack of a long term plan for the golf course. Such a plan would likely require inclusion in a capital budget and be approved by ‘Corporate’. (It is recognized that any changes, other than those of a minor nature, would have a better chance of implementation with the existence of a plan prepared with stakeholder input)

Report from Green Superintendent – Tom Shephard.
Tom referred us to his blog to see a current list of the activities with which he is involved. Currently, other Regional ClubCorp Superintendents are ‘in town’ and there are considerable benefits in networking with such individuals who can provide valuable input in terms of maximizing available resources.

Report from Head Pro - Jennifer Dammeyer.
 We were advised that pro-shop staff is working at full capacity – this is the busiest time of year, as we have so many tournaments at this time. Jennifer advised however it is difficult to plan for tournaments when many members don’t commit until the last minute. So, she is requesting that members commit themselves as early as possible.
 We were told that the successor tournament to Pinehurst is at Barton Creek in Texas and that there will be a few qualifying events at DFCC in order to send a team (s) to Texas. The first qualifying event will be on March 13th.
 Jennifer advised that our course will be re-rated by SCGA in the near future.
 She also advised that she has reinforced with her staff the need to notify her immediately anytime a ‘problem’ occurs so that she can influence the outcome, if necessary.

Report from General Manager – Tim Skogen.
 Tim advised he was very pleased with the work carried out by the pro-shop people during this peak period.
 He also discussed the frequency and contents of the ‘email blasts’ and suggested that lengthy items be included in the website and connected by a hyperlink.
 Tim advised that there was a trend to minimize the use of water on golf courses and in the longer term, we might expect to see more desert landscaping at the expense of grass on parts of the course that aren’t directly used by golfers.

Next Meeting – March 31st 2010 at 2 pm in the Private Dining room.