Greetings golfers! Here we are off to a new season at Theodosia Country Club. The fairways are starting to turn green, the days are warming up, old muscles are being stretched and leagues are organizing for a good year ahead. Since this is the first correspondence to the members this season (the second to the investors) there are several things of importance to share with you, consequently this may be rather lengthy. Hopefully future correspondence will be more succinct. Really.

Management Committee

Elections were held following the Annual Investors Meeting. The following members comprise this year’s Management Committee (listed alphabetically):

Len Ahrnsbrak
Ron Beard
Ron Capetty
Jackie Hoff
John Scott
David Smiley
Sandra Strong


We are aware of our twofold responsibly to the investors and to the membership as a whole. It is our intention to provide a friendly atmosphere for all members and guests who play our course.
Best of all, we’ll do this without a raise in pay!! Think of that. What a deal!

Open play/Leagues
When, Where, Why

Open play is defined as those times when members and guests are free to come out with their friends and play a round of golf. That is most of the time. Leagues are those times set aside for men, ladies and couples to have friendly competition and fun together. The following leagues are scheduled regularly, presently starting at 4:00 PM (as the days get longer these times will progressively be moved back).

Tuesdays--Men’s League
Thursdays--Ladies League
Fridays--Couples League

There is the possibility of a Beginner’s League starting on Mondays. We will keep you informed if that occurs. There is an aggressive tournament schedule this year on several Saturdays. You have been sent a list of those tournaments and as you sign in at the Pro Shop, the tabs on the book will be a reminder of the next two tournaments. A further reminder is to check the chalk board near the bar for additional information. As matter of fact, do check the chalk board each time you come in for important information on activities that occur between newsletters. You will remember to sign in now, won’t you??!! Of course you will! Each time. Nice going.

New Learning Center

The Learning Center is off to a great start. It is located in a book case on the west wall of the Pro Shop. The materials donated for the Center have been very generous. There are several training books, over a dozen VHS tapes, and many magazines. And the material keeps coming in! Instructions and an index card box for self service sign out are located on the top shelf of the case. Stop by, browse the helpful hints and check out what you wish. Only two weeks at a time, please!

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The term “mulligan” is really a contraction of the phrase “maul it again”.

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Pats On The Back

In the belief that a physical, verbal or textual “pat on the back” is preferable to flowers on a grave, we will often recognize members who have given of their time, talent or resources for the benefit of the club. For this past year, a sincere “thank you” to all who labored to paint, pour, clean, mow, give and serve Theodosia Country Club. Ron Beard has been careful to note those most welcomed contributions in past newsletters. I would like to add two to that important list: Frank Muhm, past President, who worked tirelessly for the good of the Club. He spent several days a week, working hard to assure the investors and members interests were being attended to. Todd Nash, who served as Vice President. Todd followed in the footsteps of his late Father, Joe, who led the club during its formative years. I know Joe would have been proud of Todd’s service, as am I. Thanks again to Frank and Todd. Did I forget to mention that neither Frank nor Todd accepted pay raises during their tenure? Good example!

Lessons for New Golfers

Starting Monday, 20 March, lessons are being offered for new golfers. If you know of a friend or neighbor who shows an interest in learning to play golf, or one who has not golfed for many years and needs a “refresher” -- do refer them to the club. Call 273-4877 to register.

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A “gimme” can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers, neither of whom can putt very well.

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Golf is harder than baseball. In golf, you have to play your fouls.

Why Do We “Mess UP’ The Greens Twice a Year?
Early Spring and in the Fall we renovate the golf greens. Golf greens are among the most highly managed turf areas to be found. Consider that they are subject to all the variables of nature, must withstand compaction from concentrated foot traffic and still absorb heavy rain without forming little ponds on the surface. Still they must retain water and nutrients for optimum turf growth. (Whew!) The purpose of renovation is to assure that nutrients and moisture reach the base soil. Here is what happens:
Thousands of little plugs are removed from each green that are @ ¾” in diameter, @ 3-4” deep. These are collected from the green, leaving holes that are filled with a medium grain sand that is swept into them, leaving what may seem to some an excess of sand on the surface. This allows the moisture and nutrients to flow more readily to the base soil, which helps sustain a healthy root system, not just the top grass. After @ 10 days to two weeks, vigorous growth occurs and fills in the voids. Mowing then begins again.
We will work to inform you on the chalkboard when the renovation is to take place. This is a necessary process. Our fairways and greens are our greatest asset and we are intent on keeping them in excellent shape. Play may continue and you get an “automatic two-putt” during this time.

Committee Actions
On a more serious note, the Management Committee met for the first monthly meeting on Tuesday, 14 March 2006. Some of the items considered are presented for your information: Seamless guttering will be installed on the clubhouse in order to protect the roof, new and existing decks. Bartering for memberships is being discontinued. Hereafter all memberships will be paid for with check, cash or credit card. Job descriptions for staff and committee members will be finalized at next month’s meeting, establishing clear lines of authority and responsibility. Until such time as that is implemented, address any concerns you may have with the staff to Bob Matyska or any committee member. The Course Manager will report to Len Ahrnsbrak. Address any concerns about the course to Len or to any committee member. Some new signs designating golf car traffic are being ordered.

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Overheard in the Clubhouse

“I play in the low 80s. If it is any hotter than that, I don’t play.”