Bergman/Nigro win WGA Member/Member

Oakmont
Links
N AT I O N A L H I S TO R I C L A N D M A R K 1 9 0 3
Oakmont
J U LY 2 0 0 6
Links
| W W W. O A K M O N T C C . O R G
Bergman/Nigro win WGA Member/Member
REPORTING BY SHIRLEY PREBOR
The Oakmont WGA Member/Member
Tournament took place on Friday, June
8th and Saturday, June 9th. Low Gross
Winners were: Anne Bergman and
Nicki Nigro with a score of 182. Low
Net Winners were: Laurin Moore and
Kaaren Amodeo with a score of 154.
Second place in Low Gross went to:
Karen Gerba and Patty Gilbert with 192.
Second place in low net went to Sandy
Usher and Shirley Prebor with 162.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Low Gross Winners in WGA Member/Member
Anne Bergman and Nicki Nigro
CONTENTS
Page
From The Red Tees . . . . . 1, 6,
Bunker To Bunker . . . . . . . . . 2,
First Person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From The Clubhouse . . . . . . . .
New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tommy The Hawk . . . . . . . . . .
Kitchen Korner . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From The Grounds Up . . . . . 8,
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
7
3
3
4
4
5
5
9
Page
Social Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . .
Longfellow Lives . . . . . . . . . . .
Caddie Corner . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tom Watson Story . . . . . . . . .
Know The Board . . . . . . . . . .
Our Sympathy . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Photo Ops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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10
10
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12
12
Low Net Winners in WGA Member/Member
Laurin Moore and Kaaren Amodeo
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
BY BOB FORD, CLUB PROFESSIONAL
Congratulations to Malcolm Spatz,
winner of the 2006 President’s Cup.
Malcolm held off a late charge from
playing partner, Jim Sullivan Jr. who
eagled the seventeenth hole in the
final round. Not to be out done,
Malcolm drove the green on seventeen and made the putt for an eagle
as well. A par on the final hole
sealed the victory for Malcolm, his
third President’s Cup Championship
in the last four years!
This year we tracked the stroke
averages per hole, and the hardest
three holes after three rounds came
as no surprise:
Hole
Stroke Avg.
#15
5.16
#12
6.08
#3
5.07
#9
5.02
#7
4.86
#1
4.83
#18
4.78
#10
4.67
#5
4.65
#2
4.64
#8
3.64
#6
3.64
#14
4.60
#11
4.60
#16
3.55
#17
4.40
#13
3.38
#4
5.34
FINAL RESULTS
President’s Cup Championship
Malcolm Spatz
75-75-76 226
Brett Bergman
77-79-72 228
Curt Coulter
76-76-77 229
Jim Sullivan Jr.
76-75-79 230
John Jones
75-78-79 232
Nathan Sutherland 82-70-81 233
Rob Wagner
80-78-77 235
Rich Berglund
80-80-77 237
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Malcolm Spatz, winner of the 2006 President’s Cup
From the Lesson Tee
Do you know your club head speed, ball
speed, launch angle or spin rate? Is your
driver fit for you? Are you hitting your
driver efficiently? Are you hitting it as far
as you think that you should be?
If you answered “no” to any of these,
then you need to come down to the golf
house and get a driver fitting with the
new Flight Scope Cheetah.
In thinking about increased
distance and accuracy, we would
also like to share how to properly release the golf club. On the
lesson tee, we have been noticing
a great number of players who
are not releasing the golf club
properly. In the first picture, you
notice how my left hand is still
above my right hand half way
through the swing. The left
elbow is raised improperly and
the arms have no extension.
All of these factors lead to loss
of distance and accuracy. In the
second picture, you will see how
the right hand has released over
the left, which keeps the left
elbow down and enables the
arms to extend out to the target.
If your golf ball is going high
and right, then this would be a
great indication that you are not
releasing the golf club properly.
Swing 1: Poor release
Flight Scope Main Screen
This flight scope is the most technologically advanced ball flight launch monitor
available and tells us your exact carry
distance, launch angle, spin rate, maximum
height, side spin, smash factor, club path
and face position. By collecting this data
from your driver, we can answer all of the
questions above and tell you, scientifically,
if you are using the right club or not. By
changing club loft, shaft flex, shaft kick
point or different manufacturer’s clubs –
and even golf balls, we have seen people
gain more than 20 yards on their drives.
— 2 —
Swing 2: Good Release
See you on the lesson tee ......
Eric
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
Bunker to Bunker
FROM PAGE 2
FIRST PERSON
BY BILL GRIFFIN, CLUB PRESIDENT
2006 Father/Son
Championship
Friday, June 16th, 2006
FINAL RESULTS
GROSS
1st: Chick & Chas Wagner . . . . . . 71
2nd: Jim & Jim Sullivan . . . . . . . . 73
3rd: Duke & Tom Kingsley . . moc 74*
4th: Ed & Paul Mazeski . . . . . . . . 74
NET
1st: Gene & Chris Farrell . . . . . . . 64**
2nd: Jim & Jeff Hagan . . . . . . . . . 64
3rd: John & Richard Fisher . . moc 65*
4th: Bernie & Dan Marcus . . . . . . 65
**Won 1st Hole of Sudden Death Playoff
SKILL PRIZES
Closest to Pin #6: John Fisher . . . . 3’11”
Closest to Pin #8: Tim Fitzgerald . . . 2’2”
Closest to Pin #13: Jeff Bergman . . . 3’4”
Closest to Pin #16: Jim Sullivan, Sr. . 8’4”
Closest to Pin #18: Duke Kingsley
PUTTING CONTEST
1st Place: Chick & Chas Wagner
2nd Place: Frank & Dave Fuhrer
3rd Place: Ray & Matt Kohl
Fairway Feats
• Max Hofmann – Eagle on #10
• Curt Coulter – Eagle on #17
• Malcolm Spatz – Eagle on #17
• Jim Sullivan Jr. – Eagle on #17
• Chris Allen – Hole in one on the
second hole at the Mountain
Course at Cordillera, in Edwards,
Colorado with a 6 iron from 175
yards.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
T
he summer season is in full swing
and, thus far, it has been an exciting
one. Our world-class golf course has
been in outstanding condition throughout
the season, in spite of unusually wet
conditions at times. The anticipation
and excitement for the 2007 U.S. Open
Championship continues to build.
Financially, the club continues to perform
extremely well, producing positive cash
flow ahead of budget each month. Usage
of all club facilities, including every day
dining, swimming and tennis are up
sharply from previous years. The quality
of service provided by our staff at the club
continues to be outstanding in every
respect. We are clicking on all cylinders.
I would like to make a few comments
and observations pertaining to our planning
for the 2007 U.S. Open Championship.
A number of us visited Winged Foot
during this year’s Open, and the one
impression left in everyone’s mind is the
sheer enormity of hosting an Open
Championship. The best description that
comes to mind is that we had better be
prepared for a city to be built on and
around our golf course.
Mickey Pohl and his committee chairmen
are doing a wonderful job in preparing for
the 2007 Open. Thus far, we have over
5,000 volunteers signed up for the event,
an overwhelming response. Momentum
has been developing on hospitality sales,
and representatives from the USGA were
here in July to visit with some members
and targeted hospitality groups. We are
also working on a calendar for the 2007
year which includes a schedule for golf,
clubhouse operations and related activities.
As you can imagine, there will be some
changes to our traditional calendar of
activities at the club and there will be
some sacrifices made in hosting the
— 3 —
2007 Open. We are focused on
doing everything possible to
create a positive member experience leading up to, during,
and after the Open Championship. In other words, minimize
the inconvenience to members
and maximize the benefits. More
information on next year’s
calendar will be available shortly.
In late June, we had senior
representatives from the USGA
and the Fazio group visit us to
discuss plans for the 2007 Open
including course conditioning,
green speeds, rough height, etc.
The compliments expressed
towards our course, both its
design and conditioning are
impressive and humbling. It is
clear that we have one of, if not
THE best course in the country,
to host an Open Championship.
We also have possibly the best
conditioned golf course in the
nation. Where we are today is
a real tribute to the Fownes
family in the original design of
the course, the foresight and
effort placed towards its
restoration, and the job done
by John Zimmers and his staff
in maintaining the condition of
our course. The world’s golfing
community will have an opportunity next year to witness first
hand what we’ve known all
along – Oakmont Country
Club is the best golf course in
the country! Bar none!
We hope you and your
family continue to enjoy a great
summer at our Club.
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
BY TOM WALLACE, GENERAL MANAGER
S
ummer activities and events are
sizzling at Oakmont! And, the staff
continues to plan and prepare for next
year’s 2007 U.S. Open Championship.
The 4th of July celebration at Oakmont
was a wet one! It sounds cynical, but I
often think that whether it’s Opening Day
or any scheduled picnic, the one constant
is the threat of rain. Fortunately, we were
able to get the fireworks off and the kids
that didn’t mind a little “spritz” had a
great time in the Oak Grove playground!
The Clubhouse experienced its busiest
June ever with banquets and ala carte dining
being constant throughout the month. A
special thanks to our incredible team that
continues to rise to the occasion! Speaking
of rising to the occasion, Oakmont Country
Club has climbed to #12 on the Platinum
Club of America’s Top 100 Clubs List.
This survey, which is published every three
years, is considered the benchmark for
country club rankings as it is voted on by
over 10,000 club managers and club
presidents from all over the country. The
rankings are based on the history of club
excellence, quality of membership, condition
of the facilities and property, caliber of
professional staff, governance, club adaptability, member devotion to club’s culture,
Tentative Furniture Plan for Fownes Library
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
spirit and generosity of club in the community, prudent and fiscal management, and
universal acknowledgement of greatness.
We have moved up ten spots over the last
six years and will continue to work for and
anticipate further upward movement in our
quest for the #1 spot! Thank you to all the
members and staff who keep Oakmont at
the forefront of country club greatness!
On the construction front, plans for the
new Library (old Fownes Room) are complete and will be carried out in August as
we renovate the room in time to re-open
by Labor Day - just ahead of the big
holiday rush. The room will be receiving a
face-lift of, among other things: new wood
floors, hand crafted bookshelves, leather
chairs and couches, and an archival tribute
to W.C. Fownes. This room will be an
exceptional location for cocktails and for
relaxing with the daily news. It will also be
easily converted for private dining or a state
of the art business meeting.
The remainder of Phase II (the Library,
Living Room, Front Desk, and Sitting Area),
will all be under construction in January
and February, 2007 and shutdown under
the guidance of our Steering Committee
and designers Ferry Hayes Allen.
This fall will see several campus projects
begin in preparation for the 2007 U.S.
Open Championship. A permanent ornamental fence and manual front gate will be
installed at the front entrance and all along
the Presbyterian Senior Care property line.
The gate at the front entrance will only be
closed in the late evening hours. We will be
dressing up the exterior of the clubhouse
this fall with a fresh coat of paint. This
process will involve a thorough cleaning of
the building prior to painting but will not
interfere with our wonderful fall golf season.
We will also be installing generators for the
main clubhouse to assure us of the ability
to stay partially operational during power
outages. The matter of replacing the pool
house and the timeline surrounding that is
being diligently reviewed by the Steering
— 4 —
Committee, Long Range
Planning Committee, Activities
Committee and the Board of
Governors. I will keep you
updated on all of these projects
as they develop.
In other articles in this
Newsletter, you will read that
we are continuing to try and
upgrade the member experience
through quality food, beverage,
and membership events. Book
now for the holidays as the available dates for these new and
existing Clubhouse areas are
going to fill quickly. Peggy
Schaal and Barb Cimino are
looking forward to arranging
for your holiday lodging and
hospitality needs. Please call now
to assure your spot with us this
holiday season!
WELCOME
New Members!
“We’re really glad
you’ve joined us!”
Robert F. Berry
St. Charles, Illinois
(National member)
sponsored by Bill Fallon
C. Don Russell
Tequesta, Florida
(National member)
sponsored by Bill Griffin
George J. Still, Jr.
Palo Alto, California
(National member)
sponsored by Gerard Hickel
Michael E. Kurzawa
Oakmont, PA
(Social member)
sponsored by Tim Angerman
Scott T. Markel
Oakmont, PA
(Social member)
sponsored by Jon Amodeo
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
Behold, Tommy
the Hawk Cometh!
PROMPTED BY MEMBER NANCY MCGOUGH
RESEARCH BY BRUCE MCGOUGH & JASON HURWITZ
The air is quiet and still. The slight breeze that
comes in off the thoroughfare that is the
Pennsylvania Turnpike blows toward the upsloping
#9 fairway. Whispers of grassy fescue bend to the
soft blowing air. The white ball is teed up on #9
tee. Others in the foursome, along with the
accompanying caddie crew attempt to shade their
eyes to follow the flight of the projected ball. A
driver is drawn back in a smooth arcing motion.
And then.
And then….TOMMY THE HAWK COMETH!
The large wingspan dips through the air with a
smoothness reserved for SSTs. The menacing beak
twitches in anticipation of future carnage. The
squuaaakkk squuaaakkk sound of its predatory voice
shocks the afternoon stillness.
TOMMY THE HAWK COMETH!
Woe betide the careless field mouse or chipmunk.
Woe betide the historic Oakmont squirrel
population.
As yet, he does not dare intrude upon the person
of the skillful golf artisans that perform beneath
him. But, perhaps, it is only a matter of time!
He settles, first on the telephone wires that
string behind the #9 tee and parallel the
Pennsylvania Turnpike. Then he swoops upward
and poses on the telephone pole as though he were
a banner emblem staunch in his stature and rigid in
his stance.
He is Tommy, the Oakmont Red-Tailed Hawk!
(Buteo jamaicensis)
Defiant! Challenging!
He and Tetremina (Mrs. Hawk) have established
a nest in the Sycamore tree adjacent to the flag
pole at #9 green. They are currently raising a clutch
of 3 “hawklets.”
And, as some members have clearly stated:
“ONE DAMNED NUISANCE!”
Tommy, Oakmont’s Red-Tailed Hawk
KitchenKorner
BY TOM PEPKA, CEC EXECUTIVE CHEF
I hope everyone had a nice time on the 4th of July. Our menu
offerings seem to get bigger and better year to year. This year, on
desserts, we featured homemade Gelato and Italian Ice. We made
gourmet caramel apples with a festive holiday garnish. Our entrée
selections included lobster tail, scampi, oysters, strip steaks, kielbasa,
shrimp, scallops, clams, salads and ribs.
Our menu development for the 2007 U.S. Open Championship
is proceeding on schedule. There will be two weeks of “Open
Menu” offerings for our membership and for Open visitors. The
week preceding the Open, the week OF the Open and a few days
after the Open. We are presently in the planning phase with
kitchen layouts; buffet layouts, room designs and all the preliminary
staffing issues that are being discussed.
We’re also looking forward to another busy and full Kiltie
weekend. Our Saturday night dinner will feature a veal strip steak,
stuffed lobster tail and individual chocolate decadence with
homemade Gelato. I hope to see you there.
Chef Tom
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
— 5 —
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
From the Red Tees
Ladies Invitational –
YEAR OF THE DOG!
The theme of this year’s Ladies
Invitational was “The Year Of
The Dog!” Most of us were
awakened that June 22nd morning to the deafening sounds of
thunder and a psychedelic light
show compliments of Mother
Nature. It was literally raining
“cats & dogs!” How apropos!
Alas, the rains subsided just
in time for our ladies to tee off.
That day, I left my camera with
someone to take pictures of the
winners since I was invited to
play in the Invitational at
Willowbrook Country Club.
Due to a lack of communication
on my part, the winners were
NOT photographed. When I
lamented this fact to M.A.
Cooper, who flawlessly hosted
the event in the absence of the
Chair, Lorna Irvin (who happened to be in Europe), she said
all I really needed was a photo
of the foursome who won the
award for “Playing Like A Dog!”
Fortunately, that group, which
included JoAnn Livingston and
Shirley McElhinney and their
guests, Candy Eisengart and
Barbara Rodella were available
for a photograph. Despite the
“dubious distinction,” the girls
reveled in their notoriety! What
good sports!
FROM PAGE 1
QUEEN BEE TOURNAMENT
June 29-July 6, 2006
RESULTS:
First Place – Low Net Winners ...... 138
(by match of cards)
Melanie Smith, Nancy Baumgartner,
Rita Misgorski, Marlene Lewis
Second Place – Low Net Winners .. 138
Dodie Hagan, Kathy Dee,
Anna Konrad, Jean Astorino
Third Place – Low Net Winners .... 139
Beth Anne Bergman, Cathy Goss,
Carolyn Molingowski, Jennifer Calihan
Fourth Place – Low Net Winners ...141
Jackie Capretto, Denise Fingeret,
Lizzie Truter, Blair McKean
First Place – Low Gross Winners .... 75
Mitzi Hofmann, Fran O’Connor,
Nicki Nigro, Lynn O’Mara
SKILL PRIZES:
Longest Drive #1:
Member: Mitzi Hofmann
Guest: Fran O’Connor
Longest Putt #9:
Member: M. A. Cooper ........... 10’11”
Guest: Lynn O’Mara ..................... 14’
Closest to Hole #13:
Member: Christy Hofmann
Guest: Cathy Goss
Closest to Hole on 2nd Shot, #8:
Member: Anna Konrad ................ 14”
Guest: Sharon Nelson ................... 4”
Longest Drive #18:
Member: Mary Leone
Guest: Jen Parsons
HONEY BEE Mitzi Hofmann
and QUEEN BEE Phyllis Hewitt
Congratulations to this year’s winner of
the QUEEN BEE: Phyllis Hewitt with a
two-day net score of 71!
Mitzi Hofmann’s net score of 72 won
her the coveted title of Honey Bee! To
that, Mitzi said: “I’ve never won a Bee
before!”
Traditionally, the Queen Bee and the
Honey Bee have been won by those with
higher handicaps. It’s quite a coup when
those with relatively low handicaps can
walk away with these titles.
Great playing ladies and our hats are off
to both of you!
MIXED INVITATIONAL
August 12th, 2006
The Phantom of the Open – Returns!
The Phantom…and the Ladies Golf
Association request your presence at
our summer Mixed Invitational. “All
we ask of you” is to join us for a day of
luncheon, putting contest, golf and
dinner followed by entertainment and
dancing. Come for all…or just the
evening festivities. This event is open to
all golfing members and their guests.
Golf is limited to 30 foursomes, but
the party is open to all.
Lee Alverson, local entertainer, will
delight you with his “Phantom Show”
and Chef Tom will prepare a memorable
dinner. Join us as we listen to the
“Music Of The Night!”
THEY PLAYED LIKE A DOG! Candy Eisengart, JoAnn Livingston, Shirley McElhinney, Barbara Rodella
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
— 6 —
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
9-HOLE MIXED TWILIGHT TOURNAMENT
Saturday, June 24th
Western Two-Day Event
There was a Western two-day event at Avalon Golf &
Country Club at Squaw Creek in Ohio. Karen Gerba
won “second low gross” with an 82 the first day and
an “awesome” 79 on the second day.
Believe it or not, Karen says she credits Mitzi
Hofmann with her outstanding play. Karen played
against Mitzi in the two-day at Oakmont’s Member/
Member and said she was so intimidated that she
never really relaxed and thus took that energy into the
Western event in Avalon.
And the winners were:
2006 Mother/Son Championship
Saturday, June 17th, 2006
FINAL RESULTS
First Low Net – 70 (Best two of four):Tom & Sandy Usher, Cecile & Eric Springer
GROSS
1st Place: Mitzi and Max Hofmann . . . . . . . . . 77
NET
1st Place: JoAnn and Russell Livingston . . . . . . 65
2006 Father/Daughter Championship
Saturday, June 17th, 2006
GROSS
1st Place: Mickey and Liz Pohl . . . . . . . . . . . 91
NET
1st Place: Rob and Taylor Wagner . . . . . . . . 71
SKILL PRIZES
First Low Gross – 37 (Best one of four): Jeff & Beth Bergman, Mitzi & Mark Hofmann
Closest to Pin #6:
Closest to Pin #8:
Closest to Pin #13:
Closest to Pin #16:
Chas Wagner . . . . . . . . . 4’9”
Mackenzie Hofmann . . 80’10”
Jon Amodeo . . . . . . . . . 9’3”
Megan Farrell . . . . . . . . . 45’
PUTTING CONTEST
1st Place: Gene and Megan Farrell . . . . . . . . . 16
Most Fairways Hit: 21 - Jackie & Don Stoner, Sharon & Dick Jaynes
Longest
Longest
Longest
Longest
Drive #1: Women
Drive #1: Men
Putt #9: Women
Putt #6: Men
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Nicki Nigro
Tom Usher
Beth Bergman 6’10”
Jeff Bergman 15’10”
— 7 —
9-Hole Twilight
Long Drives #1: Men - Tom Usher Women - Nicki Nigro
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
From the Grounds Up
BY CHRIS DONOHUE & JOHN ZIMMERS
N
ow that Summer is upon us, we
would like to update you on several
Grounds items:
Visit to Winged FootSite of the 2006 U.S. Open
Several OCC members and staff attended
the 2006 U.S. Open Championship at
Winged Foot. Many things were learned
as we attempted to view the course set-up
from a Grounds perspective. Each Open
venue is somewhat different, but this
year was extremely different at Winged
Foot because of the special emphasis on
the different widths and heights of the
rough throughout the golf course. The
“new” concept in rough is referred to by
the USGA as “graduated rough.” We will
be asked to present this type of rough at
next year’s Open at Oakmont.
Typical of “graduated rough”
Our group also spent a lot of time
reviewing different turf equipment needed
to accommodate the various heights of
cut….4, 6, 8 and 10 inches. And, we
spent some time reviewing Winged Foot’s
Grounds/staff/volunteers procedures and
accommodations.
In summary, most of us felt good about
what we saw and it supported what we are
trying to accomplish for our “turn in the
barrel” come 2007! “We are on the
clock!”
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Just an interesting
side note from Winged Foot.
The Grounds Department staff began
work daily at 3:00 a.m., setting up all the
necessary equipment for daily course prep
with the goal of having the course ready
for play at 8:00 a.m. That includes mowing,
bunker raking, hole locations, hand
watering. etc. In order to achieve all this,
a staff of 60-70 persons from Winged
Foot and an additional 75-100 volunteers
from all over the country was required.
Oakmont USGA Site Visit
Course Drainage
We continue to see great
improvement with the golf
course drainage following the
recent large amounts of rainfall.
We are very pleased with the
TDI greens drainage program
that was completed last fall.
Several times this year, even
after experiencing heavy rainfalls,
we were able to cut and roll,
whereas, in years past, that
would not have been possible.
A site visit was made by the USGA on
June 21st to review our course for next
year’s event. Special observation was made
of holes #12, #15 and #17, which were
set-up as “test holes” for review by the
USGA. Much time was spent discussing
the different widths and heights of rough
along the lines of the “graduated” rough
program. Rough widths and heights will
be similar, but not the same as Winged
Foot’s because Oakmont has 210 bunkers
and Winged Foot has only 70.
Another huge difference is the fact that
Winged Foot’s holes are separated by trees,
whereas Oakmont’s holes are separated by
bunkers and ditches. As we approach the
2007 Open, we will continue to revise and
practice our graduated rough set-up. Our
golf course was set up in June, the way it
will be set-up for the 2007 Open. A few
small things will still have to be accomplished this fall and next spring. Those
include overseeding of sodded areas and
roughs, additional drainage throughout
the course, additional topdressing
of approaches and championship tees,
preparation of the practice tee to similar
course conditions, bunker maintenance…
and many other standard agronomic
procedures.
In short, the USGA site visit went very
well and they seemed to be comfortable
with the condition of our course.
— 8 —
Improved drainage eliminates
standing water problems.
Secondly, many other parts
of the golf course have had
additional drainage lines
installed, which have proven
to be very functional in eliminating standing water and
wet spots that we have had in
the past. This drainage also
helps us complete our course
maintenance much faster and
allows golf carts to get onto the
course more quickly. We hope
that our members have noticed
how much better our course is
draining.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
From the Grounds Up
FROM PAGE 8
Venting
Members may have noticed recently
that we spiked/needle tined (small spike
holes approximately 4” in depth) the
greens and fairways. This is performed to
induce oxygen into the soil profiles, which
increases firmness and results in healthier
turf during high humidity stress periods,
especially in the summer months. This is
referred to as “venting.” Even though
there is visual evidence of the spike/holes,
they have little effect on playability.
BY CARL D. GURTNER AND KATIE KEENAN
Now that the 4th of July fireworks have ended, we are preparing for more
fun-filled activities, here at Oakmont Country Club.
On July 14th and 15th, some members brought their families, pitched a
tent and had a sleepover at the pool. Don Weitz, Lynette Stevens and their
staff transformed the pool area into a “beach bum’s paradise.” Most of the
kids “jumped for joy” in our new inflatable.
Mom and Dad…bring your kids and some blankets to Family Movie Night
at the pool on Saturday, August 5th. There will be plenty of food, popcorn,
candy and milkshakes for everyone to enjoy, along with one of your favorite
movies to watch on the big screen.
Join us any Friday night at the pool where the kids can play and adults can
enjoy the camaraderie of friends. We’ll have complimentary happy hour hors
d’oeuvres and our Tiki Bar will be at full service. Because of the popularity of
Friday Nights At the Pool, the pool will open until 10:00 p.m. (However, this
change will effect the pool closing on Wednesday nights which will be at 8:00 p.m.)
Make reservations for any of these events at the Front Desk.
P.S. Due to lack of interest, Camp Oakmont has been cancelled.
FROM THE
Venting process on greens
Cellar
BY CHRIS HAMPTON,
ASST. GENERAL MANAGER
Topdressing (White Sand)
Why do we topdress? Topdressing,
applying sand to playing surfaces, helps to
make them smoother and also controls
thatch build-up. If a thatch layer is
allowed to build-up, it becomes a serious
long-term health problem for the health
of the turf. Controlling thatch also permits playing surfaces to become firmer
and faster.
REMINDERS TO ALL MEMBERS:
Fescue Grass does NOT tolerate cart
traffic. The fescue grass will be crushed
down and will not recover.
Please AVOID cart traffic on the courtesy walk paths. These walk paths are
intended for foot traffic ONLY!
Before leaving a bunker, PLEASE rake
any footprints or depressions and clean off
any sand on your shoes prior to entering a
putting surface. This will help ensure that
players behind you have the proper playing
conditions.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
W
ow, can the summer really be half
over already? Time sure flies
when everyone is having a great
time here at the Club. Unfortunately, this
summer has been a little wetter then we
would like, but we have been pushing
buttons and doing anti-rain dances to try to
get the last half of the summer to stay a dry
one.
We have two great wine events happening
back-to-back in the month of August. The
first is a visit by my “California Grandma,”
Maureen Lolonis of Lolonis Vineyards,
who will be returning to host a dinner with
us on Thursday, August 17th. This will be
a very special dinner featuring Lolonis’s
Petros line.
We will be serving a vertical of four vintages
that evening. If you wish to attend please
sign up quickly due to limited space.
— 9 —
The following night, August
18th, we will be holding the
Neurofibromatosis Wine Tasting
& Auction. In conjunction with
Ms. Lorna Irvine and many
other ladies who are members of
Oakmont, this phenomenal
charity event will feature some
really outstanding wines and
auction items. Besides tasting
great wines, Chef Tom will have
culinary stations throughout the
new sections of the clubhouse.
Maureen Lolonis will be in
attendance also that evening
pouring some great Lolonis
wines. The packages that have
been put together for the auction
are very impressive. This will be
a fun filled evening, so please do
not hesitate to ask myself or call
Mrs. Lorna Irvin (412-781-3770)
for details on this great event.
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
LONGFELLOW LIVES!
(or is it the RAVEN..nevermore!)
(“Well, we did ask for feedback about your
Oakmont Links Newsletter. Then again, we
never quite expected something quite like the
following. Just proves you have to be careful
what you ask for!”)
(Supposedly composed on a dark and
stormy night, June 19, 2006 by Oakmont
member, Bill Martin..…with appropriate
apologies to Katherine Lee Bates) (To the
tune of “America The Beautiful”) (But,
can Bob Friend sing it?)
O beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of fescues.
For greening fairways that do surprise,
Give chance for all our miscues.
Oh, Oakmont! My Oakmont!
Fownes shed his traps on thee
But crowned thy good with brotherhood
From tee to gloaming tee.
O beautiful, for members’ feet,
Those stern impassioned knaves,
A thoroughfare for freedom beat,
Across those amber waves.
Oh, Oakmont! My Oakmont!
God mend thine every flaw.
Confirm thy soul in self-control
Thy liberty in straw.
O, beautiful, for Fownes’ dream
That saw beyond the years,
Thine hallowed greens, that are extreme
Awash in human tears.
Oh, Oakmont! My Oakmont!
God shed his grace on thee.
Till paths be wrought through all the wilds
Thou art the best for me!
CORRECTION IN ORDER:
BY EXECUTIVE EDITOR AL DUDRECK
Sounds! We’ve done it again!
Our apologies to Tomdee Simpson,
Front Desk employee. In last month’s
edition, we incorrectly identified her
as “Tondee.” And, after she has
worked so hard over the last 2 years
to convince the Oakmont staff that
her name is really Tomdee.
(Now will further investigation by ye editor
reveal WHY it is “Tomdee?”)
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
CADDIE
CORNER
BY JOHN MIGELY
As most Oakmont members are aware, our Club
is a strong supporter of the Western Golf
Association’s EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION.
This program, instituted in 1930, when two scholars were funded and enrolled
at Northwestern University, and founded to honor golfer Charles “Chick”
Evans, who learned to play golf as a caddie, provides generous contributions to
caddie/student tuitions.
Very often, however, we are not aware of the feelings and the words of
appreciation that come from the recipients themselves.
Here are some excerpts of a few letters received by the Western Golf
Association:
“I find it very comforting that so many generous people will give up their
hard-earned money to support a student in need. Not only does this award aid
me financially, but morally as well. I certainly will never forget the kindness that
this program has shown me.”
------Matthew W. Boland
“I have been significantly busier this year as my classes have become more
challenging and I have involved myself with several clubs and organizations that
have greatly enriched my college experience. I joined the Crew Team at the
beginning of the fall semester and I was selected to participate in the World
Indoor Rowing Championships at Boston University where I competed against
Olympic and National Team rowers from all over the world. My summer will
be spent at home in Pittsburgh where I will spend most of my days and
evenings at Oakmont Country Club as a caddy and range worker.”
-----Jonathan Golembiewski
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to attend Penn State University. By the
time I reached my senior year in high school I realized that the tuition bills
might be too expensive for me to become a Nittany Lion. Thanks to the
Scholarship Committee, the members at Oakmont Country Club and the
numerous Evans Scholars who continue to contribute money to the foundation,
students like myself have gotten the opportunity to receive a top-notch college
education……I am looking forward to getting back to caddying at Oakmont
Country Club and repairing the hole that I put in my pocket while I have been
away!”
-----Erik Suchevich
“This summer, I plan to return home to New Kensington, where I will
continue to caddy at Oakmont Country Club. I am looking forward to caddying
again since it is such a great job that allows me not only to earn money, but to
interact with the great staff and the great members. I also have a job teaching
art to children at the Avid Learning Center in New Kensington. This job is
very rewarding for me because I love bringing art into children’s lives. I hope
to have a career in the graphic design field, and perhaps I will continue and
expand my design studies in graduate school.”
-----Lauren Golembiewski
— 10 —
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
The Tom Watson Story
BY GERRY HART
Back in the 1960’s, Tom Watson was hired
as a rising new pro golfer to play nine or
ten, two-to-three-day golf outings for
about 20 or so customers by my company,
J&L Steel Company. Each event was with
different groups and at different country
clubs around the United States.
About the third or fourth year of Tom’s
work with J&L, I, as an assistant district
sales manager, played in two or three
different events with customers. I was really
impressed with Watson’s relationship with
our customers. He had great respect for
them and also had a real ability to communicate with each and every customer.
In 1973, I was named General Manager
of Sales for J&L and played in almost
every one of the events with Watson and
our customers. I continued to be awed by
Tom’s knowledge and friendliness to the
customers. After not seeing them for at
least a year in some cases, he’d greet each
one by their first name and mention the
name of their wife and family and comment
about their company’s activities. I was
amazed as to how he could do this.
One day, I asked him how he was able
to keep all these facts at his disposal. His
response was: “after golfing with each guy
during the day, when I get to my room
each evening, I write down the guy’s name
and try to list all the facts I learned about
him that day. Then, before we begin to
play the next year I study those notes so
that we can relate with each other.”
I was so impressed with Watson’s attitude, his effort to relate and his ability to
pay attention to details with our major
customers, that I decided to find out how
much we were paying this great asset to
our sales program. I went to our financial
department and discovered that our
nine-year program with Watson paid him
about $30,000 a year plus all his expenses
for the golf trips with us.
So, I met with our president and
explained to him the positive impact Tom
was having with our customers. I felt he
should get a raise from us. After a few
more meetings and discussions, the president said he was impressed and would
recommend a change to our arrangement
that would make Tom’s contract with us
worth $100,000 per year.
It was then about five or six days before
our next outing which was at Pine Valley
Golf Club. We invited mostly Pennsylvania
and New Jersey customers to this outing.
I called Tom and told him that I wanted
to meet him before the outing and asked
if he could come in a little early. I picked
him up at the Philadelphia airport and we
drove to Pine Valley for dinner together.
As we got into dinner, I told him how
much we appreciated his class and involvement with our customers. With that, I
took a check for $100,000 out of my
pocket and handed it to him saying that
from now on his yearly check would be
for that amount.
Watson took the check, ripped it up,
dropped it on the table and said, “Ger. a
deal is a deal. I can’t take this money.”
Tom Watson had given us proof as to
why he was one of the most professional
people we had ever worked with and,
without question, one of the greatest
individuals in golf.
W E A K E N D E R S N OT E :
CONGRATULATIONS to Ed Gregg, winner of
the Weakenders Elliot Williams Cup on Saturday,
July 1, 2006, with a net score of 71. This competition
among the Weakender members is held on the first Saturday of July every year.
Ed will receive his award at the Weakenders’ 2007 Annual Spring Meeting.
Know
the Board
BY AL DUDRECK, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Second In A Series:
L.J. “Larry” Young
Vice President
While only an Oakmont member since 1994, Larry Young is
typical of those who “step up”
to assume positions of leadership in our Club.
A member of the Board of
Governors since 1998, Larry is
presently the Chairman of the
Membership Committee and
works countless numbers of
hours with his committee to
secure excellent potential new
members. He also holds very
important posts as Chairman of
the Long Range Planning
Committee and Co-Chairman
of the Steering Committee.
And, he has served as a member
of the House, Finance, Golf and
Insurance and Compensation
Committees.
Larry is a member of both
the SWAT and the Weakenders.
He retired from Carnegie
Mellon University as Senior
Director of Operations for
Facilities Management Services.
Larry is a graduate of Carnegie
Mellon with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters
in Engineering Design.
He, and his wife, Carol, have
a home in Fox Chapel and one
in Arizona.
RICH SPACE
OAKMONT WEAKENDERS
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
— 11 —
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
Photo Ops
Father and Son Winners, Gross: 71
Chas and Chick Wagner
WGA “Year of the Dog” Luncheon
Father and Son Winners, Net: 64
Gene and Chris Farrell
Who is that member with Bob Ford,Tom Wallace and John Zimmers?
Hint: He played with Bob Ford at Oakmont on Tuesday, July 11th.
Mother and Son Winners, Gross: 77
Max and Mitzi Hofmann
It is with Our Deepest Sympathy:
We regret to announce the death of:
Mr. Jacob W. Banks
An Oakmont member from 1968 to 2005.
Mr. David L. Foster
An Oakmont member since 1970.
Mrs. Betty (Robert H.) Hackett
An Oakmont member since 1965.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Oakmont
Links
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Al Dudreck
EDITOR
is published nine times a year for
members and employees.
George Hill
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Judy Folk
1233 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139
412-828-8000 • www.oakmontcc.org
— 12 —
ASSISTANT EDITOR
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Larry Werner
JULY 2006
Oakmont
Links
AUGUST
SUNDAY
C A L E N D A R
MONDAY
TUESDAY
O F
E V E N T S
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
WGA
Club
Championship
Family Night
1
Member
Monday
6
Junior
Activities
Banquet
PA Women’s
State Amateur
PA Women’s
State Amateur
8:00 a.m.2:30 p.m.
21
PA Women’s
State Amateur
8:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.
Family
Night
16
Aerification
No Guests
Family
Night
22
3
4
10
11
PA Women’s
State Amateur
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Wine Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Lolonis
Winery
PA Women’s
State Amateur
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Aerification
No Guests
Aerification
No Guests
17
23
24
30
31
5
8:00 a.m.
Member Shotgun
Mixed Couples
Invitational
“Phantom
of the Open”
1:30 p.m.
Shotgun
12
18
19
25
26
Family
Night
Club
Closed
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
9
15
Aerification
No Guests
Member
Monday
27
Diebold Cup
Family
Movie Night
WGA
Club
Championship
2
8
14
20
SATURDAY
Family
Night
7
13
FRIDAY
28
29
JULY 2006