Message from the President
Bill Danola
I write this month’s message on the eve of the autumnal equinox after a long steady rain. Growing up in the northeast, rain and fall are a familiar pair that were closely followed by snow and winter. Of course, we do not worry much about the latter pairing. Our winters are hardly deserving of the moniker and that is why many of us choose to live here. However, the recent rain reminds me of what I believe to be the most important long-term issue for our golf club, namely dependable access to water.
We need not have long memories to appreciate this issue. Last year we were under severe water restrictions and the course was noticeably suffering. This year those restrictions have been removed and the course is in amazing shape. However, can anyone doubt that there will be another drought and further water-usage restrictions in the future? A recent article in a local publication discussed the status of our efforts to secure long-term access to irrigation water. While we have made a great deal of progress, we have not concluded an arrangement to that end. We are committed to doing so.
Water is not our only challenge. Golf in general is in a slow period as evidenced by the recent announcements by two major golf club manufacturers that they are quitting the business. So we must work especially hard to enhance the appeal of our club. The sine qua non is the playability of the course itself. I can brook no argument on that point. However, there is much we can do to improve the appeal of our other amenities. By the time you read this, hopefully, the lift station and shrubs near the snack shack will be gone and replaced with pavers. This should create a more open feeling as well as provide additional patio space.
As you might imagine, many members discuss with me other areas which we could improve. We are not a shy group. The two I hear about most often, in order, are the Grille Room and the bar in the men’s locker room. Frankly, there is no denying that both are in need of change. However, there is also no denying that we have limited resources. The Board of Governors is engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the Grille Room. Hopefully, the Board of the Association will approve an agreement for architect services to develop a concept of a potential remodeling of the Grille Room. If approved, we would expect to form a focus group to develop the concept. A membership vote would be held before proceeding with any plans. The central idea is to open the Grille Room to the bar and remodel the Grille Room to make it more inviting. It is much too early to say if anything will come of this. I would certainly love to see the Grille Room transformed from a room one walks through to get to the bar to a room one could enjoy.
A great dining facility does not mean much without great food. We are very excited to have Chef Joey Rojas join us. He brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our club. He has an infectious smile and the skills and desire to create an outstanding dining experience for our members. I hope you were able to meet Chef Joey on September 28. If not, next time you are dining at the Club, ask your server if Chef could come out to say hello. He is very eager to meet you.
Vaya Con Dios
Bill