The Circle R Round-Up - March 2005

Manager's Report

I am pleased to announce that we have made some changes to our office staff to accommodate our increase in play and in the clubhouse. We have hired Jenny Choi as bookkeeper. Her job description will include accounts payable, members’ accounts, and other financial duties. Jennie’s extensive financial background will greatly enhance the business side of our operation. Harmony Lopez will now handle new membership, meetings, banquets, tournaments, and weddings. If you are interested in having a special event at our club, kindly see Harmony, and she will set you up! Julian Tellames will be focusing on developing a better food experience, both in service and in food quality. Some of his plans include a menu change and more specials for both lunches and dinners. I am confident that we now have our staff in the best position to move our club to the next level. If you get a moment, please stop by the office and say hi to Jenny. Until Jenny gets her “feet wet,” if you have any problems with your account, please see me and I will make sure the problem is resolved.

Larry Taylor-General Manager

Harmony’s Corner

The member’s roster is now available in the office. The roster, besides members’ names and addresses, includes our 2005 calendar, local rules, the history of the club, and the by-laws of our clubs. Kindly stop on by and pick your copy up. If you are looking to book our banquet room, don’t forget that members do not have to pay our $200 room rental fee. I have a full banquet menu and special member pricing in the office. We hope to have you here for your next event!

Harmony Lopez-Sales and Marketing Director

Oh's Tee Shots

Make a note on your calendar for March 14-17 when we will be aerating and re-seeding our greens. During this process, we ask that you kindly indulge us by allowing us to finish each phase on the green before hitting up. It is extremely important that we complete each phase as quickly as possible. This will help our greens recover quicker from the trauma that occurs from the aeration.

Speaking of our greens, did you know that we have 3 different styles of greens- each built from different eras? Greens 2,4,5, and 6 were built in 1956. Greens 3,7,8,9,13,15,16, and 17 were built in the 70’s. Finally, greens 1,10,11,12,14, and 18 were built in the 80’s. It is readily apparent that the oldest greens pose the biggest problems, being built by simply pushing up the soil and planting grass. The poor drainage from the natural clay soil contributes to our annual problem with turf growth. Perry Dye, son of the famous Pete Dye, designed the 80’s greens. Dye built the greens in the era when severe undulations and pot style bunkers were the rage. Although these greens were built with better technology from a foundation point of view, the severe undulations not only reduce the areas of hole placement, but also create questionable breaks. It is my opinion that our 70’s style greens are the best. These greens have a good foundation and have enough undulation to challenge even the best putters. In all my years of turf management, I have never seen anything quite like our situation. Because of this, I have to micromanage each green to insure yearlong growth. We actually use different seed and sand mixtures on each green to maximize turf strength. So far, it’s working, and I am confident that our greens will get even better in the years to come.

Tee Oh-Superintendent

San Diego Informational Website

Learn more about San Diego and the counties that make up our beautiful city. Visit San Diego Real Estate to learn more about the city that we live in. If you are visiting San Diego and would like to read some fun facts, watch videos about the local cities, or just learn more about its history this is the place to go.

News From The View

One of the biggest challenges we face in the clubhouse is to continue to entice our members and guests to patronize our restaurant. No matter how delicious the food is at any restaurant, the food will become boring after frequent dining. With that being said, we will be introducing a new menu this next month. Among other things, we will be offering a few Oriental dishes and more daily specials. We will continue our popular happy hour Monday through Friday, between 4:00 and 6:00. Along with discount well drinks, a complimentary hot appetizer will be served.

Our Thursday through Saturday dinner business has been growing steadily each and every month. However, Wednesdays have not been at the level we need to break even. So, effectively April 1, we will be open Thursday through Saturday, 5:00-9:00, for dinner. We will be offering our usual popular dishes as well as a special or two each night. As the sun starts setting later and later each day, our “View” is getting better and better!

Julian Tellames-Food and Beverage Manager

The Pro’s Tips

As part of the process to improve our service, we will be furnishing a starter (besides our usual marshal) on the first tee on a daily basis. Besides welcoming our players, he will make sure everyone is checked in and starting in the correct order. To help us in this process, we are askingeach golf member to check in with the pro shop to pick up a “no charge” ticket that willenter you as a player into the computer. Although this is an inconvenience, we do need to record all golfers and appreciate your support!

On another note, I have arranged with Thunderbird Driving Range to allow a $1 discount on range balls when you show your membership card. The range is open daily until dark.

Rick Campbell- Head Professional

Rate Increase April1st

On April 1 st we will be increasing our green fees approximately $3 in each category. The increase in price still places us well below most of our competitors, allowing us to say that Castle Creek is still the best value in golf around.

Men’s Club News- President’s Report

February saw our barrancas turn into near rivers and some fairways into lakes; however, with all of California’s liquid sunshine our course sustained little damage and drained very quickly. At our age we still have good memories, however short they may be. One thing we do need to remember is that if we make a tee time or commit to some form of play and for some reason find that we are unable to make it, we notify the pro shop. Please remember to check in with pro shop on men’s club days. Other reminders: if we see divots, we sand them, if we see check marks on the greens, we repair them, if we see foot prints in the sand, we rake them even though they are not our making. By doing this, play will be more pleasant for all. The new directories are completed and in the office for pick-up. Larry and his staff did a great job in putting all of the information together and big thanks go to Fred Coleman for the printing.

Art Lynch-President

Tournament News

Eclectic Winners

1st Flight Hal Helfand (61)

2nd Flight Chuck Lopez (57)

3rd Flight Lee Estes (59)

Reminder: Five-somes are not allowed on Men’s Day. NO EXCEPTIONS!! If one group is allowed to have 5 players, then it is assumed everyone can. Please cooperate. We will be holding the Memorial Tournament on March 2 nd and 9 th to avoid the aeration. The 16 th will be a shotgun and lunch after play. Please make a note of it on your calendar.

Hugh Salisbury-Tournament Chairman