The Maple Ridge Messenger 1-15-08
1/15/2008 8:33:28 AMLET’S TALK TURF Goals for the New Year and beyond … As in past years one of our most important goals concerning golf course maintenance is Safety. We will always try to provide a safe place to play and work. However, Maple Ridge by nature is hilly and wooded with many creeks and rocky soils. Given our native terrain and for that matter golf courses in general, there will always be some inherent dangers, which include but are not limited to… An eroded creek bank or creek crossing, a slippery step or slope, a sink hole, steep or winding cart path, stinging insects, poisonous snakes, and even a blind tee shot or two. By all means if you come across any of these or any other potential dangers please notify the Pro Shop or one of the Maintenance Staff members, so we can address the situation and continue to improve your golfing experience.
Douglas Smith, CGCS
USGA RULE CHANGES FOR 2008 New Rule (in my terms)
You now must identify your ball in a hazard. If you hit an incorrect ball out of a hazard you will be assessed a (2) stroke penalty.
Old Rule You did
not have to identify your ball in a hazard. There was not penalty for hitting a wrong ball out of a hazard.
The reasons for the change. There have always been provisions for you to lift your ball out of a hazard. Example; if two balls are close together you can lift one so the other person can hit, or you are by an immovable obstruction and need relief. Also this eliminates the situation when a person hits a ball from a hazard out of bounds and can’t find it. He now wonders if it was really his ball he hit.
New Rule If your ball hits you, your caddie, or your equipment, it’s now only a (1) stroke penalty instead of (2).
Any questions about the Rules of Golf see your Maple Ridge PGA Golf Professional.
| Remember: |
Play the ball as you find it. |
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Play the course as you find it. |
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When in doubt, do what’s fair. |
Your job as a tournament participant is to protect the field. Mike Gill, Director of Golf
CHERYL’S SHOTS Hello Golfers! I would like to personally welcome our two newest Bill Heard Cadillac-Saab promotion members, Dennis Lewis, and Dr. Ralph Huling. Welcome guys, we are glad you are here. The promotion turned out to be a HUGE success, and we are looking forward to continuing Maple Ridge’s business relationship with Bill Heard Cadillac-Saab! Watch for some exciting news on this topic in our next newsletter!
Ok, so next Tuesday, January 22, 2008 is our first MEMBER FOR A DAY golf day for the new year. Anyone can play Maple Ridge as a “Member for a Day”, just by calling and making a tee time, (706-569-0966). Guests of a member pay just $20, and non-members only $30! It is going to be a GREAT day, full of fun and fellowship and last but not least …. DOOR PRIZES! Don’t delay calling for a tee time, as they will fill up fast!
For our new members and their sponsors, don’t forget our new member appreciation reception on Tuesday, January 22 at 5:30pm here at the Grille. I promise we’ll have a GREAT time.
Hope the New Year is treating all of you well!
Cheryl Klobe, Sales and Marketing Manager
TOM’S TOPPERS HAPPY NEW YEAR … We are very optimistic about the prospect for a good 2008 in Columbus. The projected military growth, AFLAC expansion and KIA plant give us reason to believe that we will not only weather the economic storm, but also have a chance to prosper in spite of it. While Cheryl and Rick are doing a great job of beating the bushes looking for new business, we ask for your help promoting the Club whenever you have an opportunity. We offer not only great golf but also a place to be with friends and family, to entertain business associates, to hold a birthday or holiday party, and to enhance your quality of life.
We appreciate your feedback and opinions regarding the course, activities, clubhouse and how we can better serve you. Currently we are exploring the possibility of reviving Friday night dining, beginning with “Grouper Night” on January 25 – call me for reservations soon!
Tom Kubik, General Manager
WHAT’S COOKIN’ Once again it is coming up to that time of year when Cupid stirs our emotions and of course there is only one way to answer… the Valentine Dinner at the Ridge. This year we will offer a Filet Mignon with twice-baked potato, steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, spring mix tossed salad, a special dessert, and your first glass of wine, all for $50 per couple. Call or e-mail Tom Kubik to place your reservation for a special Valentine evening.
Dick Esterson, Food and Beverage Director
LATEST PARTNERSHIPS KEEP US GROWING! Brandon Haynes just became our first “trial” member of 2008 (more on that in a moment), joining fellow New Year’s joiners
Drs. Lawrence and Ifey Stitt, Paul Ritchie, Scott Anderson, Scott Peebles and the first two Bill Heard Cadillac-Saab Weekday members (see “Cheryl’s Shots”). Welcome one and all! We look forward to seeing all members who joined since last July, along with their sponsoring members, at next Tuesday’s reception here at the grille!
Before we roll out our next major membership drive next month, here’s an intriguing idea – anyone considering joining Maple Ridge but uncertain as to the financial or time commitment may try us out by going online to
http://www.ledger-enquirer.comand clicking on “Subscriber Rewards”. We’re offering, for a limited time, a two-month trial membership for the price of one month’s dues. After 60 days, the trial member must decide whether to join at regular initiation fee and dues – by March, we’ll have a list of “sweeteners” from which to choose to reward his or her decision to join.
The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer partnership also makes sense for two golf-playing buddies to try us out together at essentially half-price. After two months, we expect they’ll be ready to take the plunge with us! Good people, great club!
We’re also excited about upcoming marketing ventures with Great Outdoor Advertising (billboard signs), WLTZ NBC-38 (new TV commercials), Gold’s Gym (in-house commercials). We’ll always protect our members’ interests as we try to grow towards our target capacity.
Rick Jacobson, Director of Sales and Marketing