The Maple Ridge Messenger 3-1-08

RULES MADE SIMPLE: Out of Bounds or lost Ball.

If you hit a ball out of bounds or you can’t find your ball.

The rule is as follows: If you lose a ball or hit a ball out of bounds it is a stroke added to your score plus you have to hit the original shot over.

You may hit a provisional ball. This ball is played to save time. When in doubt play the provisional ball but you must identify it as a provisional shot with the assumption you will find your original ball. You may hit the provisional as many times as needed until you advance your provisional to the place you assume your original was lost. If you find the original shot the provisional is abandoned with no strokes added and you must play the original shot regardless of the circumstances. To see this rule in detail refer to the Rules of Golf published by the USGA.

Mike Gill, Director of Golf

The Grille continues to be a hotbed of activity in March and a great place for our members to meet and eat. Friday night dining returns on March 7 with two seatings and is sharing time with the Couples Outing on March 14…early seating only. The response to the Valentine Dinner filet was so overwhelming that we are going to replace the Sirloin on the Friday night menu with the filet at $17.95.

If you like "naked" oysters, come join us on Wednesday, March 12 Oysters & Poker Nite. Half Dozen $4 / Dozen $7. We will start at 6 PM and shut down at 11 PM.

Thanks for your support!!!

Dick Esterson, Food and Beverage Director

When one of our Maple Ridge family laughs, we all laugh…when one of our family grieves, we all grieve. Please keep Doug Smith and his family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of Doug’s Mother, Harriet Sally Smith last Sunday night. Her funeral will be held in Boynton Beach, Florida on Friday, February 29. Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to the Jewish Ladies Aid Society of Temple Israel, 1617 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA 31906.

Thank you, our members, for your support and for making Maple Ridge Golf Club such a special place.

Tom Kubik, General Manager

Frost delay … cart path only … play the bunkers as ground under repair – it seems lately that if it’s not pouring down rain, it’s cold and windy! If there’s one group of people ready for this routine to end, it’s the maintenance staff!

I don’t remember a winter that seemed to drag on like this winter. Summers are long and hot and do wear us down, but the feeling of accomplishment by the end of summer tends to make you feel good about what you do.

With spring right around the corner, the maintenance staff is biting at the bullet to feel that sense of accomplishment we all work for, completing bunker repair, creek erosion, etc. -- God willing and the creeks don’t rise – again!

Also, I’m filling in this newsletter for Doug Smith, who lost his mother on February 25th. Our deepest sympathies go out to Doug and his family.

Greg Heinrich, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Hello Golfers!

I want to personally invite all of you to the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours this coming Thursday, March 6th, hosted by none other than MAPLE RIDGE GOLF CLUB! The evening begins at 5:30, and I promise there will be good food, great drinks, and fantastic people. We will have putting contests, GREAT Door prizes, and GOOD TIMES. Call or email me at cklobe@wcbradley.com for more information.

Also, I would like to personally welcome our newest members to the club … Chris Hood, J.T. Phillips (Student Member) and John Phillips (J.T.’s dad). You may recognize J.T.’s name from the 2006 Columbus Northern Little League World Champions. We at Maple Ridge are thrilled that you have all decided to join our "Golf Home"!

Thanks again to all of our members and future members for continuing to promote our fantastic golf club. You truly make Maple Ridge Golf Club the area’s "Friendliest, Most Affordable Golf Club".

Happy Golfing!

Cheryl Klobe, Sales and Marketing Manager

March is here, and with it the beginning of our "Plus Four" membership drive (sometimes called "Phenomenal Foursome"). The crux of our effort is to entice prospects with a list of "sweeteners" that add value to their membership – they get to choose up to four of the following, each worth at least $100:

• Free Month’s Cart Fees * Free Month’s Dues * $100 Grille Certificate
• 4-person Outing with Lunch * 3-Lesson Package * $100 Golf Merchandise
• 3-month Student Membership * 10% off Initiation Fee * 8-Greens Fees Guest Card

Tell your friends and acquaintances who should be members all about the "Plus Four" campaign! Have them call Cheryl and me to get started. And in a matter of days, keep your eye out for the new www.golfmapleridge.com, looking better than ever!

Rick Jacobson, Director of Sales and Marketing