THE MAPLE RIDGE MESSENGER

The Official Newsletter of Maple Ridge Golf Club, Columbus, Ga.

APRIL 1, 2009 EDITION

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!!!                                                     Tom Kubik, General Manager

Just when we were anticipating a great March … wet weather wreaked havoc with the golf course and playing time availability.  The rainouts have caused some schedule changes for April as we moved the Salvation Army Outing and the Member/Member to a month that is already jam-packed with events.  The Dinner Club which was originally slated for Saturday, April 25 has been moved to Saturday, May 2 because of the Mbr/Mbr change.  The Club will be open for Member Play on Tuesdays, April 7 and April 28 to help offset some of the inconvenience of Friday Tournament Play.

There is a balancing act between Member Availability and Outings in that Outing revenue helps to subsidize the dues structure for Members, but takes away from Member Tee Times.  We continue to pursue the goal to reach the Membership cap and minimize outing play, but we are not there at this time.  Don’t forget to take advantage of the great reciprocal play that is available to you at Callaway Gardens, Overlook, Southern Hills and Fox Run (Macon area), Saugahatchee CC, and Highland CC.

Pardon our progress this month as we finally will be renovating the Clubhouse Restrooms.  Most of the work will be done in the evening hours so that you will be inconvenienced as little as possible.  In the long run, it will be well worth it.

As always … please let us know your thoughts and ideas to make Your Club the Best it can be.  Thank you so much for your continuing support!

LET’S TALK TURF                         Doug Smith, Certified Golf Course Superintendent 

March is out like a duck… Ten to twelve inches of rain for the past month with more in the immediate forecast, but who’s counting anyway!  As you may have noticed the recent heavy rains have given our creek banks, drainage culverts, and drain basins a good workout and there are now some areas that have been eroded which will require reinforcement and repair in the very near future.  So as you approach these eroded areas beware that the ground may be unstable and could give way.  We will try to identify these “problem areas” as soon as possible with wire flags or rope & stakes.  If you experience problem areas that have not been identified please notify the pro shop or call the maintenance department and be sure to leave a voice mail at 706-561-6165 or email us at dsmith@wcbradley.com.  

Now for the good news … April is known as “turfgrass month” in Georgia and things are greening up nicely.  Above average rainfall should keep things growing and state authorities may even consider reducing the water restrictions that have been in place over the past few years.  However if they don’t it will be O.K.   If you irrigate your home lawn you can still keep your lawn healthy and stay within the Level II guidelines.  Set your timer for 10 minutes per station, three days per week starting about one week after our wet weather subsides.  In the second week of May increase the time to 15 minutes and then up to 20 minutes beginning in mid-June, still just three days per week.  Then go back to 10 minutes per station beginning in September, only two times per week.  Keep in mind that you don’t need to water for five days if we receive one-half inch (1/2”) or more of rain at any time during the growing season.    In the third week of October shut off your sprinklers until next season.   So remember, go green so we can all help make Maple Ridge the best it can be!

Mike Gill’s and Gene Matthews’ GOLF SHOP NEWS entries will resume April 15:  (We’ll promise you they won’t be “taxing”, just relaxing!) 

IF THE RAIN EVER STOPS, LET’S EAT!                                 Shawn Robinson, Dir. of Food & Beverage

            Thursday night dogfighters will once again eat well on April 2, which is our mission along with continuing the “Grille Games” tradition established over the winter.  Remember, when you sign up for the dogfight, the $20 entry fee includes dinner – and this week we’re having Fried Pork Chops, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fried Cabbage and Dessert Surprise.  Soft drink is included;  beer, wine and mixed drinks are extra.

            We’re certainly pleased to hear the following words from Ladies Golf Association president Nan Truesdell, whose family came down from the Atlanta and Newnan areas to celebrate her birthday with a Maple Ridge dinner party on the back lawn March 22.  “It was wonderful, the food was outstanding,” Nan praised.  “It was so much better than going to a restaurant.  The kids played on the lawn, a lot of pictures were taken, the weather was gorgeous and the price very reasonable.  My relatives can’t stop talking about how great the whole occasion was!” she added.  Her menu included Turkey Pot Roast, Hamburger Steak, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Banana Pudding, Glazed Bread Pudding.

            The very next night, we hosted Chef Bill Williams’ daughter’s baby shower in the grille.  So, once again, let us bid to cater your event, and you’ll get food, pricing, service and effort from the Maple Ridge grille crew that can’t be beat anywhere around!   

BREATHS OF FRESH AIR                      Rick Jacobson, Director of Sales & Marketing

            I am delighted to introduce Brianne Baggett as our new departmental assistant.

She’s a lovely young lady from the Albany, GA area with an impressive background of community service, volunteerism and varied work experience.  Please welcome her as she interviews members and takes photos for profiles, features and stories of golfing accomplishments on http://www.golfmapleridge.com/ and in The Maple Ridge Messenger.

            Two terrific new members have joined us since our last issue.  Lou Martucci, U.S. Air Force (Retired) is an actively involved Full Member by way of Abilene (TX) C.C. and his native Totowa, NJ.  Jeff Kirby, a 24-year-old physical therapist with the Hughston Clinic is enjoying life at The Ridge as well.

            POTENTIAL MEMBER DAY #1 IS SATURDAY, APRIL 11!   Non-Members:  Be sure to reserve one of just 20 spots for a $25 round of golf with practice range usage and a cookout lunch from 12-1 p.m., followed by 18 holes with cart and a cold drink in the grille.  By being part of a group of new members joining Maple Ridge together, your initiation fee drops from as much as $1,500 to as little as $250 --- and you’ll get “Hit the Pin, Tap it In, Win-Win” membership drive “gimme’s” each worth $100-200.  Future “PMD’s” - Saturday afternoons May 9, June 27, August 22, September TBA.

IT’S GREAT TO BE HERE!                                                Brianne Joy Baggett, Sales & Marketing Asst.

            I am busy getting into the swing of things as Maple Ridge Golf Club’s new Sales and Marketing Assistant. Already, I am meeting prominent members and learning the best ways of reaching out to new members. I am anxious to meet each of the members and hopefully learn about all of the different organized groups that have been formed through Maple Ridge. My excitement continues for the charitable events and golf tournaments that are held here at Maple Ridge Golf Club. I feel that this is the place I have been looking for and can not wait to be a part of the family here. 

I am a senior studying the field of Public Relations at Columbus State University. This position here at Maple Ridge is a great opportunity for me to get my foot in the door and gain the experience I will need to graduate in December of 2009. I will be a part of the twice-monthly newsletter that is distributed to all of the club members. I will also be assisting Rick Jacobson in gaining new memberships and coordinating golf tournaments throughout the year. I hope to be of assistance in any way I can. I am extremely excited to be here and to meet all of the members and employees. This looks like an exhilarating year ahead and I am blessed to be apart of this awesome golf club.