McCall Matters

As I was putting together the articles for this May edition of McCall Matters, I realized what a great job the staff here did for this issue in getting out all the important information.  With that being said I am taking a different approach for my article this month.

Let me begin by titling it as “Our Marshalling Program here at McCall”.  Our Marshalls are here to assist and make sure that you have an enjoyable experience when at the Club.  Rest assured they do not carry any handcuffs, taser guns or any other weapons of any kind.  They make sure that no unauthorized persons are on the course either trespassing or playing (I believe non-members playing is trespassing).  They are also here for the safety and monitoring the progress of play that day. The true “Marshalls” are YOU.

Nowadays everyone carries a cell phone.  Take some time and plug in the Pro Shop’s phone number (610-734-7903).  If you see anything that is not right during your round, call that number and we will be glad to assist you.

The following are issues from members not only at McCall, but at every golf course there is.  To begin, I must put players in three categories; The Plain Unhappy Golfer, The Average Guy and THE GOLFER.  The Unhappy and The Golfer make up only a small percentage.  It is the Average Guy that makes up the majority.  These three different classes do not discriminate on gender, age, race or wealth.

Slow Play:

Sean O’Hair the Pro is one of the slowest players on tour.  It is just his game.  As a Pro he needs to correct his problem. The Plain Unhappy Golfer is going to complain about anything.  He can be the only one on the course and will still complain about slow play.  THE GOLFER is the person where it doesn’t take many hits of the ball to get around.  Then we have the Average Guy slow player.  What can make him play a round in a slow pace?  He could be an older person who just likes to get out for exercise and is a little slower getting around but is enjoying a beautiful day.  Can we blame them?  We will all be in that same category at some point in our lives.  If you read this article and maybe you have a hunch you can be one of these persons, don’t speed up your play and ruin your enjoyable round of golf.  Just look back and if you see a group right on your tail and no one at the hole in front of you, just wave the group behind you on…with a smile.  They will be happy and you will be able to enjoy the reasons for why you are out there.  Then we have another Average Guy slow player.  Even though you are not a Pro like Sean, you need to know that you are slow…and adjust.  My best friend growing up was a golfing partner of mine…until I dumped him.  Now granted I am not THE GOLFER with a single digit handicap; mine is closer to 30, but I do move fast.  Ready to hit and everything else I need to do to keep the pace of play moving.  My good buddy, former partner was the toe wiggler.  Before each and every shot he would stand over the ball and wiggle his toes.  You can just stand there and watch both feet moving up and down so long.  We told him time and time to pick up the pace.  He doesn’t play that much anymore.  He states that he is too busy.  The truth of the matter is, he is not invited out.  So, if you tend to play slow, try to be aware of it and adjust your game.  If you are just out to enjoy Mother Nature, be aware who is in front or behind you.  If you are behind a slow group…use that cell phone and call the Pro Shop or report it after your round.  If you see a marshall, mention it to him.  Please remember that the marshall will not handcuff and escort the slow player off.

Ball marks, divots and sand traps:

Ball marks on the greens are my favorite topic.  The Unhappy Golfer will not fix his, hers or anyone else’s ball mark. He/she believes that he/she is a member and that is Joe Candelore and his crew’s job.  He won’t fix anything but will be the first one in spreading the word about the condition of the course.  I like THE GOLFER.  He is the person who not only is on in regulation; he gets the back spin and comes within a few feet of the hole.  They are the ones that walk up on the green, mumbling under their breath and fixing five or six ball marks on all the greens.  Then you have THE AVERAGE GUY.  We are the ones who have that great second regulation shot that HITS the green.  As we approach we don’t see our ball and we walk over to the hole thinking it went in.  Then to our disappointment we walk off the green looking for our ball and forget about the crater we left on the green.  Did we purposely not fix our ball mark?  I doubt it.  There is no better pleasure than hitting the green in regulation, walking up with our putter in hand and then taking out “THE TOOL” to fix OUR mark.  So thank you to all THE GOLFERS who are on in regulation and fix five or six of our craters on each hole.

If you have the opportunity to take a divot when hitting your shot, go get it and replace it or repair it with the sand seed mixture.  There is no excuse.  Whether it was a good or bad shot and you take a little hairpiece…fix it!  That takes us into the sand trap.  The biggest reason traps are not raked after a shot is because…The Unhappy Golfer WON’T do it, The Golfer is NEVER in it, and The Average Guy sees that the rake is a little too far to go get it.  When Joe and his crew are finished manicuring the traps and every one of us rake our shot, the thought of the traps in excellent condition makes my day!  I put the blame on everyone for traps not raked.  If a person is in your foursome, twosome or whatever and is in the trap, hits out and doesn’t rake it, let him have it!  The beauty of your course is at stake.

The Hole Skipper:

You pay dues, you wait in line to go off the first tee, and there goes a group off of five or any other hole.  First I believe it is probably the Unhappy Golfer, but why should they cut in front of you. Use that cell phone!

Dress Code:

Most of you know the code.  Please no jeans.  Get a locker.  It is only $30 a year.  Put in your golf clothes.  Change over from your work attire.  Believe me we are not trying to be Merion and enter the GQ golf attire contest.  We just are not your everyday public course.  When bringing guests, please let them know about our dress code.

So to sum up my thoughts…here you go:

YOU the member are the TRUE Marshall
Put the Pro Shop number in your cell phone
Call the Pro Shop if you see anything that is not right
Our Marshalls do not carry any weapons of any kind
Fix divots, ball marks and sand traps
Pick up that piece of paper or trash
This is YOUR Course
We are here to make it enjoyable for YOU
If you fall into the GOLFER category, I am jealous and will never be like you
If you are the Unhappy Golfer…it is obvious you will never be happy
If you are The Average Guy… be more aware and try to make McCall the best it can be.

That is it for my article.  The important stuff follows.  If you like my article, you may use it if you wish.  Put your name on it.  You have my permission.  Just remember, if you get any royalties from it, buy me a hot dog and soda from our Grille or a sleeve of balls from our Pro Shop!

Chet Gratkowski, General Manager

Course Update
                            
Have you ever been hit by a golf ball?  I think everyone on the crew has been hit in one way or another and they all say it hurts like…I have even had to take several guys to the hospital.  Lately, a lot of golfers have shown no consideration for the greenkeepers.  They give us no time to acknowledge that they are playing their next shot and give us no time to get out of their way.  Golfers are hitting balls into working crew members like it is funny.  It is no laughing matter.  I always tell my guys that we have to watch out for the golfers because they are wrapped up in playing the game and do not notice us running around, but you the golfer also have a responsibility.  You must make sure we see, make eye contact, error on the safe side and don’t hit until you are certain the worker sees you.  Getting hit by a ball can cause serious injury.  It is upsetting to both parties so don’t put yourself in that position.  So be courteous and a little patient and we will get out of your way so that you can play your round.  Thanks from all of us out on the course. 

Right now we are still waiting for the turf to kick in and this will not happen until the soil warms up, which will not happen until these two-day rains stop and we get some sun for a couple of days.  The greens are about 80% but we need that last 20% to make the greens really nice and rolling true and quick.  I hope we do not go right to summer.  As always, hit ‘em long and straight, fix your ball marks, rake the bunkers and happy golfing!
  

Joe Candelore, Director of Golf

Pro Shop     

Pro Shop Hours

Monday – 2 PM to 8 PM
Tuesday thru Friday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM
Saturday & Sunday – 6:30 AM to 6 PM

Tournament Results

Thank you to everyone who played in the Spring Scramble.  It was a great way to kick off the 2009 season.

Tournament Schedule
Club Championship (Rubenstein)

McCall Golf & Country Club will be conducting the annual club championships.  The Qualifying begins on May 16 through May 24.  Qualifying is 36 holes of medal play under the Rules of Golf.  Players may play four rounds taking their best two scores.

Their qualifying scores seed the top 15 in each flight.  The previous year’s club champion in each flight is seeded #1.  The “A” flight is played at scratch and all other flights are played with handicaps.  In 2008, the Club had three flights. 

We encourage all members regardless of their handicap to participate in these championships.  They are fun and competitive.  Anyone with specific questions, please call the Pro Shop at 610-734-7903 or contact Bill Flick, Tournament Chairman, at 610-420-0090.

Wednesday Night Ladies Beginner’s League
DATE CHANGE - May 20 - Opening Night

Ladies!  Are you just starting to play golf?  Are you afraid to play a full round?  Is your husband/boyfriend/significant other embarrassed to be seen with you on the course?  If so, this league is for you!  Come join other women who are either taking lessons or just starting to play the game.  Remember, the only way to improve your game (or boost your confidence) is practice.  The best practice is play.   League to start Wednesday, May 20 and will run for seven weeks.   Price will be $10/week for members and $20/week for guests.  This price includes a ½-hour group lesson prior to teeing off and I will be supervising/monitoring/refereeing the play on the course to ensure that everyone has a great time.   See me for more details or to sign up call 610-734-7924.

Hole-In-One

Neil Bell had that one great shot that we all dream of on the 6th on April 2.  Congratulations, Neil!!

Jim McCormick, PGA Golf Professional

Golf Committee Report

With the great weather now coming in, it is really time to get into the swing of things at McCall (notice the clever wording).  The GAP (Golf Association of Philadelphia) Team Matches have been played, the Tuesday Night Golf League is in full flight, with 76 combatants out there followed by a great dinner (and maybe a beverage or two), Jim McCormick’s beginners’ lessons will be starting soon on May 20, and the Opening Day Scramble has been held successfully again. The first Nine and Dine of the season will be held on May 15 and, of course, we have the annual Club qualifying rounds from May 16 through May 24. The beginning of June will bring the Women’s Club Championship and the men’s Senior Club Championship – both played on the weekend of June 6 & 7.  So, there certainly is a lot for you to get involved with.  I strongly encourage you to sign up and come out to fully experience your Club membership.

Since we continue to be so very interested in getting out as many players for Qualifying as we can, I will repeat this from last month:

Qualifying is held for two important and independent reasons and it is open to all golfers of all levels of play.

The first purpose for playing in Qualifying is to enter the Club Match Play Championship (also known by its historic name the Rubenstein Tournament). The second and totally separate reason is to establish the list of players who will be invited to play on our 2010 GAP Match teams.

Two 18-hole rounds are required, but players can play one or two more rounds if they want to then their best two scores count.

The Club Championship Match Play event, which runs thru June, is a flighted, match play event and is played at full handicap from the white tees in all flights below the Championship Flight. (The Championship Flight plays at scratch from the blue tees.)

As for the GAP Teams, we currently have two teams, but we are very close to having enough players play in Qualifying to go back to fielding three teams next year.  These matches, held over three Sundays in early spring, are a lot of fun.  Ask anyone who has participated before.

Please contact me or Jim McCormick, Bill Flick, Rick Bunn, Roland Thomas or John O’Rourke if you have any questions about Qualifying, the Club Championship and/or the 2010 Golf Teams or if there is any way that we can encourage you to come out and participate in them.  Jim McCormick will be glad to assist anyone needing help in setting up a round during Qualifying.

 The Committee has cancelled its May 20 meeting.  The next meeting on June 17 will include a ride-around-tour of the course with Director of Golf, Joe Candelore and Green Chairman, Howard Loflin.  The Committee is considering a proposal to reduce the number of meetings, probably to six per year.  Meetings are held on Wednesdays, starting at 5:00 PM and a call-in speaker phone arrangement is available.

As a reminder, your 2009 bag tag fee includes membership in the GAP/USGA/GHIN computer handicap system. If you have any questions about the handicap system, please ask.  The Pro Shop staff will be glad to show you how to use it.  Your GAP membership also entitles you to play in a number of GAP tournaments and events.  I strongly encourage you to try this out.  Some of the upcoming events include:

For us seniors (55 and over): Warner Cup (gross) on May 7 at Hopewell Valley GC; Warner Cup (net) on May 26 at Silver Creek CC; the Senior Four-Ball Stroke Play (better ball of partners) on June 2 at Brandywine CC; Senior Four Man Team on July 21 at Meadowlands CC; Chapman Memorial Cup (gross) on July 30 at Philadelphia CC and Chapman Memorial Cup (net) on September 22 at Radley Run CC.

Events open to golfers of all ages include: Spring Net Championship on June 1 at Raven’s Claw GC; Four-Man Team event on June 10 at Whitford CC; Fall Net Championship on August 24 at White Manor CC and Four-Ball Stroke Play Championship (again better ball of partners) on August 28 at Philmont CC (North).

And, not to be left out, there are three Father/Son events, based on the age of the son – May 28 at Golden Oaks GC, July 1 at Sunnybrook GC and August 25 at Indian Valley CC.

So, you see, your membership opens up a lot of nice golfing opportunities.  I hope that you take advantage of them.  A last item about GAP, the Association is always looking for volunteers to help run their events.  You choose what you want to do, when/where you’ll do it and for how long.  (You are a VOLUNTEER after all.)  If you have any questions, contact me.  I’ll hopefully be able to convince you to join me, and a number of other members as GAP volunteers.  Don’t worry, they’ll train you.

With two thoughts on the social side, the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and the upcoming Mother’s Day Champagne Buffet, kudos to Chet Gratkowski, Bob Casler, Chef Bill and all their staff for another great event at the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. (And thanks to the Bunny too.)  Lastly, I hope to see many of you on Mother’s Day morning at the buffet.  I am sure that this will be another one in the line of their enjoyable events.

If you have any questions about attending a Golf Committee Meeting, have an idea for an item for McCall Matters or have a suggestion, question, concern or issue that you want discussed, please contact me at 610-259-8359 or ncrow1seat45@yahoo.com.

Bob Murray, 2009 Golf Chairman

Women’s Golf League

The Women's Golf League started their 72nd season on April 29.  Fourteen women from McCall attended the opening day lunch along with the staff at McCall.  Lisa Mills provided everyone with a candy jar filled with golf tees and a McCall golf ball.  Jim McCormick informed the group that if anyone brings back the ball at the closing luncheon, he would have a surprise for them.  Joe Candelore mentioned he would have a ranger on the course during their play on Wednesday mornings to ensure them a relaxing and memorable round.   Bob Casler informed the group that he and his staff are ready, willing and able to assist them with anything in the Clubhouse. He also informed everyone that the Chef would have additions to the menu every Wednesday to suit their culinary likings.  Speaking of the Chef, he displayed a beautiful and delicious buffet for our luncheon. 

If you would like more information about joining the Women's Golf League, please call Mary Lawler (610-357-8456).  You may also call the Pro Shop (610-734-7903) or Debbie Valinsky (610-734-7913) for more details.
   

Mary Lawler, President

Tennis

NEW to McCall

Team Riley Inc. and founder Eric Riley will be joining McCall Golf and Country Club offering private tennis instruction (seven days/week early morning or evening hours) from now through the fall.  In addition there will be a junior summer tennis camp Monday through Friday 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM from mid-June through Labor Day (ages eight to eighteen).  Summer camp will include lunch at the Club.  For Club members, private tennis lessons with Eric are $65/hour and junior summer tennis camp for children of members is $225/week.  Eric is a University of Pennsylvania graduate and played on the International pro tour for eight years.  Eric coached tennis legend Pam Shriver for the final decade of her career and currently coaches tennis star Lisa Raymond.

Please contact Eric by phone at 610-547-6507 or email him at Teamriley@msn.com.  Also check out Eric’s website at www.teamrileytennis.com.
   
And

TENNIS - THE SPORT OF A LIFETIME, COMES TO MCCALL AGAIN THIS SPRING!!
 
There's a court reserved for you this spring!  Enjoy the sport that is growing faster than a golf ball!

Are you ready to get some exercise and have some fun? Try refresher tennis after work.  In an hour and a half, you'll burn calories, meet new friends, and get back into the game!
 
Tennis lessons begin Monday, May 4 for novices, 5:30-7:00 PM courtside.  Bring your racquet and wear sneakers.  If you need a racquet, we'll loan you one!  Cost: $132 for 6 weeks or drop in at $25 week. 
 
Want to play a weekly tennis match?  Learn some drills?  You can in our Wednesday night Corporate League!  The league starts Wednesday, June 17 for six weeks, 6-8 PM.  Cost: $132 for 6 weeks or drop in at $25 week. 
 
Want your kids to learn tennis?  They can?  Quickstart Tennis gives a jump-start for kids aged 4-10 with foam balls, junior racquets, and smaller nets.  One-hour session includes basics plus games!  Mondays starting May 4, 4:30-5:30 PM. Cost: $132 for six weeks or drop in at $25 week.

For more information or to sign up for any of the above lessons, contact Bambi Dudley at 610-688-4974 or email her at www.corporatetennis@comcast.net.

Bambi Dudley

Conference Center
 
Wow it’s May! The Club is in full swing and the golf course looks great. Special thanks to Ernie Zappacosta and the entire McCall staff for the awesome job everyone did on the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.  It was great to see the awesome attendance at our opening Tuesday Night Golf League.  Chef Bill had a great Panini Station.  The Opening Day Scramble was a sold out event and everyone had another good time at McCall.  Joe Candelore and his staff did a great job preparing the golf course for our GAP matches and the Scramble.  Jim McCormick and the Pro Shop staff kept it all together making the Scramble a fun-filled time for all who attended.  Chef Bill put together some great food for the GAP matches and I am sill hearing about his crab cakes and how great the food is here at McCall.  Chef, thanks for taking McCall to the next level. The fireplace room looked great for the Ladies Opening Golf Luncheon on April 29.  Lisa did a nice job.  Hopefully May will bring some better weather.

In the Grille and Sun Porch, business has been very good.  Tom and Omar are doing a fine job with the transition and the increase of business.  Sunday breakfast has been just awesome with all the new additions Chef Bill has incorporated.  Just a reminder the Grille is open Tuesday thru Sunday from 7:00 AM till 4:00 PM.  We welcome all members to bring a guest or a client for lunch.  I promise you will like the food and atmosphere.

Something new at McCall we will be having a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch on May 10 from 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM. Please make your reservations early.  This will surely be a sell out.  For more information, pick up a flier at the Club or to book a reservation call Kathy Cullen at 610-734-7901 or email her at kathy.cullen@mccallgolf.com.

Here are some dates to mark on your calendar for the upcoming events.  First don’t forget to sign up for the first Nine and Dine on May 15.  Information and signup is in the Pro Shop.  Our Tuesday Night Golf League will be held after golf in the Grille and Sun Porch.  Chef Bill will have a special buffet prepared and the Grille Room bar will be open for everyone.  The patio is now open so invite some friends over for a fun-filled Tuesday night.  Our next Texas Hold’em Tournament will be held on Tuesday, May 12.  For more information, contact Rick Bunn at Rick.bunn@infrasource.com.

In our catering department, April has been busy and I am confident we will make budget.  Our senior groups, Annunciation and Laurentians, were very happy with the food and the new décor.  On April 18 we had our first wedding of the year.  We are on the right track with our outside affairs.  June and July are starting to fill up nicely.  If you are planning an event, please call Lisa Mills at 610-449-8326 or email her at meetatmccall@mccallgolf.com.

Happy Mother’s Day!  I hope everyone has a great golf season!!!

Robert Casler, Clubhouse Manager

Outside Events & Marketing Update    

April was a good month at the Conference Center.  Showers, sports banquets, birthday parties and our first wedding of the season occupied our weekends.  A new business client, Sayers Memorial Methodist Church, held their first fashion show which was a big success.  We also had business clients such as St. Joseph’s Hockey team, Commonwealth Connections and ADVIS return to us.

May is packed with both new and existing clients although we do have several prime time event times available on the weekends.  June is beginning to fill in with graduation parties so…if you are thinking of having a party please call me ASAP.

Our marketing and advertising for the year is in place with the church bulletins, newsprint ads and online website memberships.  We did send an email blast to the staff and faculty of St. Joseph’s University and had two responses back for parties.

May is the first month we are trying the new format for our newsletter, McCall Matters.  We are doing this as part of updating our image and effectiveness.  Feedback is appreciated.

With the weather breaking people are booking graduation and family parties for May, June and July.  So don’t be left out, book your summer date NOW!  Contact me at 610-449-8326 or meetatmccall@mccallgolf.com.

Lisa Mills, Marketing Director

Culinary Corner

I would like to thank the Klinke family for the beautiful and heart warming letters and cards they sent me.  On April 10, Mr. and Mrs. Klinke arranged a birthday gift for their daughter Alina to work with me in the kitchen.  We prepped and prepared a salad special served with either mini crab cakes or stuffed Italian Bracciole.  I really enjoyed the experience working with Alina. The passion she displayed with cutting, sautéing, and the presentation of the dish reminded me why I got involved with cooking in the first place. Thank you very much.

Also the Tuesday Night Panini Night was a success.  I thank all who attended that night.  Your kind words and compliments really made me feel very welcomed as your Chef here at McCall.  Keep in mind that our next Tuesday Night Buffet on May 12 will be an Italian Buffet.  I will be preparing Italian meatballs, sausage with a variety of pasta dishes, a Roman anti-pasta salad, and a sweet table.  Thank you all for your support.

Chef Bill