In This Issue...

Message from the President

General Manager's Update

Course News from the Superintendent

Membership and Marketing News

Golf Shop News

Bermuda Dunes Women's Golf Association

• President’s Message from Carol LeDuc
• Niner’s News from Emily Guhin
  
  

Special Events

Margie's Social Corner

Casual Dining March 2010

Social News Bingo

Click here to view Calendar March 2010

Click here for the PDF Version

Board of Directors

Dave Hawley
President

Ted Page
Vice President/Social

Stve Hubbard
Secretary / Member Relations

Leon Webrand
Treasurer

Robert Nelson
 Membership

Mary Kay Esposito
Strategic Planning

Tom Maurice
Greens Committee

Phil Bernard
ByLaws Committee

Myron Baker
Golf Committee

Country Club Staff
(760) 345-2771

Mark Range ext. 125
General Manager

Chip Dimon ext. 124
Membership Director

David Encino ext. 121
F&B Manager

Nik Remer ext. 140
Head Golf Professional

Darin Carlyle ext. 143
Golf Course Superintendent

Robert Brito ext. 133
Executive Chef

Linda Fillmore ext. 127
Controller

Paola Vargas ext. 126
HR / Accounts Receivable

Pamela Vargas ext. 123
Admin. Assistant

This will be my last message for this term.  It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to have served as President of the Board this past year.   I would be terribly remiss if I did not express my deep gratitude to the members of this year’s Board.  Each active Board member gave unselfishly of their time and skills, and did so with passion and the commitment to make this Club the very best that it can be.

We still have many challenges ahead.  As we should all be aware, the Club still is very much in a survival mode.  Our membership marketing program continues to be  successful, but we still have not achieved the number or members we would like to have in order to operate at a high service level and to build the reserves we need to address future needs.

The Board has been diligent in monitoring the budget, and Club Management has been successful at keeping operating expenses below budgeted targets. However, our projected revenues have not met expectations.  In the effort to operate to a balanced budget, the Board has tasked the General Manager to make further operational cost reductions. 

One of our primary objectives has been to get dues to the level where we are able to retain existing members and new members, at the same time, providing the services the membership deserves and has every right to expect.   However, this effort requires the membership at large to actively support the “extracurricular” activities of the Club.  If we cannot achieve sufficient attendance to generate the required revenues from these activities, then we will have to curtail them.  To this point, we recently cancelled a Friday night dinner, due to projected low attendance based on the number of reservations that were made.   Club management walks a very fine line in order to remain economically viable, and we do not have the luxury of knowingly underwriting events that will generate losses.

I would encourage all of our members to attend the casual dining events as often as possible, and patronize the Grille and the Golf Shop.   For those of you who are not aware, the Club owns the Golf Shop and the revenues derived from that operation are part of our operating income.   I think you will find that the Golf Shop can be as competitive as any of the local golf retailers.

In closing, thank you again to the Board.  Also thank you, the membership, who have been so supportive of our efforts.   It is also important to express my appreciation of those members who have taken the time to express their observations and opinions, even if contrary to Board decisions and actions, as those opinions are vitally important to the governance and operation of the Club.

Steve

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Mark Range PGA, General Manager

March is finally here as the temperatures begin to rise.  The major tournament season begins this month when we host the Men’s Bermuda Triangle and Ladies Spring Swing member-guests tournaments.  I look forward to this time of year when I can get out and meet and greet all of your guests.  Most of the participants that play are current members of other clubs and it helps to hear the latest on other clubs and what they’re doing.  I have always felt golf is a lifestyle and our job is to provide the best experience for all who play and visit here.  We all know that your guests who participate in these events could be the next member to join.  Thanks to all those who played showing support to the tournament chairpersons who work very hard behind the scenes making each event the best it can be.

Our extended Social Calendar has been busy thanks to Margie Dingfelder and all our Social Committee.  The two previous weeks were especially busy.  Our club featured its third guest speaker in our speaker series on Tuesday February 23 when legendary professional golfer Doug Sanders came and spoke.  In case you missed it he gave a talk on his PGA Tour career with numerous stories of his days and times while on tour.  We had wonderful participation when we advertised our “Menopause” play with all available seats being sold out.  We offered two day trips to Santa Anita Racetrack and Catalina Island.  Also in February we held our 4th Annual “Johnny Lee” concert with special guest Country Hall of Fame singer Jimmy Rogers and golf superstar John Daly.  Now that was a show to remember.  To end the month on a high note was our second time “Broadway and Beyond” dinner show.  I want to thank everyone who took part in making all these events successful and bringing them to Bermuda Dunes. 

The club has a full slate scheduled throughout this month.  Highlighting a couple events has “Golf the Musical” comedy revue on March 25th and returning back will be Frank Capp and his jazz band set for March 27th.  We have 2 more scheduled day trips this season from our first expanded social calendars that were mailed out in November.  Coming up fast is a “Wine Tasting” day trip to Temecula Valley on the 9th and a trip to “USS Midway” later in the month on the 18th.  Call Palm Springs Tours for more information.  1-760-329-2204. Come support the casual dinners offered every Tuesday and Friday nights in the main dining room.  Weekly specials will be offered in the $13.95 range that really helped start our casual dining a short time ago.  We also offer an ala carte menu to compliment your taste.  I look forward to seeing all of you around enjoying one of the best months of the year.

Keep it in the fairway,

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Darin Carlyle Golf Course Superintendent

I love springtime in the Coachella Valley.  It is the most enjoyable time of year.  With the oncoming warmer temperatures the flowers are in bloom, the citrus and acacia trees are showing blossoms and giving a wonderful fragrant scent.  The turf on the golf course is growing nicely and transition to bermudagrass is around the corner.  We will be reducing the height of cut in the roughs to help with the transition – and locating golf balls from errant shots will be a little easier. 

We will be working with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District to bait and treat fire ants around the golf course.  The Vector Control District will also be using bait stations on the golf course for the control of annoying eye gnats.  It appears this year that the Vector Control District will once again treat homeowner properties and Home Owner Associations at No Charge.  If you notice fire ants around your home give them a call and take advantage of this service.

And finally, a word of caution - be aware of bees around the golf course.  Bees will be active this time of year and are regularly found in trees or in the underground valve boxes and in open voids around your homes.  No need for alarm if you notice one or two bees, but most honeybees in the valley are Africanized – otherwise known as Killer bees.  If you notice a large swarm or hive leave it alone and notify the pro shop or golf course maintenance staff right away.  Large hives are known to have the most aggressive bees.  Do not agitate a beehive by spraying a water hose or can of insecticide at it.  Call a professional bee removal company that can handle the hive and relocate the bees for agriculture use down valley.

Enjoy the weather and I’ll see you on the course.

Darin

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Nik Remer Head Golf Professional

 Golf Shop – News Letter

THE SEASON IS IN FULL TILT

March is our busiest month of the year by far.  We look forward to hosting our 38th Annual Bermuda Triangle March 3rd – 6th.  March 15th – 17th is slotted for hour ladies member guest the Spring Swing.  We are also holding our 7th Annual Pro Appreciation Tournament on March 21st.  This is a fun event were you get to play with your golf professionals and have a chance to win over 50 raffle prizes.  Prizes range from a new set of grips to Gift Certificates for a rounds of golf at many of the courses here in the desert.  The money generated from the first 6 events helped me greatly in paying for the very expensive PGA schooling programs.  The goal of all our assistants is to become a “Class A” PGA Member and this event can make that happen.  Stop by the golf shop and get your raffle tickets early.

THE GOLF SHOP

As we reach the peak of the season that also means that the end of the season is on its way.  Although this is a sad thought, it does have a good effect on your wallet.  We are offering an additional 5% off golf shoes in stock bringing it to a total of 30% off the retail price.  Our spring lines are in and there’s some great merchandise that’s worth a look.  If you haven’t picked up a copy of the new Golden Anniversary of Bermuda Dunes coffee table book I would strongly recommend it.  It’s filled with great pictures and information about the history of Bermuda Dunes.

The golf shop is here for you, we have the ability to order any club from any vendor, even if we don’t carry it in our golf shop.  We also want to remain competitive with local discounters, so bring us your best price.  Bermuda Dunes wants to be your one stop shopping when it comes to buying golf equipment. 

GOLF CAR MAINTENANCE

Electric Car Distributers will be here every Wednesday and Saturday.  If you need to schedule an appointment see Luke or Andrew our Player Service Department Supervisors.  They can write up a work order and contact the mechanic for service.  In order to be more efficient we are asking members to give us at least 2-days notice on repairs needed.  This way we can contact the mechanics the day before and they can have parts ready for service.

COURSE ETTIQUITE

I love going out for an afternoon tour of the course and seeing members out filling divots in the fairways and ball marks on the greens. The Adopt-A-Hole sponsors have really done a good job and I am even seeing members that are not involved taking the time to fill in an extra divot or two.

There are a couple of things that have come to my attention that really can make a difference if a membership as a whole participates. The first has to do with our bunkers. As we play our way around the course every once in a while a ball might find the sand. As you set your stance and power the ball out and up to the hole it is very easy for sand to stick to your shoes. This sand then will come off as you walk across the green leaving a trail of foot prints. Taking the time to knock the sand off your feet as soon as you leave the bunker is a great way to prevent little sand trails zig zaging across the greens.

The second thing that the membership can do is as simple as picking up your divot. This is something a lot of clubs do and it makes for a much cleaner look when there are not a bunch of divots lying all over. Because Rye grass divots do not grow back we fill them in with sand and seed. But the dead grass divot makes for an ugly reminder. Picking these divots up and putting them in the trash can on the next tee will insure a beautiful smooth fairway no matter how many people play that day.

ADOPT-A-HOLE WINNERS

Best Overall Green -  #2 on Classic 1 -  John & Chris Hogan   $50 GC for Dinner
Classic #1    -   Best Hole:  #7     -  Bruce & Adair Kelly   2 Free Guest Rounds
Classic #2    -   Best Hole:  #12   - Jack & Marian Gibilisco   2 Free Guest Rounds
Lake Nine   -    Best Hole:  #2    -  Dan & Pat Tolhurst       2 Free Guest Rounds

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 3rd – 6th                         38th Annual Bermuda Triangle                        8:00 & 12:30 Shotguns
March 10th                               Ladies Rally for the Cure                               8:00 Shotgun
March 11th                               Men’s Team Play                                            12:30 Shotgun
March 15th – 17th                     Ladies Spring Swing                                       TBA
March 21st                               Pro Appreciation Tournament                         8:00 Shotgun
March 22nd                              Niners Home & Home                                    9:00 Shotgun
March 27th                               Special Choose Ups                                        8:00 Shotgun
March 29th – 31st                     Ladies Club Championship                             8:00 Tee Times

MEN’S GUEST DAY

We had our second guest day of the year and like the first it was a grand slam.  86 players participated in the second best turnout that I‘ve seen at a guest day.  Congratulations to all the winners and I hope to see you at our next event.

FLIGHT 1

CLOSEST TO THE PIN:          MEMBER #7: Chris Beaty 14’ 3”        GUEST #7: Paul Beaty 11’ 6”

COUPLES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

We had 33 couples play in this years Championship.  We held the event on the weekend of the 13th and 14th.  This is a consistent number in looking at past years, but still not where we would like it.  It was a fun weekend with two different formats, each designed to test a couple’s resolve not only with the course but also with each other.  Good job to Doug & Pam Potter for chairing the event and congratulations to this year’s winners.

Gross Overall Champions
Fred & Ann Stahle – 236

Net Overall Champions
Richard & Debra Torres – 210

Championship Flight
1st Gross:         Doug & Pam Potter - 241
2nd Gross:        Tom & Amy Anderson - 245

1st Net:                        Gary Peck & Jean Agather - 222
2nd Net:            Steve & Nadine Elliott - 224.8

First Flight
1st Gross:         Lee & Patty Fosse - 263
2nd Gross:        Tom & Nancy Coates - 276

1st Net:                        Ed & Nancy Cooney - 226
2nd Net:            Cleeton & Sheila Powell - 230.8

Second Flight
1st Gross:         Bob & Harlene Bianco - 290
2nd Gross:        Tinker & Mark Morache - 292

1st Net:                        Pam Hatch & Jack Kane - 221.6
2nd Net:            ~

MEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

This year we had 29 total players in four different flights.  The amount of participation has been dropping over the last several years.  I’m open to any suggestions that could return some life to this event.  The Club Championship was a gross 54-hole stroke play from the black tees.  The Senior Club Championship was for men 60 years or older and was a gross 54-hole stroke play from the blue tees. Division 1 was a 36-hole net par points from the blue tees.  Division 2 was a 36-hole net par points from the white tees.  Jim Whitaker defended his title for the first time and Paul Fischer came in second in his flight for the second year in a row.  Congratulations to all the winners and as a side note dentistry must be a good profession for golf because both our Club Champion and Senior Club Champion are dentist.  I guess you have to have steady hands for both.

Nik

Chip Dimon Membership Director

 Membership News

Our Season is well under way with the Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and the upcoming Kraft Nabisco beginning March 29- April 4, 2010. Over the past several weeks, I have met with several corporations who are extremely interested in the recent Corporate Sponsored Memberships that were recently introduced. These companies are all “household names” who will be proud to be associated with Bermuda Dunes Country Club. Many have visited our club in the past and see the tremendous advantage to providing memberships to there executives.

Due to the efforts of Mark Range, Jeff Davis, The Board of Directors, and our incredible administrative staff of Linda Fillmore, Pamela Vargas, and Paola Vargas, we have been successful in attracting over 30 new members this season thus far. I would have never achieved these goals without their tireless support. Additionally, I want to take this opportunity to introduce a Marketing Assistant to you. Ginny Lyle has joined the club to advance the efforts of the club in both the corporate and individual promotional collateral materials that will take BDCC to the next level. She comes to us with over 30 years Marketing and Client Services experience. In addition to being an extremely talented professional, she is also my dearest friend and has elected to work with me again to promote all that BDCC has to offer.  Ginny will be here on the weekends at the Concierge Desk to greet those visiting us. Please take a moment to stop and introduce yourself.  

We are about to embark on what I believe will be a very exciting time in the future of Bermuda Dunes Country Club and I remain  enormously optimistic about all that is forthcoming.

As Always, I will be there for any assistance I may be called upon to assist making your club the “Simply an Extraordinary Golfing Experience”.

Warmest Regards,

Chip
Your Membership Director

Carol LeDuc BDWGA President

  LADIES NEWS

Congratulations to Diane Flaherty Kemp and Claudia Collins on winning the President's Cup.  There were some hard fought matches this year, making the tournament fun for all.
Meeting day will be on March 10th, after the Rally for the Cure.  On that date we will be electing the nominating committee.  The Board has selected one member, and the general membership will provide four members.  No persons selected for this committee can run for an elected position for the next season.  Please consider volunteering for this committee.  We need your help.
The Spring Swing is scheduled for March 15 thru 17th.  If you haven't sent in your entry, please get it in ASAP.  Remember, you must include a check for $350, payable to BDWGA.
The Ladies' Club Champion tournament will be played at the end of March.  A coupon for entry is provided in your roster book.
If you are interested in helping with the installation of officers on April 14th, please contact Joyce Albinger.

Carol

Emily Guhin Niners Chairman

Our Home and Home Tournament with Citrus Country Club will be at BD on Monday, Mar. 22.  We need 20 players and urge you to register for the event.  That includes you former Niners as well.  Information is on the bulletin board in the Ladies Locker Room.

Our monthly meeting and lunch will be held after golf on March 8 in the Ladies Locker Room.  Be sure to sign up for our golf game that day.  If you are unable to golf, we would welcome you to our activities beginning about 11:15 AM.

The Putting Contest scheduled for Feb. 22 had to be postponed due to windy cold conditions.  Watch for later developments. 

Margie Dingfelder

  Upcoming Social Events

February is almost over and we had some successful events. "Menopause the Musical" had over 40 people sign up and it was hilarious! Now I've heard that there is something similar going on in March that will appeal to both sexes. "GOLF THE MUSICAL" is playing at the Women's Club Theater in Palm Springs. It is a musical comedy about the craziness of golf! Golf Magazine advertises it as "Uproarious" and the Golf Channel quotes it as "Crowd Pleasing". I have reserved 44 seats and a bus to take us there MARCH 25TH. We can go early and eat dinner nearby in Palm Springs and there is a bar at the Women's Club that will be open for us before and after the show. The show starts at 7:30pm so we could leave here at 5:15pm. We will be doing this through ACT Tours so please call them directly to reserve your place (760 322-1247). Pay through them as well and be sure to tell them you are with Bermuda Dunes CC. They will have the tickets so nothing will need to go through our office. We do need over 40 people for the bus to take us from here. The tickets plus the motor coach is $45 per person. What a great deal!! Dinner and drinks will be no host or on your own.

Both day trips to Santa Anita and Catalina were sold out. I went on the trip to Santa Anita and it was a blast. Next year I hope to fill our own bus. If we have enough interest I may want to do the Catalina trip later in the season due to weather and as an overnight trip. Melody of Palm Springs Tours and More did a great job.
 

Our speaker this month, Doug Sanders, was a big success thanks to Chip. He got this speaker. Thanks Chip!Our day trips in March are THE GETTY CENTER in Brentwood MARCH 7TH and is $43 through Palm Springs Tours and More again (760 329-2204). Again please deal with them directly for reservations and payment. Palm Springs Tours and More also are offering a WINE TASTING TRIP in the Temecula Valley MARCH 9th for $59 per person. MARCH 18th they are offering a USS MIDWAY OR HARBOR CRUISE in San Diego for $55 per person. Remember to sign up early and we can only have a pick up at our clubhouse with 15 or more people signed up otherwise we meet in Palm Desert.

Don't forget that our wonderful annual La Quinta Art Festival is March 11th-14th. The great BNP Parabas tennis tournament is also this month. I always go to both but I haven't arranged for tickets ahead of time or transportation. In the future, if enough people would like that I will arrange it for next year. This is just a reminder about the terrific events that go on here every March.

Lastly in February we got our travel club started headed by Carl Petit. He is researching overnight trips that we were interested in. When we get the details, we will present them to the club as a whole so more people might be interested in joining and traveling with us. Our gourmet dinner club had their first dinner as well and it was very successful. If anyone else is interested in joining that please contact Marcy Hauser. The Bridge Club has been our biggest success. Neil Stern's lessons have brought in many new people.

As always I am open to hearing your experiences and new ideas for the future.

Sincerely.
 

Margie Dingfelder
(760) 345-5720
margiesportraits@aol.com

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