Nov/Dec 2019 Newsletter

LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER JIM BULTEMA

Looking Ahead

Letter from the General Manager

As 2019 comes to an end, I am thankful for the great year we have had and look forward to an even greater 2020. From all of us at Railside we want to say thank you. Without all of you and your support we wouldn’t be able to do what we love.

A quick overview of things to come:

Membership Matters
This program gives existing members the opportunity to earn 25 percent off 2020 dues by referring new members to the Club. If new members pay 25 percent of their dues now, they will be able to pay the remaining in December, January, and February. This is for golf memberships only.

Railside Bar & Grill and the Pro Shop
While the golf course may be closed, our restaurant and pro shop are still open! Our chef, Nathan, has created a new seasonal winter menu with delicious new dishes. And don’t forget to shop for your holiday gifts at the Pro Shop. There are great gifts from clothing to golf gear available.

Job Openings
Know of someone looking for a job in events or food service? We are currently hiring for positions. You can apply here.

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Holiday Open House! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Best,
Jim Bultema
General Manager


FROM THE PRO MATT KOETS

2020 Golf News

2020 Golf Events Schedule

We are putting the finishing touches on the 2020 Golf Events Schedule.  Our team is excited to implement a few changes to several of the events to improve participation and overall player satisfaction.  The schedule will be released just after the new year, so please stay tuned for more information.

Golf Shop News

We are once again proud to partner with Ship Sticks who offers a unique service to our membership. Through this partnership, we are able to ship your golf clubs and luggage to any destination at reduced prices. Ship Sticks insures and personally tracks every shipment. Ship Sticks will email you tracking information, inform your destination that your clubs are on route to them, and send you an email when your clubs arrive. We also have Ship Stick boxes that will give your clubs an extra layer of protection. Ship Sticks is partnered with UPS and FedEx, so you are receiving industry leading logistics at discounted rates. All shipping services are available. Ground- 3 Day- 2 Day- Priority Overnight. Contact us in the golf shop for more information or to get a quote.

Looking for a few gift ideas for the upcoming Christmas season? We are excited to offer free personalization on Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. You may put up to three lines of text and select from several different ink colors. You may also select a special play number 00-99. Another nice stock-stuffer idea is a special golf glove offer through FootJoy. Purchase five gloves and get one free! You may choose from the Sta-Sof or Weather-Sof options and they will come packaged in a small box for easy gift wrapping!

Ordering these gift options is simple! Email matt@railsidegolf.com or avery@railsidegolf.com or call the Golf Shop 878.0202 and we will place the orders, gift wrap, and deliver the items to you. It’s easy and convenient!

World Handicap System

2019 brought us the new modern rules for the game of golf. 2020 will see a World Handicap System. The World Handicap System (WHS) aims to bring six different handicap systems together into a single set of Rules for Handicapping, enabling golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, no matter how or where they play.

While the six existing handicap systems have generally worked very well locally, on a global basis, their different characteristics have sometimes resulted in inconsistency, with players of the same ability ending up with slightly different handicaps. This has sometimes resulted in unnecessary difficulties and challenges for golfers competing in handicap events or for tournament administrators. A single WHS will pave the way to consistency and portability.

What does this mean for the sport? The WHS initiative will provide all existing handicapping authorities to collaborate; to consider the best features within each system and create a new system which is modern  and relevant for both the way the sport is played today around the world and how it may be developed in the future.

Why now? Golf is a global sport, now with a single set of playing rules, a single set of equipment rules, and a single set of rules of amateur status. The missing link is handicapping, and after engagement and collaboration with the existing handicapping authorities and national associations, it has been agreed that the time is right to bring the different handicap systems together.

Five things to know about the World Handicap System We’ve included a helpful information sheet that briefly covers the five most significant changes you will see starting January of 2020.  Please visit usga.org/whs for additional resources. Our Professional Staff will be attending a WHS Workshop this winter and will have more information prior to the start of the 2020 season.


FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT JEFF SMITH

Around the Course

Ah, December, the favorite month of many. Lighting and decorating of the tree, delectable food, and gathering with family and friends are just a few of things we look forward to. But, the hustle and bustle can also take a toll on us. Sometimes, we just need to step back and take a deep breath. The holiday season should also remind us about what we have and all the things we have to be thankful about.

One of my favorite quotes is from Charlie Brown. “It’s not what’s under the tree, it’s who’s around it.” I have lots to be thankful for, and to my Railside family, thank you for all that you do to make us who we are. Without you, there’s no us. I look forward to another amazing year ahead.

For now, we’ll use the 3 month winter hiatus to prepare for a successful 2020 golf season. Upcoming duties will include:

• Greasing on all machine equipment
• Oil changes on all machine equipment
• Painting tee balls, ball washers, and equipment.
• Rotating tires
• Sharpening blades and reels on all mowers
• Planning our chemical and fungicide program, which is a meticulous job that requires us to go through it with a fine tooth comb.

Between performing and competing the above tasks, we will also be checking the parking lots and walk ways for snow accumulation

May your holiday season be decorated with love and happiness!

Jeff Smith
Golf Course Superintendent