BIRNAM BUZZ


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Richard De Schutter, President
Recently, I made a quarterly report to the Homeowners on the “State of the Club”. It was suggested by some of the attendees that it might be of interest to non-homeowners in summary fashion in a Birnam Buzz article. So here goes. I covered four primary topics in my report.
Despite all the disruption of golf course restoration, overall revenues and activity at the Club remain at a high level and ahead of budget. Halfway through our fiscal year revenues just shy of $8 million exceed budget by nearly 5% driven by higher membership, usage of dining facilities, cottages and even golf. The Club balance sheet shows total assets of $33.2 million against $3.8 million in real liabilities... a favorable ratio of better than 8 to 1. Moreover, the financial outlook for rest of the year appears robust.
Here again, we have been pleasantly surprised, (color me delighted) by the ongoing interest of perspective members despite the renovation work underway. Our membership committee continues to do a terrific job in recruiting and screening perspective members while simultaneously “raising the bar” with membership at the county allowance highest ever and a strong pipeline right behind. Birnam Wood is undergoing a healthy enhancement of its image.
In a just conducted survey of membership, we received an impressive nearly 25% response rate to 18 questions covering a range of inquiries for cottage likes and dislikes. In summary, members hold the cottages in high regard with standout scores for service, cleanliness and overall loyalty while surfacing specific addressable concerns around pricing, booking policy and room design. This input will prove highly valuable as the Cottage Committee looks to refurbish lodgings with upgrades beginning with club cottages.
Home sales in Birnam provide an interesting barometer of not only how well homes are moving inside the gates, but also with the outside perception of the Club. Before we began our capital improvement program in 2020, Birnam homes sold at a discount to the market. The Club was seen as outdated and this was reflected in low home sales turnover. Once we began investing in 2020, however, the dynamic changed sharply. For the five-year period up until then, home sales turnover averaged about five a year. In the time since, home turnover has doubled and home values more than caught up to median market value. Such a result is hardly coincidental with Club capital outlays of more than $35 million
beginning in 2020 which have since renovated the clubhouse, cottages, the packing house and now the golf course. Accompanying this has been an enhancement with outsiders viewing Birnam Wood as a highly desirable Club. The corollary seems irrefutable… When we invest in the Club, all members benefit.
But for all this good news, a challenge lies ahead. Beginning in July the wonderful pastoral view we enjoy looking down the terrace at the 1st and 18th fairways will transform into something less bucolic. I’m reminded of my mother telling me as I was about to take my medicine from any number of childhood ailments that a “dose of castor oil” which goes down as unpleasant at the time would lead to a much healthier outcome.
It’s a good anecdote to keep in mind as we all look forward to our upcoming fabulously refurbished golf course opening next March with a “dose of castor oil” between now and then.

Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
If you’ve read Mr. De Schutter’s article, you’ll know that beginning July 6th, construction on the back nine officially gets underway. As part of this exciting next phase, Hole 18 and the familiar view from our terrace will temporarily look a little different than what we’ve all come to enjoy.
While our picturesque backdrop may be somewhat compromised for a few months, the good news is that the Club experience you love will continue uninterrupted. Our restaurants will remain open, our calendar will stay full of fun events and activities, and our team will be here to ensure you continue to enjoy everything Birnam Wood has to offer.
As construction progresses, we will closely monitor conditions around the Clubhouse. We are hopeful that the Packing House Terrace will remain a comfortable and enjoyable gathering spot. Should dust or other construction-related impacts become more noticeable, we are prepared to expand lunch service to the Veranda, where the beautiful setting and glass railings provide both stunning views and added protection from the work taking place beyond.
Thank you in advance for your patience, flexibility, and support during this final chapter of our golf course transformation. As Dick so aptly noted, there may be a little “castor oil” between now and next spring—but the light at the end of the tunnel is bright indeed. We can’t wait to celebrate the unveiling of a spectacular new golf course and an even stronger Birnam Wood experience for all.
See you around the Club.

Brian O’Laughlin, Director of Agronomy
As we head into July, it finally feels like summer has arrived. The weather is warming up, irrigation installation is moving quickly, and our finish work crews are making excellent progress as we round the corner on the front nine restoration project.
Now that irrigation heads have been installed on Holes 9 through 5, many of you have likely noticed that grass is beginning to return to the golf course. To date, Holes 9 and 8 have been sodded, and we will continue completing detail work and installing sod as additional irrigation comes online.
In addition to sod installation, the Birnam Wood Agronomy Team will begin the cultivation phase of the project this month—one of the final steps in bringing these golf holes back to life. This is a lengthy process that includes aerification, sand topdressing, circle mowing, and seeding of roughs, tees, and approaches, followed by the careful grow-in and establishment of all turf surfaces.
As a reminder, we are waiting to seed all of the front nine greens together, including the practice short game area and Hole 18. Our goal remains to complete that seeding by the end of July. Following the July 4th holiday, demolition and reconstruction work will begin on Hole 18.
Our objective is to have all cultivation work completed by the end of August, allowing us to reopen the front nine on temporary greens and tees while the new putting surfaces continue to mature.
At this point, some of you may be wondering whether the project is behind schedule. The honest answer is yes.
The primary cause of the delay has been the significant amount of rock encountered during installation of the new irrigation system. While construction activities have generally progressed as planned, irrigation remains the driving factor behind every phase of the project. Without water, we cannot plant grass, and without grass, we cannot move toward reopening.

The good news is that we anticipated the possibility of encountering difficult subsurface conditions. Based on feedback from long-tenured members and historical knowledge of the property, we included allowances within the project budget specifically for this type of challenge. As a result, although the work has proven more difficult and time-consuming than expected, the project remains financially healthy and continues to remain within budget.

Today, we estimate that the irrigation portion of the project is approximately five to six weeks behind schedule. While that is certainly not ideal, we remain extremely encouraged by the overall progress. We are now approaching the midpoint of the restoration, and the quality of work being completed has been exceptional.
Despite the challenges, our team remains incredibly excited about what is taking shape. The improvements and enhancements throughout the golf course are already becoming visible, and we believe the final product will exceed expectations. Once the course is fully grown in and ready for play, the transformation will be remarkable.
Thank you all for your continued patience, support, and enthusiasm throughout this process. We look forward to sharing more progress with you in the coming weeks.
See you on the course.


















Gene Rayfield (Gayle)
Social
Lindsay Parton, Robert Fell, Scott Adelson
Gene grew up in Wadesboro, North Carolina and earned his BA in Political Science from East Carolina University. He began working in Real Estate and launched his own company. In the early 1980’s he established Regent Lighting Inc., headquartered in Burlington, NC with eventual factories foreign and domestic. He sold the company in 1995 and created Rayfield Investments. He moved to Florida in 1995 and is now a part time resident of Santa Barbara. He and Gayle have three children and have many friends in Montecito.
For the best interest of the Club, information regarding any candidate, whether favorable or unfavorable, is earnestly requested. Communications concerning any applicant may be made personally or by a signed writing to the Membership Committee. All communications will be held in strict confidence.
Please submit comments by July 17th, 2026.
Membership Committee:
Darrell Becker, Chair
Howard Rochestie
Jen Abed
Marta Babson
Rob Crane
Monica Epstein
Chris Gregoire
Dave Grotenhuis
Ryan Malmsten
Austin Muller
Donna Kammer
Asia Anthony
Pam Breedlove
Betty Urban

The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:

Ashley Underwood and Larry David
Resident
Suzanne Garrett, Alexis Abrahams, Jennifer Walsh
Writers/Producers in the entertainment industry
Gabriel and Deva Dalporto
Social
Lee Silverman, Max Drucker, Ron Berg CEO of Guitar Center

Alexander Argyropoulos
Associate
James Argyropoulos, Bob Fell, Lindsay Parton
Real Estate and Private Equity
Alicia Sinclair Resident
Anne Hall, Nancy Hunter, Teri Sahhar OB/GYN

Dale and Gaile Haslem
Resident
Roger Lenard, Bob Kammer, Cynthia Decker
President/CEO of Laube Technology (Gaile is the CFO)
Brad and Joan Corson
Social
Randy King, David Bradford, Bob Smith President, CEO Imperial Oil Limited

Thomas Falus and Olga Rogers
Resident
Bob Thornburgh, Bob Nourse, Albert Amorteguy
Former President and Director, Olympia and York





























































Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

I trust everyone’s summer is off to a good start. Hopefully, the updates you have been receiving regarding the progress of the restoration project have been informative. Progress is going well. Lateral lines continue to be installed on the front nine. Sod has been laid on a number of holes on the front nine. Work on the back nine will begin shortly after you read this article. The crew will begin on Hole 18 and then work backwards through the back nine.
The practice facility remains open and available for you to keep your skills sharp. The professional staff members are available to assist you with your game as well. Book a lesson with one of your golf professionals through the golf shop.
I wanted to remind everyone about the importance of practicing safely while using the practice facility. We have a number of situations that players need to be aware of while practicing. We have limited space at our facility and players need to make sure practice balls do not leave the practice facility. To the right, there is the Valley Club parking lot. Members, Guests and Staff park in those areas. Our 16th fairway runs parallel to the back fence of our practice facility. Balls going over that fence put players on the 16th Hole in danger. The short fence on the left side of the range protects a residence and our current office area for our project work crew. The left side of practice facility is Lemon Ranch Rd. This is the main road that all players use to drive out to the practice facility. There are also a number of members who walk on this street for exercise. Finally, there are a number of residences along Lemon Ranch. We have been aligning the stall dividers more to the middle of the landing area. This is purposeful to remind players to aim away from the left fence. We have GPS yardage devices that give yardages to each of the fences so players know the yardages they can hit safely. Players must take into account the location of the tee and make sure to hit clubs that will only travel the allowable distance. We do offer limited flight golf balls (yellow). However, many players may not be able to hit all clubs in the bag. Please be aware of all these situations while you practice and keep the safety of everyone at Birnam Wood in mind.
Thank you.
The BWWGA 2026 most improved players:
January - Debbie Bruce
February - Kum Su Kim
March - Jill Mazursky
April - Diane Lundberg
May - Leslie Robinson

Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional
When golfers think about improving their swing, they often focus on mechanics such as grip, takeaway, or club position. However, one of the most overlooked fundamentals is body alignment. Proper alignment establishes the foundation for a successful golf shot and influences a player’s ability to strike the ball solidly and accurately.
Body alignment refers to the position the feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are in relationship with each other at address. Imagine railroad tracks when aligning your body. Your body lines represent the left rail of the tracks and are aligned with each other, and parallel to the target line. The target line is the opposite rail of the tracks and represents the path from the golf ball to the intended target. The body lines run slightly left of the target for a right-handed golfer and slightly right for a lefthanded golfer. How much depends on the length of the club.
Shoulder alignment is particularly important because it strongly influences club path. Open shoulders tend to promote an outside club path, which can produce pulls and slices. Closed shoulders can encourage an excessively inside club path, resulting in pushes and hooks. Proper shoulder alignment helps the club travel on a more optimal path through impact.
The lower body also plays a critical role. Feet, knees, and hips should work together to create a stable platform. When the body is aligned correctly, you can rotate more effectively and maintain balance throughout the swing. Proper alignment allows the body to move freely.

Human perception can be deceptive, especially when looking at distant targets. This is why professional golfers use an intermediate target. They pick a spot in front of the ball on the target line to help establish proper alignment and aim before each shot.
To improve alignment, golfers should regularly practice with alignment sticks on ground. Place one stick along the target line (outside the ball) and another parallel to it along the feet. Verify that your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are aligned with the rod at your feet. This simple training aid provides immediate feedback and helps build awareness of proper alignment positions. Body alignment can be one of the simplest yet most powerful fundamentals in golf. Even the best swing mechanics cannot consistently overcome poor alignment. By taking a few extra seconds to align the body correctly before every shot, golfers can improve ball striking, improve accuracy, and build confidence on the course.

Scott Burton
Greetings from Athletics - As we move beyond the June Gloom and look ahead to the warmth of summer, we are excited to welcome July, and all that Athletics has to offer.
Our Summer Bocce League has reached a new milestone this season, with a record-setting 170-plus participants competing across 12 teams. Each Wednesday evening throughout July, members are invited to gather on the patio, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and take in an evening of spirited competition and camaraderie.
While the level of play continues to elevate year after year, what truly distinguishes our bocce program is the sense of community it fosters. Bocce has become one of the club’s most engaging traditions, bringing together members from across the Club who may not otherwise have the opportunity to connect. It serves as a wonderful setting to strengthen existing friendships, meet fellow members, and enjoy the welcoming culture that makes our Club so special. We look forward to seeing you courtside, as summer continues here in Montecito. Please read on and enjoy this month’s updates from around the Club.
Our Racquets membership continues to be exceptionally active, with strong participation across both tennis and pickleball programs. The courts remain a vibrant gathering place for members of all ages and skill levels, reflecting the enthusiasm and camaraderie that define our racquet sports community.
We are also pleased to share that our Tennis and Pickleball courts are scheduled for resurfacing this September. This important enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to provide exceptional facilities and the highest-quality playing experience for our members. We look forward to unveiling the refreshed courts and continuing to elevate the racquets experience for our club community.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but we are in the middle of the Summer! Our first week of Summer Camp was a lot of FUN and I’m looking forward to the upcoming sessions. If you have a child or friend who would like to join, please sign up at the golf and tennis shop.
The next events on the calendar are a Sip-N-Serve Tennis Social on Saturday, July 11th and a Dinks & Drinks Pickleball Social on Saturday, July 18th. Please sign up today.
Clinics continue to fill up fast, please reserve your spot at the appropriate level-based clinic in advance. Feel free to invite your friends. If you would like to start a new tennis or pickleball clinic please get a group of members or friends and we can turn it into an ongoing offering.
Summer Junior Golf & Tennis Camps. The remaining sessions are July 20th and August 3rd. Sign up your child and their friend(s). I’m offering a Create-a-Camp if these times and dates do not work. Plan a tennis and/or pickleball camp for your family and friends over the summer months.
Here are the official results of the Women’s Interclub season. Our B team finished 2nd and our C team finished 5th. Way to finish the
season strong! I look forward to another competitive season with combined Birnam/Bacarra teams. If you’d like to join our B or C team, please reach out to me.

TENNIS TRIPLES TOURNAMENT
Our 1st Annual Tennis Triples Tournament was a riot! Three teams played a double round robin format while listening to some good rock n roll music. The team of Michele Saltoun, Scott Laufer, and Ashley Fickel were crowned the Triples Champions with an undefeated


ADULT CLINICS

Clinics are filling up fast. Come out for our 3.5+ Tuesday Clay Court Clinic, Saturday Morning Live Ball Clinics at 9:00AM and 10:00AM (do one or both hours), or 3.5+ Saturday Morning Clay Court Clinic. Invite your friends to join us. Please reserve your spot in advance. We would love to start new tennis and pickleball clinics, please let us know what times and days that work best for you. An interest list is forming for new clinics.
JUNIOR CLINICS
Jeff is offering a Create a Clinic option for our members and their friends. Pick a time and day that works best for your group.
GOLF & TENNIS SUMMER CAMP
Sign up your children and their friends for our FUN Golf & Tennis Summer Camp. Contact Jeff Villano for tennis and Dave Tucker for golf. The camp runs Monday through Thursday. The format is Golf 11:00AM – 1:00PM, Lunch 1:00PM – 1:30PM, Tennis 1:30PM –3:30PM.
Remaining Session Dates:
#2 July 20th – 23rd
#3 August 3rd – 6th
All American Sip N’ Serve, Tennis Social Saturday, July 11th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Enjoy a fun tennis round robin with members and their guests. Sign up as an individual. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
All American Dinks & Drinks, Pickleball Social Saturday, July 18th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Enjoy a fun pickleball round robin with members and their guests. Sign up as an individual. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Dinks & Drinks, Pickleball Social Saturday, August 15th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Enjoy a fun pickleball round robin with members and their guests. Sign up as an individual. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Please make sure you and your guests wear non-marking shoes on the courts.
Please sweep the clay courts after use as a courtesy to other members.
Please check your guests in at the tennis shop or on the App. Please DO NOT draw shapes or words on the wind screens. Please walk around the outside of the hedge when going to and from the pickleball area and lower tennis courts if members are playing on the clay courts.
Tuesday Afternoon Clay Court Clinic, 2:00PM – 3:30PM Tuesday/Wednesday Morning Women’s Clinics
Saturday Morning Live Ball Clinics at 9:00AM and 10:00AM (Do one or both hours)
Saturday Morning 3.5+ Clay Court Clinic with Scott
Wednesday Open Play – All Levels, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Saturday Open Play - All Levels, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
*Sign up on the App for clinics or contact Jeff Villano.
*Guests are welcome to join our clinics.
*Create a clinic with fellow members or your friends.
The tennis and pickleball ball machines can be rented out at $15/ hr. This is a great way to improve your game. Make sure you reserve a court and text Scott and Jeff to check on the availability. Please contact the tennis shop for more information.
Please contact Jeff or Scott to set up private or private group lessons. See you at the courts.
Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional Jvillano@bwgc.net





Jenny Mosely, Fitness and Wellness Director
July is a season of vitality, connection, and wellness. As summer invites us outdoors, whether you’re enjoying an early morning walk, a round of golf, or time with family and friends, every step supports more than just physical fitness. The saying “keep moving” holds special meaning for brain health, a healthy heart powers a sharp brain, helping us stay focused, resilient, and engaged at every age.
On Wednesday July 22nd, it is World Brain Day. This year’s global theme is Brain Health for All Ages, bringing awareness that brain care is a lifelong pursuit. On this occasion, experts around the world highlight simple habits such as regular exercise, supervising blood pressure, blood sugar and staying mentally active are essential for brain disease prevention and overall wellbeing.
Therefore, on that very day I am excited to bring you a special presentation on The Science of Cognitive Fitness - Protecting and Enhancing Brain Health as We Age.
In this session I will share the six steps to cognitive health based on the latest evidence-based strategies to support memory, focus, and cognitive vitality. We will explore the powerful role of exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social engagement in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Discover the principles behind the MIND diet and other lifestyle habits linked to healthy aging and leave with practical tools to help keep your brain strong, active, and resilient for years to come.
RegisterontheBirnamWoodapp:WellnessPresentation by Jenny Mosely: Wednesday July 22nd from3:30pm–4:30pm.
Until then, I look forward to seeing you in the fitness center, my door is always open.
Yours in health and wellbeing, Jenny



Come join your fellow members in our beautiful and private Fitness Studio
We look forward to moving and energizing with you!
MON 10:00 AM: Tai Chi Balance with Jenny Mosely 11:00 AM: Strength & Balance Yoga with Lily Rozhko
TUES 9:30 AM: Balance and Stability with Sally Saenger 11:00 AM: Strong Bones & Core with Jenny Mosely
WED 11:00 AM: Iyengar Yoga with Vanessa Bacher
THUR 9:00 AM: Ballet Fit with Jenny Mosely 11:00 AM: Strength & Balance Yoga with Lily Rozhko

Sign up on the Birnam Wood App today! Classes are $30 each. Space is limited in the Studio, so those with reservations will have priority for admission to class. Contact Jenny Mosely with any questions at jmosely@bwgc.net.
Cancellation Policy: Members must cancel their class reservation by 5:00pm the day before the class to not be charged.

MAY 28TH
1st/2nd - Jerry Rocco - Joan Rocco 54.17 1st/2nd - Linda Whiston - Alicia Harrison 54.17
JUNE 4TH
1st - Peggy Anderson - Jean Rogers 56.25 2nd - Alex Fuhrer - Kandy Budgor 55.00
JUNE 11TH
1st - Peggy Anderson - Jean Rogers 61.11 2nd/3rd - Alex Fuhrer - Morris Jurkowitz 55.56 2nd/3rd - Angelica Clark - Ginny Maloco 55.56
JUNE 18TH
1st - Morris Jurkowitz - Edward McLaughlin 62.50 2nd - Kandy Budgor - Ginny Maloco 55.00
JUNE 25TH
1st - Morris Jurkowitz - Brian McGrath 68.75 2nd - Kandy Budgor - Joan Rocco 59.38

CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Richard De Schutter
Treasurer Bob Kidder
Secretary Wade Nichols
Director Rachael Douglas
Director Henrietta Fore
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Billy Grokenberger
Director Andy Powell
Director Howard Rochestie
Director Dick Spelke
Director Charles Wilson
Director Bruce Worster
Director Darrell Becker
HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Wade Nichols
Treasurer Richard De Schutter
Secretary Charles Wilson
Director Marta Babson
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Meg Pearson
Director Howard Rochestie
Director Sharol Siemens
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Athletic Wade Nichols
Compensation & HR Robert Nourse
Construction
Oversight Steve Jones
Cottage Nick Mutton
Finance Bob Kidder
401k Tim Armour
Golf John Murphy
Green Andrew Powell
House Rachael Douglas & Patricia Griffin
Membership Darrell Becker
HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
A&L Chris Teasley
Homeowners Fred Lukas
Director Chris Teasley The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on FRIDAY, JULY 31ST, 2026 AT 9 AM.

2031 Packing House Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
CLUBHOUSE DRESS CODE - Country club casual dress is acceptable during the day in all areas of the clubhouse. For gentlemen this includes slacks or Bermuda shorts, collared shirts tucked in at the waist with a belt, or appropriate golf and tennis attire and for ladies this includes dresses, nice pants, skirts, and similar attire. In the evening, a country club casual dining option is available in The Packing House, the 19th Hole Bar and on the Veranda. The Club may request event-specific appropriate attire (black tie, blue jean pants permitted, etc.) for certain functions. Members hosting or sponsoring private events are responsible for communicating the Club dress code to those attending such events.
CANCELLATION POLICY - Reservations for private parties and Club sponsored events will be charged to the Member’s account unless notice of cancellation is received at the office at least 48 hours in advance. Reservations for Major Club sponsored special events will be charged to the Member’s account unless notice of cancellation is received at the office at least one week in advance. Should a cancellation be made after these times, a charge of one half of the price of the event will be made. Should no cancellation be made, the full price will be charged.
CELL PHONES AND BUSINESS PARAPHERNALIA - The use of cellular phones and other electronic and wireless devices for the purpose of conducting audible conversations is strictly prohibited on the Club premises (including the Clubhouse and the Terrace areas of the Clubhouse, tennis courts, croquet courts, driving range, and golf course), except inside parked vehicles and the locker rooms and except for medical emergencies.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION - Audio and video recording is taking place at Birnam Wood.
Jordan Sweeney, General Manager
Luis Flores, Director of Clubhouse Operations
Kristy Evans, Director of Membership & Communication
Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf
Brian O’Laughlin, Director of Agronomy
Scott Burton, Athletic Director
Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional
Jennifer Mosely, Fitness & Wellness Director
Nicole Landon, Director of Security
Michael Weems, CFO
Claudia Raiti, Controller
Debbie Daggett, Director of Human Resources
Eric Salazar, Director of Food & Beverage
Abdu Romero, Executive Chef
Monica Dawson, Director of Private Events
Israel Ruiz, Facilities Director
Alyssa Romero, Lead Front Desk Attendant