FOREST HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
June 2020
On Course www.foresthillscc.net
In Loving Memory
Forest Hills Country Club would like to extend its deepest condolences to the families of member Laura Hardy and Member Rosemary Doerr, who both recently passed away. Laura Hardy passed away on May 26, 2020. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Steve, their two children, and five grandchildren. Laura was very active with the Mah Jongg group at Forest Hills, where she could often be seen enjoying many wonderful games on Wednesdays or Thursdays with her friends at the Club.
Rosemary Doerr passed away on June 1, 2020. She was a loving wife of the late Louis J. Doerr, Jr. and mother to five children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a Charter Member of Forest Hills, belonging to the Club for 56 years. She enjoyed ladies golf, tennis and hosted many gatherings at the Club during her time as a member.
Tuesday & Wednesday Dining Hours The Club will be re-open for lunch service on Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, June 9th. Additionally, beginning Wednesday, June 10th, the Club will re-open for a la carte dinner service on Wednesday evenings and will no longer offer a Wednesday Curbside ToGo Feature. Please be reminded that carryout food is always available for lunch on Tuesdays and lunch/dinner Wednesday - Sunday. Head to the website, www.foresthillscc.net, to view the menu options.
Pool Documentation for the 2020 Season All applicable forms must be completed each year. If you filled out a form last year, you must resubmit for the 2020 season. Forms are available on our website, www.foresthillscc.net, under the Swimming tab.
Caretaker Application This form allows you to have a non-member caretaker at the pool/Café when accompanied by dependents of the membership. The cost is $75 annually. This form must be returned to the Club’s Membership Director, Ryan Schaben..
Dependent Charge De-authorization This form allows you to revoke charging privileges from dependent child (ren) from the Café. This form must be returned to the Clubhouse.
Club Reminders Have Exciting News To Share? We encourage our members to share with us the interesting and exciting things happening in your lives! Please send your details to Ali Kaplan at alik@foresthillscc.net. We will do our very best to include your information in our upcoming newsletter. The deadline is always the 20th of the month.
Newsletter Prize Hidden within the pages of this issue and future issues, we have included a member’s number chosen at random. If you come across this number and it happens to be yours, contact Ali at alik@foresthillscc.net to redeem a $100 Gift Certificate good toward your next food and beverage purchase.
President’s Column by Chris Swenson
christophercswenson@gmail.com
I am incredibly proud of where we are as a club in light of all of the challenges we have been facing as a result of COVID-19. As you know from our communications, we did not gnash our teeth over what we could not do. Instead, we focused on what we could do and our employees did an amazing job of developing a new play book and finding ways to connect with us. In fact, despite the closing of the Club and only offering limited amenities during this time, we continued to have a full golf membership and a full social membership. Both membership categories continue to have wait lists, which is incredible and a tribute to our entire Forest Hills Country Club family. I am in awe of our persistence and resiliency. In certain ways, however, the next steps present their own challenges and obstacles. As our General Manager indicated at the outset, the shutting down will be much less difficult than the reopening. Kevin was right and he and his team are doing what they can to restore certain amenities in a manner that complies with ever changing orders and laws and provides members and employees comfort that their health, safety, and well-being are being looked after. I had the pleasure of dining at the Club the first night it was open for business. Dinner followed our first in person Board meeting which was held outside on the Veranda. While a little different than other Board meetings, it was great to move from video conferencing to in person and to discuss a variety of issues related to the business of the Board, which included a lot of discussion about COVID-19 related items. After our meeting adjourned, we got an amazing BBQ sampler from Chef Craig, served on the veranda connected with Eagles View. You cannot imagine the feeling of seeing members and families enjoying the Club, as well as our employees doing what they do (and explaining the new procedures for their and our protection). I had made reservations for Friday night with my family as I not only wanted to support the Club, but I wanted my family to see the same thing that I did and to get a sense that we have made it through the worst of it, but that the current “new” normal includes masked employees, sanitizing kiosks, social distancing, etc.
There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, but we are still in the tunnel. While I was thrilled to hear from members on Memorial Day weekend about how great it was to get their Club back, I hope everyone recognizes that we are making progress and trying very hard to provide offerings consistent with our legal constraints, staffing, member demand, etc. We still have COVID-19 Rules in effect as developed by the Task Force and approved by the Board/Executive Committee and those Rules will continue to be evaluated and new ones developed as we are able to provide more offerings. I hope you have taken time to read the Task Force Update regarding the procedures we’ve developed to safely open the Aquatic Center and Cabana on June 15th. Like most other activities at the Club, not only do we have limitations impacting our capacity, there needs to be cleaning and sanitizing done between member usage, creating further challenges regarding utilization and capacity. We believe the rules we are putting into place with the creation of a reservation system in addition to the pods will allow the Club to safely operate the Aquatic Center and Cabana with your cooperation. Having a full membership is amazing, but it is going to be hard to satisfy the demands of members when we have limitations on gatherings and social distancing requirements. Accordingly, I hope you all continue to appreciate the additional offerings being provided and appreciate the limitations we are required to impose. I like to focus on each small step forward and avoid trying to compare what we are currently experiencing with my prior experiences at the Club because they are not possible at this time. We are, however, building to that place, one step at a time and I ask for your patience and understanding as we march towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Again, we have to make a lot of difficult decisions and those difficult decisions are not going away any time soon. Regardless of how difficult the decision, we do so with the best interest of the Club in mind. Please do your best to respect your fellow members and our employees during this time and demonstrate the personal responsibility that is necessary for us to come out of this as strong as possible. Also, as hard as it is to say, we need to maintain reasonable expectations that reflect where things stand (and in recognition of having nearly 600 members who each have their own perspective regarding utilization of the Club). We need your help and hope that you continue to understand that we are still operating with significant limitations and restrictions and not able to offer you the experiences that you may have come to expect. Please continue to bear with us and know that we are doing what we can to provide you the best experience we can under the circumstances and will continue to do so as the situation continues to evolve.
Thanks again for your patience and your commitment to the Club during this challenging time.
Membership News by Ryan Schaben, CMP
ryans@foresthillscc.net
Message from the Pro by Marvin Herrod, PGA
marvinh@foresthillscc.net
I hope you all are doing well and I know you are ready for some great weather that we have in store for us. We have had enough rain and bad news in our lives, so I am thrilled to be able to offer you all some great news with this update. Scott Reynolds and our Grounds Crew have our greens primed up and are doing their best to mow the fairways and rough during these extremely wet conditions. Mowing when the course is saturated could cause long term damage to the turf. Our Covid-19 Rules are still in effect, one rider per cart if you are not in the same household. Our Clubhouse and Golf Shop at Forest Hills Country Club are available for member access. The Range has been operating very well- few balls have been going over the nets to the Grounds Building or onto Hole #9. Thank you all for your cooperation with the new management of The Range. Continue to use the sign up system for Practice Only times. At this time, outside guests or family guests are not permitted to play at Forest Hills Country Club due to tee time demand. Our leadership wants tee times to be available to our Golfing Members at this time. Social Members are permitted to play as guests of Golfing Members. Our Board of Directors & Covid-19 Task Force have approved a revised calendar of tee time events, which can be found below:
Handicap Score Posting Scores should be posted within 24 hours of playing. Acceptable Scores = play with another person to verify score, play at least 6 holes for a 9 hole score, 13 holes for an 18 hole score. Please be sure that if you play, post your score to the GHIN System. Members who are found to not post acceptable scores will not be permitted to compete in Club events. Our Handicap Committee is monitoring the score posting. There are a few members who have NOT been posting scores. Don’t be that person.
Men’s Golf Two Man and Presidents Cup Matches brackets have been drawn and matches have begun. Dutch Harrison Memorial - June 6th - Tee Time Individual Event. Men’s Club Championship - June 26th / June 27th - Tee Time Individual Event/ Match Play Event. July 4th Event – Tee Time Two Person One Net Best Ball Event. July 11th -12th – Parent Child Events – Tee Time Two Person Alternate Shot Event. The Member-Member is rescheduled from June 12th - 13th to August 21st - 22nd.
Senior Men’s Golf rd
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June 3 & June 10 - Regular Play with weekly game. June 17th-July 1st - 2 Man Match Play & Regular Play with weekly game.
18 Hole Ladies Team Match Play and Individual Match Play is approved to begin. June 2nd - June 30th - Regular Play - Tee Time events with weekly game. July 7th - Member-Member - Tee times. July 14th-Aug 4th – Regular Play with weekly games.
9 Hole Ladies Regular Weekly Play approved for June and July.
Couples: th
Friday Night Couples will begin June 5 . Please put in the tee time notes if you want to participate in the $5 game. Couples Club Championship - June 14th - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm - tee times, golf only. This competition will determine our 8 teams to qualify for net match play championship and the days score will determine our Gross Couples Club Champions. Please email the Golf Shop to get advance tee times to play in the Couples Club Championship.
Junior Golf We have one of the best Junior Golf Programs in the Nation and we are so excited to be able to have our program this summer. We have over 200 juniors signed up for a fun summer of golf. Since golf is already a social distancing sport, we only had to make a few small adjustments to our program to make it safe for play during the Covid-19 situation. Safety is our primary focus for all activities at Forest Hills Country Club Junior Golf play dates begin June 4th & June 5th and run through July 24th. Thank you all for being patient with all the changes, adjustments, and protocols we have had to follow to create a safe and fun atmosphere at Forest Hills Country Club. We look forward to a great summer around the club and on the course.
Tips from the Tee by Ryan Martin, PGA
ryanm@foresthillscc.net
During the past few weeks, our everyday lives have been dramatically changed from what we have seen as normal. Luckily, golf has been a way for many of you to escape the insanity of being locked inside your home all day. Getting out to enjoy the fresh air and some exercise has allowed many of us stay positive through it all. Now that our Driving Range is back open for practice, you should focus on a few basic items for consistency with your swing. For players of any ability, grip, stance and proper alignment are very important to always be mindful of, and I think most golfers are aware of. However, as I walk up and down the Forest Hills Driving Range, I see one common mistake. Many golfers are trying to force the club into certain positions for improvement in their golf swing. In doing this, many have created tension, or locked their wrists into a position they feel is safe. In my years of golf instruction, one of the most important aspects of the swing is often over-looked. The proper hinging action of the wrists is essential for not only a swing with speed and power, it is crucial for solid contact at impact. Like some other sports and daily activities, the hinging and unhinging action, results in consistency, accuracy, and power. A pitcher throwing a baseball would never lock up his wrists before throwing a fastball. Someone hammering a nail would not have much success by lifting their entire arm up and down with no help from the wrist hinging and unhinging. Next time you are out practicing, make a few swings with less tension in your wrists so the club can waggle up and down with a rhythm, not fast or aggressive. Then pick a spot on the ground to let the club strike consistently, not way behind it or in front of it. Watch how well the Tour players waggle the club mainly in their wrists before they hit a shot. By practicing this with no golf ball, it will allow to repeat it easier, and to execute the proper hinge action with each shot you hit on the golf course.
Men’s Senior Golf Association by Jim Harf
jharf80@gmail.com
Good news for senior golfers! We have been given the go-ahead for competitive play in 2020. The Men’s Senior Golf Association will begin competition on Wednesday, June 3, with our first weekly Regular play. Please sign up on the tee sheet for our first of what we hope will be a fun-filled summer of competitive rounds. A reminder that Dylan Brems is serving as our Prop Shop Liaison for this summer. Charles Nance, our Senior Association President, has been working with Head Golf Professional Marvin Herrod to provide a comprehensive set of tournaments and Regular play this summer, in light of the challenges arising from Covid-19. The final schedule will be available shortly. A “shout out” to Terry Schad for a hole-in-one on number #6 on May 28. Terry joins a number of other senior golfers who managed a similar feet in 2020. See you all on June 3 as we transition from what seems like an extremely long period of practice rounds to our first official competition in this age of Covid-19.
Download the ForeTees App With the opening of the new Tennis Facility, we have received a lot of questions about how to download the ForeTees app. Follow the instructions below to download the app to make tee times, sign up for golf events, tennis court reservations, clinics and events. Follow the instructions below if you haven’t already downloaded the app by using your email address that is registered with the Club. The app is very user friendly and makes signing up for things a breeze.
How to Download the ForeTees by ClubCentral App 1 Download the App and Request your Credentials To get the app, search “ForeTees” in your app store. Download the ClubCentral by ForeTees app. Once Inside the app, tap on “Email Me My Credentials” and enter your email address. If your email does not register, contact the Club to get your email updated in the ForeTees system.
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Enter Your Credentials You’ll be sent an email from ForeTees with your app login credentials right away. Your username should be your member number. Copy and paste this information into the app to get logged in. It should never log you out once you get logged in.
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Enjoy Our Club!
You can now navigate the ForeTees tab to make tee times, sign up for golf events, make tennis court reservations and sign up for tennis events. We are not currently accepting dining reservations through the app due to the limited capacity restrictions, but we hope to have that option available again soon.
Swimming Pool Reservations Coming soon to ForeTees!
2020 Junior Golf and Tennis Photos
Upcoming Junior Tennis Events To Register For Tennis Events, Sign Up on ForeTees
Junior Doubles Tournament Saturday, June 13th 12:00 pm This event is open to all boys and girls as well as mixed doubles pairs. Don’t hesitate to enter as an individualwe will find a partner for you! $40 per team
Sign up on ForeTees
Jr. Boys’ Singles Club Champ
Jr Girls’ Singles Club Champ
Tuesday, June 16th 3:00 pm
Tuesday, June 30th 3:00 pm
Trophies for Champions and Finalists! Invite your Family and Friends! $20 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
Adult-Child Tournament Saturday, June 20th 12:00 pm Adult participants do not need to be family members of child participants, so grab a partner and join the fun! $40 per team
Sign up on ForeTees
Trophies for Champions and Finalists! Invite your Family and Friends! $20 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
Tennis carnival Friday, July 3rd 10:00 - 11:00 am Join us for games and prizes! All ages are welcome and games will be age appropriate. $20 per person Please note, there will be no organized clinics this day.
Upcoming Adult Tennis Events
Ladies Tennis Opening Day
Beer Pong Tennis
Wednesday, June 10th 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, June 27th 6:00 pm
Join us for opening day at the brand new hard courts!
A favorite event of the year. Mixed Doubles Teams If you don’t have a partner, Kyle will find one for you!
$40 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
$30 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
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Doubles “Dubs” Club Thursday Evenings: June 4th - August 6th 6:00 - 7:30 pm Bring a partner, spouse or come alone! Relaxed format. Open play will be organized by the Pro. Stick around for beers after play! $15 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
Blast From the Past Retro Tennis Saturday, July 11th
5:30 pm
Dig out your wooden racquets, grab those short shorts and headbands, and join us at Forest Hills for a fun evening of retro tennis! This event will include doubles, games and a PRIZE FOR BEST OUTFIT. $30 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
Men’s Singles Club Championship
Ladies’ Singles Club Championship
Sunday, July 19th 9:00 am
Sunday, July 19th 10:00 am
Trophies for Champions and Finalists! Invite your family and friends.
Trophies for Champions and Finalists! Invite your family and friends.
$25 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
$25 per player
Sign up on ForeTees
Upcoming Events
Dining Prime Rib Dinner Special: Available 5:00 - 9:00 pm The a la carte menu will also be available Live Music: 5:30-8:30 pm
On the Course Outdoor Cookout Available 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Grab Some Lunch Before, After, or During Golf Outside of the Golf Shop. All Dads Will Receive a Complimentary Draft Beer with Food Purchase.
Saturday, July 11th: Sunday, June 14th Tee Times from 1:00 - 3:30 pm Call the Golf Shop at (636) 227-1528 to Sign Up Put ‘Couples Club Champ’ in the Notes Section if you want to Compete
9 Holes (Skills and Valley Groups) on the Valley Course 9 Holes on the Championship Course
Sunday, July 12th: 18 Holes on the Championship Course (Tee Times) Modified Alternate Shot for All Groups
Member Photos
Charles Nance, pictured left, celebrated his 1,000th round of golf at Forest Hills on May 9th, 2020, which started when he joined the Club and played his first round on July 25th, 2014. Congratulations on a tremendous milestone!
Thanks to all of our members, pictured above, who came out to the Club on 6/1 to fill fairway divots with sand on the back 9 of the Championship Course. Thanks to member Jeff Thornhill, the TaylorMade PGA Tour Truck made its way to Forest Hills on June 4th. Members who signed up had a personal fitting outside and were able to watch the clubs they purchased be built on site.
Dave Ganz, pictured above, wanted to show a little extra appreciation to the Grounds Crew by grabbing a few extra bottles of sand and filling divots on the fairways
May Hole-In-Ones 1. Meredith McVehil on May 11th (Mother’s Day) Hole #4 on the Championship Course. 107 Yards with a 5 Wood. 2. Tom Dean on May 9th. Hole #4 on the Championship Course. 157 Yards with a 7 Iron.
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May Scavenger Hunts
Thank you to all who participated in our Mother’s Day and Memorial Day
themed Scavenger Hunts!
Forest Hills Country Club 36 Forest Club Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005
If the electronic copy of On Course fails to meet your family’s needs and you would like to opt-in to receiving a physical mailing, please notify Ali at (636) 207-3512 or alik@foresthillscc.net.
We would love to hear your ideas, suggestions, feedback, or positive comments in regards to any and all things related to our Club. To submit, email hospitality@foresthillscc.net
Club Contacts BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christopher C. Swenson President
Nicholas A. Licavoli Treasurer / Finance Chair
Patrick Wenstrup Golf Chair
Kevin Donovan
Clubhouse (636) 227-5030
General Manager 636.207.3515 ● kevind@foresthillscc.net
Office Fax (636) 227-2540
Craig Peterson Executive Chef 636.207.3518 ● craigp@foresthillscc.net
Golf Shop (636) 227-1528 www.foresthillscc.net
Marvin Herrod
Gina Parisi
Head Golf Professional 636.227.1528 ● marvinh@foresthillscc.net
Director of Events 636.207.3528 ● ginap@foresthillscc.net
Scott Reynolds, GCS
Jeremy Brown
Director
Grounds Superintendent 636.227.5044 ● scotts@foresthillscc.net
Events Manager 636.207.3535 ● jeremyb@foresthillscc.net
Alan M. Ruggeri
Julie Kennedy
Monica Knudtson
Controller 636.207.3513 ● juliek@foresthillscc.net
Office Manager 636.207.3514 ● monicak@foresthillscc.net
Robert R. Kimes
Director
Robert S. Wachter House Chair
Ryan Schaben, CMP
Ali Kaplan
Peter J. Arman
Membership Director 636.207.3545 ● ryans@foresthillscc.net
Member Communications / Marketing 636.207.3512 ● alik@foresthillscc.net
Emma Gore
Kevin Brennan
Membership Chair
Assistant General Manager 636.230.2507 ● emmag@foresthillscc.net
Swim Coach 636.227.1729 ● kbrennan@chaminade-stl.com
Matthew J. Ott
Bryan Arntz
Kyle O’Leary
Grounds Chair
Food and Beverage Director 636.207.3555 ● bryana@foresthillscc.net
Director of Tennis 636.628.1387 ● kyleo@foresthillscc.net
Vice President / Long Range Planning Chair
Lawrence R. Giglio
David A. Linenbroker
Chris Ballard
Dale Davis
Dining Room Manager 636.207.3532 ● chrisb@foresthillscc.net
Facilities Manager 636.207.3533 ● daled@foresthillscc.net
Swim & Tennis Chair
Lori Kalapinski
Erin Kramarczyk
Lawrence A. Thayer
Special Events Coordinator 636.207.3535 ● lorik@foresthillscc.net
Concierge 636.227.5030 ● erink@foresthillscc.net
Secretary / Privilege Chair
Zachary G. Smith
Governance Chair