FOREST HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
March 2022
On Course www.foresthillscc.net
Club News & Reminders Congratulations Emma and the Gore Family Forest Hills’ Assistant General Manager, Emma Gore, and husband Ryan welcomed a baby girl, Eleanor Rosemary “Ellie” Gore on February 19th at 4:33 pm. Ellie was 7 pounds, 10 ounces and 21 inches long at birth. Emma, Ryan, Ellie and big sister Penny are doing well and enjoying life as a family of four.
Tuesday Lunch Service Reminder The Club will reopen for a la carte lunch service on Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, April 5th and will remain open on Tuesdays from that date through the month of October. As a reminder, the Club is always closed for dinner service on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Dutch’s Hut Hours of Operation Update Dutch’s Hut will reopen for the season on Tuesday, March 15th and will be open from Tuesday—Sunday until November 6th, 2022. Opening times will always be one hour after the first tee time and closing times will be dependent on the time of year. We will continue to operate this schedule consistently between the time that Daylight Savings begins and ends moving forward.
Election of the Board of Directors Voting Reminder All primary golf members eligible to vote during the Election of the Board of Directors have been sent a link from Forest Hills Country Club at vote@simplyvoting.com to submit their online ballot. The election will be open through 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022. We ask that if you have not already, you take a moment to vote prior to the date and time listed above. If you did not receive the ballot or need assistance, please reach out to Ali Kaplan directly at alik@foresthillscc.net.
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.
Manager’s Report by Larry Marx, CCE
larrym@foresthillscc.net
Dear Forest Hills Country Club Members, I am extremely excited about being your Interim General Manager and I look forward to the challenges in the months ahead. I have found this transitional period to be an enormous opportunity for change and to provide new and exciting input into the “Club of the Future” for Forest Hills Country Club. I will be working closely with the Board, Committees, and members to get up to speed on the Club’s operations, finances and the status of any capital project areas of the Club. I also very much am looking forward to working with the fine management team and staff that you have in place. My style is very collaborative with communication being the cornerstone of all that I do. You will see a lot of communications in the weeks ahead to let you know what your Board, Committees and management team are working on. This is your Club, and we are all here for you. You certainly have a lot to be proud of at your great Club. You have a rich history and proud traditions that we will honor while making some improvements to make Forest Hills Country Club more relevant in the daily lives of all members. It is truly an honor to be of service to all of the members and to Forest Hills Country Club. I look forward to hearing from the members of Forest Hills Country Club and I have an open-door policy. If there is anything I can do to assist you and your family in the enjoyment of your Club, please do not hesitate to contact me, it would be a pleasure to hear from you. My email address is larrym@foresthillscc.net and you can reach me by phone at the Club (636) 207-3515. We are all busy at the Club preparing for the upcoming summer season. If you have some suggestions or ideas for events or programs you may like to see at your Club, please do not hesitate to contact us. I will also be working with our Director of Communications, Ali Kaplan, on some short pulse surveys to get member feedback on events and the food and beverage experience. Please participate in these short pulse surveys so we can use your valuable feedback to enhance the member experience at Forest Hills Country Club.
In working closely with the staff, we will work hard to be sure a culture of “Member First” service is strictly adhered to. Providing a great service culture also demands a commitment to all staff from the Board and executive management, realizing how important they are to the Forest Hills Country Club family. Proper training and education must take place to ensure the staff also enjoys the service excellence environment. I am here to assist all staff in developing into a cohesive team that communicates well, helps one another and are empowered to make decisions that benefit the membership and the team of employees. Working with a fine team of employees is one of the greatest joys I receive from Interim assignments. In closing, now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, we will continue to keep an eye on any future developments. The safety of our members and staff is of utmost importance. I will be working hard each and everyday. Again, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with ideas and suggestions or just stop in to say hi! I hope to see you soon at the Club. Sincerely,
Larry Marx
Membership News by Ryan Schaben, CMP
ryans@foresthillscc.net
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Getting to Know the FHCC Staff
Catering Corner
by Alexandra Dorton
alexd@foresthillscc.net
Hello Forest Hills Members! I'd like to introduce myself as your new Director of Events. I took over this role in midFebruary and am so excited for this opportunity. Some of you may recognize me as I previously worked as a Banquet Captain for many of the Club’s member and private events over the past year. I am a UMKC graduate in interpersonal relationships and marketing, as well as a Licensed Esthetician. I've spent about 6 years working in the country club scene and an additional 10 years in the hospitality industry. The club atmosphere is one of a kind where personal relations are formed, and much fun is had! I specialize in themed events and love an opportunity to dress up! Small details and care can take any business meeting or family dinner to an elevated and memorable experience for all. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences at the Club thus far. Nothing sets the bar like doing karaoke for the membership your first week on the job! I look forward to continuing a great relationship with our members, their family, and staff. My office is always open for everything from event inquiries all the way to simply stopping by to say hello. I look forward to working with and meeting many of you. 5
Sincerely,
Alex
Message from the Pro by Jimmy Bals, PGA
jimmyb@foresthillscc.net
Welcome to the 2022 golf season! The Golf Shop has several new products, including items from FHCC favorite vendors Peter Millar, Greyson, G-Fore, TaylorMade and Callaway. We are excited to announce our entire staff is returning. This is the most important element in shaping what will be an outstanding year. March is highlighted with two equipment fitting days you won’t want to miss. Callaway is Thursday, March 17th and TaylorMade is Friday, March 25th. Both companies are seeing huge success on the professional tours. Supply chain issues are still impacting the golf industry, but we are very optimistic overall with product delivery. To help alleviate any future delays, more product has been scheduled for March and April delivery. Make sure to take advantage of the best selection early on. One category, range golf balls, is still experiencing tremendous delays. We ask all members and juniors to help us in this area by keeping range balls only in use on the driving range and not on the golf courses. Any loss at this point significantly impacts the ability to operate the driving range in the most efficient manner. As you look to continue to improve your golf game, it is important to realize that FHCC has one of the top teaching and playing staffs in the St. Louis region. In recent times, two staff members have been recognized as top teachers in the state, three have qualified for the National PGA of America Championships, and all have spent time learning from instructors that have been designated as some of the best in the country. Most importantly, however, is that there are five golf professionals with proven skills to make your golf game better. It is an exciting time at FHCC and we look forward to a great season ahead.
Tips from the Tee by Ryan Martin, PGA
ryanm@foresthillscc.net
Do you feel like you’re giving up distance with your swing? If so, you may not be using your body effectively to produce your maximum club head speed. For an efficient, powerful swing, your body must pivot properly to allow a balanced weight shift. Picture someone throwing a ball with speed and power. You need to turn backwards and put weight on your trail foot, then shift your weight into your front foot before your arm swings through and releases the ball. Golfers need to coil their body up in a similar fashion, then unwind properly into a balanced finish. Always start with a proper body turn (shoulders, hips, and knees) to load weight into your back heel. Starting the downswing is a combination of your weight re-centering and your arms moving downwards. Next, your hips need to rotate towards the target as your arms bring the club through impact. This should result in not only more club-head speed, but also a balanced finish position.
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Senior Men’s Golf Association
by Jim Harf
jharf@maryville.edu
Under the assumption that this year’s weekly snowfalls have met their match in the late winter sun and are fast disappearing from sight, the Men’s Senior Golf Association is about to embark on another competitive season. We welcome back all returning seniors and invite those male golfers who turned 55 this past year to join us on Wednesday mornings for our lively but friendly competitions. Jim Harf and John de Greck return as this year’s President and Vice-President/Treasurer respectively. Matt Swanson continues as Pro Shop’s liaison with our Association. These three individuals have worked with JT Tierney and Jimmy Bals to create a varied list of special events interspersed among the regular weekly competitions that should pique your interest. One important added twist this season is the addition on Regular Play days of a 9-hole event, in addition to our regular 18-hole event, for those golfers who desire to participate but prefer to play only 9 holes. The opening luncheon is set for Wednesday, March 23, at 11:30 (please sign up on ForeTees). The cost is $25. In addition to the usual beginning-of-the-year comraderie following the winter hiatus, the luncheon will feature the unveiling of the 2022 schedule as well as the guidelines for the “2022 Senior Golfer of the Year” competition. Several speakers with important information about FHCC golf will be included on the schedule.
Upcoming Couples Golf Events
We will begin this year’s golf with a “pre-season warmup” (spring training) event on March 16. Regular play officially begins on March 30, followed by the popular Opening Scramble on April 6 with an added twist for all Scramble and Shamble events this year. Teams will consist of three men rather than four men, helping to speed up play for these events. Teams will be selected by the Golf Shop staff with an 8 am shotgun start. We conclude our season with a Shamble on October 12.
Mixed Twilight Scramble
Friday Night Couples Golf
Saturday, April 30th
Begins Friday, April 8th and Continues Through September
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Enjoy 9 Holes of Golf on our Championship Course.
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Couples and guests are welcome.
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Guest fees are complimentary.
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$96 per couple / includes entry fees, cart & dinner.
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2 person Net Best Ball format.
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Tee times beginning in the afternoon.
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Couples should check in with the Golf Shop and get a scorecard prior to play.
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Upcoming Dining Events
Wednesday and Thursday Evenings Throughout this Month
Schedule and Themes Wednesday & Thursday, 3/2 - 3/3:
Italian Fare Wednesday & Thursday, 3/9 - 3/10:
Mexican Fare Wednesday & Thursday, 3/16 – 3/17:
Pizza and Wings Wednesday & Thursday, 3/23 - 3/24:
Craft Burger Fare Wednesday & Thursday, 3/30 - 3/31:
Barbecue Fare
Parents’ Night Out: Kids Movie Night
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Friday, March 25th • 6:00 - 9:30 pm Includes: dinner buffet, popcorn & soft drinks. Candy available by signature.
Parents are encouraged to join us for dinner while children attend the movie night, and must stay on Club premises for the duration of the event. Kids are encouraged to bring blankets and/or sleeping bags for comfortable seating while viewing the film. Chairs will also be setup.
First Child (Ages 4+): $20 Each Additional Child: $15 Ages 4 & under welcome if accompanied by an adult
Sign up on ForeTees Parents Staying for Dinner in Club Dining Areas Should Make a Separate Dining Reservation
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Upcoming Wine Events Passed Hors doeuvres Pan Fried Crab Cake & Sucked Oyster Le Mesnil Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc Champagne
First Course
Wine Dinner TOUR
DE FRANCE
Friday, March 11th 6:00 pm 6:30 pm
Reception Wine Dinner
Salt Roasted Beet Salad 2019 Vincent Pinard Sancerre Cuvee Flores vs. 2019 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Fremine
Second Course Honey and Maple Brined Duck Breast 2018 Bichot Chassagne Montrachet vs. 2019 Domaine de la Pousse d’Or Volnay 1st Cru Clos de la Bousse d’Or Amphorae
Third Course Porcini Crusted Seared Tenderloin, Sliced Strip Au Poivre, Roast Rack of Lamb 2018 Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale vs. 2017 Domaine Garon Cote Rotie Les Rochins
Fourth Course Wine Society Member: Non WS Member:
$92 / Person $115 / Person
Selection of French Cheeses 2019 Bosquet du Pape CdP Chante le Merle vs. 2019 Bosquet du Pape CdP Gloire de Mon Grand Père
Dessert Vanilla Pastry Cream Torte
Reception Wine Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc, 2018
First Course
Wine Dinner
Lemon Butter Poached Lobster & Shrimp Vol-au-Vent Chevre | Fennel | Truffle Scented Crispy Potatoes Spring Peas | Tomato | Honey Vanilla Butter Sauce Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, 2020 Rombauer Proprietor Selection Chardonnay, 2020
Second Course
ROMBAUER VINEYARDS
Crispy Braised Pork Belly Sweet Roasted Garlic Polenta | Caramelized Onions Blackberry Fig Chutney | Roasted Bell Peppers | Jus Rombauer Merlot, 2018
Thursday, April 14th
Third Course
6:00 pm 6:30 pm
Reception Wine Dinner
Smoked Duck Breast Spiced Poached Pear | Salt Roasted Beets | Crispy Sweet Potatoes | Flash Fried Brussels | Dried Cherry Jam Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018
Fourth Course
Wine Society Member: Non WS Member:
$80 / Person $100 / Person
Prime Grilled Strip Loin Reggiano Mashed Potatoes | Heirloom Carrots | Spinach with Crème Fraiche | Cracked Peppercorn Demi Glace Rombauer Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon,92017
Dessert Chocolate Espresso Pot de Crème Rombauer “El Dorado” Zinfandel, 2019
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2022 Junior Golf Information The Junior Golf Committee is seeking volunteers to fill remaining chair positions for the 2022 Junior Golf Season.
A Little About Volunteering Volunteering as a Chairperson fulfills all of your scoring requirements (each parent is required to score four times per child registered for Junior Golf). ● Golf knowledge is 100% NOT required! As long as you are organized and can help on Thursdays or Fridays, we would LOVE for you to join us! It is a great way to get involved with the Club’s one-of-a -kind program and get to know other member volunteers. As an added bonus, we love to laugh and have fun! We are looking for chairpersons for all levels. You also do not need to chair the same level your child is placed in. If you have a child who is a high school or college student in need of a summer job and would be interested in doing this, we would love to hear from you. ●
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For more information or to volunteer with us, reach out to Rachel Schaaf at hirachelschaaf@gmail.com
2022 Summer Clinic Schedule and Regular Play Days Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Skills Group
Clinic June 7th 8:00 - 9:00 am
Clinic June 8th 8:00 - 9:00 am
Regular Play Day 7:45 am June 9th
Clinic June 10th 8:00 - 9:00 am
Short Valley 4-Hole Group
Clinic June 7th 9:15 - 10:15 am
Clinic June 8th 9:15 - 10:15 am
Clinic June 9th 9:15 - 10:15 am
Regular Play Day Starts June 10th
Long Valley 5-Hole Group
Clinic June 7th 10:30 - 11:30 am
Clinic June 8th 10:30 - 11:30 am
Clinic June 9th 10:30 - 11:30 am
Regular Play Day Starts June 10th
Short Valley 9-Hole Group
Clinic June 14th 8:00 - 9:00 am
Clinic June 15th 8:00 - 9:00 am
Regular Play Day Starts June 9th
Clinic June 17th 8:00 - 9:00 am
Long Valley 9-Hole Group
Clinic June 14th 9:15 - 10:15 am
Clinic June 15th 9:15 - 10:15 am
Regular Play Day Starts June 9th
Clinic June 17th 9:15 - 10:15 am
Junior Championship 9-Hole Group
Clinic June 14th 10:30 - 11:30 am
Clinic June 15th 10:30 - 11:30 am
Clinic June 16th 10:30 - 11:30 am
Regular Play Day Starts June 10th
Championship 9-Hole Group
Clinic June 14th 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Clinic June 15th 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Clinic June 16th 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Regular Play Day Starts June 10th
Championship 18-Hole Group
No Clinics
No Clinics
No Clinics
Regular Play Day Starts June 10th
Junior Sports Registration Will Begin Friday, April 1st If you are interested in signing up your child for junior golf, swim team or junior tennis, you will need to register online beginning Friday, April 1st. Registration will be open during the month of April only. Please be sure to sign up all of your participants within that time frame to avoid 12 any penalties.
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Evening Book Club by Connie Hawley
hawleyc1@hotmail.com
Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 16th ● 6:00 pm The February Evening Book Club meeting was timed perfectly, right before the latest snow storm and icy roads. We discussed, while eating the world’s largest burgers, American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Marie Thornton. The general consensus was we liked the book and learned things we did not know about Alice and the Roosevelt family. We had fries, too! Join us March 16th when we will discuss: The Bitterroots by CJ Box and on April 20th, we will discuss The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Everyone is welcomed to the Evening Book Club. For those of you planning to attend your first Evening Book Club, here is all you need to know: Sign up on ForeTees or call the Club and RSVP. Join us at 6:00 pm as we start our evening together with “social “time. We enjoy a drink or two paired with dinner of your choice. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (636) 536-2622.
Morning Book Club by Bettina Esser
bettinaesser@gmail.com
Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 9th ● 10:30 am
In spite of “weather most foul”, the Morning Book Group met in February and had a great time discussing The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. Keeping with the theme of famous families, the selections for March are The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home by Denise Kiernan or Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe. Both focus on the members of the Vanderbilt Clan and are very engaging reads. Our meeting date is Wednesday, March 9th at 10:30 am, followed by lunch. Our book for April 13th looks at the incredible life of Josephine Baker with The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy by Peggy Caravantes. Please join us on the second Wednesday of the month as we make selections for coming months. We thoroughly enjoy meeting new members. If you have any questions, please contact Bettina Esser at (314) 517-5003.
Jeffs‘ Sensational 60th Hosted on February 4th “This was an exceptional event in every way! John, Tim, Mark and Whitney were ideal! The tech team helped so much! Chef did an exceptional job too.”
-Meredith McVehil
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18 Hole Ladies Golf News by Christy Ehrenreich
christyehren@gmail.com
It’s March! Can’t believe it’s finally here! Will it be coming in as a lion and out as a lamb? We are gearing up for our first meeting of the season. Please register on ForeTees if you are planning to attend.
9 and 18 Hole Opening Meeting Information Date: Thursday March 24, 2022 Time: Appetizers and Cocktails from 6:00 – 6:30 pm Combined Meeting with 9 Hole Ladies at 6:30 pm Pick up your copy of the 2022 18 Hole Ladies directory and events manual Why not bring a friend to see all the fun the 18 Hole Ladies’ Group has? To join our group, please contact Leatta Phillips onmiwa16@yahoo.com or call 314-973-3067.
Then, it’s off to the course the first week in April. Be sure to make a tee time on ForeTees the first Tuesday in April to play!
Help Take Care of Our Courses Fun Fact: Did you know you could bring back invasive seeds from other courses when you spend time on the course in warmer weather this winter? To help Scott and his crew, please wash the bottom of your golf shoes before putting them back in your locker. It can help save many hours of workers trying to stop other grasses from growing on our greens. Scott Reynolds and his crew appreciate you taking these steps to help keep our course one of the best!
2022 9 Hole Ladies Schedule of Events Mark your calendars for our 2022 events
Spring Mixer: Thursday, April 28th Bring a Friend: Thursday, May 12th Girls’ Night Out: Wednesday, May 18th Bring a Friend: Thursday, August 18th 16 22nd Member - Guest: Thursday, September Closer & Awards Luncheon: Thursday, October 13th
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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 Kaplan at or alik@foresthillscc.net. Copies are also available in the Clubhouse lobby.
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
Larry Marx, CCM CCE
Clubhouse (636) 227-5030
Robert R. Kimes
Interim General Manager 636.207.3515 ● larrym@foresthillscc.net
Office Fax (636) 227-2540
Director
Alan M. Ruggeri Golf Chair
Robert S. Wachter House Chair
Peter J. Arman Board Chair
Lawrence R. Giglio
Emma Gore Assistant General Manager 636.230.2507 ● emmag@foresthillscc.net
Craig Peterson Executive Chef 636.207.3518 ● craigp@foresthillscc.net
Scott Reynolds, GCS
Membership Chair
Grounds Superintendent 636.227.5044 ● scottr@foresthillscc.net
Matthew J. Ott
Jennifer Schoen
Grounds Chair
Controller 636.207.3513 ● jenns@foresthillscc.net
David A. Linenbroker Secretary
Ryan Schaben, CMP
Zachary G. Smith
Membership Director 636.207.3545 ● ryans@foresthillscc.net
Treasurer/ Finance Chair
Lawrence A. Thayer Governance Chair
Mark F. Forst Tennis/ Swim Chair
Laurie A. Lambert-Hopkins Director
Charles H. Nance Vice Board Chair Long Range Planning Chair
Jimmy Bals, PGA Director of Golf 636.227.1528 ● jimmyb@foresthillscc.net
JT Tierney, PGA Head Golf Professional 636.227.1528 ● jtt@foresthillscc.net
Chris Ballard Food and Beverage Manager 636.207.3532 ● chrisb@foresthillscc.net
Golf Shop (636) 227-1528 www.foresthillscc.net Adam Goad Assistant Food and Beverage Manager 636.207.3535 ● adamg@foresthillscc.net
Matt Knopf Locker Room Manager 636.207.3527 ● mattk@foresthillscc.net
Monica Knudtson Office Manager 636.207.3514 ● monicak@foresthillscc.net
Ali Kaplan Member Communications / Marketing 636.207.3512 ● alik@foresthillscc.net
Alexandra Dorton Director of Events 636.207.3528 ● alexd@foresthillscc.net
Jon Cameron Events Manager 636.207.3535 ● jonc@foresthillscc.net
Kyle O’Leary Director of Racquet Sports 20 636.628.1387 ● kyleo@foresthillscc.net
Dale Davis Facilities Manager 636.207.3533 ● daled@foresthillscc.net