FOREST HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
ON COURSE
January 2026
www.foresthillscc.net
CLUB CLOSED FOR ANNUAL JANUARY SHUTDOWN
MOTHER-SON EVENT
SAVE THE DATES!
UPCOMING DINING & CLUB EVENTS
SHUTDOWN & DINING RECIPROCITY INFORMATION ON PAGES 2 & 3
2026 CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR ON PAGE 6
THIS YEAR’S THEME: SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY PAGE 14
PAGES 14 & 15
Table of Contents Club News & Reminders ...................................... Page 2 2026 Shutdown & Dining Reciprocity.............. Page 2 Dining Reciprocity Information ......................... Page 3 ...........................................Page 4 Manager’s Report Notes from the Board Chair ................................Page 5 2026 Save the Dates ............................................ Page 6 ....................................... Page 7 Membership Update Staff News .......................................................... Page 8 December Employee of the Month .................... Page 8 Golf Course Update ...................................... Page 9 & 10 Open Kitchen Flyer .............................................Page 11
Battle of the Bands ............................................Page 12 Breakfast & Brunch with Santa Photos .............................Page 13 Upcoming Dining Events ...................... Pages 14 & 15 2026 Town Hall Meeting ................................Page 16 Personal Training .......................................... Page 17 Junior Winter Golf Series ............................... Page 17 American Mah Jong Lesson Series ............... Page 17 Evening Book Club............................................. Page 17 January Calendar .............................................. Page 18 February Calendar............................................ Page 19 Club Contacts ................................................... Page 20
Club News & Reminders Shutdown Course Protocol
Please be reminded of our policy regarding play on the course during our annual January shutdown: Members may walk the Championship or Valley Course, while the Golf Shop is closed, Tuesday through Sunday from January 1st 15th, but must first check the ForeTees home page for updated course conditions prior to play. Please note, carts will not be available during this time.
Bag Storage Reminder
Remember to grab your clubs from the bag storage room if you need them for travel or other personal reasons. Staffed hours during January shutdown may be affected, so additional notice may be necessary for bag retrieval. The Golf Shop reopens on Friday, January 16th, and will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm throughout the remainder of January.
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 Collin Cramer collinc@foresthillscc.net. We will do our 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 Collin at collinc@foresthillscc.net to redeem a $100 Gift Certificate toward your next food and beverage purchase.
2026 Shutdown & Dining Reciprocity The Club will close for its annual shutdown period from Thursday, January 1st - Thursday, January 15th, 2026, and will reopen for the annual Open Kitchen Event on Friday, January 16th and Saturday, January 17th. The Brunch Buffet will resume on Sunday, January 18th. We will have a Fried Chicken Carryout Feature available for pickup on Sunday, January 18th. Please note, a la carte service will not be available on this day. Lunch and dinner service will resume on Wednesday, January 21st. Members may play the course, while walking, anytime after 11:00 am. Carts will not be available, and the driving range will be closed. Please check the ForeTees home page for course updates prior to teeing off. However, please be advised that all Club facilities, including the Golf Shop, Bag Room, and Locker Rooms, will be closed Wednesday, January 1st through Thursday, January 16th. Please be sure to grab all items you may need from the Bag Room or your locker prior to this closure. The only restrooms available for use during these days will be the Swim Locker Rooms or Dutch's Hut. Please note: Golf reciprocity will not be offered during this time. The Fitness Center will have modified hours during this time. It will be closed on the 1st. The hours for the remainder of the shutdown will be from 5:00 am - 4:30 pm daily.
2
Five clubs, including Algonquin, Bellerive, Missouri Athletic Club West & Downtown, Saint Louis Club, and Westborough, have accepted reciprocity for dining through Sunday, January 18th.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL CLUBS LISTED. WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS, PLEASE STATE THAT YOU ARE A MEMBER OF FOREST HILLS COUNTRY CLUB AND PROVIDE YOUR FULL NAME AND MEMBER NUMBER.
Algonquin Golf Club 340 NORTH BERRY ROAD | ST. LOUIS, MO 63122
Dates Available: January 2nd – January 18th Days/Times Available: Tuesday – Sunday (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Days Closed: Monday Reservations can be made by contacting their Club directly at (314) 962-3700 *After 5:00 pm, jackets are required (tie optional) for gentlemen 16 years and older at the main entrance and in the foyer. Members and guests not wearing a jacket after 5:00 pm should use the informal entry door to the left of the main entrance. To view information regarding dress code, please visit: https://algonquingolfclub.com/guest-information
Bellerive Country Club 12925 LADUE ROAD | ST. LOUIS, MO 63141
Dates Available: January 2nd – January 18th Days/Times Available: Wednesday – Sunday (Lunch & Dinner) Days Closed: Monday & Tuesday Reservations can be made by contacting their Club directly at (314) 434-4400 To view information regarding dress code, please visit: https://express.adobe.com/page/1AqB2RgYWdzLz/
Missouri Athletic Club Saint Louis Club
7676 FORSYTH BLVD | ST. LOUIS, MO 63105 Dates Available: January 1st – January 17th Days/Times Available: Monday - Friday (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) Saturday (Dinner Only) Days Closed: Sunday Reservations can be made by contacting their Club directly at (314) 726-1964 To view information regarding dress code, please visit: https://www.stlclub.com/default.aspx? p=dynamicmodule&pageid=72&ssid=100089&vnf=1
West & Downtown
WEST: 1777 DES PERES ROAD | ST. LOUIS, MO 63131 DOWNTOWN: 405 WASHINGTON AVENUE | ST. LOUIS, MO 63102 West Location: Dates Available: January 2nd – January 18th Days/Times Available: Monday – Saturday (Lunch & Dinner) Days Closed: Sunday Downtown Location: Dates Available: January 2nd – January 19th Days/Times Available: Monday – Saturday (Lunch & Dinner) Days Closed: Sunday Reservations can be made by contacting their Club directly West: (314) 539-4444 | Downtown: (314) 231-7720 To view more information regarding dress code, please visit: https://www.mac-stl.org/DressCode
TO VIEW THE MAC RECIPROCAL GUIDE, SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW
Westborough Country Club 631 SOUTH BERRY ROAD | ST. LOUIS, MO 63122 Dates Available: January 1st – January 11th Days/Times Available: Wednesday – Sunday (Lunch, Dinner, & Sunday Brunch) Carryout is also available. Days Closed: Monday & Tuesday Reservations can be made by contacting their Club directly at (314) 968-5333 To view information regarding dress code, please visit: https://www.westboroughcc.com/The_Club/Contact_Directions_2_(1)
3
Manager’s Report by Emma Gore, CCM
emmag@foresthillscc.net
Dear Forest Hills Country Club Members, As we turn the page to a new year at Forest Hills Country Club, we are filled with gratitude for our remarkable members. You are the heart of our community, and your continued support made 2025 another memorable year full of birdies, a few learning moments, and countless shared experiences. The past year brought strong participation on the golf course, exciting growth in our junior sports programs, joyful days by the pool, and unforgettable moments at our social events. These shared experiences are what make Forest Hills such a special place. As we look ahead to 2026, our team remains committed to enhancing your member experience by listening closely to your feedback, embracing fresh ideas, and ensuring every visit to the Club feels welcoming, positive, and personalized. Member Satisfaction Survey As part of our continued commitment to enhancing the Forest Hills experience, members will soon receive our 2025 Member Satisfaction Survey. This confidential survey invites both primary members and spouses to share their feedback across all areas of the Club, including facilities, golf, racquets, aquatics, fitness, dining, events, and communications. Your thoughtful input plays an important role in helping the Board and Management Team assess what we do well and identify opportunities to further strengthen day-to-day operations and services. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and we sincerely appreciate your participation. Club Improvement Proposal The Board is excited to announce a $4.5 million improvement proposal focused on enhancing our indoor dining experience and other vital club infrastructure. Members are encouraged to read the full update in the “Notes from the Board Chair” article and attend an upcoming Town Hall meeting on January 21, 25, or 28, or February 1 to learn more and ask questions ahead of the membership vote. While the Club may appear quieter in January, there is significant activity happening behind the scenes. Our annual shutdown period is a vital time that allows us to prepare for the year ahead. During this time:
Our management team focuses on planning for the upcoming year, reviewing member feedback, monitoring industry trends, and developing engaging programs and events. We invest in staff training and team-building efforts that translate into attentive service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the season. Department leaders finalize budgets to support the Club’s long-term financial health. The Club undergoes comprehensive deep cleaning, reorganization, and maintenance following the busy holiday season. The Club’s annual shutdown will take place January 1–16, 2026, with reopening festivities beginning with Open Kitchen Night 1 on Friday, January 16, and Open Kitchen Night 2 on Saturday, January 17. Regular Sunday Brunch will resume on January 18, followed by a return to standard à la carte lunch and dinner service on Wednesday, January 21. During the shutdown period, members are invited to enjoy reciprocal dining privileges at select St. Louis–area clubs, including Algonquin Country Club, Bellerive Country Club, Missouri Athletic Club (West & Downtown), Westborough Country Club, and the St. Louis Club. Reservations are required and should be made directly with each club. Safety Update The safety and enjoyment of our facilities, particularly the golf course and cart paths, remain our highest priority. Recently, the Golf Committee and Management Team have observed a significant increase in the use of motorized bicycles, e-scooters, and similar devices by children and guests within the neighborhood and on Club grounds. The use of motorized vehicles other than a Forest Hills golf cart on cart paths and near golf operations poses serious safety risks to both operators and golfers. To address these concerns, the Board has approved a revision to Club Rule No. 13, effective immediately. 4
Manager’s Report, Continued 13. Bicycles (natural or powered), motorized personal transportation devices, skateboards, roller skates, and rollerblades are strictly prohibited on all Club grounds, including but not limited to the golf course, cart paths, tennis courts, and pool deck. The only permitted area for these items is the designated Club parking lots for the purpose of parking. Upon entering the parking lot, the operator must immediately dismount and walk the vehicle to a designated bicycle rack. This prohibition applies to, but is not limited to, all natural or powered bicycles, motorized scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, motorized motorcycles, hoverboards, and Segways. We ask that parents review these rules with their children to help ensure everyone’s safety and to avoid uncomfortable enforcement situations. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our Club safe and enjoyable for all. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and sharing another outstanding year together at Forest Hills Country Club. Happy New Year!
Emma Gore
CCM, General Manager/COO
Notes from the Board Chair by Steve Sigman
stevesigmanstl@gmail.com
Happy New Year to you and your family. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you all the very best in the year ahead—good health, happiness, and many enjoyable moments at Forest Hills Country Club. For more than 60 years, Forest Hills has benefited from the thoughtful stewardship of its member-owners. Generation after generation has stood firmly behind the responsibility to maintain, enhance, and continually improve our club and its assets. Because of this commitment, Forest Hills has remained strong and vibrant, attracting the outstanding membership we are fortunate to enjoy today. To continue this legacy and ensure Forest Hills remains one of the premier clubs in the area, the Board has unanimously approved bringing our next major improvement proposal to the membership for consideration. This comprehensive package addresses the top priority identified by members: creating a new and updated indoor dining and bar experience that enhances how we gather and enjoy the club year-round. In addition, the proposal includes several important infrastructure and course improvements. These include upgrading the Valley Course bunkers using the Better Billy Bunker system, addressing much-needed HVAC equipment improvements, replacing the cart bridges on the Valley Course, and replacing the walking bridge on Hole 7 of the Championship Course. The total proposed investment for this improvement package (indoor dining/bar upgrade, HVAC, Better Billy Bunkers on Valley and the bridges) is $4.5 million. We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the upcoming Town Hall meetings to learn more about the proposed projects and to ask questions before the proposal is presented to the membership for a vote. Town Hall meetings will be held on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm, Sunday, January 25 at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 pm, and Sunday, February 1 at 6:00 pm. We are excited about this opportunity to further enhance Forest Hills Country Club and ensure it continues to be a place our members can enjoy—today and well into the future. Thank you for your continued engagement, support, and commitment to our club.
Steve Sigman Board Chair
5
2026 SAVE THE DATES For Reservations: Sign Up On ForeTees Or Call (636) 227-5030 *Sign Ups Will Open 30 - 60 Days Prior to Each Event*
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
FAMILY VALENTINES BRUNCH
EASTER FAIR
Saturday, February 7th
Sunday, February 15th
EASTER BRUNCH
Saturday, April 4th
Sunday, April 5th
JR. SPORTS EXPO Saturday, April 18th
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH Sunday, May 10tth
POOL OPENING DAY Saturday, May 23rd
MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 25th
SUMMER KICKOFF PARTY
FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH
CARNIVAL & CELEBRATION
Sunday, May 24th
Sunday, June 21st
Saturday, July 4th
MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEA EVENT
DRIVE-IN MOVIE
SEAFOOD BOIL
4TH OF JULY
Saturday, August 8th
Saturday, October 3rd
HAUNTED AUTUMN EXTRAVAGANZA
DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Friday, October 16th
Friday, November 6th
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
Saturday, August 1st
Saturday, December 5th Sunday, December 6th
LADIES HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Thursday, December 10th
6
FAMILY HOLIDAY DINNER Wednesday, December 23rd
NYE DINNER Thursday, December 31st
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
BY ALI KAPLAN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
In Loving Memory
Help us celebrate these milestones
Jan R. Niezing
for our following members:
November 13, 1941 – December 14, 2025
1 Year Krista Larson
Jan R. Niezing, a beloved member of Forest Hills Country Club for 35 years, passed away on December 14, 2025. Originally from the Netherlands, Jan immigrated to the United States in 1963 and went on to build a life defined by hard work, family, and community.
Dan Goeddel
WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS:
Jan was a devoted husband of 63 years to his wife, Ursula, and a loving father to three children—Jan Jr., Michelle, and Chad—as well as a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered for his warm presence, strong values, lasting friendships, and great sense of humor. A proud entrepreneur, Jan was the owner and founder of World Wide Car Service in Manchester, Missouri. He took great pride in his work, and the Niezing family will continue his legacy through the company. Social Members on the Golf Waitlist
Social Members on the Golf Waitlist
Kevin and Christie Peifer and their
Krista and Brett Richardet and their
two children: Chloe and Logan
four children: Amelia, Cash,
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 29, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 pm at Forest Hills Country Club.
Lillian and Vivienne Sponsored by: Meghan and Mike Ball Ron and Sally DeFriese
Sponsored by: Tyler and Nicole Stevens Jake and Ellen Schanzmeyer
@FORESTHILLSCC
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Hydrocephalus Foundation in memory of Jan R. Niezing. https://www.hydroassoc.org
@FORESTHILLS_CC
7
In Loving Memory Forest Hills Country Club extends its deepest condolences to the Fahey family on the passing of Gene Fahey. Eugene Gerald Fahey, age 82, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Nora Fahey; his children, Bridgette (John) Koeller, Richard (Martille) Elias, Maggie (Matt) Poling, and Libby (Travis) Griffin; and his twelve beloved grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as “Geno.” Whether skiing in Vail, playing tennis or ping pong, or simply spending time with family and friends, Gene had a remarkable gift for bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. He will be dearly missed.
Staff News by Ryan Schaben
ryans@foresthillscc.net
We are pleased to share an exciting update within our Events Department and announce the promotion of Michelle Hill to the Director of Events position. Michelle joined the Club in November 2023 and has spent the past two years serving as our Banquet/Events Manager. During that time, she has successfully overseen countless Club events and member banquets, ensuring each one reflected the high standards and exceptional experiences our Members expect. In her new role as Director of Events, Michelle will transition from running events to working more closely with Members to assist with planning, coordination, and bringing your special occasions and gatherings to life. Michelle Hill
Alongside this announcement, we are happy to share that Max Nickerson has accepted the position of Banquet/Events Manager. Max has been a valued member of our team since August 2021 and has consistently demonstrated versatility, dedication, and leadership to his position within the Club. He began his time at the Club working in the Men’s Locker Room and bartending, before splitting his time working in events. Max quickly distinguished himself, earning a promotion to Events Captain, a role he has held for over a year with great success. Max was most recently awarded the Club's Employee of the Month designation. His experience and commitment make him an excellent fit for this next step. Please join us in congratulating Michelle and Max on their well-earned new roles. We are confident that this team will continue to elevate the event experiences at our Club, and we look forward to seeing them grow and develop in their new roles.
Max Nickerson
December Employee of the Month 4090
Congratulations to Max Nickerson! Recently, Max accepted a promotion to Events Manager, stepping up from his role as Banquet Captain—a true testament to the trust and confidence leadership has in him. Throughout this transition, Max has consistently gone above and beyond by leading events, supporting daily operations, and helping train and mentor new staff. His confident, professional, and approachable leadership has had a meaningful impact on both staff performance and event execution. Max excels in member relations, consistently delivering attentive and friendly service. He leads by example, earns the respect of his peers, and fosters a positive team environment. We are grateful for Max’s hard work and look forward to his continued success in his new role.
Max Nickerson 8
Events Manager
Recognition from our members means the world to us. Please continue to share instances of exceptional employee dedication with Emma Gore at emmag@foresthillscc.net or Abby Le, Director of Human Resources, at abbyl@foresthillscc.net.
Golf Course Update by Scott Reynolds, GCS
scottr@foresthillscc.net
Dear Forest Hills Members, We hope had a wonderful time with family over the holidays. This is truly a joyous time of year. Your Grounds Maintenance staff will remain hard at work throughout the winter months. Planned projects include correcting multiple drainage areas, completing the installation of the six remaining new trees, and sodding unsightly bare areas.
Poa Annua Eradication Update I took an updated photo showing the Poa being affected by the herbicide PoaCure. As mentioned previously, this removal process is gradual. From the photo on the right, it may be difficult to see how the desirable bentgrass is beginning to fill in the verticut lines from the most recent aerification. This infilling will continue as the Poa is progressively eradicated.
November 13th
December 19th
Vehicle Tracks on Championship Hole #4 Green You may have noticed some vehicle tracks on the back of Championship hole #4 green. On Monday, December 15th, a tow truck had to enter the golf course to recover a vehicle that had gone into the creek to the left of the green. While the frozen ground fortunately protected the putting surface from deep rutting, the weight of the equipment caused some surface "bruising" and compaction. To ensure the green returns to championship standards, our grounds team is performing targeted restoration work, including tamping, rolling, and replacing minor sections of sod.
9
Golf Course Update, Continued MSD Sanitary Manhole MSD notified me late this summer that three manhole covers needed to be raised after being set too deeply during the installation of the new sanitary line in the fall of 2011. Prior to that project, Forest Hills required a specific clause to be included in the contract with MSD stating that any new manhole installed within a reasonable area of golf play must be buried six inches below the turf surface. Manholes located outside of reasonable play areas could be set at surface grade. The three manholes requiring adjustment are located as follows: one to the left of the Championship hole #6 green and two along the right rough of Championship hole #5. At this time, two of the three have been adjusted to the required six inches below the turf surface. One manhole remains to be completed and is currently marked by a stake with an orange cap. You have likely noticed the stake and wondered about its purpose, as it has been in place for some time. Standing Water on Cart Paths This past summer, we identified multiple locations along the cart paths where water was collecting after nightly irrigation cycles or rainfall events. This past week, we began installing drainage adjacent to the cart paths to prevent future pooling. We will continue this work throughout the winter as ground conditions allow. One drainage improvement was completed this past week at the Championship hole #6 tee.
FIREWOOD BUNDLES Bundles are located by the front door of the Grounds Maintenance Facility. The bundles are complimentary and will be restocked daily. Limit per week is 2 per household.
10
11
12
13
14
15
15
16
Evening Book Club by Carolyn Cash
Carolyncash1127@gmail.com
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21ST • 6:00 PM We had a fantastic Christmas party celebration, great food, Bettina cocktails, and good times,by thanks to Esser the ladies who helped organize. For January, we will be meeting on January 21st and discussing the book, Say Nothing. The following books were the ones that were selected and will be discussed in this order: February Meeting- Kingmaker by Sonia Purcell; March MeetingThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Mesne, and for April- Saving Vincent by Joan Fernandez. Please join us on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm for cocktails and a lively discussion of books.
17
18
19
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 ike to opt-in to receiving a physical mailing, please notify Collin Cramer at collinc@foresthillscc.net. Copies are also available in the Clubhouse Lobby.
Club Contacts BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephen A. Sigman
Board Chair Long Range Planning Chair
Emma Gore, CCM
General Manager/COO 636.207.3515 • emmag@foresthillscc.net
Michael Dority
Clubhouse (636) 227-5030 Office Fax (636) 227-2540 Golf Shop (636) 227-1528 www.foresthillscc.net
Edward A. Dorch Golf Chair
Executive Chef 636.207.3518 • michaeld@foresthillscc.net
Michael A. Flavin
Scott Reynolds, GCS
Marketing & Communications Coordinator 636.207.3536 • collinc@foresthillscc.net
Julie Kennedy
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager 636.207.3519 • adamg@foresthillscc.net
Abby Le
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager 636.207.3535 • jakeb@foresthillscc.net
Grounds Chair
Michael C. Buescher House Chair
John D. Mazzola
Food and Beverage Chair
Robert M. Whiting Vice Board Chair
David A. Linenbroker Secretary
Craig L. Parres
Governance Chair
Adam J. Wilburn Membership Chair
Grounds Superintendent 636.227.5044 • scotts@foresthillscc.net Controller 636.207.3513 • juliek@foresthillscc.net Director of Human Resources 636.230.2507 • abbyl@foresthillscc.net
Ryan Schaben
Assistant General Manager 636.207.3512 • ryans@foresthillscc.net
Jimmy Bals, PGA
Melinda W. Jeffries
Director of Golf 636.227.1528 • jimmyb@foresthillscc.net
Nicholas A. Licavoli
Head Golf Professional 636.227.1528 • jtt@foresthillscc.net
Racquets Chair Swim Chair Finance Chair Treasurer
Thomas J. McKittrick Director
JT Tierney, PGA
Ali Kaplan
Director of Membership & Marketing 636.207.3545 • alik@foresthillscc.net
Collin Cramer
Adam Goad
Olga Zabolotna
Monica Knudtson
Office Manager 636.207.3514 • monicak@foresthillscc.net
Victoria Zimmerman
Director of Food & Beverage 636.207.3532 • victoriaz@foresthillscc.net
Michelle Hill
Director of Events michelleh@foresthillscc.net
Kyle O’Leary
Director of Racquet Sports 314.369.1153 • kyleo@foresthillscc.net
Emma Knopf
Concierge 636.227.5030 • concierge@foresthillscc.net