The Creek News April 2025

CREEK

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Hours of Operation

Golf Course

March 11th to March 31st

Michael Hughey

President

Dean Kramer

Vice President

John Venne

Treasurer

Erich Herkloz

Secretary

Scott Duman

Sean Fox

Kiel Gilliland

John Higgins

Thomas Koerner

Greg Markus

Chris Noyes

Tyler Prime

uesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - Sunset

Saturday & Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Sunset

Pro Shop

Tuesday to Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tennis

Courts are open for play

Dining

Pub & Bistro:

Tuesday thru Friday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pool & Oasis

Closed for the season

Joel Inman GENERAL MANAGER

Spring is Here - A Season of Growth and New Beginnings

As the crisp chill of winter melts away and the first signs of spring emerge, we are excited to welcome a fresh season of growth, both on and off the course. Spring has officially arrived at Laurel Creek, and with it comes new opportunities, new faces, and a renewed sense of energy throughout our community.

With every new season comes change, and we are thrilled to introduce new faces to our staff this spring. We understand that any transition period may come with a learning curve, and we appreciate your understanding and patience as our new team members undergo training. They are committed to providing excellent service, and we are confident that they will quickly integrate into our culture of excellence and hospitality. Please join us in warmly welcoming them as they begin their journey here at the club.

With Daniel joining us as our new Director of Racquets, we are inviting the membership to attend a meet and greet cocktail party on April 3rd at 7:30 in Blu. Daniel brings a wealth of experience and a passion for racquet sports to the club, and we are thrilled to have him lead our racquet program. His expertise will be a great asset to our members, and we’re confident that his vision and leadership will continue to elevate the high standards of our racquet offerings. Whether you’re an avid tennis player or looking to improve your skills, Daniel will ensure you have the support and opportunities to thrive in the racquet community.

We are eagerly anticipating the start of the golf season, and there is no better way to kick things off than with our annual Opening Day on April 5th. This is always a special day for our club, bringing together golfers of all skill levels to celebrate the sport and enjoy a fun-filled day of friendly competition. The course is in fantastic condition, and our golf team has been working diligently to ensure it’s ready for a fantastic season ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Opening Day is the perfect occasion to reconnect with friends, enjoy the beauty of the course, and set the tone for a season of golfing enjoyment. We invite all members to join us for this exciting event and to make the most of the upcoming months on the links.

As we usher in this new season, we reflect on the excitement and possibilities that spring represents. It’s a time of renewal and rejuvenation, a perfect opportunity to set new goals, embrace new experiences, and strengthen the bonds of community. From our new staff members to our exciting racquets program and the return of golf season, there is so much to look forward to.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our members, and we look forward to a season filled with camaraderie, activity, and fun. Here’s to a wonderful spring at the club, and we can’t wait to see you out on the course or the courts soon!

Patty Fagan

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

As the seasons change and spring unfolds, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly the years fly by. It feels like just yesterday when I watched some of our youngest members take their first swim lessons or step onto the tennis courts for the first time. Now, those same kids are high school seniors, preparing to take the next big step in their lives.

As a mom, I understand just how fast time passes. My oldest son is now a sophomore at Penn State, and my youngest is graduating high school this year and heading to Penn State this fall. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment, as the years truly do go by in the blink of an eye. Watching your children grow up here at Laurel Creek has been such a privilege. Whether it’s seeing them excel in sports, form lasting friendships, or create memories with their families, it’s clear that this community plays a special role in shaping their lives.

With graduation season upon us, I’d love to celebrate all of our high school and college graduates in the June newsletter. If you have a child graduating from high school, please send me their photo and the college they’ll be attending or their plans for after high school. If your child is graduating from college, please share their photo, their major, and what they’ll be doing next. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your children’s journey. I look forward to continuing to watch them grow and succeed here at Laurel Creek.

NEW MEMBERS

Bob Hennefer

DIRECTOR OF GOLF

Understanding Pace of Play

We strive to provide an enjoyable and efficient round of golf for all members and guests. One of the key components to maintaining a great golfing experience is adhering to the established pace of play. Our standard pace of play for 18 holes is 4 hours and 9 minutes. While this is our benchmark, it is important to understand how pace varies throughout the day and what it means to be “behind pace” versus “out of position.”

Expectations Throughout the Day

The pace of play naturally fluctuates based on the time of day. In the morning, we anticipate a faster pace as the course is less crowded. As the day progresses, play tends to slow down due to increased traffic on the course. This does not necessarily mean groups are playing too slowly; rather, they are maintaining the appropriate pace given the conditions. We encourage all golfers to be mindful of the groups ahead and behind to help keep an efficient flow.

guidelines. We encourage smaller groups to be patient and use any available opportunities to play through when appropriate, but they should not expect automatic priority.

Behind Pace vs. Out of Position

There is a crucial distinction between being behind pace and being out of position. If you find yourself repeatedly out of position but on pace, this could be a sign that your group needs to play at a different time of day, or you may need to adjust your game to keep with the pace of the other groups around you for everyone’s enjoyment.

Singles and Twosomes on the Course

It is important to note that singles and twosomes do not have standing on the course. While they may feel like they are waiting, they should understand that the pace is set by the foursomes and threesomes ahead of them. A group of four playing at our expected pace may seem slow to smaller groups, but they are still adhering to club

Behind Pace: A group is behind pace when they are playing slower than the expected 4 hours and 10 minutes for 18 holes. This could happen due to excessive time spent searching for lost balls, taking too many practice swings, or not being ready to play when it’s their turn.

Out of Position: A group is out of position when there is a significant gap between them and the group ahead. Even if a group is playing at a reasonable pace, they are considered out of position if they have fallen far behind and are holding up play for those behind them. If your group is out of position, our staff may politely ask you to improve your pace or allow others to play through.

LCWGA

Daylight Saving Time and Spring have arrived which means a lot more time to be spent on the golf course. The Board of the Laurel Creek Womens’ Golf Association, the Committee Chairs and the Pro Shop have been busy at work preparing for lots of fun golf events such as The Secretary’s and President’s Cup (4/23), The Moorestown Cup (5/29), Member-Member (6/4; 6/11), Club Championship (7/9; 7/16), Senior Club Championship (9/9; 9/7), Solheim Cup (9/17), and Member-Guest (9/24). The Wednesday Eighteen and Nine Holer tournament schedule (Opening Day, 4/9) has been set as well as many opportunities to compete throughout the season in golf events both at Laurel Creek and away. But, did you know that while The Association’s primary goal is to promote and support women golfers at Laurel Creek it offers more than just golf? If you would like to socialize with a group of fun and friendly women over a delicious lunch in the pub, have some yummy cocktails and snacks at a cocktail party at the bar, try your luck at winning at a Casino Night, bowl a few rounds at a local bowling alley or read a good book and then discuss it over lunch, then belonging to the Laurel Creek Womens’ Golf Association is for you! Need more information about membership? Attend our Meet and Greet Cocktail party (includes light bites and a complimentary glass of Prosecco) at the club. It is open to ALL Laurel Creek ladies on Tuesday April 8th from 6-8:30 pm (register to attend on the LC App under Dining and Social Events) or contact any of our membership chairs: Dana Phipps (danaphipps@gmail.com); Susan Studley (susan.c.studley@gmail.com); or Lynne Demerly (lldemerly@ aol.com). Don’t miss the kick off to a fabulous season of golf!

The Board sends a big thank you to all of the ladies who have already joined the Laurel Creek Women’s Golf Association as we need your support and we extend a warm welcome to two new members; Tara Longo and Julie Hunter. Looking forward to meeting you! While published previously a brief reminder of who comprises the Board:

President: Susan Kaufman Vice President: Rita Gordon

Secretary: Lynn Sergi Treasurer: Christine Blessing Tournament Chair: Chrissy Duman

Handicap Chair: Eileen Burke Rules Chair: Joanne Seltzer (also known as The Rules Lady)

Nine Hole Chair: Julie Knowles

We have many Committee chairs who are happy to inform you about their events/activities. Contact a Board Member for the name/email of a Chair if you should need any information about a certain event. Also, look out for the LCWGA 2025 Weekly Tournament Play Description for lots of information about the golf season. Chrissy Duman and the Pro Shop do a great job putting it together!

Finally, it is important to have fun while playing golf but equally important is knowing the rules (which is a challenge in of itself!) Missed the Rules Clinic at the Club on March 27th? Have a question about a rule while playing a round? No worries! Ask Joanne Seltzer, our Rules Lady, or any of our pros in the Golf Pro Shop. See you on the course!

“Golf is a game of respect and sportsmanship; we have to respect its traditions and its rules.”

-Jack Nicklaus

Ryan Reeves

DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE

Opening day is around the corner, and we are excited for everyone to enjoy the new club renovations. Our new patio outside the grill showcases comfortable, aesthetically pleasing furniture, along with the addition of high tops and two new fire pits. We believe this setup will make events like Member-Guest enjoyable, allowing us to showcase our great amenities at Laurel Creek.

As we also open the deck in the pub and bistro for the season, I wanted to mention that the deck operates on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not take reservations for the deck, but if you have a reservation in the pub and bistro, those outside table are available to reservations first.

We are excited to announce that our theme this year for Spring Fling is Miami Nights. This will be a fun tropical party with great music, food, and activities. When you make your initial reservations for events, please let us know if you have any allergies, aversions, or restrictions so we can plan accordingly to ensure we have offerings you can enjoy. We will also include the dress code on the event flyer, so there’s no second-guessing your attire.

Chef Pete is rolling out a brand-new seasonal menu this week, featuring around 20 new items that will be tagged for identification. Keep an eye out for our “One Byte” videos with our beloved employees sharing their favorites. If you would like to participate in a “One Byte” video, please reach out to our Communications Director, Nevada Groulx, at ngroulx@laurelcreek.org. We would love to feature some member faces in our social content!

This year for the opening day, we are planning a little surprise activation that will be announced at shotgun. This will be a fun opportunity to get something to perk you up on a hole where you might not be playing so well.

GLENN DALY DINING ROOM SUPERVISOR

Thank you, Glen for all that you do!

Erin Schafer

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Graduation season is upon us, and what better place to celebrate this monumental achievement than at Laurel Creek. Whether you’re commemorating a high school, college, or any other graduation milestone, we offer the perfect setting for your event. We provide a seamless, stylish atmosphere that will make your party unforgettable. But that’s not all – we are gearing up for another wonderful pool season! Our pool complex is the ultimate summer destination for relaxation, fun & offers the perfect escape for family gatherings & birthday parties.

Don’t wait – reserve your graduation party today! (And we can’t wait to see you poolside!)

Daniel Batchelor

DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

Spring has sprung and the outdoor season is just around the corner. We have an exciting summer Planned for the club and can’t wait to see everyone out on the courts. Our har-tru courts will be Resurfaced in the coming weeks, while our pickleball courts are always ready for play. As we Warm up, we will jump outside at the first possibility and be offering a full program of clinics for every level.

TENNIS UPDATE: EXCITING NEWS – OUR HAR-TRU COURTS ARE OPENING SOON! Fresh clay, fun clinics, and a brand-new way to play tennis!

The wait is almost over! Our har-tru courts will be open in just a couple of weeks, and we can’t Wait to see you out there enjoying the courts.

We’ve got fun clinics lined up for all ages and levels, so whether you’re a seasoned player or Brand new to the game, there’s something for everyone. And for the first time ever, we’re Introducing adult red ball, a brand-new program designed to make learning tennis easier and More enjoyable than ever before. With a slower ball and a smaller court, it’s the perfect way to Build confidence, have fun, and develop your game at your own pace.

With expert instruction and a fun, supportive environment, our clinics are a great opportunity to Stay active and meet other members. Plus, signing up is easy through our club app.

PICKLEBALL

UPDATE: WHY PICKLEBALL IS TAKING OVER - AND WHY

YOU SHOULD JOIN IN THE FUN!

The fastest-growing sport in america is right here at the creek!

Have you heard the POP of a paddle or seen a group of players laughing between points? That’s the sound of pickleball—america’s fastest-growing sport for four years in a row and, the most fun you can have on a court!

What makes pickleball so popular? It’s easy to learn, great exercise, and incredibly social. Whether you’re a lifelong tennis player or have never picked up a paddle, you’ll find yourself hooked in no time. The game is quick, exciting, and filled with just the right amount of friendly competition. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet fellow members, stay active, and enjoy the vibrant energy of our club.

Our clinics begin this month—so grab a paddle, bring a friend, and come see what the hype is all about. You might just find your new favorite pastime. Also, keep an eye out for dinks & drinks—our brand-new first friday pickleball social! Fun games, great company, and refreshing drinks await!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Har-tru Opens (weather permitting) April 14th

Adult Clinics Begin April 15th

Junior Clinics Begin April 22nd

See you on the courts!

John Slade

DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS

Due to the harsh winter, we delayed greens cover removal by six days this year (when compared to 2024). With little growth during the entire winter, you might not expect that an extra week would make much of a difference.

However you need to remember that this wasn’t an extra six days during January, it was in March. The Sun’s angle and warmer temperatures now are somewhat magnified compared to mid-winter, and the extra few days under cover made a tremendous difference in the greens’ healing.

Some members have asked what would happen if we did a late season aerification but did not cover the greens. A couple of check plots were left uncovered throughout the winter to provide an answer to this question.

The difference in recovery between the covered and uncovered sections is easily seen on the back of #2 green:

So when you’re on the course during the next couple of weeks, take a moment to check these side by side covered/uncovered areas and decide for yourself whether covering is worth it.

Upcoming Events APRIL