The Creek News March 2026

THE CREEK

BOARD OFTRUSTEES

GeneralManagerInsights

ElishaCarson

I would like to take this opportunity to discuss club dress code and decorum what that means, which rules are specific to our Club, and why they are important

Before going into the specifics, it is important to highlight why these standards matter. We believe you choose to be a member of LCCC because you value the experience we provide That experience is built on a culture that our Board and team work diligently to cultivate. A key part of that culture is creating a polished environment that distinguishes our Club from the public sector These standards help foster a sense of belonging and demonstrate respect for the Club and for your fellow members.

To help uphold these policies, the Board established a Code of Conduct Committee several years ago This committee operates as a subcommittee of the Grievance Committee and is responsible for addressing nonegregious violations The committee is chaired by Past President Danny Bianco

Below are several items that frequently arise. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list:

Please remember that the dress code applies to all family members, including children, as well as any guests you bring to the Club A link to our full dress code for both the clubhouse and golf course is available on our website:

DRESS CODE LINK

We encourage you to share this link with guests prior to their visit so they may familiarize themselves with our standards

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. Our intent is always to enhance the experience of every member and guest while visiting the Club

The past six weeks have been long, but the golf course and tennis courts are finally beginning to emerge from under the snow I look forward to seeing everyone back at the Club soon, enjoying all that spring has to offer

FREQUENT CODE OF CONDUCT ISSUES

Men must wear collard shirts that are tucked in at all times

No hats in the restaurant

No sweatshirts

No athletic wear

No cell phone use in the restaurant (please move to the deck, weather permitting, or to the lobby for phone calls)

Music in golf carts should only be audible within your own cart

No golf carts permitted in the parking lot

MembershipMatters PattyFagan

March has brought wonderful energy to Laurel Creek.

Our Class of 2025 Reception was a tremendous success and combining it with a prospective member gathering made the evening even more special. Watching our newest member families connect with those considering membership remind me exactly why events like this matter There is something powerful about seeing Laurel Creek through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time, and equally meaningful watching current members share why they chose to join

The feedback from the evening was overwhelmingly positive. Conversations flowed, friendships began forming, and the sense of community was unmistakable, and that excitement continued well beyond the event itself

We have already received ten Spring Trial Membership applications, which is a strong testament to the appeal of this limited time opportunity For those who may not be familiar, our Spring Trial Membership is a wonderful way for families to experience the club before making a long-term commitment. It allows prospective members to fully immerse themselves in golf, dining, social events, and family programming during one of the most beautiful times of year at Laurel Creek.

If you have friends, neighbors, or colleagues who have been considering membership, now is truly the perfect time to invite them to explore this option As a reminder, members who sponsor a new family receive a $1,000 referral credit as our way of saying thank you for helping grow our community with people you believe would be a great fit

Welcoming new members is always exciting, but what makes it especially meaningful is knowing that we are building something lasting together

As we welcome new families into Laurel Creek, we are also reminded of those who helped shape the foundation of this club over decades. On the following pages, we celebrate the Kennedy family, our first three generation member family

Their story reminds us that what we are building today becomes the legacy our members’ children and grandchildren will one day carry forward

NewMembers

TheKennedyFamily ThreeGenerationsatLaurelCreek

When Laurel Creek Country Club opened in the late 1980s, the property looked very different There were no homes surrounding the golf course The clubhouse was the original farmhouse beside the 16th green, and what is now the 17th hole was once the opening hole.

Among the very first equity members was Bob Kennedy, Sr

Nearly four decades later, the Kennedy family represents something truly special. In what is still a relatively young club, they are what we believe to be Laurel Creek’s first three-generation family, with four generations now enjoying all that the club has become

Where It All Began

Bob Kennedy, Sr. and his wife, Bette, joined when Laurel Creek first opened Bob, Jr remembers those early days vividly

When Arnold Palmer returned to play the course after designing it, Bob, Sr. had the opportunity to walk alongside him. He often said the course played extremely hard before it was later softened. With open land surrounding the fairways instead of homes lining the course, the atmosphere felt very different

He absolutely loved it

What drew him in was more than the golf. It was the camaraderie, the welcoming staff, and being close to home in Moorestown George was always his favorite for martinis at The Creek

The Early Culture of the Club

In those early years, Laurel Creek was much more formal. Jackets were required in the dining rooms, and Bob and Eileen’s son, Bob III, worked as a busboy at sixteen, wearing a tuxedo while serving

There was no mixed grill as we know it today The first floor housed a men’s grill beside the locker room, while upstairs the Winnie Palmer Room served as a small ladies’ grill in part of what is now the pub. Eventually, the downstairs grill opened to everyone, creating a more inclusive gathering space that quickly became the hub for young families

Bob recalls pushing tables together to form one long stretch for families dining side by side The children filled the room with laughter and energy. Two beloved servers, affectionately known as the “two Joanies,” handled the chaos with patience and humor

“It was different back then,” Bob reflects “Not better Just different ”

A Family Tradition

Bob and Eileen joined in the 1990s, continuing what Bob, Sr and Bette had started Laurel Creek became more than a club. It became part of their family rhythm.

While Bob enjoyed the golf and friendships that came with membership, Eileen built lasting relationships through the Laurel Creek Women’s Golf Association and her time on the Membership Experience Committee.

Together, they raised Bob III, Maura, Kevin and Brendan, all of whom grew up at Laurel Creek Golf with friends, time at the pool once it opened, and evenings dining with other families created memories that carried them into adulthood.

Bob always hoped his children would one day become members Now, with families of their own, that hope has become reality Kevin and his wife, Amanda, joined last year with their three daughters, Katherine, Elizabeth and Cecilia. Most recently, Maura and Dan have joined as well, bringing their daughter, Madeline, into the next generation of club life.

“It’s a place where you belong, not join,” he says

Milestones and Memories

Laurel Creek has served as the backdrop for countless Kennedy celebrations.

Bob, Sr’s 70th surprise birthday filled the ballroom with friends and family The evening fell on a Friday during Lent, which led to some good-natured teasing of the priests in attendance who ordered the meat course. Bette recently celebrated her 93rd birthday with a beautiful brunch in Blu.

The Kennedy Companies have hosted corporate events at the club for decades, creating treasured memories for Bob and Eileen and their grown children

Today, a new chapter is unfolding.

Bob’s grandchildren, Bea 12, Bobby IV, age 10, and Charlie, age 7, are already creating their own Laurel Creek traditions Alongside their cousins Katherine, Elizabeth, Cecilia and Madeline, they represent the growing fourth generation enjoying life at the club.

They look forward to Easter egg hunts, Santa brunches, days at the pool, and ordering ice cream on Pop’s member number which they proudly have memorized

For Bob and Eileen, what is most meaningful today is seeing the excitement and joy on their grandchildren’s faces

A Meaningful Milestone

For a club founded in 1988, celebrating our first three-generation member family feels like a milestone worth recognizing. The Kennedy family’s story reflects the growth of Laurel Creek itself, from open fairways and a farmhouse clubhouse to the vibrant community it is today

Laurel Creek has always been about more than golf. It is about connection and belonging. Watching generations of the Kennedy family grow alongside the club is a beautiful reminder that this is truly a place where you belong

The19thHole BobHennefer

At Laurel Creek, the Pro Shop is far more than a place to check in before your round It is a curated retail experience led by PGA Professionals who understand that golf is equal parts performance, presentation, and personal service With pricing competitive with national retailers like Golf Galaxy and Dick’s Sporting Goods, members enjoy the best of both worlds: premium selection and hometown expertise

From the moment you step inside, it is clear that style matters here. The shop proudly features elevated golf apparel from brands such as Peter Millar, Greyson, and Holderness & Bourne, labels known for refined tailoring, modern performance fabrics, and timeless design. Whether your look leans classic and polished or athletic and contemporary, the Pro Shop reflects the sophistication of the Laurel Creek membership New merchandise arrives daily, and fresh golf bags are hitting the floor now, ensuring there is always something new to discover

Custom Club Fitting: Built Around You

Great golf begins with properly fitted equipment. Laurel Creek offers both indoor and outdoor custom fitting sessions guided by company representatives and our own custom fitting specialist, Matt DiEleuterio. Every fitting is tailored to the individual player because no two swings are the same The shop proudly fits and carries equipment from industry leaders including Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, PING, and L.A.B. Putters. Whether you are dialing in a new driver, upgrading your irons, or searching for a putter that inspires confidence on every green, the fitting process ensures your clubs are built specifically for your game, not pulled off the rack. The result is improved consistency, enhanced performance, and a more rewarding experience on the course.

Corporate and Custom Orders

The Pro Shop also serves as a resource for members’ businesses. From embroidered apparel and outerwear to golf bags, gifts, tournament prizes, and holiday merchandise, Laurel Creek can customize high quality products with your company logo. Whether outfitting a team or preparing client gifts, the process is seamless from start to finish, with the same attention to detail members expect from their club

Club Repair and Re-Gripping

Beyond apparel and equipment sales, the professional staff provides club repair services, including re-gripping, minor alterations, and shaft replacement Any grip on the market can be ordered, with most turnarounds completed in 48 hours or less, keeping your equipment in peak condition throughout the season.

Coming Soon: The Virtual Pro Shop

Laurel Creek will soon expand the shopping experience even further with the launch of its Online Virtual Pro Shop

This new platform will provide access to additional brands not currently stocked in store, along with member favorites, allowing you to shop anytime, anywhere while still supporting your club

At its core, the Laurel Creek Pro Shop is about service. The PGA Professional Staff is here to serve you with premium brands, expert fittings, custom solutions, and unmatched personal attention As the season unfolds, keep the Pro Shop in mind for all your golfing needs We look forward to welcoming you in soon.

LCWGA ANewSeasonBegins

As the new golf season approaches, members at Laurel Creek Country Club are looking forward to Opening Day on April 8, a favorite tradition that brings everyone back to the course to reconnect, welcome new players, and kick off the season together. The celebration starts the evening before with the LCWGA Opening Day Cocktail Party on April 7, giving members a chance to catch up, meet new participants, and get excited for the season ahead.

To ensure members feel confident heading into the season, the Pro Shop will offer a series of instructional clinics focused on fundamentals, short game development, course management, and overall strategy Led by the club’s PGA Professionals, the sessions are structured to support both new and experienced golfers in a relaxed, encouraging setting where improvement and enjoyment go hand in hand.

In addition to on-course instruction, a rules clinic will be held at Blu on April 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The evening will include light bites and cocktails, giving members the chance to review key rules of the game in a social atmosphere

Spring also brings new retail offerings to the Pro Shop. Coordinating mother-daughter skirts and polos from Peter Millar will be available, along with a fresh selection of colorful headwear from Vimhue The latest arrivals combine performance and style as members refresh their wardrobes for the season

The Laurel Creek Women’s Golf Association continues to promote learning, laughter, and connection among members. With instructional opportunities, social events, and regular play, the association encourages participation at every level As the season begins, members look forward to building new friendships, refining their skills, and enjoying another year on the course

Spring Clinics Thursday Series

10 to 11:30am

4/2 Range: Swing Analysis/Intro

4/9 Range: Full swing irons

4/16 Range: Full swing drivers

4/23 Putting Green: Chipping and Putting

4/30 Golf Course: Strategy

Spring Clinics Sunday Series

10 to 11:30am

4/12 Range: Swing Analysis/Intro

4/19 Range: Full swing irons

4/26 Range: Full swing drivers

5/3 Putting Green: Chipping and Putting

AtTheTable

RyanReeves

I just returned from the Club Management Association of America World Conference and came home inspired I heard terrific speakers and learned about creative updates happening at clubs nationwide, and I’m proud to say Laurel Creek’s culture, activities, dining, and amenities stack up with some of the best. We’re well on our way to becoming a true premier club.

Wellness was a major subject at the conference Across the country people are drinking less, exercising more, and choosing healthier menu options, trends we’re embracing here. Even during these colder months, small choices matter, lighter menu items and 0% proof cocktails make healthy living easy and enjoyable Chef Pete and the culinary team have expanded our range of offerings with more gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, and they’re always happy to prepare meals tailored to your dietary needs Soon we’ll be rolling out an even more extensive nonalcoholic beverage menu, n/a wines, cocktails, and beers, so everyone can join the toast

You may have noticed our events calendar on the app has quiet a bit on it this year We plan the year carefully, coordinating meetings, school calendars, and township schedules to give you the best possible lineup For 2026 we scheduled 88 events, favorites you know and love, plus new experiences we think you’ll enjoy. Our first Winterfest was a big hit, great feedback and a fun way to get the family outside and burn off some cabin fever

New this season, we have Blu After Dark. From 9:00 PM–12:00 AM on March 13th, Blu Lounge will flip into a high energy late night experience with cocktails, bar bites, and dancing Come see a whole new side of Blu, step out, stay up, and have a blast

DRINK OF THE MONTH WINTER PALM

EmployeeoftheMonth

CorrineHeller

We are thrilled to honor Corrine Heller as our February Employee of the Month! Since joining the team in 2020, Corrine has been a dependable, hardworking, and caring presence on the floor for five incredible years

Corrine is the definition of a team player Whether she is bussing tables or running food, she jumps in wherever she is needed to keep service running smoothly and our members happy. Always reliable and never late, she quietly keeps everything moving behind the scenes

Though soft-spoken, Corrine’s work speaks volumes She consistently goes above and beyond her duties, ensuring the dining room operates seamlessly and the club looks its best.

The Extra Mile in Action

One recent example of her dedication shows just how much Corrine cares She took it upon herself to detail the pub tables, straightening placemats, perfecting plate placement, and re-rolling silverware to the highest standard. These were not tasks assigned to her, but she did them because presentation matters to her and to our members

Corrine has been a cornerstone of the team We are lucky to have her, and this recognition is a small way to celebrate her incredible commitment, work ethic, and positive spirit.

TheEventEdit ErinSchafer

Over the past several months, we have been excited to see growing interest in hosting events at the Club, including an increase in inquiries from non-members who have heard about the beautiful setting, exceptional service, and memorable experiences we create.

While we are honored by the attention, it also serves as a wonderful reminder of something our members sometimes overlook You already have access to one of the area’s most sought-after event venues, along with exclusive advantages.

As a member, your benefits go far beyond access to the Club’s dining and amenities When hosting a private event with us, room fees are waived, you receive 10% off menu pricing, and you have the flexibility to offer BYOB for your gathering. These privileges create meaningful savings while ensuring your event maintains the elevated standards you expect from Laurel Creek

Whether you are planning a bridal or baby shower, milestone birthday, anniversary celebration, corporate luncheon, graduation party, or family gathering, our team is here to make the process seamless and enjoyable from start to finish

If you have an event in mind, I would love to connect with you. Please call or email me to begin planning your next celebration at your Club!

OntheCourts

DanBatchelor

March is here, and while winter still has a bit of a hold on us, the start of our spring season is officially in sight Our team has been busy behind the scenes preparing the courts and finalizing programming, and we’re excited to share what’s coming up over the next few months.

Spring Tennis & Programming

Our courts will be professionally resurfaced during the week of April 6 Weather permitting, courts and club clinics are expected to reopen the week of April 13. We appreciate your patience during this annual maintenance period — the refreshed courts will be well worth the wait

Once courts reopen, we’ll be offering a full spring schedule of clinics for both adults and juniors, with programming available for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Additional details, schedules, and registration information will be shared soon

League Play

Ladies Spring League (Cup Tennis) is right around the corner, and we’re hoping for our biggest turnout yet. If you’re interested in participating and haven’t yet completed the Google Form, please reach out we’d love to have you join us this season

We’re also planning to run our Spring Pickleball Interclub League again this season. More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye out if you’re interested in participating

Summer Programs

Registration is now open for our 6-week Summer Golf & Tennis Academy, running June 22 through August 7 This program is a great option for junior athletes looking to develop skills in both sports

Our Summer Tennis Camp will run June 19 through August 21 and offers full-day and halfday options for players of all levels, from beginner to advanced With flexible enrollment available by the day, week, or for the full summer, families can choose the schedule that works best for them.

Thank you for being such an important part of our racquets community Your enthusiasm and involvement make our programs truly special, and we’re always happy to hear your ideas and feedback.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back on the courts very soon!

FromtheGreens

JohnSlade

There has been a dramatic increase in daytime fox activity on the golf course this winter, which has some residents concerned In general, foxes are typically crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), so why are they roaming the course mid-day? There are likely a couple of reasons for this

First, given the harsh winter we have been going through, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see the wildlife on the course desperate for food For a fox, this may mean hunting at all hours of the day in an effort to find a much needed meal

A second reason for the unusual behavior may be mange Foxes with mange are often (mistakenly) thought to have rabies. To be clear, mange is a treatable skin issue caused by mites, whereas rabies is caused by a virus.

When spring eventually arrives, we can expect an increase in human daytime sightings on the golf course, accompanied by fewer daytime fox sightings

MARCH