Heading North? Let us ship your clubs! Details on page 7.
Season isn’t over yet! See pages 9 and 10 for our upcoming social and dining events at Lemon Bay
See page 12 for a recap of the Better Shot 30 anniversary auction and tournament. th
2026/2027
Board of Directors
Robert MacGillivray Secretary & Golf Committee Chair
Shannon Antonini House and Entertainment Committee Chair
Beth Foster
Jim Grant
Jeff Mack
Meg Taylor Long-Range Planning and Governance Committee Chair
Damon Williams General Manager
Dear Members,
As we approach the close of what has been a truly successful season at Lemon Bay Golf Club, April always brings with it a unique blend of energy and reflection. It is a time when we
look back with appreciation on the many great moments we’ve shared, while also looking ahead to a few final opportunities to come together before the season winds down.
First and foremost, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all our members who participated in and supported our events throughout the season. Your engagement is what makes your club so special. While the season is nearing its conclusion, we still have several fantastic events ahead, and we encourage your continued participation to help us finish strong.
April’s calendar is highlighted by several exciting events. Our annual Closing Luau will take place on April 16th, and Michael and the culinary team are already hard at work preparing what promises to be a memorable evening for the membership. Just two days later, on April 18th, Eli and his team will host the always entertaining 9 & Dine Superintendent’s Revenge, expect a fun and creative twist on the course that you won’t want to miss. Additionally, the Master’s Par 3 event on April 8th is shaping up to be the best version yet, and we look forward to seeing a great turnout for this member favorite.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize the tremendous success of our Better Shot fundr event and golf tournament held in March. Thanks to
your generosity and participation, it was a recordsetting year, and we are incredibly grateful for the support shown by our membership.
April is also an important time for our annual Green Cap Fund. These contributions directly support our hardworking Green Cap team by providing uniforms, and opportunities that enhance their experience at the club. Thank you to those who have already contributed. If you have not yet had the opportunity, I would encourage you to consider donating as your support makes a meaningful difference.
Later this month, you will receive our annual membership survey via email. I cannot emphasize enough how valuable your feedback is. The survey is brief, but the insights we gain from your responses play a critical role in shaping the future of Lemon Bay Golf Club. We kindly ask that you take a few moments to share your thoughts.
As we move through April, we also begin to say goodbye to our seasonal team members who have been such an integral part of our operations this season. Please thank Tanner, Max, Tyger, and Brady for their hard work, dedication, and positive impact on the club. We wish them all the best in their summer endeavors and hope to see them back with us again in the future.
In closing, thank you once again for the incredible support you have shown throughout the season. I look forward to seeing many of you at your club in the coming weeks before you head off to your summer
Hannah Madison Membership Director
Building Our Community, One Season at a
Time
Continued growth fueled by member connections
It has been an outstanding season for membership, and I’ve enjoyed another year of getting to know many of you on a more personal level even if it occasionally meant interrupting your round for a quick tournament photo!
With the continued support of our member sponsors, Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and staff, we’ve seen steady and meaningful growth. Since the start of our fiscal year on November 1, we’ve welcomed 14 new memberships. Of these, approximately 40% are based in Placida, 34% in Boca Grande, and the remainder in Englewood and the surrounding areas.
We’re also pleased to share that several additional memberships are currently moving through the application process, with anticipated start dates this fall an encouraging sign of continued momentum.
As you spend time around the Club, I encourage you to introduce yourself to new faces and extend a warm welcome. These small gestures go a long way in preserving the friendly and inclusive atmosphere that makes our community so special.
I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Phil & Patsy Hubbard and Jean & Bill Steinman for sponsoring our newest members, David and Colleen Zenere.
As always, I’m grateful to each of you for serving as ambassadors of the Club. Your enthusiasm and authenticity are what showcase Lemon Bay’s unique blend of camaraderie, exceptional golf, and relaxed social environment
Membership Milestones
115Years 5Years
Mike & Carol Clark
Ladies9-holeMember-Member
Jacque Hoyt, Loriann Hunter, Lyndon Chamberlain, & Carol Campbell
TalonCup:Men’sMember-Guest
Bald Eagle Flight - Joe McGowan + Charlie Flanders
Overall & Osprey - Chip Klosterman + Jason Ruberg
Pelican Flight - Steve Neri + Terry O'Connell
Horned Owl Flight - Larry Denton + Steve Davis
Blue Heron Flight - Robert DeMattia + Wayne Inman
White Ibis Flight - Jim Stathopoulos + Steve Murphy
ABetterShotTournament
Sam Campbell, Carol Campbell, Todd Baker, Beth Baker, & Courtney Borntraeger
This season, we are fortunate to have four outstanding assistants here at Lemon Bay. Every couple of years, Ryan and I go through a rigorous selection process, carefully reviewing over 60 applicants. We are looking for individuals who love the game of golf, care about people, and thrive in a team environment.
Max Doehr
Tanner Sliker
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Tanner joined us in 2024 and quickly impressed everyone with his calm demeanor and exceptional work ethic. Known for his great people skills and his dedication to both golf and his teammates, Tanner is currently working toward his PGA Class A membership having completed Level 1 in under a year, an impressive accomplishment. This summer, he will be returning to Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts.
Tyger Guarnizo
Hailing from Highland Park, Chicago, T us last year in an outside operations ro quickly exceeded expectations. His har positive attitude led to a well-earned pr assistant professional this year. Tyger h be an integral part of our team and con grow as a golf professional. This summ to Northmoor Country Club in Chicag assistant professional.
From Macomb, Michigan, Max is in his first season with us at Lemon Bay and what a terrific addition he has been! His strong work ethic and innovative ideas have helped enhance our operations and elevate the members’ experience Max will return this summer to Sault Ste. Marie Country Club in Michigan where he has been promoted to Head Professional.
Brady Casto
Brady, from Galena, Ohio, has been a tremendous asset to our outside operations and event management this season. His attention to detail and willingness to help in every area of our program stand out daily. This summer, Brady will return to the Wianno Club in Cape Cod as an assistant professional.
Growing the Game
For Ryan and me, mentoring and teaching young professionals is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Helping guide these future PGA members as they grow both personally and professionally is a privilege, and a responsibility we take to heart. We’re pleased to help shape the next generation of golf professionals and to share our love of the game
We look forward to a fantastic month of golf, great events, and celebrating the traditions that make this game so special. Thank you for being part of the Lemon Bay community we’ll see you at the club!
And so, we are ready to conclude our 2026 Match Play event. In our Ladies’ Division, Whitty Ransome will face off against the winner of Jane Lippincott/Sandy Judy In our Men’s Division, the two players vying for our championship will be the winner of David Antonini/Bill Doepke versus the winner of Jeff Mack/Bob DeMattia. There have been many close matches leading up to this point, but all of our participants are ready to play out a great series of championship matches as we crown our 2026 Honey Cup champions.
We are thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone for one of our own Whitty Ransome recorded her first-ever hole-in-one on Hole #5 at Lemon Bay Golf Club!
After an amazing 70 years of playing the game, Whitty achieved what every golfer dreams of a perfect shot that found the bottom of the cup. This special moment was made even better surrounded by friends on a beautiful day at the club.
What a fantastic month we had at Lemon Bay this March! From the Talon Cup and the A Better Shot cocktail party and golf tournament to the Island Fest featuring The Green Flash, it was truly a memorable stretch of events. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our entire Lemon Bay staff for their hard work and dedication our team is what makes these events so special, and it truly shows.
Looking ahead to April, we have another exciting lineup of events planned. We’ll kick things
off with our First Friday Fish Fry and live entertainment on the 3rd, followed by our Easter Brunch on the 5th. On the 9th, join us for one of our most popular events, Burgers and Bingo, and we’ll wrap up the month with a fun and festive Luau Night
Don’t forget, we will also be serving dinner every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the month. We hope you’ll come out and join us for great food and even better company.
Eli Rahz Director of Agronomy
Positioned for Progress
Highlights from our annual review with architect Drew Rogers and plans for continued refinement
Our golf course architect, Drew Rogers, conducted his annual site visit this month. The agenda included a thorough assessment of the course, discussions with the Green Committee, and extended time with the maintenance team.
I had the opportunity to spend two productive days with Drew reviewing the overall condition of the golf course, our current and future maintenance plans, the projects completed in 2025, and several targeted refinements. These adjustments are designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve playability for members, and elevate the property's visual presentation.
The landscape themes we have emphasized over the past two years are now beginning to
These annual sessions with Drew continue to be among the most rewarding experiences in my role. The chance to explore the architect’s original intent particularly the deliberate risk-reward decisions embedded in the design and the strategic placement of hazards is both instructive and inspiring. His passion for geometry and the thought processes that shape each hole is evident in every conversation.
I remain appreciative that our club recognizes the long-term value of maintaining an active, ongoing relationship with the architect well beyond the initial renovation. This approach preserves the integrity of the design while allowing us to thoughtfully extend the vision across the broader property.
During our meeting with the Green Committee, Drew acknowledged the challenges the club has faced in recent years and commended the team’s consistent focus on refinement despite those constraints. He described this season as the first in several years where we could transition from a primarily defensive posture to a more proactive, offensive strategy. I could not agree more. The agronomy team is looking forward to a of aggressive cultural practices and small, refinements.
Financial Transparency Balance
sheet highlights, income performance, and how operating dues fuel club functions
Below is a detailed description of the information provided for the Audited 2024 – 2025 financials
The Balance Sheet
The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of the club's financial condition at a specific point in time It shows what the club owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the difference between the two (equity or net assets). In essence, the balance sheet provides insight into the club's financial health, indicating its ability to meet its obligations and manage its assets efficiently. This information is crucial for club management and members to make informed financial decisions.
The results and graphics are AUDITED financial results for the prior fiscal year through all four (4) quarters (11/01/2024 – 10/31/2025).
The P&L Statement
Bryan Hawn Controller
The P&L (Profit and Loss) statement, also known as an income statement, represents the club's financial performance over a specific period It shows the club's revenues, expenses, and the resulting profit or loss The P&L statement provides insight into the club's financial health and helps management make informed decisions about budgeting, cost control, and financial planning.
Your Dues Dollars
The pie chart below is a representation of how your operating dues are allocated. This includes the net effects of the revenue and expenses produced in Facilities & Administration, Golf Activities & Maintenance, and Food & Beverage.
Facilities & Administration represents the costs associated with the clubhouse, non-golf maintenance staff, insurance, professional services, and administration.
Golf Activities & Maintenance is broken down into two categories. Golf Activities includes our Pro Shop, Green-Cap, and Golf Professional Staff along with all golfing revenue and merchandise sales.
Golf Maintenance includes the maintenance staff, chemicals, fertilizer, equipment leases, and landscaping on the golf course.
Food & Beverage represents the net effect of our F&B operation
A Better Shot’s 2026 “30 Anniversary” fund raising efforts were our most ambitious to date and, thanks to you, by far our most successful The ongoing “100 for $300,000 Campaign”, inspired by an anonymous $50,000 matching gift, Friday evening’s party and auction with Dan Boever, and Saturday’s fun-filled Par-3 Scramble Tournament will add roughly $500,000 to our Endowment Fund!! This growth will ensure a bright future for our Junior Golfers seeking financial aid as they follow their educational dreams. th
Your affirmation of our mission means more than words can express and , as always, we are so very proud of supporters who care so deeply for the youth of this community.
So VERY grateful,
Mary Anne Hooker, President
Lemon Bay Pin Board Lemon Bay Pin Board Employee of the Month
Staff
Anniversaries
Chris Moley
Chris has been named Employee of the Month in recognition of his hard work and positive attitude. A returning team member who has been back with Lemon Bay for the past six months, Chris serves as a Golf Maintenance Equipment Operator and brings valuable experience to the role. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and now a long-time Florida resident, Chris enjoys fishing and building RC cars in his free time. He has shared how much he appreciates the camaraderie and teamwork at Lemon Bay, which he says make it a great place to work. Chris was nominated by Eli Rahz and Chris Ingalls for his strong work ethic, team-first mindset, and ability to get along with everyone His dedication and attitude make him a valued member of the team Congratulations, and thank you, Chris!
Kerry Dow: 14 years
Christi Johnson: 10 years
Jerry Sorgenfrei: 7 years
Russ Bastin: 7 years
Glenn Messenger: 2 years
Don Goodman: 1 year
Chris Anderson: 1 year
Scott Gravino: 1 year
Laura Simone: 1 year
Club Closes at 3:00pm
BITESMENU DINNER &CHEF’S SPECIALS Brunch
Course opens at 9:00am breakfast alacarte 8-11AM Course Closed for Treatment
Course opens at 9:00am breakfast alacarte 8-11AM Lunch available 11am-3pm
Mote Marine Live Fish Release at 8:45AM!
Staff Contacts
General Manager, Damon Williams
damon.williams@lemonbaygolfclub.com
Ext. 202
Director of Golf, Ben McCoy
ben.mccoy@lemonbaygolfclub.com
Ext. 208
Head Golf Professional, Ryan Hartnett ryanhartnett@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext 207
Director of Agronomy, Eli Rahz
elirahz@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext. 217
F&B Director, Michael Durett
michael.durett@lemonbaygolfclub.com
Ext. 204
Controller, Bryan Hawn
bryanhawn@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext 214
Membership Director, Hannah Madison hannahmadison@lemonbaygolfclubcom
Ext. 205
Hours of Operation
Golf
Golf Shop: 7:00am - 6:00pm
Practice Facilities (Tues-Sun): 7:00am - 6:00pm
Practice Facilities (Mon): 8:00am - 6:00pm
Golf Course (Tues-Sun): 7:30am - 6:00pm
Golf Course (Mon): 9:00am - 6:00pm
Dining
Lunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Bar Service: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Administration
Accounting (Mon-Fri): 9:00am - 5:00pm
Membership (Mon-Fri): 9:00am - 5:00pm
Executive Director of A Better Shot, Cindy Claude cindy.claude@lemonbaygolfclub.com
