From the General Manager
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
Dear Oakwood Members,
As we turn the calendar to April, the season at Oakwood officially comes to life.
As we kick things off in a big way on Easter Sunday, welcoming more than 400 members and guests to the Club. It’s a wonderful start to what promises to be an exciting and active spring.
With golf underway and a full calendar of social events ahead, it is truly the time of year we look forward to most having the Club filled with familiar faces and the energy that makes Oakwood so special.
Course conditions will continue to improve as we move through the spring, and we appreciate your patience as the turf fully transitions out of dormancy and into peak season play.
Construction is wrapping up on our new gated entrance, further enhancing both the arrival experience and overall security of the Club.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and vibrant community spirit. We look forward to seeing you at the Club and sharing another outstanding season together.
Warmly,
From the Head Golf Pro
LOOKING AHEAD AT 2026 GOLF SEASON
Oakwood Golfers,
The golf season is officially underway, and we’re excited to kick off what promises to be a fantastic year of competition and camaraderie at Oakwood. The 2026 Oakwood Golf Guide is now available, outlining all of the upcoming events and opportunities to get involved this season.
April is packed with great events to start the year strong, including:
Masters Par 3 Contest
Masters Watch Party and Putting Contest
Men’s League Cocktail Party
Opening Day Kickoff Scramble
Ladies’ League Cocktail Party
Ladies’ Opening Day
Men’s League Opening Night.
Whether you’re looking to join a league, compete in events, or simply find regular playing partners, we’re here to help you make the most of your season. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like assistance getting involved.
As we are in the thick of April showers, a quick reminder of a few key practices to help us maintain excellent course conditions:
Adhere to cart path only requests
Repair ball marks on the greens
Use the sand provided on your cart
Fill and repair divots in fairways and tee boxes
Follow all daily cart rules and restrictions
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you out on the course
Hunter Hayes, PGA Head Golf Professional Oakwood Country Club
From the Performance Center
On-Course Focus for April: Build Your Baseline
After a long winter, it’s great to see everyone back out on the course April is always an exciting time but it’s also a transition period as your game gets back into rhythm.
Instead of putting pressure on your score right away, think of this month as a chance to rebuild your foundation and set yourself up for a great season ahead regardless of if you are starting new or a seasoned regular golfer.
1. Focus on Solid Contact
Right now, it’s less about great picture perfect swings and more about finding the center of the clubface again Think clubhead awareness 101
If you’re starting to make more predictable contact, you’re moving in the right direction even if everything isn’t dialed in just yet.
2. Keep Your Strategy Simple
Early in the season, distances and patterns can still be settling in Give yourself a little extra room:
Aim for comfortable targets
Take enough club (probably more than you think)
Play safer angles
A few simple decisions can make the game feel a lot easier
3. Give Yourself Some Grace
You’re not expected to be in mid-season form in April and that’s part of the process. Unless you have been playing all winter long in a warm client ;)
A great way to measure your round is by asking:
Did I stay committed to my shots?
Did I make smart decisions?
Did I keep my expectations in check.
If so, you’re exactly where you need to be
Bottom Line
April is about building momentum. Stay patient, enjoy being back out there, and trust that your game will continue to sharpen as the season goes on.
-Coach Mo
Oakwood Agronomy Report From the Course
As we prepare for April, the agronomy team has been focused on completing several projects initiated over the winter months. We are pleased to report progress and completion on the following improvements:
Renovation of the middle pond on Hole 16, along with the addition of a new third pond near the green. Completion expected first week of April
Installation of tee stepping stones on all non-irrigated par-three tee boxes. Finished and waiting on warm dry weather to glue down crushed concrete in between cracks of the stepping stones.
Construction of a new bunker on Hole 18
Finished and sodded in late January.
Ongoing tree maintenance and removal
At this point all trees are done and we will work on any low hanging branches or trees that pose safety concerns.
These projects have been completed primarily in-house by the agronomy team. While winter is typically a slower season for course operations, this year’s efforts have resulted in meaningful enhancements that improve both course conditions and overall playability.
As with every season, no two years are alike, and this spring has presented its own set of challenges. Several key projects required completion within tight timelines, coinciding with turf coming out of dormancy. Throughout the winter, we experienced significant setbacks, including a loss of power to half of the golf course’s irrigation system. This prevented us from applying certain products that require proper irrigation for activation and to avoid turf injury.
Additionally, as we began pre- and post-emergent weed control applications, we encountered further irrigation limitations affecting other areas of the course. Members may notice some weed presence at this time; however, a full application is scheduled for April 6 to address these concerns. We are already seeing positive signs across the golf course. Rough areas are beginning to thicken, and fairways are gradually transitioning out of dormancy. With continued favorable conditions, we anticipate steady improvement in overall turf health and playing conditions
We sincerely appreciate your continued support and patience as we work through early-season challenges. We look forward to providing an excellent golf experience throughout the 2026 season.
-Jacob Foster Golf Course Superintendent
Member Spotlight
Valerie Grace Getto | Born 1.26.26
Kristen and Jim Getto are delighted to share the arrival of their second daughter, Valeri Grace Getto, born on January 26, 2026. Pictured here with older sister, Gigi, they look forward to the girls enjoying Oakwood as they grow up.
On behalf of the staff and membership, a heartfelt congratulations go out to the Getto family on the wonderful addition!
To submit your child or another member to our spotlight series, please email image and story to jess@oakwoodcountryclub.org with subject “Newsletter Spotlight Submission.”
Hudson Haith | First Catch!
The Haith family enjoyed a memorable evening at Oakwood on March 29, when 3-year-old Hudson Haith reeled in an impressive 2pound largemouth bass using a rubber worm off the dock. A fine catch and a great Oakwood moment Congratulations, Hudson!
To submit your child or another member to our spotlight series, please email image and story to jess@oakwoodcountryclub.org with subject “Newsletter Spotlight Submission.”
STEVEN SHRAWDER, General Manager
Email: steven@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Phone: (816) 761-5501 x 138
Direct Line: (816) 768-8656
STAFF DIRECTORY
KATELYN LAWSON, Assistant GM & Catering
Email: katelyn@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Phone: (816) 761-5501 x 104
Direct Line: (816) 595-4066
DENISE WIPPERMAN, Administrative Assistant & AR
Email: denise@oakwoodcountryclub org
Phone: (816) 761-5501 x 100
Direct Line: (816) 595-4063
TRAVIS NAPIER, Executive Chef
Email: travis@oakwoodcountryclub org
Phone: (816) 761-5501 x 111
Phone: (816) 595-4069
JESS EYSTAD, Director of Membership & Marketing
Email: jess@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Direct Line: (816) 595-4073
KEMP DOWDY, Food & Beverage Director
Email: kemp@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Direct Line: (816) 595-4065
STAFF DIRECTORY
KARI AMENSEN, Member Activities & Events Director
Email: eventsdirector@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Direct Line: (816) 761-5501
HUNTER HAYES, PGA Head Golf Professional
Email: hunter@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Phone: (816) 761-5501 x 132
Direct Line: (816) 595-4072
MAUREEN FARRELL, PGA Director of Instruction
Email: Coachmogolf@gmail.com
Direct Line: (402) 209-0501
CASSIE SARGENT, PGA Lead Assistant Golf Pro
Email: cassie@oakwoodcountryclub org
JEFF LONG, Assistant Golf Pro & Tournament Director
Email: jeff@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Direct Line: (816) 761-3670
JACOB FOSTER, Golf Course Superintendent
Email: jacob@oakwoodcountryclub.org
Direct Line: (816) 761- 1477
