Spring has finally arrived...and for everyone at Mayacama, this means golf course aeration and spring cleaning! Please note, that the Golf Course and the Club will be closed during April 4th - 7th. We look forward to re-opening on Friday, April 8th to welcome you and your guests to another amazing season!

SWIM CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION

Swimming Pool
Open: March 26 - October 31
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
(Daily)

Snack Bar & Staff
Open: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
(Daily except Tuesdays)

Limited Menu
Available: March 26 - May 28
Available: September 6 - October 31
(Daily except Tuesdays)

Easter photos

The Easter Bunny hopped by and dropped off your family portaits and a few candids from all of our Easter festivities. Click HERE to view and print your photos from the day.

LOCAL RULE - AERATION HOLES

Our Spring Aeration begins the week of Monday, April 4th and as is our custom, we will be aerating greens, tees, approaches, and putting greens during that time. As a convenience to our Members, we will stagger the process on our practice putting greens so that you will always have a putting green that is unaffected by our aeration. During the healing period after aeration, the following Local Rule providing relief without penalty from an aeration hole will be in effect:

"Through the green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green.

On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole that avoids the situation."

MORE ON AERATION ...

AERATION PLUGS
The question regarding the status of aeration plugs always comes up around aeration time. Although loose soil is not a loose impediment (except on the putting green), aeration plugs consist of compacted soil and thus are given the same status as a loose impediment. Accordingly, they can be moved without penalty. However, if the ball lies anywhere other than on the putting green and the removal of a loose impediment by the player causes the ball to move, the player is penalized 1 stroke under rule 18-2 and the ball must be replaced.

BALL ROLLS INTO SAME OR ANOTHER AERATION AFTER BEING DROPPED
Another frequently asked question is what to do if a ball when dropped rolls into the same or another aeration hole. For the purpose of implementing this local rule, all aeration holes are considered to be the same hole. If the ball when dropped rolls into an aeration hole (either the same hole or another aeration hole), it must be re-dropped. If the ball when re-dropped rolls back into the same condition, it must be placed as near as possible to the spot where it first struck a part of the course when re-dropped.

DO I NEED TO MARK THE POSITION OF THE BALL WHEN I LIFT IT WHEN TAKING RELIEF FROM AN AERATION HOLE?
No. The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under a rule that requires it to be replaced. Although it is a "best practice" to mark the position of a ball when lifting it under a rule, the player need not mark the position of the ball in this instance because it is not being replaced.

WHY CAN'T I JUST ROLL THE BALL OUT OF ITS POSITION WITH A CLUB?
The two basic principles of the game of golf are play the ball as it lies and play the course as you find it, and when in doubt, do what's fair. The player should put his ball into play from the teeing ground and play only his ball and not touch it until it is holed. This local rule for a ball coming to rest in an aeration hole gives the player relief without penalty due to exceptional course circumstances which affect the proper playing of the game, but it is not a permit to "lift, clean and place". The local rule gives you relief without penalty, and players at our golf club should respect that allowance and play in accordance with that rule.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY FOUR-BALL results

Closest to the Hole
#3 Paul Balatti 5'8"
#5 Jason Shepherd 3'3"
#11 Casey Costello 9"
#14 David Murray 7'1"
#17 Greg Hauck 1'11"

Champions
Champions - Dwight Halden & Jeff Bloom 59
Runners-up - Steve Barker & Johnny Williams 62
Third Place - Pat Dugan & Jason Shepherd 63
Fourth Place - John Neff & Alan Eltringham 64* (*Tie determined by a scorecard playoff)

St. Patrick's Day Photos

BUNKER RENNOVATION UPDATE

By Dale Engman

One of the most important aspects of our current bunker renovation is drainage. With the recent extended wet weather our choice for our bunker liner, Better Billy Bunker, has really shined. Previously, after heavy rains we were shoveling sand back in place and dealing with bunkers that didn’t drain. The bunkers now drain beautifully and the only sand that has moved is from water running into the bunker. Along with increased playability following rain our labor savings is significant.

Notice the contrast of the fairway bunker on hole 13, which has not been renovated, with the others that have. It is incredibly rewarding to take on a project of this scope and see them perform to our expectations.

As a reminder, Spring Aeration is a week away and the Club will be closed from Monday April 4th through Thursday April 7th, reopening for play and normal operation Friday April 8th. A point of note; once aeration is complete we will be renovating all 8 of the green-side bunkers on hole 2! A mighty task indeed, but the plan is to renovate the bunkers and re-grass the entire green surrounds the weeks following aeration. We will establish a temporary green in the fairway to enable work to continue uninterrupted. Work is expected to take 4 weeks.

Bat boxes ON THE COURSE

By Ryan Hardin

Some of you may have noticed the addition of 2 large poles with grey boxes affixed to the top of them on holes 16 and 13.  I wanted to let you know what these boxes are and what purpose they serve.   

Mayacama is an Audubon certified cooperative sanctuary.  What this means is that we are responsible for being stewards of the environment through certain practices such as wildlife and habitat management, water conservation, chemical use reduction and safety as well as outreach and education.  One requirement for recertification is a case study that needs to be implemented and monitored over a two year period.  Our case study is about bats. These boxes have been designed specifically for the successful establishment of bat colonies.  The most common bat species for our area is the Mexican free tailed bat.  Our hope is to have them roosting by summer time but it could take up to two years for the bats to find their new homes.  Mexican free tailed bats have a high success rate of taking to bat boxes and with Mayacama being in a rural area we have an even higher percentage for success.  Bats are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem and by all means can help us here on the golf course. Bats eat a significant amount of insects each night and can actually reduce the number of pests while giving us the opportunity to reduce our pesticide use by eating these pests in a closer proximity to the golf course. 

We take pride in being able to enhance the natural surroundings of this naturally beautiful area and to support the eco system that thrives here at Mayacama.  I will be monitoring the boxes myself and will keep you updated as soon as we see activity.  If you have any questions feel free to send me an e-mail, I would be more than happy to discuss the project with you.  I hope everybody has a great spring season and I’ll see you on the course!

MAYACAMA TEAM TAKES FIFTH IN THE SEA ISLAND NATIONAL PRO-AM

The team from Mayacama Golf Club captured the fifth spot in the prestigious Sea Island National Pro-Am Golf Tournament. After a shaky start in cold and windy conditions in the first round at Ocean Forest Golf Club, site of the 2001 Walker Cup Matches, National Members Kriss Myers and Robert Dennis, Founding Member Kevin Bedsole and Head Golf Professional Ted Antonopoulos vaulted their way back into contention on day two at Frederica Golf Club by having the day's second best point total in the field with 120 points. The tournament format uses the Stableford Point System, taking the three best points of the four players, which means that all players need to be "in the game" to have a chance at success. The team from the Wine Country continued their good play into the final round on the Seaside Course at Sea Island, home of the PGA Tour's McGladery Classic by again firing the day's second best point total with 113 points and a fifth place overall finish in the elite twenty-six team field ... their best finish in the event. Winning the event for the second year in a row was the Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Florida, followed by Peachtree Golf Club, Wade Hampton Golf Club, Ocean Forest Golf Club and Mayacama Golf Club rounding out the top five. With their 327 point total, Mayacama also claimed the unofficial "California Cup" by finishing with the most points among the five teams competing from the Golden State, which included Burlingame Country Club (319), Cypress Point Club (315), The Olympic Club (289), and (fact check year) Champions San Francisco Golf Club (281).

Click Here for results.

GRIP IT AND RIP IT!

Have you checked your grips lately? Depending on the number of rounds you play in a year, players should have their clubs re-gripped AT LEAST once a year. Golf grips tend to wear over time, and the surface of the grips tends to lose its “tackiness”, causing players to grip their clubs tighter. Tight grip pressure leads to tension, and tension kills your golf swing. So ask a Member of the Professional Staff to take a quick look at your grips to see if they are in need of replacement. A full set of grips can usually be replaced overnight and can make a world of difference in your game. We have a full selection of grips from which to choose including putter grips, and all at competitive prices, so no need to shop elsewhere…we can provide this service for you for the same cost that you will find at off-course stores.

MAYACAMA JUNIOR PROGRAM MEMBER DANIEL CONNOLLY WINS THE 100th PLAYING OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to Mayacama Junior Golf Program Member Daniel Connolly, who won the San Francisco City Championship. Daniel won his final 36-hole final match in the rain at Harding Park. Connolly is a senior at Stuart Hall High in San Francisco and will be playing collegiate golf at SMU in the fall. He won the 100 playing of this prestigious championship after rolling in a birdie putt on the 35th hole for a 3 & 1 win over Noah Sheikh, who played his collegiate golf at the University of Oregon.

GOLF EVENT SCHEDULE 2016

APRIL
Spring Aeration 4/4 - 4/7 (Club & Course Closed)
The Caddie-Member 4/25 (click for electronic invitation)

MAY
Women's Golf Clinics 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25
The Vintner Cup "Draw Party" 5/13
The Vintner Cup 5/14 (click for electronic invitation)
Mayacama Cup Match Play Championships 5/26 - 5/30

JUNE
Schulz Celebrity Golf Classic 6/7
Junior Golf School 6/15 - 6/17
The Member-Member 6/24 & 6/25

JULY
Sip 'N Swing 7/1
Husband & Wife Club Championships 7/17
Junior Golf Boot Camp 7/27 - 7/29
The Parent-Child 7/30

AUGUST
Annual Champions' Dinner 8/25
Annual Championships of Mayacama Golf Club 8/26 - 8/28

SEPTEMBER
Sip 'N Swing 9/2
Women's Member-Guest Reception 9/8
Women's Member-Guest 9/9
Men's Member-Guest Reception 9/21
Men's Member-Guest 9/22 - 9/24

OCTOBER
Fall Aeration 10/3 - 10/6 (Club & Course Closed)

NOVEMBER
Men's Senior Club Championships 11/4 &11/5
Professional-Member Invitational 11/10 & 11/11

ONLINE SHOPPING

Visit our Online Golf Shop on the Member’s Only website to see offerings from brands such as Bobby Jones, BrooksBrothers, Club Glove, Donald Ross, Dunning, Fairway & Greene, Fore Kids, Golftini, J. Lindeberg, KJUS, SterlingCut Glass, and Zero Restriction to name a few. Whether for yourself or for choosing gifts for friends or family, your orders can be shipped to any address.

FIRST FRIDAY POUR: April Fool's Day!

Mayacama Living Room
Friday, April 1
5:30 - 6:30 pm

Join us for a fun April Fools' edition of the First Friday Pour. Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy, will be selecting a few wines to "fool" your taste buds. Enjoy wines and the spring weather with your fellow Members!

Complimentary Event
Registration: 707 569 2900 or Online
Dinner Reservations: 707 569 2931 or Reservations Online

Wine Dinner: Blackbird vineyards

Mayacama Dining Room
Saturday, April 23
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Join us for an amazing night filled with delicious wines and food. Chef Pikey will be featuring a fresh seasonal menu that will be sure to to pair perfectly with the wines from Blackbird Vineyards.

Reception: Rose of Bordeaux varietals and Red Blend Arise
First course: Sauvignon Blanc
Second: Red Blend, Paramour
Main: side by side red blends: Illustration and Contrarian
Dessert: RA Harrison Nobility

Event: $125++ per person
Registration: 707 569 2900 or Online

Kids' Night: Fine Art & Fun

Mayacama Clubhouse Kids’ Play Room
Saturday, April 23
6:00pm-8:30pm

Tonight we will let our creative side out by recreating some of arts’ most famous pieces. By generating an original work inspired by a masterpiece prompts children to experiment with different art techniques and stimulate their imagination. Artists like Michelangelo, Picasso, Rembrandt, van Gogh, and Monet will have nothing on our little artists. Join in the fun and you’ll have something to admire on the mantle at home!

Time line:
6:00-6:15pm - Arrival
6:15-6:45pm - Dinner
6:45-7:00pm - Clean Up
7:00-8:30pm - Art Projects and a Movie 

Event $25 per child
Dinner $20++ per child
Registration Required: 707 569 2908 or Online

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH REMINDER!

Mayacama Clubhouse 
Sunday, May 8
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Don't forget to spoil Mom and your whole family with our sensational Mother's Day Brunch! Make a relaxing Spa treatment appointment at 707 569 2920 for her during the weekend and she'll feel totally spoiled! Imagine us doing the cooking, mom is relaxing in the Spa, and the kids visiting Activities Director, Melinda Murray, to make mom a special gift!

$85++ per person
$25++ per child
Registration: 707 569 2900 or Register Online
Note: "Make Mom A Gift" is a separate registration (located here).
Spa treatments must be booked in advance with the Spa at 707 569 2920.

TENNIS CENTER ACITIVITIES

Summer is right around the corner and this warm weather has everyone looking for ways to spend more time outdoors. Come enjoy the sun and get a great workout with private tennis lesson or at our clinics. Here is some upcoming activities going on at the Swim & Tennis Center in April:

Adult Beginner Tennis Clinics
Every Saturday in April
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
$35 Per Person / Per Clinic

Mixed Doubles Tennis & Happy Hour
Friday, April 8th
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Mixed Doubles Tennis & Happy Hour
Friday, April 22nd
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Contact Luke Chiurco at 707 321 7139 or [email protected].

MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS

Are you or a loved one celebrating a milestone birthday this year? Make it extra special and let us help you plan an unforgettable party! We're even really good at surprises! Contact our Events Manager, Rebekah Reynoso at 707 569 2921 or [email protected] to coordinate a custom menu, cake, decor, and even music for a magical evening!

SPRING SPA SPECIAL

By D'Arcy Connich

This spring the Mayacama Spa welcomes you to enjoy a complimentary Seaweed Detoxifying Foot Treatment with any 80-Minute Massage or Facial. This seaweed-based mud supplies sluggish cells with all indexed trace elements and minerals to jump-start enzymatic reactions, and revitalize normal cellular functions. As the cells absorb the powerful complex of nutrients and balance is achieved, cellular response becomes energized enough to eliminate stored metabolic waste. Leave this winter and all the flu’s and colds holding your body down! Detox and start this summer fresh, and beautiful!

Feel like 80 minutes is just not enough? Book a 100 minute Massage and enjoy a Reflexology treatment after your Detox Mask is removed!

Appointments: 707 569 2920 or [email protected]

Note: Therapists in the Spa may accept cash gratuity as there is no service charge percentage automatically added to treatments.

Health Tip for 2016

Did you know…mild dehydration (<5% loss of body weight) can account for lack of energy, weakness, muscle soreness, rapid pulse and rough dry skin. Water losses of 9-12% total body weight can be fatal. The body can lose 2 quarts of water per hour with strenuous exercise. If fluids are not replaced, the body’s cells will lose water, which will lead to dehydration and overheating. An average adult needs to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water per day. Coffee, soda pop and alcohol are dehydrators. For every glass of these beverages that you drink, you need to drink an extra glass of water to compensate.

WINE NOTES

By Jeff McCarthy

Mayacama is proud to announce our new wine education classes to our Members and their guests! This can be a great addition to your overall “Wine Country Experience” while visiting the Club.  We encourage you to view the list of customizable classes we have below to see which ones you would like to attend. Wine education classes are offered Tuesday through Saturday with advanced reservations. The costs of these classes will cover the wines used, any food served and any vehicle charges for field trips, winery visits, etc.

The Aromas of Wine: Le Nez du Vin
Experience the aromas found in wine, where they come from, what they mean and how that translates to the dinner table.  The Le Nez du Vin is a PROFESSIONAL WINE SENSORY KIT. The taste of wine derives from its chemical composition and its grapes, as well as wine making techniques and aging methods. Using a mixture of scents and descriptions, the kit helps wine tasters learn about the aromas that characterize different wines. The Le Nez Du Vin helps people awaken their curiosity for odors and helps then recognize those aromas found in wine.  The introductory class will feature a specific varietal. 1 hour, limited to 10 people.

Farming for Flavors:
How does farming affect the flavors of wine.  We will discuss mechanized farming vs sustainable farming and look at the effects of different farming philosophies and how as they translate to the quality of wine and the health of the vineyard. Sustainability is the future of Viticulture with all Sonoma County Wineries and Vineyards being certified sustainable by 2019.  Seminar includes a field trip hosted by the Wine Director.   3 hours, limited to 10 people.   

Introduction to Viticulture:
A beginner’s look at viticulture/farming. Based on the time of year, topics covered include planting, pruning, trellising, spacing, types of vine training, green harvest, pest control etc.. Includes a field trip to different vineyards in Sonoma County. When possible, hands on experiences will be offered.   3 hours, limited to a maximum of 10 people.   

The Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley:
Sonoma County has more diverse soils and micro-climates than the entire country of France.  Each of the five Russian River neighborhoods offer different soil types and weather which affects styles and flavors.  You will taste wine from each neighborhood and learn what sets each one apart.  Wines from each neighborhood will be tasted and discussed.  1 hour, limited to 12 people. 

Hillside vs. Valley Floor:
Taste and discuss the influences of terroir in Napa Valley Cabernets by exploring the differences between hillside vineyards verses valley floor vineyards. Learn how these different regions affect flavors and styles of wine and learn how these wines pair with food and the best time to serve each.   Well know wines will be tasted and discussed.  1hour, limited to 24 people.

Sonoma Coast vs. Russian River Valley:
Taste and discuss the influences of terroir on Pinot Noir and/or Chardonnay.  We will note the differences in flavors and acids and how these wines translate to the dinner table. This seminar can influence how you shop for wines and raise your food and wine IQ.  1 hour, limited to 25 people.

Regional Challenges:
Taste varietals from different regions and vote for your favorites.  Explore Napa vs. Sonoma, cool vs warmer regions, north vs south or Old World vs New World.  This is a great event for groups of 10-40 as a pre-dinner gathering/reception.  Larger groups can also plan a dinner around this seminar.  This seminar can range from casual to interactive based on group preferences.  1 hour or more.

The Six Senses of Wine Tasting:
Learn to taste wine like a Sommelier and by using their tasting methodology learn how they identify the components of wine and determine the varietal, age, and place of origin.  How do Somms use the five senses as well as discussing the sixth sense….the intrinsic ability of the winemaker to see beyond a barrel of crushed grapes to create that special cuvee.  1- 1 ½ hours. 

The Debate:
Taste three Cabernet Sauvignons made by the same winemaker, using the same vinification techniques but farmed from three different Andy Beckstoffer Vineyards in the Napa Valley.  Discover the differences terroir makes on the flavors and quality of wine and “debate” which one you think is the best of the three.  1 hour. 

WINE STORAGE MADE EASY

Every year, especially around the All Vintner Pour, our Members sometimes find themselves in a quandary; wanting to buy more great wines but you have limited space in your wine locker or additional storage. While the wine lockers at Mayacama are a great benefit to our members, they’re not designed to handle the volume our Members have come to need.

This year, Mayacama has partnered with Oeno Vaults, a concierge-level wine cellaring experience that is seamless, convenient, comforting and cost-effective for our wine collectors.  Developed and operated by a trio of fellow Mayacama members (the Costello family), this service was created from the insights they gained as owners and operators in Sonoma County’s leading self-storage company and as investors and managing partners in one of our region’s most distinguished wineries, Kosta Browne.  With their experience they have created an ideal solution for receiving, storing, tracking and shipping bottles from within your private wine collection.

Once your locker a Mayacama reaches capacity, Oeno Vaults can handle the overflow.  They will pick up your wine from Mayacam and store it in your own secure, temperature/humidity controlled wine vault.  You can track your inventory at any time using their state-of-the-art app on your computer or mobile device. The app also allows you to have specific wines pulled to be shipped anywhere in the world or brought to the Club to be placed in your residence, wine locker or served at your dinner table.

Contact our Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy, at 707 569 2906 or [email protected] regarding this new and exciting service.

MEMBERSHIP REFERRAL PROGRAM

The Mayacama Referral Program awards Members with a Club Credit when they refer a new Member to the Club. If you would like to refer someone to explore Mayacama Membership, please send your referrals to [email protected] and your Club Representative will be happy to extend to them an invitation to Membership on your behalf.

Referral Rewards:
Social Membership Referral - $350
Non-Refundable Membership Referral - $350
Charter & National Membership Referral - $1,000
Residence Membership Referral - $10,000

CLICK HERE to view all the different ways you could spend a $10,000 Club credit!

For information on all membership and ownership opportunities at Mayacama, please contact our sales team at 707 569 2950 or [email protected].

LET US KNOW

The Mayacama Connection brings you news and updates about Mayacama Golf Club and the wonderful events we have planned for you and your family. We hope that this newsletter and the website reflects our passion for making Mayacama the best Club in the country. We very much want to hear your comments or suggestions. Feel free to drop us a note at [email protected] and we will be glad to follow-up. Thank you in advance for your time, consideration, and input.

If you need assistance to log on to the Members Only Website, please contact Alicia Minkel at [email protected]. Please note that all menus and event activities listed are subject to change. Unless otherwise noted, cancellations for events or Spa treatments made less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows may be charged in full.

Mayacama | 1240 Mayacama Club Drive | Santa Rosa, CA 95403
www.mayacama.com