COURSE UPDATE

Fall has finally arrived, and those of us in golf course maintenance couldn’t be happier. This summer was a challenging one, as most who have seen the course recently can attest. With temperatures consistently in the mid 90’s for much of the summer and 21 days above 100 degrees, it kept us on our toes.

For the most part, the golf course handled it well. The new greens proved challenging to manage in the heat but with our team diligently monitoring moisture levels daily we got through the worst of it without issue. We did however, lose some turf in the fairways. Those of you who have played recently will surely have noticed the spotty turf coverage in some of the fairways. This is the result of the heat. Most of the poa that was growing has checked out, a good thing, as well as some of our more desirable Ryegrass. All of the grasses we grow here are all cool-season grasses and prefer warm days with cool nights. They perform best when they have a chance to recover at night from the heat of the day and tend to suffer when temperatures stay warm at night. This was the case for a lot of those hot stretches. We did not get the cooling that some of the Ryegrass needs and in those areas that tend to be regularly stressed we lost turf. While this is not ideal, we are making a concerted effort to get seed in the ground and get grass in those areas where we lost turf.

The plan going forward is to overseed the fairways most affected first, and continue until turf coverage is 100%. This work has begun and will continue into and through aeration week (October 9 - 12). This is the perfect time to do it. Starting in September, conditions for seeding are ideal with warm days and long cool nights that allow the seed to stay moist and germinate without the hot afternoons drying it out.

We’ve also been addressing some irrigation issues that showed up during the summer heat. Over time sprinklers and nozzles begin to wear, and distribution uniformity and overall performance suffer. We have started to see this and have been replacing many of our 2,100 sprinkler heads with new, upgraded models with the latest technology. We started with the 8th fairway and have seen promising results.

Our efforts for aeration this year, October 9 - 12, will be to focus on seeding and topdressing fairways. We will, of course, aerate greens, but our efforts outside of the greens will be to establish dense turf with a concerted seeding effort followed by topdressing of fairways. A bit of a change from previous years but the end result will be a cleaner finished product immediately after aeration and good turf coverage in the weeks and months following.

- Dale Engman, Superintendent

GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Join us for Mayacama's first Great Pumpkin Festival! The courtyard will be filled with an abundance of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes that we will use at this festive Fall event. Participants will have a ball with pumpkin bowling, pumpkin putt-putt, pumpkin painting, and other pumpkin surprises! Costumes are encouraged for all ages and prizes will be given to those who have the most creative, the scariest and most unique look of their own. The whole family will enjoy making their version of the ultimate hot chocolate at our hot chocolate bar before taking an adventure on a hayride from 3 - 5 pm. Buffet dinner with Chef Scott's creations will be available at 4 pm. We look forward to seeing you in your unique Halloween look on October 28!

Price $35++ per adult
Price $25++ per child
Registration: 707.569.2900 or Online

FIRST FRIDaY POUR: Dutcher crossing winery
FRIDAY, November 3
5:30 - 6:30 PM

Vintner Member Dutcher Crossing Winery represents an authentic and enjoyable experience for wine-lovers who visit the beautiful Dry Creek Valley. The perfect blend of award-winning wines, gorgeous wine country views and warm hospitality await visitors.

Proprietor Debra Mathy can often be found welcoming guests with Dutchess, her Golden Lab, sidekick and official greeter. Winemaker Kerry Damskey’s small-lot, select vineyard approach to winemaking can be learned and enjoyed in the tasting room. In short, Dutcher Crossing offers the timeless qualities of an artisan approach to life. Get a taste of what Dutcher Crossing has to offer at our November First Friday Pour.

Registration: 707.569.2900 or Online

SAVE THE DATE

THANKSGIVING FEAST
THURSDAY, November 23
2:30 - 5:00 pm

Spend your Thanksgiving at Mayacama with a bountiful family feast. An email with registration details and seating times will be sent in early October.

FALL RELEASE PARTY
SATURDAY, November 25
4:00 - 8:00 pm

Our Eighth Annual Fall Release Party is just around the corner. Join us in our wine cave to taste new releases and club favorites. More details to come in October!

KIDS NIGHT: MAD SCIENCE
SUNDAY, November 25
4:00 - 8:30 pm

Join us for a magical night in the Kids Room! We will perform our own science experiments, invent take-home magical creations, and have a visit from a real Mad Scientist. The Mad Scientist will excite us all with a Fire & Ice show! This show of two extremes is a spectacular demonstration of "magical" chemical potions, the wonders of dry ice and the dynamics of air pressure. Some of the topics at this magical show will include "The Three States of Matter," "A Gassy Taste Test," and "A Super Exciting Bubbling Potion." Overall, this night is sure to engage and excite all the Mayacama Kids! Dinner is provided along with the fun.

Price: Event $50 per child
Dinner $20++ per child
Registration: 707.569.2900 or Online

NEWS

PARENT-CHILD RECAP

The 2017 Parent-Child saw the largest field of players since the event began five years ago, with 19 teams competing in the various divisions. The event pairs any combination of Mayacama Parent, Child or Grandchild. Players play in one of two divisions based on their ages and ability. The event focuses on the camaraderie between the family members and offers them a chance to compete but more importantly, share the day together with a fun round of golf. In addition to the tournament prizes and the great hors d’oeuvres offered at the Awards Reception, each player receives a commemorative photo of their Parent-Child Team as a special keepsake, reminding players for years to come about the great day that they spent together here at Mayacama.

To view all the phtos from the tournament, click here. 

18-HOLE DIVISION

IT’S ALL-WRIGHT IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
Mike and Stephen Wright claim their second Parent-Child Championship title by winning the Championship Flight in the 2017 Parent-Child Championship. The Wrights combined for an impressive score of 76 in the Pinehurst Stroke Play Format. In this format, both players tee off, play each other’s second shot and choose one ball to be played alternately into the hole. The format, also used in the Husband & Wife Club Championship truly identifies the best Parent-Child team since both partners must contribute to the team score.

FEENEY/JOHNSON COMBINE TO TAKE THE MAYACAMA FLIGHT
Tina Feeney and her son Alex Johnson teamed up to take the Mayacama Flight in the Parent-Child by firing an impressive net score of one under par at 71. Feeney/Johnson finished one stroke ahead of the Runner-Up duo of Russell and Aaron Ingrum.

9-HOLE DIVISION

TEAM NEWLANDS REPEAT AS CHAMPIONS
EDGING OUT TEAM BARKER IN SCORECARD PLAYOFF
National Members Bill and Sam Newlands successfully defended their Parent-Child Title by outlasting Steve and Henry Barker in a Sudden-Death Scorecard Playoff. Both teams combined for a 9-hole scramble score of 42. Ties in 9-hole Division are broken by a matching of cards, and Team Newlands edged out the Barkers to claim their second consecutive Parent-Child Championship. Finishing one back with a score of 43 was the team of Steve and Kate Barker.

WOMEN'S MEMBER GUEST RECAP

SONJA PANG AND SHAYNE KOLLINS 2017 OVERALL MEMBER-GUEST CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to Mayacama National Member Sonja Pang and guest Shayne Kollins of Irvine California (Shady Canyon Golf Club) for winning the 2017 Women’s Member-Guest. Pang and Kollins finished one point ahead of Second Flight Winners Lisa French and guest Kelly Stromgren of Santa Rosa, California (Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club). Taking the Third Flight were Lindsey Krystofiak and guest Jolene Linder of Berkeley Country Club.

Using the Stableford format, the Member-Guest was expanded to a two-day event this year and all agreed that the expanded format led to more fun, camaraderie and gifts! Players eased into the tournament by playing a first-round, two-person scramble. Day Two format consisted of a better-ball of two and points for the two days were combined for the team score. The field was divided into three flights and the “Overall Champions” are determined by the team scoring the most points. Many thanks to all of our Members and Guests for a great two days and a memorable tournament!

To view more photos from the tournament, click here.

Women’s Member-Guest Final Results

First Flight Winners & Overall Champions
Sonja Pang & Shayne Kollins (85 points)

Runner-Up
Anne Friedemann & Kathy Murphy

Second Flight Champions
Lisa French & Kelly Stromgren (84 points)

Runner-Up
Carol Hansel & Heather Demarinis

Third Flight Champions
Lindsey Krystofiak & Jolene Linder (81 points)

Runner-Up
Georganne Proctor & Wanda Alary

SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

SENIOR DIVISION

JOHN HAMM – MEN’S SENIOR CLUB CHAMPION!
John Hamm captures his first Mayacama Title by winning the Men’s Senior Club Championship. Course conditions were firm and fast on Day One when Hamm led the field with an opening round of 79. Final round conditions were a bit different as fog hovered over and on the course for most of the morning, but that didn’t deter Hamm, who fired another 79 for a three-stroke victory over Runner-Up Rick Herbert.

MENELL SURVIVES PLAYOFF FOR FIRST MAYACAMA TITLE
Peter Menell’s performance in Mayacama tournaments has been steadily on the rise. His opening round of net 68, his best-ever Mayacama tournament performance, put him atop the leaderboard after round one in the Mayacama Flight of the Senior Club Championship. But a few bad Mayacama bounces left him with a two-day total of 151 and feeling seemingly out of it. However, that was enough to send him into extra holes. Tied with Rick Herbert, the two had to continue with a sudden death playoff. After missing his bid for par on the first hole of the playoff, Herbert could only watch as the Cal Professor studied and then made his downhill 7-footer for the win and his first Mayacama Championship Title.

SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION

REININGA CLAIMS ANOTHER SENIOR TITLE
John Reininga continues his winning ways by taking the Super-Senior Division of the Men’s Senior Club Championship. His name will appear on the trophy for the 6th time with his Super-Senior Title by taking down the field with a score of 85-79 164.

MURRAY ENTERS THE MAYACAMA WINNERS CIRCLE
Mike Murray’s opening round of net 71 was enough to put him atop the leaderboard in the Mayacama Flight of the Super-Senior Division. He followed that up with net 77 and a two-day total of four over par for 148, good enough for a four-stroke victory over Runner-Up Jim Shepherd.

To view more photos of the tournament, click here.

FINAL RESULTS

Senior Championship
Champion: John Hamm 79–79 = 158
Runner-Up: Rick Herbert 83–78 = 161

Mayacama Flight
Champion: Peter Menell 68–83 = 151
Flight Runner-Up: Rick Herbert 78–73 = 151

Super-Senior Championship
Champion: John Reininga 85–79 = 164

Super-Senior Mayacama Flight
Champion: Mike Murray 71–77 = 148
Runner-Up: Jim Shepherd 79–73 = 152

COURSE RATING UPDATE

The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) Rating Team returned to Mayacama in July to rerate our golf course for course rating and slope for Men. We were happy to welcome the rating team back to Mayacama and excited about two of their Members…Mayacama Caddies Pete Imbs and Dale Soria. While The USGA dictates that courses are rerated every 10 years, the NCGA typically rerates golf courses every six years.

The process begins with an obstacle evaluation of the 10 obstacle factors on the golf course that affect the playing difficulty. Those obstacles include:

• Topography
• Fairways
• Green Target
• Rough and Recoverability
• Bunkers
• Out of Bounds/Extreme Rough
• Water
• Trees
• Green Surface
• Psychology

The team then measures each hole for accurate yardages. Yardage is the predominant factor in determining ratings.

For a detailed explanation of the course rating process and an explanation on the differences between the USGA course rating and the slope rating of a golf course, please visit the USGA Link below:

The New Men’s Course Ratings Effective October 1, 2017
Back Tee Markers: 73.9/152
The Plates: 71.7/141
Middle Tee Markers: 71.5/138
The Forward/Senior Plates: 70.3/133
“Commish Tees”: 68.5/119
Forward Tee Markers (Men): 65.4/119

Women’s Course Rating/Slope, "HELP IS ON THE WAY"

Since day one at Mayacama, way back in 2001, our opinion of the women’s course rating and slope rating for Mayacama Golf Club has strongly differed from the team of raters who rate our course for Women. While the NCGA rating team rates the courses in Northern California for men, the women’s course rating and slope are determined by a separate organization – The Women’s Golf Association of Northern California (WGANC). While the WGANC and NCGA use the same general criteria to ascertain a course’s slope and course rating, the yardage factor, in my opinion, weighs too heavily in determining the final totals.

With each rating visit to Mayacama, and there have been three such ratings performed by the WGANC, we have pointed out that in spite of the seemingly short yardage of Mayacama from the forward tee, the “resistance to scoring” factor should receive greater consideration when determining the course rating and slope. However, this request has always fallen on deaf ears. There are two cases in point which support our theory for higher course rating/slope:

HOME & HOME MATCHES
A perfect example of how our Women's Course Rating/Slope does not accurately reflect the difficulty of Mayacama Golf Club was found in a Women's inter-club match that we played with another club many years ago. Our women visited another Bay Area club with a course/slope rating of 71.9/126. A player with a USGA Index of 24.0 would receive 27 strokes at that course. That same player at Mayacama, with a course rating/slope of 69.0/129 would also receive 27 strokes. And yet according to the two course ratings, the other course actually plays 2.9 strokes more difficult, and that is based strictly on yardage (5,554 yards vs. Mayacama at 4795 yards). However, in spite of the difference in yardage, our women consistently scored lower at the other course, and their women scored considerably higher at Mayacama. Several factors led to the difference in playability of the two courses.

• Mayacama has a large number forced carries compared to the other course. Consider holes like our 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th.
• Mayacama has extremely deep bunkers, where it often requires a second attempt and possibly more to get the ball out.
• Mayacama has more undulation in and around the greens, making “up & down” extremely more difficult.
• Mayacama has a combination of tight lies, thick primary rough, and extreme “native rough."
• Mayacama is a walking only course, worthy of consideration due to the elevation changes and the effect it has on fatigue later in the round.

NATIONAL MEMBERS WHO ESTABLISH THEIR HANDICAPS AT OTHER “HOME CLUBS”
Many of our Members are multi-club members and establish their handicap at their other “Home Club” where the majority of their rounds are played. Often times, their handicap indexes are usually established at a course with a rating that is higher than our 69.0 course rating, resulting in a lower handicap index. As an example, a Mayacama Member shoots a score of 90 at her “other” home course which has a course rating of 71.9. That gives her a differential of 18.1 (difference between the course rating and her score). A Mayacama “local” Member shoots a 90 at Mayacama with a rating of 69.0. That gives her a differential of 21, which is three strokes higher than the other player. The "differential is what is used to determine a player's Handicap Index, and in this case, the Mayacama "local" Member benefits from the lower course rating, and the “National Member” has a greater challenge competing because Mayacama plays more difficult than its 69.0 course rating reflects.

HELP IS ON THE WAY!
Beginning in 2018, the WGANC and the NCGA will combine their efforts in course rating. All future ratings for women will come through one organization, the NCGA.

For the past several years, we have been lobbying hard for a more consistent system which will accurately reflect the “resistance to scoring” for women at Mayacama, and we feel that with this change will do just that. The current course rating has done nothing to promote our events where National Members are concerned. This is because many feel that the golf course plays much more difficult that the course rating reflects. We have requested that our course be listed among the first that will be rated once the new rating teams are established in 2018, and hope that the new ratings will reflect the playability of the course and level the playing field for all Members.

- Ted Antonopolous, Golf Professional

UPCOMING EVENTS

Men's Member-Guest
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Wednesday, October 4
12:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Early Registration in the Clubhouse
Summit Brands Tee Prize Distribution and Trunk Show – Living Room
7:30 am – 2:00 pm: Practice Rounds & Optional Skins Game
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Welcome Cocktail Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres – Back Terrace Skills Competitions featuring Long Drive and Closest to the Hole
Evening Reception for Players Only

Thursday, October 5
7:30 am – 10:30 am: Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am –11:30 am: Starting times for first round matches
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Lunch is served
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Starting times for second round Matches
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Players Cocktail Reception & hors d’oeuvres
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Players Bar-B-Que

Friday, October 6
7:30 am – 10:30 am: Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am –11:30 am: Starting times for third round matches
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Lunch is served
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Starting times fourth round Matches
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Players Cocktail Reception & hors d’oeuvres

Saturday, October 7
7:30 – 9:00 am:  Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am:   Shotgun Start for final round matches
12:00 pm:  Lunch is served
2:00 pm:  Shoot-Out for Flight Winners
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Awards Dinner at Mayacama Golf Club – Music by The Rowan Brothers

SAVE THE DATE

PROFESSIONAL - MEMBER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 - Friday, NOVEMBER 10

Mayacama Golf Club cordially invites you to compete in the Professional-Member Golf Tournament.

Schedule to be posted shortly.

Registration: 707.569.2915 or on the Foretees App.

SKIN CARE

We’re excited to announce the arrival of our new face and body products! Skinceuticals will be phasing out over the next few weeks as we introduce Michele Corley Clinical Skincare and Tara Spa Therapy. These products offer amazing results utilizing the cleanest, most efficacious ingredients. Say hello to going 'au naturale,' keeping it clean and simple! Your exclusive spa is proud to feature local, natural brands that represent the bounty and beauty of California.

“Each Michele Corley Clinical Skincare product is crafted with care and consideration to the health and well-being of the skin. The ingredients I choose must come from the most natural sources available, and their effectiveness proven”. ~Michele Corley

“Nourishing ourselves, treating ourselves kindly, and honoring our body; all lead to cultivating a more loving relationship with self and a deeper wisdom for making right choices in our lives”. ~Tara Grodjesk, Tara Spa Therapy

Over the coming weeks, we will be educating and guiding our team on the new products and services being offered. After all providers are extensively trained, we will debut our new spa menu for you to enjoy!

Special discount on all Skinceuticals products in October (while supplies last!): 25% OFF

Michele Corley has thoughtfully crafted a comparison list of her products to make it easier for you to find an excellent replacement when visiting Mayacama.

VILLA CONSTRUCTION GALLERY

We are continuing to make great progress with our first phase of construction. We currently have one unit approximately 80% framed, another unit’s foundation completed, and are in the beginning stages of digging footers for a third unit! We will continue to update you on the progress and as always, we appreciate your patience on and off the golf course while we are in the middle of construction.

5740 COTTAGE RIDGE

This Tuscan estate with its exquisite finishes has stunning panoramic views of the golf course. A gracious courtyard with lily pond welcomes you as you enter the property. Fine interior details include high beam ceilings, reclaimed hickory pecan floors, gourmet kitchen with expansive butlers pantry and an oversized master suite with two walk-in closets. Designed with provincial elegance for stylish living and entertaining, the floor plan takes in an impressive grand entry, stunning living room with french doors to outdoor terraces, formal dining room with a walk-in 2000+ bottle wine cellar complete with ambient lighting. The meticulous grounds include a covered terrace with outdoor fireplace, pool and spa with cascading waterfalls, pool cabana and attached guest suite for 4th bedroom, office or gym. This property is truly breathtaking.

For more information, contact Mary Anne Veldkamp with Coldwell Banker at [email protected] or Tim Hoffmann at 707.569.2954 or [email protected].

Hillside homes and lots for sale OR RENT Click HERE

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!

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 Bryan Bell 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