Commission Members in Attendance:
Brit Lawlor – Chairman
Kevin Lauretti – Handicap/Course Assessment
Joe Dabrowski – Greens
Jeff Nagel – Membership/Course Assessment
Mike Mislin – Violations
Ryan Stanley – Tournaments
Tara Ford – Women’s Locker Room & Beverage
Others in Attendance:
Jimmy Von Eschen – Director of Golf
John Mackie – Assistant Golf Professional
Chris Johnson – Golf Course Superintendent
Ray Fell – Village Mayor/Member
Nathan Rohrmeier – Village Trustee
John Daley – Member
Mike Dioguardo – Member
Gabe Gallo – Member
Vic Cisario – Member
Michelle Lemoal-Gray – Member
Arlene Trigg – Member
Tony Sorrentino – Member
Lee Redvanly – Member
Pat Comiskey – Member
Jim Scordamaglia – Member
Ralph Gallo – Member
Motion to start meeting by Jeff Nagel 2nds it; accepted by Brit Lawlor. Meeting officially starts at 6:01PM.
Chairman Report, presented by Brit Lawlor
Mr. Lawlor begins the meeting by welcoming the crowd back to another golf season, hoping for another successful golf season down at Bellport. Brit continues, mentioning the Winter Projects on holes 4 & 5, says that unfortunately, these projects ran a little late due to the timing of the project. Brit says that living in the NorthEast makes it tough to grow grass during the Winter/Early Spring but is hopeful that the holes will be open by the end of April. Brit would like to thank Chris, Parkland Golf and the rest of the crew for being able to take on the project; especially with it turning into a bigger project than originally expected.
Moving on, Brit says that there have been 4 requests for leaves, all of which happened prior to April 1st. Brit continues, listing that Joe Agostinello, Dom Carreras, Joe Luppino and Chris Cavanaugh all asked for leaves due to medical reasons. Brit mentions that all 4 leaves will be granted and if the individuals decide to come back this season, their membership will be prorated according to the leave policy.
Violations Report, presented by Mike Mislin
Nothing to report.
Handicap/Course Assessment Report, presented by Kevin Lauretti
Nothing to report.
Women’s Locker Room & Beverage Report, presented by Tara Ford
Nothing to report
Tournaments Report, presented by Ryan Stanley
Ryan begins by welcoming everybody back to another exciting golf season. Mr. Stanley says that in April, we only have our annual Masters event; that event will be held on the Saturday of the Masters (you will sign up in the Starter’s Booth that morning). Ryan states that it will be your Net score on Saturday plus the final round score of 3 players competing in the Masters. Additionally, in the month of May, we have our Ryder Cup (Saturday, May 6th), President’s Cup (Saturday, May 20th) and the Team 4-Ball (Saturday May 27th). Ryan finishes by stating that the Summer Match Play Tournament sign up will begin in the month of May, with the rest of the tournament schedule being posted both online and via the club’s opening email.
Greens/Course Assessment Report, presented by Joe Dabrowski
Joe welcomes the crowd and thanks them for coming. He then thanks Chris and his crew for their work in cleaning up the golf course from the Winter, already being able to add some sand to some bunkers, let alone the Winter project. In regards to the Winter project, Joe says that the delay was in getting the sod. Continuing, Joe says that the company that we were getting the sod from, claimed that it was too wet, resulting in us receiving the sod a couple weeks later than anticipated. Joe mentions that the fescue sod for the front of 5 has come in today and that will begin going down in the beginning of next week. To close the Winter Project update, Joe mentions that prior to opening the holes, Chris will hydro-seed the back of the bunker, going all the way to the 5th tee. Additionally, he will add sand to the back bunker.
In regards to the WetJect/TopChanger that we tried on Monday, Joe states that the sand was a little thicker than what was ordered and we were unable to get the operation done. Joe states that we are looking to move this operation to a later day this month and if not, we will do our standard Spring Aeration on April 17th and 18th.
Membership Report, presented by Jeff Nagel
Jeff mentions that it is nice to see such a crowd for the first meeting of the season; he continues stating that membership is strong with a total of 396 members, with over 250 on the waiting list. With close to 400 members, Jeff says that the club has brought in over 1.8 million dollars in revenue through strictly membership. With 20 new members coming in this year, Jeff says that the club is very strong and capped out (besides Residents who can join whenever). Jim Von Eschen mentions that last year at this time, membership was at 410 and that we are getting closer to our 370 – 380 goal.
Director of Golf Report, presented by Jim Von Eschen
Jim Von Eschen begins by thanking Joe Dabrowski, as he covered a lot of the topics Jim had. Mr. Von Eschen says that we’ve been trying to get the golf course back into shape from the Winter. Additionally, he states that we are currently trying to secure a 4-million-dollar grant to tackle the erosion project. Continuing, Jim states that the Village is in the beginning process of getting a land survey to see what we can actually build on. Once we know more information, Jim says that we will communicate that accordingly. Jim says that the erosion project is necessity number one as we are continuing to lose area by 9 green, 10 green, 11 tee and 13 fairway; securing that grant is a huge step to solving this problem. Jim introduces Nathan Rohrmeier, a Bellport Village Trustee who will act as a liaison to the golf course.
Superintendents Report, presented by Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson begins by saying he is looking forward to some warmer weather and grass growing season. With the Winter project, Chris says that they were able to be very productive and they’re excited to see them finished and open, hopefully towards the end of April. He continues stating that their Assistant Superintendent, Steve Furnuex has moved on from BGC as he got an opportunity to work at Bethpage Black, with the Ryder Cup prep team, so we’re proud to see him move on. Lastly, Chris mentions that there will be some new faces out there in his crew. Chris asks that the membership be patient with some of the newer crew members as they learn the ins and out of the club.
Before turning it over the crowd, Brit would like to thank Mayor Ray Fell for all the time and effort he has done over his tenure in office. Brit says that when Ray became a Village Trustee, he asked Brit to come along on the commission, stating that they were going to make some big changes. Brit can’t explain to membership how much Ray has done for not just the golf course, but for the Village as a whole. Ray steps in and would like to thank the Golf Commission for all of their work during his time as well. Stating that this commission has put their personal views aside and has always done what is best for the golf course as a whole. Bringing up the most recent project on holes 4 and 5, Ray thanks Jimmy and Chris for going over and meeting with the family behind the 4th green. Ray says that they went over there multiple times, to try and ease any pain for the homeowners, making sure we got permission from them and ultimately being good neighbors. Jim Von Eschen also thanks the homeowner by the 4th tee for allowing us to take some trees down is their yard as well. Ray finishes by saying that the 4th and 5th greens will be a pleasure to play when they’re open and thanks Chris, Parkland, Jimmy and the entire Golf Commission for their work with the last two Winter Projects.
Comments from the Crowd
Gabe Gallo – Mr. Gallo asks for an exact time line in regards to holes 4 and 5 opening. Joe Dabrowski says that once the grass knits, we’ll be able to play those holes, but not the new areas yet. Joe will not pick an exact date as this is all weather related. Joe finishes by reminding everybody that the new areas will be ground under repair until it is completely ready. Vic Cisario asks is all of the sod on 4 and 5 will be green to which Joe says that most of it will indeed be green but it really depends on where sprinkler heads are. Tony Sorrentino asks what the difference between last years project on 18 and this year’s project is as far as when we will be able to play off of these areas. Both Joe Dabrowski and Brit Lawlor state that since last years project was seeded compared to the sod that was laid this year, this project should open sooner. Tony disagrees with this and believes we should just rope off the area and tell players not to go on it. Brit then asks Chris about a timeline for opening, to which he essentially repeats what Mr. Dabrowksi has stated (once the sod knits, etc.). Brit explains to Tony and the rest of the crowd that unfortunately, we have members who do not follow instructions and because of this, we will proceed with these two holes being closed for the time being. Brit states that although it may be disappointing to only play 16 holes for a short while, this is a project that is going to last for 50 plus years, so a little patience will go a long way. Jim Von Eschen states that if members really need to, they can play the 1st hole from 150 yards and the 2nd hole at 275 yards to replicate the 4th and 5th.
Mike Dioguardo – Mike asks the commission how they should be scoring these holes for posting purposes. Kevin Lauretti says that those holes will be scored as “Net Par” per the USGA. The USGA states that an 18-hole score should be posted if you finish 13 or more holes.
Pat Comiskey – `Pat begins by bringing up the request that a handful of Women brought to the Golf Commission – they wish that the Women’s Tournament Day get moved from Tuesday, to Thursday. Pat continues, based on her survey, a large portion of the Women would like to see that change but when the tournament schedule got released, it showed the Women playing on Tuesdays still. Pat is offended that nothing was said and no reasoning was given despite the fact that she went through the proper process. Brit mentions that he has received messages from other female members who have requested that it stayed on Tuesday. Brit continues, stating that Thursday has become one of the busiest days of the week down at the club. Tara Ford chimes in, stating that for the administration of the golf course, it makes more sense for it to be conducted on Tuesday, not necessarily what is better for the women. Tara continues, saying that this decision has nothing to do with emails being sent or not being sent but what is best for the golf course. Michelle Lemoal-Gray reiterates what Pat has already stated and she is interested in hearing what administrative issues are hindering this change. Joe Dabrowski mentions that the Pro Shop blocks out a chunk of times on Tuesday, both before and after the Tournament so that nobody is directly in front or behind them. Pat Comiskey mentions that the ladies already block out a good portion of times on Thursdays as is and they are not slowing down the course on Thursdays. Tara would like everybody who is in attendance to know that it is not the Women that hold up the golf course. Brit gets control over the room and says that the four busiest days at the course currently are Thursday through Sunday and although the Women may get times on Thursdays, right now there is a chance that others can get between them (whereas on Tuesday, it is blocked well in advance). Brit continues by asking the Women in attendance, who runs the Women’s Club (different than the Women’s Tournament Day)? Pat Comiskey states the Pro Shop while Jim Von Eschen says that he thought Angela was the head of the Women’s Club. Pat then asks if they were entitled to an answer to which Brit says that he gives answers at each Golf Commission meeting. Tara Ford believes that they should have received an answer a state that as she doesn’t have a dog in the fight, considering she doesn’t play on the Women’s Tournament Day. Brit mentions that he received the survey second hand and not through a direct email, despite Pat saying she emailed him directly. Concluding, Brit says that this year, the Women’s Tournament Day will not be held on Thursday and will stay with the Tuesday slot.
John Daley – Mr. Daley starts the year off talking about the HVAC industry, specifically the air conditioning inside Peter’s on the Green. John is requesting that there is air conditioning by July so that the commission does not have to hear it from him during the Summer. Brit mentions that this is something for Mike Cioffi but unfortunately, he is not here tonight. Kevin Lauretti says that new units got put in last year but John demands that it is not enough for the room. Brit says that he will ask Mike Cioffi to look into it.
Michelle Lemoal-Gray – Michelle requests a sign up in the Women’s Locker Room regarding getting shoes cleaned and spikes changed. John Mackie says that he will put a sign in the Locker Room tomorrow. Jimmy Von Eschen states that if the Ladies are uncomfortable bringing them to Nicholas (via the door by the parking lot), they may drop them in the Pro Shop and we will bring them to Nicholas. When finished, Nicholas will bring back to the Pro Shop. Jim also mentions that the fee is $5 for a shine and $25 for spikes to be replaced. Additionally, Michelle would like a new air conditioner in the Ladies Locker Room; Tara Ford says that this is something that shouldn’t be a problem.
Nathan Rohrmeier – Mr. Rohrmeier says that he is excited to be involved with the golf course here in Bellport. He says that growing up behind the 10th green and being able to play the course a few times a year in addition to seeing the course become what it has grown into has been special. Happy to be apart of the team.
Meeting ends 6:37PM