Commission Members in Attendance:
Brit Lawlor – Chairman
Ron Krawczyk – Deputy Chairman
Ryan Stanley – Tournament / Membership Liaison
Jeff Nagel – Membership & Marketing
Joe Dabrowski – Greens
Mike Mislin – Violations
Michael Cioffi – Men’s Locker Room/Food and Beverage
Others in Attendance:
Jim Von Eschen – Director of Golf
John Mackie – Assistant Golf Professional
Ray Fell -Mayor/Member
Bob Scalia – Member
John Daley – Member
Michael Auerbach – Member
Motion to start meeting by Jeff Nagel, Joe Dabrowski 2nds it; accepted by Brit Lawlor. Meeting officially starts at 6:07PM.
Membership Report, presented Jeff Nagel
Since we last met at the end of March, we have four new Resident Full Members. With that being said, Jeff states that we still have a significant waitlist. Additionally, Jeff says that we have roughly 12 Junior Members.
Tournament Report, presented by Ryan Stanley
We just held our yearly Masters Tournament with the following results:
1st Place – Joe Dabrowski – 278
2nd Place – Mike White – 281
3rd Place – Larry Trinkwald – 282
4th Place – Chris Mack – 286
5th Place – Tony Caggiano – 287
T6th Place – Ryan Stanley – 288
T6th Place – Dave McGrath Jr – 288
T6th Place – Bob Lawless – 288
Going forward, our President’s Cup will be held on May 15th. Ryan states that this event is a 1 Day event, consisting of Individual Stableford scoring; members should look for an email at the end of this week. The WMGA matches will be held at Bellport Golf Club on May 11th (course closed until 11AM) with the MGA Ike Qualifier on May 24th (course will be closed all day). Looking at Memorial Day Weekend, Ryan says we will be having our yearly Team 4-Ball Tournament on the 29th. He continues, this will be an event that you make your own tee time and sign up at the Starter’s Booth.
In regards to our Men’s Member/Guest Tournament, Ryan states that he has been in contact with the catering hall since they have a bigger facility that can be used throughout the day. Ryan says that potential dates for the Men’s Member/Guest are August 13th or the 20th. Brit mentions that this is a move that he believes should have been made years ago. Mike Mislin asks if these dates would interfere with greens aeration, which it would not. Ryan Stanley also says that Chris Johnson called Monday and was livid, stating that the amount of ball marks on the greens have been flat out unacceptable. Ryan suggests buying the tool that Joe Dabrowski uses and handing out to a few different groups for the year. Jim Von Eschen states that this is not a Bellport problem, but a golf industry problem. Brit finishes by saying that we will talk about this when the Commission decides on how to spend the Course Assessment money.
Deputy Chairman’s Report, presented by Ron Krawczyk
Brit Lawlor has asked Ron Krawczyk to be the head guy to keep track of the yearly assessment money and where it is going; Ron accepts the role. Ron goes on to say that if there are any suggestions that will improve the playability of the course, please submit to the commission. Brit mentions that Joe Dabrowski will elaborate on that later in the meeting.
Violation’s Report, presented by Mike Mislin
No Violations to report.
Men’s Locker Room/Food and Beverage Report, presented by Mike Cioffi
Mike mentions that he has nothing new to report in regards to Peter’s or the Locker Room. He continues, stating that he has met with a couple different companies in regards to the erosion problem along the canal and on the 13th. Mike states that 1 company will give his recommendations free of charge and another company will be coming in this week; he states that both companies say that it is a major project and he will have more information to follow.
Chairman’s Report, presented by Brit Lawlor
Brit starts off by mentioning that there have been questions regarding the current guest policy. He states that the problem is that members will make a time with three members and then call a day in advance to add a guest to that said time. Brit states that there are some people who are trying to get around these rules and that is uncalled for. He continues, stating that if you wish to bring a guest, you must wait until the day prior and then call the Starter’s Booth; if you have a time there already, you must forfeit that time and back up to the next available. Jim Von Eschen elaborates that the forfeited time will only be filled with members, no guests. Additionally, Jim mentions that we will be strict with our 6 guests per member in the course of a month and the same guest can only play at Bellport twice in a given month.
Additionally, Brit would like to address the Credit Books (also known as Bellport Bucks throughout the club). The current policy is that they have to be used by the following April (ie. 2021 winnings have to be used April 30, 2022). Since the COVID pandemic last season, we decided to extend the date on the 2019 credits through April 30, 2021. Brit mentions that there were complaints that there was nothing in the Pro Shop, he continues stating that $135,000.00 was spent in the Pro Shop on merchandise throughout the 2020 season. Brit continues, saying that these credits can be used for everything from merchandise, to cart fees, guest fees, etc. The complaint was that this certain member believes that the credits should once again be extended through the 2021 year; Brit personally believes that the credits should not be extended. Jim Von Eschen states that we have had roughly $50,000 in tournament winnings with only $1,100 left having to be spent. Commission is in unanimous decision to keep as is; credit will expire on 4/30/2021.
Greens Report, presented by Joe Dabrowski
Joe starts by saying that aeration is finished and the holes have been filled; the 15th green was slit seeded with grass that will help with the salt spray damage. Joe mentions that since aeration, the greens have not been cut, although they have been rolled frequently (should be cut on Friday). Joe states that early next week, our fescue will be sprayed with it’s pre and post emergent. Areas to be sodded (in front of net and in front of 6th tee) will be laid during the next “nice” day. In addition to the sod, the mounds on both 3 and 17 will be hydroseeded one again to touch up any spots that have remained bare. Joe continues, mentioning Bill Love’s Master Plan saying that he believes they should pick out a few changes from the plan that they should start to chip away at over time. Joe believes that moving the 1st tee, getting rid of the pond and adding the bunkering on 18 should be first on the list. Brit believes that after the next meeting, they should begin to get preliminary pricing on a few things, so that we know what the balance will be afterwards and how many “projects” can be done in a given year.
Director of Golf Report, presented by Jim Von Eschen
Jim starts by thanking Ed Santalone, Chris Johnson and his staff as well as Pete and Teddy from the Highway Department for their work in getting the new netting system up behind the first tee. He continues saying that we are hoping the nets are usable this coming Friday. Additionally, we will be debuting a new phone app for tee times. This new app will be much more user friendly and should be live around the 10th or 11th of May. On May 24th we will be holding the MGA Ike Qualifier. Jimmy continues stating that this is a huge tournament for Bellport as far as publicity goes with the MGA. He states that MGA associates were out with Mike Auerbach recently and they were floored with the conditioning and the overall golf course. Due to COVID, we were told there would be no spectators allowed. Jimmy closes by mentioning that the ice machines should be installed in about two weeks.
Comments from the Crowd
John Daley – John believes that the scrub pines between the 13th green and 15th fairway must be taken down, stating not only do they look hideous but with the fescue, they serve as a double penalty. Jim Von Eschen states that the beetles have already gotten to a few of them. Joe Dabrowksi states that he will speak with Chris Johnson in regards to this manner.
Michael Auerbach – Michael asks if there will be a formal way to pitch ideas for the assessment money. Brit says that anybody can submit something via email to the corresponding commission member; it will then be read at the next commission meeting.
The next meeting will be April 28th, held at the Village Community Center.
Brit concludes the meeting at 7:07PM.