Commission Members in Attendance:
Brit Lawlor – Chairman
Ron Krawczyk – Deputy Chairman
Ryan Stanley – Tournaments/Membership Liason
Joe Dabrowski – Greens
Kevin Lauretti -Handicap/Course Assessment
Jeff Nagel – Membership/Course Assessment
Mike Mislin -Violations
Mike Cioffi – Men’s Locker Room & Beverage/Special Projects
Tara Ford – Women’s Locker Room & Beverage
Others in Attendance:
Jimmy Von Eschen – Director of Golf John Mackie – Assistant Golf Professional
David Moran – Village Attorney Shawn Gomes – Member
Lou Stravinsky – Member John Daley – Member
Mike Auerbach – Member Michael Foster – Member
Jack Kiernan – Former Employee
Motion to start meeting by Ron Krawczyk, Jeff Nagel 2nds it; accepted by Brit Lawlor. Meeting officially starts at 6:03PM.
Membership Report, presented by Jeff Nagel
Jeff reports that there are no new members since the last meeting. He also mentions that the waiting list is over 200 people. Jeff states that membership is healthy.
Handicap Report, presented by Kevin Lauretti
Kevin has nothing to report on handicap.As far as the course assessment goes, they have talked about trying to use some money to better the chipping areas around the greens, as well as expand some greens where possible. Kevin believes that some smaller refinements, rather than another large project would probably help Chris as well. Kevin finishes by saying that the course is spectacular right now and Chris should get some praise. Brit asks Chris to get some rough costs for material on this project to see if it is even in our budget. Ron Krawczyk also suggests that all commission members come up with 1 or 2 project ideas and bring to the next meeting.
Greens Report, presented by Joe Dabrowski
Joe begins by stating that Chris and his crew are at the point in the season where they are doing general maintenance; cutting greens & tees, rolling greens, slight hand watering, etc. Joe says that Chris has been cutting and spraying the new fairway on 18 just like the other, more mature fairways throughout the course. Joe states that goal is to open the new fairway in the middle of July.
Joe continues by reiterating Kevin’s point about the bad fringes and green surrounds; especially the problem areas on holes 4, 5 and 6. Joe states that bent grass will allow for a tighter cut (making it easier to turn to green) once completed.
Deputy Chairman’s Report, presented by Ron Krawczyk
Nothing to report. Ron would like to thank everybody once again for their support on the flag pole, as well as the donations for Alberto from Chris’ staff. Ron finishes by saying that the 18th hole and the rest of the course is looking great.
Tournament Report, presented by Ryan Stanley
Ryan states that we are in full swing when it comes to our tournament schedule. The results for the previous month are as follows:
Team 4 Ball
1st Place: Bill Hilty, Ken Steiger, Jerry Kelleher, Neil Laskowitz – 58
2nd Place: Joe Ferme, Michael Auerbach, Jeff Nagel, Brett Geiger – 60
T3rd Place: David McKenney, Bill Chapman, Michael Levine, John Governale – 61
T3rd Place: Gene Sandy, David McGrath, Jim Murphy, [Mike Aronsen] – 61
T3rd Place: Bob Burton, John Reilly, Michael Diperi, Bob Quarte – 61
T3rd Place: Brian Strauss, Kevin Strauss, Kevin Sullivan, Mike Mislin – 61
US Open Tournament
1st Place: Dave McGrath Jr – 275 4th Place: Mike White – 282
2nd Place: Jerry Varrichio – 277 5th Place: Rich Feinsilver – 283
3rd Place: Al Inserra – 278
Governor’s Cup
Male Division: Ben Mojallali & Jim Scordamaglia – 49 Points
Female Division: Debbie Capozzi & Lee Redvanly – 37 Points
Men’s A Flight: Frank Lavacca & Tom Longo – 42 Points
Men’s B Flight: Bob Burton & John Reilly – 33 Points
Men’s C Flight: Brian Strauss & Kevin Strauss – 37 Points
Men’s D Flight: Gary Brown & Dave Knapp – 35 Points
Men’s E Flight: Ben Mojallali & Jim Scordamaglia – 49 Points
Women’s A Flight: Debbie Capozzi & Lee Redvanly – 37 Points
Women’s B Flight: Anne Baldassarri & Bobbie Bauer – 33 Points
Ryan continues by stating the upcoming events we have in the next month. The Bishop Cup will be held July 16th & 17th. Over the two days, Ryan states that you will play 18 holes of Scramble format and 18 holes of Alternate Shot format, playing 9 holes of each format, each day. Ryan says that the Bishop Cup will be broken down into Male and Female Divisions with flights inside there; entry fee will be $40 per team. Ryan lists that the Men’s Member/Guest is scheduled for July 22nd, with the Women’s Member/Guest on the schedule for August 9th; Ryan says that the Women’s Member/Guest will cost $380 per twosome ($760 to bring 3 guests). As for the Match Play Tournament, first rounds have been completed with the 2nd rounds having to be completed by July 22nd. Men’s and Women’s Tournament Days have been continually going strong.
Men’s Locker Room & Beverage Report, presented by Mike Cioffi
Mike begins by stating that the erosion project was approved on Monday night with a grant approval hopefully following. If the grant is approved, Mike believes we can get the project started fast, although the entire project will take time. As for the new buildings, a building and finance company, known as Johnson Controls, is working with Ray and a proposal should be coming. Lastly, Vinny Bruno has mentioned to Mike that the South entrance to the Men’s Locker Room is covered in mold and would ask for that to be solved. Brit Lawlor would like to thank Mike for all of his hard work and assures Vinny that the Locker Room will be addressed with Ray, Jimmy and Jason Crane.
Women’s Locker Room & Beverage Report, presented by Tara Ford
Brit Lawlor begins by mentioning that he texted everybody the changes to the leave rule; Brit asks the Commission to look into the changes and we will circle back during the next meeting. Tara For asks on behalf of some Ladies to possibly add rakes to the sand traps; Chris Johnson states that his crew has put out 25 new rakes this week. Lastly, Tara says that she is going to go through our bylaws as a whole and see where some changes need to be made. Tara says she will email the Commission members so there can be a discussion. Tara finishes by saying she played Nissaquoge the other day and their greens were “fuzzy and slow”. Tara also mentions that she was told they were cut that day; she thanks Chris for his hard work.
Violations Report, presented by Mike Mislin
Brit begins by introducing Dave Moran, Bellport Village Attorney. Tara Ford asks Dave if he is in attendance on behalf of the Village of Bellport; Dave states that he is.
Mike Mislin states that on June 14th, there was an incident between a member and one of the Pro Shop employees. Mike continues by stating that the member was in the pit when the employee went over to the pit and told said member that he shouldn’t be there. From Mike’s understanding of the situation, it was a normal situation until it escalated. BGC member went on to say some inappropriate things to the employee who asked him to remove himself from the pit. Brit introduces Shawn Gomes. Shawn would like to apologize to all, stating that this was completely out of character and after a bad day, he said some things that he deeply regrets. Mr. Gomes states that he had a long time to think about the entire situation and came here tonight to look everybody in the eye, and say he is sorry. He would like to reiterate that he never meant to offend anybody. Brit thanks Mr. Gomes for coming tonight and notifies him that it will be discussed and they will let him know what the verdict is. Mr. Gomes mentions to the Commission that regardless of tonight’s decision, he would like to apologize to all that were involved.
Superintendent Report, presented by Chris Johnson
Chris touches on the green surrounds that both Joe and Kevin brought up earlier in the night. Chris states that they are looking to get rid of the “collar damns” or the ridge that sits around the greens. These collar damns collect water, makes for poor drainage and playability. Chris states that he will get numbers for the Commission on the sod. As far as the 18th hole project, Chris states that it will most likely open soon. Chris is having his crew cut the new fairway lower and lower each week. Jim Von Eschen states that even when it is open, we will not be having golf carts enter the bowl this season. Jim also mentions that the area will be lift clean and place throughout the entire 2022 season. Mike Cioffi asks if you will still exit to the right of the 18th green. Chris Johnson says that eventually, the plan is to bring carts directly down and through the bowl but for the rest of this season, carts will exit left and continue onto the cart path.
Director of Golf Report, presented by Jim Von Eschen
Jim states that we are getting extremely busy as the summer months are approaching. He states that we are starting to see more Resident and Guest play and expect to see more throughout the middle summer months. Jim asks membership to do their part with pace of play throughout the day, asking everybody to play in 4 hours or less. Additionally, Jim asks membership to remember that course care is the number one priority to help Chris, his crew and the fellow members. He reminds everybody to fix ball marks on the green, rake sand traps and fill or replace divots in the fairway.
Comments From the Crowd
Michael Foster – Mr. Foster asks Mike Cioffi about the new clubhouse and specifically Johnson Controls. Mike Cioffi explains that Johnson Controls handles everything “soup to nuts” and we are waiting for a proposal from them. Brit Lawlor clarifies that the new building is the Pro Shop, not a new “clubhouse”. Mike Cioffi mentions that he is not allowed to talk more in depth, but it includes a new Ladies Locker Room, Cart Barn and Pro Shop. Mike CIoffi clarifies that he is simply helping get the project off the ground with the DEC, site plans and the Village jurisdiction. Although there is still a ton of work to be done, Mike Cioffi says that they have gotten good news from the DEC as to where their jurisdiction ends. Mike Foster asks if this is a Village project or a Member project; Brit and Mike Cioffi reiterate that this is a Village project with Mr. Cioffi helping on behalf of Bellport Golf Club. Ron Krawczyk states that he has used Johnson Control throughout the Patchogue Village and they love the work they have done; he says that they are an amazing company.
Mike Auerbach – Mr. Auerbach states that our reputation is beginning to precede us here at Bellport Golf Club, which he says is a great place to be. He mentions that he was talking with a Tournament Director of the New York State Golf Association and the possibility of holding a qualifier at the course this year or next year. Kevin Lauretti adds that in recent events he has played in, players have been raving about BGC as a qualifier site/ Mr. Auerbach gives his thanks to Chris and his crew for the conditioning of BGC.
John Daley – Mr. Daley states that he only has 1 gripe tonight; he says that too many players are using the golf course as an ashtray and he is finding cigarette butts all over the course. Brit mentions that the club will send out a text and email reminder in the coming days. Lastly, Mr. Dale’s guys are concerned with the areas around the greens which are troubling to chip from and he asks if these are the areas which will be getting addressed. Brit clarifies that the project they’re talking about will involve the closely mown areas (green surrounds), not the rough.
Chris Johnson mentions that a small portion of the new putting green (near the stairs) is dead due to Chris. He says some chemicals that weren’t supposed to be on the green, got to the green. He says he is sorry and states they will be re-sodding the area this week; he will use the nursery in front of the 3rd tee for the sod.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:34PM.
Brit Lawlor asks the Commission members to stay around to discuss the decision in regards to Mr. Shawn Gomes. There is a resounding thankfulness that Mr. Gomes came in and was sincere in his apology.
Brit gets the members in order and states that there seems to be three trains of thoughts; suspend Mr. Gomes until July 4th, August 1st or split the difference and suspend until July 15th (making it a one-month suspension from the date of the incident. The members of the commission agree that July 15th or August 1st make more sense. Vote is 7 – 2 in favor of a July 15th suspension, with Mr. Gomes being on probation for the rest of the golf season.