Food and Beverage OperationsBy Karen Hernandez



August 2017SandpiperThoughts from the PresidentJon HeffronMIDYEAR STATE OF THE CLUB?We are now more than half way through the calendar year, so this month I am giving you a midyear report on the priorities your Board has identified for this year: (1) increase membership, (2) improve golf course conditions, (3) increase participation in club activities and utilization of club facilities, and (4) focus on the profitable operation and efficient functioning of every aspect of the club.MembershipAt the beginning of this year, total membership stood at 466. As of the end of June, our membership was 452. That’s a decline of 14 members. During this time period, 44 members resigned their memberships, while we added 30 new members. Obviously, we have not reversed the several year trend of decline in our membership numbers, although our rate of decline is decelerating (during the first half of last year, membership declined by 20 members compared to 14 this year).The good news is that our new membership programs are resulting in strong sales, but not enough to overcome our resignations. Unfortunately with our aging membership, we must continue to expect further resignations. Our new Director of Sales and Marketing Stan Reeder has been a great addition to our staff and has developed a number of creative and aggressive marketing plans and activities.We are well aware of the significant economic activity occurring in our marketplace, and we are aggressively pursuing all opportunities to take our unfair share of the golf and country club business it may generate. Hopefully, we will reverse the longstanding trend in membership decline before the end of the year. We will continue to report on this most important topic.Golf Course ConditionsThere is near universal agreement among our membership that the golf course is in the best condition it has been in for several years. Playing surfaces on the tees, fairways, and greens are excellent (except for a small number of persistent trouble areas on a few fairways) and our practice range is in very good shape. Sand bunkers are in very good condition for the most part, with only a handful of problematic bunkers. Detail work (such as cutting rough, trimming around trees and bunkers, etc.) has suffered somewhat, but we expect it to improve with the addition of two new staff members (one permanent replacement and one seasonal employee).Golf Course Superintendent John Zuniga and his staff have battled weed control and eradication all spring and this summer. Pre-emergent weed control was timely applied to the course earlier this year and was more effective than last year. However, we are still experiencing some weed and goose grass issues on various holes. John Z and his staff are aggressively treating these areas with post-emergent herbicides.Overall, we believe that the golf course product we are presenting today is the best it has been for many years, and we owe John Z and his staff much credit for these results. Having said that, neither John Z, GM Rick D, nor I are completely satisfied and we expect course conditions to continue to improve.Club Utilization and Membership ParticipationNotwithstanding a decline in membership levels, we are seeing good utilization and participation at the club. Rounds of golf through the end of June were 11,174, the highest level since 2014. Outing rounds have greatly increased and guest income is up year over year. Gross profit and net income before depreciation?for the Golf Department for the first half of the year were $230,000/$123,000 respectively, compared to $222,000/$108,000 during last year’s comparable period. Thanks to Thane and his staff for stepping up their game.Food and Beverage Department sales year to date through June were $300,000 compared with $276,000 during last year’s period. Again, these are impressive results considering our reduced membership. Thanks to Karen and her staff for stepping up their game.Overall, we are pleased with club utilization and membership participation, and attribute it in large part to the efforts of GM Rick DeLoach, his management and staff, and the efforts of the club’s committees. On behalf of the entire membership, a big thanks to all of you for your efforts and results.Financial PerformanceThe club’s gross income for the first half of the year was $1,378,000 compared to $1,376,000?last year. This small increase?is impressive when one considers our reduced membership levels, which resulted in $23,000 less in member dues and $11,000?less in initiation fees year over year.Total expenses for the first half of the year were $1,217,000?compared to $1,247,000?last year. The year over year decrease?in expenses would have been greater if last year's expenses had included General Manager compensation expense and compensation expense for the newly created Director of Sales and Marketing position last year. If last year’s first half results were normalized by adding these expenses, we would have experienced a reduction in expenses this year of roughly $92,000.Through the end of June, net profit before depreciation was $161,000 compared to $129,000 against last year’s comparable period. Again, if we were to normalize last year’s results for the compensation items discussed above, our net profit would have increased year over year by approximately $94,000. .From a cash flow perspective, the club had $378,000 of cash in the bank at the end of June this year. Our accountants (Mike Johnson and James Creekmore) project that we will have $402,000 in cash at the end of this year (of course this projection assumes continued operations, membership levels, and no “surprises” for the second half of the year). After making certain large expense payments early next year (primarily real estate taxes and insurance), our accountants project that we will have $280,000 in cash at the end of February next year (again with the same qualifications noted above).The club’s longstanding policy has been to maintain a cash balance cushion of at least $150,000 at all times. Deducting this cash balance cushion from the projected $280,000 cash balance leaves the club with an excess of $130,000. This cash balance cushion is $103,000 better than the $27,000 cash balance cushion that our accountants forecasted at the same time last year. In addition, the club has a $150,000 line of credit facility to fund emergency type expenses if all other cash is depleted.I would be remiss not to mention the significant positive impact that Director and Treasurer Stan Davis has had on these results. Kudos to Stan!Concluding ThoughtsSo what does this all mean? In my view, the club is in a better financial position this year compared to last year, but we are not in a financial position where we would like to be. The projected cash balance of $130,000 is all that we have to make capital maintenance and improvements and to cover emergency or unknown expenses (such as replacing a failed AC unit or irrigation pump). Management and the Board have identified in excess of $1,000,000 in capital improvements and needs and the list and dollar estimates continue to grow over time. As you can see, we are not in the financial position today and projected over the near term where we want to be in order to make necessary and desired capital improvements to the club.This leads me to one compelling priority – RCC needs to increase its membership. Up until now, we think we have done all of the things that we can to achieve increased membership. We brought in a new GM, whose performance has been everything we expected and more. The Club’s operations and efficiencies have been greatly improved and many necessary changes have been implemented under his leadership with little or no adverse impact on the membership experience. We brought in a new Golf Course Superintendent, who has delivered on his promise to greatly improve the appearance and condition of the golf course – our most valuable asset and the club’s single most compelling attraction to new members. We developed new membership programs that have been well received. And finally, we now have a Director of Sales and Marketing singularly focused on selling RCC to new members.The Board is aware that making capital improvements and renovations would make the club more attractive to existing members. I ask somewhat rhetorically, who among us wouldn’t like to see the club’s course and facilities improved, updated, and renovated? A capital improvement and renovation program may also attract additional new members, which we urgently need. But there are significant risks and pros and cons to the funding alternatives that may be available to us.For now, the Board has been actively marketing for sale unused excess land surrounding the tennis courts. All proceeds from the eventual sale will be reinvested into capital projects. In addition, the Board has started to consider whether to proceed with a plan to sell unused excess land adjacent to the 18th and 1st holes and between the club house and the range. The thought is that if the club decides to launch a substantial capital improvement and renovation program, it may be more prudent to sell this unused excess land?and dedicate the proceeds to fund necessary and desired capital improvements and renovations, rather than incur substantial new debt (with the attendant risks associated with servicing the new debt) and/or seek member approval of a significant assessment (a proposition that has an uncertain outcome at best and may in itself result in accelerated member resignations even if approved).Finally, because of constraints set forth in the club’s bylaws, the club’s current unused long term borrowing capacity stands at approximately $472,000. If one were to deduct from this amount the club’s other current notes payable of $127,000 and the fully funded $150,000 amount of the line of credit, a more conservative and prudent borrowing capacity would stand at $195,000.? ??All options are on the table and the Board will consider them carefully. No final decisions have been made on any course of action. The Board will be guided by the overarching principles that we want to maintain RCC’s status as a member controlled country club and that we will not pursue any course of action that will result in the club and its voting members unreasonably risking the loss of control of our future destiny. We will continue to keep you informed as we progress through our deliberations.All members should rest assured that RCC will be here for many years to come and will be the premier country club facility for retirees and residents living in and moving to the South Texas Gulf Coast. Thank you for your ongoing support.From the Desk of the GMRick DeLoachWhat Really Happens on the Course?What really happens on the course? I have been in the golf industry for most of my adult life. I have seen devastating cart accidents, snake bites, course records, and various injuries. On one occasion, a gentleman got into a nest of black widow spiders and almost died on the pro shop floor. There is no way possible club management and staff can see what is happening all of the time. Of necessity, we rely on members to help keep us (management and staff) up to date on different issues.While time is a critical aspect of our daily lives, pace of play on the course is one of the biggest issues we have in the game today. I have always viewed pace of play as a critical component of the overall golf experience. Pace of play should be viewed in two ways: 1) the actual time a round of golf takes and 2) your position on the course relative to other golfers. I use the example of driving down the highway. If traffic is flowing along at 75 mph and you are driving 45 mph, you become a hazard to other traffic. The same holds true if the traffic flow is 45 mph and you are trying to drive 75 mph. You become a hazard. Keep in mind that while sometimes the “time” piece of the puzzle may be slow, as long as everyone is in position not much can be done. Conversely, when someone gets out of position on the course action needs to take place.As golfers, it is not your responsibility or role to manage the pace of play or the position of other golfers on the course. If you take on this role, it may only lead to arguments and lost friendships. While we have all witnessed many wild and crazy things on the course and each of us have a sense of ownership in our club, we ask that you call the pro shop and let the golf staff address any pace of play and out of position issues you may encounter while playing your round, rather than approaching a member or guest and taking the matter into your own hands.?While you may be tempted to address the issue head on by yourself, please think twice and let Thane and his staff own the responsibility.The same holds true when members, in good faith, take it upon themselves to enforce Club Rules and Regulations. We have Rules and Regulations about appropriate dress, use of the course and club grounds, and a variety of other matters. If a member believes there is or has been an infraction, they should contact me, or other Club management if I am unavailable, to report the matter and allow us the opportunity to address the concern. This is what the Rules and Regulations provide. I respectfully ask that members not take the matter into their own hands. Please allow me and other club managers the opportunity to do our jobs and address the matter, rather than take it upon yourself to assume our responsibilities.Having said the above, there may be instances where members who reside in homes on the course observe activities at certain times, such as when the sun has gone down and it is dark, that are clearly suspicious (trespassing, vandalism, and the like). These sorts of incidents should be reported to the City of Rockport Police Department. They are best equipped and trained to deal with these sorts of incidents.Working together we can avoid misunderstandings, hurt feelings, lost friendships, and arguments.Golf Course Maintenanceby John Zuniga?Hello, Rockport Country Club and Happy Summer! This summer season has been a busy one for the golf course maintenance team. Irrigation, weed control, and fertility have been top priority for us.?You may have noticed some “brown or yellow spots” around the golf course, no need to be alarmed, those are controlled application to relieve weed pressure. It has been a fierce battle against the all mighty “Goose grass, Nut Sedge, and Sand Burr”, but we are tipping the scales. It will take a few seasons for us to gain full control of our weed infestation but we are making progress and seeing improvements!?Fertility applications/ growth regulators are being applied regularly and the turf conditions are showing improvements. Grass is green, after height of cut appearance looks good, and over all health of the plant has improved! All the improved conditions make for an enjoyable time on the golf course. Book a tee time and enjoy a round of golf, today!??None of this would be possible without irrigation, the “life blood” of our golf course. You may have noticed a few “roller base or impact sprinklers” throughout the course running. This is a very effective and conservative way of managing “hot spots” without irrigating unnecessary areas. We are continuously looking for ways to maximize the benefits of our irrigation and water conservation. Water is the source of life and? Water Conservation is a BIG part of golf course management and is a high priority at RCC.?Stay cool and enjoy your summer!Welcome New Members?Rockport Country Club Staff and membership welcomes the following new members:John and Patricia Vanderhider ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Provisional Non-Resident RegularScott and Lisa Bibeau??????????????????????????? Provisional Resident RegularSid and Kelli Bergoon??????????????????????????? Provisional Non-Resident RegularLane and Christie Lott?????????????????????????? Provisional AssociateFood and Beverage OperationsBy Karen Hernandez?“Let’s Make Rockport Country Club Great Again”It is our desire to provide our members and your guest with events that will make you want to participate more often, As your food and beverage director I am always trying to come up with fresh and new ideas and I encourage your suggestions. We will continue to offer a variety of events that appeal to all age groups.Your RCC has a lot to offer, we are continually training our servers to give better service and our kitchen staff is working hard to provide excellent quality food consistently.?I invite you to book your events at the club for gatherings such as birthday, anniversaries and graduation parties, just to name a few. We can customize any event to your likingRemember, this is you’re club, and we need your support. Bring your friends and enjoy the club!?DID YOU KNOW:Even if we are offering a limited menu, (for nights on buffets) you can call 24 hours ahead and place your order off the regular dinner menu.Regular menu is offered for dinner Thursday – Saturday, unless otherwise stated on buffet nightsLook for our new Lunch menu coming soon!See You Around The ClubAugust Dining EventsHappytizers 5:00 – 7:00 PMFriday, August 4th & 25th??? Chef’s Special??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????See Web Site Calendar Details5:30pm - 8:00pm?ChateaubriandSaturday, August 5th???????????????????????????????????????? ????????? House or Caesar SaladChateaubriand with Hollandaise Sauce????????????????????????Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus5:30pm – 8:00pm$22.00 per personMust make Reservations byFriday, August 4th, 2017Regular Menu Available??Fried Chicken BuffetThursday, August 10th & 24th????????????????????????? ????????? Salad Bar, Fried Chicken???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Mashed Potatoes, Gravy?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Green Beans and Fried Okra???????????????????????????????????????????????????????Assorted Desserts5:30pm – 8:00pmLimited Menu AvailableAdults $12.95Children (6-12) $7.95Under 5 FREE??Seafood BuffetSaturday, August 12th?????????????????????????????????????? ????????? Full Salad Bar, Soup, Boiled Shrimp,?????????????????????????????????????????Fried Shrimp, Mini Stuffed Crabs, Baked Fish,????????????Fried Oysters, Snow Crab Legs, Herb Crusted Salmon ?????????5:30pm – 8:00pmAdults $24.95Children (6-12) $12.95Limited Menu Available?Italian BuffetThursday, August 17th?????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ?Mixed Green House salad: w/ Feta Black Olives, Grape TomatoesRed Onion, Croutons w/ 3 choices of DressingsPoached Salmon w/ Lemon Butter CapersShrimp Scampi w/ LinguineBaked Ziti with Meatballs in Marinara SauceRatatouille*Create your own Pasta DishChoose your ingredients and the chef will cook them for you????????????????????????????????Garlic sticks?????????????5:30pm – 8:30pm?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????Adults $24.95Children (6-12) $12.95*Limited Menu Available??????????????Shrimp SpecialSaturday, August 19th???????? ????????? ????????? House Salad? ?????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????Fried Coconut Shrimp??????????????????????????????? ??????????? ???????????????????????Grilled Bacon Wrapped ShrimpCrab Stuffed ShrimpSeasoned Mixed VegetablesYour Choice of StarchRegular Menu AvailableAdults $26.00Children (6-12) $12.95Under 5 FREE??Prime Rib NightSaturday, August 26th ??????????????????????????????????????????????? You’re choice of 10oz or 12oz Prime Rib?????????????????????????????????With Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce???????????????????????????House Salad, Baked Potato and Vegetable of the Day5:30pm – 8:00pm12oz - $26.0010oz - $24.00Regular Menu Available?Family Sunday BrunchSunday, August 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th ???????????? ????????? Assorted Fruits and PastriesBelgian Waffles made to Order??????????????????????????????????????????????????Eggs Your Way Station?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Bacon and Sausage???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Fried Potatoes and GritsCarving Station with Vegetable ?????????????????????????????????????????????????Casserole of the Day?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????10:00am – 2:00pmBuffet $10.95Add Carving $6.00Children (6-12) $5.95Under 5 FREELimited Menu AvailableAs a reminder the Dining Room will be CLOSED on Wednesday nights July 5th - September 27thSales and Marketingby Stan ReederAn ongoing question we face in the golf industry today is why are the total number of golfers on the decline? We can talk about lower participation among Millennials and Gen X’s, cost, and other factors, but I believe two of the primary reasons that golf across the country is down is because of the time factor and how well existing golfers welcome new golfers to the game.We all know the importance of time in our life and it seems we never have enough of it. Pace of play is an important part of our game and we must always be mindful of it. This issue and how we should deal with it is addressed elsewhere in this month’s newsletter.I want to address the second item – how well do we welcome new players to the game, including our club. Sometimes it can be a difficult task for new members to “break in” to a club. As you may know, we have an Ambassador Program for new members. Perhaps we at the management level have not done the best job we could of introducing new members around the club in order to make them feel comfortable and welcomed.Director and Membership Committee Chair Ric Young and I are currently working on the details of re-designing the new member Ambassador Program. Our plan is to assign existing members to the new members and assist in showing them around the club, introducing them to other members, and inviting them out for a round of golf and dinner at the club one night.The new member experience on the course may be intimidating in view of the fact that some of our new members may not have a complete understanding of the rules of golf and the fact that some of them may not be able to play the game at the same skill level of other members. In addition, many new members may not be familiar with RCCs written Rules and Regulations. Providing some general information about the club, the Rules and Regulations, and most importantly some of the un-written rules of golf and the country club life would be beneficial to new members.At the management and staff level, we will do our best to make all new members feel welcome and part of the RCC family. We want to enlist all members to help us improve in this area. The last thing we want to do is to say or do anything that “turns off” our new members. ??One of our primary goals is to promote and sell new memberships. This is essential to the club’s growth and future. How all of us interact and welcome these new members is critical to the relationship they have with each of you and the club. Managing expectations and behavior is a difficult task, but working together we can ensure that our new members become an integral part of the club.Golf Operationsby Thane Emerson - PGA ProfessionalThe JULY 4TH, RED, WHITE & BLUE SCRAMBLE was a big success with 104 players participating this year.Congratulations to 1st place winners Ed Patterson, Allen Cohen, David Foster and Sid Bergoon.?2nd Place Keith & Linda Johnson, John Price and Charlie Chapman.?3rd Place went to Mitch Sheaffer, Andy Whittington, Rusty Danna and Rick Thompson,4th Place going to Keith Kruger, Stephen Post, Ricky Berens and Mary Kay Kruger.Thanks to all who participated making this a special event while celebrating this great Country we live in!?We have definitely hit the dog days of summer but with proper attire and beverages to stay hydrated you can still enjoy a round of golf so plan to come out and enjoy a leisurely round or plan to participate in our golf events this month. We have two “Friday Night 9 Hole Burger Scrambles” August 4th and 18th both begin with a 5:45 shotgun start.? Winners from the July 21st event were Bruce Hood, Janetta Davis, Lana Brees and Jondi Murphy with a score of 31.?Our Ladies Golf Assn. plays every Wednesday at 9:00 am as well as two Saturday events. These will fall on August 5th and 12th at 9:00. The Men’s Golf Association hosts two tournaments per month and will play Saturday, August 5th and Thursday the 31st with shotgun starts at 9:00.?We have two outside events this month, the first is the Flint Hills Employee Group on Friday, August 11th with a 1:00 shotgun. The Victoria Pan American Outing on the 19th with tee times from 11:10 – 12:20 that day.?Please note that the greens aerification is scheduled for Monday the 21st and Tuesday the 22nd. The golf course and pro shop will be closed both days.?Player Development Programcontinues with Clinics each Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30 and Saturdays 10:00 – 11:e join the fun as we have plans to start going out on the golf course and further enhance your game.?Our popular Fall Member-Member Tournament is just around the corner to be held September 9th and 10th? ?with a 9:00 shotgun start each day.? The format is One Best Ball Net of the Twosome flighted by tees and handicaps. So it’s time start rounding up your partner for this one. The entry fee is $55 per player and includes prizes, beverages during play and the awards luncheon on Sunday after play.?Golf Tip of the Month:????Develop a repeating golf swing by improving your swing rhythm with a slow and steady cadence back and?through. For example, practice using a simple cadence of “one-one thousand, two-one-thousand” or make up your own?and practice swinging until you have a steady beat of one on the back-swing and two on the downswing. Simply developinga good rhythm will help you become aware if you are rushing part of your swing when you get out on the course.?A simple drill when practicing is to place two golf balls on the ground one behind the other and set your iron down between them and start your swing back. If the ball behind the club moves more than a couple of feet you are rushing your takeaway.?So next time you are out practicing give this drill a try and if you send the ball behind the club off in the distance keepPracticing!PLEASE NOTE:?? THE AUGUST GREENS & TEES AERIFICATION HAS BEEN MOVED???????????????????????????? TO AUGUST 21ST & 22ND .Tennis News ?by Jimmy Aleman - USPTA Elite ProfessionalTENNIS / SWIM / FITNESS NEWSTENNIS EVENTSAugust 18 – Tennis Mixer (All Levels)?WEEKLY EVENTSMonday Clinic (3.0) 9:00am – 10:00amTuesday Beer League (3.5 & up) 6:30 pm - ?Tuesday Ladies League (2.5-3.5) 10:00amWednesday League (3.0-3.5) 9:00am- 10:30amThursday Clinic (3.5-4.5) 9:00am- 10:00amFridays (bring a guest day) – no guest feeTENNIS TIP OF THE MONTHEARLY PREPARATIONYou cannot prepare soon enough turn your hips and shoulders before the oncoming ball bounces on your side. GET THAT RACQUET BACK!?EXAGGERATE YOUR FOLLOW THROUGH.?The majority of all people, no matter what sport they play, can improve by following through when you get nervous or your opponent is in control of play and moving you around.?Exaggerate your follow through; do not think just hit the ball. MOVE YOUR FEET!? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Call Tennis Center to reserve your cour? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Tennis Office 361-729-4280Fitness Center:Open Daily 6:30am-6:30 pmRCCLA Updateby Kay CliftonHello Ladies,Summertime is almost over and it is time to tell you all about our year coming up for the ROCKPORT COUNTRY CLUB LADIES ASSOCIATION.?We want to invite each and every one? of you ladies to join us this year for our delicious luncheons and exciting programs.We meet the second Friday of each month at 11 o'clock for luncheon and an entertaining program.? The membership fee for the year is $15 and that is a real bargain.??If you are a new member the hospitality committee will meet you at the door and introduce you to the members.? We will have a lovely luncheon and an interesting program for you.Our first meeting is September 8th and ?our program speaker is Glenn Gomez who is the chairman for the Hummer Festival.?You Be sure to put that on your calendar.?October meeting will be a costume party so think about what costume you want to wear.The ROCKPORT LITTLE THEATRE will bring our program.?If you have questions please feel free to give me a call at:214-537-4917Kay CliftonPresidentRockport Country Club - MGAby Arno Penshorn?July MGA Tournament ResultsMGA Scramble July 8th1st Place Team - Craig Bohn, John Iding and Larry Brees ?652nd Place Team - Bruce Hood, David Denham and Michael Hord ?66MGA Red-White-Gold 2 Low Net1st Place ?Jay Hellums, Larry Hellums, Ed Patterson and Gillet Sheperd ?1142nd Place Jeff Hulse, Rick Thompson, Charles Marsh and Phil Scardino ?114?Hope to see you on the course,ArnoRockport Country ClubEmployee of the MonthDavid SchmidtEmployee of the Month?David has shown a strong willingness to go out of his way to be helpful and courteous with our Members and Guests.? His ability to maintain?and repair our fleet of golf cars and driving range equipment also make him a valuable asset to the Golf Outside Services area.In David’s spare time he enjoys fishing and spending time with his?Grandson. ................
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