August Newsletter 2019

AUGUST 2019

NEWS FROM THE RIDGE

@OAKRIDGEMN

President’s Letter
Oak Ridge Country Club
Dear Oak Ridge Members,
Established 1921
700 Oak Ridge Rd., Hopkins, MN Well, the “magic” date of August 1st has arrived and we are all excited to begin the re-
newal of our beautiful golf course. We all know that as a result of the harsh winters we
55305 have been having, we need to re-grass the course with a type of grass that will survive
our winters without continually requiring a huge investment in resources, both finan-
Business Office: (952) 935-7721 cially and in staff hours.
Golf Shop: (952) 939-5460
Starter: (952) 939-5461 Our golf course was designed by William D. “Bill” Clark. He was a Scottish Golf Course
Architect/Head Golf Professional and Superintendent. In 1921, when the first 9 holes
Swimming Pool: (952) 939-5462 opened, he became the first Head Golf Professional and Superintendent at Oak Ridge
Tennis Clubhouse: (952) 939-5463 Country Club.
Greens Department: (952) 938-6900
The design principles for Oak Ridge were aligned with the “Golden Age of Golf Course
Club Officers Design” which was the standard of excellence from 1910-1937. The original 9-holes,
President Carole Kaplan which are todays Holes #10-18 have remained virtually unchanged. The
Past President Steven Schachtman second 9-holes, which are today’s #1-9, opened for play in 1941 and have been altered.
Vice President Jeff Noddle
Secretary Howard Liszt Aerial images of the course from the 1940’s show that during the club’s early years the
Assistant Secretary Rick Ross property had only a few select “tree groupings” and plenty of wide open ground. The
Treasurer Jason Sondell original property was farmland, so trees were added strategically to increase interest,
Assistant Treasurer Howard Zack but still give players the ability to see around the property and experience its natural
character.
Board of Directors
Howard Chanen During the 1960’s, we began over-planting throughout the course. It began to mask the
Joe Gleason natural landscape of the the property. The number of trees lining the fairways began to
Carole Kaplan slowly alter the original course design, and not for the better.
Jesse Kibort
Howard Liszt The over-planting of trees led to reduced air circulation and increased shade which re-
Jeff Noddle sulted in turf inconsistencies. We planted more and more, but neglected to maintain
Jeff Robinson them properly, so they encroached more and more onto the course itself which created
Richard Ross an unintentional narrowing of the fairways. These additional trees also tended to mask
the beautiful, long, rolling contours which is one of the things that makes our course so
Steven Schachtman beautiful.
Jason Sondell
Gail Tilsner The intent of our consultants is to bring Oak Ridge closer to its original design, keeping
Howard Zack in mind the modern day game advancements and also the advancements in
agronomics and course maintenance. We aren’t trying to create something new, we’re
Committees trying to recreate what the intention was in the first place: a beautiful, challenging golf
Admissions / Member Relations course that will make the course fun and interesting for every level of golfer who plays it.

Howard Chanen, Co-Chair While the course is closed, the Clubhouse is still open! Come for dinner, come for cards,
Joe Gleason, Co-Chair come to swim and play tennis. The 1921 Pub is always open as is the driving range.
Finance Come take a lesson or just hit balls.
Jason Sondell
Golf We are all here to serve you and anxious to share our progress with all of you.
Gary Singer, Co-Chair
Gail Tilsner, Co-Chair Enjoy the rest of Summer!
Greens
Jeff Robinson, Chairman Carole Kaplan
House
Jeff Noddle
Long Range Planning
Howard Liszt
Pool
Lauren Sundick
Natalie Zamansky
Tennis
Ellyn Wolfenson

News from the Ridge
Editors:

Karey Wideman
Rachel Ryan

General Manager’s Message

Oak Ridge has officially crossed over. We have progressed into the most difficult part of Oak Ridge Country Club
our project. We have no home golf course. This is going to be difficult on everyone. In the
meantime, remember that Oak Ridge is still a marvelous place to gather, swim, socialize, play Staff
tennis, play cards and much more!
Jake Hawley
In the coming weeks, staff will be generating more ways for you to enjoy your club during the General Manager
project and deeper into the fall and winter. We look forward to inviting you to events that we Wendy Robinson
hope to repeat for years to come. I encourage each of you to assist in this process and submit Director of Business
to me ([email protected]) any ideas for events, big or small, that you would like Administration & Finance
to see Oak Ridge execute.
Emily Sparks
We already have posted to the calendar our first Doggy Day on August 17th. This is an Bookkeeper,
opportunity for you and your family to bring your furriest family member to the Club and Human Resources
enjoy brunch together. We will provide brunch for your family as well as a buffet for the dogs! Jeff Wissman
There will also be a caricature artist present to help make this memory last! Along with this Assistant Contoller
event, we ask you to bring pet food or pet toys to donate to Secondhand Hounds. Make your Karey Wideman
reservation soon as we hope to fill quickly. Marketing &
Membership Director
On August 21st we will be hosting a Burgers & Malts evening. My understanding is that this Sue Johnson
event has been highly popular in the past. I would recommend getting a spot saved early for Service Manager
you and your family. Kim Trzpuc
Catering Director
Keep connected to the Club calendar, your emails, club posters and social media to what’s Tim Jones
coming at Oak Ridge! Executive Chef

I’d like to recognize the Oak Ridge Men’s USTA for a strong showing this season. They are Josh Hildebrand
on their way to sectionals with a chance at going to nationals. If you see them around the Sous Chef
club, give them a pat on the back and congratulate them. Currently, they are UNDEFEATED!
GOOD LUCK! Thank you to Barb and the tennis staff for making sure the courts are ready to Darrell Scharber
go each day for our tennis playing members. Beverage Manager

A quick reminder about reciprocal golf: please make sure to contact the Golf Shop to get you Ben Munyon
placed at our reciprocal courses this fall. Ed and the crew have all the information you’ll need Assstant Dining Room Manager
as you head out to play.
Ed Bialek
Finally, I’d like to thank all the staff for what they do each day. Each person plays a very Director of Sports Activities/
significant role in Oak Ridge’s success. We are fortunate to be surrounded by quality people
day in and day out. Head Golf Professional
Mike Marshall
Thank you so much.
Assistant Golf Professional
Sincerely, Katie Clark

Jake Hawley Golf Shop Merchandiser
General Manager Todd Kranz

Golf Course Superintendent
Justin Ellison

Assistant Golf Course
Superintendent
Barb Meyer

Head Tennis Professional
Erik Mitchell

Building Engineer
Steve Miller
Pool Director



Pool News

August? How did this happen? The summer, what little of it we have had, is going by way too fast! That being said we still
have some quality time left to enjoy the pool.

Typically, August gives us the best weather of the pool season and the return of all the kids from summer camps. It’s always
fun to have them back and using our facility. We have a few organized events planned for this month. August 23rd is
“Drive-In Movie Night” beginning with a buffet at 7:00 P.M., pool games at 7:30 P.M. and the movie beginning at 8:30 P.M.
On August 29, we will have “Back-to-School Pool Party” from 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. Our favorite DJ, Sarge will be playing
the best music in town, and again we will be doing our favorite pool games.

The Oak Ridge Swim Team finished up its season with the Junior and regular champ meets the weekend of July 26 – 28.
Our whole team made great improvements and performed well. Thanks to our coaches Ali Hall and Molly Meland for their
dedication and leadership.

Over the course of the summer we have taught more private swim lessons than in years past, but there is still a lot of time
to get more in. If you have lessons already scheduled, you can continue those through the month of August. If you have
not scheduled lessons and would like to, please contact us at the pool and we will arrange dates and times that fit with your
schedule.

As always, we appreciate your input about what we can do to make the pool facility and programming great. If you have
ideas, or concerns, it is best if you contact me directly (952-939-5462) so that I can address your needs and provide you with
what action will be taken on the matter.

I look forward to a great month and seeing you at the pool.

Steve Miller
Pool director

Golf Notes

Greetings Oak Ridge Members,

The short golf season has come to an end as we begin the bunker and re-grassing project to prepare Oak Ridge
for its second century. Even though the season was short, the events were hard fought and very competitive.

Here are some of the highlights of this season’s main events:

The fourth annual Christensen Cup was completed in early June. This event is named after long time valued
assistant professional Todd Christensen. The weather was great, and the competition was fierce with a great
time had by all that participated. When the dust cleared after a very exciting shootout the team of Rob Soskin
and Todd Lurie were crowned the champions!

The Men’s and Women’s Club Championships were held in July. Mike Hollway was able to defend his title as
Club Champion as he edged out Kevin Fecho. Jordan Sendar was the champion of the First Flight Champion,
and Bob Byer was the low Senior. In the Women’s Club Championship there was no champion crowned
because there were not enough participants in the Championship Flight. The First Flight winners were Wendy
Engel low gross, Parrel Caplan low net. Second Flight winners were Cindy Kanter low gross and Mindy Isaacs
low net.

The season long Women’s Doubles Champions were Mindy Isaacs and Vicki Raport, who edged out Harriet
Goldstein and Louise Moss in the championship match.

The first place team in the Women’s Guest Day was Mindy Isaacs, Annette Hawkins, Linda Ketover, Alyssa
Ketover. They finished just ahead of Ellie Singer, Fran Bayer, Nancy Grobovsky and Deb Bomberg.
The men’s Macro was renamed this year to the Micro due to the abbreviated season and smaller version
of the event. Competitors faced challenging weather conditions and the event was shortened to 27 holes.
Congratulations to Jon Strasburg and Chuck Strasburg they outlasted the teams of Joe Gleason, Matt Reber
and Brett Heltne, Richard Heltne in an exciting shootout.

With the course now closed for bunker renovations and re-grassing, remember to visit the Oak Ridge web
page to view participating reciprocal golf clubs as well as guidelines for reciprocal play. You may find this
information under member central on the home page. When you are emailing your request please have
multiple choices in case your first choice is not available. If you have questions, please ask anyone on the
professional staff and they will be able to assist you. This will be a learning experience for everyone involved,
thank you for your patience.

Thank you for another short but great golf season, we hope you enjoyed yourself on the course.

Ed Bialek PGA Golf Shop Hours

Head Professional Tuesday-Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Closed Monday

Driving Range Hours

Tuesday -Sunday 8:00am - 7:00pm
Closed Monday

Lessons from Eric & Mike

pga Junior league

Eric and Mike would like to thank all the PGA Junior League parents and players
for such a fun and great year! We have seen a lot of improvement on and off the
course from all of our Jr Leaguers and we couldn’t be more happy for them. We
are very excited for next season!

Match #1 Oak Ridge 9.5 @ Interlachen 2.5
Match #2 Oak Ridge 8 vs Minikahda 4
Match #3 Oak Ridge 2.5 vs Interlachen 9.5
Match #4 Oak Ridge 7 @ Edina 5
Match #5 Oak Ridge 6 vs. Edina 6
Match #6 Oak Ridge 5.5 @ MN Valley 6.5
Overall Record 3-2-1

Fashion on the fairway

Golf Shop
Hours

Tuesday-Friday
8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Closed Monday

Driving Range
Hours

Tuesday -Sunday
8:00am - 7:00pm

Closed Monday

Don’t forget about the savings you have with your Mill River pricing you can save up to 50% off
retail by shopping in your Oak Ridge Golf Shop!

You can also shop online on the Oak Ridge Website!
Click here.

Keep in mind we have a wide assortment of catalogs to look through for special ordering.

Whether you are stopping by the club for lunch, playing cards, or coming for dinner…make sure to
stop by the Golf Shop!

August 17th
11-3pm

The Ecco Van will be here with all the latest and
greatest in footwear! A tech rep will be on site

to provide fittings and answer questions!

All orders placed at the show will
receive FREE shipping!

Kranz’ Corner

Here is what some of August will look like:

We have Tim’s Tree Service coming out to assist with tree removal. For more
information please visit the website by going to Member Central and clicking on
Important Golf Information.

Next, we have Gold Preservation out of Kentucky to work on the greens subsurface
drainage. They will leave a crew of about 6 to 8 experts that will assist in the
rebuilding of the bunkers.

Lastly, Rodney Cole, Dave Axland and Dan Proctor will be doing all of the shaping
and design work.

Please visit the website and look out for emails from the club to see the progress.
We are looking forward to working with these talented individuals to improve our
course for generations to come.

Todd Kranz

At Your Service
with TEimxeJcuotniveesChef


I am looking forward to the Men’s Summer event on Friday, August 2nd!
We have some delicous menu items I hope you continue to cook with your
friends and family at home. Below is the menu for this event. If you have

not signed up yet, please register online or call the
Front Desk (952-935-7721). See you soon!

Grillin’ with Chef Tim

Hors d’oeuvres:
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan

Entrée:
Grilled salmon

Choice of Herb or Cajun

Heirloom Tomato and Quinoa Salad
Grilled Zucchini and Squash

Dessert:
Apple pie
Blueberry pie

Behind the Baseline
JULY RECAP

July was a busy month of events. Two Ladies Guest Days. A
Men’s Pro-Am, Woods and Whites Mixer, kids camps, high
school training and tons of USTA matches!! Not to mention our
new ping-pong table. This was one of our best Julys ever at the
courts.

Congratulations to the ORCC Men’s USTA team members Jared
Greenbaum, Jeremy Frank, Evan Miller, Jeff Lifson, David
Benowitz, Alan Cosentino, Co-Captained by Brad Sundick and
Brian Schumer for going undefeated this season. Trust me that
is not an easy thing to do. They are on their way to playoffs and
my guess the national tournament. Way to represent Oak Ridge
guys!!

Whats going on this August?

Monday, August 12th through Friday, August 16th, we are
running our All Sports Camp. Drop off is at tennis at 9:00 am and
tennis runs from 11:30 am-1:30 pm every day.

Register for the week by emailing [email protected]
or call the tennis shop at 952-939-5463.

News about september

Just a reminder that after Labor Day weekend, the tennis courts
will be open limited hours based on reservations, program
participation and weather.

Ladies' guest day

Champions Runners Up Champions Runners up

Lauren Sundick & Julie Gainsley & Robin Engleson & Heather Besikof &
Cassie Benowitz Guest Guest Guest

AugustSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

12 3

Course Late Live Ball Pro Am
enhancements Night Tennis 9-10:30 am
Swim
begin! 10

4 56 789

No Grill Service Late
Night
Swim

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

No Grill Service Book Club Late Doggy Day
Camp Week Night
Swim Ecco Trunk
Show

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

No Grill Service Burgers and Family Fun
Malts Drive-In Movie

25 26 27 28 29 30Movie Night 31
No Grill Service 7
Back-to-school “Ugly Dolls”

Pool Party Late

Night

Swim

1 23 4 56

Labor Day Last day of the No Food Service 12 13 14
BINGO Pool

8 Labor Day
9 10 11
No Grill Service

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

No Grill Service Kitchen
Table

22 23 24 25 September26 27 28

Dr. Seuss Brunch Annual Town
No Grill Service
29 30 Hall Meeting

Rosh Hashana Rosh Hashana
Club Closed
Club closes at
5pm