December Divot

TTHHEEDIVOTRANCHO SANTA FE GOLF CLUB

DECEMBER 2019

My Take on Respect President’s Message

Bill Johnson

I have been truly blessed to be a member of Rancho Santa Fe Golf bothering the people around them. They
Club for close to twenty-five years now. During that time I’ve gotten make impractical demands. They cheat
to know a lot of wonderful members, probably as many as anybody or sandbag. They criticize management
else in the club. And I can count on my fingers the few that have and those volunteers who are working to
knowingly disrespected our club, golf course, staff, or other members. make the RSFGC better, while they never
volunteer themselves.
So, I’m a little uncomfortable writing this column. Too often those
of us involved in running the club lecture all of our members when, In short, their behavior says that they don’t really respect the club at
in fact, we should be talking only to the offending few. But that isn’t all… or its members and staff.
always easy given that we aren’t there when the offenses occur and
staff is naturally reluctant to report on members they are paid to I could go on but there’s not much reason to at this point. All the
serve. wonderful RSFGC members I know, and love, well, I hope they quit
reading this column several paragraphs ago. And the few entitled
Therefore, I want you to know upfront that, if you fill your divots, ones my message is directed at probably aren’t listening anyway.
rake the bunkers, make dinner reservations or tee times in advance,
keep special requests at a minimum, treat the staff with respect, and, Although, maybe, there are a few of you who just needed a reminder.
above all, understand that the incredible privilege of belonging to this Which, in itself, will make writing this column worthwhile.
club comes with certain responsibilities that you are willing to honor,
then, you are excused from reading any further. And, on behalf of the
Board, I thank you.

Now, for the rest of you. Employee Holiday Fund

I understand how important you are. Nobody gets to Rancho Santa It is the holiday season and time to
Fe without being talented, smart, successful, and, in a word, special. remember those who work hard
But there’s a difference between being special and entitled. to serve you through the year.
Please contribute to the
Entitled people treat the staff like servants. They expect privileges “Employee Holiday Fund.”
that other members don’t get. They ignore the rules of the club Show your appreciation to
and behave as if its their own private playground. They disrespect our wonderful staff.
the golf course by not leaving it as they found it. They hit into
people in front of them, or ignore the people waiting behind. They
get loud and boisterous in the clubhouse, or their family does,

From the Manager Chef Aaron and Chris have been here several months, give us
an update
Brad Shupe We all want instant success, but this is a very involved process. We
have almost 50 mostly part time employees. We are committed to
I have the pleasure of spending many hours finding, training, and retaining a great team. We believe we have
listening to the members and sharing attracted a great team and are committed to 2 training sessions per
ideas about the Club. There has been an day to build the right culture. We are just beginning the process,
amazing amount of activity and change but have zero doubt we will be successful. It is nice to see some
over the past few months generating positive results in our key metrics form the last quarter: 1,184
thoughtful questions and input. Here is some of what I have heard unique members dined with us (9% above PY), 12,178 meals were
from you and some information related to these topics. served in the main restaurant (5% above PY), and total food revenue
in the main restaurant exceeded prior year by almost 35%. I really
It seems like the course is much busier than in the past. Is it urge you to enjoy your next lunch or dinner at your Club.
all these Trial Members?
Yes, the course is busier…. but there are many contributing factors. I hear lots of rumors about upcoming projects, what should I
We had almost 50 Trial Members and they played a significant role. know?
The great news is 14 have joined to date and we believe more will Yes, we are committed to a culture of always challenging the status
choose to join over the next few months. In addition, La Jolla and quo and improving the member experience. We currently are
The Farms both were under construction and we tried to help their evaluating 3 opportunities for improvement; the dining room, the
members in this time of need. All in all, we averaged about 3,000 golf practice areas, and replacing our irrigation system. Along with
rounds per month this summer which is about 1,000 more than our some nip-tuck course updates. All 3 potential projects are being
average. We continue to see a modest uptick due mostly to our new studied by committees under the leadership of both the golf and
members and their excitement to play their new home course. association boards. If you have any questions, please reach out to
me or a board member and we will share any information available.
With all this activity, did we benefit financially? We are committed to a transparent process.
The quick answer is yes. Our dues revenue for the first four months
of our fiscal year is almost $100,000 above plan and more than I hope this information helps you. It is an amazing time to be a
$230,000 positive to prior year. Golf Shop sales are also soaring member of rancho Santa Fe Golf Club!
with growth of over 40%. Lastly, cart revenue and guest fees are up
over 30%. I look forward to seeing you at your Club.

2 rsfgolfclub.com • December 2019

Message from Golf Club Finance Committee

Beginning a new chapter in our communications with Golf Club members, we are providing summary balance sheet highlights as of
October 31, 2019:

Operating Cash $2,325,000

Funds reserved for capital asset replacement 5,220,000

Buildings and Equipment 10,750,000

Receivables 1,227,000

Other 1,228,000

Total Assets $20,750,000



Note Payable to Bank $2,566,000

Note Payable to Association 1,045,000

Deferred Revenue 2,210,000

Other 667,000

Fund Balances 14,262,000

Total Liability and Fund Balances $20,750,000

Key Takeaways:

n We are in a strong financial position.

n Funds have been designated for capital replacement needs.

n We do have two notes payable (one to a bank and the other to the Association which resulted from the Clubhouse renovation project)
that are on trend to be paid off over the next 7 years or sooner.

n We anticipate our operating cash balance to decline over the next few months as we move to monthly, rather than semi-annual, billing
of golf club dues.

n Through thoughtful stewardship by prior Boards the Club has over $14,250,000 in accumulated equity.

Our management team is delivering superior financial results as we continually strive to enhance the member experience. Thank you for your
support and contact any member of the Board with questions or suggestions.

Message from the Rules and Handicap Committee Kent Newmark
New World Handicapping System

What do our golfers need to know? not eliminate this totally but are very positive. The basic philoso-
phy: handicaps may go down without limit, but are limited to a 5
Answer: Very little! The computer does most of the work. How- stroke increase in any 12 month period. This 5 stroke rule is called
ever, since handicaps may change daily, the golfer should enter his/ a Hard Cap. Conversely, if a player shoots a round seven to nine
her score on the day that the round was played. (Note: the scoring strokes below his/her index, the system will automatically reduce
computer will be totally dark on January 1 - 5. Please enter all scores each differential in the calculation by one point. A score of ten
played on these dates on January 6th.) or more strokes below the present index will result in a two point
reduction in each of the last 20 differentials. The new low score
Another change our golfers need to know: For all handicap levels, immediately enters the handicap calculation. Effectively, the player’s
the maximum score which can be taken on a hole is a net double index gets a double reduction. All scores, whether they are regular or
bogey. Gone is the maximum score according to handicap bracket. tournament rounds, are treated equally.
As an example, this year a 20 handicap player may take an “8” on Par
3’s. In 2020, he/she will record no more than a “6”. Also the com- The big thing to remember is that every score should be entered into
puter will ask you next year if you need to report a “9” or “18” total the computer the same day that it was played.
score, or a hole by hole score. If you choose the latter option, you
will record your actual scores on a hole by hole basis and the com- I will be happy to answer any questions you may have:
puter will make the net double bogey adjustments when necessary. [email protected]

The USGA, R&A, and other world golf organizations have taken a
serious look at handicap manipulation. The changes in 2020 will

rsfgolfclub.com • December 2019 3

Director of Golf sale on Thursday, December 5, beginning at 5:00 PM. There will be
complimentary wine, light hors d’ oeuvres, discounts on everything
Michael Jack in the shop, and gift wrapping. We hope to see you here on the 5th.

The Men’s tournament season ended this I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your
fall with our annual Member Guest event, continued support!
The Game at The Ranch. Thanks to all
those who played this year and making our
event truly exceptional. Congratulations
to the father and son team of Ken and Kyle
Markstein for outlasting all and capturing their first GATR Title.

We hope you will keep us mind this year for any of your holiday
shopping needs. The Golf Shop will host an open house and holiday

Holiday Specials

Limited Edition Titleist
Scotty Cameron My Girl Putters

Limited Edition Titleist
Scotty Cameron Teryllium T-22 Putters

Titleist PROV1 Holiday Special
$39.99 per dozen

4 rsfgolfclub.com • December 2019

GAME CHAMPIONS RUNNER-UP

AT THE
RANCH

M E M B E R /G U E S T

2019

KEN MARKSTEIN & RYAN PEDDER &
KYLE MARKSTEIN PJ WOOLLEY
MARIPOSA - 5
FLIGHT WINNERS LA JACARANDA - 2 LA ORILLA - 3

EL SECRETO - 1

TODD LAROCCA & MIKE SMITH & ADAM ZUFFINETTI & BOB ZAMARRIPA &
HARRY RUDOLPH DAVE HARDY JAKE GIBB TIM WALSH

MIMULUS - 6 MONTEVIDEO - 7

LAGO LINDO - 4

CAPE CAPENER & MATT CLARK

SAN ELIJO - 8

KEN MARKSTEIN & KYLE MARKSTEIN

STEVE HIGGINS & JIM VALENTINE &
PAUL SYLVAN MAX DICKENSON

FLIGHT RUNNER - UP MARIPOSA - 5 – MARK LORETTA &
CHARLIE SCHLEICHER
EL SECRETO - 1 – DAN FLOIT & JOE DEVINE
LA JACARANDA - 2 – PJ WOOLLEY & RYAN PEDDER MIMULUS - 6 – DAN HOMAN & MIKE PARZIALE
LA ORILLA - 3 – DAN COMSTOCK & SCOTT WILSON
LAGO LINDO - 4 – TIM FOX & DAN GARSON MONTEVIDEO - 7 – PAUL WOODY & CHRIS LAROSA

SAN ELIJO - 8 – CHARLIE MUHA & JOE BUONAIUTO

rsfgolfclub.com • December 2019 5

Ladies’ Tee discussion by Pat, followed by questions and answers. It was inter-
esting to play a new format and play with friends!
Nancy White
Welcome New Member November 19th, 20th and 21st – Ladies Valley Cup
Joey Moegling is our This year Mother Nature intervened in our Valley Cup event by
dumping torrential rains on the courses. Day One was played, but
latest New Member. Joey the team captains decided to cancel the Valley Cup for this year.
always has a smile. She is Better weather next year.
so upbeat and friendly.
She and her husband are taking lessons from Scott, December Events
and Joey is working hard to establish her handicap. December 10th – Ladies Holiday Meeting Day
She will be a top-notch competitor very shortly, for
sure! Welcome, Joey! Remember to sign up in the Ladies Locker Room! It’s an 8:30
scramble.
November Wrap-Up Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots because
those oh-so-handsome fireman will come to our meeting to pick up
Things have slowed down a bit for the ladies after a busy fall season. the toys. (Do I hear swooning in the back?) There will be a Photo
There was a lot of fun golf played in November! It’s great to see such Op for members with Santa and with the firemen! An orderly sign-
hearty turnouts at our events. up sheet for your photos with the firemen will be passed around the
luncheon to avoid a possible stampede!
November 5th - Par 3 Day, The Turkey Trot
Everyone was in a jovial mood! Our new member, Joey Moegling, The Winter/Summer Solstice falls on December 22nd, followed by
joined us and showed real skill with her clubs. It was an 8:45 shot- the start of Hanukkah (23), then Christmas Eve (24), Christmas (25),
gun start. The greens were fast and the par 3’s were a challenge, but and Kwanzaa (26). Lots to celebrate this month. And, of course New
there is always that delicious lunch awaiting us when we come in! Year’s Eve (31).

And the Winners were: January Events
1st Place Gross – was won by Char Delaney, with a score of 64
1st Place Net – Kathy McElhinney took that with a sizzling 52 NOTE: In the New Year (2020) the Ladies Main Events will be
2nd Place Net – was taken by our own President, Diane Culp, with switched to Thursdays. So Game of the Week from now on will be
a 56 on Thursdays. Tuesdays will be golf days – play and have fun. And
3rd Place Net – was won by Edean Chin with a hot 56 be sure to turn your score cards in to the Pro Shop.
4th Place Net – was awarded to Franci Free who had a 58
Inspiring playing, Ladies! January 23rd – Par 3 Day
F.Y.I. this is a Thursday. Be sure to sign up in the Locker Room. It’s
Chef Aaron’s lunch was also a win- an 8:45 shotgun start. Let’s see if the holidays had any effect on our
ner. The kitchen put out a lovely short game!
buffet starting with the soup and
ending with the fab desserts! We Silver Foxes
were happy campers! Thank you, Our Silver Foxes have a busy start of the New Year!
Chef Aaron.
Tuesday, January 7th they are away at Bernardo Heights.
November 14th – Silver Foxes Kick-Off Meeting
This was open to all members. Our own Pat Newmark introduced Thursday, January 9th they are away at Fairbanks Ranch.
us – or reviewed with us – the rules (some new) for ‘Match Play’.
Afterwards we paired up in teams and played 9 holes in a fun ‘Match Thursday, January 16th, they are away at Country Club of Rancho
Play Game.’ A delicious lunch by Chef Aaron followed, with more Bernardo

6 rsfgolfclub.com • December 2019 Thursday, January 30th, they are home to Fairbanks Ranch.

We wish you all short putts, Ladies!
So remember these words of wisdom from our own Pros for this
coming year: Keep your head down and
follow through!

Happy Holidays!
Till Next Year,
Nancy

rsfgolfclub.com • December 2019 7

Board of Governors Meeting • Thursday, December 19 • 3:30pm

Board of Governors 2019/2020 Staff Brad Shupe
Shanon McCarthy
President Bill Johnson General Manager Tim Barrier
Vice President Blair Nicholas Director of Membership Michael Jack
Golf Course Superintendent Scott Johnson
Secretary Dan Comstock Director of Golf Chris Sarten
Treasurer Doug McEachern Director of Instruction Aaron Burns
Governor Deb Gustafson Director of Food & Beverage Catherine Carle
Executive Chef Roberto Rodriguez
Governor Ty Kalklosch Catering Manager
Governor Pat Newmark Dining Room Manager

1 Sunday 2 Monday 3 Tuesday 4W ednesday 5 Thursday 6 Friday 7 Saturday
TREE LIGHTING COURSE OPEN GOLF SHOP WINTER CUP
HOLIDAY SALE 10:30 a.m.
CEREMONY 4:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN 5:00-8:00 p.m.

8 9 10 11 12 13 14
COURSE OPEN LADIES HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT DINNER CLUBHOUSE CLOSED
SANTA DAY BRUNCH 12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN MEETING DAY 5:30 p.m. FOR DINNER SERVICE
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. PRIVATE EVENT

RSF BOOK CLUB
4:00 p.m.

15 16 17 18 19 20 21
COURSE OPEN BOARD OF
12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN GOVERNORS
MEETING 3:30 p.m.

22 23 24 25 26 27 28
BED HEAD BREAKFAST COURSE OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN COURSE & CLUBHOUSE COURSE & CLUBHOUSE

CLOSE AT 3:00 p.m. CLOSED

29 30 31 De2c0e1m9ber
COURSE OPEN NEW YEAR’S EVE Call for Reservations
858-756-1182
12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN DINNER or online at: rsfgolfclub.com

6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
CLUBHOUSE:
CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE:
Brunch Closed Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner SNACK BAR: Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SNACK BAR: VERANDA LOUNGE: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR:
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

VERANDA LOUNGE: GOLF SHOP: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE:
1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP:
6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Clubhouse: 858-756-1182 • Golf Shop: 858-756-3094 • www.rsfgolfclub.com

LEGEND: BLACK x MEN’S GOLF RED x WOMEN’S GOLF GREEN x COUPLES/SOCIAL/JUNIOR GOLF BLUE x SOCIAL EVENT BROWN x INFORMATION

Sunday Monday Tuesday 1W ednesday 2 Thursday 3 Friday 4 Saturday
NEW YEARS DAY
January COURSE&
2020 CLUBHOUSE CLOSED
Call for Reservations
858-756-1182 8 9 10 11

or online at: rsfgolfclub.com TEAM PLAY (HOME)

5 6 7
COURSE OPEN
12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN

12 13 14 15 16 17 18
COURSE OPEN WINE DINNER

12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN

19 20 21 22 23 24 25
MARTIN LUTHER KING LADIES PAR 3 DAY
JR. DAY 8:45 a.m. SG

COURSE CLOSED TEAM PLAY (HOME)

C. HOFFMAN

FOUNDATION
11:00 a.m. SG

26 27 28 29 30 31
BIRTHDAY NIGHT COURSE OPEN BOARD OF BOTTLE SHARE SILVER FOX (HOME)
DINNER 12:00 p.m. SHOTGUN GOVERNORS DINNER
MEETING 3:30 p.m.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
CLUBHOUSE:
CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE: CLUBHOUSE:
Brunch Closed Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner SNACK BAR: Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SNACK BAR: VERANDA LOUNGE: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR: SNACK BAR:
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

VERANDA LOUNGE: GOLF SHOP: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE: VERANDA LOUNGE:
1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP: GOLF SHOP:
6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Clubhouse: 858-756-1182 • Golf Shop: 858-756-3094 • www.rsfgolfclub.com

LEGEND: BLACK x MEN’S GOLF RED x WOMEN’S GOLF GREEN x COUPLES/SOCIAL/JUNIOR GOLF BLUE x SOCIAL EVENT BROWN x INFORMATION