LONDON HUNT AND COUNTRY CLUB CLUB LIFE magazine INSIDE 60 SECONDS WITH CLUB FITTING PERFORMANCE SNACKS ISSUE THIRTY FOUR SUMMER 2023
Photography by Saleme Fayad Photography Board of Directors LONDON HUNT AND COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP The Club s distinction as one of the finest in Canada inspires us to endlessly create an experience beyond expectations Now consider how do you enjoy your membership On the course on the courts dining entertaining With family celebrating holidays making lifelong friends learning something new There are so many ways to enjoy Membership at the London Hunt and Country Club If you would like to share the joy of membership with co workers friends or family by introducing them to the Club as potential members please contact Brandie Cooper Membership and Communications Manager for information Brandie Cooper Membership and Communications Manager 519 471 2523 extension 213 bcooper londonhuntclub com
Board of Directors BOARD OF DIRECTORS Doug Davis President Dieter Bruckschwaiger First Vice President Marcia Roberts Second Vice President Peter Hall Past President Bob DiFruscia Director Marlene McGrath Director Jeff Doty Director John Stein Director Sandra Van Ymeren Director Twee Brown Director John Spriet Director CONTENTS SUMMER 2023 9 A BOLD NEW FUTURE FOR DINING SPACES WHAT S INSIDE MANAGEMENT TEAM Jon Nusink CCM CCE Chief Operating Officer Chris Lawson PGA of Canada Director of Golf Jayson Griffiths Director of Agronomy and Grounds Adam Baranowski Director of Racquet Sports Ken Cannon CPA CA Director of Finance and Administration Michael Hearse CCM Director of Clubhouse Operations Tracey Machesney Fitness Manager Michael Stark Executive Chef 17 PERFORMANCE SNACKS 13 CLUB FITTING 2 8 60 SECONDS WITH ALSO IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE 03 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER S REPORT 05 GOLF COURSE HISTORY 1960 2000 11 WHY I PREFER WALKING GOLF 15 TEAM WORK 19 JUST 4 JUNIORS 21 FACES IN THE CLUB 22 EVENT CALENDAR 23 On the cover Photography by Saleme Fayad Photography SUMMER 2023
PRESIDENT S REPORT Board of Directors PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Doug Davis douglas_davis rogers com I sincerely hope that you are enjoying the start of the 2023 summer season We all owe Peter Hall our 2022 23 Club President a huge Thank You Between the current golf course construction project and the upcoming restaurant renovations scheduled for next year Peter gave his full energy and commitment and is leaving the Club in very good shape It is also important to thank Nancy Gee Doug MacKenzie and John Sliskovic our departing Board Members We are excited to add Twee Brown John Spriet and our new second Vice President Marcia Roberts to the Board Many thanks to Doug MacKenzie for being kind enough to continue overseeing the golf course construction project until it is fully completed While we should be playing a full golf course by mid summer there will undoubtedly be consistent remedial work throughout the fall and final pond restoration work over the winter I began my term as Club President at the recent AGM on April 27 and I am going to take the liberty of repeating myself a bit here for those of you not able to attend that day The evolution of a Club has similar cycles to the evolution of a business Consequently the President s role must adapt to align with the organization s place in the life cycle The Club has gone through tremendous change since 2014 including the Clubhouse addition Tennis and Trap Chalet renovations new pickleball courts and kitchen and Oxford Room now Caf 1885 upgrades Also currently both the golf course and restaurant renovations mark the first time in Club history where more than one multi million dollar project will be completed in a 12 month period Therefore my role over the next year will not be to plan significant changes at the Club but instead to ensure the successful completion of these two large projects and exciting to the quality standard members have come to expect As a result of the golf course renovation you may remember that the members approved a 4 25M loan to finance approximately half of the overall cost with the other half being funded from available cash As well you may recall that the Club is already carrying a debt incurred from the 2014 15 Clubhouse renovation which has a term expiring in 2030 resulting in a balance outstanding at that time Currently the Club is working to finalize the financing component of the golf course construction project The plan will focus on debt elimination while at the same time being flexible to stabilize the requirement for annual dues increases The plan will provide this Board and future Boards with a pathway to eliminate all debt by 2030 earlier than originally planned while still allowing for flexibility if required Okay enough of the business side of things let s focus on your enjoyment of the Club By now hopefully you have enjoyed the Spring openings including the Opening 3 SUMMER 2023
PRESIDENT S REPORT Caf 1885 Cocktail Reception Senior Men s Quota Golf Women s Golf Men s Golf Sunset Skirts Golf and Men s and Women s Tennis and Pickleball leagues The golf course construction project continues to be completed at a high quality standard The final part restoration of the ponds on holes 10 and 2 shared with holes 3 and 4 will be completed this coming winter to allow full play sooner of the golf course during the remainder of this season Jayson and his team are busy doing regular golf course maintenance along with the additional responsibilities pertaining to our fairways that were altered during the renovation and fine tuning of our new irrigation system made even more challenging by the driest May in history Please thank Jayson and his team when you have the opportunity The restaurant renovation process has started Already we have met with the contractor and detailed construction drawings are underway We will be pursuing all avenues to maximize the probability of meeting the completion target date of next April I hope you have had a chance to enjoy a morning beverage breakfast or lunch at our new Caf 1885 The response to the new facility has been tremendous This new venue is already weaving its way into members everyday lives whether it s after a visit to the Fitness Centre before a game of golf or to have a relaxing breakfast or lunch with friends or on one s own On the Terrace a new heating system was installed to take any chill out of your next al Fresco dining experience It s also important to mention that the Racquet Centre is very busy with many new offerings for members wishing to play pickleball If you haven t tried it yet make it a goal to do so this season In conclusion I would like to acknowledge the importance of our employees at the Club Last fall we added a strategic pillar to our Vision statement which is Respect and recognition of our staff This includes providing them with fair compensation appreciation and opportunity for advancement It also recognizes the importance of members to always treat staff with the utmost respect I appreciate those of you who continually support and acknowledge the efforts put forth by our team of dedicated employees Keep reading to find out more about new people who have joined our staff in the last year and about those who have taken on new roles at the Club Have a wonderful summer and enjoy the Club Doug Davis Club President 4 SSPURMI MN EG R22002203
COO REPORT Architect P F Tillman s concept of the Clubhouse as pictured in the London Free Press circa late 1950 s Summer Report Jon Nusink GM COO jnusink londonhuntclub com To be honest I ve been feeling a bit nostalgic lately I love history and I enjoy hearing stories about the past Our Club is so rich with history and it is lived through the stories of our people who have walked up and down the halls over the years Later in this issue you will read a great story about the personal memories of the golf course when it first opened on this site in 1960 It seemed very relevant and timely considering we are in the final stages of our most recent golf course update and renovation A new chapter in the history of the Club My hope is that more members will submit a story of a memory at the Club from years past that we can use in future issues of Club Life Magazine After all since the beginning of time it s through stories that we pass on history from generation to generation and arguably still the most effective One of my favourite quotes is from John Steinbeck s The Grapes of Wrath How can we live without our lives How will we know it is us without our past Since we re reminiscing I realized recently that the first time I set foot on this property was 35 years ago this month in 1988 My friend from school told me about this great summer job he got at the Club shining shoes vacuuming and cleaning toilets While it wasn t the best sales pitch I was excited about the prospect of making 4 25 an hour as my student minimum starting wage A considerable increase to what I was earning delivering the London Free Press in Byron at the time The only other person on the employee roster still here today was Deb Dale I was hired by John Frantz the GM at the time and reported to David Loan Head Locker Room Steward and Johnnie O Head of Maintenance If we were lucky enough to be asked to help stock the bar fridge by Steve Czok the Head Bartender and spouse of Eva the 5 SUMMER 2023
COO REPORT cleaning and laundry steward or Norm Dickson the main bartender and part time Santa we would be rewarded with a Snickers bar We even got fed a daily roast beef sandwich and fries each shift served from the tiny lounge kitchen which is now the wine room adjacent to the Glenmore dining room Bob Pattinson was the Superintendent the late Ken Girard was the Head Golf Pro and Derek Thomas was the Tennis Pro Since staff were allowed to golf before 7 00 a m and play tennis after dark our days consisted of golf in the morning walking through the dew work all day fueled by Snickers bars beef sandwiches and fountain cokes ride our bikes home for a couple of hours so Mom and Dad knew we were still alive head back to the Club at night to play tennis under the lights which Derek allowed us to do as long as we swept the courts afterwards crash in bed exhausted and repeat the next day There were many members who I got to know and still remember vividly today While there were dozens I can t help but recall some who have passed that were exceptionally kind to me like Red McConville Earl Lyons Lindsay Elwood Howard and Ruth Cameron and Josie Johnson to name just a few of the many I prided myself on working hard and doing whatever it took to gain the praise of my bosses and the Members The summer of 1988 was one of the best I can t help but wonder as each year s new crop of employees begin their summer job at the Club how many will stick around and maybe decide to make a career in hospitality golf or tennis At peak season we have no less than 180 staff members on our roster This shrinks to about a third in the lowest part of the calendar year It s a daunting task to organize and train each year s new staff many with little to no experience However the ones who adopt our standard for service excellence end up doing well and the hope is that we get to hold on to them for some time The Board recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining good staff Recently the Club s updated and renewed strategic plan added a new pillar titled Be An Employer of Choice The Club recognizes that quality staff are vital to the membership experience and will hire develop and reward the best people available Several initiatives and standard operating policies help us to achieve this goal The Board commissioned a compensation study in 2022 comparing all positions to industry benchmarks It revealed that we have some ground 6 SUMMER 2023
COO REPORT to make up but are committed to this element of the overall employment experience Being an employer of choice also involves providing a safe workplace environment free from harassment from other employees and those who we serve It also includes extensive team building initiatives updating employee benefits and perks and providing the ability to grow in the company Our regular employee surveys reveal that we do a very good job as a whole but we are always looking for ways to improve which in turn only enriches the Club as a whole including the Members experience Since the last edition of Club Life Magazine we welcomed two new families and one reinstatement to the Veranda category Stephen Duench and Aja Romilowych are the newest members to Intermediate 35 39 Veranda Membership who join with their sons Wolfrick and Woodsen Stephen is a portfolio manager and VP at AGF Investments Highstreet Asset Management and Aja was a social worker with newly immigrated youth They are proposed by Rob Stockie and seconded by Van Simpson Nelly Van Berlo and Ray Ouellette are the newest members to Resident Veranda Membership Ray and Nelly recently relocated from Kempville to London following Ray s retirement from project management with Datatech and Nelly is semi retired working as Vice President of The Mortgage Source They are proposed by Bill Handsaeme and seconded by David Providenti Also new to Resident Veranda Membership are Tim Watson and Patricia D Agostini who join with their teenage son Adam Tim and Patricia have recently returned to Southwestern Ontario after living in a number of cities in North America for work Tim is recently semi retired after holding positions as C F O for AltaGas Ltd and JANA Corporation to name a few and Patricia is a software trainer with PSD Citywide They also have a daughter Alexandra who is currently attending Ryerson University Currently there are 48 families on our waitlist representing a 2 to 3 year wait for Veranda and 3 to 4 year wait for full membership The waitlist is accepted on a first in first out basis so I continue to encourage sponsorship and referrals of new members to not only keep our membership roster full but also to get great new families in the queue to mitigate the wait time for membership Construction on the golf course remains at full speed with more holes coming online each couple of weeks With a final push to tie it all up the remaining irrigation lines are being installed with new sod arriving in step The contractor hopes to be wrapped up by the end of June which means we can open the whole golf course around mid July Those who have played the new holes have provided some great positive feedback and they give a good hint as to the quality of the rest of the course as it opens up Since our very positive restaurant vote in April planning is in full tilt as the designer finalizes construction drawings furniture and fixtures are sourced and purchased and the General Contractor begins lining up sub trades Our timeline for construction may have been a bit aggressive as our original plan was to hand over the space on January 2nd for a completion date of April 15th However we have reassessed this and wish to target March 31st as the completion date so we are up and running when the golf course opens in April To help make that happen we will be cordoning off the Terrace Lounge area where the new bar will be built on November 1st to allow work to begin there and give us a head start The next twelve months are going to be very exciting indeed I hope you have a great summer season with family and friends enjoy the fruits of our collective labours and make your own history with us here at the Club LONDON HUNT AND COUNTRY CLUB IN MEMORIAM JulaineTillmann May 10 1932 March 20 2023 Ken Girard December 8 1936 April 1 2023 Margaret Ann Kimball July 2 1938 May 10 2023 John and Susan Kime January 4 1943 April 2 2023 and March 26 1942 April 3 2023 7 SUMMER 2023
60 SECONDS WITH 60 Seconds With PROFESSOR STAR TREK ENTHUSIAST AND NOVELIST RANDAL GRAHAM Dr Randal NM Graham has been a law professor at Western for over 20 years He is also the author of the Beforelife series an award winning series of satirical fantasy novels set in an afterlife where no one can remember the mortal world He and his wife Dr Stephanie MontgomeryGraham have been members of the Club since June 2019 WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP I always wanted to be a novelist I grew up in Peterborough Ontario which also happened to be home to one of my all time favourite authors Robertson Davies I wanted to follow in his footsteps but thought I should have a stable day job first Law school seemed like a reasonable route CITY OR COUNTRY City My favourite vacations tend to be in metropolitan centers DC LA New Orleans etc SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON T KNOW ABOUT YOU I was a piano teacher in my teens CHILDHOOD SUMMER MEMORY I used to spend a lot of the summer with my grandfather in Lakefield Ontario We d go out in a boat most days to explore the rivers check out wildlife feed the ducks and enjoy nature ACTOR THAT WOULD PLAY YOU IN THE MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE Bryan Cranston He looks nothing like me and is the wrong age but he can play anything FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP I start out by having coffee with Stephanie After that I write 1000 words per day except on weekends before attending to anything else LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE BED This is a horrible answer but it s true I check my email TSN OR CNN Between the two it d be CNN But I prefer the CBC UNDER THE SEA OR UP IN SPACE Definitely space I have a PhD student who s studying treaties and regulations governing space based technologies and we could take a field trip to advance his research SOMETHING YOU RE LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE CLUB THIS SUMMER One of my favourite summer activities dinners on the Glenmore patio with Stephanie STAR WARS OR STAR TREK See below it s me on the bridge of the Enterprise during the 2023 Star Trek Cruise 8 SUMMER 2023
CLUBHOUSE REPORT A Bold New Future for Dining Spaces Michael Hearse Director of Clubhouse Operations mhearse londonhuntclub com Instagram com huntclubfoodandbeverage As a continuation of our Club Life article series on the evolution of our dining spaces at the Club we are pleased to be composing this piece after the successful launch of Caf 1885 and with the excitement of a positive vote for a secondary phase of renovations in 2024 still fresh in our minds Thank you to all shareholders who participated in that important governance process that saw an overwhelmingly positive 84 4 vote in favor of the project We look forward to these renovations further strengthening our existing offerings With the above being noted we wanted to expand on the concepts provided during our previous communications share with you a sneak peek at the since approved branding for each space and elaborate on what you might expect from these areas in the future The post renovation strategy will be to create for the membership unique areas that have specific menus tailored to each dining room that allow Members to choose their desired dining experience daily Glenmore Dining Room Glenmore Lounge and Glenmore Patio An homage to the original location of London Hunt and Country Club where the University of Western Ontario now stands Glenmore is the most elegant dining space provided by the Club With furniture and design features inspired by the building s Georgian architecture it will present a fine dining experience for members and their guests with the Dress Code reflecting the same Glenmore will prepare a unique menu that can only be enjoyed in these spaces and that will now be physically separated from the other dining areas creating the perfect destination for an anniversary dinner to host clients or just as the backdrop for a romantic dinner for two The Terrace This expansive outdoor space with newly built retractable awning is a casual area to enjoy the best views in the city The comfortable furniture relaxed surroundings and outdoor fireplace will entice you to stay well into the evening Sharing the casual menu with the Thames Grill The Terrace is the outdoor extension of that area and the perfect place to spend those long summer nights 9 SUMMER 2023
CLUBHOUSE REPORT Thames Grill An impressive 360 degree bar beckons you to take a seat enjoy the incredible view and share a cocktail with friends in this relaxed yet refined social space Balancing meaningful traditions and modern day amenities the Thames Grill encompasses the current Grill Room Terrace Lounge Bar and annex area between the Glenmore and Terrace Lounge With a variety of casual seating an inviting lounge with fireplace and awe inspiring bar the Thames Grill is the heartbeat of the social scene at the Club It will present a casual menu perfect for before and after golf after work or for a comfortable dinner with your family Caf 1885 A casual quick counter service destination designed to present artisanal coffee cold pressed juices smoothies and protein shakes freshly prepared baked goods delicatessen inspired sandwiches grab andgo offerings for the first tee and be a space in which the membership can quietly review emails do work remotely or read the paper Caf 1885 will provide for the membership a place to share after a workout before work before you tee off or just as an escape from the fast pace of daily life Beyond the artisanal Caf 1885 menu this dining area provides the breakfast menu and casual menu during its hours of operation Leading us through this time of transition we are proud to have an amazing Team of professionals assisting us with these projects and helping us design and implement efficient workflow processes for better service delivery These Leadership Team Members are listed below but supported by an entire Food and Beverage Department of staff that tirelessly work behind the scenes to execute daily operations We are so very fortunate to have each of them as a part of our LHCC Family A huge thank you to Bob DiFruscia for his leadership and expertise who guided us along the way for the past 5 years and the dozens of members to lent hands along the way We hope they know just how grateful we are for their hard work perseverance and guidance through this pivotal time Service Leadership Team Pete Willems Bar and Member Service Manager Zach Rudell Bar Member Service Supervisor Karrie Ruppel Food and Beverage Service Manager Bailey Sherrah Restaurant Manager Jessica Bell Dining Room Supervisor Alek Krysiak Dining Room Supervisor Grace Hafner Dining Room Supervisor Ginny Leyten Events Coordinator Eric Frenzel Banquet and Catering Manager Kyndra Donaldson Banquet Captain Rita Rupasova Banquet Captain Culinary Leadership Team Michael Stark Executive Chef Tom Russell Sous Chef Banquets Shawna Rycroft Tournant Bojan Vasiljevic Sous Chef Member Dining Facilities Maintenance Leadership Team Ben Eng House Department Supervisor Mitch Bukata Facilities Maintenance Lead Once completed these renovations will further deepen London Hunt and Country Club s legacy of being an industry leader in membership experience and service Our Team Members anxiously await the opportunity to host you in these amazing outlets and to creating new memories to last a lifetime It should be noted that the details communicated within this article could change to accommodate service or be amended for structural or construction related reasons We appreciate your patience and understanding with any adjustments that might occur throughout the projects 10 SUMMER 2023
CLUB HISTORY Hunt Club Golf Course History 1960 2000 Contributed by John Nash and David Nash It was a bit of a shock moving from the shortened London Hunt Club on Western University land with the clubhouse on Richmond Street North in 1960 the abbreviated old course from 6400 down to 5400 yards as the university expanded to the 7200 yard wide open new facility off a gravel road Oxford street West There were very few trees wide open fairways no rough single track watering and flat shallow bunkers one could see the 6th green from the first tee there was no place to hide The original pro shop was down where club storage is today The initial plans called for 27 holes 18 were built The 15th was originally planned as the starting hole until the Clubhouse plans were revised moving it much closer to the river Tees were very long rectangular and flat the 16th tee measured 120 yards the 2nd tee extended from the 9th tee 225 yards to carry the water from the golds and there were no forward tees Ladies par was 76 Gang mowers cut everything except greens and tees and as the cutting was very short everywhere hitting just over the right back corner on number 1 green could easily result in a pond recovery Following are memories of the original 18 holes on our current location 1 No fairway bunkers players often hit down either side to get added distance from the brown unwatered areas on both sides no rough no distance markers anywhere 2 The very long flat 2nd tee stretched back to the 9th the hole stretching from 235 yards gold tees to approx 100 yards red 3 Flat bunker at the right corner of the fairway and on both sides of the green putting from the bunkers was common or chipping no hard lips 4 Flat bunkers on both sides from the tee players occasionally elected to play down the 3rd fairway to shorten the hole 5 One flat right corner bunker and a very shallow slope where balls often stopped way down some played the hole over the 4th fairway as a straight hole no trees no rough 6 Tee was aligned straight as was the fairway out of bounds on the right was common but even back then there was a bounce advantage to staying left 7 Large bunker on the right at 125 mark it hid the green making the 2nd shot risky when trying to get there in two there was a well in the right rough with 2 tin cups a ladies and a men s 8 Only one tee back to the river bank the valley was mowed to fairway height and playable swinging rope bridge along the right side to the green 9 Flat bunker on the right side the ridge extended along the east side of the green almost to the front with two flat bunkers when Phil Brownlee won the Invitation in 1962 by landing hillside and rolling down between the bunkers into the hole the ridge was ploughed back to where it is today the original putting green was opposite our cart storage area clearly a danger for errant drives or second shots on 9 10 Our signature hole the tee was north south starting well left of today s refreshment stand truly a dog leg with a demanding tee shot a significant bunker was almost dead centre out 75 to100 yards before the green and narrow green was 78 paces front to back 11 As trees were small the hole played easier down the left there were flat bunkers off the tee and one in the hollow area immediately behind the green a few feet above the short fairway cutting ensured balls just a touch short of the green rolled all the way back down the hill 12 The original green was shallow with a false front on the right it was deepened in 2000 13 Trees were evident behind the green later removed for aeration and morning sun 14 The tee was further left the hole played fairly straight Jones fussed about the large fir trees but reasoned laying up on the flats was the best strategy 15 Unkempt territory on the right players risked maintenance sheds and a small creek trying to shorten the hole there was no parking lot 16 Longest tee in the world only one flat bunker on the right corner large elms protecting the right side of the green 17 Simple bunkers on both sides and a Jones trademark copper beech behind the green all 4 par 3 s had them and our par 3 s still face N S E and W 18 Flat very playable bunker on the right off the tee a much simpler hole The changes in 2000 were thanks to Reese Jones son the Robert Trent Jones our original architect Reese was reluctant to take on re do s as his firm was heavily engaged but inside help convinced him our member John Ervasti had even played with Reece around that time and he Reese knew was open to complimenting his father s legacy Trent was debating removing his name from our club we had used other architects over time and he was not pleased with their 11 SUMMER 2023
CLUB HISTORY changes it was good reason to re engage the family As it turned out Reese enjoyed the entire experience the budget was pre set there would be no votes and he answered directly to a committee of three all who knew his dad and had stories to share The only downside of that work was allowing our Greens Committee to select the sand Reese had offered three choices but our Committee elected their own Ohio white which turned out to be fluffy and unsatisfactory an error rectified a few years later Greens Committees have a reputation for interfering with golf courses in that light the Hunt Club permanently disbanded ours circa 2005 replacing it with a Standards Committee taxed with setting broad guidelines for the Greens Superintendent and overseeing their adherence Substantive changes must always go through the architect for approval that policy has served us well over time Stories of the past help us to understand the fabric that weaves and strengthens our Club s rich history If you have a story to tell please submit it for sharing in a future publication 12 SUMMER 2023
GOLF REPORT Club Fitting Chris Lawson Director of Golf clawson londonhuntclub com instagram com londonhuntclub_proshop In golf there is no such thing as one size fits all That s why there are different sets of tees and course distances to accommodate different types of players That s a good thing That s also why there are so many options when it comes to equipment This is another good thing as it helps ensure all players of all abilities have many different options to choose from Sometimes members question their abilities or current state of their swing citing they don t want to get fit for clubs to see them not work if they change their swing This is a misconception as custom fitted clubs will actually help improve your performance before or even during swing progression Playing with the wrong clubs only make things that much harder A solid swing paired with the right equipment can make things even better In 2023 it doesn t make much sense to buy golf clubs without getting fitted Purchasing new clubs off the rack or new or used clubs online can be problematic This point is even reiterated by the club manufacturers Many within the golf industry compare buying a standard set of clubs to purchasing apparel there is no one universal size and fit While that might be a touch trite it is undeniably accurate The average Canadian male is 5 8 tall and the average female is just over 5 3 Chances are that these averages don t describe you Therefore it is safe to assume that the standard set of golf clubs created for the average person would also not be suitable for you Like anything that comes average or standard it is not made to fit everyone I m 5 11 slightly taller than average I have long arms so my clubs are actually a shorter and bent 1 flat I have long fingers so I accommodate this with grips that are thicker As I get older I ve switched to a lighter shaft in my irons from the heavier extra stiff version I played for many seasons My wife Krista is 5 4 She uses clubs that are longer as her arms are slightly shorter Of course she could not use the same clubs as someone who is far taller than her but even clubs for someone who is the same height but with a different wrist to floor measurement would not work Having these personalized adjustments helps you to get the most out of your clubs Like our measurements and ages our golf handicap indexes vary as well Despite this we should view getting fitted for clubs as an investment in our enjoyment of the 13 game not just as an expense No matter where your game is at playing with the wrong clubs can be discouraging infuriating and can even dissuade you from playing more golf Club fitting is all about the numbers While a lot of times we might be biased towards one brand of clubs or type of shaft a professional fitter looks at the data more than anything else Using a launch monitor they will evaluate your swing with your current clubs versus new club shaft combinations to get you the best ones for your game In a typical club fitting you will be measured for pretty much everything you need to know about your swing This may include loft lie angle spin ball speed peak height face to path launch angle descent angle clubhead speed and distance All of these factors will help to eliminate certain shafts and clubs after only a few swings From there you can find the ones that perform the best for you to narrow down your winner A good club fitter can help you make decisions such as graphite versus steel shafts and they can help to determine if you need to adjust the lie of your irons and wedges Using a few tools they can quickly figure out what clubs will best improve on your weaknesses and take advantage of your strengths We are fortunate at the Club to have three Associate Golf Professionals who have each reached Master Fitter status with courses from the PGA and club manufacturers Will Craig and Andrew excel with finding the right fit for our Club members they work with It s a skill set that takes years to develop and one we never stop educating ourselves on With so many equipment options from each manufacturer our team continually stays current with product knowledge seminars working with brand representatives and even studying shaft changes evolutions and new products In addition to this our pricing structure is competitive with off course retailers If you are looking to upgrade we will also accept your trade in clubs with our secondary market partners to offset a portion of your new purchase Club fitting takes the guesswork out of buying clubs or doing endless research to see what type of clubs will benefit your game the most When talking to members some will reference the latest club they read about in Golf Digest or saw online and want to give a try Maybe they like the look of the new head but the shaft isn t right for their swing and results in big misses This usually leads to feelings of frustration sometimes money wasted and your game isn t any better When you do a proper club fitting with a knowledgeable professional you end up with clubs that are tailored to your specific measurements and needs and perform the best for you It s better than just giving it your best guess SUMMER 2023
when buying a new set The Club has three Club Fitters on staff Will Gavarkovs Craig Hare and Andrew Russ As Mr Davis mentioned earlier within his article here are a few insights to each of these Professionals Club Fitters Will Gavarkovs New Lead Associate Professional Will joined our team in February 2023 after four years at Cedar Brae Golf Club in Toronto 3 of those as their Lead Associate Prior to working at Cedar Brae Will was an Assistant Pro at Windermere Golf Club in Muskoka Will is a graduate of the Golf Management Program from Humber College Will was born and raised in Etobicoke The last name Garvarkos is phonetically pronounced GAH VAR KISS and is Latvian During his junior days he was a member of Weston Golf Club Although he took up the game of golf early his first athletic passions were hockey and lacrosse Throughout his teenage years he transitioned from the rink to the links and golf took over as his number one sport Away from the Club you might find Will at the gym or outdoors fishing Craig Hare Associate Professional Craig is entering his seventh season 2017 at the Club after spending time working at Muskoka Bay Club Silvertip Golf Resort and Elmira Golf Club Craig is a graduate of the Golf Management Program from Georgian College Originally from Waterloo Craig spent his junior days as a member of Westmount Golf Country Club More recently Craig and his wife Kerri were married here at the Club in 2021 They have a canine troublemaker German Shepherd named Holly Andrew Russ Associate Professional Andrew is excited to be back at the club for his fourth season Originally from Oakville Ontario Andrew grew up golfing at Trafalgar Golf and Country Club where he fell in love with the game of golf He took that love and decided to enroll in the Bachelor of Business Golf Management program at Georgian College Through his years in Barrie Andrew started to gain a major interest in Golf Club Operations as well as teaching and club fitting Away from the club you might find Andrew barbequing watching golf or enjoying various patios in London We have a very talented group within the Golf Shop Team These three Club Fitters along with our other key team members form one of Canada s leading Professional Shop Teams Sarah Robertson Retail Merchandise Manager 2017 Natalie Gleadall Lead Teaching Professional 2022 Tim Simmons Assistant Professional 2018 Ken Fulton Associate Teaching Professional 2018 Jessica Birch Golf Shop Attendant 2015 Pete Zolotar Golf Shop Attendant 2000 Ella Grenier Golf Shop Attendant 2023 Kirsten de Graaf Golf Shop Attendant 2023 So contact us our team would be happy to help you with your game new clubs or even discuss the process 14 GOLF REPORT SUMMER 2023
GROUNDS REPORT Why I Prefer Walking Golf Michael J Hurdzan Ph D Golf Course Architect The Spring newsletter conveyed a message of anticipation towards a tremendous golfing season By all accounts the weather certainly co operated with a historic stretch of drought inducing temperature extremes Endless hours have been spent dragging hoses raking sand and balancing the regular maintenance of mature holes with the nurturing care of those grass plants just beginning to walk In this light I asked a Guest Columnist if they would provide a summer article Enjoy Jayson Griffiths Director of Agronomy and Grounds Allow me to preface my opinion by saying that I have no problem using golf cars where the climate or terrain will not permit walking golf or for golfers who because of age or disabilities cannot walk But for these exceptions I believe that golf cars should be a dispensable or at least optional part of the game particularly on a well designed golf course even if it has a development component In fact I further believe that developers often accept justify or rationalize dysfunctional spatial separation i e long rides between holes of golf course features Preface aside whether one approves or disapproves of walking golf has a lot to do with the source of pleasure or value that each individual gets from golf As an admitted purist who prefers the brand of golf found on historic and traditional golf courses in the U K Australia and New Zealand I would classify rampant use of golf cars as part of the definition of North American golf along with lush green playing conditions sparkling white and perfectly manicured sand bunkers and ornamental accent plantings Both of these two experiences or brands of golf involve using golf equipment and playing by its rules but in North American golf the emphasis is more on getting the ball into the hole in the fewest strokes than to experience the quiet exhilaration of walking through a sensually vibrant environment while striking a golf ball If Winston Churchill did call golf a good walk spoiled imagine his description of golf if you took out the walk part I have been blessed to be around golf for over fifty years beginning as a caddy at a family owned nine hole course before the age of golf cars Much of the lure that compelled me to seek a career in golf came from pleasant sensation and vivid memories of being part of a group of walking golfers There was the soft banter of four way conversations 15 SUMMER 2023
GROUNDS REPORT against a backdrop of the gentle clanging of golf clubs or the squeaky quality from a real leather golf bag strap echoing the cadence of our steps The feel of the topography of the golf hole as you strained a bit going up grades and the free wheeling quality of walking down them The weight of clubs on your shoulder were both a challenge and badge of honor signifying you were up to the physical demands of walking and carrying When I played alone or was separated from other golfers of our group who took a different route to the green there was a quiet that allowed your senses to be in touch with bird calls or singing insects or wind in the trees When golf cars are used those things are lost and the game of golf simply becomes a matter of hitting the ball finding it and hitting it again Walking golf tunes your senses to the nature of things and the game seems more alive Yet aside from the ethereal losses caused by golf cars there are other troubling aspects Most golf courses with predominate cart use usually have extensive pathway systems which are generally paved and as a result add a hard unattractive line to the golf landscape To hide the paths usually requires either extra earthmoving and shaping or placing the paths so far from the sightline of the hole that the path is no longer conveniently close to the play areas which in turn leads to slow play as golfers hike back and forth to the cart Further these golf car paths are expensive adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to construction costs which ultimately is paid for by golfers The golf cars themselves cause damage to the turf or compaction to the soil if driven off the path in the same area repeatedly Golfers rarely treat golf cars as serious and dangerous motor vehicles and often drive them like fun rides or four wheelers sometimes resulting in serious accidents Younger folks especially teens love to drive golf cars although they lack the education or experience to make instantaneous corrections if a problem arises For all of these reasons golf cars are serious sources of liability for golf courses operators and owners that require an extra vigilance on their part to ensure safety But to me perhaps the most discouraging aspect about golf cars is that so many golf course feasibility studies show golf car revenue as a significant source of income While I do not dispute these findings they do represent a sad truth for the golfer and course owner alike as added profitability seemingly justifies a mix of the wholly natural with that of the wholly unnatural think oil and water End result a compromise of one s interaction with those intangibles endemic to walking golf Even as an ardent supporter of barrier free golf courses for physically challenged golfers typified by Casey Martin v PGA Tour it doesn t bother me that some physically fit people won t play golf if they can t ride between shots or that some golf courses elect to construct cart paths as they could not otherwise exist due to terrain revenue etc However I do believe that walking golf is more stimulating more relaxing more healthy and ultimately more rewarding than cart golf So you see I am not nor cannot be against golf cars But I am against any course ownership that requires cart use and therefore strips the golfer of their freedom to answer the question to walk or not to walk and subsequently their freedom to enjoy golf as it was intended to be played 16 SUMMER 2023
FITNESS REPORT 5 Performance Snacks For Summer Noelle Martin Hunt Club Dietitian huntclubrd nourishedbeginnings ca Just like all sports the fuel you consume makes a difference in your golf game Of course a nourishing meal before and after you play is very important But did you know that eating every 3 4 holes can impact your concentration and strength for every shot It s true Your muscles and brain will both perform at their best when fed and hydrated consistently throughout the round And of course the same is true of racquet sports Fueling your body well between matches is very important But don t worry you don t need a whole fridge with you Let s look at 5 easy to pack options that you will want to get into the routine of taking on the course or having close by between tennis and pickleball matches this summer to nourish your body and brain for a great game 1 Almonds Walnuts or Pistachios These delicious nuts provide a filling nutrition packed snack in a small portion Enjoy a small handful before teeing off on holes 4 8 12 and 16 or between racquet sport matches to give you a tasty energy boost And as a bonus you are supporting your body and brain health along the way Studies have shown that Almonds contain antioxidants healthy fats and vitamins that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and contribute to a healthier heart Walnuts improve both cognitive performance and memory and Pistachios contain lutein which contributes to eye health and soluble fiber which supports improved gut health lower cholesterol levels and helps to balance blood sugars 2 Raisins Dates or Apricots Dried fruit is a wonderful option for compact energy and nutrition In just a few dates you can find quick acting fuel as well as antioxidants that guard against inflammation heart disease and eye related disorders such as macular degeneration Dried apricots and raisins are rich in iron as well as many other vitamins minerals and phytochemicals Iron is an especially important mineral as it supports the delivery of oxygen to our brain and body Something we want for optimal activity performance 2 Grapes Apple and Cucumber Did you know that cucumber is 96 water And grapes and apples are over 80 water While it s good to always have water with you it helps to enjoy hydrating foods too Next time you head out for a round or have a few tennis or racquetball matches back to back try packing these 17 and other hydrating veggies and fruit to snack on along the way Try them whole sliced or diced in a mix together for a refreshing fruit salad 3 Cheese and Crackers This may seem like an obvious one but it is still important to include because this classic combo provides a beautiful filling snack that s easy to eat as you walk along the golf course Crackers offer a longer acting energy for your body and brain while cheese provides protein for your bones and muscles Not to mention the many vitamins and minerals packed inside Try changing things up with the following combos RW Garcia Beet Crackers with Swiss Cheese Kashi Crackers with Old Cheddar INNO Foods Crackers with Monterey Jack Mary s Organic Crackers with Gouda Triscuits with Marble Cheese Good Thins with Provolone 4 Smoothies Smoothies are especially great on hot summer days Like the fresh fruit suggestions above smoothies offer hydration and fuel at the same time Blend together your favourite milk with fresh or frozen fruits and veggies pour it into a thermos and enjoy a refreshing smoothie throughout your round Looking for a more filling option Increase the protein and fiber with the addition of Greek yogurt hemp hearts and or chia seeds No time to make your own Caf 1885 has delicious smoothies you can pick up before teeing off or enjoy replenishing your energy after to your round Add protein to your smoothie to help build and repair your muscles 5 Nutrition Bars but choose wisely Sometimes it s nice to bring a bar along that offers satisfying energy without any prep time Ideally bars offer a source of protein healthy fats and fiber without too much added refined sugar Here are few bars you may want to try RX Bars Lara Bars Simply Protein Bars KIND bars Made with Local Bars Taste of Nature Bars Kashi Bars Nature s Bakery Fig Bars TruBar Made Good Bars Prana Bars You can also find house made granola bars energy bars at Caf 1885 with dried fruit nuts seeds and oats a great source of fiber and healthy fats So the next time you head out to enjoy the links or have a few racquet matches lined up don t forget to take a few minutes and pack or purchase a snack to keep your body and brain in prime condition for your game Contact Tracey Machesney to learn more about our Registered Dietitians services here at the Club SUMMER 2023
FITNESS REPORT 18 SUMMER 2023
RACQUET REPORT Photography by Saleme Fayad Photography 19 SUMMER 2023
Team Work Adam Baranowski Director of Racquet Sports abaranowski londonhuntclub com https www instagram com londonhuntclub_racquetsports RACQUET REPORT You are only as good as your team A true comment that resonates with any team organization if it s a firm sports team or country club The skills of a trade can be learned in some way or other but people skills building relationships communication and most importantly empathy are some of the skills that have been ingrained in us since we were young You can not change people of what and who they are Finding a right candidate for a job is not as easy as one might think Over the year s I have hired many associate and assistant pros as well as coaches Many of them have become Directors of various clubs in Canada some of which stayed in private sector and some moved to commercial public clubs As a leader you want to encourage your team to be better at their profession especially if you see their passion and relentless pursuit to excellence It would be selfish of me to try and keep pros as long as possible that show potential and not let them grow Some are ready to become directors themselves in no time but lack the courage to go on their own this is why it s important to keep motivating your team and nurturing them to become the best they can be Encouraging them to take certain coaching certifications and developmental courses Have them do certain tasks take on various responsibilities even though they might find it challenging or they might fail It s part of growth and development like anything else You have to give your staff a chance and believe in them and they can succeed Additionally your passion values and goals need to align as a whole with the rest of the team otherwise you will constantly swim upstream Just last year I felt it was necessary in order to have pickleball get off the ground and be successful to hire an expert in a field I new very little of I had to put my trust in someone that would deliver such an experience to our membership I could not have been happier and more grateful having Carolyn Stevens Pickleball Professional join our team Her passion dedication and love for pickleball is without a doubt visible each and every day and it keeps growing Same goes for having Krista Meriam join our Racquets Team This would not have happened if Michael Hearse did not believe Krista was ready and more than capable in filling and executing the Racquet Chalet Supervisor Event League Coordinator role and I am grateful he did Our new Associate Professional Ava Skuse started with us six year s ago Ava began working with young kids mostly but each year gained more experience until she become more comfortable teaching adults as well Teaching group lessons and running leagues over time she has grown and evolved to become a confident professional on and off the court expanding her horizon by adding pickleball to her portfolio Next is our Assistant Tennis Professional Matt Mueller The newest and youngest addition to our team he does not shy away from hard work Growing up on a farm in Petrolia and playing hockey at an early age would certainly contribute to that I am certain Matt s parents had something to do with that as well Picking up tennis later in his early teens absorbing everything like a sponge he created a love for the game Our team would not be complete without Chris Cowen Matt Mackenzie James and David Ortega Without them we wouldn t have the best Har Tru courts in Canada I can honestly say that I am grateful for being part of this team and look forward to many more seasons to come 20 SUMMER 2023
JUST 4 JUNIORS LONDON HUNT AND COUNTRY CLUB JUST4JUNIORS This summer visit the library and enjoy these shark favouries at the beach by the pool or under the stars colour and name this friendly shark Q what do you call a daper shark a so fish dicated 20 shark fun facts 1 There are more than 400 species worldwide There are hundreds of different shark species ranging from the 20 centimetre dwarf lantern shark to the 12 metre whale shark The waters bordering Canada alone are home to 28 types 2 They lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime Sharks continually shed and replace their teeth losing as many as 30 000 in a lifetime 3 Skin on females can be twice as thick as males Some female sharks have skin twice as thick as their male counterparts 4 They have a sixth sense Sharks are known to have a super keen sense of sound smell and sight But some species also have a sixth sense known as electroreception This network of jelly filled pores located in their head gives them the ability to detect electrical impulses from other living organisms 5 They re relatively harmless Few shark attacks on humans are fatal and researchers believe most shark attacks are cases of mistaken identity Sharks might confuse a human for prey but once they take a bite and realize it s not a seal or fish they ll often let go SUMMER 2023
FACES IN THE CLUB Faces in the Club BAILEY SHERRAH RESTAURANT MANAGER Bio Over the years I ve served out on the course mixed cocktails behind the bar and created the infamous juicy cocktail Bailz Summer Fling I began working at the Club part time in 2015 when I moved to London to carry out my education in graphic design as well as broadcasting media and journalism Upon graduating I left the Club to travel and pursue some time within media In August 2022 I returned to the Club as acting Restaurant Manager When I m not at the Club I enjoy discovering local offerings indulging in live music and exploring trails with my pup Ozzie Future Goals I think I have a lot of ideas for my future and I m unsure if I ll watch them all come to fruition My ultimate passion project would be to develop my own online media brand for community based journalism I envision having correspondents all over Canada maybe even beyond who provide a platform to not only those who need it but the good doers of the world Hobbies Beyond hiking camping and kayaking my number one hobby is experiences Over the entirety of my life I have been fortunate enough to collect many memories from near and far and learn so many lessons along the way Through J School I spent a lot of time working on stories in our own community here in London where I really tried to help change the narrative We live in a world of non stop consumption and when you re constantly consuming negative information by choice or no alternative it can truly impact your own success Whether it may be meeting new people trying new foods or skills traveling to new places or discovering new things about old places there is no feeling quite like experiencing something for the first time Favourite Thing About the Club I realize this is an answer that has been given time and time again but it s the people Language and words are so powerful What we choose to use in our personal conversations and what is used in what we consume together have a great impact on not only our own well being but the participants as well So why not help change that At the end of the day my ongoing goal is to continue to be happy and kind no matter where life takes me 22 I ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know so many interesting and inspiring individuals throughout my time working at LHCC It s a unique place to be able to really connect with others With so many different employee departments and such a large membership there s an unending opportunity to learn something new from each person you speak with and I think that s rather neat SUMMER 2023
JUNE EVENTS June Events Couples Social 9 Hole Golf Event I June 2 An evening of 9 holes of golf complimented with food and beverage TaylorMade Fit Day I June 3 Private one on one fittings by experienced representatives with support from our Club Professionals Archery Clinic I June 3 A clinic and demo day shooting and instruction BBQ lunch available by chit BBQ at the Racquet Chalet I June 3 Swing by the Chalet for your BBQ favourites Grandparent and Grandchild Tennis and Pickleball Event I June 3 A morning of pickleball and tennis play for grandparents and granchildren followed by a BBQ on the patio Ladies Pickleball Social I June 3 An afternoon of pickleball followed by light snacks 23 Callaway Fit Day I June 11 Private one on one fittings by experienced representatives with support from our Club Professionals Team Pickleball I June 10 An afternoon of competitive pickleball Music on the Terrace I June 16 Enjoy live music on the Terrace Reserve early to avoid disappointment Father s Day Feature I June 18 Celebrate Dad at the Club League Days Senior Men s Quota League Mondays Competitive Pickleball 2 5 to 3 0 Mondays Men s League Doubles Mondays Women s 9 and 18 Hole League Tuesdays Competitive Pickleball 3 5 Tuesdays Women s Doubles League Tuesdays Men s Golf League Wednesdays Women s Thursday Morning Doubles Thursdays Sunset Skirts Thursdays SUMMER 2023
JULY EVENTS July Events Weekly Junior Events Canada Day Celebration I July 1 Register early and reserve your table for one of the Club s biggest celebrations of the year Try Golf Group Program I Mondays This program is made to introduce beginners to the game at a basic level ITF Senior Championships I July 6 7 8 and 9 Seniors tennis tournament where players come and compete from all over the world including some of our members Couples Social 9 Hole Golf Event I July 7 An evening of 9 holes of golf complimented with food and beverage Music on the Terrace I July 14 Enjoy live music on the Terrace Reserve early to avoid disappointment Men s Member Member Golf Event I July 20 21 and 22 Two days of golf and three days of camaraderie Learn Golf Group Program I Mondays This program is for Juniors that want to build on their basic skills and develop a proper swing technique and more consistent ball striking Play Golf Group Program I Tuesdays This program is designed to improve on already acquired skills and get Juniors in a weekly game Kids Tennis I Thursdays Red Ball On a half size court we introduce the essential skills of tennis Orange Ball On a 3 4 size court we reinforce grip setup impact point hitting zone and recovery Green Ball Using 25 slower ball on a regular size court players will learn to rally with finer direction and height control Junior Pickleball I Saturdays and Sundays Introduces players to the FUNdamentals 24 SUMMER 2023
AUGUST EVENTS August Events Women s Competitive Interclub I August 2 Competitive team doubles against other clubs Longest Drive Competition I August 25 Sign up to compete for the Longest Drive title Friday Night Tennis Mixer I August 11 An evening of doubles tennis with a Rock n Roll theme Music on the Terrace I August 25 Enjoy live music on the Terrace Reserve early to avoid disappointment Senior Club Championship I August 11 and 12 Two days of golf to end with the crowning of the winner Women s Golf Member Guest I August 18 A day of golf with your guest Weekly Features Friday Night Buffet Sunday Brunch Sunday BBQ BBQ at the Racquet Chalet I August 19 Grab a bite on the patio and view some tennis or pickleball at the Chalet Junior Golf Club Championship I August 21 Includes 9 Hole 18 Hole and Drive Chip and Putt Championships there s a competition perfect for all our Juniors Club Championship I August 25 26 and 27 Three days of Championship play for men and women Starts Friday with the Men s Championship Flight followed by all other flights on Saturday 25 SUMMER 2023
Wedding of Jillian Jung and David Boersma May 2023 EXPERIENCE THE EXCEPTIONAL ELEVATE YOUR EVENT Members enjoy no room or linen fees custom menus to suit your event and taste London s most sought after address with rooms that can accommodate an intimate gathering for eight or large celebration for up to 300 and access to experts at creating an unforgetable Hunt Club experience for you and your friends and family Did you know members are able to sponsor friends and family so they can enjoy the Club for their events too CONTACT US Ginny Leyten Events Coordinator gleyten londonhuntclub com 519 471 2523 ext 240 Eric Frenzel Banquet Manager efrenzel londonhuntclub com 519 471 2523 ext 229 SUMMER 2023