Club Life Summer 2021 : simplebooklet.com

ALSO IN THIS ISSUEPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE................. 03CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER’S REPORT......................................... 05BREAKING 100, 90 OR 80............. 13GROUNDS: SUMMER REPORT........ 15CHOOSING YOUR RACQUET....... 17EVENT CALENDAR........................ 20JUST FOR JUNIORS........................ 23On the cover - Our elegant Glenmore menu photographed by Saleme Fayad Photography.Saleme’s work is also featured on page 1 and 7Board of DirectorsBOARD OF DIRECTORS John SliskovicPresidentPeter HallFirst Vice PresidentDoug DavisSecond Vice PresidentLynne LeitchPast President Britta JonesJeff PetrieDoug MacKenzieNancy GeeBob DiFrusciaMarlene McGrathJeff DotyMANAGEMENT TEAMJon Nusink, CCM CCEChief Operating OfficerChris Lawson, PGA of CanadaDirector of GolfJayson GriffithsDirector of Agronomy and GroundsAdam BaranowskiDirector of TennisMonica Mick, CPA, CADirector of Finance and AdministrationMichael Hearse, CCMDirector of Clubhouse OperationsAlicia Clow-EnnisFitness ManagerBen EngHouse Department SupervisorMitch BukataFacilities Maintenance LeadMichael StarkExecutive ChefChris CarnegieFood and Beverage ManagerBrandie CooperMembership and Communications ManagerSUMMER 2021CONTENTS 11COCKTAILSIN A CAN2 SUMMER 2021 860 SECONDS WITH... 9NEW IN CULINARY 19GET TO KNOWSTEVE

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My first order of business in my initial Club Life message is to thank Lynne Leitch for all she accomplished over a most interesting and unusual year in her term as our Club’s President. Who knew the entire year would be clouded by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lynne led us through many Zoom meetings and proved as adept at chairing Zoom meetings as she is in managing her court room.In addition to the substantial extra efforts to deal with the Covid related issues, Lynne, with a huge assist from Doug Mackenzie and the Golf Course Master Plan committee, worked through a number of information sessions with our membership that ultimately concluded with the favourable vote to proceed with Golf Course Refurbishment and Enhancement Project. This is really a milestone event for us and Lynne’s leadership throughout the process was invaluable.I would also like to thank Peter Channer, Dave Moore, Frank Longo and Beth Nelligan for their contributions to the Board and the Club as they have completed their terms. I welcome Doug Davis, Marlene McGrath, Jeff Doty and Bob Difruscia as they join the Board and am looking forward to working with them.It will be an honour to serve as the Club’s next President and I am looking forward to the coming year. We are all extremely frustrated over the pandemic in general and more specifically the restrictions over outdoor activities from mid-April until the May long weekend. 3 SUMMER 2021The recent announcement allowing us back on the golf course and the tennis courts was great news although it is disappointing to wait until mid-June for outdoor dining. No doubt various restrictions will be a way of life for some time.Jon Nusink, the management team, and our staff have met the challenges over the past year and are ready to meet whatever twists and turns are next. In the past, Lynne has mentioned you cannot understate what Jon and the team have dealt with and are likely to continue to deal with for some time yet. In the re-opening, we recalled 40 employees in the single day between the government announcement and the Saturday tee and court times. No small feat indeed. Financially, we remain in very good shape and in fact much better than any of us would have predicted one year ago. It is true our revenues have been, and will be, less than hoped for in banquets and special events. To date, expense reductions, the government subsidies and other revenue pickups have made up for the shortfall. Our financial position for the year ahead remains difficult to forecast.Our membership numbers are as strong as they have been in quite some time, with over thirty families on our veranda and waiting list. We have been, and will continue to be, very careful with adding new members given the access to the tee pressures.Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT’S MESSAGEJohn SliskovicJohn.T.Sliskovic@ca.ey.com

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Doug Mackenzie will be providing a status update to the membership in the coming weeks. Other interesting items under discussion include the possibility of adding pickleball courts with the likely location to the right of the tennis parking lot, acquiring synthetic turf to extend the use of the driving range at the beginning and end of each season and we continue to look at possible changes to the layout of our kitchen, restaurant and bar facilities. We will keep the membership apprised of any developments.I will close with a thank you to our committee chairs for leading their committees over the next year and a thank you to our members. By and large everyone has been patient and cooperative with dealing with the pandemic restrictions and the membership has supported the Club. We will need some of that patience yet as we continue to deal with the pandemic related restrictions. We welcome your feedback, positive or constructive, as the Board and management and staff seek to provide the exceptional experience you expect from your Club.I look forward to seeing everyone soon.John SliskovicClub President.By the time you are reading this, we will have welcomed Michael Hearse back to become a key member of the food and beverage team. The flexibility of the team in adapting to the focus on take out and grocery orders, virtual cooking classes, cocktail kits and the on again off again ability to enjoy indoor or outdoor dining has been greatly appreciated by the membership.During the most recent lockdown, Jayson, Deb and the scaled back grounds crew kept the course ready. The remainder of the team were called back on Friday, May 21st and the next day we were playing golf and the course was in great shape. Quite an amazing accomplishment.In the Pro Shop we congratulate Chris Lawson on his promotion to our Director of Golf and welcome Connor Brown as Lead Associate Golf Professional. The golf tips, some by video, some in written form with pictures, have been a great addition to the eNews. The Pro Shop team and the Golf Committee have developed mitigation measures to help deal with the access to tee challenges and we will be monitoring these as we resume regular play.We have some great merchandise in the Pro Shop including some new clothing lines. While we have not been able to open the Pro Shop during the recent lockdown, the electronic catalogue has been a success and I encourage you to view it.In tennis we welcome Edgar Suski as our new Associate Tennis Professional. Adam and the tennis team are ready for another busy season with some improved lighting for the courts. At the conclusion of the season we will undertake a resurfacing of the courts. Alicia is leading the fitness section while Tracey is on maternity leave. Similar to the F&B team, the fitness team has adapted to online personal training and Zoom classes while the in-person restrictions have been in place. When I reflect on our service offerings, it is clear our facilities are second to none and we are very lucky to enjoy the many privileges of our Club.Our priority over the next few months is the work in connection with the tendering process for the Golf Course Refurbishment and Enhancement Project SPRING 20204 SUMMER 2021

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5 SUMMER 2021This month’s Club Life submission was one of the tougher ones to write. We all set forward with a goal to refocus on things other than Covid, but despite our efforts, it is inescapably still a major part of our lives, which extends to our Club operations. Everyone is tired of it now, and we all yearn for normalcy, and our old way of life. We are hopeful that the next time we issue a Club Life Magazine, it will be from a new perspective, with pandemic problems in our rear view mirror.The term “holding pattern” is a noun which traditionally defines a traffic pattern for aircraft at a specific location (holding point) where they are ordered to remain until permitted to land or proceed. Generally, it can be applied to most other things non-avionic as a state of waiting or suspended activity or progress.This year sure feels like an extended holding pattern, with many similarities to last year. We’ve had lock down periods, and rules that evolve and change with little notice, and sometimes with a seeming lack of common sense. That being said, there are experts making the rules, which we will respect and follow, right to the end, for the betterment of everyone.Following the Government’s “Roadmap to Reopen”, we are hopeful that we will be back to outdoor dining, with restrictions around June 14th. If all goes to plan, we will be indoor dining by the end of July. With the current rules, we won’t be able to conduct banquets until that time as well. Hopefully, by early August, everything will be as close to normal as we’ve seen it in well over a year.This winter and spring have been very successful with take out food and a variety of virtual events, and I thank you all for your support. However, we regret that we will not be able to conduct our Club’s largest family event, Canada Day, again this year. We have been adjusting to pick up family events such as Easter, and Mother’s Day, but we look forward to having everyone back at the Clubhouse, maybe in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year!One positive thing that the pandemic has given us is an increased interest in golf and tennis. People have realized the value of these sports close to home with family and friends. 2020 was a record breaking year, and 2021 is starting to look like it will follow suit. It will be interesting to see if that trend normalizes as the world opens up again.Management and the Board have been very cautious with access to the tee and the courts and how it translates to member satisfaction. Therefore, membership numbers, or better yet, caps have been held through this time.As a result, we are experiencing a healthy and extensive waitlist for membership, currently estimated at about a two year wait if one was to apply today. Across the industry, 65% of clubs are reporting waitlists, whereas just a few years ago, we were one of only 3 or 4 clubs in that envious position, albeit, the wait time was a lot shorter then. We will continually monitor usage as covid restrictions change and gauge the effect on membership and the long term pressure on the tee and courts.It is important to look long term however, and as such, it is still important to put forth recommendations for membership from friends and colleagues. Everyone will just need to be a bit more patient and keep in mind that all good things come to those who wait!With that, I would like to extend a warm welcome to James and Cheryl Hayes who are new Resident Shareholder members. James is the CEO of Mobials Inc., a software company for digital data in the automotive industry, where Cheryl is the Director of Customer Success. They were proposed by Jay Nash and seconded by Jason Meyer. SUMMER REPORTJon Nusink, GM/COO - jnusink@londonhuntclub.com

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6 SUMMER 2021We have also welcomed three new families to our Veranda, which I will explain more below for those who are unaware of this term.Brian and Lynda Draves are new Resident Shareholder members. Brian and Lynda are newly retired Canadian Tire Dealers after 39 years in the business who recently relocated to London. They were proposed by Steve Goodine and seconded by Richard Line.Eric Vardon and Alexandra Perfetti are new Resident Shareholder members with their two children Aemiliana (8) and Jude (3). Eric is the President at EventConnect and co-founder of Arcane and Morphio. They were proposed by Don Roussy and seconded by Bill Smyrnios.Yu Li and Lora Yang are new Intermediate 35-39 Members with their two children Ethan (8) and Olivia (4). Yu is a family doctor at the West London Family Health Clinic and Lora is the principal dentist at Old North Family Dentistry. They were proposed by Derek Tai and seconded by Steve Doubt.The Veranda category is essentially the top of the waitlist. This category is currently capped at 10 families and allows full access to the Club amenities except golf which is limited to twice per month. An entrance fee deposit and dues are required upon acceptance. After the Veranda, we go down the list to a more traditional waitlist. Future and returning members on this waitlist unfortunately need to wait to have Club privileges until a space on the Veranda opens up.Having a healthy waitlist is a good position to be in, but it is also not without its challenges. Expectations need to be transparent and in an instant gratification society that we have been enjoying, its tough for people to have to wait longer than they’d like. Our situation is one that we have not had to face in a very long time, if ever. The question has come up a few times if Legacy Members, and former members applying for reinstatement, are subject to the same waitlist, or do they get prioritized. The result of the Board deliberation on the matter is that except for any imposed caps on a particular category, applications once approved, would be accepted on a first in first out basis, providing the best overall fairness to the process.One last membership topic before moving on is a reminder that the London Hunt Club has a family inclusive membership model. In other words, spouses and common law partners, and children under 19 years old must be part of the Club’s membership, regardless if they plan to use the Club’s facilities or not. If your situation needs to be updated, please contact Brandie Cooper, Membership and Communications Manager or I, and we can determine how this policy is applied to your family.After a large and exciting build up last year resulting in a positive vote for the golf course project, I am happy to report that although it may seem that things have cooled down on that front, it is very much in full gear beneath the surface. Kind of like a duck travelling upstream - it looks calm and relaxed from the surface, but below the water, those little feet are going a hundred miles an hour. The Implementation Committee has been working on a laundry list of preparatory tasks. Over the past several months, we have secured our General Contractor in principle, and are working with various consultants for the irrigation system, drainage, trees, erosion, turf, and of course the architectural elements to the plan. Everyone has been sharpening their pencils and finalizing their designs, which will all be overlayed and fit together like an intricate tapestry of golf heaven! In the next Club Life Issue, a great amount of detail and an update will be available for Members to be brought up to speed by our Chief Duck (Committee Chair) Doug Mackenzie who has been tirelessly leading the efforts. Until then, we thank you for your patience as you wait in a hold for more information.In aviation, holding (or flying a hold) is a maneuver designed to delay an aircraft already in flight while keeping it within a specified airspace. The primary use of a holding pattern is to provide safety and order for aircraft that have arrived at their destination but cannot land yet because of traffic congestion, poor weather, or runway unavailability. I feel that we have been in the stack for a long time, and we have all come together to play our part. But I know that it is almost our turn to finally land. Until then, be smart, be kind, and stay safe, so we can all see each other again at the arrival gate.

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8 SUMMER 202160 SECONDS WITH...HOW YOU START YOUR DAYWeekdays it is usually fruit, yogurt and peanut butter on a slice of toast. On the weekend it is poached eggs or an omelette. Large black coffee every day.WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UPIt was a toss-up between a professional baseball player or a professional hockey player. FAVOURITE SONGSmoke on the Water by Deep Purple was the first big rock song when I was in grade 7 or 8 and remains a favourite to this day.HOW YOU SPENT YOUR SUMMERS GROWING UPBaseball was my focus. Despite short summers growing up in Thunder Bay we had some great Little League and Senior Little League teams and won a couple Canadian championships. SOMEWHERE EVERYONE SHOULD TRAVEL/SEE IN THEIR LIFETIMETempted to say the Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay but the beach in Maui is tough to beat. Would put the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam right up there. Honourable mention to the many great golf courses in England and Scotland I have been fortunate enough to play.EARLY RISER, TAX ADVISOR AND CLUB PRESIDENT JOHN SLISKOVICSUNRISE OR SUNSETSunrise. I am a morning person. THING THAT HAS CHANGED MOST FOR YOU THIS YEARAt the start of the pandemic Deb and I went from empty nesters to having our daughters, Kayla and Taylor and Taylor’s boyfriend Bryce, live with us in April 2020. They were previously living in a small condo in Toronto. Kayla moved to Calgary in late June to start her residency in paediatrics at the Alberta Children’s Hospital while Taylor and Bryce moved nearby to a townhouse in West Five in September. They now have a golden retriever, Jameson, and he has provided many smiles and laughs on our walks during the recent lockdowns.GO TO GRILLING ITEMWe barbeque quite often even in the winter. Nothing fancy, salmon is a favourite.MEMORY WITH YOUR DADMy father never missed one of my baseball or hockey games growing up. He was definitely my biggest supporter.NUMBERS OR WORDSBeing a tax advisor I will go with both.WHAT MAKES THE HUNT CLUB FEEL LIKE HOMEThe many friends we have made since joining the Club in 1999. When I bring out guests, they always laugh at how many people I will talk to between the Grill Room, the range and the first tee.

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10 SUMMER 2021Michael Stark, Executive Chefmstark@londonhuntclub.com, instagram.com/huntclubfoodanddrink/IN CULINARYWith a new season upon us the culinary department has shifted our menus to focus on artisan products using smaller, local farms where animals are raised better. We feel that with this shift we can offer the membership a superior product that is tended to and raised with ethical cultural practices. Because of Covid many different branches of the food industry have been hit hard but none more than small, local producers. We feel that the sense of being connected through Covid has also led to being connected to our local producers. We have started relationships with smaller farms in the area that we will purchasing from with seasonality in mind including Slegers, Shogun Mitake and Green Door Farms Organic Heirloom Tomatoes. We also work with our larger suppliers and urged them to use local produce when fulfilling our orders as well. Beef cuts have become a central focus. After much research and discussion we are shifting to using better raised and smaller herd size operations. We believe by using some truly amazing purveyors and farmers that we will be offering the best steaks in the city. Hereford breed cattle from Wellington County, certified Black Angus from Creek Stone Farms, potato fed steers from Prince Edward Island, Magriet duck breast from Lac Brome, Quebec and finally Metzger’s award winning bacon from Hensall Ontario are all products that have been carefully curated to create an exceptional experience for the diner. The Halfway House has also undergone some large changes with it now being manned with culinary staff members and a revived menu. The products in the Halfway House have also evolved - better sandwiches on Cobb’s Bread, lobster rolls and even hot paninis. With the addition of Halfway House attendants that are trained cooks we feel that we are offering more consistent, better product in a timely manner. The changes that are being made will continue through the year as the soon to be post Covid landscape changes. Bret Ridgeway, the Chef de Cuisine in the Glenmore Restaurant, will continue to lead his team in their shared mission to offer the best dining in the city. A Club kitchen is a difficult thing to navigate as we have to be everything to everyone that is a member - no two people are alike, and no two wants are the same. One thing we feel that all members can consistently get behind is top notch food from great purveyors. We feel that the diversity that makes our Club so special is reflected in the menu offerings we produce here at the London Hunt and Country Club.Wh’s New

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11 SUMMER 2021Summer has officially arrived and with it comes a rejuvenated profound sense that the pandemic will soon be in our rear view mirror. It is exciting that as I write this, the lost energy and buzz around the Club will soon be restored. Friendly competition will return to our golf course and tennis courts, and above all else, laughter and great camaraderie will deafen the silence on our beautiful Terrace and patios. Of course, one thing that is commonplace for these joyful reunions is your favourite cocktail in hand. The pandemic has changed a lot of industries and hospitality is no exception. So, as you return to the patio, has the last year and a half changed any of the offerings you could be seeing in the cocktail world? Before the nightmare of the pandemic was even a thought, ready-to-drink cocktails in a can were “a thing” but were often overlooked as people still enjoyed visiting their favourite bar or restaurant and having a conversation with the bartender as they mixed their favourite cocktail. Fast forward to shuttered restaurants which forced the industry to pivot to take out sales. At first this was food focused but soon after beverages also became an integral part of the takeout experience. Suddenly the previously forgotten pre made cocktails in a can exploded to the forefront. So much so that Forbes reported that canned cocktails generated 117.9 million dollars in sales since the beginning of the pandemic which resulted in a 146.6% increase from the previous year. Traditional cocktails such as the Classic Old Fashioned, Paloma, Whiskey Sour etc. all started being offered in cans. When you think about these pre made in a can beverages a lot of hesitation and intrigue swirl in your mind. Can they actually taste as good as a bartender made cocktail? Will there be extra additives and preservatives? The fact of the matter is that most of these cocktails in a can are mastered and produced by craft distilleries and their bartenders. The reviews for these were overwhelmingly positive with most people reporting that they actually tasted better then cocktails that were being prepared in front of them. This is mostly in part to perfectly portioned parts and absolute consistency in each can. Bars and restaurants usually have more than one bartender and each could make your cocktail different from the other, so it is no shock that once you find your favorite choice of craft cocktail in a can it would be hard to stray away from it. Hook, line, and sinker! If you were worried about the additives and preservatives you will be pleased to know that most of these cocktails contain real fruit juice, zero preservatives and are 100% gluten free.Here at the London Hunt and Country Club our bartenders led by Pete Willems are always creative and execute their craft to the highest degree. Our golf course offers a great platform for the cocktails in a can and I am pleased to announce we will be making some of these available this summer both in the restaurant and on the course. We will be featuring three different selections from Founders Original that include Selville Orange Bourbon Sour, Blackberry Gin Bramble and Grapefruit Tequila Paloma.Welcome back and cheers to a great summer!Chris Carnegie, Food and Beverage Managerccarnegie@londonhuntclub.com, instagram.com/huntclubfoodanddrink/COCKTAILS IN A CAN

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13 SUMMER 2021It might be a cliché but striving to break 100, 90, or 80 is certainly a topic that comes up often during conversation with many golfers. When we start a new season we often set personal goals. A scoring milestone might be one of those goals and can signify to one that their time and efforts are paying off. Many golfers just want to play, enjoy the walk or time on the course and that is also great. I too feel being somewhat carefree, not careless, is a good way to play – having this mindset can certainly make the experience truly relaxing. BREAKING 100,90 OR 80One of the first lessons I can recall when I started to play the game more seriously, was to not add up my score until the round was over. This seems so simple, and yet for many golfers they reach the 18th tee and announce they need a par to break 80. Sure enough they make a double. Perhaps coincidence or bad luck, either way if we concentrate on the end number, we lose focus on the process. For those members who do set goals and want to break one of these milestone marks, here are a few other concepts and ideas to help you on your way.Chris Lawson, Director of Golf clawson@londonhuntclub.comInstagram @londonhuntclub_proshop

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14 SUMMER 2021STOP WORRYING ABOUT HITTING THE BALL PERFECTLY STRAIGHTIt is virtually impossible to play the game of golf perfectly straight for every swing of the club. If you are struggling to break triple digits you might have more than one miss. Many of the games best players avoid one miss, be it a hook they play a fade, or if they want to avoid a slice they play a draw. Typically hitting the ball off the tee in a direction that favors your natural shot shape is the best practice. Now for most of us that’s a fade, and that’s a good thing, so stop fighting the fade and play for it. I recall reading a quote from Lee Trevino “You can talk to a fade, but a hook won’t listen.” And Mr. Trevino is not alone, many of the top touring pros play for a fade. The most important thing is following your natural shot shape and not trying to play perfectly straight.IGNORE PAR/COURSE MANAGEMENTOne sure way to increase your score is to think about it on every hole. This is far and away the most crucial part of my strategy to breaking a milestone. You’re not trying to make par, you’re simply trying to avoid making big numbers. In my mind, that means trying to have nothing worse than a bogey putt as your first putt on any hole. We don’t need to hit risky shots to try and get a par or birdie putt, possibly leaving us plugged in a bunker or something far worse. All we need is no worse than starting with a bogey putt on every hole. Assuming we can lag putt decently well for a two putt per hole, we’ll avoid any big numbers throughout the round. If at any point you’re facing a shot where you think it could cost you a stroke if you don’t pull it off, just lay up! Hit the easy shot and save yourself the trouble. Taking any risks could lead to a snowball hole, and all of the sudden you make a 10 or worse. Even if you’re 150 yards from the green out of the rough, just hit the wedge and then worry about the next shot from the fairway.THREE PUTTINGThis is another area of the game where golfers are missing the boat. If you asked most players, they would say that they need to be making more putts from the 5 to 15 foot range in order to break their milestone goal. I feel this is backwards thinking. We should not be trying to make more one putts, we should be working on limiting your three putts. Our expectations with our putter often supersede our successes. Even LPGA and PGA players miss 5 footers occasionally. We need to be realistic and expect that most of our putts will not fall. However, that should not be taken as discouraging putts as it sounds. It’s a realization that we want the ball to be as close as possible with our first putt, to increase preventing the dreaded three putt.More than 40% of your strokes in a round can come from the putting green. Working on your putting can sometimes help solve the one piece of the puzzle on your way to breaking your milestone goal. AVOID PENALTY STROKES AND OTHER COSTLY ERRORSI hope this isn’t taken the wrong way, or seem too obvious but if you see white, or red stakes or bunkers, play away from them. These penalty areas can lead to costly strokes and take a bit out of your confidence. Unless there are penalty areas, bunkers or out of bounds markings on both sides of the fairway or green play well away from unnecessary danger. Giving up half a stroke is better than losing a full stroke or likely more. The only thing worse than playing a shot from a deep greenside bunker, is playing a second shot from the same greenside bunker. Take your medicine and find your way out of the bunker, even if it’s a shot not at the flag. PLAY FROM THE PROPER TEESNot only can playing from the proper tees help your score, but it can help pace of play, and your overall enjoyment of the game. More often than not, we are persuaded by our egos or our friends to play a certain set of tees. This shouldn’t really be the reason you play one tee over another. Ideally the appropriate challenge is playing a course which makes it possible ‘not necessarily easy‘ to par each hole. If you are playing a hole where it is impossible to reach the green in regulation, then you are not playing from the right set of tees. The course setup should be such that tee boxes on all 18 holes are considerate of the skill level of those who intend to use them. A suitable par 4 would allow you to reach the green with a very good drive followed by an equally good mid-iron approach. Take your average 5-iron distance (be honest!), multiply by 36, and choose the tees that most closely match that yardage. Example: You hit your 5-iron 160 yards. So 160 times 36 equals 5,800. Playing the wrong tees is a sure way of not breaking your milestone goal. It’s not fun hitting the driver, followed by a fairway wood to most holes. Find the tees with the appropriate yardages for your game.Perhaps not all 5 steps are necessary for every golfer, but if you just keep these ideas in mind you will break your milestone this season.

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15 SUMMER 2021Nature’s seasons are individually unique and provide a rhythm to life’s intricate processes. Our core senses have acutely developed over time to help us connect, navigate, and appreciate our surroundings.The game of golf originated in Scotland over 500 years ago along the coastal “linksland” formed by natural forces of wind and sea. Golf is a game, much like the coastal dunes, intrinsically linked to external forces; forces that have shaped its form over the centuries:1457 Banned due to interference with archery practice.1950 Growth slowed due to depression and WWII at 5,000 golf courses.1970 Automated irrigation systems installed at Pine Valley. 2000’s Solid golf ball design improving distance and control.2010 Pinehurst No. 2 reacted to growing environmental pressures with “old style” course design. 2025 Environmental initiatives to sustain the natural ecosystems surrounding the game.Historically, these natural settings, much like today, appeal to the masses for its open space, recreation, attachment to the land and the many social, economic, and physical health benefits a golf course provides. The significance of its virtues has lasted for centuries, although on occasion, it has cycled up and down in part due to political strife, economic hardships and most recently the global pandemic of Covid-19 which has challenged our individual freedoms for the collective well-being of all.Jayson Griffiths, Director of Agronomy and Groundsjgriffiths@londonhuntclub.com, twitter.com/GriffithsJaysonSUMMER REPORT

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16 SUMMER 2021The game of golf has tremendous healing properties, as can be witnessed in its recent growth and continued popularity amongst families and the intergenerational benefits it provides. A resurgence of 20% year over year rounds has created an opportunity for golf to sustain its footprint for many years to come. Golf course architects, allied associations, professional golf associations, the United States Golf Association and university land grant research groups have collaboratively worked for decades to quantify the games virtues. For many years in the 1990’s and early 2000’s golf was targeted by many environmental groups as a sink on resources with few environmental benefits played only by the economically most fortunate. The loudest voice sometimes quashes the very fact that golf is not bad but has been a silent good. Turfgrass alone accounts for the replenishment of oxygen, the regulation of temperature through evapotranspiration, the removal of carbon from the atmosphere, the reduction of erosion and pollution via bioremediation. In fact, an average 18-hole golf course is known to produce enough O2 to sustain thousands of people. Golf courses encompass so much more than a manicured ecosystem rather provide a network of interconnected habitats benefitting a multitude of plant species and animals. The sustainable future of property stewardship requires a reduction in the playable footprint while enhancing the natural environment. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in conjunction with the Environmental Institute of Golf have collaborated on best management practices and sustainability for the stewardship of golf courses. Within this framework, acreage of individual components relative to overall property size are identified. Many variables exist within these geographic confines, including turfgrass species, irrigated area, non-playable zones, water bodies, hardscapes, parking lots, support infrastructure, and forested areas. Of key initiatives is the need to protect and preserve the use of water. Since 1996, by percentage, 71% of facilities invested in irrigation improvements followed closely by reductions in irrigated areas and the enhancement of greenspace and wildlife habitat corridors.Contrary to popular belief, the entire golf course is not comprised of highly maintained turfgrass. Golf courses in general occupy only 60% of the land they are built upon. Of that 50% is comprised of mown rough with only 5% intensively maintained greens. Non-turfgrass acreage is substantial and contributes vastly to the uniqueness of London Hunt. These forested areas and wetlands provide not only refuge to the plants and animals which reside here but the Membership owners who walk the sun-dappled pathway systems during the spring, summer, fall and winter. The diversity of animals never ceases to amaze…from eagles to fawns to salamanders, snapping turtles and songbirds alike.The positive behind the resurgence of golf and its environmental footprint is the joint co-operation of many to steward and protect its continued survival. As outlined these past few seasons, the future enjoyment, health and sustainability of the London Hunt and Country Club requires the leadership and guiding wisdom of a trusted hand. The development of a Member focused, Member supported, Master Plan will help provide a clear vision to anticipate, prioritize and schedule infrastructure improvements and renovations to the golf course for years to come. We at the LHCC Grounds Department greatly appreciate the investment and commitment extended to us by our Membership. As a Team we want to be part of golf’s next great challenge, where water restrictions and environmental stewardship and sustainability will frame the picture. The agronomy Team is excited for another summer season of freshly clipped turf and fresh morning air.

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Adam Baranowski, Director of Tennisabaranowski@londonhuntclub.com, instagram.com/londonhuntclub_tennis/CHOOSING YOUR RACQUETThere are few things to consider when choosing you racquet. Grip and head size, weight and balance point, brand and string pattern. Many players know what they are looking for when it comes to the first three but string pattern is often not considered. Every popular racquet brand has various string patterns, which refers to the number of main strings (vertical) to the number of cross strings (horizontal). The most common patterns today are 16x19, 16x20, 18x20 and 16x18. A dense pattern refers to smaller squares or smaller spaces between strings. An open pattern, on the other hand, refers to bigger squares as well as larger spaces between strings. Once you choose a specific brand the stringing pattern usually can not be changed, however there are some exceptions. HEAD for instance has a kit that enables you to change/alter the string pattern, balance point and weight. The most common and popular stringing pattern (used by players Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) is 16x19. This pattern, which is more open than 18x20, gives players more power and extra bite (spin) on the ball. There are other factors involved, of course, such as the head size and shape, as well the gauge of the strings and material, and lastly string tension. By having a 16x19 pattern one will create effortless power. The only negative to this pattern is the string’s durability is much less than that of 18x20 pattern. Players will find they have to restring their racquets more often as there are more frictions between strings and tension loss over time.17 SUMMER 2021

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18 SUMMER 2021The second most common string pattern is 18x20 which is used by players such as Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Alexander Zverev. This patten gives players more control and better string durability. By having such a dense string pattern, it enables a player to hit more strings on impact while also creating a more stable shot. Players that usually hit a flat ball have tendency to use 18x20, providing them with better control while playing. The draw back is that it does not create as much spin as the other string patterns. Usually, Pros that use such a dense pattern have a tendency to string their racquets at a lower tension especially with polyester strings which are very stiff in nature.A similar string pattern is 16x20 which provides a comparable quality. Although it may not produce as much spin as the 16x18 or 16x19 it will still produce enough umph on the ball. Fewer main strings will create friction thus snap back will be visible. A denser pattern in the cross section will allow for more stable shots. Racquets with such string pattern will be denser in the “sweetspot” and more open towards the inner frame. The 16x18 pattern, which is used by players like Simona Halep, will have similarities to the 16x19 string pattern, giving you slightly more power and spin. The majority of players are able to hit the ball deeper into the court with a heavier spin without having to worry about losing control. By having fewer strings in the cross section, the pattern becomes open thus allowing the ball to stay longer on the strings, creating a feeling as if you are carrying the ball on the strings for that extra split second. The flip side to this kind of pattern is it causes the strings to lose tension as well as durability, thus restringing more often would be required. So, long story short, keep in mind that string pattern is just as important as the racquet. If you are seeking to get more spin and power but don’t necessarily worry about the loss of tension or durability then switching to a more “open pattern” might be the one for you.

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Alicia Clow-Ennis, Fitness Manageraclow-ennis@londonhuntclub.com,facebook.com/LondonHuntClubFitnessCentre/STEVE MCRAE19 SUMMER 2021Since January 6, 2015, many Hunt Club members have been benefitting from the expertise of Steve McRae. During his time at the Club he has built many meaningful relationships and we have had the pleasure of watching him grow not just professionally but also personally. We lost him briefly when he followed his then girlfriend now wife to Ireland for 15 months. He was never forgotten and when I began my own time with the Club, I couldn’t wait to meet this knowledgeable, likable person I heard so much about. Since his return he has gotten married, built a new house, and has welcomed a new bundle of joy to the family…a cat named Bernice.Now through his own words, let’s get to know Steve a bit more.Gting t know...What drove you towards your career path? Did you always know what you wanted to do? During my second of three ACL reconstructions (yes, you read that correct, three) when I was 18, I realized the impact a Health Professional could have on a client’s recovery - I love that relationship. Those experiences are what lead me to this industry.How did you end up at the Hunt Club and what brought you back?Well, I had literally just finished my Masters at Western University when I found out about the position. Considering my thesis was on golf related low back pain, I jumped at the opportunity. While in Ireland I worked for a corporate wellness company. During that time I missed training people one on one so much, I actually started training people on Saturday mornings in a little gym outside of Dublin. That’s when I knew I needed to come back. Plus I truly missed all my phenomenal clients here at the Club. Can you describe your approach to training?Joint specific strength training. From a distance, some may think what I ask people to do is easy. Ask any of my clients and they will immediately tell you otherwise. I often joke the movements I prescribe are sneaky hard. My goal is to identify which joints don’t move properly, then strengthen and mobilize that area. What are you currently watching? The Stanley Cup playoffs. Hopefully when this is published the Leafs will be in round 2! If you could play golf with three people, alive or dead, who would they be?Gary Roberts, the former Toronto Maple Leaf. I loved his heart and determination when he played, and now he is one of the leading Strength and Conditioning coaches for today’s NHL players - hours on the course to pick his brain would be unreal. Charles Barkley. I want to witness that “unique” swing in person. My wife, Darcy. She’s never played golf and I would love to see her on the course.Steve, you are always so friendly and cheer-ful...what is one thing that gets under your skin?HA! Technology for sure. I can think of a specific GPS in a 3 wheeled convertible in Italy that pushed me over the edge in a big way. That said, it is also a huge asset. Virtual training for example has opened a ton of possibilities for my clients, whether they are on vacation or at their cottage, no excuses!What is your favourite summer activity?Sitting on the deck I built with a gin and tonic, beside friends and family. What piece of advice you would give to some-one from a health and wellness perspective?Movement is medicine. That’s not my quote but I don’t know if I have ever heard anything more true. Move your joints as much and as often as possible. Remember, the only bad position is a stationary one.

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20 SUMMER 2021JUNE COOKING CLASS: CREOLE SHRIMP I June 3Learn how to make pan fried creole shrimp served with broiled lemon and parmesan asparagus and a wheat berry pilaf with sweet peppers, onions and tomatoes.PING FIT DAY I June 3, 25Trial the latest and greatest from Ping.TAYLORMADE FIT DAY I June 5, 19Test the latest golf technology from TaylorMade.PXG FIT DAY I June 6Take your game to the next level with PXG.COOKING CLASS: SALMON I June 10Learn how to make seared salmon served with wilted spinach, sweet red peppers in a flakey crust with a lemon dill sauce, wild rice and green beans.TITLEIST FIT DAY I June 11Experience the Titleist approach to golf club fitting.ECCO SHOE DAY I June 12EShop men's and women's golf shoes.CALLAWAY FIT DAY I June 12Get custom fit for ultimate performance.FRIDAY NIGHT TENNIS MIXER I June 18An evening of doubles tennis - no partner no problem, contact the Tennis Chalet to be paired.JUNIOR TENNIS FAIR I June 19Enjoy tennis and a BBQ to kick off the season.FATHER’S DAY FEATURE I June 20Celebrate dad with a take out package of all his BBQ favourites.BATTLE OF THE AGES I June 21Junior men vs. senior men battle it out on the golf course for Hunt Club bragging rights.TENNIS OPENING RECEPTION I June 25Come out to toast the start of the 2021 season.WEEKLYFISH N’ CHIP FEATURE I Fridays Choose from halibut or haddock. PRIME RIB FEATURE I SaturdaysHand carved prime rib cut upon request to size and served with whipped potato or baked potato, daily vegetable, Yorkshire pudding and jus.

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21 SUMMER 2021JULYCANADA DAY TAKE OUT I July 1Celebrate Canada Day in the comfort of your backyard with the Clubs Canada Day take out.TAYLORMADE FIT DAY I July 7Test the latest golf technology from TaylorMade.MIXED GOLF 9 AND WINE I July 9An evening of 9 holes of golf complimented with food and beverages.SMALLMAN MATCHES I July 12An annual event that began in 1928 when Hunt Club Member Lt. Col. J. E. Smallman sponsored the first Smallman Trophy.WOMENS MEMBER MEMBER I July 13A day of golf, “one shot at a time”.MENS MEMBER MEMBER I July 16, 17Two days of golf and camaraderie.JUNIOR TENNIS SINGLES SERIES I July 18Singles competition for our Junior members.PING FIT DAY I July 23Trial the latest and greatest from Ping.JUNIOR GOLF GONE FISHIN’ I July 24A perfect afternoon of golf, fishing and BBQ.WIMBLEDON FRIDAY NIGHT MIXER I July 23A Friday Night Mixer with a Wimbledon theme highlighting the oldest tennis tournament in the world including “tennis whites”WOMEN’S TENNIS INTERCLUB I July 28Team tennis with other clubs in the London area.WEEKLYFISH N’ CHIP FEATURE I Fridays Choose from halibut or haddock. PRIME RIB FEATURE I SaturdaysHand carved prime rib cut upon request to size and served with whipped potato or baked potato, daily vegetable, Yorkshire pudding and jus.

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22 SUMMER 2021AUGUSTMIXED GOLF 9 AND WINE I August 6An evening of 9 holes of golf complimented with food and beverages.WOMENS MEMBER MEMBER I August 69 holes of golf and camaraderie.SENIOR MEN AND MID-MASTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS I August 13, 14Two days of golf to end with the crowning of the winner.JUNIOR TENNIS INTERCLUB I August 14Home match with Westmount.JUNIOR TENNIS SINGLES SERIES I August 15Singles competition for our Junior members.WESTMOUNT INTERCLUB I August 18A friendly duel between two Clubs - home match.FRIDAY TENNIS NIGHT MIXER I August 20An evening of doubles tennis - no partner no problem, contact the Tennis Chalet to be paired.JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP I August 23Including 9 Hole, 18 Hole and Drive, Chip and Putt Championships - there’s a competition perfect for all our Juniors.NASH CUP I August 27Women’s 9 hole Club Champion.LONGEST DRIVE I August 27Sing up to compete for the Longest Drive title.CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS I August 27, 28, 29Three days of Championship play for men and women. Starts Friday with the Men’s Championship Flight followed by all other flights on Saturday.FAIRWAY AERIFICATION I August 29, 30, 31Following Club Championships aeration begins.WEEKLYFISH N’ CHIP FEATURE I Fridays Choose from halibut or haddock. PRIME RIB FEATURE I SaturdaysHand carved prime rib cut upon request to size and served with whipped potato or baked potato, daily vegetable, Yorkshire pudding and jus.

Club Life Summer 2021

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