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SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTERUPDATES FOR THE FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF FOXBURG GOLF COURSE AND THE 1887 PROJECT

Andy Rapp, Chairperson, Foxburg Golf Preservation Group2Chairperson ColumnFoxburg Golf PreservationSpirit of StewardshipSince April 2021, we have made tremendous strides in support of our mission to preserve the oldest golf course in continuous use, the Foxburg Golf Course.The mission is simple but requires much teamwork, communication, and patience. The mission requires much needed funds. The mission also needs understanding from everyone. Most important of all, the mission requires everyone to make sacrifices and accept some changes. In 2023, the Foxburg Golf Preservation (FGP) was able to support the Foxburg Golf Course in a few needed areas. FGP subsidized the contracted services of Mr. Jim Gregorich (and his crew) to begin rehabilitating the turf conditions, the equipment and, most importantly, provide professional consulting and training to Course personnel. FGP was also able to purchase a new model John Deere riding greens mower with supplemental attachments.FGP has also kept the services of EADs INC. to survey the existing irrigation system, the storage tanks, water wells and pump distribution system for a full replacement. FGP is currently working with EADS to show a total project estimate for replacement of the water storage and distribution system. There are many other sides to the “renovation” of the Old Course, and we are confident that this restoration project will get completed. FGP Board Members are actively pursuing an aggressive funding strategy through both Private and Public Funds. For those interested in making private donations to FGP in support of our restoration and preservation efforts, please read our newsletter for more information on how your contribution can be made,and how you can leave a Legacy at Foxburg. As we continue to promote the awareness of this preservation effort, everyone should be reminded of the importance of this National Historic landmark and how they can help support these efforts.

Continued Foxburg’s greens are 137 years old. Think about that for a second. How many other golf courses in the United States can make that claim? Very few. If we are to in fact preserve our national treasure, everyone must do their part to safeguard it. Personally, I feel the 40 to 50 perimeters around the Foxburg greens should be forbidden with a cart. This should be a forbidden area and closely guarded. I hope others embrace this mindset and become better stewards of our course. As we navigate the next phases of this campaign, please be mindful that many people are working hard to make capital improvements at the Foxburg Golf Course. We are also compelled to be good stewards of the generous donors to our cause. As the project planning efforts become more defined in the coming months, please know that much work is being done behind the scenes. I would like to personally thank fellow FGP Board Director, and Foxburg Golf Course Distance Member, Mr. Gary Whittington for his generosity of a $100,000 Legacy Contribution. I would also like to thank all of the many generous donors to date. That appreciation also extends to the thousands of members and caretakers of Foxburg Golf over 137 years of history. One notable caretaker was the late Jeff Carr who left us in April 2023. Jeff was a steward of preservation for over 30 years at Foxburg and was invested in the Foxburg Golf Preservation mission. The restoration of the Foxburg Golf Course was particularly important to Jeff.3Source: https://inggolf.com/special-events/Golf History Society member Gary Van Sickle, and FGP board member, was a big winner at the International Network of Golf's media awards program, announced at the PGA Show. Van Sickle, who writes for SI.com and other outlets, won first-place honors in two categories and earned "outstanding achiever" accolades in six others. Additionally, Vans earned three third place finishes from the prestigious Golf Writers Association!

Larry Adams, FGP Board of Directors and Committee ChairpersonThis will be a crucial tool both short and long term to restore and preserve turf conditions on Foxburg Golf Course. As soon as received, it will be shared with FGC greens committee.4The second report, being prepared by The EADS Group, is a Master Facilities Plan. This report will include an estimated budget for the first few phases of the project. It will also include an assessment of the wells which are the water source for the golf course including water quantity and quality, water storage, and delivery to the proposed irrigation system. Options to solve current problems with water supply and storage and estimated costs will be critical areas for consideration by the committee and the Preservation board. Work will be starting as soon as the report is completed to determine the best solutions for the long-term preservation of the golf course to support a restored and historically enhanced Foxburg Golf Course that will continue to attract interest for another century. The Master Facilities Plan estimated budget will be both a driver and supporter of fund-raising efforts to preserve the course. Donations can be made on our website 1887Project.org

Jim Gregorich, FCC SuperintendentDonations can be made on our website 1887Project.orgAnd remember, if you’ve got a question, just ask me. I’m happy to answer anything.5Our plan for our greens includes aeration and Verti-cutting. We have to eliminate the thatch that has accumulated and built up through years of no aeration. We started with Verti-cutting. Aerating begins May 3-4.We continued maintenance throughout the course last fall by removing leaves. The acidity from the leaves damages the grass. We also treated the grounds for snow mold. Our equipment is ready, and we will be prepared for March. By March 14, barring a weather reversal, our greens should be green..We’ve made progress on rebuilding the bridge crossing on the ninth hole. We cleaned the trench and disposed of the debris. We will place a concrete culvert there. We will construct a modest but classic stone bridge, as well.We’re looking into practical solutions for course draining. Every time it rains hard, the water overruns from the woods right of the fifth hole and rolls downhill. You can just about canoe across the golf course when that happens.I expect Foxburg Golf Course to look and play much better this summer than last year when we battled with broken equipment and proper course management techniques. If you have a question please, just ask me.

Donations can be made on our website 1887Project.org9Bruce Whitehair, FGP Board Vice PresidentLeave Your Mark with aPersonalized BenchOwn a piece of Foxburg history! Leave Your Legacy; program offers the opportunity to sponsor a beautiful, granite and steel bench placed along one of seven remaining tee boxes. Holes 1 and 2 are already spoken for. Your personalized inscription will commemorate a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or simply highlight your love for the game and the Foxburg Golf Course. CONTACTANDY RAPPARAPP3GMAIL.comBRUCE WHITEHAIRBRUCE.WHITEHAIRGMAIL.comThe Starkey-Colony FoxburgFEST Shootout Mark your calendars for the inaugural Starkey-Colony FoxburgFEST Shootout on June 14, 2024, at the Foxburg Golf Course. Joe Starkey and Jim Colony have opened up their schedules to compete against each other in a Ryder Cup event at Foxburg. The event will be open to the public. Play alongside other Pittsburgh sports personalities and enjoy a fun and exciting golf experience this summer. Prizes, gifts, food, music, and fun. It promises to be a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and fundraising for important golf course preservation initiatives. Support Foxburg Golf Preservation Inc. and enjoy an unforgettable day on the green! We are asking for Major Sponsors for this event. The event is open to the public. If you are interested in either being a Sponsor or registering as a participant, contact Andy Rapp at (724) 602-7478 or by email at arapp3@gmail.com or Jim Martin at (814) 449-5530 or by email at james.w.martin54@gmail.com . Thank you.

Donations can be made on our website 1887Project.org10Honoring Our Community: Remembering Ryan Whittington and Jeffrey CarrHole 15 honors the legacy of Ryan Whittington (March 13,1987 - July 1 , 2012) the beloved son of Gary and Mary Whittington. Ryan graduated from Mary Carroll High School, Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2005, and Texas State University San Marcos, Texas, with degrees in Mass Communication and Geography. Ryan employed by the United States Tennis Association. Ryan loved the Foxburg Golf Course and it’s rich history. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, sports trivia knowledge, wittiness, and loyalty to his family and friends. He had a contagious smile and was always happy. Gary Whittington, FGP Board pf DirectorsHole #6 will memorialize Jeff Carr (December 13, 1950 - April 12, 2023), a long-time resident of Emlenton, PA, survived by his wife of 51 years Sue Lentz Carr and his beloved daughter Karey Carr both of The Woodlands, TX. Jeff was a lover of all sports with golf being his favorite pastime. He was a long-time member of the Foxburg Golf Course, where he was Club Champion 11 times and served on the Board for several years. He was also Sr. Club Champion at the Wanango County Club twice. Coming this Summer we will proudly unveil two new commemorative hole markers

Your Support Makes A DifferenceSlightly more than $700,000 has been raised to date for the renovation and preservation of the Foxburg Golf Course. Fundraising and grant writing hopes to close by the end of 2025 the gap on the $2.75 million needed to complete the project, plus aspire to raise an added $2 million for an endowment for on-going financial support for the course. Thanks to your generous contributions, the 1887 Project continues to make significant strides towards restoring and preserving the legacy of Foxburg Golf Course. From course improvements to historic preservation efforts, your support is invaluable. Learn more about the project and donate today at: 1887project.org!Andrew Rapp, Bruce Whitehair, Gary Van Sickle, Daniel L. Johnston, Gary Whittington, Holly Pipher, Larry Adams, James W. Martin, Ronald Paranick, William Zimmerman11CALL TO ACTIONThis is just the beginning of our exciting journey! Stay tuned for updates on news, upcoming events, restoration progress, and more. Better yet please be involved! We appreciate your continuing support in preserving this national treasure. Foxburg Golf Preservation, Inc. Harvey Road, PO Box 326 Foxburg, PA 16036