(President’s Report – November/December ’08 Newsletter)
INCOMING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Bud Townsend
Thirty plus years ago I served two years as president and, now, here I am doing it all over again. Members have asked what led me to re-up and my response is that we, at Sussex Pines, are undertaking some projects of monumental importance and being one of those board members initiating the work I wanted to see it through. The reconstruction of the greens is as great a project as moving from nine holes to eighteen holes. Bunkers, fairways, clubhouse and membership are also important in the remaking of our club. Bottom line is that the greens are first and foremost because, without them, all other aspects of SPCC are moot points.
It is with sincerity that I plead for your patience and continued support of this club, which has provided so many memories for a great number of us. I am also optimistic that our members will display that patience and support by renewing their memberships eagerly and quickly I am somewhat disappointed that so many members seemed to abandon play here as a result of the failed greens. This lack of support has taken its toll in lost revenues. Green fees, cart rentals, pro-shop sales, food and bar sales have all shown decreases. Believe it or not, friends playing together can still have good competition out there and lots of laughs can still be generated through playing the course.
As expressed in the USGA report, the failure was not created by anyone, contrary to some member’s opinions. With our new state-of-the-art greens, accountability can be and will be on everyone’s agenda, beginning with the board and working downward. Pro Aer is doing the reconstruction work and comes to us highly recommended. The work that is underway needs to be seen to appreciate it. I encourage members to look at the work in progress. It should be completed by early November with all greens covered with thermal blankets to promote good germination and growing. Early spring is the time we hope to have our “Grand Reopening”.
I would like to express my gratitude to Dave Zorb, our past president, for all that he did in guiding our club through some pretty tough times these past three years. His tireless dedication has inspired all of us who worked with him. I’m also certain that our members have seen the leadership that he provided and I pray to be worthy to be seated in his chair of honor and respect.
