DerrelL Biddy to Receive NCGA Award

Fort member Derrell Biddy is scheduled to receive the Distinguished Service Award at the NCGA’s annual Hall of Fame Dinner at Poppy Hills on September 15. This award is presented for “outstanding contributions to the preservation and advancement of golf in Northern California.” DSA nominees are solicited from the general membership, and the recipient is chosen by the Hall of Fame/DSA Committee.

Derrell is being recognized for his long time golf related activities through the Northern California Golf Association.

This award is a long-standing tradition of appreciation for outstanding members of the golf community in Northern California. The list of recipients is indeed impressive, including folks like Julie Inkster (2010), Frank Parr (2009), Len Ross (1997), Gordon Scott (2000), and Charles Seaver (1984).

When asked if he had any outstanding memories, Derrell responded, “How much space do you have in ‘the Divot’?” He has been working with the NCGA since the 1980’s, still “going strong,” and has “millions of fond memories.”

This is quite an honor to bestow on one of our members. So if you see Derrell on the course, be sure to congratulate him and thank him for his interest in our great game of golf.

For membership details please go to www.fortwashingtoncc.org

Official Publication

of the

Fort Washington

Golf & Country Club

10272 N. Millbrook

Fresno, CA 93730

Phone: 559/434.1702

Business Office Fax:559/434.6160

Pro Shop

Phone: 559/434.9120

Fax: 559/434-1350

OFFICERS

President: Scott Laird

Vice President: Scott Buss

CFO: Carl Swanson

Secretary: Norm Clark

DIRECTORS

Past President: Larry Wapner

Tournament: Matt Fagundes

Membership: Gregg Tonneslan

Human Resource: Jeff Aoki

House: Scott Buss

Social: Bob Duley

Long Range: Ray Steele

Legal Counsel: Jim Burnside

Greens & Pro Shop: Mike Springer

MANAGEMENT

Clubhouse Manager: Ali Peyvandi

Assistant Manager: Sean Morley

Executive Chef: Steve Hogan

PGA Director of Golf: Alan Ehnes

Course Superintendent: Jose Alvarez

THE DIVOT

Magazine Design and Published by:

Design Ranch Publications

Ad Sales: 559/790-5314

2 Darrell Biddy receives NCGA Award

4 Pro’s Corner

4 Junior’s Corner

5 Senior’s-Just Puttin’ ‘Round

6-7 House Calls!

6-7 Around The Fort

8-9 September & October 2016 Calendars

10 Women’s Activities

11 Sponsor a Tree

12 Couple’s Club Report

14-15 June’s Board Minutes

15 Parting Shots w/Scott Laird

JUNIOR’s CornerJoseph Gerardi Jr.FO

RT

WA

SH

ING

TON

4

Pro’S CORNERAlan Ehnes, Director of Golf

Pro Tips: As we all know, putting is an extremely important part of shooting lower scores. I see many members on the driving range hitting balls, but I don’t see many on the practice green. Almost half the shots you take on the golf course are putts, so why are people not spending as much time practicing putting? Well, I think it might be that spending a half hour to an hour on the putting green can be boring for some. Here are a couple of drills you can use on the practice green to make it more enjoyable.

The Compass Drill: for this drill, place a ball 1 foot from the hole, a ball 3 feet from the hole, and a ball six feet from the hole. Now do this on all four sides of the hole. This gives you putts that are uphill, downhill, right to left breaker, and left to right breaker. Start with any of the 1 foot putts. Once you make the putt move back to the 3 foot putt, once that putt is made move to the size foot putt. Once you make all three you move to the next row of balls. Keep doing this until all the balls are made. As you get better use 2 balls at each position. This will become a challenge to you to complete this drill without missing one I HOPE!

The Ladder Drill: for this drill, you need two tees or two golf ball markers and to start with, 3 balls. First, place one of the tees or ball markers on the green, then walk three paces and place the other. Now, take 6 paces and put down your 3 golf ball. From this point you will try to hit the 3 golf balls in between the two tees. The key is you

have to hit the golf balls in between the tees in order. (the first ball must be pass the first tee, the second ball must be past the first, ball and the third ball must be pass the second but not past the second tee.) If you hit the balls out of order or outside the tees you have to start over. Once you can do this consistently, you can add a fourth ball and even a fifth ball. This is a great drill to work on your speed and distance control.

Tournaments: Club Championship is just around the corner! Matt Fagundes who is current Club Champion has won the championship nine times. And is going for his fifth straight. There is new blood looking to dethrone this tough champion. Be warn this will be a very very tough feat. Below are the dates for the Club Championship.

October 8th Qualifying

October 15th First Round

October 16th Second Round

October 22nd Semi Finals

October 23rd Finals (36 holes)

Club Championship Flights:

October 15th First Round

October 22nd Semi’s

October 23rd Finals (18 holes

Green Talk: In the last week of August all members were being bitten by a lot of mosquitoes. This was a very uncommon in the sacred grounds of Fort Washington. So, I did some checking and found the answer. After a discussion with the mosquito abatement department they explain

This month’s Junior Corner Article is focusing on Joseph Gerardi Jr. The Gerardi family has been members since 2012. Joseph is home schooled where he maintains a 3.8 GPA. His ultimate goal is to attend the University of Norte Dame. If that doesn’t work out his other choices are just as prestigious; West Point, U.S Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy. Not bad choices! He would love to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. An orthopedic surgeon to be exact. Joseph is also an accomplished piano player as well as heavily involved at his church. Now, as far as golf goes, Joseph has been playing since he could walk but didn’t get serious about it until Jr. High. He practices virtually every day. He plays in JGANC, AJGA, FCWT, and JTNC events throughout the year. His favorite course that he has played is Silverado in Napa, California. His best round came at Belmont C.C. where he shot a 70. Joseph is a great and bright young man and I am sure that he will find success in whatever he chooses to do.

why the outbreak. There is a alfalfa field just below us located in the river bottom that the Mosquito abatement did not know about, If they would had known they would had treated the field to keep the mosquito population under control. The mosquito abatement have now put us on a once a week visit until this problem goes away. The hope is it will be back to normal very soon. Sorry for the itching!!!!

FOR

T WA

SH

ING

TON

5

Later in August, only three Fort Sr 11 players (Fries, Sterios, Jirsa) made the trek across town to Belmont, where they all placed and received golf balls. (It’s a good thing they gave balls clear down to 8th.) The team with Bob Fries ended up in first place. Apparently, the heat and smoke, and August travel plans, cut down the field to 14 groups. But our hosts were gracious, the food terrific, and the greens held nicely for good shots (which I heard about, don’t really know first hand).

Year to date i n c l u d i n g Belmont, the Fort’s Senior Club participation point leaders are: Bill Jirsa 67 points, Plato Sterios 64

Senior’s just puttin’-’roundBill jIrsa

What a great turnout on August 2 when the Senior 11 clubs converged on Fort Washington. The tournament was combined with the annual Bill Finn tournament. About 115 seniors teed off at the 8:30 shotgun in balmy weather (it only got to 103). All agreed that our course was in absolutely terrific shape.

Bill Finn is a golfing icon around Fresno for the last 60 years or so. He has been especially involved in golf programs for the youth of the area. Our table got lucky when he sat with us for lunch and talked with us a bit. He started as a caddy in San Francisco, came to Fresno in the 50’s. He said he had played over 200 courses in his lifetime.

Nine area clubs vied for this year’s title, using the top 7 players from each club. Madera won the title by one stroke. Merced finished second, and the valiant Fort team finished fourth losing the card-off tie-breaker to Belmont. There were only 3 strokes separating the four teams.

Back to the Senior 11. Fort Washington members winning golf balls were: Cliff McNabb, Ted Switzer, and Mike Hurst. Derrell Biddy won closest to the hole, but reportedly had difficulty figuring out where to put his name on the card.

The lunch was first rate, and Ali’s crew outshined themselves once again with a fine presentation. We should be very proud of our course and house. At previous Senior 11 trips, we have heard members of other courses talking about the upcoming trip to the Fort with enthusiasm. One person told this writer if he could only make one trip a year, it would be to the Fort. So a big senior shout out to Alan, Jose, and Ali and their crews for making the Fort THE place to play golf in our area.

points, ‘Travelin’ Kurt Smith 62 points, Woody Alexander 60 points, Dennis Graham 45 points.

Upcoming Sr 11 events this year include trips to River Island, Visalia CC, and Sunnyside CC. Also, a return to Del Rio in Modesto for a fabulous day of golf and food. So join us for the fun, travel and adventure offered by the Senior Club. Sign-ups are in the pro shop.

FOR

T W

AS

HIN

GTO

N6

HOUSE CALLS! Ali Peyvandi, Clubhouse Manager

WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER!!! Looking forward to fall and cooler weather. Watch those school crossings and bus stops. Go Dogs!

We had two great staff members that retired at the end of August. Lynda Satterfield, our bartender, who was with us for over 27 years, and John Wiley, our Locker Room Attendant, who was with us for over 3 years. I would like to thank Lynda and John for all their hard work, dedication, and years of service. I wish both a happy and wonderful retirement.

The 14 ounce Lobster Night with all the trimmings was a huge success. Over 230 members and guests were served. The Guidos outdid themselves once again. It was a great night. Thank you for your support!

The quarter for Food and Beverage Minimum

will end on September 30. To help you make your quarterly minimum we have scheduled a Prime Rib Night, a Burger Night, Friday Night Dinner, and a Bingo Dinner.

You don’t want to miss these events! Prime Rib Night Wednesday, September 14, 6 to 8pm

We will serve in the main dining room, patio, and bar, or take it to go.

ttt/ttt

MEMBERS’ CANNONBALL INVITATIONAL

September 8, 9, 10

The clubhouse and golf course are open to only those members and guests who are participating in the tournament.

Cannonball Tournament

September 2nd

FOR

T WA

SH

ING

TON

7

Burger Night will be on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. We will feature a great salad bar and burger bar to tempt all your senses. This is a very popular event, please make your reservation early.

B I N G O14

10

7

11

15

20

27

23

28

25

32

42FREE

34

33

52

55

58

56

53

71

64

69

72

66

ttt/tttThe Staff, Chef Steve, Sean, and I thank you for your support.

Wednesday, September 7th

HeySales

Team!!!If you or someone you know is planning a function please have them call Ali or Sean. You, the

members are my sales force. Please mention us to your family, friends, and business acquaintances. We have very competitive prices on banquets, wedding, social, and

business functions.

Buffet & Bingo

Friday, September 30,6:00 to 8:00 pm

All your favorite dishes to please your pallet. Bingo will start at 7:30. As always, the first game is on us. The price of the buffet is $22.95 for adults and $12.00 for kids.

B I N G O

14

10

7

11

15

20

27

23

28

25

32

42FREE

34

33

52

55

58

56

53

71

64

69

72

66

September 2016

2

Friday NightDinner

6:00pm - 8:00pm

3

9 107

6:00pm - 8:00pm

85 6

Course Closed

4

SundayChampagne

Brunch

16 1714

AngusPrime Rib Night6:00pm - 8:00pm

1512

Green Aeration

1311

SundayChampagneBrunch

23 242119 20

18

SundayChampagneBrunch

2826 2725

SundayChampagneBrunch

1

Course Opens @ 2:30pm

29 30 October 1

22

A-Team @ Fort9:00am Shotgun

Members/Guest8:30am Shotgun

Members/Guest8:30am Shotgun

Couples Club8:30am Shotgun

Harvest Invitational1:00pm Shotgun

Mixed Play1:00pm Shotgun

FOR

T W

AS

HIN

GTO

N8

Calendar LegendMen’s EventsWomen’s EventsSenior’s EventCouple’s EventAll Club Event

Bridge Club

Food Event

Birthday DinnerEligible

B I N G O

14

10

7

11

15

20

27

23

28

25

32

42FREE

34

33

52

55

58

56

53

71

64

69

72

66

B I N G O14107

1115

2027232825

3242

FREE

3433

5255585653

7164697266

Cannonball TournamentClub Closed to All Non-Participants

Bingo & Dinner

6:00pm - 8:00pm

October 2016

7

8

14

New!!!DUALPIANONIGHT

1512

AngusPrime Rib Night

6:00pm - 8:00pm

1310 119

SundayChampagneBrunch

21 2219 2017 1816

SundayChampagneBrunch

28 292624 25

23

SundayChampagneBrunch

31

halloweennight

30

SundayChampagneBrunch

Kid’sHalloween

Party

65

AngusPrime Rib Night6:00pm - 8:00pm

432

SundayChampagneBrunch

27

Grandmother’s Tournament9:00am Shotgun

Fall Frolic9:00am Shotgun

Fall Frolic9:00am Shotgun

Halloween Mixer9:00am Shotgun

Couples Club/Glow Ball5:00pm Shotgun

Edie Wilson Tournament9:00am Shotgun

Club ChampionshipQualifying Starting Times

Club ChampionshipFirst RoundStarting Times

Club ChampionshipSemi-Final

Starting Times

Club ChampionshipSecond Round

Starting Times

Members/Guest8:30am Shotgun

Harvest Invitational1:00pm Shotgun

Club ChampionshipFinal (36 Holes)

Starting Times

1

FOR

T WA

SH

ING

TON

9

Calendar LegendMen’s EventsWomen’s EventsSenior’s EventCouple’s EventAll Club Event

Bridge Club

Food Event

Birthday DinnerEligible

B I N G O

14

10

7

11

15

20

27

23

28

25

32

42FREE

34

33

52

55

58

56

53

71

64

69

72

66

B I N G O14107

1115

2027232825

3242

FREE

3433

5255585653

7164697266

Tri-Tip & Chicken Buffet & Bingo

TACO

NIGHT

AT T H E F O RT

FOR

T W

AS

HIN

GTO

N10

Team play got under way in August. B-Team has played three matches and is currently in 1st Place Gross and 3rd Place Net. Keep up that great playing ladies! A-team will play their first match on August 25th at Copper River. We know they will all play great. Captains Deb Duley (A) and Kris Oliveira (B) are doing

WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES Rebecca Loudenslager

a wonderful job keeping rosters up to date and juggling players. The match results and Club rankings are posted on the Fort web site in the Member’s only portion under the Women’s Club menu.

Because of all the Team play in August and September there aren’t any organized tournaments or play

date events. The 9-hole group will continue to meet on Tuesday and there is an informal guest day on September 29. Special events and organized tournaments resume in October with the Grandmother’s Tournament scheduled for the 4th and Edie Wilson followed by the Fall General meeting on the 13th. This 2016 Fall Frolic theme will be “Country Club Goes Country” and will be held October 18 & 20. The committee of Jeannie Trippel, Sue Thomas, Patty Bennett and Linda Moody is hard at work planning an event you won’t want to miss. The Cocktail Party will be Monday October 17th at the home of Patty Bennett. The sign-up sheet is now posted so find a partner and sign up now. The Fall Frolic is our biggest annual tournament and is always something special. Watch your email for details.

Due to the decrease in 9-hole group participation during the summer months, please notify Judy McNabb in advance if you intend to play. Call her on or before Wednesday to insure that a game will be set up.

Log into the member’s only portion at www.fortwashingtoncc.org web site for additional news and updated information.

Dominic D’InnocentiSenior VP of Sales & Marketing

Sieg FischerPresident/CEO

Mike SchillingVP of Operations

SPONSOR A TREE

• As a gift or in memory of a special person.

• For $150 you receive: A name plaque on a tree limb and a plaque on a special brass tree in the clubhouse.

• Get one while they last!

For more information please contact Alan at the Club Pro Shop.

FOR

T W

AS

HIN

GTO

N12

COUPLE’S CLUB Report Barbara Graham

HARVEST INVITATIONAL OCTOBER 1st

We will be holding our Harvest Invitational on Saturday, October 1st. This is our Couples Club big event of the year and it’s your chance to invite a couple from another club for a fun day of golf at The Fort.

Each couple receives a nice tee prize at check-in and the tournament begins at 1:00 with a shotgun start. After the tournament we meet in the bar for cocktails and a few munchies then come together in the dining room for a great prime rib dinner with wine. The tournament prizes will be awarded at that time.

We really need everyone’s support and participation to continue having our Invitational on a Saturday!! So mark your calendars and ask your guest now, the flier was included in your August bill from The Fort so be sure to look for it. If you didn’t receive one please call Barbara Scott or Barbara Graham.

Eleven Couples Club members traveled to Bend, Oregon to golf five wonderful course and enjoy a variety of fine restaurant. The weather was a little warm and the sky was clear and blue. Great place to plan a fun golf trip. There are a variety of activities in and around Bend to do fishing, hiking and bike riding.

Upcoming Tournaments:Sunday, September18 Tee Times

Saturday, October 1 Harvest Invitational 1:00pm Shotgun

Thursday, October 27 Glow Ball 5:00pm Shotgun/Dinner

Sunday, November 6 Couples Championship Tee Times

Special Events, Traveling Couples:Sunday, September 25 Belmont Country Club

If you have any questions, please contact any of our Board members: Jim Rodgers, Barbara Scott, Barbara Graham or Phil Lozano.

Coming to our Showroom 2017

President Scott Laird called the meeting to order at 6:00PM. All Directors were present except Gregg Tonneslan and Matt Fagundes. Also present was Past President, Larry Wapner; Clubhouse Manager, Ali Peyvandi; Director of Golf, Alan Ehnes; Legal Counsel, Jim Burnside

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:• MSC (Buss/Aoki) July 27, 2016

regular meeting and executive session.

CORRESPONDENCE:• Board acknowledged receipt and

noted letter from member Chuck Roberts and 2 email letters from member Rich Olsson.

PRESIDENTS REPORT• Thanked Carl Swanson for

volunteering to take on the CFO postion and members Malcolm Dedekian, Phil Lozano, Brandon Vance and Erin McIlhatton for being on the Finance Committee.

• Welcomed back Bob Duley to the Board.

• Confirmed that Club paid $14,875.36 for electricity from July 2015 through July 2016. However, appears based on “true up” invoice provided by PG&E that electrical usuage for 12-month period of solar installation cost a net $8,650. With month to month billings difficult to decipher and no full accounting for a prior indicated $22,000 credit Laird to arrange face-to-face meeting with PG&E to walk through billings on August 26.

• Laird would like to have “Board Retreat” (at personal expense to each Board member) sometime in near future.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

MEMBERSHIP - COMMUNICATIONS – Carl Swanson

Resignations: None.

Resignations final: Dan Golden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REG Mike Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REGRandy Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REGKevin Brower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REGBlake Hathcoat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JPP

Posting to active: Dwayne Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IPPJohn Miklesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IPPAlberto Rolon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YBP

Postings: Clint Goto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YBP

Transfers: Dan Golden . . . . . . . . . REG to SOC

Leave of Absence: None.

• Club has 0 Proprietary members waiting to resign. The total of Bylaw allowed playing memberships is 440 - currently at 439.

• MSC (Laird/Steele) - membership report approved as submitted.

FINANCE – Carl Swanson

• Will have draft FY 2017 budget for approval at the next Board meeting.

• Club’s CPA, Bill Civiello, is closing his Fresno office by end of year and will need to be replaced. Civiello has recommended a replacement person who appears well qualified.

• Has had several meetings with Club Office staff to familiarize himself with the monthly processes and work flow.

• Upcoming capital expenditures for new pump filter and updated

minutes OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DirectorsFort Washington Golf and Country Club • August 16th, 2016

refrigeration system in the kitchen.

• Over-all financial operations for the fiscal year continue to perform better than budget with cash balances being maintained to cover minimum 2 months club expenses.

GREEN & PRO SHOP – Mike Springer

JULY: Average daily rounds–101; total rounds – 2,758; YTD rounds – 13,677

• Presented preliminary drawing from architect regarding changes to hole #15. Green committee to review and will make recommendation at next meeting.

• MSC (Buss/Aoki) – Approve purchase of new “top dressing” machine - $20,000.

• MSC (Steele/Buss) – Approve installation of rain gutters on solar roofing along driving range. Estimated cost $15,000.

• MSC (Steele/Buss) – Affirmation of tree removal on hole #3 which to be done 8/22.

• Ehnes reported that at the NCGA Annual Dinner to be held September 15 at Poppy Hills member Derrell Biddy will be presented with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. The Club will host a table with seating available for any Board members who are available to attend.

• Stolons in the rough are generally filling in as expected with some minor “thin” areas. Based on the progress to date, it is expected the project will be budgeted and carried on further with plantings May 2017.

TOURNAMENT – Matt Fagundes (Ehnes)

• Ehnes presented request from WGANC to utilize course on

Monday, May14, 2018 for the 1st day of their 3-day Stroke Play Tournament in Fresno (This same tournament was hosted this year). Monday requested is day following Mother’s Day and would have negative impact on house staff. Ehnes advised to obtain different request date.

MEMBER TOURNAMENTS• Saturday, 8/27 & Sunday 8/28 -

General’s Cup; Starting times.

• Thursday, 9/1 – Ladies A Team; 9:00AM shotgun. Course opens @2:30PM.

• Monday, 9/5 – Members & Guests; 8:30AM shotgun.

• Monday, 9/5 – Mixed play tournament; 1:00PM shotgun.

• Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9/8-9/10 – Cannonball Invitational. Course closed all day.

OUTSIDE TOURNAMENTS• Monday, 8/29 – DAV tournament.

LONG RANGE – Ray Steele

• Reprioritizing based on immediate needs and anticipated funds available.

HOUSE – Scott Buss

• Should have firm bids on replacement of kitchen refrigeration system within 2 weeks.

• New software for computer system with probable hardware upgrades being evaluated by Ali, Alan and office staff. System being evaluated in place at San Joaquin CC.

• Working with Ali to have limited food menu available for ordering while on course.

SOCIAL – Bob Duley

• Lynda’s retirement party hosted by the club was well attended and an indicated great success.

HUMAN RESOURCES – Jeff Aoki

• Two items in Exeutive Session.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS• None.

The Board went into executive session at 7:20PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45P.M.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 6:00 PM.

Norm ClarkSecretary

Note: These minutes have been prepared by the Secretary, but have not been approved by the Board of Directors.

THE PARTING SHOT... Scott Laird, Board President

At last it looks like sub-100 degree tem-peratures will be

with us for a while. Enjoy the cooler mornings and evenings. The course is in great shape coming out of the heat of Summer and will be in great condition as we head towards Fall. More than a few members have commented that the course, tee to green, is in the best shape they have ever seen; thanks Alan, Jose and the crew.

We were able to finally get some clarity from PG&E regarding our solar production and billing. In the first year, we were able to offset

approximately 91% of our historical electricity bill. Our payments for electricity from August 2015 through July 2016 totaled $15,627.18. Our average annual electricity payments before installing solar totaled approximately $165,000. We will continue to closely monitor our production and bills throughout the next 12 months. The Board will also be preparing a short summary of our project costs compared to the projected budget that will likely be sent to the membership via email.

The General’s Cup was held on August 27th and 28th with Team Fagundes taking the Cup. It was a

great time. Many thanks to Alan and Ryan for putting on a good show. Coming up next is the Cannonball on September 8-10. Finally, the Club Championship will start on October 8th and matches will continue through October 23. In addition to the championship bracket, there are handicapped flights for the rest of us. If you have not played before, do so, it is great fun.

The annual Lobster Feed was sold out and a great success with Ali, Chef Steve and Sean serving over 230 people. I hope everybody has a great month and I look forward to seeing you out at The Fort!