It is hard to believe that we are wrapping up the 2022 golf season, but we intend to stay open as long as the weather allows. Around November 13th we expect to close; however, this is weather dependent and also watch for frost delays. You can expect to see the Maintenance Crew hard at work preparing the course for winter, so please ensure you provide them the time and space they need to keep our greens beautiful.
It was certainly an exciting year with the rollout of several projects and new investments.
- Improvements include the pond expansion on the second hole, bunker renovation, members’ deck, and the recently replaced irrigation pump.
- We also continued to make investments in our maintenance fleet with the purchase of a new tractor, as well as a new greens roller which was purchased with proceeds from the Tin Cup, Green’s Keepers Revenge, and a Men’s League donation. (Also, thanks to Men’s League for the donation toward tournament software!)
- The Board of Directors also authorized the new position of Assistant Superintendent this year, and we were fortunate to welcome Mark Juskiewicz to fill this role. Mark has become an important member of the maintenance team—a team that continues to provide us with the best conditions we’ve ever seen at Champlain.
Continued Investment
The Board is still discussing redesign options for the 18th green. I can assure you that all options will be considered carefully, and we will look for the membership’s input before moving forward with construction. We are also committed to continued investment in upgrading our equipment fleet; many pieces are at the end of their lifespan and need replacement.
Finances
The course continues to be in a strong financial position. Revenue from membership and cart rentals are up compared to 2021, but greens fees as of September reports were slightly behind 2021. However, given the number of days the course was closed, this is expected. With the good weather that October has brought, we potentially could make up that number.
Looking Ahead
- The current cap of 430 members will be held for next year. There continues to be a healthy waiting list of approximately 40 people wishing to join the club.
- Similar to last year, the deadline to secure membership will be February 15th.
- The payment plan will continue to be an option, and any member paying before January 15th will receive two free greens fees.
- New members will be subject to the $300 Construction Assessment going forward and returning members will have one last payment due in 2023.
Board Changes
I would like to thank Bryan Smith for his time on the Board. Because of schedule conflicts, Bryan has decided to resign. However, we are fortunate that Ben Roberts has agreed to join the Board. I am confident that he will bring a lot of great ideas and energy. Over the next few weeks, we will release a survey covering all aspects of the Club. We encourage you to share your ideas and suggestions to help us continue to improve the course. The annual meeting, scheduled for late May 2023, is another opportunity to share feedback. Closer to the meeting, we will provide a notice of open Board positions.
On behalf of the Board, thank you for supporting the club. It truly is a special place that we are all fortunate to be part of. I know the next few months will be tough, but spring will be here before we know it! Please be well and enjoy your winter months.
Ladies Play
Ladies Play was very successful this year with members and guests, who joined both Thursday mornings and evenings. The annual tournaments, such as the Blanche Vail, Morton Cambridge, Jean Hoyt (3 club), member/member and member/guest, and club championship tournament, all saw more and more of the CCC ladies participate. It’s very exciting to have more involvement!
Champlain CC hosted VSWGA State Day in June, and we had a total of 60 players attend. We also had the honor of hosting the VSWGA Mid-Amateur Championship in September with a total of 77 players attending. Our very own Karen Slowinski was the winner of the net division. Looking forward to an even better 2023 season with even more member involvement.
