As we move beyond the peak of the golf season, we as EACC members have much to be thankful for in this 2022 year.
1. The best IJM tournament in recent memory, or maybe ever. What a great field, perfect weather, the course in great shape, tremendous support from our members and a superb effort from the golf shop, the grounds crew and the house staff. We are most fortunate to have the organizing talents of Jeff Kamien, Paul O’Brien and Frank Ziolkowski and the special forms of support from member spotters, family hosts and scorers. It is a joy to have this great event gracing our club.
2. Two superb Invitational tournaments. Guests were thrilled with all aspects of the experience; the golf was exciting and all of the meals and forms of entertainment around the golf gave all of the contestants an experience that rivals the best in the area. Congratulations to the many winners. And, we are especially thankful for the tireless work of all of the club staff and the thoughtful construction of the experience by the golf shop and the tournament committee.
3. The beginning of our bunker renovation project. As you will see in Drew’s report, this project will begin as early as the first week in August and will result in new bunkers for all of our front nine holes well before the end of this golf season. The work will continue next year with the renovation of all back nine bunkers on a schedule yet to be determined. This work will be done without closing any hole or interrupting member play.
4. The preparations for the big clubhouse renovation. The oversight committee and Lemur Construction are meeting regularly and the project remains on schedule for an October start. I continue to be amazed by the skills of our members and the willingness to commit so much time to be sure this project proceeds on time, on budget and to the specifications that will make us so proud of our new locker rooms and all of the other features of a refreshed clubhouse.
5. The continuation of our Long-Range Plan (LRP) discussions-The LRP Steering Committee will hold its first meeting on August 8 to meet our promise to the membership that we will review and revise as necessary the club long-range plan each year. Stay tuned for more information as the committee considers how priorities may change, how new ideas about course, practice facility and other amenities should be incorporated in the plan. The Committee is also considering new notions of how we operate the driving range to ensure a great and SAFE practice and warm-up experience. We have just received a revised priority list from the Course Master Plan Committee that you will learn more about through this process. The Committee is committed to always having a five-year vision of the club’s future that will continually strengthen the member experience
6. The ingenuity of our management team. All of these things listed above are not possible without the energy and diverse skills of our co-general managers and our clubhouse manager. I am not sure we can all fully appreciate the extent of the commitment required to make all of these activities successful AT THE SAME TIME while also conducting daily operations. I have learned much this year but find this to be the most compelling of the lessons. I do hope that you will take the time to share your appreciation with Dave, Drew and Eric when you can
7. For the first time in many years, we have a full and talented grounds crew, golf staff and house staff. These folks often go unnoticed or are under-appreciated. Yet, their work is at the heart of all the things that we are thankful for as an EACC member.
I hope you are enjoying this year as much as I am. I am looking forward to the many days left before we reach the end of our golfing year. Please tell me how you are feeling about your year as well as any ideas you would like the Board and management staff to consider.
Best to all—
Sean Sullivan, President
“Like life, golf can be humbling. However, little good comes from brooding about mistakes we’ve made. The next shot, in golf or in life, is the big one.”
-Grantland Rice