Dear Twin Oaks Members,

Summer seems to be passing at a rate faster than normal from my perspective.  The rains seem to have somewhat subsided and the temperatures, for the most part, have been below normal making many exceptional days for enjoying outdoor activities.  The swimming pool, tennis courts, and golf course have all enjoyed very busy summers so far. The sad part is, now I look up, it’s August 1^st, and there is more summer behind us than is left in front of us.

The grounds at the club really shine right now.  The overall exterior of the clubhouse looks better than it has in many years.  The pool and deck area is both attractive and functional.  The golf course is still benefiting from the large rainfall amounts received earlier in the year.  Areas that are normally starting to get dry by this time of year are still green and lush.  Clint and his staff are, as usual, keeping things around the tennis courts looking A-1.

While on the subject of the grounds, there is another issue I would like to mention.  Occasionally, when we have our busiest summer events (Classic, July 4, etc) the grass area west of the 18^th green is used for overflow parking.  These are the only times this area should be used for parking.  From time to time, there have been vehicles parked there when the normal parking lot is nowhere near full.  Please use the parking lot when there is space available.

After many discussions over the past few months, as well as the Grounds and Greens Committee meeting with the USGA representative, the Board made their recommendation for addressing our winter fairway issue.  Note that what was passed is experimental and has no chance of success without the help of the membership.  The plan is that on all par fours and par fives the tee shot landing areas in the fairways will be roped off in a large square, preventing cart traffic from entering these areas.  The Board felt this was the best way to maintain easy play while trying to protect the fairways in the areas where most shots are hit.  I, for one, am very anxious to see how much of a difference this will make.  I am hopeful that everyone working together can make our golf more enjoyable through the winter months.  The Board asked Tye to do this when he has completed the mowing season, which should be around the first of November.

There were many successful events at the club this past month highlighted by the annual Fourth of July celebration and always popular campout.  As usual, we had an overflow crowd on the fourth between swimming and the golf tournament during the day culminated by the huge crowd for the fireworks celebration that evening.  The campout proved again to be one of our most attended family functions and a great time was enjoyed by all who attended.

Last month we talked about a couple of changes in the   restaurant and I am happy to report the early Sunday    breakfast buffet has been well received.  Also, somewhere else in the Acorn, you will find a listing of the first few winners of the Friday evening $100 Twin Oaks Cash winners.  Remember, $100 is being given away every Friday evening.  All you have to do is eat dinner at Twin Oaks on Friday night.  If you enjoy the opportunity to win $100 just keep coming out on Friday evenings.  It is my hope that attendance will justify keeping this promotion going past September 12.

In the next couple of weeks you will receive your ballot for this years Board of Directors election.  I have seen most of the people who are running and I think you will be pleased with the candidates.  Please take time to vote.  Just circle the names and put the ballot back in the envelope provided.  It is your club and your Board.

August will usher us right into fall so get out and enjoy the summer weather.  I know it is a few weeks off, but don’t forget to sign up for the Labor Day Tournament.  It is on the 30^th and 31^st this year and always fills up so be sure to sign up early and don’t get left out.  The weekend starts on Friday the 29^th with the Calcutta Auction, which has become a great part of the Labor Day festivities.  The party is followed by the tournament on Saturday and Sunday.  The Holiday weekend is completed on Monday the 1^st with pool activities for all and the ever popular Fishing Derby for the kids.  Make plans early.

How are you doing in the Mulligan’s Cup?  The top 30 are really tight right now.  This month’s events will certainly have an effect on the outcome and determine who attends the party and plays in the championship.

Come out to your Club every opportunity you get.  There is always a friendly face and a smile to greet you when you are there.

Thanks for reading,

Chris Lakin