SBGA Inc. Report from the General Manager

Many members are reading this article back where snowbirds fly when the thermometer starts to rise – and rise it did at the end of March!

For those of you still in SunBird, shotgun starts for May change to 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Watch for more directional and No Trespassing signs to be posted around the course. Also, we will soon see the new bag drop at the end of the cul de sac entrance to the Pro Shop just off SunBird Boulevard.

Monthly Monday Workdays continue. In April the maintenance yard was cleaned thanks to the crew of Jeff Andrews, Gary Whistler, Bob Gerber, John Brockish, Earl Ferguson, Don Friesen, Bob Johns, Bill Barkley, Ray Bierowicz and Chuck Warren.

Clubs and members continue to donate generously to the improvement of our course. The Canadian Club added a rock facing to the wall on the path from Hole No. 9 to the Clubhouse, purchased safety nets to protect workers on the course and provided a club cleaner for the driving range. The Bandits satisfied our thirst for cool, clear water by replacing the drinking fountains on Hole Nos. 4 and 13. The Roadrunners built a rock and planting barrier around their memorial bench on Hole No. 11. A check for $1,000 was received from the Kare Bears and an anonymous golfer donated $500. Stan Wolff donated ashtrays which have been installed in the rental carts. Thank you all so much for your commitment to our golf course. Your contributions have been recorded on our Honor Board!

The Boy Scouts have completed another much appreciated service project at the back of Hole No. 11. With the assistance of the Garden Club and Dave Meyers, Chuck Warren and Lee Solomon, they have transformed the bare dirt in front of the blue bins into a delightful serpentine-shaped cactus garden.

The inaugural Golf Tour took place on Friday, March 20 and the first guests were the members of the Garden Club. To their delight, they toured the Pump House and the Maintenance Yard, identified trees, visited Garden Club projects and Chainsaw Bob’s carvings and learned about tee markers, tee boxes and the driving range. Tours will be a regular monthly activity beginning in November. Registration requested.

The excitement of Eighth Hole Madness brought out the entire community for the Conley Cup during the final few days of March. Thanks to Gary, Joy and their crew we all enjoyed free hot dogs and beverages while cheering on our favorite team. Yes, once again, the Americans were victorious over the Canadians – but only by a single point. The two teams were tied going into the third round of individual match play and the outcome wasn’t decided until the final match was over. This was spectator golf at its best.

To be informed of SunBird golf activities, such as the results of the February Members’ Survey, check out our website. Members: check with the Pro Shop if you do not have your password.

Yes, we want to hear from you. If you have any suggestions about the course, merchandise, service or play fill in the comment sheet on the ledge just inside the Pro Shop door. Responses will be addressed at Board meetings.