Table of Contents

Golf Course News

SuperBowl Shuffle

Chinese New Year

BMO Ladies Tour Event - May 8-10

What's Cooking At Bill's?

Pro Shop News

The Ridge Report

Pro-Spective with Brian Hann

Grounds Update

Birds of the Bay

Men's Club

Ladies Club

EVENTS CALENDAR

Feb 6 SuperBowl Sunday 18-Hole Shotgun & Dinner Buffet Everyone Welcome! Feb 9 Chinese New Year! 9-Hole Shotgun & Chinese Buffet Dinner Everyone Welcome Feb 14 Happy Valentine's Day Join us for dinner @ Bill Mattick's Feb 28 Renewal Date For Prioritee Membership

Golf Course News

So here we are my fellow golfers...the end of January, the first month of 2005. Where you ask, has the time gone? Well, for the first few weeks here at Cordova Bay it sure seemed to be at a standstill! The course experienced some of it's heaviest snowfall and we were forced to close the course for nearly 10 days! Some of regular golfers were so out of sorts, they were scratching at the doors like little lost puppies looking for their home. But it appears that winter is almost behind us and spring is around the corner! We suppose the official word will go out on February 2nd....Groundhog Day! Will there be 6 more weeks of winter or not?

In any event, 2005 is definately going to be an exciting year for Cordova Bay! The RCGA has just announced that we have chosen to host the BMO Ladies Financial Tour Event on May 8-10th. We are honoured to host this exciting international event and share with the rest of the world, this wonderful place on earth!

So golfers, here's to a great 2005 @ Cordova Bay and may the sun always shine on the front and back 9!

Until next month, Play On, Play Fair, Play Well.

2005 Prioritee Membership Renewals

Golfers, a reminder that your membership renewals need to be in by February 28th!! Please stop by the ProShop before then to complete your renewal application!! Details of this year's package are available by clicking below!

SuperBowl Shuffle
Sunday, February 6th
10:30am 18-Hole Shotgun

Book before February 4th to reserve your spot in this SUPER Event. This is an inaugural event that we wish to make into an annual. Everyone over the age of 19 is welcome to play in this event, including Members, Players' Club Members, Guests, Men or Women. You can book as a single, twosome or put together your own group of four. The event is designed as a social golf outing with a buffet meal and BIG prizes based on the SUPERBOWL Game which will be shown on a BIG SCREEN T.V. Molson Breweries has sponsored the event so there will be draw prizes and drink specials. Enjoy golf, great food and a great game for only $75.00.

*Please contact the Proshop to reserve your spot (658-4444) or E-mail jordan.mclean@cordovabaygolf.com
*Only the first 100 entries will be accepted into the event!!

Celebrate Chinese New Years @ Cordova Bay
February 9th - 2:30 pm 9-Hole Shotgun Start

Confucious say....... "wise man will make food and golf a priority when considering New Years' plans"........

So why not follow Confucious' words of wisdom and come and celebrate the start of "The Year of the Rooster" at Cordova Bay!  Join us for the fabulous Chinese buffet meal prepared by our very own Master Chef, Rick Choy! Dinner cost is only $35.00. Add on 9 holes of golf and you have fantastic and "lucky" day for only $55.00!

*Please contact the Proshop directly to sign up (658-4444)

BMO Financial Ladies Tour Event - May 8-10, 2005

MEMBERS.....WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Cordova Bay is honored to have been chosen by the RCGA as host course for the BMO Financial Group Canadian Women's Tour event May 8-10th, 2005. The Canadian Women's Tour is the only developmental tour in Canada. Open to professionals, top amateurs and elite junior golfers, the Canadian Women's Tour offers topnotch tournament play, competitive purses and the opportunity to earn exemptions into the BMO Financial Group Canadian Women's Open, Canada's only LPGA Tour event. Past winners on the BMO Financial Group Canadian Women's Tour have included current LPGA stars Lorie Kane and Isabelle Beisiegel.

Cordova Bay and the RCGA cannot come close to pulling off an event of this scope without the help of volunteers. The 4 day event will require up to 75 volunteers performing duties from scoring to caddying. Initially, we require the services of 4 volunteers to act as committee chairs in the following areas; Sponsorship & Special Events, Volunteers, Media, and Housing & Hospitality. So if you want to pitch in a help with this prestigious event, please contact Jim Goddard at jim.goddard@cordovabaygolf.com or by phoning 658-4444 (ext 236).

Jim Goddard, Head Golf Professional

What's Cooking At Bill Mattick's?

Welcome back to the Victoria we know and love...warm and rainy. Yet the rain seems to be hanging around too long! Bill Mattick's is still cooking up some wonderful food for you to enjoy!

Coming up in February we are hosting some pretty exciting events. Starting on Feb.6th is our first annual SuperBowl Golf & Dine. Enjoy 18 holes at our glorious course followed by an exciting football game with the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles broadcasted in our lounge T.V.s and a big screen to boot! Oh yes, we will feed you too....in typical football style - a buffet! Following this, on Feb.9th, we will be celebrating Chinese New Year "The Year of the Rooster" which will feature an outstanding Chinese buffet. I must tell you, I have seen the buffet lay out and this is one not to be missed. We have a 9-hole shotgun before the dinner if you wish to golf.....or you may join us for the buffet only. Phone our ProShop for details at 658-4444.

And the final "celebration" day here at Bill Mattick's will be our annual "Valentine's Day Dinner" where we will be serving a full 3 course meal, details of which are in our display case in front of the restaurant. Treat your loved ones to this special day at Bill Mattick's Restaurant....we're sure you won't be disappointed! Reservations are recommended!!

We have a lot on our "plate" for the month of February and we hope you can join us to make it a success. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every night from See you soon!

....ps....in last month's issue we said good-bye to Mathew Schroenn, Bill Mattick's Bar Manager....well he's off to a new career and here's a short note of thanks we recently received.....it read:

To All The Members @ Cordova Bay I would just like to thank you for making my 8 years at Cordova Bay some of the most fun and memorable of my life. I really enjoyed golfing with and getting to know you all. I have moved on to a new career with the Sales Department at Victoria's Metro Lexus Toyota and am enjoying this new challenge. If you're ever in the neighbourhood, please swing by and say hi! Sincerely, Mathew Schroenn

The Ridge Report
(by Donna Bell)

The Ridge Course - January 2005

Now that the golf course has recovered from its snowy experience, The Ridge golfers are back at it!!! Our first event of the year is Army Golf! It's a fundraiser for the Salvation Army and is scheduled for February 27th, 2005. We encourage you to "dress up in camouflage". We will have a donation container for your used clothing, kitchen items, canned foods, and any unneeded appliances!!! Golf is only $12 and includes a chance at prizes and free coffee for every 5 items you donate. Call the Ridge Pro Shop at 658-3996 to register beginning February 7th, 2005.

2005 is shaping up to be an exciting year at the Ridge and we will be coming up with new ways to serve you better!!!

 

Pro-Spective
(by Brian Hann, Associate/Teaching CPGA Professional)

Members, don't forget about Club Golf 152!

It's in its final weeks and hopefully you have all had a chance to experience this great program! Remember, there is no cost..you're only responsible for range balls!

Here's the upcoming schedule until
February 19th

On September 12, 2004, Charles McCaffree, rolled in a putt on Cordova Bay's final hole for a final round 68 and a 2-day total of 142 on a golf course specifically prepared for championship play. This type of scenario unfolds annually at golf clubs across North America, but there were a few things that happened in 2004 that were unique for our Club Champion. For one, he turned 68 years old!

The following is a conversation between myself and Charles.....

BH: Congratulations on an impressive 2004. There were several things that happened for you with your golf this past season. I'm sure the Club Championship was a big highlight.
CM: It was an interesting year for me. It was actually a good year for me in that I learned a fair bit about golf and my game. It's an great game, and it is a game…..if you pay attention you will never stop learning.
BH: I remember you had a breakthrough in May (May 7th) when you shot 67 here at Cordova Bay, which I thought was fantastic.
CM: That was a magic day, white tees though…..
BH: You still have to get the ball in the hole, regardless of which tees you play. You reminded me of my best score here. I knew there was good reason that I ground so hard over that last putt to shoot 66 that day. As it turns out, I needed to make it to keep one tiny step ahead of you. My ego is barely intact. (laughing)
CM: I surprised myself a bit a couple of weeks later (May 19th) when I shot the same number at Cedar Hill.
BH: Things were really starting to look up for the ol' 6 handicap veteran, eh?
CM: I'd been hovering between 5-7 handicap for three or four years. But those two rounds in particular helped my confidence. I did have a few instances in tournament and match play from the previous two years that led me to believe I could compete a bit on the amateur level, but the 67's did something extra for me.
BH: What changed?
CM: A couple of things I suppose. I may be to the point of overemphasizing this, but I can tell you, again, that the Henry-Griffitts driver (Model 82) that you fit me for was starting to pay big dividends. I hit the ball very consistent and straight with the previous one (Henry-Griffitts Aeroloy) but whatever they did with that Model 82, well….. the extra 20 yards has me coming in with two less clubs on my approach shots.
BH: And you haven't had to sacrifice accuracy?
CM: I might be straighter actually.
BH: What else changed?
CM: I recognized that if I just played, I'd minimize my errors, and they would be less drastic when they occurred.
BH: Just played?
CM: Ya, I didn't get fancy when I played well. Look at the design of the hole. Hit it here. Hit it here. Hit it there….
BH: Sounds simple.
CM: I guess that's the point. I realized that when I tried to do too much, be too precise, get fancy….That's when I got in over my head, and I started playing worse. Then I'd take a step back, and it became easier for me to get back on track. I think it's just because I was paying closer attention to the chain of events.
BH: Good advice for anyone who plays golf I'd say.
CM: Well the game is a game of variables. I began to recognize that if I could just eliminate some more variables, I'd improve.
BH: Like?
CM: Take ball position. Many people don't even recognize where their ball is in their stance. Yet it has to be consistent. It's one of the variables over which we can take full control. When I set up to hit a nine-iron, I always put it in the same place.
BH: Until you have to hit a shot especially high or low due to wind or some other challenge?
CM: It's so rare. Really.
BH: Any other variables that you felt you eliminated or reduced?
CM: The clubs. I have clubs that fit. They are the best clubs made. I've always had a philosophy that if I could afford it, I'd get the best available. I'm thankful that you introduced me to the Henry-Griffitts clubs.
BH: I love mine. What else of note happened leading up to the Club Championship?
CM: I guess I'd have to mention the string that I had at Uplands in a tournament in June. I made 6 threes in a row.
BH: 6 threes?
CM: I'd never done anything like that before. It helped to validate and cement the better scores that I was starting to shoot. I had to approach each shot as it happened, rather than start thinking back or ahead.
BH: Another good lesson for you to re-learn.
CM: Absolutely.
BH: And then the Club Championship. Had you ever won a Club Championship anywhere before?
CM: No, and I've played in many. I'd say five times I had been in contention to win one.
BH: Well you were the only one in contention at the Cordova Bay 2004 championship. Even though the scores were relatively close after round one, I recall a red flag came up when you told me that the greens were beautiful. "All I have to do is stroke the ball to the hole," you said. I thought, you know, he's got a chance!
CM: It was a little different story in round two. Strangely, that final round became almost bland.
BH: I actually know what you mean. Nothing too eventful because you weren't getting into any trouble to speak of.
CM: Right. In fact, the tee shot on 16 was the only shot that really sticks out in my mind as a particularly difficult challenge. It really engaged me, as I had just holed out from the bunker on #15 for birdie. The tees were way back on 16, and for me, I knew I'd have to hit it solid and a hook of any sort brings the trees and branches beside the creek into play from back there. I stood up and hit my best drive of the day.
BH: And ended up making par there, with two birdies to close it out.
CM: That's how I remember it. I really wanted that last putt of the day on eighteen, and it went in, too.
BH: What did winning that tournament mean to you?
CM: I rank club championship tournaments very high. I've always wanted to win one, and I figured my chances were starting to become limited due to my age.
BH: People won't know about this gem. You were actually just starting to play well.
CM: I had a bit of a reality check just after the Club Championship, but then my wife Jina and I went on a vacation through the States, visiting some relatives.
BH: Your handicap dropped significantly after entering those scores, which I thought showed that some of the lessons you learned this year had stuck.. We all know of some decent players who, when they play strange courses, prove that they're only tough on home turf.
CM: With the solid mental aspect of my game, the only things really changing for me on that road trip were the courses. The shots I played were the same. Very few variables. It was a fantastic trip. We had a great time. And playing solid golf was a bonus.
BH: You went down to a two handicap! That's solid golf.
CM: It's the lowest I've been since college days, and I think I'm a better player now than I was then. I hope I can keep it going a bit. But it's not really an issue for me. I just like to enjoy the game. Really enjoy the opportunities that I get to play. Enjoy the people, and enjoy the outdoors. Savour the game a bit.
BH: That's what it's about. We tend to play better when we step on the first tee with the intent of enjoying ourselves and having fun, as opposed to teeing it with the intent to play well. After all, when was the last time you played well without having fun? I believe that the fun comes first, playing well will happen if you do your homework like you do.
CM: Homework?
BH: Practice.
CM: You can't substitute a word containing w-o-r-k for the word practice. Practice can be fun, too.
BH: Thanks for your time, Charles. By the way, I think your Club Championship scores from this year would have stood up pretty much province-wide. It was inspirational stuff for those who played in the event. Our Mens' Club members are proud of you.
CM: Thanks.

Until next month.....Good Golfing To You.......Brian.

Grounds Updates
(by Dean Piller, Grounds Superintendent)

Mallard Female with Baby Chicks

Audubon Certification

• 17 native tree species
• 19 native aquatic plant species
• 11 native fern species
• 31 native shrub species
• 63 native plant species
• 129 ornamental tree species
• 78 ornamental shrub species
• 73 bird species
• 10 mammal species
• 18 ponds and a stream that divides the property

Bird House Behind #10 Tee

Once the site assessment was complete we were able to develop an Environmental Plan that would provide us with a blueprint for working towards Certification in five areas. The five areas requiring completion for Certification are:

• Wildlife and Habitat Management
• Chemical Use Reduction and Safety
• Water Conservation
• Water Quality Management
• Public Outreach and Education

We have placed several nesting boxes around the golf course in order to attract many different species of birds. We have also placed them in areas where the public, and golfing clientele can observe them. We leave dead trees standing whenever possible for birds to use as nesting sights. Brush piles and nurse logs have been left at the edge of forested areas to feed birds, and provide protection from predators. Recently, we put up new bird feeders to help the birds with food during the winter. We also stock our larger ponds with rainbow trout (500-700 per season) to attract additional species into the area.

The main reason for this project was to have a large bird population, attract otherwise rare birds to the area, and for the enjoyment of everyone that experiences the natural beauty of the golf course. We have placed two feeders in front of the staff lunchroom window, where they have sparked a keen interest and awareness among employees.

GOALS FOR THE PROJECT To enhance the overall bird habitat by providing housing, and food sources (such as birdseed, suet, plants, fish, and water). Create a favorable environment for hard to attract birds such as Purple Martins, and Bluebirds. To educate, inform, and encourage participation from golfers and the community about our bird program. To provide a suitable habitat for uncommon species in the area to nest and feel protected.

Killdeer Nest and Eggs on Driving Range Roof

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bird Boxes and Feeders

All of our bird boxes were either donated, or purchased by our resident bird specialist and Men's Club Member, Dr. Bob Houston ("Dr. Bob"). Locations were carefully chosen where to place the nesting boxes by research done through books, internet, and birders. Dr. Bob monitors, and keeps close inventory of all of the boxes on the property during his rounds. Bird feeders are placed in areas where birds frequent, and where golfers can appreciate them. An Audubon team has been assembled within our Staff who are responsible for and given time to clean and fill bird feeders as necessary. Roughly 4 hours a week is needed to complete this task.

Water Lilies in #17 Pond

Birds of Prey Initiative

Eight to ten inch rainbow trout are stocked in our larger ponds every spring. They have attracted the Osprey, Bald Eagle, Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk and Kingfishers. Water lilies have been planted, and cattails have been allowed to naturalize to provide shade in the ponds, and protection for the fish. Also, trees are encouraged and planted on pond edges to reduce thermal pollution.

Habitat Construction and Conservation

Dead trees are left standing (provided it is safe to do so) to provide habitat that will attract species such as woodpeckers. These trees have also become our favorite viewing locations for several species of birds that use them as perches. In the year 2000, an excellent Osprey platform has been constructed along Burnham Brook to the right of our fifteenth fairway, but unfortunately, has seen very little traffic too date.

Crows on #8 Green @ The Ridge

 

Insecticide Ban Initiative

In 1996, we made a conscientious decision to ban the use of insecticides on turf. This allows several species including Mallards, Robins, Starlings, Crows, Seagulls, and Northern Flicker populations to safely graze on the leatherjacket larvae throughout the 12 month season.

 

Rosa Rugosa's Along The Ridge Road

Rosa Rugosa Project

Large Rosa rugosa gardens have been planted throughout the property, which has provided the smaller species of birds with a desirable habitat. This initiative was so successful that our staff harvested several pails of the rose hips in the fall and processed them for their seeds. These seeds (roughly 500,000) were used in a hydroseed mix with Fescues, Wildflowers and Paper Birch as part of a naturalization project on a large hillside bordering the property. This area has now been designated as parkland.

 

RESULTS

Purple Martin Boxes @ #17 Pond

 

Our bird numbers have greatly increased since we added nesting boxes and feeders. Our nesting box program has attracted Violet-green Swallows, Barn Swallows, and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, to list a few. In some years, certain nest boxes have had up to two batches of baby chicks!

Our Purple Martin program has not been successful to date, but we will continue to try.

 

 

GOLFER/EMPLOYEE RESPONSE

Of all the initiatives we have done at Cordova Bay, this one in particular seems to be of most interest to the golfers, staff, and the general public. The overall response has been very positive. Members have been informed about the nest boxes and species by our online newsletter, which features a different bird each month. This newsletter goes out to over 1000 people every month, and is also available on our website.

The ProShop has also initiated the steps to develop a "Birds of the Bay" poster, which will be up for display in the clubhouse and available for purchase. This poster will highlight all of the birds seen on the golf course.

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk On #12 fairway

Involvement in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program has been a very worthwhile and rewarding experience and this program has been instrumental in providing our golf course with a set of guidelines that has improved our environmental awareness and management programs. The Audubon Society has also set up a program for homeowners called ACSP for backyards. For more information on these programs you may contact them at acss@audobonintl.org.

PERSPECTIVE AND RECOMMENDATIONS

We would highly recommend the nesting boxes and bird feeders. Brush piles, dead trees, and nurse logs are also a relatively easy, and inexpensive project.

Dean Piller,
      Course Superintendent

Ladies Club

Captains Message, by Ursula Bolger

2005 Fixtures list has been finalized and paper copies can be obtain from the locker room, or a electronic copy (in PDF format) can be downloaded by clicking here! Many thanks to Aggie Walle (Sports) and Jane Oliver-Brown (Vice-Captain) for a working together on this task. Harmonizing events and interclub competitions dates is the biggest task at the start of a year and they have produced a fixtures list that will keep us tee-d up with many opportunities for fun games and competitions. So break out your new calendars and make note of your favorite events!

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