Golf Marathon

A celebratory drink as they finish playing their 100-holes of golf. March 10th, 2008, Head Golf Professional, Mike Krick and Golf Course Superintendent, Tim Hart, played 100-holes in one day on the Lake Course as a fundraiser for the recent fire damage to the Clubhouse. Their day started at 8:00 AM and they played for the next ten and a half hours. Krick and Hart developed a following of members watching them play hole after hole. GM Bourret purchased a variety of pizzas to keep them energized after each round. Hart commented, "I usually get to play5 to 6 rounds of golf per year, in 2008, I played the rounds all in one day". Krick appreciated the support he received from the Carolinas Golf Association, Professional Golf Association, and from his fellow golf professionals all across the country. Panorama Magazine interviewed Krick and Hart during their marathon and a write-up of their efforts will be the main feature. Krick and Hart are still accepting donations, and a muscle relaxer wouldn't hurt either. Congratulations to our dedicated staff, Mike and Tim!

Krick's PGA Conference Debrief

Head Golf Professional, Mike Krick, attend the PGA Conference in Myrtle Beach last week. He addressed the Board of Directors of the Carolinas PGA and thanked them for their support. Krick recognized the secretary, vice president and president on the section level (Carolinas PGA) and the national level (PGA of America) all have called him personally to offer support to the members of Carolina Trace Country Club. Krick also spoke about the 100-holes golf marathon and asked the group (500+ people) to support CTCC. Ron Schmid, Executive Director of the Carolinas PGA, sent an e-mail to all of the golf professionals in the CPGA about the marathon. Krick stressed the importance to go back to their clubs and review their insurance policies and look at the way they conduct business in crisis situations. "Cunningham Clothing company, which we will stock in the Pro Shop, donated close to $2000 of fixtures and hangers for us to get started. Callaway Golf will be giving us fixtures as well," said Krick. Methodist University's Annual Krick Klassic, in honor of his dad Bernie, will donate their weekend proceeds to the golf marathon fund. In addition, Krick has received countless phone calls, e-mails and various sentiments to help the cause. The golf marathon will be played by Krick and Superintendent Tim Hart on Monday, March 10th, so keep the contributions coming and e-mail mkrick@pga.com.

Golf Seminars a Major Success

Head Golf Professional, Mike Krick, held two golf seminars in January. The first golf seminar, Psychology of Playing, included topics on seven elements of confidence, inner coaching, goal setting, and evaluating a golf shot. The second golf seminar, Taking apart the Golf Swing, included topics on pre-swing principles, eight key positions, and ball flight laws. Krick summarizes the two seminars: The first golf seminar involved exploring mental advantage, and understanding how the mind works. We covered the conscience and subconscious thoughts and the power of the word “don’t”. The equation for success, what to see in a golf shot and the seven elements of confidence provided some great insight in saving shots on the golf course. The last part of the class was to set goals. We cover each of the important steps in goal setting and how to stick to them. The second golf seminar involved taking apart the golf swing. We covered ball flight laws, pre swing principles and each critical position of the golf swing. The class was shown how to blend together each of these positions. We addressed the one and two-plane golf swings and described the major differences in each one. Lastly, we discussed how tempo, rhythm and timing played a major role in striking the ball solid. If you missed these seminars, Mike Krick has notes to review. The success of these classes has led to planning more seminars in the future.

Spirit of CTCC

The perks of living in North Carolina seem endless. We are currently enjoying great Carolina weather in the late 70°s. Golfers have been playing both of our championship courses, Lake and Creek, warming up at the short game practice facility, and signing up for lessons with the PGA professional staff. With our mobile Pro Shop, our golfers have not missed a tee time. Social activities, such as the Trace Players, a talented group of members who perform a musical revue each year have been practicing for their upcoming show at Temple Theatre. Bridge players have resumed their game in many members’ homes, and the spirit of Carolina Trace Country Club is alive and strong. It might surprise most people to know that late evening on January 31st, we experienced a major fire to our Clubhouse. The Trace Family continues to rally around their Club and have resumed golf and other social activities, as if the loss of our Clubhouse never happened. While, some activities and events are temporarily on hold, the friendly and family atmosphere will always remain. The staff is setting up dining relationships with local country clubs and researching a mobile grill and bar. A social calendar will be distributed in the coming weeks, as we still plan to hold our major events throughout the year. It is a tragedy for the memories lost with the major fire, but the end result of an updated and operational Clubhouse will benefit our members and the community. The Clubhouse main phone numbers and golf information line are active and the department heads will continue to check their email frequently. As more information develops, we will utilize a variety of communication methods to keep our members updated. However, with this great weather, golf, cocktails and get-togethers, there is little motivation for being indoors!

Vacation Club Spirit Winners

The Vacation Club Spirit is a program started in 2007 for members to submit digital photographs of places they visited around the world displaying CTCC apparel. The two prize categories are for pictures taken the farthest distance from Carolina Trace and the most interesting/unique picture with certain criteria that compliments the photograph. The department heads had a special meeting to vote for the 2007 prize winners from more than thirty photo submissions. This year, first place winners receive a $100 credit to the Pro Shop or the Grille Room, Runner-up winners receive a $50 credit to the Pro Shop or the Grille Room, and those that received honorable mention may choose a bottle of wine from the wine list.

Congratulations to 2007 VCS prize winners: FARTHEST DISTANCE, 1ST, Todd and Louise Spofford at an Internationally recognized park, Featherdale Wildlife Park, in Sydney, Australia with a Koala; RUNNER-UP, Gene and Rita Pasztor at the bow of the Statendam in the Port of Burnie, Tasmania, Australia; HONORABLE MENTION, Don and Ann Karrer on the Great Wall of China; MOST INTERESTING/UNIQUE, 1ST, John and Marjorie Schmidt on a tour of Alcatraz prison at the entrance to the prison cell block; RUNNER-UP, Allen and Karen Parelius in Llasa, Tibet; HONORABLE MENTION, David and Mary Ann Feavel inside the Misty Fjords, Ketichan, Alaska with a waterfall in the background, Bill Green, Connie Green, Florence Kaisen, Sally Grocott, Lee McGivney, Glen McGivney in Lhasa, Tibet, in front of the Potala Palace, and Jim and Sharon Morris in Kalispell, Montana with CT flag in a hot air balloon.

VCS program for 2008: We will announce the winners twice a year, in June and December. Members may submit up to five photos per year, and all photos must be emailed and been taken in 2008. Photos are placed in two categories and then criteria for narrowing to a winner is utilized. For example, your chances to win increase by the frequency and visibility of the logo, in addition to the location, background and unique elements about your photo. Remember, all members are eligible to submit photos, so make sure you have purchased new CTCC apparel for your next vacation.

Farthest Distance from Carolina Trace

1st place Todd and Louise Spofford at Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney, Australia with a Koala

Runner-Up

Gene and Rita Pasztor at the bow of the Statendam in the Port of Burnie, Tasmania, Australia

Honorable mention

Don and Ann Karrer on the Great Wall of China

Most Interesting/Unique Photo

1st place

John and Marjorie Schmidt on a tour of Alcatraz prison at the entrance to the prison cell block

Runner-up

Allen and Karen Parelius in Llasa, Tibet

Honorable Mention:

David and Mary Ann Feavel inside the Misty Fjords, Ketichan, Alaska with a waterfall in the background.

Bill Green, Connie Green, Florence Kaisen, Sally Grocott, Lee McGivney, Glen McGivney in Lhasa, Tibet, in front of the Potala Palace.

Jim and Sharon Morris in Kalispell, Montana with CT flag in a hot air balloon

New Years Eve Party

Members enjoyed an elegant evening with Filet Mignon or Chilean Sea Bass, samples of eight special wines and a champagne toast at midnight to welcome the New Year. Chef Marty prepared a feast with many tasty delights including his favorite, bananas foster. New Years Eve was a black-tie optional dinner and dance party with the music provided by Quadraphonix Combo.

2007 "picture year-end" highlights

As 2007 draws closer to an end, there have been many events and celebrated good times at the Club. Our Clubhouse hosts an average of ten parties and events a week. With so many reasons to join the Club and meet new people, some of these photos capture only a glimpse of the genuine fun we all have at CTCC. From bus trips to the NC Art Museum to the Cowboys vs. Packers football night to karaoke night to Texas hold’em to the Pro Shop party to the 4th of July celebration, St. Patrick’s day, Black-Tie events, numerous golf tournaments, pool parties, dance classes, bands, plays, choirs, etc…our events fit any age, any lifestyle, with only one requirement: enjoy every moment.

Santa Visits Trace

The Annual Carolina Trace Christmas Party was a great success. Many friends and family members attended the event and brought their children and grandchildren, totaling 96 children participated in the festivities. Everyone enjoyed all of the games, gifts, face painting, making Christmas cards, Reindeer Dust and, of course, Santa! The delicious cookies were generously donated by the Ladies Nine-hole group and the WGA, and the Club provided hot chocolate for everyone. Many thanks to all of Santa's helpers who made the day possible: Phil and Carol Petraglia, Kay Law, Jerri and Jim Hey, Dick and Carol Philbin, Bo Dilorenzo , Bill Ahlgren, Linda and Jerry Decsi, Bill Guwang, Arlene Gilbert, Barb Morgan, Sharon Morris , Jean Wright, Barb Gobeille, Diana Magyar, Scott and Carolyn Schaeffer, and our wonderful Assistant Manager, Jenny! It was another special Carolina Trace Tradition!

WGA Awards Ceremony

The Women's Golf Association celebrated their end of year breakfast meeting. Special highlights include Kathy Dyre wearing her gold medal that she won playing with her partner, Mary Buchanan, in the North Carolina State Special Olympics Fall Games, the Most Improved Golfer for 2007 went to Carole Philbin, and Head Golf Professional, Mike Krick, presented a special Pro Award in appreciation and dedication for the game of golf to Marie Inzerillo.

Golf Aerobics Program at World Gym

Head Golf Pro, Mike Krick has developed a golf aerobics program to keep your game sharp through the winter. To improve your golf game there are three main areas to work on, technique, physical strength and flexibility. This program covers all three areas in a concentrated workout that takes a little over an hour. The classes are held Monday through Thursday. If you are interested in signing up for the next series of classes in January and February contact Mike in the Pro Shop. As Mike states cleverly, “The fastest way to improve your swing is to eliminate the ball.”