Dear Terrace Bluff members,

We hope your enjoying what has so far been a pretty mild winter. We're not out of the woods yet, but it sure makes the winter a little more bearable when the days are sunny and warm, if you call 35 degrees warm.
The 2010 season will soon be upon us and with that said the terrace Bluff will be celebrating its 40th year in business. We've come a long way since the Lake Bluff Country Club of the 70's. In the span of 40 years we estimate over $3 million was spent on capital improvements to the course, clubhouse and pool area, driving range, cart storage, maintenance facility and operations in general. We would like to say thank you to all of our members both past and present for giving us the opportunity to serve you these past 40 years and we look forward to serving you this season and well into the future.
Last season we completed a pool renovation in late June that included the resurfacing of the pool floor and walls along with new piping, skimmers, drains and tile. These renovations will extend the life of the pool for another 30 years. Pool filters are the only things left to replace when the time comes. The pool area provides a great setting for families to enjoy the summer. The weather just needs to cooperate. This season is sure to be more pleasant.
On the golf course in 09, early winter conditions created a layer of ice on three greens, #9, 11, and 18. While snow cover protected the other greens, these greens were more susceptible to winter damage because they are wind swept with little snow cover. We had covers on these greens to protect them from the elements to no avail. Our efforts in late winter to manually remove the ice were helpful in that it minimized the damage. Aerating and over seeding as well as sodding was done to get the greens back in service. New procedures were implemented in the fall of 09 in an effort to correct these issues. We will see how it turns out.
The new Toro aerator we purchased in the fall of 08 was put to a more aggressive schedule in 09. Spring playing conditions were affected in part because of the unseasonable cold weather but the outcome by mid summer was what we were working towards. In the fall of 09 we used smaller times along with a tighter coring pattern. This combination will give us the desired aeration with smaller holes and a faster recovery time. Less ball interruption and a smoother playing surface are the benefits. We will keep trying new and different approaches to achieve ideal conditions.
2009 also brought out vandals who targeted the property on several occasions. Our fleet of rental carts and the golf course sustained damage as well as some private carts. We have since upgraded our security system with more cameras both at the clubhouse and the storage buildings along with upgrades to videotaping. We assure you we are doing all we can. There is still a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. If you have any info please contact us.
We would like to congratulate all of our winners froms last summers various membership functions. Tom Smith won a membership at the Opening Party, Stephanie Aartila won a membership for the Early-buy promo, Tom Ritter won a set of Ping Irons at the summer appreciation party and Rose Fisher won a membership at the Fall Closing party. Thank you to all who participated. If you weren't there you missed a lot of fun. Mark your calendar for this summer.In the upcoming season we plan on more equipment purchases. A new tee mower is needed along with a fairway fertilizer spreader as well as replacing part of the rental cart fleet. The tennis courts are also scheduled to be resurfaced this summer.
The dues 2010 will stay the same as in 08 and 09. We have also sweetened the pot so to speak for our 40th anniversary. Our competition likes to reward only the new members; we feel it's fair to reward all our members. We understand new members are needed to progress, we're all for that, but we also feel it's the old members that have helped us for 40 years. That's why we have incentives for everyone. In celebration of our 40th birthday, we're offering to all our members Free driving range in the form of a 40 punch range card, per membership, good for 40 buckets of balls. A $130 value to help improve your game. Also the early buy in in now worth $40. Remember the April 1st deadline. New members are worth an increase also. $80 total. $40 each for you as well as our new member. The more you attract for us the more we will reward you. Reference our rewards page for all the details, they are once again unmatched in the area and can only be found at the Terrace Bluff. These efforts we feel will go a long way in bringing you the best value, service, playing conditions, the best club period.
We need your e-mail address to send you information on sales, events, jr. programs, and updates to the summer schedule, etc, etc. We promise no junk mail nor will we give it out. You can also follow upcoming events for both the Terrace Bay Inn and us on our website at terracebay.com as well as on facebook at the terrace bluff golf club. Don't forget leagues, they are a great way to get out and play and meent new people. Men's, Ladies, Seniors, Juniors. We do all the work you just have fun! Thank you once again from all of us at the Terrace Bluff. Celebrating 40 years!!

Sincerely,

Tony Pouliot