DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB DAC NEWS www.dallasathleticclub.org A Premier Country Club Experience MAY | JUNE
Management Team
General Manager
Brent Burkhart bburkhart@dacstaff.org
Chief Financial Officer
Cassie Thames cthames@dacstaff.org
Executive Chef Michael Lamping mlamping@dacstaff.org
Director of Communications
Maribel Barbosa mbarbosa@dacstaff.org
ClubKids Manager Mila Luna mluna@dacstaff.org
Fitness Director Jeff Hoke fitness@dacstaff.org
Massage & Wellness Galen Flemons gcflemons@gmail.com
Assistant General Manager Phil Callahan pcallahan@dacstaff.org
Clubhouse Manager Macon Simonson msimonson@dacstaff.org
Assistant Clubhouse Manager Chris Guilhoux cguilhoux@dacstaff.org
Membership Director Cari Wheatley cwheatley@dacstaff.org
Director of Golf Lance Patterson lpatterson@dacstaff.org
Golf Course Superintendent Travis Moore tmoore@dacstaff.org
Director of Tennis Natalia Prinz nprinz@dacstaff.org
Board of Directors - 2024
President Whitney Ragsdale
First Vice President Matt Sisk
Second Vice President Scott Dooley
Secretary David Brock
Treasurer & Finance
Committee Chair Tim O'Brien
Governance Committee
Chairman David Brock
House Committee Chair Jim Koch
Membership Committee Chairman Scott Dooley
Strategic Planning Committee Chairman Kris Moldovan
Golf & Grounds Chair Paul Broome
Scholarship Committee Chairman Matt Sisk
Board Member Justin Thompson
Email the Board of Directors boardofdirectors@dacstaff.org
Our newsletter cover captures the vibrant hues of seasonal flowers adorning our entrance, signaling the arrival of spring at DAC! 2 | DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 2024 CONTENTS President's Letter 1 Welcome New Members 5 Clubhouse Update 6 Upcoming Events 6-7 Dining Specials 7 Turf Talk: 150-Rule 8 New Golf & Grounds Team Members 8 Golf Rule & Golf IQ 9 Equipment Highlight 9 Tennis New 10 DAC Golf Fitness Program 11 Mother's/Father's Day Spa Specials 11
On the Cover...
Easter Egg Hunt
Little Chef's Spring Cooking Class
Mario Bros Family Night
Barbie Trivia Night
Gold Course Opening
president's letter
What an honor it is to be elected President of the DAC Board of Directors.
Along with my fellow board members, I look forward to serving you and our Club. I want to take this opportunity to welcome our newest board member, Justin Thompson, and to thank our outgoing board members Warren Sibley (past president), Don Gafner, and Lance Lane (past president). These outgoing board members tirelessly volunteered their time and energy to propel our Club through expansion projects, membership growth, and pandemic uncertainty. It is the thoughtful leadership of our board and management team that have placed our Club in the strategic position that it enjoys today.
As the rainy days move out and summer moves in, the list of ways to socialize at our Club grows long: Trivia Night, Tennis 105, Music on the Lawn, summer camps and cooking classes; check out upcoming events on the DAC app and reserve your spot right away! Celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day at the Club have become family traditions. Let our staff treat you and your family to fantastic fare on these occasions. Memorial Day weekend is the highly anticipated opening of the DAC swimming pool for the summer. The pool was resurfaced last month and new lounge and deck furniture is on the way. Poolside at DAC is the place to be this summer!
In March we marked the official “grand reopening” of the Gold Course with an MGA event. The reopening of the Gold Course has been an excellent experience for our members and staff. Travis Moore and his crews are not only making every effort to maintain the course through its initial re-opening phase, but also doing everything possible to help the course mature and improve. The Gold Course has reopened for guest play, and will soon return to the 90 degree rule. Thank you to our staff and membership for exercising the patience and flexibility that has seen us through the renovation and re-opening of this course.
Our Club is full of active members and families using DAC for all of its amenities. The tennis courts and leagues are packed with players. The golf courses are too green for any golfer to resist, and the tee sheets reflect that. From the gym to the restaurants and lawn, it is easy to see that DAC is enjoying a vibrant and full membership. We appreciate any member who is a sponsor to a prospective applicant. Inviting your friends and family to join you and experience our Club is the ultimate compliment to DAC.
It is my pleasure to serve our Club and its members.
I look forward to seeing you at DAC soon!
Whitney Ragsdale President
DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 2024 | 3 In Memoriam
Paul Murphy Member Since 1992
WAITLIST WAITLIST
Leonard "Len" Charles Ruby Jr. Member Since 1985 Kace Phillips Member Since 2019
membership
F rom the Desk of Cari Wheatley
For many, summer is undeniably the ultimate season of the year! It's the time to shed those layers and embrace the warmth of the sun. As the days stretch longer and the temperatures rise, summer brings a calendar full of activities at your Club!
My favorite summertime activities at DAC include cheering on the DAC Dolphins swim team, celebrating our favorite moms and dads on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and my all-time favorite, our Annual 4th of July Celebration! As you read through this newsletter, make sure to SAVE THE DATE of your favorite events, because this summer will be one you don’t want to miss! I look forward to seeing you around the Club!
CariWheatley Membership Director cwheatley@dacstaff.org
New addition to your family?
We want to celebrate our littlest new members! Please e-mail cwheatley@dacstaff.org a picture of your newest addition along with their name and date of birth to be included in the following newsletter. I will also make sure they are updated in your DAC Member Profile!
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welcome new members!
New Members beginning their membership in March and April 2024.
DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 2024 | 5
Erika & Jack Mathis RG Resident Golf
Haley & Andrew Bell Athletic
Katie & Aubrey Thomas Tennis
Eden & Justin Harkins Athletic
Dominic DiGiammatteo Tennis
Amie & Eric Striegel Athletic Angela & Shawn Mayeaux Tennis
Lauren & Wes Bender Tennis
Linda & Rob Westerberg Resident Golf
Megan & Corbin Best Athletic Morgan & David Eseke Athletic
Rachel & Josh Haverland Tennis Staci Benson & Phil Benner Athletic
Stephanie & Zach Jacques Tennis
dining & social Clubhouse Update
by Macon Simonson, Clubhouse Manager
Hello DAC Members!
We’ve had a wonderful start to Spring with a great Easter weekend in the rearview mirror. As we enjoy the warm, sunny days moving into Summer, we have some fun events in store for you. On May 17th, we have Adobe Road Winery coming to visit with their “Mobile Rig”. Adobe Road is owned by former professional endurance car racer, Kevin Buckler. He will be traveling to Dallas Athletic Club with one of his racecars while showcasing his wine. This should be a great event. Additionally, we’re planning an event with former NHL goalie and Dallas Stars legend, Marty Turco. Marty owns Kingsville Brewery and will be out at the Club showcasing his delicious beer. More details to come!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you during my first couple of months and I look forward to meeting those of you that I haven’t had the pleasure yet. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop me anytime you see me here at the Club. Great times ahead at DAC!
Sincerely,
Macon Simonson
Clubhouse Manager
6 | DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 202 4
UPCOMING events
Adobe Road Winery Wine Tasting
May 17| 7:00 to 9:00 pm
$45 includes food & tasting, additional glasses will be available for purchase.
Race to the Club and join us for live music on the lawn and a wine tasting experience unlike any other! Kevin Buckler, former professional race car driver and owner of Adobe Road Winery will be here with one of his retired racecars, showcasing his incredibly unique and wonderful wines. Chef Lamping will have an equally delicious food spread to match.
Mini Manners Session 1: Initial Lessons
June 4 | 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Ages 6-8, $130 per child
Give your child the gift of good manners with our Mini Manners and Social Graces Event! Dinner is included.
Mini Manners Session 2: Relearn Lessons
June 11 | 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Ages 6-8, $130 per child
Parents are welcome to stay and see what their children have learned.
Social Graces Session 1: Initial Lessons
June 25 | 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Our fun interactive classes teach children valuable table, dining, and club manners that will last a lifetime. Dinner is included.
Social Graces 2: Relearn Lessons
July 2 | 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Ages 6-8, $130 per child
Parents are welcome to stay and see what their children have learned.
Father Daughter Dance
June 14 | 6:30 to 8:30 pm
$75 per Father-Daughter pairing, $25 per additional daughter
Create priceless memories and dance the night away with your daughter at our father-daughter dance, where every moment is a treasure to behold!
Father's Day Brunch
June 16 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
seatings on the half-hour
Adults: $48, Children (4-12): $20, 3 & Under: Complimentary
In The Elm
Tuesday Date Night
Every Tuesday Evening
Enjoy complimentary ClubKids when you make your reservation in advance with the Front Desk!
Wednesday Family Nights
Every Wednesday Evening in The Elm Kids 12 & Under Eat Free!
May 1st
ASIAN NIGHT
Seared Yellow Fin Tuna & Spicy Slaw
Thai Style Chicken with Stir Fry Vegetables, Beef & Broccoli, Tempura Shrimp, Asian Dumplings, Fried Rice, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Mac & Cheese, Grapes, Strawberries, Sundae Bar
May 8th
BUILD YOUR OWN PASTA BAR
Assorted Garnishes, Sauces, and Noodles (GF available), Baked Rigatoni, Italian Salad, Garlic Bread, Parmesan Chicken Tenders and Butter Noodles, Sundae Bar
May 15th
BURGER NIGHT
6 oz Beef Patty, Grilled Chicken Breast and Veggie Burger, French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Tator Tots Assorted Toppings and Condiments, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Ice Cream Novelties
May 22nd
BBQ NIGHT
Ribs, Brisket, BBQ Chicken Legs, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw, Fried Okra, Watermelon, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Sundae Bar
May 29th
BREAKFAST FOR DINNER
Omelet Bar, Scrambled Eggs, Chicken & Waffles, Bacon and Sausage, Funfetti French Toast, Pancakes, Bagels, Danish, Fresh Fruit, Sundae Bar
June 5th
LOADED SALAD BAR
Assorted Salads and Build Your Own Salad, Grilled Chicken, Seared Beef Tips, Fried Calamari, Grilled Salmon, Coconut Chicken, BLTs, Kale Caesar- Portabella Wrap, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Peas, Fresh Fruit, Sundae Bar
June 12th
THE ULTIMATE BACON BUFFET
Build your own BLT stations with Assorted Bacon, Varieties of Tomatoes, Lettuce, Avocado, and Spreads, Bacon Wrapped Pineapple, Bacon Wrapped Green Beans, Loaded Bacon Mashers, Bacon Mini Wedges with Warm Bacon Dressing, Fresh Fruit Sundae Bar
June 19th
SEAFOOD NIGHT
Popcorn Shrimp, Mussels in Curry Broth, Pecan Crusted Salmon, Grilled Trout with Lemon Aioli, Parmesan Crusted Sole, Chilled Green Bean Salad, Cole Slaw, Cheddar Biscuits, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Sundae Bar
June 26th
BAKED POTATO BAR
Grilled Chicken, Grilled Pork Loin, Petite Strip Steaks, Baked Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes with a ton of Toppings, Corn on the Cob, Chicken Tenders, Smiley Fries, Fresh Fruit, Sundae Bar
Steak Night
Every Saturday Evening, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Prime Filet 6 oz., $42
Prime Strip Steak 10 oz., $42 or Prime Ribeye 14 oz., $46
Served with a Wedge Salad or Cup of Soup du Jour
All prime steaks are served with a Steakhouse Baked Potato and Fresh Seasonal Vegetable.
For dessert, enjoy a slice of warm pie a la mode or your choice of an ice cream sundae.
OR The Month’s Featured Steak
Dining reservations in The Elm or 19th Hole can be made online, on the app, or with the Front Desk at 972-279-3671.
DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 2024 | 7
TURF TALK:
150-Rule
by Travis Moore, Golf Course Superintendent
The golfing season is in full swing and so are our golf and grounds maintenance operations. Over the last several months we have worked to complete several projects including: new driving range net installation, repairs to the dam on #10 blue, multiple drainage improvements, Gold Course pump station, landscape plantings, sod work, and more. At the same time, we implemented a long list of routine spring maintenance and cultural practices that will help both courses be ready for the busy golf schedule that lies ahead.
While the long spring has been great for our bentgrass greens - we now anxiously awaiting the onset of warmer temperatures to jumpstart bermudagrass growth on our bermudagrass tees, fairways, and roughs. We saw earlier than usual “green up” on most of these areas this year thanks to exceptionally warm temperatures for most of February and March. However, warm season grasses will not actively grow and recover until temperatures reach what is often referred to as
NEW team members
KOBY HATCH Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Meet Koby, a golf enthusiast joining DAC! Originally from Plainview, Texas, Koby brings years of experience in golf maintenance, agriculture, and operations management. He's excited to contribute his diverse skills to DAC, having previously worked with Travis Moore at Ridgewood Country Club. Travis is thrilled, noting Koby's passion and expertise will enhance our golf experience. Koby and his wife Meredith can't wait to meet everyone – give them a warm welcome when you see them on the course!
the “150-Rule”. This occurs when the daytime high and the nighttime low add up to 150 degrees for a sustained period of time. The good news is that May and June are normally great growing months for both bermudagrass and bentgrass. On the Blue Course, this means working to help all areas recover from almost 40,000 rounds played since April of 2023. On the Gold Course, we will remain focused on establishing all of the new sod, ensuring our young greens are ready for their first summer, and making general improvements throughout the property.
In summary, we are about to enter one of the busiest times of the year for golf in North Texas. We look forward to having both courses in the best shape possible for upcoming events as well as normal member play. Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to contact me for questions, comments, or concerns.
ZACH SUDINSKY Assistant Golf Professional
Introducing Zach Sudinsky, our new Assistant Golf Professional at DAC!
Originally from McKinney, Texas, Zach brings a wealth of experience from playing college golf at Stephen F. Austin and Eastern Michigan University. Since graduating in 2020, Zach has not only achieved three professional wins but also discovered his passion for coaching while serving as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan.
GOLF calendar
The "1919" Spring Member-Guest May 2-4
Mizuno Demo Day May 10
Callaway Demo Day May 11
4-Person Scramble
May 16
Ping Demo Day May 18
MGA Heaven & Hell May 24
WGA MemberMember May 22-23
Four-Ball Championship June 1-2
WGA ABCD Scramble 6-5 June 5
MGA Guest Day June 21
WGA Two-Stroke Play June 26-27
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golf
Crews laying sod
Dam repairs on #10 Blue
GOLF RULE:
Rule 17-Penalty Areas
by Ryan Bowey, PGA Head Golf Professional
There is one notable difference between the options a player has when taking relief after hitting a ball into a red penalty area versus yellow. Red stakes allow players to also take lateral relief (up to two club-lengths no nearer the hole) from where the ball entered the penalty area in addition to returning to the spot from the previous shot and back-onthe-line relief where you can drop anywhere on an imaginary line drawn from the hole through the spot where the ball last crossed into the penalty area. The last two are the lone options if the penalty area is yellow.
Golf I Q
by Stuart Hendley, PGA Director of Instruction COURSE MANAGEMENT:
All options require a player take a one-stroke penalty, but the player does also have the option to play the ball as it lies.
There are also no longer special rules that apply to you when playing from a penalty area. You are now allowed to ground your club and take practice swings like you would elsewhere on the course. You can also remove loose impediments so long as you don’t move your ball, improve your lie or improve the conditions affecting your stroke.
Time for another talk about course management. Now that we have both golf courses open again, I’m sure everyone has noticed a few differences in our two courses. A few newly designed holes and new cart paths are the obvious things. I’m referring to much firmer green surfaces on the Gold Course compared to the Blue course. It is normal for green surfaces to be much firmer for a while after being redesigned or resurfaced. This changes how they play (react) and should change our thought process (course management) when playing on firmer greens. Just think of how our greens play in the summer when it’s very hot and we need to keep the bent grass
EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHT:
Cameron Phantom Putters
by Eric Dye
The Scotty Cameron’s Phantom putter line has been updated, and we have a few of the them here in the shop for you to check out! They currently have released seven updated styles, with three more styles of the phantom coming out in early May.
The change you’ll see immediately is that their new grip is now a full contact grip, so it is the same width throughout the entire grip. This is going to be helpful in quieting the low hand during the stroke to help with face control. With these putters you will also notice an enhanced sightline, and a great balance in the weighting from heel to toe on the face. Depending on the style you choose, you will see a slant neck, jet neck, or center shafted option.
Come check them out in the golf shop!
softer to keep them alive. Now think of the middle of winter when they are firm and fast. Hitting directly at the back left pin on number 7 Blue is typically a much harder shot in the winter when the greens are firm and fast. Everyone needs to realistically assess how to hit the ball (trajectory, height, landing angle, spin, release, etc.) to determine where to aim and how you can play the hole. Sometimes this could mean hitting away from the pin or in some cases determining where the best place to play your next shot is if you are unable to get or keep your ball on the putting surface. For example, I can fly my 3 wood on the green on number 13 Blue in the summer and stop it easily. That same shot during the winter months likely runs off the back of the green, so I need to hit a different shot or have different expectations.
Contact me or any of our other professional if you need help improving your course management or anything else you might need help with. See y’all at the course!
DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 2024 | 9
Scotty
May and June mark the time for some of the most significant tennis events at DAC: the Pro-Am and Davis Cup. If you haven't participated in either yet, this year presents a perfect opportunity! The Pro-Am features not only our top DAC pros but also elite pros from the area who play alongside our members. It's a truly unique and special event.
The Davis Cup is a thrilling team competition with on-court coaching and all-day matches that create an electric atmosphere. Each team represents a different country, led by a DAC Pro serving as captain and coach. Teams are co-ed and compete in both doubles and mixed doubles matches.
Our summer camps for juniors will start in June. Here is some quick info on how to prepare and what to bring to tennis camps this summer:
• Tennis shoes
• Tennis racket is optional, we have plenty of rackets for kids to use. But if you would like to purchase one prior to camp, please reach out to me to be sure you get the appropriate size for your child’s age.
• Water bottle with your kids name
• Sunscreen
• Hat/visor
• If your child attends swim: swim suit, flipflops, goggles.
Please make sure you fill out your medical form prior to camp date. Lunch is provided each day for kids both in half and full days sessions.
If you have any additional questions please email me at nprinz@dacstaff.org.
Natalia Prinz Tennis Director nprinz@dacstaff.org
TENNIS events
Pro Am May 3-4
Friday, 6 pm: Dinner & Pro Shootout
Saturday, 3 - 11 pm: Pro Am Play, Food, Bar & Party
105 Social May 10
6 - 7:30 pm Co-Ed Format
Davis Cup June 23-24
Friday: Dinner
Saturday: All day tennis play Play begins at 9 am Limited space.
105 Social June 14
6 - 7:30 pm Co-Ed Format
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tennis
A Message from Natalia Prinz
MIXED DOUBLES
Club Champions
Flight B Brian Kraft and his daughter Kennedy Kraft
Flight A Laura Jolly and Jeremy Sain
fitness
DAC Golf Fitness Program
by Jeff Hoke, Fitness Director
Have you lost distance? Is it harder to complete a round? Are you experiencing aches and pains swinging the club?
At DAC, we utilize the TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) evaluation and training principles as the foundation of our golf fitness program. The combination of the TPI program, in addition to our staff’s years of golf fitness experience, equals premium programming for our members.
The TPI Training and Certification gives us a comprehensive set of tools to perform a full evaluation of your movement. A properly functioning body allows a player to swing in the most efficient way. We know how physical limitations can adversely affect the golf swing, leading to loss of power, control and causing potential injury.
Participants are placed through the same tests usually reserved for the best golfers in the world. Utilizing our physical screening process, we measure your ability to move with proper biomechanics to generate the most efficient golf swing possible.
Programming includes:
• Functional movement evaluation
• Custom designed workout
• Integrated TPI app with exercise videos
• Exercise calendar
• Follow up appointment
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JEFF HOKE, DIRECTOR OF FITNESS AT fitness@ dacstaff.org
FITNESS schedule
TUESDAY 8:30 AM 9:00-9:15 AM
WEDNESDAY 7:00-8:00 AM 8:00-8:30 AM
THURSDAY 8:30-9:15 AM
FRIDAY 8:00-8:45 AM 8:45-9:00 AM 9:00-10:00 AM 10:00-10:45 AM
BODY BURN POWER CORE
VINYASA YOGA WITH VIRGINIA LOWER BODY WITH VIRGINIA SPIN
BODY BURN POWER CORE YIN YOGA YOGA SCULPT
DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB | MAY / JUNE 2024 | 11
DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB
4111 Dallas Athletic Club Drive
Dallas, Texas 75228
CLUBHOUSE
Tuesday - Sunday................................. 7:00 am - Close
19TH HOLE
Tuesday - Sunday............................... 8:00 am - Close
9 1/2 SNACK BAR
Tuesday-Thursday......................8:30 am - 5:30 pm Friday-Sunday.............................. 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
KITCHEN & THE ELM
Tuesday-Thursday ..................... 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday ................................................ 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday ............................................. 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
FITNESS FACILITY
Tuesday-Saturday ................................ 5:00 am - Close Sunday ....................................................... 6:00 am - Close
TENNIS PRO SHOP
Tuesday-Thursday ...................... 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday-Saturday ............................ 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday .............................................. 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
GOLF PRO SHOP
Tuesday-Sunday ................................7:30 am - 6:00 pm
CLUBKIDS
Tuesday-Saturday....................... 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm*
www.dallasathleticclub.org facebook.com/dallasathleticclub twitter.com/DallasAthClub instagram.com/dallasathleticclub
Parents
*
CLUBHOUSE......................................... 972-279-3671 GOLF SHOP ........................................... 972-279-6517 TENNIS SHOP ......................................972-279-1549
Tuesday-Saturday.......................
must remain on Club grounds in order to utilize the ClubKids services.
Wednesday Evenings the ClubKids Building will be closed.
HOURS OF OPERATION CONTACT NUMBERS