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An Update Report on the To our members: LinksBy the time you receive this Newsletter, we will be about 50 2007 U.S. Open Championship days away from U.S. Open Week. BY MICKEY POHL, OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP CHAIRMAN The pace is quickening! First, let me say that any report on how we are doing and what is going on would be seriously flawed if it did not begin with an expression of thanks to those many members who are unselfishly giving so much time to the committee tasks and details of preparing for the U.S. Open Championship. The member volunteers and Oakmont Club Staff —grounds, Clubhouse and manage- ment—are busy, enthusiastic and performing brilliantly! CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTENTS Golf merchandise building rises at Oakmont East. Page U.S. Open Update ...... 1, 2, 3 First Person ...... 3 Bunker To Bunker ...... 4 From The Red Tees ...... 5 Oakmont Swim Team ...... 5 Paddle Tennis ...... 5 From The Grounds Up ...... 6-7 Kitchen Korner ...... 8 Oakmont Website ...... 9 Open Junior Committee ...... 9 In Memoriam ...... 9 Smoking Ban ...... 10 Reminder-Swats ...... 10 Use of White Tees ...... 10 From the Archives ...... 11 Photo Op ...... 12

View of the new “U.S. Open City” as seen from number 9 porch. Quite impressive! OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks U.S. Open Update Report CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Beyond that, each week brings 3. As I compare the records from the Members and others are NOT likely to new challenges, opportunities 1994 Open (and my own memories of be able to secure tickets at the last and surprises. Here are just a being at the Opens in 1962, 1973 and minute. We MAY be able to give some few of the examples of what has 1983) it is clear that the biggest driver limited assistance to members who now been happening, much of which of changes in the planning (aside from need to purchase an additional ticket or may not be easily visible to the sheer size) are… sadly…the necessary two. If you have a ticket problem at this membership at large. Also changes brought about by security point, please notify Tom Wallace without included in this list is a mention concerns since September 11, 2001. delay. There are NO guarantees, but we of some items where, based on The days of strolling through a gate at will try to find additional tickets for phone calls or comments I have an airport or a major national sporting members. These will probably not be received from fellow members, event are gone! The need for magneto- Member Tickets, but might be general there seem to be some recurring meters, traffic route protection, security admission or Trophy Club tickets. We questions. checks and purse inspections (among are informed that some off-site sellers 1. Magazine had other details) have changed the nature of “hospitality areas” did not let their writer E.M. (“Ed”) Swift of our planning for this event. customers know that they were not on-site for three days in early I hope that all of our members will be U.S.G.A. affiliated and are scrambling March gathering material for understanding and patient if there are for tickets. A good solution for a major story about our Club. any inconveniences that arise in June. businesses and individuals is to purchase Many of you have seen Our Club has little or no say on many a table or share a table. The Club and Mr. Swift’s terrific stories in of these necessary details. The U.S.G.A. the U.S.G.A. will assist in matching Sports Illustrated over the has an impressive security team in place. people who wish to share tables. years. Ed is a member of the But, in the end, the PA State Police, the 6. I have received a few calls recently from Country Club in Brookline, Department of Homeland Security, the members and friends who wish to work . He met with a local police and other authorities are the as volunteers. The volunteer roster was host of members, spent a lot experts and have the final say on the oversubscribed and closed last Fall. The of time with our archivist, public safety aspects of this huge event. U.S.G.A. office will take names for a John Fitzgerald, and even The availability of bomb-sniffing dogs waiting list. Having had so many volun- interviewed our revered caddy, did not used to be a part of the planning teers so quickly is a great indicator of the J. P. Pernice. for a U.S. Open. Now it is. level of enthusiasm for golf in this area. 2. We are coming down the 4. Generally, the operational details are 7. Tom Simmermon, with assistance from home stretch with regard to falling into place on time and on budget. Joe Loughran, is heading what we call hospitality sales. As you will Recently, meetings were held with our Member Services Committee. They, recall, our Club gets a percen- Dan Onorato, the County Executive along with Tom Wallace, his staff, and tage of the revenue from these and, in Harrisburg, with the Governor’s the U.S.G.A. will be handling the many sales and this is one of the Office. Part of being sure that Oakmont details relating to taking care of our major revenue streams we get stays positioned to host future major members during the Open Champion- as the host club. The sales golf events depends on our state and ship. As previously explained, there will have been going well, but we region remaining economically viable are making a major push to be limited space in the Clubhouse for and competitive with other clubs and get a sell-out. There are a few members during the tournament. states who are aggressively working to tents available and about 40 Members with a Members ticket and tables available. Jim Douglass be awarded future golf championships. Member identification only—no guests has taken on the responsibility 5. This event is essentially sold out —will be allowed in the member areas of of helping Hospitality (excluding scalpers and Internet sales— the Clubhouse. The need for space for Marketing Chairman Mark but watch out for counterfeit tickets!) players and their families, for U.S.G.A. Hofmann and his committee We really hope that our members have hospitality and operations, and the sale as we make this big push. heeded the messages in prior communi- (by the Club) of certain areas within Suggestions from the members cations and have ensured that they have the Clubhouse as hospitality packages as to sales prospects are already purchased whatever tickets they (e.g. The Fownes Room) and, once strongly encouraged. will need for the Championship. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 2 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks

Update Report FROM PAGE 2 F IRST P ERSON

again, security and safety concerns, limit BY BILL GRIFFIN, CLUB PRESIDENT our flexibility here. We will have a Well now! Just a couple of With regard to our course, we are “Clubhouse Annex” on the course (near months away from hosting our coming out of a brutal February and an hole #15) where members and guests 8th U.S. Open Championship ice-storm March in pretty good shape. (subject to some limits) can go to enjoy and there’s much excitement and (See From The Grounds Up Article) an air-conditioned, tasteful area with big anticipation around our Club. There are a few spots on a couple of screen TV and a cash bar. As with many Preparations for the Open greens that are still being nursed, but other practices, the “old days” where Championship continue to be we’re not expecting any problems. We there were “Clubhouse Tickets” that appreciate your patience as we go through were transferable are gone! going well (see Mickey Pohl Article). Volunteer efforts are this process. John Zimmers and his staff We now know that more than 1,000 sets well organized; a final push for are doing an outstanding job in preparing of media credentials from outlets around hospitality sales is producing the course for opening day, as well as the world have been requested. The 2007 favorable results; and we’re getting ready for the Open Championship. Open will be televised in more than 150 working hard to create a positive countries. The number of volunteers, Compliments have been copious membership experience with media and vendor-related staff on site each regarding the newly renovated portions of every aspect of the Open. I day this year will probably exceed the total the Clubhouse, specifically the wonderful would like to formally recognize number of spectators we had daily in 1962. placement of our archived history. Our the tremendous amount of This will be a great time for Oakmont and Long-Range Planning Committee, Tom preparation and hard work our its membership to be seen throughout the Wallace and his staff, and John Fitzgerald staff has put towards planning world of golf. have done an exceptional job in managing for the Open. As an example, the restoration efforts and displaying the If you are a prayerful person, pray for the Oakmont Culinary and Club’s history throughout the Clubhouse. good weather in June! Service Team will be serving Thanks again for all of your assistance. almost 50,000 meals during the The Board recently approved the budget week of the Open. We typically for the 2007-08 fiscal year. We remain on serve 50,000 meals annually! target with our original long-range plan of being debt-free through the 2010-11 fiscal Seminole Pro/Member If you have been at the club year. Our operations this year continue in the past several weeks, you Tourney has an to be strong with cash generated from have noticed a significant amount Oakmont “Flavor!” of activity and work being done operations for the eleven month period through February at $1.1 million or nearly On Monday, March 5th, Seminole Golf in “building a city” around our $500,000 favorable to budget. A strong Club in Juno Beach, Florida, held their . During the month financial year! Annual Seminole Pro/Member of April, construction began Tournament. And, the winning teams on the hospitality tents in the We hope you join us for the Town Hall included some names familiar to all of us. Fownes and Oakmont Villages, meeting on Opening Day, Saturday, April 21st. The purpose of the meeting is to The Gross Division Winners were: the main merchandise tent on Professional: Corey Pavin the East Course, the Trophy provide our members with more details on Amateur Member: Mark Lomis Club and The Champion the golf course, Clubhouse, U.S. Open Score: 64 Pavilion. Dozens of support Championship and the 2007-2008 budget. compounds and trailers will be The Net Division Winners were: It will be an exciting and historical year established including health, Professional: Bob Ford at Oakmont. We hope everyone enjoys it. ecology, evacuation, NBC-TV, Amateur Member: John Birmingham, Sr. XM-Radio, The Golf Channel, Score: 64 MSG Promotions, admissions Congratulations to Bob and John, Sr. and many more. Just be pre- for upholding the “winning tradition” of pared for a lot of activity on the Oakmont golfers! course.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 3 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks New Trends in the Golf Shop Limited Edition: for Spring, 2007 U.S. Open Stand Bag New 2007 Drivers from Taylor Made Taylor Made Burner Driver - Taylor Just 12 bags available, due to BY BOB FORD, CLUB PROFESSIONAL Made has created their lightest and arrive in May, these bags were specially commissioned to Welcome back to the longest driver ever. It combines a super lightweight shaft with a large forgiving commemorate our 8th U.S. Oakmont famiy, Adam Kushner, Open Championship. Taylor head to guarantee long straight drives. Assistant Professional Made staff players on the PGA $299.00 Tour such as Sergio Garcia and Callaway FT-I Driver - Callaway has Retief Goosen will be carrying incorporated “square-head” technology this bag the week of the Open. to help deliver more “square” hits. $198.00 $475.00 Club Fitting Cleveland Hibore XL - Cleveland’s new The Golf House will serve as shaft and head technology helps all players our club fitting and teaching find more “carry” with their drives, headquarters. Club fitting and translating into more distance. $299.00 teaching will be handled by any New 2007 Footwear of our golf professionals. This year we will be featuring many Adidas Powerband Shoe - Looking for new products from Taylor Made, great stability and power from the ground Ping, Callaway, Adams Golf, up? Adidas’s new footwear technology Adam is no stranger to the Oakmont Cleveland, and Nickent. All other Professional Staff, just in a new position offers players secure footing while brands of equipment can be this year. Many of you will remember reaching back for those few extra yards. arranged to demo by a member Adam, as he was an intern with us for two Men’s and Women’s. $159.00 of the professional staff. Properly of the last three years, working with Jon Footjoy “Reelfit” Shoe - Discover the fit golf clubs can make all the Migely on our outside operations staff. “dialed in technology.” No more tighten- difference, so stop by the Golf Adam now joins us full time as an Assistant ing laces during your round. These shoes Shop and make an appointment Professional. He is a 2006 graduate of the conform to your feet by using the new to improve every aspect of your Professional Golf Management program at high-density steel laces to create the game! Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC. perfect fit. $215.00 This season, we are all excited Adam, a native of the Erie, PA area about a revolutionary fitting spent a few seasons with former Oakmont New 2007 Technical Apparel system from Taylor Made called Assistant Professional Michael O’Connor Adidas Clima Cool - Riding their wave SelectFit. Originally developed at the Kahkwa Club in Erie. Most recently, of success from 2006, Adidas has by Taylor Made’s R&D Dept. Adam worked at the in expanded their selection of Clima Cool for rapidly attaching driver and Pinehurst, NC. Adam and his wife Eryn apparel for men and women. While being have a daughter, Alyssa, and are expecting iron heads to demo shafts, the easy to care for, this fabric wicks away their second child, a boy, in late April!! new Taylor Made SelectFit system perspiration and keeps you dry and cool, offers golfers a custom-fitting 2007 Club Tournaments all summer long. For Men and Women. experience with a broader array The 2007 Club Tournaments $58.00-$68.00 of golf club options to ensure began on Saturday, April 14th. PRX Apparel - New for 2007 and arriving the best fit for your swing. With Round one matches must be in May, this apparel line is designed the new fitting cart stocked with completed by Sunday, May 3th. specifically for those who have hit the gym dozens of Taylor Made club Upcoming Events in May over the last six months. Athletic fit with heads of differing characteristics May 18th performance fabrics has created a new and dozens of shafts of differing Member Only SWAT Party dimension in golf wear. make, flex, kickpoint and length, 1:30 PM. shotgun For Men and Women. $75.00-$88.00 CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 4 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks Bunker to Bunker Oakmont Paddle Tennis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Swim Team News the number of complete club News BY PAUL MAZESKI BY ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE possibilities is more than 186 Sign up now for the Oakmont Country The Men’s Paddle Tennis Team, referred driver combinations and more Club Swim Team Ice Cream Social. to as Oakmont 1 in the West Penn Paddle than 258 iron possibilities— On Sunday, April 29, 2007, between Tennis League, took another big step 200 more than the industry 1 PM and 3 PM at Fox Chapel Golf Club. forward this year. The team enjoyed its most successful year yet. standard! Come say hello and meet your new After many years without a team, Contact the Golf Shop today coaches, Barb Medvec and Don Weisz. Oakmont joined the West Penn Paddle Swimmers of all ages and abilities are to schedule a one-of-a-kind Tennis League in the late 1990s. The team welcome and encouraged to participate. fitting experience. began in the lowest division, which, at that Oakmont Country Club will be joining time, was Division 5. (Now, there are six 2007 Guests the Fox Chapel Golf Club Swim Team divisions.) Our team then advanced into Rules and Restrictions this season. All swimmers will be able to Division 3, where we have played for the With the upcoming 2007 order their team suits on this day. Knabes last several years. Sporting Goods will be there to size all U.S. Open Championship, Two years ago, we were the champions those participating. please be advised of the follow- of Division 3. That year, the Oakmont EVERYONE SWIMS IN THE MEETS! ing guest restrictions. team lost a challenge match by one set and remained in Division 3. Friday, May 25th will be the A Golfer’s Prayer This year’s team finished in third place in last day for three guests. From Lord, Division 3 and was eligible for a challenge Saturday, May 26th through Thank you for the green grass, white sand, match to move into Division 2. In the Friday, June 1st, ONE guest warm sun and blue skies. For mowers and challenge match, we defeated the Edgewood rakes …..and umbrellas too! per member is permitted. From team and moved into Division 2. The Saturday, June 2nd through Thank you for amber and gold fallen leaves, challenge match was played over three Saturday, June 9th, play will be and your merciful servant who invented weeks due to golf trips to Florida by some the “leaf rule.” limited to Members ONLY. of the participants. Mike McMullen and Thank you for steel, graphite, titanium Also, Sunday, May 13th will Roland Osland won the crucial last set in and lacquered persimmon. Thank you for a tiebreaker to secure the victory against be the last day golf carts are dimpled surlyn and balata. the Edgewood team. permitted on the golf course. Thank you for the tee times, Swats, Nassaus, The team has benefited substantially presses, scrambles, medal and . this year, with the addition of Tennis Pro, Thank you for the handicaps that make us Tom Mercer. Tom joined us after the all equal…..without making us identical! third match and, not surprisingly, quickly Thank you for wooden tees, shiny ball turned into a very dominant player. Tom markers, golf gloves, grips that are tacky… will be coaching the Women’s team in REPORTING BY SHIRLEY PREBOR and golf jokes that aren’t. 2008 and will be available next season to Thank you for cotton shirts, wool sweaters, WELCOME NEW give paddle tennis lessons. If there is and wind breakers …no matter what they SA MEMBERS: enough interest to start another team at are made of. Oakmont, we suspect that Tom could be Joined in 2006 And, most of all, Lord, thank you for the convinced to provide some guidance. Julia Alexander golf people of this world…the pros, the Our Oakmont 1 team benefited from Amy Dias caddies, the bag boys, the ground crews, the locker room attendants, the managers, having a large roster, thus aiding us in Liu Frances the cooks, the waiters and the waitresses, situations affected by vacations and injuries. Donna Howard the twosomes, the threesomes, the four- Team members are: Mike Angerman Mike McMullen Joined in 2007 somes, the scorers, ….the partners and the opponents! Amby Bauer Ron Morris Dr. Elissa Gittes Because, Lord, it is your people who make Ned Foster Dave Nicholson Nancy Kacin golf the honorable game that is so worth Ed Gregg Roland Oslund Johanna Lear playing…and makes life so worth living! Paul Mazeski Frank Phillips Colleen Meyers ……Anonymous Tom Mercer Randy Russell

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 5 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks From the Grounds Up BY CHRIS DONOHUE & JOHN ZIMMERS A-N-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N! Around the Oakmont Country Club Grounds Department, the feeling is one of anticipation and excitement, as the Club is about 7 weeks away from hosting its 8th U.S. Open Championship. The beginning of the winter was relatively mild, with a below average amount of snowfall. However, February and March brought everything that winter weather has to offer: snow, sleet, freezing rain, wind and fluctuating tempera- tures. These extreme weather conditions have taken a toll on our golf course. The usual weather patterns have caused areas of turf to go into severe dormancy resulting in a slower spring green-up. However, now that spring is here, we are patiently awaiting warmer temperatures to help get the turf growing.

Spring Aerification: Anticipated layout of driving range. Aerification is scheduled for the end of March or field offices from damage by range balls. Due to U.S.G.A. require- early April depending upon the weather and when ments, we will be preserving a section of the driving range tee and the putting greens come out of their state of severe short game area. (See photo) The side of the tee nearest the practice dormancy. We plan to carry out our spring aerifica- green will be occupied by an NBC-TV tower with a view of the 18th tion procedures as follows: hole. Also, the back range tee will be closed due to the U.S.G.A. • 1/4” quad time pulling cores on the putting campus infrastructure. greens (small holes). • Sand injection procedure. U.S.G.A. Setup Timeline: • 5/8” hollow tines pulling cores on fairways, tees You may notice a few office trailers around the grounds and at and approaches as performed in the past. the East Course. This is only the beginning! Over the next several • The drill and fill process will NOT be taking months, the U.S.G.A. will be on site and “firing on all cylinders” place this spring. It is scheduled to resume in constructing corporate villages throughout the property which will the spring of 2008. resemble a small city. The construction taking place over the next several months will include: U.S.G.A. field offices, service roads, Graduated Rough: bus loops, members tents, corporate tents/villages, volunteer tents, As spring growth occurs, the length of the rough grandstands, TV towers, a media center, merchandise pavilions and will continue growing to meet U.S.G.A. champion- concession tents. Of course, weather conditions will have much to ship specifications. The graduated rough, as you may do with the timeline of the construction of these facilities. hear it called, will be grown or graduated from the 1.5” intermediate cut around the COURSE REMINDERS fairways to a 4” cut, 8 feet wide, with the Bunker Banks: remaining rough maintained at approxi- mately 6”. Achieving the graduated rough concept will take time, as continued mowing is necessary to maintain the desired height and upright condition of the rough. Driving Range and Short Game: Recently, telephone poles were installed on the driving range floor. These poles will support the large, black netting that will ultimately protect the 17th hole, corporate structures, Fownes Village and the U.S.G.A. Proper way to treat bunkers on our course.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 6 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks Ball Marks & Divots: From the Grounds Up FROM PAGE 6

To preserve our historic restoration, please do NOT walk on the bunker faces. The photos show the proper way to enter and exit from the FRONT of all bunkers. Please rake the bunkers “smooth” as this has a direct impact upon playability. Also, please maintain proper golf etiquette by cleaning the sand from your shoes before walking on the greens. Fescue Grass Area: Cart traffic MUST be avoided in these areas. Fine fescue grass does not tolerate cart traffic and the fescue plant will be crushed down, hindering the aesthetic appearance we are trying to achieve. You MUST avoid driving in fescue grass areas. Repairing ball marks keeps our greens as famous as they have become! Please repair your ball marks as well as any others you may find. Repairing ball marks will ensure a smoother putting surface for everyone. Please replace divots on the course. A divot repaired will likely heal, resulting in better playing conditions on the course. Cart Traffic: In order to prevent wear damage to the courtesy walks, please scatter cart traffic upon departing the teeing area. Please avoid driving golf carts on the courtesy walks and approaches. Remember, a good rule to follow is: Be at least 30 feet away from a green or tee complex.

Avoid driving golf carts on courtesy walks, please! In summary: As we “ramp up” preparation for the 2007 U.S. Open Championship, we have had a very productive winter and are looking forward to a very busy spring. We would like to mention that we have had an incredible volunteer response and have received remarkable support from our many vendors. Two “NO-NOs” concerning Fescue Grass Areas. With all of the U.S. Open setup, there will be many distractions to our daily operations. However, with the staff that we have in place, and the return of our interns, we are confident we can provide and achieve the standards that we are all accustomed to here at Oakmont Country Club.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 7 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks

KitchenKorner ✂ Family Night Menus BY TOM PEPKA, CEC EXECUTIVE CHEF WEDNESDAY NIGHTS We hope everyone had a great ~ $16.50 ~ winter season and we’re glad to CLIP THIS OUT AND SAVE IT! be in the spring season right now. Summer will follow and with that…the April 25th May 2nd 2007 U.S. Open! Landmark Salad Bibb Salad w/tomatoes Those who were with us for our Easter Beef Madeira Chicken Pot Pie buffet know that we featured carved ham Brook Trout a la Meuniere Baked Stuffed Filet of Sole and lamb, Chilean sea bass, a festive salad Hot Buttered Egg Noodles Redskin Potatoes buffet along with a grand dessert buffet. Vegetable du jour Vegetable du jour It would be great to see a large turnout Dessert du jour Dessert du jour for our first wine dinner in late April as May 16th well as our celebrated Mother’s Day May 9th Chopped Salad brunch and dinner buffets. Greek Salad Grilled Ham Steak Oakmont’s culinary team has spent Sliced Lamb Top Round Pineapple Salsa much of our winter months working on Swordfish saute a la Greque Pan Seared Halibut the 2007 U.S. Open Championship. The Boulangere Potatoes Fine Herb Butter amount of details, people, equipment and Vegetable du jour Buttered Egg Noodles schedules are staggering. (See First Person Dessert du jour Vegetable du jour article.) We believe we will be well pre- Dessert du jour pared and well represented as one of the May 23rd leading clubs in the country. It will be BLT Salad May 30th exciting to be a part of it. Chicken Piccata Tossed Salad Sliced Pork Loin, Sauce Madeira And, we plan to make sure that every Baked Fluke in Lemon Butter Baked Filet of Salmon one of our members enjoys the “eating Wild Rice Pilaf Lemon Dill Hollandaise part” of the 2007 U.S. Open! Vegetable du jour Dessert du jour Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes See you at the Club. Vegetable du jour Dessert du jour

Special Notice about NOTE: NO Family Nights in June due to U.S. Open Oakmont DVD ✂ BY KATIE KEENAN To our members: On the “Oakmont, The History… Catie Amodeo . . . . The Tradition” DVD that you received just another satisfied in the mail several weeks ago, there are participant of THREE (3) sections for viewing. They Oakmont’s fabulous include: Sunday Brunch! • Club Tournament/History • Course Renovation You too can have • Hole-By-Hole this much fun. Why don’t you join On the “title menu” of the DVD us next Sunday? you are able to select any one of these three sections to view. Don’t just stop at viewing just one!

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 8 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks Work on Oakmont Oakmont forms website shows progress Junior Committee BY DAVE EGAN, COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE for 2007 U.S. Open Championship The finest championship golf “Mr. John Fitzgerald was very helpful in venue in the country can now providing the historic photography which BY JIM MURPHY, JR., CHAIRMAN make the argument that it also tells the Oakmont story so well. That We are pleased to announce Oakmont’s has a website of similar caliber. consistency was really important to me, formation of a Junior Committee for the Thanks to a six-month effort by too!” Katie said. 2007 U.S. Open Championship. The Manager-In-Training, Katie But, the improvement in the site extends purpose of this committee is to encourage Keenan, our Club launched to functionality as well. The new member our otherwise ineligible juniors to partici- a completely redesigned website statement feature has the “bugs” worked pate in this year’s championship activity. in January, 2007. And, despite out and offers members the opportunity The Junior Committee will act as the fact that Katie had no formal to review their account at their leisure. greeters; welcoming spectators, hospitality web design experience before The popular Fore Tees section has been patrons and other attendees to Oakmont, starting this project, the results overhauled and, despite a few early and offering them pairing sheets. The are terrific! interface problems, is now ready to make Committee leadership will be contacting “My objective was to create reserving your starting times much more those children and teens who submitted a the best club website in the simple and convenient than ever. New volunteer application to the U.S.G.A. and country,” Katie declared. “I features like the golf course tour, the golf were not able to be a part of the U.S.G.A. studied many examples and quote of the week, archives of articles committee structure due to age restrictions, thought that the Winged Foot from Oakmont’s past and fresh content in etc. If your child has not been contacted Golf Club site was beautiful, every section makes the Oakmont site a directly by the Junior Committee, please so that became my standard,” must-see destination. call Judy Folk in the Oakmont office or she said. Front desk receptionist, Tomdee Simpson, contact me immediately. Using the theme: “Champion- who recently accompanied Katie to a con- The Junior Committee will operate only ship Golf-Fellowship-Tradition” ference on club websites, is also training during the championship rounds, unless it as her conceptual anchor, Katie to handle updates and revisions, so that the grows to sufficient size to also provide its “team” will be well prepared to keep the went to work to create a site services during the practice rounds. Each website current, accurate and interesting. which really captures the look, member of the committee will work: 2 to feel and imagery that one If you haven’t visited the NEW 3 two & one-half hour shifts. At present we experiences walking through Oakmont Country Club website, take a believe that these shifts will be scheduled our renovated Clubhouse. look at it at: www.oakmontcc.org between the hours of 9 AM and 2 PM. All committee members must be 10 years ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ Function Over Form of age by June 11, 2007. It is anticipated It is with sincere regret that that younger volunteers will be paired with we announce the passing of: The last player I wanted on my golf an older teen to provide some oversight team was one who had to look good and Mrs. Dorothy and guidance in the execution of their have the prettiest swing without getting “Keith” Mahaffey. duties. comparable results. Too often, this player Uniforms will be provided to these Wife of long-time is satisfied with hitting stylish shots. young men and women. Juniors will be Oakmont member, Give me the player who is more concerned required to provide their own khaki shorts Jack Mahaffey with putting the ball in the hole in the or pants. Mother of fewest number of strokes. Oakmont member, ------Harvey Pennick Dr. Paul Friday

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 9 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks Swat Another Reminder: Smoking Ban You received a notice about the WHITE Beginning January 2, 2007, TEES with last month’s Newsletter. This the following areas have been Reminders: designated areas where smoking For those members who are interested is published to review that notice: is permitted at our Club. in the Regular Swat and the Senior Swat, The Golf Committee has changed the Front Circle here are some reminder facts: requirements for male golfers to use the Ash receptacle provided Regular Swat: WHITE TEES. Male golfers must have a Garden Patio Contact: Bruce McGough BLUE TEE of at least 10, must be 60 years of age, and must have a total Ash receptacle provided To play Saturdays at 11 AM of BLUE TEE handicap plus age of at Golf Shop Porch Call in by 10 AM least 80. The reason for the new require- between the front entrance To play Sundays at 11 AM ments is to correct a perceived advantage and Caddy Master’s desk/ Call in by 10 AM that the WHITE TEES may provide for Bag room To play Wednesdays at 1 PM some of the better golfers over 60 years of Ash receptacle provided Call in by NOON age. Outside Pool Facility Entrance To play Sunday at 8:30 AM (Green Tees) Players cannot switch from one set of Ash receptacle provided Call in by 5 PM Saturday tees to another set of tees during a Club Outside Golf House Ash receptacle provided Dates to remember: event or tournament such as the Worsham, Sunday, April 29th after golf Secretary’s Cup, etc. but, can use different Outside Skeet Hut Swat Meeting tees, depending on eligibility, for different Ash receptacle provided tournaments during the year. A player’s Friday, May 18th Outside Tennis Hut eligibility may change during the year due Ash receptacle provided Members Only Swat Party (*) to a birthday and/or changes in handicap, 1:30 PM Shotgun Pros Cottage Back Porch and some golfers may decide to switch tees Call in by 3 PM Thursday Ash receptacle provided due to changes in their health, difficulty Gatehouse Back Porch *(NOTE: The use of golf carts for this event of the course or other personal reasons. are NOT allowed. If you must have a cart, Ash receptacle provided When playing from the WHITE TEES, please do NOT sign up. Thank you.) The entire indoor facilities players should refer to the Handicap Charts at the Club will be, as dictated Call the Front Desk at 412-828-8000 located at the Golf Shop and Starter’s to participate in the Swat. by the Allegheny County Table to determine their WHITE TEE Ordinance, smoke-free. It is Senior Swat: handicap based on their Handicap Index important that every member, Contact: Sam Amodeo and then add one additional stroke. and their guests observe these Open to golfing members age 55 and older. Subtraction of one additional stroke is a restrictions. Repeated violations No limitation with regard to handicap. local Club rule and is believed to provide could result in the Club losing a more equitable adjustment for the its health permits and liquor To play Wednesday mornings advantage provided by the WHITE TEES. license. beginning 9 AM, call in by 1 PM Tuesday. The Golf Committee Most matches played at full handicap. Annual dues: $50.00 per player.

Weekly wager: $9 per player EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dates to remember: Oakmont Al Dudreck EDITOR Wednesday and Thursday, October 10-11 is published nine Linkstimes a year for George Hill

Season Ending Event members and employees. ASSISTANT EDITOR OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB Judy Folk 1233 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139 COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR 412-828-8000 • www.oakmontcc.org Larry Werner

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 10 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks FROM THE ARCHIVES: Fitz’sFacts

BY JOHN FITZGERALD, ARCHIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

“Arch´-ives” = documents preserved for their historical value. But, before you can preserve them, you’ve got to find them! That’s why it is so gratifying to me and to Club President Bill Griffin to have such members as the following who have furnished us documents that could have been lost forever. Thank you so very much to: Barry Hackett – donated an original 1931 U.S. Open program This “find” almost completes our collection of original tournament programs dating from 1921 to the present. The ONLY original program we are missing is the one from the 1953 U.S. Open. Sketch shows #15 tee, #15 green and the most Will someone step forward and help us complete our collection? There is unusual layout of hole #15 we have ever seen! Today’s one out there someplace! green is well to the right of the right greenside bunker. Chick Wagner – Came up with a “factoid” that dispels the rumor that Mr. Henry C. Fownes didn’t care for trees! As seen in the circa 1919-1920’s photo below, Mr. Fownes DID plant some trees. At every tee box, he planted a small conifer. (Fir tree to the unknowing!) Curt Coulter – Located and furnished to our Club an article and sketch from an April, 1930 issue of Golf Illustrated of the original layout of hole #15. The original green was “way left” of where it is today! Did you know that in the U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont in 1935 there were actually counterfeit tickets discovered at the event? Who said that golf wasn’t a popular sport in those days! Holes #5, 6 & 7 as seen in aerials from 1983 (left) and 2007.

1919-1920: A close look gives credence to the fact that H.C. Fownes planted a small fir tree at each tee box.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 11 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks Various views of the NEW LOOK of our Clubhouse. If you haven’t been there lately to see it, make sure to visit us soon!

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 12 — MARCH/APRIL 2007 OakmontLinks

MAY C ALENDAR OF EVENTS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Family WGA Golf WGA Event Night Family Friday

12345

Member Family WGA Golf Family Friday Monday Night

678 9101112

Mother’s Day Member Family WGA Golf 8:00 AM Shotgun Brunch Monday Night Member and 3 Guests and Dinner 1:30 PM Shotgun Members Only Swat Party Family 13 1415 16 17Friday 18 19

Member Family WGA Golf Family Friday Monday Night

20 2122 23 24 25 26

Memorial Day Family WGA Picnic Night Member/ Member

27 2829 30 31

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 12 — MARCH/APRIL 2007