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MAY 2015 | WWW.OAKMONTCC.ORG

F IRST P ERSON ED STACK

pring is finally here at Oakmont! 25. The budget projects a positive cash Opening day was well attended with flow from regular operations of $209K at S 95 members participating on April the end of March 2016. The Board is 18. The weather for opening day was the committed to being as fiscally conservative nicest we have seen in recent memory. as possible while still preserving the high We kicked off Opening Day with a standards and service levels that members Fitz’s Facts membership forum in the morning. Doug are accustomed to at Oakmont. Page 6 Truter, Membership Committee Chair, I have heard many positive comments talked with those in attendance about the from members and their guests regarding membership process. In summary, if mem- the food and service provided at the Club’s bers would like to recommend a potential Easter celebration. Close to 700 were Contents member that would truly be a great addi- served over the course of a seven- hour tion to the Club, please contact any one of period. Kudos to the Clubhouse team for From the Clubhouse the following Membership Committee doing such a great job. The Club’s Easter Page 2 members: Doug Truter, Rich Alexander, celebration also marked a changing of the Bunker to Bunker Mark Bope, Bob Cooper, Bruce guard in our Food and Beverage Page 4 McGough, or me. We would be happy Department. April 1, 2015 marked Peggy to walk you through the process and make Schaal’s last day at the Club after thirty-five Rules of Golf it as easy as possible to sponsor a new years of dedicated service to Oakmont Page 12 member. Country Club. Peggy, on behalf of the The Budget for the coming fiscal year Board of Governors and the entire mem- was unanimously approved by the Board of bership we thank you for your unending

Governors at the meeting held on March CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Opening Day The U.S. Open Championship Trophy made an appearance at Oakmont on Opening Day. Members were able to get an up-close view of the trophy. Pictured here (left to right) are Dan Biondi, Bernie Marcus, Don Ziegler and Randy Crawford. See more on page 5.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB MAY 2015

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Oakmont Links

From the Clubhouse BY PAUL MROZ First Person CONTINUED The renovation of our Dining Room, support and excellent service. Runway, Living Room and two Sitting We wish you all of the best in areas has been completed. The response your retirement. Your won- from the Membership has been over- derful smile will be missed whelmingly positive. The combination of around the Clubhouse. views of the from the The Grounds Department Champions Grill and bar and the natural has performed a great deal of light that spills into that room has been work since last August’s aeri- very well received. The colors and fabrics fication procedure. We have chosen by our designer June Price have continued to follow the received high praise. Members and guests process recommended by Mr. are utilizing the Oakmont Dining Room Richard Bator for returning more than when it was the formal Dining our greens to Oakmont stan- Room which was another goal of the Jamie Schmitt dards. Shortly before we per- committee. formed another aggressive Summer is right around the corner aerification in October, our which means that the tennis courts are do our best to keep the crew out of every- greens were returning to the ready and the pool will be opening up very one’s way. We appreciate everyone’s standard we have become soon. Opening Day for the pool will be understanding. accustomed to. Based on Mr. May 22. Let the countdown begin. Jamie Schmitt has begun her new posi- Bator’s plan, the Grounds Parents will be receiving a flyer which tion as our Events Coordinator and she has personnel performed drill- details all of the fun things that our hit the ground running. Jamie has the and-fill and Graden verticut younger members may avail themselves of energy, creativity, and organizational skills procedures on our greens in this summer. Junior Golf Clinics led by that will propel this facet of the Clubhouse October. The next phase of Matt Denesha will run from June 16 operation to great heights. Please call her at Mr. Bator’s plan was to through August 14. The swim team prac- extension 302 if you are planning a special employ another aggressive tice and meet schedule will run from May event at the Club and she will take care of aerification this spring, which 22 through mid-July. Our junior tennis all of your planning needs. we have completed. The camps are available for all ages and will run Opening Day saw a reversal of fortune thatch/ organic matter has for five weeks from June 16 through July for our golfers this year. The women drew been reduced by 30-40% 23. If you did not receive a flyer in the mail the short straw on Thursday as it poured through these procedures. by the time that you are reading this article rain for almost the entire time they were on Mr. Bator is confident our please contact Jessica Lucas and she will the course. Conversely the men had what greens will have made signifi- mail or email one to you. One more note was touted as the nicest day they have seen cant progress by early June. about the pool. The pool will be open for in the past twenty years. Sunshine and tem- While I know this is much to lap swimming only from 7:00-10:00 a.m. peratures in the mid-70’s were the order of ask based on the playing con- on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. On the day. A very nice touch to both days was ditions of the last few years, weekends the pool will open at 10:00 a.m. the appearance of the U.S. Open Trophy. please be patient for a few instead of the usual 11:00 a.m. Members were very excited to have their more weeks to allow the early During the month of May you will pictures taken with the hardware. Many growing season to take place. notice that almost 80% of the exterior of thanks to Charlie Howe and Carl Gurtner Hopefully, by the Member- the Clubhouse will be scraped, caulked and for making the trophy available in our Member Tournament, we painted. The Clubhouse is looking a bit Dining Rooms over the Opening Day will be playing on Oakmont weathered and once the job is completed it weekend for all members who were on greens which we are proud to will look spectacular. We will be sure to the property. The excitement for 2016 is have our friends join us. work around the Club’s busy times and building!

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 2 — MAY 2015

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U.S. Open Tickets Volunteer Opportunities Last month, each member should have received informa- Still Available for OCC Members: tion regarding the chance to purchase tickets for the 2016 To date, 185 members have secured volunteer positions U.S. Open Championship. We’ve had many members for next year’s U.S. Open. We want to thank each of you already take advantage of this advance opportunity. We for your dedication and commitment to serving as ambas- encourage you to buy your tickets early as tickets go on sadors to Oakmont Country Club and the USGA! sale to the general public on June 15, 2015. There are still a limited number of volunteer positions Membership ticket packages must be purchased available; however we’d like to highlight the unique by Friday, May 29, 2015. Please go to usga.org/ opportunity to support Oakmont Country Club and the OakmontMember and enter your Oakmont member Championship by volunteering as a hole marshal with your number to purchase. If you prefer to order via mail, fellow OCC members. please pick up an Oakmont member ticket application at Marshals play a vital role in the success of the champi- the front desk. Tickets will be sent to members in May onship. Whether it is working directional paddles on the of 2016. tee box, spotting golf balls in the fairway, or serving as a greenside marshal, you have the opportunity to ensure fair play for all of the 156 professional golfers in the 2016 U.S. Open field. Traditionally, the host club is assigned to marshal the final and always dramatic 18th hole of the U.S. Open. In our case, the best finishing hole in golf! If you are interested in volunteering for the 2016 U.S. Open, please visit 2016volunteers.usga.org and complete an application at your earliest convenience. If you choose to fill out an application online, we ask that you indicate your affiliation with Oakmont Country Club in the “Previous Experience” section of the application. Additional hard copies of the volunteer application can be picked up from the USGA offices at Oakmont. All individuals chosen to be volunteers will be asked to volunteer up to four shifts. Shifts will generally last five to six hours. Should you have any questions regarding the application, please contact the Championship Office at [email protected]. This is your chance to enjoy, firsthand, the excitement of the Open Championship. Thank you for your interest in volunteering and your support of Oakmont Country Club. We know you will have the time of your life!

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Oakmont Links May Schedule of Events May 5* Member-Monday (Tuesday) Course Closed May 6 WPWGA Girls Clinic 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. May 17 Mixed Casual Guest Day 12:30 p.m. Tee Times May 22 Member Only SWAT 1:30 p.m. Shotgun BY BOB FORD May 23 Demo Day 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. May 25 Memorial Day Saturday Rules Apply * On May 5, the golf course will open to member play at approximately 5:30 p.m. Weekend Morning Twosomes If you are a golfer who enjoys playing as a twosome or prefers to play your Club match in a twosome, please know the best time for PGA Junior League Golf you to play on a weekend morning is between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Any twosome playing outside of this time frame will most Oakmont is joining the fastest growing junior golf program this likely play at a 4-hour pace and be likely to be paired with another year. PGA Junior League Golf is designed to better socialize the twosome. game for boys and girls, ages 13 and under. Featuring team vs. team competitions in structured leagues, kids can enjoy a less stressful scramble format as opposed to stroke-play competition. Kiltie Q & A Leagues and schedules will not be created until the end of April, When will entries be sent? but juniors can now sign up to be on the team! Our league will Kiltie entries will be emailed on May 11. most likely be with Fox Chapel Golf Club, Field Club If I was on the waitlist last year, am I exempt into and Butler Country Club. If you would like to officially sign up, this year’s event? please contact Matt Denesha at mdenesha@oakmont-coun- Yes, but you still must send in an entry form. tryclub.org or call the Golf Shop at (412) 828-4653. Fee: $125 What is the Kiltie Format in 2015? Friday 27-holes, Saturday 18-holes Important Oakmont Junior Dates Will there be a practice round? Junior Interclub Traveling Team Qualifier – May 30 at 2:30 p.m. No. However a limited number of tee times will be reserved for Junior Golf Clinics begin June 16 those that would like to play Thursday before the event. Interclub Match at – July 7 Interclub Match at – July 8 Will there be a dinner on Saturday night? Junior Club Championship – July 10 and 11 at 2:30 p.m. No, there will only be a stag dinner Friday night. Junior Diebold at Longue Vue Club – July 16 at 3:00 p.m. How many teams will be in the field? Parent Child Championship – July 25 at 2:30 p.m. The Kiltie field will consist of 60 teams. Interclub Match at Kahkwa Club – July 30 What is the entry fee for the Kiltie? Interclub Match at Scioto – TBD $950 per team. Pro-Junior Scramble – August 14 at 3:30 p.m. Junior Sports Banquet – August 16 at 6:00 p.m.

Demo Day May 23 • 2-7 p.m. We look forward to you joining us on May 23 from 2-7p.m. for our 2015 demo day which will feature all the major club companies including: Adams, Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist and US Kids Golf. There are clubs to try for all ages and abilities. If you would like to be fit from a vendor, please call the pro- fessional shop to schedule an appointment.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 4 — MAY 2015

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Drive, Chip and Putt Local Qualifier Locations Opening Day June 13 Mill Creek Park Golf Course U.S. Open Championship Trophy West Golf Dr. The U.S. Open Championship trophy is permanently housed in the USGA Museum and Arnold Boardman, OH 44512 Palmer Center for Golf History in Far Hills, N.J. Each U.S. Open champion receives a replica of the trophy to keep permanently. Names of the U.S. Open winners are engraved in block type on the June 19 lower portion of the trophy. Champion Lakes Golf Club Pictured below with the trophy are (top, left to right) Barry Hackett, Kevin Adamek, Jim Douglass and 4743 Route 711 Dave Fuhrer. Bolivar, PA 15923

July 2 J.C. Martin Family Golf Center 652 Shunpike Rd. Erie, PA 16508

July 17 Grandview Golf Club 1000 Clubhouse Dr. Braddock, PA 15104

July 22 Quicksilver Golf Club 2000 Quicksilver Rd. Midway, PA 15060

To register for a local qualifier, go to drivechipandputt.com today!

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 5 — MAY 2015

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Oakmont Links

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Fitz’sFacts

BY JOHN FITZGERALD, ARCHIVE CHAIRMAN

A

B

C

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The New Oakmont Country Club

In the previous 20 years of gath- ering information, memorabilia and photos about OCC history, the recent receipt of a full-page newspaper article is definitely in the top 10 of interest because of its content. The paper is dated September 3, 1905 (page 6). It all started with our receiv- ing an email from Curt Coulter with this page as an attachment but not printable. It took a while to find the source. Shown here are copies of some of the photos in our inventory which were used by the newspaper. A Unfortunately we do not have the rest.

A. Reception Room, Clubhouse interior

B. H.C. Fownes watching the completion of the first 18 hole round of golf. (It is obvious that this is the 9th Green, so they must have started on #10.)

C. Oakmont Country Club, Clubhouse Exterior B (This was also used for post cards.)

C

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From the Grounds BY JOHN ZIMMERS, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

The grounds department is excited to start Many have asked how it was possible to already in the desired range. We the 2015 season and is pleased to report experience areas of winter damage when we look forward to reviewing test that we have already accomplished a great covered all of our greens. As previously results later this spring to lend deal of work. communicated, tarps help protect the turf further scientific verification to from direct cold temperature injury, desic- our programs. Lastly, the put- Putting Greens cation, wind damage, and other forms of ting greens have been perform- Winter: As you are aware, we took every winter injury. However, even though the ing very well thus far this spring, possible precaution this past winter and tarps help mitigate ice damage, they cannot and we look forward to provid- chose to tarp all of the putting greens on prevent it. Therefore, though we are work- ing firm, fast conditions this the golf course. In addition, we installed ing on a few problem areas, we feel confi- season. fences to mitigate high winds on #3 and dent that we avoided much more signifi- #14 greens. Lastly, we took every opportu- Agressive Putting Green cant issues through our precautionary nity throughout the winter to remove Spring Aerification measures. excess water from the tarps, clear ice for- In accordance with our organic Overall, we are pleased with the health mations, and help facilitate ice melting at matter removal program, the and progress of the greens after a very diffi- the proper times. Upon removing the grounds department completed cult winter and a relatively slow spring. We greens tarps and inspecting the turf, we a very aggressive spring aerifica- will continue to take the necessary steps to were pleased with the overall condition of tion. The grounds staff worked address any winter-related issues and pro- the greens following winter. We are contin- very long hours in far less than vide the best possible playability. uing to monitor areas on a few greens (#1, ideal conditions to complete the #4, #8, #9, and #10) where different vari- Organic Matter: Upon reviewing testing work in a very efficient eties of Poa annua are still exhibiting signs from last fall (Dr. Hummel - Hummel & manner. The processes complet- of extended dormancy and winter (ice) Co., Inc.), performing physical inspections ed are as follows: in the field, a site visit from consultant Mr. damage. We have seen significant improve- Core Aerification: We removed a Richard Bator, and a very aggressive aerifi- ment in these areas with additional fertility, traditional 5/8" core on very cation schedule, we are pleased to report plugging, overnight tarping, liquid fertilizer tight spacing. The tight spacing that we have made significant progress in applications, and other related practices. of this aerification utilized rela- eliminating our organic matter issue. Also, We have also identified a few specific, low- tively new technology allowing testing from October 2014 (prior to the lying areas of ice damage that we are us to remove approximately 50% drill & fill/graden in October) confirms replacing with putting green grass from our more organic matter than in a that our organic matter percentages are nursery. conventional aerification. The fact that we were able to remove this much material without rip- ping, pulling, and damaging the turf is a testament to our overall turf health and root structure. Please see the photos comparing our new 5/8" core setup versus the conventional setup.

Winter dormancy/ice damage #10 green, 4/10/15. Winter ice/damage #2 fairway/intermediate: plugging, overseeding, etc.

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From the Grounds CONTINUED

Graden: #4 green

Deeptine: Following the drill & fill proce- New 5/8” tine setup: 6 tines/block dure, we used a ½" solid tine to penetrate and fracture the soil at an approximate New 5/8” tine aerification: >50% more removal 6-8" depth. This process creates additional pore space for oxygen and helps relieve water infiltrate the soil faster, promoting compaction enhancing turf health and effective drainage through our soil, produc- drainage. ing drier, firmer playing conditions. With Graden/Verticut: Lastly, we performed an unfavorable forecast, we 2x and 3x another graden procedure. The graden is a tarped specific greens to prevent the soil verticutting procedure that is extremely from freezing, allowing us to start work aggressive. It consists of several mini chain- early in the morning. Also, we worked late saw blades that cut and remove organic Old 5/8” tine setup: 4 tines/block into the night to complete all 18 greens in matter at a depth of approximately ½" to two days. 1" and backfills the channels with sand. Drill & Fill: This procedure is exe- The graden is the most aggressive tool cuted to continually maintain available to remove organic matter. This is our 112-year-old greens and the third time this procedure has been per- maximize positive drainage. It formed since August 2014 (7½ months consists of a ¾" diameter drill ago). bit that removes soil approxi- Overall, the ultra-aggressive spring 2015 mately 12" deep and backfills aerification displaced approximately 17.5% with sand. This process helps Aerification: finished product (tight spacing) organic matter on a surface area basis, and brings our total surface area displacement since August 2014 up to approximately 40% in seven and a half months. Although the aforementioned data and percentages quantify the work that has been completed, we feel confident that it will positively translate into a significant qualitative improvement this season regarding speed and firmness. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience in allowing us to complete these programs. Healing time from our spring aerifica- tion is largely dependent upon soil temper- atures and growing degree days. Also, the countless strains of our unique perennial

Drill and fill: #9 green CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 9 — MAY 2015

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Oakmont Links

From the Grounds CONTINUED

Poa annua exhibit varying growth rates. future chance of scheduling and complet- several other tasks in prepara- As communicated annually, the differing ing the work. tion for the 2015 season. One growth rates are the prominent contributor Divots: The grounds department has and of our largest tasks every spring to the “bumpy” putting conditions we typ- will continue to make a concerted effort to is charging our irrigation sys- ically experience every spring. It is docu- address the overabundance of divots on the tem. This task is especially diffi- mented, and our experience confirms that golf course. We will continue to devote cult after challenging winters. our greens do not produce peak playability additional time and labor to filling as many We are currently in the process until mid to late May. We will do our best divots as possible, but ask for your help in of starting to carefully move to manufacture the smoothest, firmest con- the following areas. Please replace your water through our system to ditions possible this spring until our soil divot whenever possible on the tees and prepare for the upcoming sea- temperatures reach equilibrium where the fairways. Also, if unable to replace your son. In addition, we are work- Poa can grow in a more uniform, consis- divot on a 3 tee, please use the divot ing on opening the restrooms, tent fashion. mix bottles provided for you. When prac- our fescue grow-in on new mounding (#7, #11, #12, etc.), Fairway Aerification ticing on the range tee, please adhere to the East Course grow-in, Completing fairway aerification in the the proper divot pattern. Lastly, please asphalt repair, mulching, spring spring is typically difficult due to several inform your caddies and guests to do this. bunker maintenance, installing factors including frozen soil, frosts, soil By working together, we can successfully golf course accessories, etc. moisture, precipitation, lack of drying, etc. address the divot issue and provide In fact, we were unable to complete this enhanced playability for members and Staff procedure last spring due to a variety of the guests. Although we have experienced aforementioned reasons. This spring, with Presbyterian Road Widening Project significant turnover in the past conditions being far from favorable, we Although we have had minor delays year, as is an evident trend were extremely aggressive in executing and regarding third-party utility installation, we throughout our industry, we are completing the work. In fact, due to sched- hope to continue work in the very near pleased to report that we have uling conflicts, we completed 95% of the future. Upon installing new power/utilities retained several key, full-time work in-house without our normal contrac- and disconnecting/removing the old infra- employees and interns from last tor. Also, we used smaller, lighter walk- structure, we will finish grading, drainage, season. Also, we successfully behind aerifiers, hand tools (shovels, back- fencing, landscaping, paving, etc. Once recruited and hired several new pack blowers, whips, push blowers, etc.), work is resumed, we will strive to complete employees and interns for the and did a great deal of the cleanup without all remaining tasks as soon as possible. 2015 season. Our diverse group our typical, large machinery in order to We apologize for any inconvenience and represents several prestigious effectively complete the task. This was a appreciate your understanding. universities across the United monumental effort by our grounds staff States and abroad – Rutgers, and we were able to complete the vital pro- Spring Golf Course Items UMass, Penn State, WVU, cedure just before heavy rain erased any In addition to completing our aggressive Rhode Island, SUNY-Delhi, spring aerification, we are in the process of SUNY-Cobleskill, Wisconsin, Delaware Valley, Arkansas, Colorado State, South Dakota State, and universities in Canada, and the United Kingdom. We have a very talented team and are placing great emphasis on career development as we head into another season and approach Proper Improper the 2016 U.S. Open.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Range tee divot etiquette.

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 10 — MAY 2015

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JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Member WGA Member- Member- Monday Member Member Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. Family Friday

132 456

Member Swim Team WGA WGA 9-Hole Monday OCC vs. Member- Member- Twlight Wilwood Member Member Swim Team Happy Hour OCC vs. 4-7 p.m. Edgewood Family Friday 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Member Swim Team WGA Father-Son Father-Daughter Monday OCC @ PFC Swim Team Championship /Mother-Son OCC @ Happy Hour Championship Hillcrest 4-7 p.m. Family Friday

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Father’s Day Member WGA Member Member Buffet Monday Senior Club Weekend Weekend Championship President’s Cup President’s Cup Swim Team WGA OCC vs. Greensburg & Happy Hour Youghiogheny 4-7 p.m. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 President’s Cup Member Monday

28 29 30

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 11 — MAY 2015

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Oakmont Links Rules of Golf

Your round at Oakmont has been delayed it, mark and lift it, just as Rule by a heavy thunderstorm. When the storms 12-2 (Lifting Ball for clear and the golf course reopens, your first Identification) directs. The ball swing is an approach shot that misses the is yours! However, when you 2nd green and embeds in its own pitch- lifted it, you altered its original mark in the rough. You are entitled to lie. When you replaced the ball, relief from your embedded ball under the you moved some sand back Local Rule in Appendix I-B-4a (Relief for around the ball, effectively Embedded Ball Anywhere Through the recreating your original lie. Green). However, before you drop the ball Did you incur any penalties as nearly as possible to where it was for anything you did? No, you embedded, you fix the pitch-mark the ball Ball out of bounds Dropping ball did not. You followed the pro- made. stroke and distance, you hit your next shot cedure for identifying your ball Unfortunately, you are penalized two right down the middle, but from one foot as required by Rule 12 and the strokes under Rule 13-2 for improving the in front of the tee markers instead of from additional procedure in Rule area in which you are inside the . 20-3b(iii) (Lie of Ball to be to drop. The princi- The ruling in is you have Placed or Replaced Altered)! ple in this Rule you played two strokes that count in your score have violated is the (your original drive and the second drive expectation that you from just in front of the tee-markers) you will play the course as incurred three penalty strokes and your ball you find it. The irony lies five. One of the penalty strokes is for Fixing pitch mark in this case is that if your original drive going out of bounds you had dropped your ball without fixing (Rule 27-1b), and the other two are for the pitch-mark and the ball had rolled back playing your second drive from a wrong into it, you would have been required to place. You were supposed to play again re-drop it because your ball had “come to from inside the teeing ground, but you Ball embedded in sand rest in a position where there was interfer- played from outside it instead (Rules ence by the condition from which relief 20-5a and 20-7b). was sought” (i.e., interference from the You hit your tee shot off the 3rd tee into pitch-mark). the Church Pews and you find a ball in the You are playing Oakmont’s 18th hole and bunker but you are not sure it is yours. You hit your tee shot to the right. After a brief announce to your opponent search, you find your ball out of bounds. your intention to lift and identify the ball, When you go back to the tee to play under gave him the opportunity to watch you do

Ball identification Rules are an integral part of the game of golf. Some may seem to be arcane but, nonetheless, we need to follow them. Knowing the rules is both important and beneficial to your enjoyment of the game. Oakmont is fortunate to have Bill Fallon as a member. Bill is on the Executive Committee of the USGA and has officiated at many USGA Tournaments. From time to time we will feature Bill’s informative and entertaining presentations on the rules of the game.

Bill Fallon Recreating lie

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 12 — MAY 2015

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From the Third Floor Golf Committee BY BRUCE MCGOUGH by Jim Springborn

The 2015 Golf Season is officially under- Are you retired guys looking for a game way. There is so much to look forward to during the week? How about the Senior and to take advantage of that you won’t SWAT? They play on Wednesday mornings want to miss any of it. and welcome newcomers age 55 and older. If you are registered for any of the Club To play with either of the above groups, Tournaments, be sure to have your match- call the Golf Shop and ask to be included. es scheduled in plenty of time. When The SWAT is still going strong after scheduling a match, you may book a time more than 100 years. Even though it’s a Approximately four weeks ago, a up to four weeks in advance, so don’t wait scratch game, it takes only an occasional new accounting employee joined until the last minute to schedule. As soon birdie to make you a hero. Missing short Oakmont. Stephen Prohaska is as you know you have a match to play, call putts is something else, so be sure you have now the prime accountant for your opponent(s) and nail down the date thick skin if you’re going to play with this Oakmont’s Accounts Receivable you will play. bunch. Play is every Wednesday, Saturday, and Billing operation. Our prior Once you have decided on which set of Sunday and holidays…and two pretty good prime, Lori Hickman, while still tees you will play from in a Club match parties as well. Call the Golf Shop or see being a full-time Oakmont (certain eligibility rules apply), you must Paul in the locker room if you want to join. employee, has transitioned over play from those same tees in all your Details on all our golfing opportunities to split her time between being matches. And should you be playing from a are in the Golf Book you received. the prime for Bob Ford Inc. different set of tees than your opponent, Oakmont is a great golf course…one of the accounting while still providing you will need to adjust your greatest ever. Don’t miss any opportunity some support to our billing. accordingly. Be sure to have this figured to take advantage of your good fortune to Stephen came to us from the out before teeing off. be here. Trust Department of BNY Playing with Oakmont’s golfing groups A notice has been sent to sign up for the Mellon after graduating in 2013 is a great way to enjoy the golf course and Member/Member. Kiltie sign-up forms from Washington & Jefferson meet new friends. Ladies play Thursday will be sent in May. Both may be over- College with a Bachelor of Arts in mornings and have a SWAT on Sunday subscribed, but register anyway. If you Business Administration. He is afternoons. Call the Golf Shop for informa- don’t get in this year, you will be exempt enthusiastic about joining tion on how to participate. next year. Oakmont and has jumped in The Weakenders play Saturday morn- learning our system and opera- ings. They are in their 54th year, so they tions. As our annual financial audit must be doing something right. is about to begin, he is already getting involved in some of the work required in preparation for their visit. On a personal level, Steve is an avid golfer (he was on his high school golf team) and last week, through the kindness of a friend, was able to spend one day at Masters in Augusta. While he thoroughly enjoyed being there, I am sure he agrees with me that there is no course like Oakmont, and I am also certain he will find next year’s U.S. Open to be quite exciting. MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 21 | JACKETS REQUESTED

OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 13 — MAY 2015

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Oakmont Links

Social Scene BY LEAH SCHULTZ

Spring has sprung, and we are all ready for some well-deserved days of sunshine! We had a wonderful Easter Holiday at the Club. The Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on March 29 was a fantastic event for the chil- EasterEgg dren. There was a Magic Show, Cookie Decorating, a Petting Zoo and an Easter Egg Hunt. It is always a risky time of year with the unpredictable remnants of winter Hunt still lingering in the air, yet we lucked out and had a spectacular hunt on the grounds near the first tee. On Easter Sunday, we had the largest crowd that I can remember during my 12 years at Oakmont. We served over 500 members and their families for brunch, and almost 200 for dinner. It was a delightful day at Oakmont with beautiful weather to boot! May is shaping up to be a busy month at Oakmont Country Club! We hope to see everyone at the Club attending in some of our upcoming events. We will be hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday May 2 in the Champion’s Grill beginning at 5:00 p.m. Mint Juleps, a bourbon tasting and complimentary hors d’ouevres will comple- ment the greatest two minutes in sports, The Kentucky Derby. Also in May we will have our fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch served throughout the Clubhouse with the stunning newly appointed Oakmont Dining Room and Living Room available for seating options. Brunch commences at 11:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m. Dinner is served from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The end of May brings the excitement of the Opening Day at the Pool, which is May 22. We will, hopefully, see you at the Club at some point during the holiday weekend to celebrate Memorial Day at our picnic with us on Monday May 25. We look forward to an exciting summer at Oakmont, and we hope you are able to attend our wonderful celebrations in May.

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BY LIZ SIMASEK Smile and Be Happy! This was the theme of the 2015 WGA Opening Day on Thursday April 16. Unfortunately the rainy, 50-degree weather did not bring smiles to many of the participant’s faces! Seventeen ladies braved the conditions in a nine-hole scramble event to kick off the season. (Results below). Fortunately things heated up from there. The WGA members gathered for cock- tails and conversation in the Fownes Room following the event. This is always a nice opportunity to catch up with friends, and sign up for special events planned for the coming season. The annual fashion show, with the newest looks from Annie, was next on the agenda. There were 15 models showing off the latest and greatest from the Oakmont Golf shop. If you missed it, be sure to stop in the shop to see all the fresh new colors and styles that are available. Finally, President Liz (Pohl) Simasek presided over the 2015 WGA Opening meeting. There were 50 WGA members for dinner and one very special treat… The U.S. Open trophy! The actual U.S. Open trophy adorned the event sign up table as a not so subtle reminder that the 2016 Open is just around the corner. WGA members were encouraged to sign up to volunteer for the Players Shuttles committee, which will be staffed exclusively by OCC WGA members. Please consider joining this committee if you have not done so already. So, even though the weather did not cooperate, the ladies left with smiles in anticipation of a great 2015 season!

Results: 1st Place 37 Nicki Nigro Anna Konrad Jaqi Conomikes

2nd Place 39 Liz Simasek Patty Gilbert Betty Minnotte Donna Stack

Longest Putt #14 Barb Saltrelli-6’9” Above (left to right): Longest Putt #18 Donna Stack and Renae Salvitti Elissa Gittes-10’6” Left (left to right): Beth Bergman and Mitzi Hofmann

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Oakmont Links Please Note FROM THE Culinary Team We are unable to cash third- BY JEFFREY SCHLAFLY, C.E.C. party checks presented to us by a member at the Front Desk or Golf Shop. We will continue the practice of accommodating a Welcome back to another golf season at local produce, grass-fed beef, pork, cheeses, member by converting to cash, Oakmont Country Club. I am sure we are fresh-foraged Pennsylvania mushrooms, when a check is made payable to all grateful for the return of warmer weath- and even local trout from the Laurel Hill Oakmont Country Club. er. With the advent of spring comes the Trout Farm where they handpick the fish benefits of the fruits and labors of local to each restaurant’s specification. Wild farmers and butchers returning to the food Purveyors is run by Cavan and Tom scene. We enjoy supporting our local farm- Patterson, two brothers from Indiana PA. ers which not only supports the local econ- They are able to offer us foods from small omy but supplies our membership with an local farms that don’t have their own distri- In Memoriam incredible array of fresh products available bution system by picking it up and deliver- on our breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. ing it to some of Pittsburgh’s best restau- Mr. S. John Irvine III, Our intent is to bring a taste of what rants. “Buzz” Pennsylvania has to offer to the tables of The grounds team is once again planting Mrs. Ralph W. Murray Oakmont Country Club. four herb beds in the dock area, and this (Patricia) We have started receiving fresh lamb, year they are planting a couple of varieties pork, Italian sausage, maple sausage, and of heirloom tomatoes that we will be fea- Mr. David O’Hanesian, Esq. eggs from Mike Bozzone’s Serenity Hill turing once they ripen. Thank you John Farms in Cheswick, Pa. We are using their Zimmers and your team for your assistance. Mrs. Wilbert H. Woodings fresh pork belly to make homemade As always, we will also be receiving the (Virginia) smoked bacon for salads, entrees, garnish- usual local tomatoes, melons, corn, and es, and yes, even desserts. We have offered other fresh local produce from Frank Our sympathy to their family the Greek Gyro Burger using the farm’s Difatto’s stand on Coxcomb Hill. and friends. fresh ground lamb on the menu with much Local farmers are a great way to improve success and have also featured their Italian the quality of our menu offerings and we sausage as a lunch special. hope that you, your families and your We are also pairing up with Wild guests enjoy all of their offerings that we Purveyors located on Butler Street in provide to you this coming golf season. Lawrenceville. They are able to offer all Oakmont

From the Grounds CONTINUED is published nineLinks times a year for Tree Pruning We are very pleased with the work we members and employees. We are also in the process of pruning and have completed thus far, excited to see OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB thinning the trees around #9 green, #1 tee, everyone on the course in the near future, 1233 Hulton Road and #10 tee. Pruning and removing the and are looking forward to a great 2015 Oakmont, PA 15139 412-828-8000 deadwood will increase safety in the area as season. www.oakmontcc.org

a few branches were posing a hazard. In COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR addition, pruning will allow more sunlight Michael Brunner to reach #9 green, #18 green, #1 tee, and #10 tee improving turf health. 10% Recycled Post- Consumer Fiber

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Let the Golf Shop Transform Your Game for 2015

KJUS Outerwear Taken from 15 years of experience in the UnderArmour Ski industry, KJUS golf outerwear, for men Newly arrived, UnderArmour Golf and women, is designed with cutting edge and Active wear. Worn by 2015 technology to keep you warm and dry. Masters Champion Jordan Spieth.

Polo Golf The Polo Golf Spring line offers a number of styles and colors to fill out your wardrobe, Including this quarter zip vest and Spring Woven.

Adidas Boost Fresh out of the Adidas lab comes BOOST, a golf shoe designed to store and release energy throughout the golf swing. Available for both men and women. $149-$195

Callaway XR Fairways Titleist Vokey Wedges New from Callaway, the XR fairway Titleist Vokey SM5 and delivers exceptional forgiveness and TVD wedges come in high ball speed for unparalleled variety of loft bounce distance and control. and finish options to fit everyone’s short game needs.

Taylormade RSi1 Irons Taylormade RSiI irons feature FaceSlot technology which increase ball spead and forgiveness across the club face.

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Just 4 Golf Headcovers Spice up your golf bag with new Just 4 Golf Headcovers. Bright, and colorful, available in drivers fairway woods. $19-$28

Daily Golf Inspired by European style Daily Golf offers a number of trendy pieces and colors for your summer golf wardrobe.

Jude Connally Summer Dresses A Perfect choice for dinner on the porch or any summer gathering! $140-$160

Pewter Plate Show off your OCC pride with a 2016 US Open Pewter Plate. $48

Tervis Tumblers Keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold with new OCC TERVIS. $15-$25 Signs By The Sea Looking for something to fill your den, office, or game room? Signs By The Sea with custom painted wood furniture and accessories for both indoor and out.

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