C L U B   N E W S

R E S E R V A T I O N S   R E C O M M E N D E D

We strongly recommend dining reservations in order to provide you with the best experience possible. No matter the time or size of your group, please call for reservation: (616)842-4200

D I N I N G   E X P E R I E N C E   R E M I N D E R

Dear Members,
 
When the Bunker Bar and Grille first opened, we communicated that in an effort to provide the best dining experience possible, we strongly encourage each table to order from one menu - The Nines or The Bunker.

We have allowed members to order from both menus to provide more options while communicating that there should be an expectation that those orders will not come out together.  Timing food orders from two different kitchens with two vastly different menus is very difficult and if that is attempted it will have a significant effect on all members' food delivery times.

Therefore, we are reiterating that we strongly encourage members to order from one menu to provide the best dining experience.  Should you choose to order from both menus we ask that you please understand that the meals will likely not arrive at the same time.

 

---

S L C C   D E L I N Q U E N T   A C C O U N T   P O L I C Y
Effective May 1, 2024

Dear Members,

Your Board of Governors and the Finance Committee have been reviewing various policies and processes in order to identify areas in which we can improve efficiency, and better govern our club. One of these areas pertains to our delinquent accounts policy.

The vast majority of our members pay their monthly invoice on time every month. We are grateful and fortunate to have these members, who “think like owners” and are diligent in their payments. Unfortunately, there are always a few members who do not pay on time, some going 90+ days past due. Currently, we assess a small “finance charge” on past due accounts, but this is a minimal amount and creates a lot of extra work for our accounting staff. The delinquent accounts total can be substantial at certain times. Obviously, the club could use those funds for operational needs instead of borrowing from our line of credit during slow periods.

As SLCC embarks on a new season, a revised delinquent account policy has been approved by the Board of Governors and will begin as of May 1st as outlined below. Should you have any questions about the revised policy, please do not hesitate to contact the general manager, Kevin Green or the club’s controller, Drew Nooney.

Payments are late if the business office has not received account payment on or before the 25th of each month. Should you release payment from your banking institution, SLCC web portal or send a check in the mail, please consider allowing 7-10 days prior to the 25th of the month (does not include weekends and holidays) in order to be received on time.
 
SLCC DELINQUENT ACCOUNT POLICY AS OF MAY 1, 2024
Past Due (Delinquent) – what does it mean to be considered “past due?”
EXAMPLE:

• January 1 – 31 | charges are accumulated over the month
• February 1 | on the morning of February 1, all of January charges are closed out; statements are printed and mailed out and notice emailed that statements are now ready. Members have until February 25th to pay statement balance from January.
• March 1 | on the morning of March 1, all of February charges and payments are closed out, statements are printed and mailed out and notice emailed that statements are now ready. If the January statement balance payment was not received in the business office on/before February 25th – January charges are now “past due.”

First Billing Cycle Past Due – a delinquent notice will be emailed

• The account balance is now considered “past due” and a $50 late fee is added to balance.

Second Billing Cycle Past Due – a second delinquent notice will be emailed

• A $100 late fee is added to balance.

Third Billing Cycle Past Due – a third delinquent notice will be emailed and club privileges are immediately suspended until full statement balance payment is received

• A $200 late fee is added to balance.
• Each additional month thereafter that the account remains past due, a $200 late fee will be added until the entire accrued statement balance is paid in full.
• Member will be required to sign an authorization form and set up an auto transfer payment via credit card or financial institution paying each subsequent monthly account balance in full for the remaining time during which the Member continues to be a member of the Club.

Should The Account Balance Ever Become Past Due Again
Going forward, should the member account ever reach suspended status again (3 successive billing cycles past due), immediate termination of the membership will occur, and the Member shall be expelled absent alternative arrangements previously made due to extenuating circumstances.
Responsibility for full payment of the account balance will still be the responsibility of the expelled member. Provided the account balance has been paid in full, the expelled Member may appeal to the Board of Governors for reinstatement consideration in accordance with the Bylaws.
 

---

M Y   C L U B,   M Y   R O L E
 
Upholding the Legacy: The Imperative of Golf Course Etiquette at Spring Lake Country Club

Dear Members,
At Spring Lake Country Club, our collective dedication to preserving the pristine condition of our golf course not only reflects our respect for the game but also ensures an exceptional playing experience for every member following in our footsteps. Taking personal responsibility for the care of the course—by conscientiously replacing divots, raking bunkers and repairing ball marks—this is a testament to the high standards and mutual respect that define Spring Lake Country Club. This not only helps maintain the beauty and integrity of our beloved course but also exemplifies the core values of stewardship and pride that each member brings to our club. Through such acts of consideration and care, we safeguard the quality and enjoyment of our golfing experience for all members, now and in the rounds to come.

The Impact of Neglect: A Visual Reminder
Recently, an eye-opening photo captured on our course illustrated neglecting basic golf etiquette. The image showed a spot where an individual had taken five shots, leaving behind a series of divots without attempting to replace them. This serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact our actions can have on the course.


These divots will not regenerate without proper care and attention. 

Why Fixing Divots, Raking Bunkers and repairing Ball Marks Matter
Replacing divots, raking bunkers and fixing ball marks are not just acts of courtesy; they are essential practices that maintain the health and playability of our greens, fairways and bunkers. Unrepaired divots can lead to soil erosion, unsightly patches, and potential hazards for other players. Similarly, unfixed ball marks on the green can cause the grass to die, leading to bumpy, uneven surfaces that detract from everyone's playing experience.

The Ripple Effect of Good Etiquette
Conversely, when we take the time to repair our marks, rake our bunkers and replace our divots, we contribute to a cycle of care that elevates the entire golfing experience. It ensures that the course remains in optimal condition, reducing the need for extensive maintenance and preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. Moreover, it reflects our collective commitment to excellence and respect for the game and our fellow members.

A Call to Action
We commend the vast majority of our members who consistently demonstrate exemplary golf course etiquette. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and set a powerful example for all who enjoy our club's facilities. Let us all commit to being diligent stewards of our golf course, taking pride in our actions, and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can ensure that Spring Lake Country Club remains a symbol of quality and sportsmanship, where the spirit of the game thrives in harmony with its natural setting.

As we move forward, let's each pledge to leave the course better than we found it, ensuring a legacy of excellence and respect for all who follow in our footsteps.

With Appreciation and Respect,
Kevin Green, CCM
Josh Lathwell, PGA

March My Club, My Role: PACE OF PLAY