feather sound country club- march/april newsletter

Before we look ahead to March and April, we want to remember Ron Koch, who recently passed following his courageous battle against stage four cancer. Ron had been instrumental in (1) planning FSCC clubhouse and Golf Pro Shop repairs and improvements (including their surrounding landscaping), (2) building our new concrete landing between the Clubhouse and the 18th Green, (3) correcting issues with our tennis courts and golf course watering systems, (4) rebuilding our Golf Concession Stand, (5) leading the improvements made to our Golf Maintenance area, (6) building new shell golf paths, and (7) planning and building our new 10th tee. It amazes me all of the physical improvements to FSCC that Ron achieved over the past year and half, how he made FSCC facilities safer and more enjoyable to our members, and how he had an innate vision for FSCC that was equivalent with top country club planners. Ron truly was unique because we could say to him “correct and build this”; Ron would think about it and skillfully create an improvement that surpassed all of our expectations. Ron accomplished all of this with genuine love and passion improving FSCC to become the premier Tampa Bay club.

Along with his valued friendship, Ron’s vision, drive and love for FSCC with all that he has accomplished for our club will be missed!

Now on to March and April Events with our highlighted events:

Tennis: 3/21 thru 3/25 Spring Break Tennis CampsFriday Adult Clinics 9:30 AMWeds Men’s Night Out @ 6:30 PMThurs. Ladies Night Out @ 6:30 PM

Golf: 3/5 & 3/6 Men’s & Ladies Club Championship3/18 “Nine & Dine” – 5:00 PM - Open to everyone/Dinner to follow – (contact Golf Pro Shop for further details)3/19 MGA Member/Member & Member/Guest3/31 Ladies Invitational Tournament4/2 Men’s FSCC 4 Ball Match Play4/12 Ladies Eclectic Tournament

4/14 thru 4/16 Member Guest Tournament4/21 ACG Tampa Bay - 9 Holes with Craft Beer Tasting4/22 “Nine & Dine” – 5:00 PM – Open to everyone/Dinner to follow – (contact Golf Pro Shop for further details)

Clubhouse: 3/2 Trivial Pursuit3/9 Wine Tasting3/17 St. Patrick’s Day party (and yes, green beer and Irish food will be served!)3/25 Parents Night Out (“PNO”); dancing has been added!3/27 Easter Brunch & Egg hunt (please make your reservations early because they are coming in fast)3/30 Steak and Potato night4/3 Miami Tennis Open Men’s Singles & Women’s Doubles Championship Finals4/4 NCCA Basketball Championship party4/8 ‘50’s & ‘60’s Sock Hop – pegged pants, poodle skirts, jitterbug contest, most authentic attire, etc.4/13 Wine Tasting4/20 Southern Food Night4/27 Steak & Potato Night4/29 Parents Night Out (“PNO”); dancing has been added!

Feather Sound Country Club

CONNECTION MAR/APR 2016

withLew Smither III, PGA

withMike Strube

The Phases of being a Better GOLF Student

In today’s world, some golfers play a steady game, while others don’t know what to expect from one round to the next. There are golfers who always seem to be improved, while some feel they will never see progress. Some individuals spend a fair amount of money on lessons, equipment, fees, memberships, books, magazines, and the like, and still see little or short-lived development with their golf. Is it that some golfers are better athletes than others? Do some have better equipment? Are some stronger? Maybe those golfers who see faster and lasting progress are just “Better Students.”

After many years of teaching golf to men and women of various skill levels, I have come to the conclusion that some golfers do not know what to expect from the three phases of the lesson experience. These are the golfers who may not know that the progress they would like to make in their golf game is based largely upon how they meet the responsibility of being a student! Many years ago, the famous Tommy Armour was asked to name golf’s best teacher. He answered, “It takes great learners to make reputations for teachers. Teachers have a responsibility, but also so does the student.”

Today, you will find instructors everywhere doing a fair amount of research on the golf swing. They are traveling distances and attending teaching workshops such as the yearly PGA Coaching and Teaching Summit. These professional men and women are enrolling in extra classes to improve their communication skills. They are learning new drills and exercises to show students how to improve their swings; they are also investing in teaching aids and equipment – like computer video replay with graphics. There is a large segment of PGA members who are always trying to upgrade their approach to instruction. They are committed to assist golfers who want to get more enjoyment from their game.

Could some of the many lessons given every year improve? I think so! Should we, as PGA professionals, improve what we do and how we do it? Absolutely! But I think this observation only works if we also learn to become better students.

Therefore, I would like to make some suggestions on how to approach the lesson experience in three phases: Before, During, and After. This could unlock many doors and help you succeed, whether it is from a book, magazine, or a hands-on lesson from your instructor. What I have learned is that when you improve as a student, you will be an improved golfer. If you would like a copy of the three phases, please come by and I will be happy to share my insights!

Respectfully,Lew Smither IIIDirector of Golf

We all know golfers enjoy golfing in all kinds of conditions, as long as the course is exceptional. That being said, the golf staff manages the course based on the weather, the needs of the turfgrass, and suppressing troublesome pests such as mole crickets, nematodes and worms. In the next couple of months, we will be applying fresh sand to bunkers and topdressing fairways to help firm the surface. We will also apply pre- and post- emergent herbicides for weed control, nematacides, fungicides, fertilizers, and wetting agents to offset the winds.

We also have some extensive projects coming up over the next couple of months, such as pepper tree eradication along holes

4&5 and a new wet well and irrigation pump station. These projects, along with our course treatments, will continue our progress towards making Feather Sound one of the premier golf courses in the area.

In closing, I want to recognize all the members for their outstanding participation in filling divots and repairing ball marks.

We Hope You Keep It Down the Middle!Mike Strube, Golf Course SuperintendentCell: 727-433-4552

2015 PGAWest Central Chapter

Teacher of the Year

Lew Smither III

Hit a Killer Slice BackhandProfessional and recreational players employ the slice backhand to set up an approach shot, to slow down the ball while recovering from a defensive position, or to handle a low bounce. The motion of “slicing” the strings underneath the ball creates backspin and while this shot helps pros reset the point, a savvy weekend warrior may even use the technique to hit outright winners against unwitting opponents.

Miles Maclagan currently coaches British No. 1 Laura Robson and formerly guided World No. 2 Andy Murray to beat some of the best players in the world on some of the biggest stages. Maclagan says that one of the shots which Murray uses to gain an advantage, the slice backhand, should also be used by recreational players to unsettle an opponent. Here are his tips for hitting a killer slice backhand.

What to do:

1. Shoulder Turn: Whether you use an open or a closed stance, the shoulder turn is necessary for a smooth slice. Rotate your upper body so that your chest is facing the sideline and raise your racquet around shoulder height. Use your non-dominant hand on the throat of the racquet to aid the shoulder turn and to get your racquet into the right position until you begin the shot,

2. Knee Bend: Bending your knees is crucial, especially for dealing with a low-bouncing ball. A good knee bend allows you to hit through the ball and penetrate the shot as the racquet slides underneath the ball. Roger Federer bends his knees very well, as did Tim Henman in his time. The increased use of topspin, however, means that players on the tour don’t have to deal with low balls as much as they did in the past.

3. Long swing: A slice shot affords you the time to take a long swing, but I’ve noticed that some club players don’t execute the stroke properly and instead tend to muscle the slice with a short, volley-like swing. A slice is a smooth shot for which you need to make sure you get the racquet nicely behind you to take a longer swing at it, though as with all shots, you’ll need to accelerate through the ball, but swing high to low and away from your body while transferring your weight forward.

4. Think about what you’re trying to achieve: From a tactical point of view, the key is to realize what you’re trying to do with the slice backhand and not try to do too much with it. Usually, the best players don’t use the slice as a winning shot, but instead seek to put the ball in an awkward position for their opponents.

What NOT to do:

1. Don’t chop down on the ball: Club players often mistakenly believe that they can produce slice by chopping down on the ball rather than hitting through the ball with a longer swing. The ball is traveling in a roughly horizontal line, and if the racquet

is moving vertically, it’s harder to meet the ball in exactly the right spot. This means that you end up getting too much spin, too much cut and the ball doesn’t penetrate through the court. Players like Roger Federer and Tim Henman actually hit the slice very hard, and he was able to do that because he wasn’t chopping down on the ball.

2. Don’t be too clever: The slice is most effective when the player isn’t attempting to be fancy. Be aware of the situation: if you’re in a defensive position, just look to return the ball deep and low, or even short and low, to neutralize your opponent on the next shot.

Slice Advice:

1. Identify the perfect moment to use the shot.2. As an approach shot that stays low, forcing your opponent to

hit the ball up as you close in to the net.3. To change the pace of a rally and disrupt your opponent’s

rhythm.4. From a defensive position out wide to “reset” the point and

give you time to recover.5. When the ball bounces too low or too high to execute a solid

topspin backhand.

Hit A Slice Return:

On the 1st serve: The technique on the sliced backhand return is a bit different because it’s more of a block, particularly on the first serve. You want to have a much shorter swing than on a normal slice because you’ll be using the pace from the opponent’s serve. You also want to keep a square racquet face as much as possible so you have more chance of making a clean contact.

On the 2nd serve: When you watch Roger Federer hit the sliced return, notice how much cut he’s getting on that ball. Although the racquet is moving from high to low, it’s still traveling through the line of the shot, so the ball stays very low. Rather than using the return as an offensive shot, his idea is to push the ball back and be aggressive with his forehand on the next shot.

I hope this is able to add a little variation to your tennis arsenal of shots! I have found that by hitting slice ever so often can be just as effective and just as devastating as a powerful flat ball, except that the spin directly adds to the consistency and effectiveness of the shot and your over all game. And the end result here is that wind up playing a higher percentage tennis game.

I wish you all the best of luck and hope you are able to incorporate this tip into your game and that it brings you added success on the court.

Mitchell S. DavidDirector of Tennis – USPTA / USPTR

GOLF CALENDAR MAR/APR 2016M

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1:00pQuota Skins Game


5:00pNine & Wine

RSVP

5:00pNine & Wine

RSVP






Feather SoundMen’s & Ladies Club

Championship(9:00a Shotgun)

Feather SoundMen’s & Ladies Club

Championship(9:00a Shotgun)

12:00pm JuniorGolf Clinic

8:30a Men’sPick-Up Game

8:00a Open Clinic


Feather Sound MGAMember/Member or

Member/Guest(8:30a Shotgun)



8:00a Open Clinic



First RoundMen’s Feather Sound

4-Ball Match Play


8:00a Open Clinic




8:00a Open Clinic



8:00a Open Clinic


11:00aMen’s Blue Tee Game


9:00aPlay With The Pro



Ladies Invitational(9:00a Shotgun)



Feather SoundMember/GuestPractice Round

ACG Tampa Bay 9 Holes3:00p Craft Beer Tasting

after play

Feather SoundMember/Guest

1st, 2nd & 3rd Rounds

Feather SoundMember/Guest

4th, 5th & Final RoundShot Out



8:00a Men’sQuota Game






Family ResourcesGolf Tournament(12:30p Shotgun)

Beef O’Brady’sGolf Tournament(9:00a Shotgun)

GOLF COURSECLOSED

GOLF COURSECLOSED

GOLF COURSECLOSED

COURSE OPEN

GOLF PRO SHOP OPEN8:00a-2:00p

COURSE OPEN

GOLF PRO SHOP OPEN8:00a-2:00p


Easter

St. Patricks DayDaylight Savings

Time Ends

Ladie’s Day(9:00a Shotgun)




Florida StateWinter Series

2nd & Final Round(8:30a Shotgun)




Feather Sound LGAPickup Game

(9:00a Shotgun)


(9:00a Shotgun)



Feather Sound LGAEclectic Tournament

(9:00a Shotgun)


(9:00a Shotgun)


(9:00a Shotgun)














APRIL 14TH, 15TH & 16TH

Call the Golf Pro Shopto sign up today!

TENNIS CALENDAR MAR/APR 2016M

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10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

TENNISC A M P3/21-3/25 ENROLLMENT IS ONGOING • SIGN UP TODAY!

Men’s Night OutSatellite Practice/WarmupWomen’s Night OutWeekend Warrior Clinic

Calendar Legend:AAS:ADC:BC:EBT:

Adult All StarsAdult Drill ClinicBoot CampEarly Bird Clinic

Junior All StarsJunior Development TennisJunior Future StarsJunior Quick Start

JAS:JDTP:JFS:JQS:

MNO:SAT:WNO:WWC:

8:00a EBT (Int)

9:30a ADC (Adv)

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p MNO

8:00a EBT (Int)

9:30a ADC (Adv)

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p MNO

8:00a EBT (Int)

9:30a ADC (Adv)

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p MNO

8:00a EBT

9:30a Team FeatherSound Adult Clinic

8:00a EBT


8:00a EBT


8:00a EBT


8:00a WWC

9:00a JDTP (drop in)

10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a WWC


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a WWC


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a WWC


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a EBT


8:00a ADC (Beg.)


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a ADC (Beg.)


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a SAT9:00a FSCC vs

Countryside Racquets (H)9:30a ADC (Int)

3:30p JQS4:00p JFS5:00p AAS

6:30p BC (Int)


Racquet Club NE (A)9:30a ADC (Int)


6:30p BC (Int)

8:00a SAT9:00a FSCC vs Vinoy (H)

9:30a ADC (Int)3:30p JQS4:00p JFS5:00p AAS

6:30p BC (Int)

8:00a SAT9:00a FSCC vsInnisbrook (A)9:30a ADC (Int)


6:30p BC (Int)

9:00a Pot Luck

8:00a PADL Warm Up9:00a PADL vs East Lake (H)

9:30a ADC (Int.)3:30p JQS4:00p JFS5:00p JAS

6:30p WNO

8:00a EBT (Int)

9:30a ADC (Adv)

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p MNO

8:00a SAT9:00a FSCC vs Belleair

Country Club (H)9:30a ADC (Int)


6:30p BC (Int)

8:00a PADL Warm Up9:00a PADL vs SP Tennis (A)


6:30p WNO

8:00a PADL Warm Up9:00a PADL vs Vinoy 2 (A)


6:30p WNO

8:00a PADL Warm Up

9:00a PADL vs Innisbrook (H)

9:00a Jr Tennis Camp (ages 4-7)

10:00a Jr Tennis Camp (ages 8-17)

12:00p Adult Tennis Camp

6:30p WNO

8:00a PADL Warm Up9:00a PADL vs Seminole (A)


6:30p WNO

8:00a PADL Warm Up9:00a FSCC vs Open Date


6:30p WNO


Open Date9:30a ADC (Int)


6:30p BC (Int)

8:00a PADL Warm Up9:00a FSCC vs Open Date


6:30p WNO


Open Date9:30a ADC (Int)


6:30p BC (Int)

8:00a EBT (Int)

9:30a ADC (Adv)

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p MNO


6:30p WNO

9:30a ADC (Int)3:30p JQS4:00p JFS5:00p AAS

6:30p BC (Int)

8:00a EBT (Int)

9:30a ADC (Adv)

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p MNO


6:30p WNO

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

9:00a Junior TennisCamp (ages 4-7)


12:00p AdultTennis Camp










6:30p MNO

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:00a EBT


8:00a ADC (Beg.)


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

8:00a EBT


8:00a ADC (Beg.)


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:00a EBT


8:00a ADC (Beg.)


10:00a ADC (Int.)

8:15a PADL Practice

10:00a SAT

3:30p JQS

4:00p JFS

5:00p JAS

6:30p BC (Adv.)

9:00a Pot Luck

9:00a Pot Luck

9:00a Pot Luck

9:00a Pot Luck

9:00a Pot Luck

9:00a Pot Luck

9:00a Pot Luck

Easter

St. Patricks Day

Daylight SavingsTime Ends

We would like to invite all FSCC Adult & Junior members and guests alike to join us for a 5 day fun tennis campthat will begin to build your fundamentals of the gameof tennis.

Select the day to day option or join us for all 5 days!

CLUBHOUSE CALENDAR MAR/APR 2016M

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

11:30a-5:00p1/2 Price Burgers

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

DINING ROOMCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED


19th HoleCLOSED


19th HoleCLOSED


19th HoleCLOSED


10:30a-3:00pEaster Brunch

RSVP19th HoleCLOSED

19th HoleCLOSED


19th HoleCLOSED


19th HoleCLOSED


19th HoleCLOSED


12:30p Ladies’ Bridge









7:00p Trivial Pursuit

7:00p Trivial Pursuit

6:30p Wine TastingRSVP

6:30p Wine Tasting

6:00p-9:00pComfor Food Night

RSVP

6:00p-9:00pSteak & Potato Night

RSVP

6:00p-9:00pSteak & Potato Night

RSVP

6:00p-9:00pSouthern Food Night

RSVP

6:00p-9:00pHappy Hour &

Live Entertainment


Live Entertainment

6:00p-9:30pPrime Rib

Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Live Entertainment

6:00p-9:30pSt. Patricks Day Party

RSVP


Live Entertainment

6:00p-9:00pParent’s Night Out

RSVP


Live Entertainment

6:00p-9:00pParent’s Night Out

RSVP


Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Live Entertainment


Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Live Entertainment

6:00p-10:00p50’s/60’s Sock Hop Party

RSVP


Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Live Entertainment


Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Live Entertainment


Dinner Bu�etRSVP


Dinner Bu�etRSVP

Easter

St. Patricks DayDaylight Savings

Time Ends

5:00pNine & Wine

RSVP

5:00pNine & Wine

RSVP

March 18th & April 22nd

5:00pm

$30 / Members$35 / Social Members$40 / Guests

Contact Golf Pro Shopfor more details

50’s/60’s Sock Hop Par ty!50’s/60’s Sock Hop Par ty!50’s/60’s Sock Hop Par ty!Friday,�April�8th6:00pm�-�10:00pm

Pegged pants,Poodle skirts

Most Authentic attire/prize

DJ spinning your favorite “oldies”

••

••

•

•

•

Jitterbug contest

Build your own ice cream soda bar

Photo booth

Childcare available($10/child)

look�for�more�detailsto�follow�soon!

$29.95 Per Person$14.95 Children 6-12

(FREE for Children 5 & Under)

Sunday, March 27th10:30am-3:00pm

Thursday, March 17th6:00p-9:30p

Thursday, March 17th6:00p-9:30p

St. Patrick’s DayParty

St. Patrick’s DayParty

$29.95 Per Person$9.95 Children 6-12(FREE for Children

5 & Under)

$19.95 Per Person$9.95 Children 6-12(FREE for Children

5 & Under)

DINING & SOCIAL EVENTS

Please RSVP Judy Peterson [email protected] for all events above

CLUB DIRECTORYClubhouse/Reception & AdministrationJudy Peterson

Membership & Events ManagerMeghan Forehand

Golf Course SuperintendentMike Strube

Golf Pro Shop

Director of GolfLew Smither III

Director of Golf InstructionBrianne Murphy

Director of TennisMitchell David

Food and Beverage DirectorChef Jeff Arbogast

Dining Room

(727) [email protected]

(727) 202-4060 [email protected]

(727) 572-6654 [email protected]

(727) 572-6677





(727) 897-5403

TENNIS OFFICEMonday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:30 pmFriday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pmSaturday - Sunday: 8:00 am - Noon

TENNIS COURTS*Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 9:00 pmFriday - Sunday: 8:00 am - Dusk*Courts are CLOSED each day from Noon - 3:00 pmfor maintenence & watering.

DINING ROOMMonday: CLOSEDTuesday: 11:30 am - 5:00 pmWednesday - Friday: 11:30 am - 9:30 pmSaturday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 5:00 pmNote: The Bar closes one hour after food service

19th HOLEMonday - Tuesday: CLOSEDWednesday - Friday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pmSaturday: 7:00 am - 10:30 am/BreakfastSaturday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pmSunday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

GOLF COURSE & PRO SHOPMonday: CLOSED**1st Monday of the Month/Course ONLY: 11:00am - 3:00pmTuesday - Sunday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

GOLF TEE TIMESMonday: CLOSEDTuesday - Friday: 8:00 amSaturday - Sunday: 7:30 am

DRIVING RANGEMonday: CLOSEDTuesday - Sunday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCEMonday - Thursday: 6:30 am - 2:30 pmFriday: 6:30 am - 11:30 amSaturday - Sunday: 6:00 am - 9:00 am

FITNESS CENTERMonday: CLOSEDTuesday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pmWednesday - Friday: 7:00 am - 9:00 pmSaturday - Sunday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

HOURS OF OPERATION

feather sound country club- march/april newsletter

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