Club Orientation

Club Orientation

We welcome you to Sawmill Creek Golf Resort & Spa! This information package was designed to answer many of the questions you may have about Sawmill Creek. May this season grant you great rounds of golf, enjoyable camaraderie and the building blocks for great friendships and memories.

The Staff, Management, and Members of Sawmill Creek

Getting Started

The hardest part of joining a new club is getting to know new friends. The number one way to meet new people and to enjoy your club to the fullest is to become involved in the games program. A detailed explanation of each of our events and leagues can be found near the end of the package.

For now make the commitment to join a league. By joining a league you will feel more obligated to get out at least once a week and you will have fun.

In addition, make a commitment to play in at least three member events this season. It does not matter how well you play or even how much golf etiquette you know. Our members are extremely friendly and enjoy showing new members the ropes. There are all sorts of events all season long from the pressure of Club Championship to the fun of the chili tent at Season Opener and Season Closer.

Talk to the pro shop. They know our games program inside and out and can suggest events you will feel comfortable in. I guarantee once you get the butterflies out of the way (and they do go away) you will have fun and will want to sign up for more events.

Sign up and be active! You will get so much more from your membership!

As a final note, if you feel like playing a round of golf but do not have anyone to play with give the pro shop a call. We can almost always find a game for a single. We will join you with fun people who enjoy playing with new members. One of the greatest traditions of this game is filling foursomes!

Social Committee

The social committee acts on your behalf. The committee's primary role is to oversee the club's games program, to handle member disciplinary problems and to act as a liaison between the members, owners and management.

To voice any concerns or ideas to the committee simply place a note in the suggestion box located in the pro shop. If the note is signed the committee will reply in writing.

The committee is always looking for volunteers - no experience or special knowledge is required. To volunteer, place a note in the suggestion box.

Tee Times

Members may book tee times as far as seven (7) days in advance. Non-members are only allowed five (5) days (except hotel guests) so we encourage you to book early. To book a time either call/visit the pro shop or book online via the members section of our website.

To give all members an equal opportunity to book a tee time one member may only reserve one tee time. When reserving a time all player names (members and guests) must be recorded. If you only give three names the pro shop will fill the fourth. In the same manner, if you do not have a game just call the pro shop and they will be happy to find one for you.

Showing up late for a tee time may cause considerable delays for your group. The penalties for missing a tee time without canceling are very severe to protect fellow members. Please cancel your name or your foursome if you cannot make it.

Playing Times

All membership categories are allowed to play any time on weekdays. Unlimited members are allowed to play anytime on weekends and holidays while the rest of the membership is allowed to play after 2:00 on weekends and holidays. After the Season Closer all members are allowed to play any time.

Playing outside of these times will result in the expense of a guest green fee.

Dress Code

Gentlemen

Dress pants or dress shorts only please. No denim. If you are wearing short sleeves the shirt must have a collar or mock turtleneck please.

Ladies

Dress pants, shorts, skorts or similar please. No denim. If you are wearing a capped sleeve that stops at the shoulder collars are required.

10% Rewards program

10% of your annual expenditures here at the resort will be taken off next year's membership fee! (food, beverage, rooms etc.)

Parking and Greeter Service

Parking is located in the large lot east of the entrance. Parking on the east side of the clubhouse is strictly reserved for spa customers.

We recommend parking in the east end of the large parking lot where the footbridge is. There are pull carts available across the bridge. When you arrive at the club the greeter will meet you when you pull in. He has a direct line to the pro shop if you need any assistance and if you would like to ride a cart during your round he will bring a cart to your car to save you from walking.

Checking In

When you first arrive at the club you should immediately check in with the pro shop and let them know you are here. This will ensure a smooth flow to your tee time.

The pro shop will give you a starter slip which the starter will collect just before you tee off. If you do not have a slip the starter will not let you play. This is done as a revenue control, as a handicap control and so we know who is on the course in case of emergencies.

Rotating Starting Holes

On some days we start on the first hole, on other days we start on the tenth and sometimes we start on both. This is done to even wear on the course, to allow our member leagues a chance to play both sides and to aid in the morning course maintenance. The pro shop will inform you of which hole to start.

Your Guests

We offer discounted green fees to guests when they play with you as well as complimentary range and pull carts. Please note that guests you introduce to the club are your responsibility in all disciplinary situations.

Locker Rooms

Locker rooms are available in the lower level of the clubhouse. To arrange for a season locker please see the pro shop. If your guest would like a day locker please also see the pro shop. Even if you do not have a locker you are welcome to use the shower and sauna services at any time.

Please do NOT remove towels from the locker room!

Driving Range

A wonderful practice facility is located on the east side of the clubhouse. Unlimited use of the range is included in all membership categories. The ball dispenser is located next to the gazebo and tokens for range balls are available in the pro shop.

Please note that the range closes on Monday nights at 5:00 p.m. and stays closed until Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. This is so the range can be clean picked and cut. Other than that the range is open from sun up to sun down every day.

Club Storage

Under the pro shop we have room to store 200 bags. If you would like to keep your clubs on site and have them cleaned for you after each round please see the pro shop. It is a wonderful convenience.

Pull Carts

Pull carts are located in front of the pro shop and near the footbridge coming from the parking lot. Pull carts are complimentary for you and your guests - simply help yourself.

Power Carts

To rent a power cart for your round, check in with the pro shop. We charge on a per player basis. For instance, if you are the only one in your group riding we only charge for ½ of a cart. Once on the golf course we run on the honour system trusting your integrity is worth more than a ½ cart rental.

Please see the pro shop for information about a season long cart pass at tremendous savings.

Rangers

On busy days a ranger is on the golf course monitoring pace of play and conduct. The ranger has two stationary perches. One perch allows him to see the entire front nine while the other perch allows him to see the entire back nine. While on his perch, the ranger constantly scans the golf course backwards looking for problems. This is a much more effective system than constantly driving the golf course backwards. If you keep up with the group in front of you and practice proper golf etiquette you will have no worries.

If your group is not capable of keeping the pace the ranger may have you skip a hole or even leave the golf course. The social committee will deal harshly with any member disobeying or verbally abusing the ranger.

A few tips for pace of play :

• Worry about where the group ahead of you is. Stay caught up to them.
• If you fall behind play ready golf - when a player is ready, hit.

We run ten minute tee time intervals to do our part - please do yours.

Golf Lessons

Ladies, we have an outstanding way to learn this great game. We call it our Diva program. Half of your time is spent learning golf and half is spent enjoying some great services from the spa. Four week programs form all season long. See the pro shop for details.

Juniors, we are a top learning facility. We offer a summer long program to our junior members, a summer long program to non members and a season long advanced player development program. Again see the pro shop for details.

Private golf lessons are available by making an appointment with an instructor. Only C.P.G.A. certified instructors are allowed to teach at your club. Ask in the pro shop and take your game to the next level.

Signing Privileges

Members are allowed to run a monthly tab for all purchases at the club once they have signed a credit card release. If payment is not made on time all privileges at the club, including playing privileges will be suspended. Please call the office if you would like to have your monthly balance automatically billed to your credit card.

Ball Hawking

Venturing onto the course to look for golf balls is not only dangerous but also annoying to fellow members. As such, ball hawking is not allowed.

Liquor License

The entire clubhouse, golf course and driving range are covered by the club's liquor license. Bringing your own alcohol into any licensed establishment is not only illegal; it may also cause your club to loose its liquor license. Your fellow members would not be very happy if we were a dry facility because of you so please do not bring your own alcohol to the club.

Beverage Cart

While you are golfing there is a mobile beverage cart that will approach you periodically. The beverage cart offers many items to refresh you and as with everything at your club you may charge purchases to your account.

Half Way House And Pool

On the east side of the building is your half way house. It opens daily at 8:00 a.m. With a broad selection of refreshing beverages as well as sandwiches, hotdogs and sausages for your enjoyment between nines.

The half way house also serves to the pool deck area. To access the pool simply show the half way house attendant your membership card. If you are looking for breakfast it is served on the patio or in the lounge until 11:00.

The Pro Shop

The pro shop is often called the hub of your golfing experience. We pride ourselves on having one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable teams in the province. They are there to answer any questions you may have about your club and to ensure you enjoy every visit to your club.

The pro shop also offers a very wide selection of merchandise. We regularly price shop all the big box stores to keep our prices competitive. Please give us the opportunity to earn your business.

In addition to organizing the daily activities at your club, the pro shop also works closely with your social committee to provide you with an outstanding games program. Many people are a little nervous to sign up for their first event but once they find out how much fun they have they sign up for more and more. Playing in members events is also the single best way to meet other members. A brief explanation of your games program follows.

The Leagues

Monday Morning Seniors

A great group of guys get together most Monday's to socialize and play golf. In the members room of the pro shop there always a sign up sheet for the upcoming Monday. Simply write your name down and you will be assigned a tee time.

Tuesday Morning Ladies League

This fun league tees off every Tuesday morning for an enjoyable 18 holes of golf. After golf the ladies gather on the patio and enjoy a wonderful lunch. There is no season long commitment, simply sign up in the pro shop before Sunday to be put in Tuesday's draw.

Tuesday Evening Ladies Nine Hole League

We close the tee's at 5:00p.m. every Tuesday night for a members only nine hole league that is geared around having fun. Each week you match your score against another player in the league and points are accumulated all year long. At the end of the year there is a banquette dinner and prizes.

Wednesday Men's League

An all day fun league. If you are playing in the morning please book a tee time. From noon on we close the course so if you are playing after noon just show up - you do not even need a tee time.

There is a weekly handicapped skins game and blind best ball open to all members. As well, there is a season long competition between players of like handicaps for those who formally register for the league. Heaven is a Wednesday at Sawmill Creek.

Thursday Business Ladies League

We close the course after work on Thursday nights for this nine hole league geared at beginner golfers. The league is open to both members and non-members. The pro shop regularly stages clinics geared at learning the game and the entire league is very casual and fun. If you are interested in learning the game this is the very best way to do it.

Friday Night Couples League

The committee works very hard all season inventing unique and fun formats stressing the social side of golf. It is also a great night to introduce the game to your spouse - beginners are very welcome and experienced golfers have a great time.

Members Junior Program

The pro shop is very proud to pass their love of the game on to your children. The program runs once a week during July and August with an emphasis on being safe, having fun and developing etiquette. There is lots of professional instruction, playing time and competitions for your child to enjoy.

We also offer an advanced player development program for juniors interested in playing competitive golf.

Retires League

At the time of writing we are looking to form a committee to start a weekly league geared to our retired members. Please see the pro shop for details or to volunteer.

The Events

A Few Notes

The social committee has implemented a policy that if you cancel from an event once the draw is made you will still be billed. The logistics and food costs associated with late cancellations are impossible to overcome. If the cancellation is for emergency reasons please leave a note for the social committee to review.

Honest handicaps are integral to an honest games program. If you put every score (including nine holes and away courses) into the computer, if you note which scores are tournament scores and if you follow equitable stroke control you will never have a problem. The pro shop will be very happy to explain all of these when you put your first few scores in. The social committee has very strong policies to catch and penalize cheaters.

It is because of the tireless work of your social committee and your pro shop that we are able to offer such an impressive games program. If you do not understand some of the terminology please ask the pro shop or sign up anyways. Someone in your group always knows how the format is played.

The Season Opener

Two tournaments in one. The morning shotgun is a competitive make your own team combined best ball - one net and one gross score so there is no way to stack a team. First place is flat screen televisions or similar. In the afternoon we have a fun blind draw Texas scramble where first prize may be a cap. The world famous chili tent opens in the afternoon followed by dinner and one of the best parties of the season.

Beat the Pros

The pro shop loves playing golf with members. Challenge a pro to a match and set up a time or check the sign up board for upcoming openings. We play 18 holes of handicapped match play with the top victors representing the club in the year end finals. Bragging rights are on the line!

Hole in One Club (Insurance)

The tradition of buying everyone a drink if you make an ace can be expensive. Ask the pro shop how to purchase insurance. All members who purchase insurance are invited to a year end party.

Match Play Elimination

The oldest form of golf where you play head to head against your opponent reckoning score by holes won. The event is a season long play down with sign up sheets posted early in the spring. Participants have two weeks to play a match and the winner advances. All matches are handicapped and are a great way to meet other members.

Chairman's Two Ball

Same idea as match play except it is a two person team playing alternating shot match play. A traditional format in Scotland but one you do not often see in North America.

Shootout at the Saw

Our Men's Invitation has a very unique format and will draw great players from across the province. The morning sees the entire field playing 18 holes followed by a BBQ lunch. The top ten players in each flight qualify for the afternoon shootout. 10 tee off on number 1, high score drops out. 9 tee off on number 2, high score drops out… until only one man is left standing.

Coffee Cups

Roughly once a month we stage an inexpensive Sunday morning event that includes breakfast, skins and prizes. The format is two person teams (blind draw) playing six holes scramble, six holes alternate shot and six holes best ball. One of the best values in our games program.

Pro/Am

A very exciting day where your team includes a golf professional. With a great lunch, a gourmet dinner and a huge prize table this is one of the highlights of the season.

Calcutta

A gamblers paradise. Teams are auctioned off to the highest bidder and all the auction money is pooled. If you own a good team you are in the money. Auction night is fast paced and exiting with numerous deals to be made. Para mutual wagering adds to the options.

The Member/Guest

A day to show off how good you have it at Sawmill Creek. Invite any non-member to a day of pure luxury. A few highlights include strawberries with chocolate dipping sauce at the turn , an unbelievable appetizer table and a surf'n'turf dinner. Did we mention golf?

The Ladies Invitational

Ladies from across the province enjoy a day of competition and friendship. The hospitality your club and the committee provide make many members from other clubs jealous.

The Club Championship

We do this weekend to the nines. Featuring chef's final round BBQ and an up to date leader board you can expect 100 people packing the patio watching the final groups on Sunday.

The Junior / Adult

The official closing of the junior program. Also open to all members. A day where a junior and an adult get to play as a team and enjoy a wonderful banquette afterwards. A huge prize table from Toys'R'Us makes the kids eyes bulge.

The Ryder Cup

City dwellers square off against Bright's Grove and county folk. The format is traditional and bragging rights for the year are on the line.

The Season Closer

All good things must come to an end. We end the season with a bang. An afternoon of cross country golf with enough warming agents to keep you loose. See the course as you never have before followed by one great party.

Your Special Event

The golf course and club house are at your disposal for any event you or your company may wish to host. From unbelievable weddings to corporate and charity golf tournaments let our dedicated staff go to work for you.

The Newsletter

Each month all the departments of the club update you on what has happened and what is going to happen at your club. Always informative, we keep you connected. The newsletter is mailed to your home and available early on line.

The Spa

At Spa retreat our focus is your well being, comfort and enjoyment. As a golf member you can enjoy a 10% savings on most services.

The Lounge, Patio and Bravehearts

There is nothing like unwinding after golf with a great meal and a few libations. The tales are tall and friendships flourish. The food and service is impeccable and very reasonably priced.

Seasons Restaurant

Fine dinning at its very best - always creative and delicious in a beautifully dinning room. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The Ball Room

We specialize in providing dream weddings. The ball room is also available for any banquette you may wish to host.

The Board Room

In the top floor of the club house is a beautifully appointed board room for all your meeting needs.

Bed and Breakfast Rooms

Have visitors coming? We have seven unique and beautiful bed and breakfast rooms available at very reasonable rates. Also makes for a great and convenient romantic escape.

Housing

If you love your club you will love living at your club. A short cart ride brings you to all the amenities including the first tee. Call our real-estate agent Carol Vriesinga at 542-9999

Administration

We have a very talented administration office dedicated to serving you the members. If you have any inquires of any nature they will be able to direct you to the answers

In Closing

Once again we wish you a very warm welcome to your club, your community. We hope this information package helps you get acclimated quickly. Get out, be active, sign up, and have fun. Please remember our dedicated staff is at your service and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.