Issue 1 - October 2024

Club News and Announcements

Dear Members, Residents, and Fellow Golf Enthusiasts of all ages,

I have long avoided writing newsletters, but thanks to peer pressure from my colleague, the energetic Director of Tennis, Payton Newcomb, followed by pressure from my wife, Helen, (upon seeing Payton's wonderful newsletters entitled "Holding Serve"), and Sally Lynn's geeky tech & graphics support - I reluctantly throw my hat in the ring with the first-ever issue of "Breaking Par", Aquarina Golf's fledgling Newsletter!! I don't intend to try to keep up with Payton and his generation, but I will try to keep you amused with stories from the past and hopes for the future.

A brief history of the golf course is probably in order here. Aquarina Country Club is a 4,313 yard Par 62 links-style course situated in the beautiful Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge! The Club is also one of only 1,000 golf courses worldwide to carry the Audubon International Certification. The course was designed by renowned architect Charles Ankrom, who designed many courses throughout the state. Please visit https://archive.tcpalm.com for a nice article of some of his accomplishments with particular attention to the section of the article entitled "Elsewhere in Florida" for an honorable mention of our course and other local courses you will be familiar with including the Habitat and Cocoa Beach Country Club. The back 9 was opened first in 1994, followed by the front 9 in 1996, which coincides with the first time I ever played here!

In other ancient history, I also happen to hold the course record at Aquarina, or at the very least, co-own the course record, as it is also "rumored" that the past PGA Professional, Steve Waggoner, also shot an 8 under par 54 at our beloved course. However, unlike Steve, I did it in the presence of my good friends (and a couple of Aquarina's original and longstanding members), Bob and Jon Churnell and our dearly departed friend, Ray Maestri. Casper, one of our main-stay cart guys, tells the story slightly different. He likes to welcome visitors to the club by saying, "Are you ready to break the course record today? All you have to do is birdie every other hole". While I did birdie half the course, I had one bogey on that fateful day many years ago. Having hit my tee shot in the greenside pot bunker on #17 with a plugged lie, I hacked it out and two-putted for my only bogey of the day, accompanied by 9 birdies and 8 pars for an 8 under par 54 (I like Casper's version better - LOL).

Moving on to present-day material, as we prepare for the return of our Snowbird friends from the north, with tournaments and events planned for everyone, we also welcome back the Sandpipers and the AWGC Ladies Golf League, who tend to take a break in the off-season. These two ladies groups will swing back into action beginning in early October. You can learn more about these two groups below.

Will start mustering up the energy now for next month's newsletter! LOL

Best Regards,

golf@aquarinacc.com

This Month's Golf Group Spotlight

The Sandpipers, a group formed by local members many years ago for the purpose of "tutoring and helping" beginner lady golfers, is a 9-hole women's league that plays every Monday (especially during season) at 3:30pm or 4:00pm, depending on the time of year. All ladies (members and non-members) are welcome to join the Sandpipers for a 9-hole round of golf and mentorship, often followed by libations in the pub afterward. Typically, more experienced golfers take less experienced golfers under their wing and explain the game, the rules, pace of play, swing thoughts, and no-doubt, tales about their husbands LOL. Speaking of husband's, it's impossible to mention the Sandpipers (Ladies) without mentioning the Sandbaggers (Men). The Sandbaggers is a group made up primarily of immature and vulgar men, mostly consisting of husbands/spouses, or significant others of the coveted Sandpipers, LOL (you know I LOVE you Sandbaggers!). They tend to play opposite their spouses on the same day, but on the back 9 while the Sandpipers play the Front 9.

View Our Calendar

Course Conditions and Updates

We all recognize by now the issues with our greens and while Ron's team continues to aggressively treat them, they are becoming less responsive to treatment over time, hence the need to rebuild them. However, all things considered, the course, including the greens, is in relatively good shape overall. We will be doing another weed treatment on our fairways in the near future given the amount of recent rain, otherwise, we believe you will all be pleased with conditions upon your return.

AWGC also resumes in October!

The Aquarina Women's Golf Club will resume play on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024. There are only two requirements to join the Ladies League, you must be a member of AWGC at an annual cost of $30, and you must have a current handicap in order to participate (which can be purchased in the pro shop if you don't already have a GHIN at an annual cost of $30). However, it is not a requirement for you to be a Member of the Club (although it would be wonderful to have you ALL join our Club). Interested in becoming a member? Download our 2025 Membership Packet or feel free to contact Ed for details at (321) 989 9463 or golf@aquarinacc.com.

Golf Etiquette

Golf etiquette is essential for ensuring a respectful and enjoyable experience on the course for everyone involved. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind to contribute to a positive and enjoyable golfing experience for everyone on the course.

Respect for Others

Always be considerate of fellow players. Avoid talking, moving, or making noise while others are preparing to take their shots or while putting.

Maintain Pace of Play

Keep up with the group in front of you. If you’re playing slower, be ready to let faster groups play through. This helps keep the game flowing smoothly for everyone.

Care for the Course

Repair any divots you make, smooth out sand traps after use, and fix ball marks on the greens. This helps keep the course in great condition for all players.

Proper Attire

Adhere to the dress code of the golf course, which includes collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or slacks, and shoes. This ensures a uniform and respectful atmosphere.

Safety First

Ensure that no one is in the line of your shot and always yell "Fore!" if your ball is heading towards someone.

Respect the Greens

Avoid walking on your opponents putting line and be careful not to damage the surface with your equipment (tossing clubs, etc.).

Member Achievements and Milestones

Congratulations to Mike Morris (hole #6) and Tom Kitchen (hole #9) on their recent holes-in-one during the month of September. Way to go, guys!

If you would like to share a personal golfing achievement or milestone with the membership, feel free to send us a photograph along with the details. We'd love to share your news in this space!

Upcoming Tournaments and Events

Saturday, 11/2/2024

The Conservancy Friends of Aquarina is hosting its Annual Golf Tournament this year on Saturday, November 2nd. We are honoring the Hero Veterans as well as the Legacies of our Loved Ones. Join us for a day of golfing and remembrance. The entry fee is $80 Public / $60 Member, per person* which includes a delicious buffet-style lunch from Tavern by the Greens.

18-Hole Scramble format. Member Teams will be able to participate in a Net Scramble (utilizing their GHIN number, as well as a Gross Scramble).
4-Person Team
Bring Your Own Foursome, or sign up as a single and we will attempt to pair you up.
$80 for Public/$60 for Members per person, including Lunch, Prizes and more!

A Buffet-Style Lunch at the Tavern immediately following golf.

More Information about Hole Sponsorship and Donations is available here: conservancyfriends.com/memorial-tournament/. Hole sponsorship cut off date is by noon on October 24th.

9AM Shotgun Start / Check-In at 8AM. Cash & Prizes for 1st & 2nd Place

Low Gross & Net, Closest to the Pins and Long Drive. Contact Ed Moseley at golf@aquarinacc.com to sign up today.

Golf Trivia

Since the first British Open, also known simply as "The Open", how many albatrosses have been recorded? Hint: the answer can be found somewhere in this Newsletter.

Summer Sale at the Golf Pro Shop

Save Big While Supplies Last!

Come shop our summer sale and help us make room for next season's new arrivals.

Big Markdowns on all of our Asics and Footjoy shoes.
Cleveland Bucket Hats $15 each
25% off Men's Footjoy polos
50% off Ladies San Soleil, Sport-Tek, Swing Juice, and Port Authority short sleeved and sleeveless polos

Members get an additional 20% off sale prices too. What a deal!

Stop by before it's too late! Pro Shop Open Daily - 7:00am - 5:00pm

Sink the Shot Hole-In-One Contest

Beginning mid October, all golfers will have the opportunity to participate in a permanent hole-in-one contest on hole #6 sponsored by Sink the Shot. Anyone can scan the QR code located at the tee box and make a bet up to $100, before teeing off, for the chance to win up to $50,000 for a hole-in-one. Additionally, only Aquarina Members will have the opportunity to join this contest annually or semi-annually. For a cost of $200 each or $120 each respectively (for 12 month/6 month residency), members will have the chance to win $5,000 each time they play at least a 9-hole round. Checks should be made payable to "Sink the Shot". The club will benefit by receiving 10% of all proceeds wagered and the Conservancy Friends of Aquarina will receive 5% of all wagered funds. A win-win for everyone! Contact Ed for more details at golf@aquarinacc.com.

FLUTIE Tournament Shirts

Are you interested in getting matching shirts for the Flutie Tournament? We can special order for you. Ask Helen for more details: hospitality@aquarinacc.com

Community Google Calendar

Check out our community calendar, your ultimate guide to all things golf, tennis, and happenings at the community center and throughout Aquarina. Our calendar is designed to bring neighbors together and enrich your leisure time. Explore the calendar regularly to stay updated and make the most of all that our community has to offer.