President Bob Lieb called the October 17^th meeting to order at 1:18. Members present: Bob Lieb, Steve Greenbaum, Jan Bernard, Steve Skinner, Dean Abston, Roger Cowan, Blane Goldwater, past president Saul Isler. 

Absent: Don Kihara, Harvey Goldsmith, Edwin Gooze, De Ron Jones, Larry Tash, parliamentarian Wendy Furth. 

Guest: Ruth Greenbaum 

Minutes were approved, though not read. 

President's report: Bob suggested an event in 2025 such as a tournament of champions with the Club paying for green fee and a "TOC 2025" golf shirt. 

Treasurer’s report: Harvey emailed his report showing we have $13,407 in the bank with $412 coming in from SCGA plus $2,000 from the Westlake event.  This will give the Club $15,000. 

Membership:   for 2025Dean reported we have 245 members--192 Full, 53 Associate. 

Handicap: There was discussed again about a maximum spread of 8, 10, or no limit in partner tournaments for 2025. 

There was consensus that Golf Genius (GG) is superior to Mulligan Golf (MG) which we are now using. GG would be easier to deal with different tees as well as women's handicaps. A transition will be started with Larry, Skinner, Bob and Harvey. Hopefully, this change will benefit the members and make Jan's burden lighter. 

Tournaments: The December 11th shotgun was discussed regarding having it a 2- or 4-person scramble. Jan thought the 4-person might create too much confusion if a player did not show up. There was discussion about changing up the 2-person to mingle the membership. Jan will create teams by a blind draw. 

Skinner reported the Founders' Cup will be played with Mitchell Dahood playing, Goldsmith/Berkowitz himself since his partner, Barbara Nance, relocated our-of-state. Skinner will discuss with both regarding prize money. Both names will appear on any trophy (s). 

In the Club Championship balls will be played down-- no bumping. 

 Skinner stated next year with GG It may be possible to use different tees--blue, white and yellow. 

Skinner stated the Westlake away was successful even though the greens were aeriated and score cards had to be adjusted. The Club was treated well. Westlake will be included with Sterling, Olivas, and Los Robles for next year's Aways, and two more will be added next year. 

Dean suggested an away on a private course paid for by the Club. 

Sunshine: no report 

Niblick: Greenbaum reported Larry Tash and his hole-in-one will be highlighted in the upcoming issue. 

GAC-- Bob, assisted by Blane, will represent the Club next year. 

Old business: Blane reported the Awards Luncheon buffet is in order. As previously reported, guests will pay $15 at the door. She went over the agenda and those involved--Bob, Dean, Roger, Harvey, Jane Stanton and Wendy. 

There was consensus the Razzle Dazzle will be $5 per ticket, buy as many as you wish, three winners of equal amount. 

Blane has been spending her $1500 on restaurants such as Porto's, Lure, Mendocino Farms, and will contact others. 

She has received free rounds of golf from Olivas Links, Knollwood, Sterling Hills. For Porter Valley. she needs proof of our non-profit 501C.  Ed will get that to her. She will also contact Calabasas Country Club. 

Dean is comfortable spending the $1500 allotted to him for golf-related prizes. He purchases from Roger Dunn’s. He's open to suggestions. 

Saul discussed trophies. He will be purchasing 14 to 15 for about $1000 from the vendor he has been using for the last few years. Vern Cote, a member, also sells trophies. It was decided to wait until next year before deciding to make a change. Saul will decide between crystal and metal trophies. 

New business: Saul inquired if there will be a Distinguished Service Award recipient this year. 

Meeting was adjourned at 2:35. Next meeting will be November, 11th at 1:00
 Respectfully submitted, Steve Greenbaum secretary

SSGC meeting of September 30, 2024, called to order by President Lieb at 12:58.? 

Members present:? Bob Lieb, Edwin Gooze, Steve Greenbaum, Harvey Goldsmith, Steve Skinner, Larry Tash, Don Kihara, De Ron Jones, Dean Abston, Roger Cowan, Blane Goldwater. Absent: Jan Bernard, past president Saul Isler, parliamentarian Wendy Furth.  

No guests present.  

Minutes accepted though not read.  

President's Report: Bob began discussion of websites: using Golf Genius (GG) rather than Mulligan Golf (MG).  GG makes it easier to use blue, white, or silver tees and to calculate women's handicapping. The cost difference between the two is negligible. Ed suggested we need a committee to back-up Jan, who's using MG, and to train those willing to learn GG. Skinner has used GG.?  

Treasurer's Report:? Harvey announced we have $10,870 in our account. 

Jan and Skinner's money from recent tournaments will be added to make our balance a bit above $15,000.  

Membership Report: Dean stated we have 244 members--189 Full, 55 Associate. The Associates are Andy Roth and Sam Lopolo.  

Larry suggested Dean contact Skinner of members close to playing in six events so they could participate in a Major. Dean said he would.  

Handicap Report:  Larry discussed partner's events where the spread is higher than 10 strokes, as recommended by SCGA. He said through his research there was an advantage when there's a wide spread. Blane moved and it was seconded to table the discussion to 2025.  

?Larry reported that Ann Matthews from the Sepulveda Women's Club would prefer not being the primary representative to GAC of the three Sepulveda clubs. Bob will discuss this with the Sepulveda Men's Club president. Larry believes it's important to have representation now to fight for equity so SSGC can have three City tournaments. Another issue is attempting to find out the use of the $1 per player fee.  

Tournament: Jan's report. 9/30/2024 

8/19/24 ENCINO 

72 players 

Two player better ball 

Payouts $2469 

9/9/24 BALBOA 

63 players 

Two player better ball 

Payouts $2170 

9/23/24 ENCINO 

66 players 

Payouts $1913 

Note: $113 carried over to 10/21/24 event for no net skins winners in “B” flight 

12/11/24 BALBOA 

Two player scramble shot gun start 7:30 

Blane to collect for non-playing members and guests for the banquet. 

HELP SOMEONE TO RUN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS IN 2025: 

3/24/2025 

8/25/25 

10/6/25 and 10/20/25 Club Championship  

?Founders' Cup:? Skinner reported that Michael Dahood will have to play without his partner, Barbara Nance, since she's relocated to New York. He will play against Platt/ Willits. That winner will play the winner of Berkowitz/Goldstein v. Montgomery/Rudnicki. Skinner stated that cancellations at away tournaments have been a challenge, but clubs have been cooperating so far. Skinner is concerned about a foursome that wins a disproportionate amount of money. In the first round of the Club Championship, he will allow foursomes to play together as they choose: in the second round they will be based upon first round's scores.  

The format of the December 11th shotgun was discussed. Harvey said he preferred it to be a 4-player scramble. Greenbaum said Westlake has always run a 4-player scramble called ABCD (skill level) each player hitting at least three drives. Discussion to be continued at next meeting when Jan will be present.  

Blane reported regarding the December 11^th Awards Banquet:  Those not playing will pay $15 at the door. There will be a red ticket for razzle dazzle, blue for the prizes, one per person. Blane was able to obtain free rounds for four from a number of courses. With her allotted $1500, she did research regarding a trip to Catalina, hotels in Palm Springs and Santa Barbara, golf excluded. Larry suggested that dinners at restaurants might be a simpler and more popular choice. Discussion to be continued at next meeting. 

Niblick: Greenbaum stated that Frederick (Eryc) Tolentino will be featured in this month's issue. He looks forward to input from the members.  

There was no old or new business.  

Meeting was adjourned at 2:23. Next meeting will be October 17, Thursday, at 1 o'clock 

Respectfully submitted, Steve Greenbaum, secretary. 

Board Minutes, August 12, 2024

August 10, 2024 meeting called to order by President Bob Lieb at 1:00. Members present: Bob Lieb, Ed Gooze, Steve Greenbaum, Jan Bernard, Blane Goldwater, Dean Abston, Don Kihara, De Ron Jones, Harvey Goldsmith, Roger Cowan, past-president Saul Isler. Members absent: Larry Tash, Steve Skinner, parliamentarian/volunteer Wendy Furth.  

Minutes of previous meeting accepted but not read. 

No guests present  

President's report: Bob stated fairways not in good condition. Membership is doing
well. 

 Treasurer's report: Harvey stated we have $13,995 in our account, with $782 on the way from SCGA. 

Membership:  Dean reported 244 members:  185 Full, 59 Associate with Wally Sweeterman a mew Associate. 

Jan has assumed the task of sending out new-member packets. As was reported previously, Jan spends two days after tournaments posting the players’ scores, entering the data in Mulligan Golf so the results and side pots can be determined and, on another day, filling out the envelopes for the winners. As Jan has said, this is a labor of love for the Club. 

An incident occurred in which a member handed Jan an envelope which he discovered contained $50. Ostensibly, this was a thank-you for Jan’s hard work. Jan took the $50 put it into a tournament payout. 

Tournaments: Jan stated July 22, 76 players, 10 cancellations, 64% winners; August 5, 80 signed up, 1 cancellation, 78% winners. Jan thought this new format, "1-2-3," was fun and would do it again. Jan thanked the excellent marshaling of Yoshi?taka Enoki ("Yoshi") ?who kept accurate data as to the pace of play. Jan distributed a "pace of play" sheet. There was discussion regarding "playing through." The consensus was a request to play through should be honored, especially if the group is more than a hole behind. August 19, 72 signed up, 2 cancellations, 1 on the waiting list. Jan decided this tournament will be lift/clean/place since the Encino fairways are in poor condition. Rake and place in the bunkers, as always. 
Check our website for "Pace of Play" suggestions.

Club Championship will be October 21/28. Skinner will decide regarding hats as a giveaway.  

Handicap: Bob received Larry’s report: “1. Only one newer member double posted.  I contacted him to remind him of our process and the double posting was corrected.

2.  For the Encino tournament, we had 22 members who scored lower than their GHIN.  None of the scores fell into the exceptional score range.

3.  For the Encino tournament we had 17 players who scored lower than their GHIN and Club Index.  I have not reviewed this data in the past, but I would suggest that if we have players score lower than their GHIN and Club index for two consecutive tournaments, that I recalculate their Club Index prior to the next tournament.  Your input is requested before I move forward with this effort. Several of these members already had Club Index lower than their GHIN, so they are consistently playing below their potential based on the GHIN system.” 

Sunshine: Blane reported Wendy is recovering from a back issue, Dean from liver surgery and Taira from shoulder issue. She reminded us many are having tough times. 

Niblick: Proofreader Isler stated he was surprised that the editor-- as old as he is (86 August 17) could produce a Niblick with no errors.

 Greenbaum encouraged contributions for publication, especially from the board, reminding that all entries must be tasteful, and golf related. Old Business  Regarding the December 11th Awards Luncheon, Blane moved and was seconded: "non-golfing" members and guests may attend at a cost of $15 per person - passed unanimously.  Players will pay $70 that includes $35 greens fee, $18 mandatory cart, $17 prize money and buffet luncheon. To avoid potential charges, cancellations must be made at least 5 business days before the event: 1. Jan can notify the Golf Division and 2. Blane can notify Mike from dining. 

Regarding the format of the shotgun, Jan is considering a scramble or partner better-ball. TBD. He thought offering mulligans would add too much time.  

There was discussion of raising the prize money to $3000, distributed to Blane and Dean, with more going to Dean since he deals with the golf items. In this regard, there was discussion about high ticket items such as clubs and bags; however, Dean felt in the past he's done a good job making choices, but he's open to suggestions from the board.  

Each member will receive a blue ticket. 

There was discussion regarding obtaining donated rounds from various courses. This will be attempted again. 

Harvey volunteered to work with Wendy and Jane on the Razzle Dazzle: red tickets, buy as many as desired, a 3, 2, 1 graduated pay-off. 

Old Business: Don warned of spam calls requesting money. A number of board members have received such. 

Ed wanted the Club to sponsor the installation of tee directional signs. It seems that this is not feasible, but Ed could pursue this with the City.  

Meeting adjourned at 2:21. Next meeting September 16 at 1:00

SSGC BOARD MEETING
July 15, 2024 

Board meeting called to order by Ed Gooze in the temporary absence of President Robert Lieb at 1:00 p.m. 

Present at the meeting were Ed Gooze, Saul Isler, Dean Abston, Steve Skinner, DeRon Jones, Robert Lieb, Larry Tash 

Minutes from the June meeting were approved. 

Vice President’s Report:  Golf courses seem to be in better shape than last year.  However, why isn’t anything done about maintenance of the courses where maintenance is needed.  

Budget:  The account currently has $14,127.63 as of today. 

      Discussion regarding the SCGA announcement of dues being increased as of January 1, 2025 by $5.00.  We are currently one of the least expensive courses in the area.  Is there any reason for changing the dues for our club beginning with the new calendar year?  This was presented as a motion and passed with a majority vote to make our club dues $90 beginning with renewals for January 2025.  We are always looking at ways to give back to our members to continue to make the club stronger and valuable to the members.  Dean Abston will notify SCGA of the increase and the date to put it into effect. 

Tournament Report:   The first July tournament went well.  The pace of play was about four hours for the early groups and the later groups played in about 4 hours and 35 minutes.  We have seen improvement over the last several tournaments.  There were 74 players and 73% earned some level of winning money. July 22 tournament will be an individual tournament on the Balboa course. August 5 tournament already has ten members on the waitlist, Jan has asked the city for access to one additional tee time. The tournament cancellation policy is now in place.  If a member cancels within five days of a tournament, the member may be charged the cost of a green fee if the club is charged by the course.  This did occur at our Hansen Dam tournament where the club was charged for four no show tee times.  Members must pay the club prior to entering any future club events. 

Away Tournament Report:
The Founders’ Cup is moving forward as planned and the finals will be completed prior to our club banquet in December.

Sterling Hills tournament which will be played on July 17 is full with 52 members signed up to play.  It is a Partner Best Ball tournament

Olivas Links tournament in August is almost full so if you wish to play, notify Steve Skinner quickly.

Los Robles will be the September location for our away tournament.

Our final away tournament for this year is planned for Westlake GC in October.  The arrangements for this tournament are in the process of being finalized. 

Jan comments related to our club website:
The golf schedule for 2025 has been approved and finalized by the LA City Golf Division.  Away tournaments have not been included in that schedule yet.

The web site is going well with periodic issues that Jan brings to the attention of the system administrators.  Golf Genius is available for us to use; however, it would require that a club member be willing to learn the system and take on the responsibility.  No one has stepped forward to do that as of yet.

Jan is happy doing all that he does relate to the tournament direction and the club web site, however, we need to give him as much assistance as possible.  We need members to step up and take some of the time load off of his plate.  For regular tournaments, he arrives at the course at 6:00 a.m. and goes out in the final group then returns home by about 4:00 p.m.  To complete the process, he works the next two days on this club event.  We are grateful for all that Jan does for our club.  If anyone wants to assist Jan, please notify him and be part of the group that will help take some of the time responsibility off of his plate. The Board of Directors have agreed to rotate assisting Jan to the greatest extent possible. 

Membership:
Dean announced that we currently have 185 regular members and 54 associate members for a total in our club of 239 members.  We had two new members join the club since last month. 

Handicap:
Larry discussed two topics with the Board:  exceptional scores and modifications of the handicap.  The important discussion is that we do not want any changes to be arbitrary, so we will include exceptional score updates within the month that they occur.  Modifications for injury or illness require very imprecise decisions that are quite arbitrary so they will not occur. 

President’s Message:
Bob Leib restated the dates of the next five tournaments.  He is grateful that the pace of play has recently improved. 

Old Business:
Bob is asking that by the September Board meeting all arrangements for our shotgun tournament and following banquet be in place.  Dean Abston and Blane Goldwater are leading this planning.  

New Business:
MGA will be moving forward in 2025 with seven matches scheduled between LA City clubs.  The matches will be on Thursdays once per month beginning in March.  Bob will be looking for about 20 members to sign up for these matches.  More information will be coming out at a later date.

Saul asked to discuss the use of Forward Tees by some members in our tournaments.  He sees this as only to be used for individual tournaments, not team events.  Decisions as to who could or would play from the forward tees would be determined by handicap, not by age.  It would be a player’s choice.  The difficulty with offering this is that our system makes it very difficult to run a tournament.  If we were using Golf Genius it would be very possible to offer this opportunity. 

The Club Championship dates were moved to October 21 and October 28 for this year.  

Our next meeting that all members are welcome to attend will be on Monday, August 12, at 1:00 p.m. 

Adjourned at 2:37 p.m.

June 10, 2024 meeting called to order at 1:06 by President Bob Lieb. Members present: Bob Lieb, Jan Bernard, Roger Cowan, Steve Skinner, De Ron Jones, Steve Greenbaum, Blane Goldwater, Dean Abston, past president, Saul Eisler, parliamentarian, Wendy Furth. 

Members absent: Edwin Gooze, Larry Tash, Don Kihara, Harvey Goldsmith. 

The minutes were approved but not read. 

There were no guests. 

President's Report: Bob urged Skinner to work with Jan to highlight Away tournaments on the website. 

Treasurer's Report: Bob, reporting for Harvey, stated we have $13,769 in our account plus an SCGA check of $502 pending, giving a balance of $14,281 

For convenience, Harvey directed SCGA to send the checks to his personal P.O. box. Bob will discuss this with Harvey since the Club has its own P.O. box paid for throughout the year and there may be confusion. 

Membership Report:  Dean stated we have 241members--182 Full, 59 Associate. 

It is SCGA policy to notify Dean if an Associate upgrades to Full before renewal. Dean will have Larry included in this communication. 

Tournament Report: Jan thanked Skinner and Roger for running the May 13 Hansen Dam 4 player/3 better ball event. There were 80 signed up, 72 played, 8 cancellations, 69% winners. The Club could have been charged for the 8 but were charged for only 4. The club will be reimbursed $22 for the four--either by check or debited from winnings. 

May 20 low net/gross. 72 signed up, 63 players, 9 cancellations within 5 days, Club not charged, 60% winners. Balboa 6/17--76 players, 2 on waitlist, two partner better ball; Encino 7/---68 signed up, 4 spots open, two player better ball. Waiting to hear from Golf Division to reschedule Club Championship a week later since Jan and Skinner will be away.

After much discussion, the following was moved by Jan and seconded: “If any player cancels a club event at any City course within five days of the event, said player will be responsible for payment of green fees if the City course charges us for “no shows” or cancellations. If cancellation fees are not paid by a player, that player may not participate in our club events until said payment is made. Any player who cancels any of our “away” events will be responsible for payment of any charges that the club pays for said cancellation.”

Note that as always, Tournament Directors can decide the legitimacy of a cancellation. 

Skinner reported re Away tournaments: Sterling Hills July 17 8 openings., Olivas Links August 13, Los Robles September 19, Oct. 17 Westlake Golf Course, tentatively called the “Saul Isler Best-Chance-to Shoot-Your-Age Classic.” 

President's Cup will be De Ron versus the winner of Duenas v. Schonfeld/Martinez
match. 

Sunshine Report: Blane stated that Wendy is fine. John Wiczek is looking to play again after recovering from surgery. Skinner, now with one ankle (his “kankle”) is looking forward to his winning ways.:

Niblick: Greenbaum thanked Saul for his quick and appropriate entry on turning 90, and always for great proofreading. 

Old Business: Bob wants to have finalized by September 1^st all decisions re the Dec. 11 Shotgun and Annual Awards Luncheon. 

Blane and Dean need to know how much they can spend. 

 It was agreed that non-playing guests would be welcomed at the luncheon at a subsidized price. 

Roger volunteered to attempt to determine the winner of the shotgun at the banquet. 

 New business:  Bob discussed the email sent by Mike Cornner to create permanent plaques for those who shoot a hole-in-one and those who shoot their age, as well as presenting them trophies. Roger moved and was seconded: “A trophy will be given to anyone who has a hole-in-one in a Club tournament.” Passed unanimously.

[N.B. The Club has a policy of paying $100 to anyone who shoots an Ace in a Club tournament.] 

Blaine asked if a non-member could play as a guest in a tournament to get the feel of the club before deciding to join. Dean will coordinate with Jan. 

Dean stated in the Founders’ Cup match with Leonard Zambito that Leonard created an unpleasant atmosphere due to his emotional and unprofessional behavior. Dean believes Leonard’s behavior “is not good for business and affects the reputation of the Club.” Moved and seconded: “Prior to any further action, a board member will play with Leonard in tournaments to monitor his conduct.” Passed unanimously. 

The next meeting will be July 15th at 1 o'clock. 

Respectfully submitted, Steve Greenbaum, secretary.

President Bob Lieb called to order the May 6, 2024 meeting at 1:06. 

Members present: Bob Lieb, Ed Gooze, Steve Greenbaum, Harvey Goldsmith, Steve Skinner, Dean Abston, De Ron Jones, Larry Tash. 

Absent: Roger Cowan, Jan Bernard, Blane Goldwater, Don Kihara, past president, Saul Isler, volunteer/parliamentarian, Wendy Furth.

 Minutes:  Larry Tash was absent at prior meeting.  Minutes not read but accepted as corrected. 

President's Report: Bob was pleased with the general condition of courses and Encino restored to 18. 

He will continue to work with GAC on attempting to get a 3rd time each month. He will work on a letter presenting our strongest case. 

He's also working with Leonard Zambito on MGA.  There will be MGA tournaments in 2025. 

He also stated the Golf Division is looking for volunteers for the City Golf Championships at Griffith Park in June and July. 

Bob also urged Skinner to connect with Jan to publicize the Away tournaments. 

Treasurer's Repot: Harvey reported our present balance is $12,184.04 with 2 checks--one for $925 (stop payment made for this missing check) and another for $414. Once all are deposited our balance will be $13,523.04--with continual monthly SCGA dues deposits 

Tournaments: Skinner indicated the Founder's Cup will start June 3rd on Encino. 

Away schedule--primarily on Wednesdays--will be as follows: