Happy Spring. I hope everyone had an enjoyable winter and are now ready for some golfing. With any luck we plan to open on Saturday, May 1st. Let’s hope the weather cooperates.

     Don’t forget to check out our web page and add it to your favorites. You will find a list of monthly and yearly events, list of rates, some GREAT pictures and much more. This web page will be updated monthly. (Houltongolf.com)

     Brent Hammond is back as grounds Superintendent.  Ray Mailman has resigned as The Houlton Country Club’s General Manager, and I would like to thank Ray for all of his help over the past few years. Even though Ray has resigned he is going to help our new manager, Mr. Mike Fleming.  I have spoken with Director of Golf and also advisor to the Tournament and Handicap Committees. This year when you come to the course for the first time you are going to notice that there have been some changes. As you may have heard over the past couple of years we were going to be doing some thinning of the Pine Plantation. Over this past winter we had the plantation thinned, the wood lot behind and adjacent to the fifth hole/fairway selectively cut, also the big change that you will notice is that the stand of Poplar Trees behind the gazebo and the men’s 17th tee has been removed along with all of the brush. This thinning was done in  accordance with our forestry program and under the direction of our forester.

     Plans are underway to put a pond behind the men’s 17th tee and extend it partially out to the 5th fairway to help with the drainage problem. The area behind the gazebo will be replanted with some type of fruit trees; no definite decision has been made as of this time.

    Unfortunately, tough economic times have made for a small dues increase. Single membership will be $400.00 and your family membership will be $645.00. If payment is made by May 15th single membership will receive a $15.00 club house credit and family membership will receive a $30.00 club house credit. Another new incentive is that for every new member you refer you will receive a $20.00 club house credit. This is not a one time credit; it is for every new member you refer. I want to thank Janice Kelley and her budget committee. They did a great job under these tough economic times.

     Remember this is your course, we, the board, do not have all the answers or ideas that will be needed to have a successful season. As board members, we would like to hear your ideas and/or issues of concern.

     The following are the Board Members for 2010-2011:

David Grant - President
Jerry York - Vice-President Long Range Committee Chairman
Janice Kelley - Treasurer
Greg Palmer
Fred Putnam
Don Collins - Greens Committee Chairman
Mike Kelley
Martha Fasulo - Secretary
Steve Nelson - Clerk
Andrew Peabody - Co. Tournament Chairman
Tony Marino  - Co. Tournament Chairman
 
Pam Mailman is President of the Ladies Association

Let’s have a fun golfing summer and fall.

Sincerely,