GOLF PERFORMANCE INTRODUCING: THE OC' S - CENTER - The Olympic Club
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Vol. 108 | No. 3 | March 2020
INTRODUCING: THE OC’S
GOLF PERFORMANCE
CENTER
U.S. OPEN CUP OLYMPIAN EDITORIAL STAFF
www.olyclub.com
OLYMPIC CLUB VS. FC DAVIS Editor
Frank Stranzl (fstranzl@olyclub.com)
MARCH 25 | 7:30PM | NEGOESCO STADIUM Senior Graphic Designer
Robin Cheung (rcheung@olyclub.com)
Contributing Writers
Jim Bildner, Damin Esper, Lee Hammer, Amelia
Kaymen, Tristan Kirchknopf, Frank Lawson,
Colman O’Leary, Matt Richtel, Eric Starr, Frank
Stranzl, Gerry Stratford
Contributing Photographers
Gene Choi, Gustavo Fernandez, Frank Morse,
Angela Riordan, Jessica Smith, Brandon Yee
OLYMPIC CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Leslie J. Davis, Vice President Jack F.
Bair, Secretary Mark S. McGranahan, Treasurer
James K. Ketcham, Susan M. Campbell, Marcus O.
Colabianchi, Patricia A. Cornett, Adrian E. Dollard,
Joseph F. Ferrero, K.C. Murphy, Paul D. O’Driscoll,
Gerald E. O’Hara
CONTENT SUBMISSION
The OC’s Communications team depends on sub-
missions from members to produce the Olympian
magazine and website. All members are encour-
photo by Dinno Kovic aged to contribute. If you have a story to share, an
event to cover, or a member’s OC achievements
to highlight, please send it to olympian@olyclub.
com with the subject line “[Month] Olympian
Submission” for consideration.
MEMBER TIP Stories should be 300–600 words on Club-
Golf lessons are available to all members and specific activities. Please include high-resolution
the Club’s golf professionals are available photos if available, with appropriate captions
and photo credits. Content is due one month
year-round, rain or shine, to help improve your before publication. While we cannot publish
golf game and lower your scores! Schedule every submission, we strive to use as many
your session with any of our certified teach- as possible in the magazine and on our site.
ing professionals by clicking on the “Book a We look forward to hearing from you!
Lesson” box in the splash menu to the right at
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CONTACT US
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IN MEMOR I AM offices@olyclub.com | 415.345.5110
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GARY ALEGRE ROBERT L. DAV IS
Lakeside Clubhouse: 415.404.4300
Passed away December 29 Passed away January 8 Golf Shop: 415.404.4333
Member since 1989 Member since 1977 Tennis Shop: 415.404.4350
OLYMPIAN (ISSN 0030–2163) is published monthly for
$49.20 per year (single copies $4.10 each) by The Olympic
Club at 524 Post Street, San Francisco, California 94102.
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Passed away December 29 Passed away January 9 Office at San Francisco, California. POSTMASTER: Send
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Member since 1950 Member since 1984 Club. © 2020 THE OLYMPIC CLUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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MAIN FEATURES SOCIAL & DINING MONTHLY FEATURES
3 Introducing: The OC’s Golf 34 Crab Feeds 2 Chief Operating Officer’s
Performance Center Report
35 AXR Wine Dinner
10 Olympic Club Hires 12 From the Archives —
Renowned Golf Course SPORTS & WELLNESS The Courses
Architect Gil Hanse
27 Tee to Green 20 Employee Spotlight —
16 The U.S. Women’s Open is Cade Cutchen
28 SGA Corner
Coming — How Can You
22 Calendar
Get Involved? 29 WGN News
18 Meet The Olympic Club’s 24 The Olympic Club Rules —
37 Exercise Medicine —
Rules & Standards to Enhance
Golf Professionals Too Bendy
Your Golf Experience
30 OCF — Long-Lasting Positive 38 Fitness Tip — Strength &
Impact of Youth Sports Fitness Championships
32 Finding Inspiration on the 40 Director of Golf’s Update Top: The Olympic Club played host to the Silver Open,
a U.S. Squash event for Juniors, in January. Photo by
OC Tennis Courts Brandon Yee.
43 2020 Summer Camps Cover: This edition gives Olympians insight about the re-
branded Golf Performance Center (previously known as
44 Faces in the Club the Learning Center). At the center of this transformation
are the four pros on the cover (from left-to-right): Kevin
Bresnahan, Tom Johnson, Richard Sheridan, and Nicole
McGirr. Photo by Frank Morse.
The Olympic Club | March 2020 1
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER’S REPORT
Dear Olympians,
Welcome to the golf edition of the Olympian. tenure, including Paula Creamer’s first profes- gracious and humble guys you’ll ever meet.
This month, aside from our usual terrific con- sional tour victory (she had graduated from His reverence for the history and allure of The
tent, we are highlighting the many, many great high school just a couple weeks prior). I fondly Olympic Club golf courses was evident. There
things happening with our historic and expan- remember how enjoyable the LPGA pros were was something indescribable about the way
sive golf offerings. Our members are blessed to interact with and watch. There is a much that our respect for Gil was matched by his
with access to uniquely diverse golf experi- more intimate and friendly atmosphere versus respect for The Olympic Club. I have partici-
ences, facilities and offerings. This edition is the PGA TOUR (Dare I say?). Attending pated as the Club’s chief executive for several
a celebration of the game and its footprint at professional women’s golf events is very engag- golf course renovations over the years and, in
the Club. ing. The quality of play is extraordinary. The my experience, a good fit between Club and
friendliness of the golfers with the spectators architect is as intangible as the ground’s poten-
Our cover story features Director of Golf is evident. Look for announcements from the tial for a great golf course, but you know when
Performance Richard Sheridan, his program Club about opportunities to meet with the it is right. Gil Hanse and The Olympic Club is
and the golf performance team. A couple of USGA team and learn about the upcoming a good marriage. It’s a lock!
weeks back, I took a bunker play lesson from Championship: sponsorship opportunities,
Tom Johnson in an attempt (once again) to how to volunteer and more. (And, for added So, in closing, here’s to golf at The Olympic
develop my frustratingly poor sand shots. incentive, the USGA team has recently been Club! Here’s to the professionals who provide
Within an hour, he had me hitting consistently observed buying members drinks at the Club.) training, tournaments, programming and
good strokes by making several adjustments just a great day on the course. Here’s to the
that felt completely natural. Time will tell if Of course, you won’t have to wander far grounds crew that meticulously grooms and
I can keep it up (practice, practice, practice!). to see the men play this year. The PGA cares for the courses and grounds. Here’s to
But, I was once again reminded of the value of Championship across the lake at Harding Park the members who volunteer to partner with
coaching from somebody who truly knows and will create opportunities for Olympians to see staff to help create a great golf experience
cares about their craft. the top golfers in the world right in our back- for all members. Here’s to the storied history
yard. As a future site for this “major,” and the of golf at The Olympic Club. Here’s to the
We are a little more than a year away Ryder Cup, too, The Olympic Club will have historic future that is afoot. Cheers!
from hosting The U.S. Women’s Open access to special offerings for spectating. We
Championship, and though it is a 2021 event, will also offer special ways to host guests for
its presence will be felt in a very positive way golf at the Club before heading over to watch.
this year as we build momentum. The Club has Details will be announced soon, and expect
set high goals for providing a great player expe- more information in the April Olympian.
rience, making the best possible presentation Tim Muessle
of the Lake course and delivering an enjoyable Finally, we recently announced the hiring
member experience. We also hope that many of Gil Hanse to create a master plan for all
Olympians will sign up as volunteers to help of our golf facilities, including practice. It is
in our efforts and show the world how strongly hard to describe the amazing experience of
our members support women’s golf and athlet- interviewing several of the best golf course
ics. In the early/mid-2000s, I had the privilege architects in the world, names you would
and pleasure to serve as GM and COO of a know, and then selecting arguably the very best.
club that hosted four LPGA events during my Despite his lofty resume, Gil is one of the most
2 The Olympic Club | March 2020
INTRODUCING: THE OC’S
GOLF PERFORMANCE CENTER
by Lee Hammer, photos by Frank Morse
“When a player comes into our building for lessons, we’ll work with
them, and when they leave, they have to be better than they were
when they first walked in.”
That’s the philosophical approach that drives but also for a new name that more adequately
Olympic Club Director of Player Development represents the purpose of the facility. Gone are
Richard Sheridan and his staff of professional the old desks and cabinets, replaced with new
golf instructors at the newly named and ren- modern furniture and state-of-the-art high-
ovated Golf Performance Center. tech golf technology. The Golf Performance
Time had taken its toll on the facility for- Center now boasts practically every golf shaft
merly known as the Learning Center, tucked and head on the market today, so that the
in behind the snack bar at the far end of the professional staff can determine the optimal
driving range. It was time not only for a facelift, equipment to fit a player’s game.
The re-branded Golf Performance Center has a fresh look, with new technology
and instructional opportunities for members to utilize.
The Olympic Club | March 2020 3
“My goal with this building was to change “Once we complete the analysis, we give
the perception of the facility,” Sheridan added. them a practice plan on how to get better, and
“It was previously called the Learning Center, how to maintain their newly learned skills,”
where we were basically just giving a lot of golf said Sheridan. “We work with a variety of skill
lessons. But my objective is to try and push levels from low handicappers who might need
that forward and make it more of a perfor- fine tuning in certain areas, to weekend players
mance center, focusing on a more holistic style who want to gain competency and have more
of coaching, which includes far more than just fun with their friends. We can create a coach-
swing technique.” ing plan for any individual.”
Sheridan joined the OC in November Nicole McGirr leads the physical fitness
2017. He came from St. Andrews Links in component of the Golf Performance Center,
Scotland, where he was working as Director of and this year will be leading more golf specific
Instruction. With 25 years of experience under fitness classes at Lakeside. The five-year OC
his belt, Sheridan says one of his objectives is veteran says one of the most important aspects
to convince people to overcome their fears of of golf is the ability to move better.
taking a lesson. “When people sit for long periods at work
“Some people are actually afraid to take or in a car, our posture and our lower back
lessons because they think we’re going to suffers, and that can quickly show up in a
totally change their style and swing, and player’s golf game,” McGirr notes. “One of
make them mimic someone like Tiger Woods,” the most important things a player can do
Sheridan says. “That doesn’t really happen to improve their physical fitness, especially if
anymore. With all the technology we’re uti- they’re just a Saturday or Sunday player, is to
lizing today, we can look at a player’s current show up and move the proper way — that’s
physical abilities and technique, and work going to help them swing better. I see too
from there to tailor an individualized specific many people who come out here, swing a
plan for improvement.” heavy club a few times, hit their first shot
Sheridan and his team utilize a targeted and hope for the best. For most people, that
three-pronged approach to teaching with doesn’t work.”
the acronym AIM, which stands for Assess, So what’s a person to do if they work
Improve and Maintain. 40–50 hour weeks, yet desire to have the
Sheridan says the first thing his instructors physical mobility necessary to perform and
do when a player comes in for coaching is to score well?
complete a full assessment of the player using “I know people are busy, I get it,” McGirr
some of the latest high tech equipment avail- adds. “People have jobs, kids and stuff to do.
able today. It also involves an analysis of their They come up with excuses as to why they
physical abilities and limitations, plus a look at can’t warm up and then say, ‘Oh man, the first
their clubs to see if they are helping or possibly seven or eight holes were terrible and then the
hindering the player’s ability. back nine was great because I loosened up.’
Nicole McGirr has a Level III Fitness Professional certifica-
tion from Titliest Performance Institute, and will lead the
golf fitness component of the re-branded Golf Performance
Center at Lakeside.
4 The Olympic Club | March 2020
The Olympic Club | March 2020 5
If players don’t want to suffer on the first
few holes, come and get a dynamic warm-up
program designed specifically for you, allow an
extra 20 minutes every time before you play
and hit the first tee in the best possible shape.”
The final element of Sheridan’s three-
pronged instructional approach involves
making sure the player is using equipment
that enhances, instead of hinders their game.
“Getting fitted for clubs helps get a player
to that peak performance level we all want
to achieve,” said Kevin Bresnahan, a PGA
Professional and an expert in club fitting.
“With the way technology has taken
off, we now have more ways of measuring
performance data based on the Trackman
launch monitor device to really help us
fine tune what shafts and what heads work
together.” Bresnahan said.
But if it is recommended that you replace
those irons you purchased in 1982 with a new
set of sticks, what should you buy? There’s a
lot of options available. Which brand? Titleist,
Taylor Made, Callaway, Ping, etc. Is one really
better than the other?
“First and foremost I think a player needs
to go to the range and hit with all kinds of
clubs to see which ones they like the best,”
Bresnahan notes. “That starts the conversation
because a player needs to feel comfortable
with the aesthetics and feel of a club. Then I
come in and fine tune things. I look at all the
data and swing numbers we’ve captured, and
analyze the numbers to determine the correct
shaft length, shaft flex and head that will
benefit that player’s swing and mechanics at
that time. We’ll do a lie angle check, to make
sure the lie angle of the club is in sync with
the swing plane. We’ll check on spin rates,
Kevin Bresnahan has more than
20 years of experience in the golf
industry, and leads club fitting efforts
for the Golf Performance Center.
6 The Olympic Club | March 2020
launch angles, ball speeds and so on, in order video summary of the session, detailing before
to fit them with the best set of clubs we can.” and after images, along with a clear road map
While experience and the human eye are of improvements that still need to be made.
tried and true teaching tools, Sheridan says Sheridan and his team are also proud to
technology now plays a much more vital role announce a few new programs coming to
to get a player better, faster. the OC this spring and summer. The first is
“...we can look at a player’s current physical abilities and technique,
and work from there to tailor an individualized specific plan
for improvement.”
— Richard Sheridan
“We’re really lucky that we utilize all the a program that’s seen tremendous success
leading technology available in terms of nationwide called “Operation 36.” The basic
coaching here at the Golf Performance Center,” premise is to get the novice golfer to shoot 36
Sheridan noted. “We utilize Trackman a lot, while playing nine holes.
which basically gives us an MRI of the impact “While that sounds like a tall order to
position. It can give us about 30 different begin with,” Sheridan says, “in Level One
metrics and data points of what’s happening of the program, the player tees off 25 yards
with the club and the ball. The beauty of from the green. So in those terms, it’s pretty
Trackman is it takes away any guesswork. You achievable. Once a player passes that stage,
know exactly what’s happening, so when you they advance to Level Two where the tee shot
adjust somebody, you can see instantly what is 50 yards away from the green. Level Three is
effect that’s had, and whether it’s good or bad.” 100 yards away and so on.”
“We have K-Vest 3-D, which has sensors Another new program being introduced
you wear to give us a really clear picture of what this year is a three-day golf school.
the player is doing with their body during the “Golf schools, such as the famous ones
swing. We also use Boditrak, which is a pres- conducted by Butch Harmon around the
sure plate that you stand on to tell us where country have been very successful, so we
pressure is distributed in your feet, and how decided to start one here,” Sheridan added.
you shift and maneuver pressure during the “We’ll hold a few of them this year as a trial
various points of the swing. Are you on balance, run to gauge popularity, but our first one will
or off? That’s something you can’t get without be this coming April. The idea is for a member
technology and why it’s a really effective train- to possibly bring a guest to the Club, spend
ing tool,” Sheridan said. three hours in the morning getting instruction,
After each lesson at the Golf Performance and then playing in the afternoon.”
Center, Sheridan says the player is emailed a
The Olympic Club | March 2020 7
The fourth member of Sheridan’s team,
Player Development Professional and former
PGA Tour player Tom Johnson will be con-
ducting a series of Master classes this summer
specializing on the short game.
“The short game is where you really score.”
Johnson said.
“I’m into scoring and performance more
than anything else.”
If it’s added distance to your drive that
you’re seeking, McGirr will be supervising a
Mach 3 speed training program, with the sin-
gle goal of increasing a player’s swing speed.
“They say the average driver speed increase
for people who take this program is 11.5 miles
per hour. And the faster someone swings, the
farther they hit the ball. And the farther they
hit, the lower their scoring average is likely
to be,” Sheridan said.
No interview with a golf pro can be
complete without the writer getting some free
advice, right? So I asked Sheridan for two quick
tips that I want to share with you.
1. Know how far you hit the ball, because the
majority of amateur golfers under-club. On
the Lake Course for example all the trouble
is at the front of the greens, try a round
playing the back of the green yardage and
see if this helps your score.
2. Spend more time developing your speed
control on the greens. Speed is the biggest
factor in putting, good speed with a bad
line almost always puts you closer to the
hole than bad speed with a good line.
Remember as Sheridan says, his goal is that
when you leave the Golf Performance Center,
you’ll be better than when you came in. So go
in and give his team a chance to prove it.
Tom Johnson joined the Club in 2019, and is a former
PGA, Nationwide and Asian Tour player who has a
lot of experience as a world-class professional to
offer Olympians.t r o c k a t t h e l a ke
yac h
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March 24, 6–9pm | Hall of Fame THE BAND’S VISIT
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Join us to sip, socialize and tap into your creative side. 5:30PM DINNER
Everything a night out should be with a one-of-a-kind 7:30PM GOLDEN GATE THEATRE
keepsake at the end. Includes glass of wine and art supplies.
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The Olympic Club | March 2020 9OLYMPIC CLUB HIRES RENOWNED GOLF COURSE
ARCHITECT GIL HANSE
by Frank Stranzl
T
he Olympic Club has hired renowned “Gil Hanse is one of the most accom-
golf course architect Gil Hanse to plished golf course architects in the world,
develop a long-term master plan for and we’re thrilled to secure his services for
the Lakeside golf facilities. This master plan is this important engagement,” said Olympic
intended to enhance the day-to-day member Club President Leslie Davis. “The Olympic
golf experience for generations to come, while Club has enjoyed an amazing history of
also ensuring that our iconic courses are posi- championship golf, and the next decade-plus
tioned to perform and recover as we navigate will continue that tradition with the 2021
a busy championship schedule leading up to, U.S. Women’s Open, 2025 U.S. Amateur
and beyond, the 2032 Ryder Cup. Championship, 2028 PGA Championship
Last summer, the Board of Directors cre- and 2032 Ryder Cup. Gil’s work will be sig-
ated a sub-committee consisting of members nificant in preparation for those events, and,
of the Golf and Green Committees, past and most importantly, will provide our members
current Board members and staff, charged with lasting improvements.”
with recommending a golf course architect Hanse’s courses are simple and elegant in
to partner with the Club through the very appearance, yet sophisticated in strategy and
important next 12 years. The most pressing interest. His firm's original designs at Castle
area of concern is creating world-class practice Stuart Golf Links in Scotland and Ohoopee
facilities. Changes to the practice facilities will Match Club in Georgia were recently selected
inevitably necessitate conversations about the for GOLF magazine’s list of Top 100 Golf
Cliff and Ocean Courses, including an eval- Courses in the World. Hanse’s resume of
uation of our property west of Skyline. As a course architecture and master plans boasts
matter of prudence, we will also seek feedback many other elite golf courses, including
“Gil Hanse is one of the most accomplished golf course architects
in the world, and we’re thrilled to secure his services for this
important engagement.”
— Olympic Club President Leslie Davis
on the Lake Course, understanding that the Kittansett Club, Sleepy Hollow Country Club,
Club views it as “hallowed ground” in general. Myopia Hunt Club, Los Angeles Country
The sub-committee chose Hanse from a pool Club, The Country Club (Brookline, Mass.),
of internationally-recognized architects, and Winged Foot Golf Club, Baltusrol Golf Club,
the Board subsequently approved the recom- Southern Hills Country Club, Fishers Island
mendation at their first meeting of the new Club, Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Aronimink
year on January 8. Golf Club and Merion Golf Club.
10 The Olympic Club | March 2020Hanse is one of only a handful of
American architects to build a course in
Scotland, where he constructed the 18-hole
Craighead Golf Links for the world’s seventh-
oldest golf club, the Crail Golfing Society.
He was also chosen to design and oversee the
creation of the Olympic Golf Course for the
2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, as
well as the new PGA Frisco course at PGA
Headquarters in Texas.
Hanse will be hosting a member meet-and-
greet at the Club this summer, and will begin
his work in the fall of 2020.
“We are truly honored to have been
selected to work with The Olympic Club to
develop a master plan for the golf facilities
at Lakeside,” said Hanse. “Our appointment
continues a humbling run of being asked to
work at the most historic golf clubs in the
United States. We fully grasp the responsibility
of being asked to make recommendations for
improving this special place, and we will look
forward to beginning that process in the second
half of 2020.”
The Club will provide updates about the
meet-and-greet, as well as Hanse’s work, in the
coming months both in the Olympian and
digitally. In the meantime, we welcome Hanse
and his team to the Club as we collectively
embark on this project.
The Olympic Club | March 2020 11from the THE COURSES
ARCHIVES BU IL DI NG A L EG AC Y
A feature from the History & Archives Committee by Eric Starr
giving Olympians a look at the way we were.
A
s golf ‘fever’ took hold of America, Olympia, too, fell victim to
the craze. Within a few years of the Club’s lease of the Lakeside
links in 1918, it was clear by 1920 that the single course would
not easily accommodate the already 600+ golfers. With the Club’s mem-
bership swelling from returning veterans of World War I and the eco-
nomic ‘good times’ of the Roaring Twenties, golf at Lakeside would take
on new horizons.
President William Humphrey negotiated the precisely 8am, Humphrey drove the first ball
purchase not only of the Lakeside links, but off the first tee of the new Pacific Links. He
eventually added approximately 360 adjacent was followed by the other members of his
acres to support two full-length courses, a large foursome: Herbert Fleishacker, Frank Foran
clubhouse and the potential for other athletic and Judge Tom Fitzpatrick. All four drives
facilities. The Board of Directors tasked Willie found the fairway, and play was launched for
Watson to redesign the existing Lakeside into the Club on both courses.
the two courses, with Sam Whiting, then-head
pro at Lakeside, to supervise the construction. The new Lake Course measured 6,566 yards,
with a par of 72. The longer Ocean (Pacific The 9th hole from the 1924 Lake Course was incorporated
into the 1927 Lake as the 8th hole. This old par 3 is the
Construction on the two courses (which would Links) stretched to 6,606 yards, with a par of only hole from the 1927 renovation of the Lake Course
initially be known as Lake Course and Pacific 74. At the time, Pacific Links was the more her- that no longer exists.
Links began in the spring of 1922. By August, alded of the courses, christened “a magnificent
rough grading was already completed on the outrage.” Nine new holes along the ocean now links to alleviate water collection, and a tunnel
entire site. The construction team included provided a thrill to the golfers after Watson was constructed from Skyline Boulevard to the
famed arborist John McLaren, the superin- and Whiting overcame the challenges in design beach to prevent further erosion.
tendent of Golden Gate Park, whose efforts and construction. The May 1924 issue of the
for the City were acclaimed around the world. Olympian provided pictures of the building of With such a near-catastrophic loss of the
McLaren worked with Whiting to provide a the links over ocean dunes under the caption: land west of Skyline, the Club acquired 17.3
comprehensive plan for planting of trees and Transforming Wilderness into Golf Links. The additional acres by lease from the City of San
bushes on the property. San Francisco Chronicle claimed the new Francisco in June 1926 and hired Whiting
courses were “...the St. Andrews of America, to redesign the Lake and Ocean Courses.
Projections that the courses would be ready combining a seaside links and a sheltered Whiting’s new design deftly moved several holes
for play by November of the following year inland course.” west of Skyline to the newly-acquired south-
proved too bold, as the courses opened for play ern acreage adjacent to the Lake Course, and
in the spring of ’24. On May 25, 1924, at The triumph of design and construction of incorporated the former 13th–17th holes of the
the new courses at Lakeside was quickly trum- Lake into the new Ocean Course. Only eight
peted throughout the country. However, the holes of the original Pacific Links remained. On
brilliance of the original Pacific Links was the Lake, the original holes 1– 4 remained, but
short lived as mudslides and severe flooding the 5th now doglegged to the right, the 6th
in the winter of ’25, followed by torrential transversed the old shooting lodge, the 7th hole
rains the following winter ’26, would wash was shortened to an uphill 270 yards and the
away nearly eight entire ocean holes. The State old ninth became the 8th hole. Four of the new
Highway’s roadwork on Skyline Boulevard holes on the Lake (12th–15th) were entirely on
contributed to the damage. As compensation, the new land leased from the City (this is the
the Club received $25,000 for new shoring same acreage that the Club would eventually
and land supports, and the installation of a purchase in 1993, in settlement of a lawsuit
John McLaren and Sam Whiting overlooking the dunes
discussing the 15th hole of the Ocean Course in 1922. drainage system. Two wells were sunk on the with the City).
12 The Olympic Club | March 20201924 blueprint of the layout of the Lake and Ocean Courses, featuring nine Ocean holes west of Skyline Boulevard.
When completed the following spring, ’27, Play officially opened in May ’27 on the recon- Golf memberships almost doubled with the
the rechristened the Ocean Course now figured coursed, to much acclaim and fanfare expansion to two courses. Golf at Olympia
measured 6,053 yards, at par of 72, and the (and relief ). Total acreage at Lakeside was now finally found a solid footing, with two spec-
Lake measured 6,432 yards, at par of 71. over 387 acres. Of all the changes made to the tacular “tracks” and a beautiful new club-
With the relative difficulty of the courses now courses by Whiting, there remained one hole house. A new legacy alongside Lake Merced
reversed, The Olympian pointed out that the from the original Lakeside links: the old 11th had begun.
“Ocean was suited to an older or less ambitious was now the par-5 16th on the Lake, playing to
member,” but the Lake was now “the Club’s 550 yards.
‘Championship Links!’”
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The Olympic Club | March 2020 15The U.S. Women’s Open
is Coming!
How can you get involved?
The 2021 U.S. Women’s Open will be the 11th USGA championship contested
on The Olympic Club’s Lake Course, and it will mark the first USGA women’s
championship for the five-time U.S. Open host site. As members, we need
your support for this championship more than ever.
Major Championship,
Intimate Vibes
The U.S. Women’s Open is the pinnacle of
women’s golf. The best players from around
the world compete for the most coveted
trophy, with the largest purse. And while
all of that comes with prestige and
atmosphere, the U.S. Women’s Open also
offers something the U.S. Open can’t:
Access and intimacy.
Despite being a major championship, the
U.S. Women’s Open provides up-close-and-
personal viewing options and experiences
for fans. Autograph signings and photoHistory in the
Making
The champion of the 76th
U.S. Women’s Open will add
her name to the annals of
history made at The Olympic
Club. Jack Fleck won an
18-hole playoff over Ben
opportunities with players are common Hogan at the 1955 U.S. Open, one of the biggest
occurrences, and a regular gallery ticket upsets in sports history. In 1966, Billy Casper
will offer fans rope-line viewing. outlasted Arnold Palmer in a Monday playoff
after Palmer surrendered a seven-stroke lead
over the final nine holes on Sunday. Additionally,
Be a Part of our 76th
Scott Simpson (1987), Lee Janzen (1998) and
U.S. Women’s Open Team Webb Simpson (2012) each earned come-from-
Several of your fellow Olympic Club members behind U.S. Open victories at the historic venue.
have already stepped up and taken on a Who will lift a USGA trophy at Olympic next?
variety of important roles related to the You’ll want to be there to see.
management of the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open
volunteer program. For more information, contact
As members of The Olympic Club, you have 2021uswomensopen@usga.org
exclusive, advance opportunities to sign up
to volunteer and gain access to our most
popular committees, including marshals,
players services, leader boards, member
services, and more. Volunteer opportunities
will open later this Spring, and interested
volunteers should visit uswomensopen.com/2021
for more information.
Hospitality
Support your Club by participating in the U.S.
Women’s Open Hospitality Program. Wheth-
er through your business or as an individual,
engage in the experience of the U.S. Women’s
Open by entertaining key clients, rewarding
associates, or joining together with friends and
family for exclusive clubhouse access and the
best view overlooking the iconic 18th green.Olympic Club pros (from left-to-right): Chris Stein, Will Hutter, Mark Anderson (back row), Mias Rutishauser, Willie Toney (back row), Brennen Eilek, Chris Lancerini (back row) and
Roger DeSouza. Photo by Frank Morse.
MEET THE OLYMPIC CLUB’S GOLF PROFESSIONALS
T
he Olympic Club is proud of its excep- WILL HUTTER CHRIS STEIN
tional golf facilities and programming, Director of Golf | Olympian Staff Since 2015 Head Professional | Olympian Staff Since 1985
and this would not be possible without Will’s playing background includes PGA Chris became a Class “A” member of the
the many talented employees at our courses Section Tournament victories in Indiana and PGA in 1995. He enjoyed an exceptional col-
daily. That group includes an exceptional team Georgia, along with National Professional legiate golf career, playing No. 1 for Cañada
of Club pros. Championship and PGA Tour Qualifying College in Redwood City for two years before
Led by Director of Golf Will Hutter, School participation. A Quarter Century transferring to San Jose State. After one semes-
the OC’s roster of pros provides a first-class Member of the PGA of America, Will con- ter with the Spartans, Chris earned a position
experience. In addition to the pros in the Golf tinues to play competitively in Northern as Assistant Golf Professional at The Olympic
Performance Center who are featured in this California Section and Senior events. Before Club, and never looked back. He has been with
edition, the list includes: Chris Stein, Roger joining the OC, Will was the Director of the Club ever since, and was named Head Golf
DeSouza, Willie Toney, Chris Lancerini, Mark Golf at Berkeley Hall in Bluffton, S.C., and Professional in 1999. Be sure to ask him about
Anderson, Mias Rutishauser and Brennen Eilek. previously was Head Golf Professional at the many world-class golf events he’s been a
Here’s a detailed look at the fine folks who Sea Island GC as well as Wolf Run GC in part of at the OC since starting in 1985.
are available to help take your game to another Zionsville, Ind. Since his first job in 1979 at
level, and who help create the tournament Martinsville CC in Indiana, Will has enjoyed
experiences you have each year at the Club. serving members, while providing leadership
Visit www.olyclub.com to book a lesson today! to his team.
18 The Olympic Club | March 2020ROGER DESOUZA high school baseball while working outside and was a member of his high school golf
Assistant Head Professional | Olympian Staff services at Moraga Country Club. In 2004, team. Mias went on to graduate from Arizona
Since 1985 Chris began his career at The Olympic Club State University in 2013 with a degree in
Roger was part of the Club’s Outside by managing Outside Services, and three Business Communications. In 2017, Mias
Service and Valet teams prior to his promo- years later entered the Professional Golf started his career in the golf industry, work-
tion as an Assistant Golf Professional in 1989. Management program. In 2007, he was pro- ing as a caddie and outside services at Cherry
In his 34 years with the Club, including 15 as moted to Assistant Golf Professional, and Hills Country Club in Denver. In 2018, he
a PGA member, Roger’s philosophy is simple: in 2010 earned PGA Class “A” membership. moved back to the Bay Area, landing a job
“Providing outstanding service to all members Chris focuses on the correlation between the with TPC Harding Park with their golf shop
and guests is the result of seeking, recognizing golf swing and similar kinematic sequences staff. He joined The Olympic Club’s staff in
and putting focus towards the value and impor- such as pitching a baseball: balance, reduc- April 2019, and has since enrolled in the PGA
tance in everyone we encounter.” Roger has ing false movements, generating power and Professional Golf Management program. He is
taught many Junior Members over the years, reinforcing correct fundamentals. He ulti- a registered apprentice.
and ran all-day golf camps from 2003–13. mately emphasizes enjoyment of the game,
player development and maximizing the BRENNEN EILEK
WILLIE TONEY OC member experience. Assistant Head Professional | Olympian Staff
Assistant Head Professional | Olympian Staff Since 2019
Since 2005 MARK ANDERSON Originally from Las Vegas, Brennen
Willie’s knowledge of the golf swing comes Golf Operations Coordinator | Olympian Staff cultivated his love for golf at Bandon Dunes
from years of experience as a player and student. Since 2016 after moving to Oregon. He knew he wanted
Instructional books and key PGA Teaching/ Mark’s passion for golf was born over four to continue with his passion in golf after
Tour professionals shaped not only his game decades ago. His first experience as a young high school, and chose to attend University
but also influenced his teaching style. He began boy was on the windswept sand greens in of Idaho to complete their Marketing and
playing at the age of 11 at Bing Maloney GC in South Dakota. Years later, it began in earnest Professional Golf Management programs.
Sacramento, and went on to win the Western coaching high school golf, and then quickly With those degrees complete, Brennen moved
States Golf Association Junior Championship evolved to providing private instruction, club on to internships with Black Rock in Coeur
in 1983. Willie continued his playing career fitting and conducting corporate outing golf D’Alene, Idaho, Martis Camp in Lake Tahoe,
at Prairie View A&M, and won the confer- events. His first experience at the OC was Loss Tracks in Bend, Ore. and Oak Hill in
ence championship in 1986. He went on to as a volunteer at the 1998 U.S. Open. The Rochester, N.Y. Those experiences led him
compete on the Ben Hogan, Golden State and beauty, history and tradition of the Club made to The Olympic Club as a Class “A” PGA
California Golf Tours from 1989–93. Willie a lasting impression. Having most recently Professional, and he’s looking forward to
joined PGA of America in 2001, and previously managed the Pro Shop at the Quechee Club working with the full membership.
served as PGA Director of Golf at Metropolitan in Vermont, he comes with a wealth of knowl-
Golf Links in Oakland before joining the OC. edge with emphasis on providing a superior
member experience.
CHRIS LANCERINI
Assistant Professional | Olympian Staff MIAS RUTISHAUSER
Since 2004 Assistant Head Professional | Olympian Staff
Chris moved to the Bay Area in the early Since 2019
1990s as a college student-athlete. After Mias grew up in Castro Valley, and began
graduating and working for several years in playing golf at 13 years old. He played in
other industries, Chris coached college and Junior events throughout Northern California,
The Olympic Club | March 2020 19EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: CADE CUTCHEN
by Damin Esper, photo by Gene Choi
W
hen Cade Cutchen arrived at The And then I would come back the next day and
Olympic Club in May as a second ask more questions.
assistant to the Superintendent, “They basically gave me a four-year degree
he was the youngest person on the team that in turf in one year.”
works to keep the golf courses at the Club in Although he had spent most of his life in
perfect condition. the Tallahassee area, Cutchen had been out
That’s fine with the 22-year old from to San Francisco and loved the area. When
Wakulla County, Fla. He has always been a an opening at The Olympic Club popped up,
little ahead of schedule, having graduated from he applied.
Florida State when he was just 19. “Everybody has heard of The Olympic
Cutchen is the oldest of three, growing up Club,” Cutchen said. “I applied. And I was
in a farming community outside of the state fortunate enough to be offered the job.”
capital of Tallahassee. He played “everything” Cutchen was hired to work on the Ocean
in high school, including golf. His competitive Course as well as the Cliffs Course.
career ended at that point, although he kept “I do a spraying on the golf course and
playing recreationally. I do a lot of hand watering on greens, making
But after his college graduation — having sure they stay firm and perfectly fast for the
earned an economics degree — Cutchen members,” he said.
found himself at a crossroads. He is also hard at work adding to his
“I didn’t want to work in an office,” he said. resume. He comes in an hour and a half
“I went back to the course where I played high early every day to study for a double-major
school golf, where I knew the owner. I took a in horticulture and agribusiness through an
position as assistant superintendent, assistant online program offered by Florida Gateway
to the owner. Every day I would direct the crew. College. He recently earned his Assistant
Every afternoon I did the financial modeling for Superintendent Certification though the Golf
the course.” Course Superintendents Association of America
Suddenly, Cutchen knew his career path. (GCSAA), the first person to earn certification
Wildwood Golf and RV Resort in Crawfordville, in California. He is working as a GCSAA grass
Fla. was the launch pad. After a year, he moved roots ambassador, a position where he gets to
on to Capital City Country Club in Tallahassee. lobby Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on
Normally, you don’t see a lot of economics issues important to the GCSAA.
majors working on golf courses. Cutchen said Cutchen is married to Lili with no children.
that everybody else on The Olympic Club team She is a preschool teacher. In his spare time he
has a four-year degree in turf management. But likes to run and surf. He said he is loving the
Cutchen’s experience in Tallahassee gave him weather in California, especially not having to
something similar. run in the heat of Florida. Long-term, he’d like
“The superintendents that I worked for in to move back to the southeast to be closer to
Tallahassee were awesome,” he said. “I would family. But right now, he is focused on the 2021
come in and they would explain things to U.S. Women’s Open, which will be hosted by
me. I would go home and do more research. The Olympic Club.
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The Olympic Club | March 2020 2122
CALENDAR
MARCH For the latest updates, visit www.olyclub.com/events
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER BOIL: IRISH FAMILY BUFFET: GOLF — ST. PATRICK’S
City Clubhouse, 6pm Lakeside Clubhouse, 6pm TOURNAMENT: Lake & Ocean
The Olympic Club | March 2020
LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE: Main Courses, 9am
Dining Room closed for dinner MEMBER ORIENTATION TOUR:
Lakeside Clubhouse, 10am
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
GOLF — WSGPS ST. PATRICK’S TRIVIA NIGHT: City Clubhouse, ST. PADDY’S TENNIS MIXER:
DAY TOURNAMENT: Ocean 6:30pm Lakeside, 9am
Course, 8am
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
GOLF — OCEAN COURSE CLOSED FOR MAJOR AERATION
LASAGNA NIGHT: City
Clubhouse, 6pm
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
TENNIS OPEN HOUSE: Lakeside, GOLF — LAKE COURSE CLOSED FOR MAJOR AERATION GOLF — WGN OPENING DAY:
1pm PAINT NIGHT: City Clubhouse, MEN’S SOCCER — U.S. OPEN Ocean Course, 1:30pm
6pm CUP OC VS. FC DAVIS:
Negoesco Stadium, 7:30pm
29 30 31
WINES 101: City Clubhouse,
6:30pm SOCIAL EVENTS
SPORTS EVENTS
SPECIAL HOURS/
EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS
Events do sell out, so sign up early!
You can typically register as early as two months before an event (i.e. reservations for events in March open in January) on www.olyclub.com or call
City Clubhouse at 415.345.5100 or Lakeside Clubhouse at 415.404.4300. Watch the magazine, digital signage and the weekly blasts for reminders
and updates. For sold out events, you may add your name to the wait list.
Please note: Club cancellation policy details are available on the registration pages online. Many events require cancellations to be made by a certain
date before the event to avoid being charged for the total number of reservations booked.
MARCH MAY
WEDNESDAY NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER BOIL WEDNESDAY
160TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON
4 (SOLD OUT)
City Clubhouse 6 City Clubhouse
FRIDAY T HURSDAY NETWORKING NIGHT —
IRISH FAMILY BUFFET
6 Lakeside Clubhouse 7 TECH INDUSTRY
City Clubhouse
WEDNESDAY SUNDAY
TRIVIA NIGHT (SOLD OUT) MOTHER’S DAY BUFFETS
11 City Clubhouse 10 Both Clubhouses
W EDNE SDAY WEDNESDAY
LASAGNA NIGHT THEATER NIGHT — THE BAND’S VISIT
18 City Clubhouse 27 City Clubhouse
T UE SDAY
PAINT NIGHT
24 City Clubhouse
WINE OF THE MONTH
T UE SDAY
WINES 101 (SOLD OUT) 2017 FREEMAN
31 City Clubhouse
PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
APRIL This wine is a beautiful illustra-
tion of the idea that a thought-
ful appellation blend is often
WEDNESDAY THEATER NIGHT — THE BOOK OF more than a simple sum of its
1 MORMON (SOLD OUT)
City Clubhouse
parts, which come from several
of Russian River Valley’s best
vineyards. Right from the start,
SUNDAY the aromas offer hints of the
EASTER BUFFETS (SOLD OUT)
12 Both Clubhouses
earthiness of Gloria and the
black cherry fruit of KR Ranch.
Sweetwater contributes notes
T HURSDAY NETWORKING NIGHT — REAL ESTATE from the riper side of Pinot,
16 & FINANCE
City Clubhouse
and Pratt brings a more typical,
floral character. The palate is
lush and round, lower in acidity
FRIDAY than the Freeman vineyard
DAOU WINE DINNER
24
designated wines, making it
Lakeside Clubhouse perfect to enjoy now!
$13/glass | $52/bottle
SAT URDAY MUSTACHE HARBOR — YACHT ROCK
25 AT THE LAKE
Lakeside Clubhouse
The Olympic Club | March 2020 23THE OLYMPIC CLUB RULES
RULES AND STANDARDS TO ENHANCE YOUR GOLF EXPERIENCE
illustration by Gerry Stratford
What Our Golf Rules and Standards Are: and practice for everyone’s comfort and golf However, general practice on The Olympic
A reasonable set of policies and standards that experience. Imagine showing up for your tee Club facilities is reserved for members only.
ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience time and finding another group of members Junior and Intermediate Members without
for all members. also expecting to play. Golf Privileges: Junior and Intermediate
Olympic Club membership provides golf- members who do not have a Golf Privilege
ing privileges to all members. Our world-class RULES FOR THE RANGE AND
may only use the practice facilities under the
facilities and offerings are a source of enjoy- PRACTICE FACILITIES
supervision of an adult member. The Club
ment and pride. As with any shared resource, Demand on golf practice facilities has
values all members, and, as such, has rules that
the Club needs to uphold a set of rules and increased across the nation. Golfers, pressed
are appropriate for younger members to ensure
standards to ensure that everyone’s needs and for time, choose to spend more time on the
a good experience for all members.
expectations are met as much as possible. While range, and less time on the course itself. The
it is impossible to have a consensus on every Club is working with Gil Hanse on a plan to ATTIRE AND MOBILE PHONE
rule and standard, we strive to create an envi- expand and improve our practice facilities. USE STANDARDS
ronment and experience that is reasonably bal- In order to optimize our existing facilities, A great golf experience includes the right
anced for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment. and assure fairness and a great experience for environment. At The Olympic Club, that
all members, the following rules govern the means a place where attire is comfortable, but
CHECKING IN usage of the practice facilities. respectful of decorum and tradition, as well as
All members are expected to check in at the
Guest Usage of Facilities: Guests of Active an atmosphere free of mobile phone chatter.
Golf Shop prior to play on any of the Club’s
Members may use the practice facilities as a Please don’t wear: cargo shorts, yoga pants,
three courses, or the range desk before picking
warm-up before playing their round with a denim, gym shorts, or sweat pants.
up a bucket of balls for practice. Staff needs to
member. They may not use the practice facil- Please do: tuck in your shirt and wear the
know that you are here so that we can make
ities otherwise. A Member Holding a Golf bill of your hat forward.
sure we correctly take
Privilege may bring guests to the range any- Also, please only talk on your mobile
care of any charges,
time, and that member needs to accompany phone in the upper and lower parking lots.
and also monitor
them at all times. It is reasonable to provide
and manage play
all golfers with the opportunity to warm up.VISIT THE
GOLF SHOP
FOR ALL YOUR WINGED “O”
APPAREL NEEDS
Clothing
Headwear
Golf Bags & Clubs
Accessories
And More!
Located at Lakeside adjacent
to the main practice green.
See you soon!
photo by Frank Morse
Mother’s Day Buffets
WINES 101
MARCH 31 | 6:30PM May 10
HALL OF FAME City Clubhouse
Join us for this fun and causal tasting Buffet: 10:30, 11am, 2 & 2:30pm
of different wines and multiple Lakeside
grape varietals. Brunch: 10, 10:30am, 1 & 1:30pm
Dinner: 4:30 & 5pm
$35 + taxes & fees Price: adults $79, children 6–12 $42
SIGN UP AT Prices are plus taxes & fees. Coat & tie required.
WWW.OLYCLUB.COM
photo by Angela Riordan RSVP at www.olyclub.com
The Olympic Club | March 2020 25Derby Party N E T WOR K I NG N I G H TS
APRIL 16
REAL ESTATE & F I NANCE
MAY 7
TECH INDUSTRY
6–8PM | HALL OF FAME
photo by Gene Choi
SAT., MAY 2 | 1:30PM | ARTICLE III
(RACE STARTS 3:50PM)
photo by Angela Riordan
Join us to watch the Kentucky Derby and enjoy food and
drink specials in AIII. Includes commemorative derby cup,
specialty beverage and contests. $27 + taxes & fees
SIGN UP AT WWW.OLYCLUB.COM S IGN UP AT WWW.OLYCLUB.COM
DAOU WINE
DINNER
APRIL 24 | LAKESIDE | 6PM
Come join fellow Olympian and Master
Sommelier Fred Dame as he walks us
through the incredible wines of Daou
Vineyards. Daou Vineyards is the real-
ization of two brothers from Lebanon
whose family moved to France to escape
their country’s civil war. In France the
two brothers fell in love with the culture
of wine and dreamed of one day opening
a winery. After moving to California,
the brothers purchased The Hoffman
Mountain Ranch Property to preserve
a vital part of Paso Robles history. They
are creating one-of-a-kind Bordeaux style
wines out of one of the newest up and
coming wine regions.
$150 + tax & service charge
SIGN UP AT
WWW.OLYCLUB.COM
26 The Olympic Club | March 2020GOLF REPORT
TEE TO GREEN by Gerry Stratford
REMEMBERING THE DOG
In an issue of the Olympian me,” he said. “Every month they lesson 30 years ago. I won’t
devoted to golf instruction, it is print some crazy tip that promises charge you for the poster, just tell
appropriate to remember the man to add distance to your drives, him that I still remember some of
for whom the Dog House was built. cause the ball to go higher, or his advice and that I wish he were
Jim Lucius was The Olympic Club’s lower, or straighter. That tip invari- still here.”
Director of Golf for more than ably screws up several members’
And so too, do we all.
17 years (1988–2005). In 2001, swings, and they need to come
he was named Teacher of the Year and pay me to undo the damage.”
for the Northern California PGA
Lucius was instrumental in
section. Beloved and respected
establishing the Olympic Club
by all of us who aspire to improve
Foundation, and inaugurated the
our games, Jim was ever-ready to
first fundraising efforts of the
straighten out our misconceptions
Foundation by volunteering his
along with our drives.
staff for the Monday golf events
Mr. Lucius would often stroll behind that supported the Club’s early
the golfers as we were hitting prac- outreach to youth sports in the
tice balls on the driving range, and Bay Area. The family’s commit-
sometimes he would pause behind ment is ongoing, as his wife,
a particular practicer, rub his chin, Judie, continues to serve on the
and say, “I have an opening tomor- Foundation Board.
row in the Dog House at 3 o’clock,
Several years ago, I went to
we can fix this.”
Tulsa, Okla. to attend the U.S.
Usually, on Saturday mornings Open at Southern Hills Golf Club.
as Johnny Swanson (a long-time Remembering that Jim had worked
member) and his pigeons teed at Southern Hills before he came
it up on the Lake Course, Lucius to Olympic. I thought he might
would stand adjacent to the first like a souvenir of the course, and
tee, in a white cashmere sweater I went to find to the merchandise
and finely-tailored trousers, he tent. As it happened, the artist
would call each member by name who had painted the image used
and make an appropriate comment on the promotional poster was
about them or their game. He often signing copies, and so I asked him
said, “Not bad for a tennis player,” to write “For Jim” above his sig-
after I made my shot. In 1995, Golf nature. “Who is Jim?” the painter
Pro Magazine named him one of asked. “The head professional
the best-dressed pros in golf. at The Olympic Club, Jim Lucius,”
I explained.
Lucius once told me that he was
forever grateful for Golf Digest “Oh, my!” he replied enthusias-
Magazine. “It’s like an IRA for tically. “He gave me my first golf
The Olympic Club | March 2020 27You can also read
