May 2022 Golf Course Maintenance:

A maintenance plan is put into place at the beginning of the year. Variance in weather and agronomic conditions may require changes to the schedule. May Maintenance Schedule The driving range tee is planned to be on the artificial turf for one week beginning Monday, May 16th. The natural turf will be rested one week per month, except in December and January when it will be rested for two weeks in those months due to the slowing of the growth rate of the rye overseed. The Bermuda turf is actively growing and coming out of dormancy. The maintenance crew will be applying fertilizers and performing cultivation to support this activity. Changes in the rotation of the course or 1-hour delays to the first tee time may occur as needed to support these important procedures. Please support our maintenance staff by filling divots with sand and repairing ball marks on the green. Back Nine morning 9-hole times will not be available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on a year-round basis to allow maintenance time to complete weekly tasks.

Free Monthly Gold Clinic:

Every month Mike and Ken will conduct a free golf clinic. All residents and their guests are welcome to attend, and there is no cost. Please sign up in the pro shop. The staff have a book behind the counter with all the scheduled clinics that you can sign up for. You are welcome to attend as often and as many as you like! The clinics will cover basic technique and mechanics of each topic and are great for learning a new skill or brushing up a skill that needs some work. The clinic for May will cover bunkers, and will be held on Monday, May 23rd, at 9:00am at the practice bunker.

Welcome to the SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball court complex. We have completed construction of 24 courts. Various courts are available to our members, residents and guests. You can reach the courts by taking Arizona Highway #77 (Oracle Road) north of Tucson and turning left onto SaddleBrooke Ranch Road West. Follow the road past the 4-way stop and continue to the end where you will find the courts on your left. The physical address is 31080 S. Amenity Drive.  At times courts are reserved for Club play but there other times during the day or evening that anyone can play.  The complex is one of the best venues for play in southern Arizona.  Courts are directly across the street from the Fine Arts building (including wood working, technology, glass and many other artistic pursuits), Library and Dog Park.

                           

Wednesday, March 11, 2020
A regular meeting of the SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club Green Committee was
held in the La Vista Room at the SBR La Hacienda Club on March 11, 2020.
Committee Members present:
Jean Cheszek, Jim Cook, Ken De Leo, Toni Graves, Jack Gressingh, Jeanne
Osterlund, Jeff Pharr
Not present: Mike Mycka, Sam Rossi
Robson Staff present:
Chris Blake, Mark Giannonatti, Mike Jahaske, Ken Steinke
Jack Gressingh called the meeting to order at 10:20am.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Minutes from the meeting of February 5, 2020. After a motion by Jean
Cheszek and a second by Jeanne Osterlund, the Minutes of 2/5/20 meeting
were unanimously approved.
2. Ed’s Dogs. Mr. Robson visited with the County’s Board of Supervisors
about permit application approvals for the restaurant- a review that should take
two hours has taken four months. Results should be forthcoming.
Pool Area Outdoor Bathrooms. Progress is continuing; expect pavers and
inside seating.
Community Garden. Raised boxes for the community garden that were
ordered from China are delayed and permit applications are on hold. The design
of these fenced gardens is perfect for our climate.
Tennis Courts, Bocce Ball and Corn Hole. Dave M is making every effort
to improve the surfaces of the two new tennis courts; work is being done on
the weekends.
3. General Course Issues
New Trees on Holes 7 and 18. After lengthy discussion pre-meeting, it
was decided that the placement of trees is still TBD. The prime consideration is
safety. The aiming pole on Fairway 7 is working. Ken De Leo believes that a
tree or two would be excellent behind the greens of Holes 8 and 16. Decisions
should be made before spring planting in May; temporary orange poles will
remain until then. The committee will also be considering the addition of a
“desert area” on the left side of the bunkers on #18.
Electricity in Bathroom between Holes 14/15. Robson Land Development
told Ken and Mike it would be six to nine weeks for re-connection.
Cart path between Holes 15/16. Chris bought 12 tons of gravel that was
added to the cart path; there is no guaranty that repaving will be accomplished
before April; Robson Land Development does the grading.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Report from Mike Jahaske. For January and February 2020, revenue is up
$57K over 2019, annual memberships are up +26, golfers are 50/50
public/residents. There have been no closures the past month; the course is
pursuing public rounds; our biggest competitor is “The Views” golf course in Oro
Valley.
Questionnaire: Response has been low; the pro shop will hand out
questionnaires to all groups on Saturday. “Golf Now” responses are very
positive.
2. Report from Chris on Course Conditions. The fairways are firm and
challenging to hit from; the solution will be to increase water and increase
drainage on areas that remain wet.
3. Skateboard/Scooter Golf Carts. Although there are liability issues, they
will no doubt be allowed although no one in SBR has asked. Pebble Creek and
Robson Ranch TX has voted to allow them. At SBR a handicap cart is available
for handicap golfers; driver can drive on the putting green and the seat tilts so
driver may stand to putt; same is true for other strokes.
4. Report from Jeff Pharr on Adopt-A-Hole. We now have an updated list of
the participants & hole assignments. There was some confusion on assignments
and hole teams. A message will be sent out reminding everyone what their
responsibilities are and identifying their teammates so they could coordinate
their efforts.
5. “Volcanoed” Pin Concerns. Chris and Mike checked all eighteen pins and
determined that none are “volcanoed”. Mark G. feels that since cups are set at
6:00 am, changes can occur throughout the day as flags are removed, and
there is repeated walking on the turf near the pins. “Volcano cups” may be the
result of when the pin is pulled and the cup emerges from the hold with the flag
due to sand in the pin hole. The metal cup setter is heavy duty and is not
breakable; pins are being set correctly. Mr. Whittmann will get a response letter
6. Questions from Membership and Answers from the Committee.
a. Recent drainage issue on Fairway 13 was caused by a sprinkler that
ran three hours longer than intended.
b. The over seed schedule for 2020 is 9/28/2020 through
10/19/2020.
c. It is possible to bring poa annoa seeds onto greens via golf shoes;
the perception is that it affects putting, but it does not. The bags of grass seed
that we use are certified not to contain poa annua.
d. Casual water and tire tracks- you get automatic relief.
e. During casual golf, take relief from damaged fairways; on
tournament days; it is up to the tournament director to declare if relief will be
given.
f. The crossing safety at the four way stop between fairways 9 and
10, will be studied.
g. Bunker areas do not guarantee sand; whether your ball lands in play
on the course or even on cement in bunkers, the ball should be played where it
lies.
h. Holes 5 and 14 drop zones: If it is impossible to take relief on
these holes, go back to the most forward tee (gold or plum), which will serve as
designated drop zones.
i. Hole 11 hazard stakes. Red hazard stakes will be left where they
are. If the hazard stakes were to be moved the cart path would be in the
hazard.
j. Hole 1: The red lateral hazard stakes on the left side will be
removed. There should be white out of bounds stakes from the tee boxes up to
approximately the first left fairway bunker. No one knows who wrongly installed
the red stakes.
k. Red stakes, Right side Hole 4, ~200 yards out. Could the stakes be
moved a bit closer to the rough so that people could take their drop on grass?
Mark Giannonatti proposed revisiting the tree issues in a few weeks.
The Green Committee meetings are open to everyone with an interest in the
SBR golf course, have a question or comment. Email your questions to
sbrgreencommittee@gmail.com
The next SBR Green Committee meeting date is TBD because of the coronavirus
pandemic.
Respectfully submitted, Toni Graves
Approved 3/24/202

Mission

The mission of the SBRPA is to establish SaddleBrooke Ranch as a premiere pickleball community serving all skill levels and formats of play, thereby promoting the passion and sport of the game both inside and outside our community.

Strategies  (as prioritized by our membership)

SaddleBrooke Ranch Men’s Golf Association

The purposes of this Association are to stimulate and maintain interest in golf at the SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club:

To promote good fellowship among the members; and to enhance the social and recreational lives of SaddleBrooke Ranch Property Owners.

The association organizes weekly competitions and special events throughout the year.  The weekly competitions are held every Thursday morning at 9:00 AM (December through February) and 8:00 AM (March – November).

For information about joining the league, please contact our membership chair.  Click on Member Information tab.

Special Events for 2022
​Ryder Cup – March 9th, 10th & 17th
Club Championship – April 13th & 14th Schedule Change​
Special Event – May 18th & 19th
Founders Cup – October 26th & 27th
Special Event – November 2nd & 3rd Schedule Change

Procedures To Join SBRMGA

1. You must obtain a Chelsea number. Go to the Pro Shop and fill out the form requesting a Chelsea number. Chelsea is the online system to book, reserve and request tee times. Return the form to Ken Steinke, the Assistant Head Pro. Ken will have a Chelsea number emailed back to you within 24 hours.

2. Go to the AGA website at azgolf.org and click on the “Join” button.
A) Scroll down till you find Saddlebrooke Ranch Men’s Golf Club.
B) Click the Join/Renew button to the right of our club name.
C) Follow the prompts and fill in the required information.
D) You will pay your AGA and SBRMGA dues via credit card.

3.  After you complete the process of joining the SBRMGA, the Membership Chairman (MC) will receive an email from the AGA, indicating you have met the requirements for joining our club.

4. After verifying you have a Chelsea number, the MC will inform the AGA that you have been accepted into our club.

5. The MC will then send you an email welcoming you to the SBRMGA. The email will also include instructions on how to sign up for one of our weekly events.

6. If you have any questions, please contact our Membership Chair – Steve Schenck

Golf in March:

March has begun, and with it, the busiest golfing period of the year. The dormant turf will soon begin to green up, and we will begin the growing season. This will be an exciting summer as the greens mature and soften, and the fairways thicken, and weak spots fill in. This will be our first summer coming up wherein the course was fully dormant during the winter, and the potential for summer conditions our best yet! Stay in tune with the Forecaddie to keep up to date with everything pro shop and golf course related. In the sections following, you will find all the information relating to this month in golf, as well as contact information for our golf associations and our Greens Committee. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Pro Shop Schedule:

Pro Shop Hours – Open 30 minutes before the first tee time and 1 hour before shotguns. The pro shop closes at 3:30pm. Pro shop staff will carry the pro shop cell phone (520-561-1196) until 6:00. Staff is available until one hour before sunset.

First tee time 3-1 to 3-14: 7:15am

• Midday 12:00 – 1:52
• Twilight 2:00 – 3:22
• Super Twilight 3:30 – Sunset
• Last tee time 3-1 to 3-31: 5:00pm
• Shotguns: 8:00/1:00 Rate

First tee time 3-15 to 3-31: 7:00am

• Prime 7:00 – 11:52
• Midday 12:00 – 1:52
• Twilight 2:00 – 3:22
• Super Twilight 3:30 – Sunset

Gold Maintenance Schedule:

A maintenance plan is put into place at the beginning of the year. Variance in weather and agronomic conditions may require changes to the schedule. March Maintenance Schedule The driving range tee is planned to be on the artificial turf for one week beginning Monday, March 21st. The natural turf will be rested one week per month, except in December and January when it will be rested for two weeks in those months due to the slowing of the growth rate of the rye overseed.

Every 3-4 weeks, November through March, we will delay tee times one hour on a Monday and Wednesday to allow the staff to paint the greens and fairways.

Back Nine morning nine-hole times will not be available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on a year-round basis to allow maintenance time to complete weekly tasks.

Why is pickleball so popular?

Why is pickleball so popular? Well, first of all, it’s not new as 2021 marked its 56th anniversary. The game, with its handmade equipment and simple rules, was invented in the Seattle area by three enterprising dads whose children were bored with their usual summertime activities. And the name? As the story goes, one of the founders had a dog named Pickles who would chase the ball and run off with it, so they called it.

As of 2020, Pickleball has 4.2 million players in the U.S., according to the SFIA 2021 Topline Participation Report. The known places to play totaled 8,735 at the end of 2020, and the number continues to grow.

As of 2020, Pickleball has 4.2 million players in the U.S., according to the SFIA 2021 Topline Participation Report. The known places to play totaled 8,735 at the end of 2020, and the number continues to grow. Every U.S. state now has pickleball venues, with senior residence communities, YMCA’s, local recreation centers, schools and parks the most common places that have courts.

So, to answer the question about why pickleball is so popular, in a nutshell, the game is an easy to learn paddle sport appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels.  It’s easy on the joints, and combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The only equipment needed is a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Though a great sport for beginners, experienced players compete against each other in fast-paced, challenging and competitive games.

About the SaddleBrooke Ranch Community

Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and high Sonoran Desert terrain, you will find SaddleBrooke Ranch…a Robson Resort Community located in the North Tucson area of Arizona. In this idyllic setting, SaddleBrooke Ranch offers a quiet sanctuary from the hectic pace of life. Beautiful mountain vistas, from every direction, provide a dramatic backdrop to resort-style amenities and distinctive homes.

As soon as you drive past the entry gate, you will appreciate the tranquility of quiet surroundings, the comfort of a roving patrol, and the relaxing warmth of friendly neighbors.

With so many ways to discover new interests while cherishing old favorites, it is easy to enjoy your own kind of lifestyle. Here you do not have to settle on anything, except what you want to do today. Live Life Inspired at SaddleBrooke Ranch.

Amenity Overview

You will find an abundance of exceptional amenities at SaddleBrooke Ranch. From the magnificent new Ranch House Clubhouse and Creative Arts and Tech Center to a resort-style pool complex, indoor pool, casual & fine dining, fitness & sports facilities, and social gathering spaces all designed and built to enhance the resort lifestyle enjoyed every day by the residents.

La Hacienda Club:

Exquisitely appointed and furnished La Hacienda Club offers residents access to both fitness and relaxation in comfort and style. Here you will find a resort-style outdoor pool, indoor lap pool, fitness room, bistro & lounge, wellness room, a luxury spa with massage rooms, and much more.

Ranch House:

The Ranch House at SaddleBrooke Ranch serves as the hub of the community. It is a gathering spot to meet up with friends, a place to grab a bite to eat, or a place just to hang out. Relax in the rustic-meets-modern spaces that exude a sophisticated, yet casual elegance. Features such as sanded brick, stone accents and dark wood beams accentuate the spaces giving residents and visitors a keen sense of casual luxury.

Sports Courts:

At SaddleBrooke Ranch, you will find this is the premier community when it comes to racquet sports. Challenge your friends and neighbors to a spirited match on one of the 24 Pickleball courts, enjoy a game of tennis on one of the 6 tennis courts or play a round or two on the 4 bocce ball courts.

Creative Arts & Technology Center:

The Creative Arts Center at SaddleBrooke Ranch offers active adults the opportunity to unleash their inner creativity. This brightly colored and inviting center features several fully-equipped rooms ready to provide you with creative inspiration to start a variety of projects.

SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club:

Revel in the beautiful North Tucson area setting and 18 holes of championship golf at the SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club. Avid golfers and beginners will also enjoy the convenience of the on-site pro shop, driving range, and lush landscaping.

Other Amenities:

Community Garden, Gated Entry, Dog Park, Nature Trails, Ed’s Dogs, and many more!

Golf in February:

February arrives with the promise of warmer weather on the horizon. Thus far, we have had a warm winter, which was a perfect follow-up to the wet summer we experienced while replacing the greens. The greens are beginning to soften, so do not forget to repair ball marks. Also, please do your best to reduce the time your cart is on the turf, to control turf damage for better conditions for all. Stay in tune with the Forecaddie to keep up to date with everything pro shop and golf course related. In the sections following, you will find all the information relating to this month in golf, as well as contact information for our golf associations and our Greens Committee.

Pro Shop Schedule Pro Shop Hours:

Opens 30 minutes before the first tee time and 1 hour before shotguns.

The pro shop closes at 3:00pm.

Pro shop staff will carry the pro shop cell phone (520-561-1196) until 5:30.

Staff is available until one hour before sunset.

First tee time 2-1 to 2-14:    7:45am

First tee time 2-15 to 2-28:  7:30 AM

Last tee time 2-1 to 2-28:     4:30 PM

Shotguns: 8:00/1:00

Midday 12:00 – 1:52

Rate Periods:

2-1 to 2-14

Prime 7:45 – 11:52

Midday 12:00 – 1:52

Twilight 2:00 – 3:22

Super Twilight 3:30 – Sunset

2-15 to 2-28:

Prime 7:30 – 11:52

Midday 12:00 – 1:52

Twilight 2:00 – 3:22

Super Twilight 3:30 – Sunset