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    History

Stonycroft Hills Club is a member owned and operated golf course located in the heart of Bloomfield Hills.

In 1928, Theodore McManus, a local advertising executive and golf enthusiast, designed and built his own golf course on his land. Mr. McManus later donated a portion of this property to create Saint Hugo of the Hills church which was named in memory of his son, Hugo, who died at a young age. A few years later, he leased the golf course to Martin who gave it public access.

In the early 1950s, Inez Geitz assumed lease of the property from John McManus, Ted's son, and eventually purchased the property for $75,000. She married Don D'Onofrio, an assistant pro at the Country Club of Detroit. They continued to run it as a public course until 1958 when they made it private.

The D'Onofrios then sold it in 1960 to a group of members who eventually became the club's shareholders. The original property contained a log cabin which has since been replaced by the current clubhouse in 1991.

Past Presidents

Past Presidents

1960-61    Ross Howard*
1961-62    James W. Harris*
1962-63    John A. Mundell, Jr*
1963-64    Maurice R. Simpson*
1964-65    Eugene J. Zepp*
1965-66    Jack L. Barry*
1966-67    Norm F. Ficke*
1967-68    Wendell A. Doyle*
1968-69    William G. Lichtenberg, Jr*
1969-70    Thomas C. Graham*
1970-71    Robert E. Warne*
1971-72    Bradford Edwards*
1972-73    Joseph L. McGinniss*
1973-74    John N. Veneman*
1974-75    Jack H. Cvengros*
1975-76    Graham Smith*
1976-77    Harry L. Manza*
1977-78    Thomas C. Carter*
1978-79    Clyde N. Simpson*
1979-80    Lyle R. Oviatt*
1980-81    William F. Hengel*
1981-82    Thomas E. Dolan*
1982-83    Donald T. Smith*
1983-84    Jack E. Harned*
1984-85    Cleve B. Masson*
1985-86    Corman H. Bean*
1986-87    Barrington M. Hatter*
1987-88    James A. Patterson*
1988-89    Alfred M. Becker*
1989-90    Robert E. Wilkinson*
1990-91 Donald W. Upward*
1991-92 John M. Saylor*
1992-93 Edward Gorney
1993-94 Robert Wagner*
1994-95 David Brogren*
1995-96 Robert Blank
1996-97 Benjamin Smith*
1997-98 David Kellett
1998-99 David Payne*
1999-00 Paul Shapiro
2000-01 Ralph Cowie
2001-02 Carl T. Cook*
2002-03 C. Kirby Callam
2003-04 Roger Chapman
2004-05 Joseph Gerber*
2005-06 Jim Zick*
2006-07 Carl Walters*
2007-08 Niki Gallaudet
2008-09 Dave Royer
2009-10 Dave Calver
2010-11 Les Schoonover
2011-12 Greg Campbell
2012-13 David Martin
2013-14 Mark Moyer
2014-15 Ed Murphy
2015-16 John Dennison
2016-17 Ed Lewan
2017-18 Bruce Mansfield
2018-19 Hank Beadle
2019-20 Patrick LePage
2020-21 Jeanne Chapman
2021-22 Martha Moyer
2022-23 Dave Wiese
2023-24 Steve Carl

History of Stonycroft

History of Stonycroft

As Durand Brown recorded in the original History of Stonycroft Hills Club, the land on which Stonycroft stands has a long and interesting history. For a number of years, stone arrowheads and hatchets were found on what was believed to be a path used by Chief Pontiac and his men as they camped along a fork of the Rouge River in the area that is now the club. Legend also holds that a well on the property, capped after it was owned by Stonycroft, was the only one in Oakland County not poisoned by the chief.

During the mid-1800s prominent Detroit businessmen bought farmland in what is now Bloomfield Hills, one Mr. Charles Stinchfield among them. In the early 1920s advertising executive Theodore MacManus bought the farmhouse, ice house, smoke house, several tenet houses and two barns that comprised the 72-acre farm from the Stinchfields and named it Stonycroft. Stony, we can only assume, because of the unusually stony composition of the soil (including everything from pebbles to large fieldstones) and croft, the British/Scottish word meaning “small farm.”

Mr. MacManus’ son Ted later shared with a member of Stonycroft Hills Club how his father made use of some of the farmland. The elder MacManus, having a desire to play golf but too shy to do so in public, decided to construct his own personal course. It can be noted here Mr. MacManus was a right-handed man, dispelling the commonly held idea that the course was designed for left-handed golfers.

Clearing the land for this project was no small feat, as the smallest stones had to be removed by hand – a job eagerly accepted during those years of the Great Depression by men who were willing to do the back-breaking task for meager wages. Many of the land’s large fieldstones were used for fencing along the roadways of the farm.

Mr. MacManus later donated the land on which an old barn stood for the purpose of erecting a church which was named in memory of his son, Hugo, who died at a young age.

Don and Inez D'Onofrio purchased the 40+ acre golf course in the early 1930s and operated it as semi-private Stonycroft Golf Club until 1960. In late summer of that year, as the golf season was coming to a close, Don casually mentioned to member Ross Howard that he and Inez planned to put the course up for sale. Ross, taken by surprise, immediately spread the news among friends with whom he had long played golf at the club, and the group began meeting to discuss ways in which they could raise the $10,000 down payment required by the D'Onofrios.

Attorney John Mundell advised that they call a special meeting of the general membership, form a corporation and elect a Board of Directors, which they did. Board members Ross Howard, Stanley Morden, James W. Harris, Graham Smith, Stanley Pratt, Everett Barber, Maurice Simpson, Ray Wulff and John Mundell met for the first time on September 29, 1960, elected Ross Howard as president and created the articles of incorporation. Stonycroft Hills Club was officially founded October 10, 1960.

Time-consuming, and difficult, best describes the Board’s first year. After months of meetings and much discussion, the Board decided to offer the D'Onoffrios a lease/purchase proposal, the terms of which, as recorded in the original History of Stonycroft Hills Club, were "a fiveyear lease at $22,500 per year with option to purchase for $310,000, with $50,000 down and monthly payments extending for 15 years at 3% interest per annum on the unpaid balance." The offer was formally accepted on December 31, 1961.

While the Board busied itself that winter with club business and operation, sometimes requiring two or more meetings weekly, members enjoyed the social opportunities available to them: ice skating on the pond, cross-country skiing on the golf course and, on Friday evenings, bowling at Birmingham Bowl after which it was not unusual for the group to end the evening socializing and playing cards at the clubhouse.

With spring came Munch and Punch, an Entertainment Committee event that made history as it became the traditional signal of the official opening of the club. The Spring Warm-up Scramble was the first golf event of the season followed by organized golf for both men and women beginning the first week of May. Social activities were a vital part of life at Stony, loaded with cook-outs, costume parties, style shows, luaus and even an old-fashioned box social. Golf season ended with the Harvest Tournament in October. A dinner dance at a local country club in November was the highlight of the social season, in future years becoming known as the Presidents' Ball, honoring the outgoing and welcoming the incoming president of Stonycroft.

Several years passed, and payment of annual dues – $180 for singles and $300 per family – was inconsistent. Many supporters of the original lease/purchase agreement left the club as the time to exercise the purchase drew near. This, along with the fact that the $400 initiation fee from the 220 planned for members had not yet been achieved, caused concern for the Board members. In spite of this, the land contract for the club’s purchase was signed on January 3, 1964, with membership certificates being mailed to the 167 accepted members on January 25, 1964.

William Kennedy served as club pro of Stonycroft from 1962 to 1965, at which time Gerry Prieskorn came on board. Gerry initiated a Junior Golf Program for children of members. By 1969, 55 youngsters were enrolled. The program was a launching pad for children of each gender who competed and did well in state junior golf tournaments. Later, several of them competed in and won the Stonycroft Hills Club Championship as teenagers.

Harold Fiebelkorn replaced Fred Meinberg as greens superintendent in 1966. Harold also had mechanical skills and was able to repair much of the used equipment that had been purchased from the D'Onofrios, saving the club a considerable amount of money through the lean years. Harold began the installation of an underground watering system in 1969, much to the delight of some members who recalled that "there were hoses all over the course, since we needed to keep the greens and fairways watered, and when you played, your partner or others you played with had to 'crimp' the hose to let you play your ball. Many times, they 'un-crimped' it too soon, resulting in everyone getting very wet." Other improvements of the ‘60s were the planting of 50 new trees to replace those that had been lost to Dutch Elm disease, the addition of several new sand bunkers and the purchase of property south of the parking lot (at a cost of $17,500), to be developed into a practice range.

Replacing the clubhouse – the site of the pro shop, snack bar (a long counter, several bar stools, stove and refrigerator) and two small locker rooms – was an ongoing topic of conversation among members. In the early 70s the Board surveyed the membership as to whether they wished to replace the clubhouse at a cost of $150,000. Little interest was shown since the project would require an increase in dues that, at the time, were $35 per month.

It was then decided to make better use of the space available. This was accomplished by moving the pro shop out of the clubhouse and into a shed that had been built to store a limited number of golf bags. A member donated lunch tables and chairs for the snack area, and furnishings were purchased for a small sitting area. Several years later a hired carpenter, with assistance from club members, replaced the entire front of the log cabin with a 12'x25' glass addition, greatly enlarging and enhancing the clubhouse. Locker rooms were updated at this time as well. A group of women assumed the responsibility of selecting decor and furnishings for the newly expanded areas and a beautification committee used a $675 donation to landscape the outside area of the new addition.

Much-needed course improvements and essential maintenance continued to be a priority throughout the ‘70s. A plank bridge replaced the original landmark stone bridge over the pond on #1 hole when the bridge’s deterioration made it unsafe. Other projects included asphalt cart paths, a chain-link fence erected for safety purposes between #2 and #5 tees and a practice sand bunker. In the fall of 1979, work began to replace the two small #3 greens (the one on the right being used when playing 9 holes and the one on the left when playing 18) with one large green.

There were other interesting facts of the ‘70s. Mike Dennis was club pro from 1971 to 1978. A Hole-in-one Pot began in 1971. Retirees (men only) Wednesday a.m. golf began in 1972. The first Ladies’ Invitational was in 1974. A small airplane, out of gas, used #8 fairway as a landing strip on May 8, 1975 (no divot taken). The pro-shop & club storage area was expanded to 20'x20' in 1975. In 1976, 23,400 rounds of golf were played. 32 couples played in the Husband/Wife Tournament and 55 people on the waiting list. Mike Pomante replaced Mike Dennis as club pro in 1979.

Tee times weren’t required prior to the ‘70s. "One simply got in line at #1 tee and waited his turn, and sometimes the line was pretty long," said one charter member. Now, however, with enthusiasm and interest at an all-time high, tee times were a must. On weekends and holidays, it was not unusual to have two foursomes on each tee. That was the downside...the upside being that a new member soon got to know everyone as there was plenty of time to get acquainted. If one wanted a choice tee time on holidays or weekends it was necessary to be in line at the door of the pro shop when it opened on sign-up day. Friday afternoon tee times were also at a premium due to the popularity of the cook-out which took place later in the evening. Since the clubhouse was not air-conditioned, the most delightful place to cool off after a round of golf was under the trees near the clubhouse...thus, those teeing off over the pond on #9 were either cheered on or commiserated with – whichever the case might be – by the gallery gathered there!

Participation in club events was excellent. Scrambles were always a sold-out affair, usually having two teams of five on every hole. The Club Championship was the most popular golf event of the year and competition was keen to say the least! The women honored winners of their competition with awards, recognition and refreshments after the final hole of play on Thursday. Space around the 18th green was at a premium on the final Sunday of the men's competition, and if one wanted a front row seat, it was necessary to arrive very early. The day ended with the Salute to the Champs awards ceremony and a potluck dinner.

The highlight of the decade, a gala affair and one never to be duplicated, was the celebration of the Burning of the Mortgage on June 18, 1977. After dinner came a literal "burning of the mortgage" ceremony, a memorable occasion attended by 207 members and guests. The evening ended with dancing on a portable dance floor to the music of a live band.

Change began taking place in the '80s. Play decreased when some of the still-employed original members transferred out of the area. Other members retired and moved away, and some members, due to health or aging issues, just did not play as much golf as they had in the past. However, among those who did play, competition and enthusiasm were greater than ever! Social events, most of them outdoors on the patio, were so well attended that it became necessary to enlarge the patio area. This was done and picnic-style tables (enough to seat 100) and a large grill were purchased. Even with the additional seating there was not enough to accommodate everyone during holidays and the Club Championship celebration.

Concluding that it was prudent to replace resigning members with younger people, the Board opted to give precedence to wait-listed members’ children over older applicants. The Board also increased the number of members from 200 to 210 and the initiation fee from $4,500 to $6,000. This made it possible to construct a much-needed equipment storage and maintenance facility, purchase a new greens mower and edge mower, complete the watering system, construct a retaining wall for the purpose of preventing erosion in back of #5 green and #6 tee, re-roof the pump house, relocate the #2 ladies tee from under the trees on the left to the center of the fairway and to begin rebuilding the #2 green.

Change was even more pronounced in the ‘90s! Plans for the longdesired new clubhouse were well underway by the opening of the season and a special meeting was called June 14, 1990, the purpose of which was to approve plans for and financing of the $550,000 project. Accomplishing this required an increase in membership to 240, an increase of the membership fee from $6,000 to $7,500, an increase in monthly dues to $90 per month and an $800 assessment per member, refundable upon resignation. In addition, bonds were available for purchase by members only. More than 80% of the membership present voted in favor of proceeding with both the plans and financing as presented. The course was closed for play in late September and the Harvest Tournament cancelled in order that preparations for the new structure could get underway. Ironically, the log cabin was demolished October 10, 1990, exactly 30 years from the day Stonycroft Hills Club was founded.

The clubhouse was the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Stonycroft members. Fortunately, the membership included people with expertise in all phases of the project, from demolition to decorating, who willingly volunteered time and effort to see it through to the end. The formal dedication of the building on April 28,1991, was a grand affair, beginning with shuttle service from an off-site parking lot to the new clubhouse, where members were greeted by bagpipers dressed in full Scottish attire. Recognition and accolades were given to those who worked so tirelessly to see a new clubhouse become a reality, after which the pipers escorted members to the area where a plaque of dedication was installed.

Members, especially those from the early days, were excited about the many amenities the new clubhouse offered.... beginning with large, bright locker rooms, complete with showers (towels not supplied, as was quickly discovered by one person), a spacious reception area with comfortable furnishings on the first level and a dining room with a large stone fireplace, a small meeting room, a commercially equipped kitchen, a beverage locker room and lavatories on the second level. Members generously donated to the purchase of chandeliers, china and flatware for the dining room, and a more formal style of dining replaced the Friday night cook-out – rendering the patio area a practice putting green.

A new class of membership, Social, was established for members who no longer played golf but wished to remain in the club. Pro Jake Pilat replaced Steve Partinio in 1990 and initiated both the Pro-Member & Member/Member Tournaments as well as "Jake's Italian Suppers" a means of raising money for the junior golf program, in which a record number of 65 (many of them being grandchildren of members) were enrolled. Many course improvements were made during this time-the most notable being the rebuilding of #8 green and, once again, replacing the bridge over the pond on #1 hole... this time with a replica of the original landmark stone bridge. In 1999, the Holzbock property adjoining Stonycroft was purchased by the Club for the sum of $376,500. Members were assessed a $1,500, refundable upon resignation, fee for this purchase. A Property Utilization Committee was then appointed to determine the best use of the newly acquired property. Pro Jake Pilat resigned in 1999 and Chip Seltzer, one-time assistant to Jake, was hired.

The twenty-first century was the beginning of a new era in the history of Stonycroft! While a number of physical changes occurred in the past, major changes in the internal structure of the Club were to occur within the next decade. Stonycroft's applicant list was over the top, at times having as many as 90 individuals interested in membership. In view of this fact, the initiation fee was increased to $14,000 plus the $1,500 equity fee, monthly dues were $135, and the reorganized Property Utilization Committee moved forward with plans for the Holzbock property. A detailed model of the proposed development was constructed for display in the lobby of the clubhouse prior to the formal presentation at a special meeting of the membership called for August 7, 2000. Members were favorably impressed with the plan, but the consensus of those present was that, due to the estimated cost of the project, between $500,000 and $600,000, the project should be put on hold.

Harold Fiebelkorn, greens superintendent at Stony for nearly 38 years, tendered his resignation in 2002. He was replaced by Mr. James Timmerman, who had recently retired from that position at Orchard Lake Country Club. Jim’s letter of acceptance described his passion for landscaping – a statement that later proved to be an understatement as he, along the multi-talented men and women on the greens committee, began the transformation of Stonycroft into what eventually was to become the most beautiful nine-hole golf course in Oakland County. Jim also supervised course improvements like a state-of-the-art irrigation system, the expansion and reconfiguration of #6 green, a rebuilt #7 green, construction of new sand traps, the planting or relocation of 40 trees and the rebuilding and landscaping of the existing practice range. Kosch Catering Service was hired as caterer during this time and, under the direction of Sue Bench, proved to be most efficient and accommodating.

A downturn in the local economy began to affect Stony's applicant list in 2002. It stood at 47 and was steadily decreasing, so the Board lowered the initiation fee to $10,000, and created a four year payment plan.

Major changes occurred in 2006:

  • Tom Cook was hired as club manager. Prior to this, the workload was the responsibility of the Board, a secretary, treasurer and various committees comprised of numerous volunteers.
  • Pro Alex Krumm replaced Chip Seltzer. Alex retained Derek Brown, Chip’s assistant since 2000.
  • Stony entered the cyber age with its own website efficiently designed by one of its members, another volunteer.
  • An Associate Membership for young people was created with the initiation fee paid in level annual payments from joining until age 35.

A milestone in history was reached in 2007 with the election of Niki Gallaudet as President of Stonycroft. While women had served on the Board in past years, Niki was the first woman to serve in this capacity. She quickly proved her executive skills when in January of 2008 she was called on to deal with a major business issue. The location and beauty of Stonycroft had attracted the attention of many throughout the years, the latest being that of a commercial entity who submitted a written proposal to purchase the property for the purpose of developing an upscale retirement/care community. A special meeting of the membership was called to discuss and vote on the acceptance or rejection of the proposal. The proposal was rejected. The remainder of her year was not quite so eventful!

A full recession emerged in 2008. The Membership Committee offered an incentive program to members, in hopes of encouraging family and friends to apply for membership. The Board of Directors continued to explore innovative ways to attract new members in a very challenging economic environment.

As is evident, Stonycroft is unique in that it has always operated as a volunteer oriented club. So many have contributed so much that, lest we inadvertently omit someone, it is impossible to recognize individuals for a specific area of service. Researched, compiled and written by Marie Harned (2008)

References:
  • History of Stonycroft by Durand Brown, Historian, July 8, 1993
  • MR. STONY archives and Contributions from Members

Addendums to History

Addendums to History

2006 addendum:
  • To enhance the Friday night’s cookouts, a Patio was designed and built, which included two huge 20 foot umbrellas and ample seating. Later, Gazebos were added to the right and left of the cooking area.
2007 addendum:
  • The Upper Deck, was changed to a set-up of custom designed and built high top tables to provide a better view of the golf course, more than double the seating capacity and provide more efficient food service.
2009 addendum:
  • Having served as Assistant Greens Superintendent for two years, John Gray was promoted to Greens Superintendent when Jim Timmerman retired after seven years of dedicated service to Stonycroft.
  • Initiation fee was reduced to $5,000, the $1,500 Equity Fee eliminated, payment plan expanded and the two Associate Members were converted to the Active Member payment plan.
  • Kosch Catering, after serving our members for seven years, was replaced by Sterling Catering services for the 2010 season. Sterling Catering services brings enthusiasm and a promise for innovation and quality service to heighten our dining experience.
  • Directors donated the Stonycroft Hills sign on the old Opdyke gate. • Active Membership was 218 as of mid March 2010.

2010 addendum:
  • It was a year of celebration - celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonycroft Hills Club!! Susan Blank gathered an eclectic and enthusiastic group of women to produce one of the most memorable parties that the Club has ever enjoyed.
  • Alex Krumm offered 50th anniversary clothing and accessories throughout the summer in the golf shop. • Sterling Catering featured food and drink relative to the 50th anniversary on their menus.
  • John Gray "earned his stripes" as Greens Superintendent by presenting a perfectly maintained golf course for the entire season.
  • Everything culminated on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10), a glorious day filled with fun and frivolity and yet another wonderful meal. The dining room was filled to capacity, and every seat on the deck was occupied as well!! It was a perfect tribute to our very unique Club.
  • Chief Pontiac tree carving next to the number eight tee was donated in the memory of Tom Joliat by his family. 
2011 addendum:
  • New member incentives remained in effect.
  • An unusual and exciting phenomena occurred in December. Our Pro (Alex Krumm) and our Assistant Pro (Derek Brown) celebrated the birth of baby daughters within ten days of each other!!
  • Board approved the Graham Smith memorial garden funded by member donations. Plaque to be installed in the Spring of 2012.
  • Directors donated the funds for phase 1 of the basement activity room construction.
  • Active Membership was 222 as of March 6, 2012.

2012 addendum:
  • Completion of the lower level – 2011 and 2012 Board Directors gifted much of the funds for the conversion of the basement area to a large multi-purpose activity room, an organized storage area and a dedicated area for the caterer. Les Schoonover, known for his generosity to the Club, donated his own time and labor to complete the project. The activity room (named “The Back Nine”) includes a pool table, tables and chairs to accommodate meetings and other functions, a beverage area and flat screen television for viewing golf, other sporting events and entertainment.
  • The annual President's Ball was changed to a Holiday Party, presented at our beautiful Clubhouse. The change in venue provided opportunity to celebrate the change in seasons while honoring our outgoing President. The party was sold out and a new tradition has begun!!
  • Active membership stands at 231 Active; 4 Honorary; 7 Social, and 2 on Temporary Leave, as of March 31, 2013.

2013 addendum:
  • Active membership stands at 214 Active, 4 Honorary, 8 Social and on 8 Temporary leave as of March 31, 2014The new Forward Tees were installed. Stonycroft was one of the first clubs in the area to follow the new PGA initiative to grow the game and “Play it Forward.”
  • The practice putting green was re-leveled and the bridge on the north side of #2 was removed.
  • Women may play the course any time it is open.
  • The club went to electronic billing for members
  • A special assessment was voted in by the membership to provide funds for capital improvements to the clubhouse. The assessment will be collected in 2 parts, one in 2014 and the second in 2015. All members of record as of 12/1/2013 were assessed. 
2014 addendum:
  • Active membership stands at 223 Active, 3 Honorary, 6 Social and on 6 Temporary leave as of March 31, 2014
  • Fabulous renovation of the ladies locker room--applause to those who precipitated and completed the project.
  • During the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Club's membership approved funding for the renovation of the men's locker room and the redirection of monies initially intended for the parking lot resurfacing to finance a renovation/expansion of the first floor lobby/gathering area. Because it was important to create a unique and welcoming gathering area, individual members were invited to make personal contributions to supplement redirected funds to complete the project in the spring of 2015.
  • Removed left bunker next to the green on #8, creating a totally different approach to the hole.
  • Sidewalk to the entry of the Club is now brick pavers--Beautiful addition!
  • Three major storms eliminated several large trees --John Gray and his crew dealt with the damage rapidly, thus minimizing the time the course had to be closed.
  • Club rules now allow women to golf at any time.
  • Website updated to be more user friendly, complete with a Google map.
  • Club signs were improved and an "official" Stonycroft Hills Club sign was installed at the end of Stonycroft Lane.
  • Stonycroft was featured on the cover of Downtown, a printed periodical that is delivered to Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills residents.
  • Niki Gallaudet, Club Historian

2015 addendum:
  • Reconfigured lobby and men's locker room to create smaller but more appealing men's locker room and an enlarged Gathering Area with casual tables, a bar, a flat screen TV and a glass door wall that allows an instant view to our beautiful golf course.
  • 63 new active members in the last two years, bringing total active membership to 248.
  • Monthly dues were increased from $220/month to $240/month, with the $20/month increase being directed toward capital improvements.
  • In the interest of improving speed of play, the out of bounds on the right side of hole #6 was changed to a lateral hazard.
  • Alex Krumm left the head professional position at SHC after 9 seasons to pursue another opportunity outside the golf industry.
  • Niki Gallaudet, Club Historian 
2016 addendum:
  • As of year-end there were 252 active members, 5 social members and 2 honorary members.
  • At this point new member applications now are going on a waiting list…SHC is one of very few local private clubs with a waiting list.
  • To modernize local storm sewers, the Oakland Country Water Resource Commission (WRC) and SHC worked together on a project that allowed the WRC significant access to the club to dig and replace the water drainage systems supporting the local community. Over the winter and up into May significant efforts took place to move earth and lay pipe, then replace turf, trees, and bunkers. The club was closed for several weeks at the traditional start of golf season, and not fully reopened until late May. However, upon completion of the project the course was swiftly returned to its original condition.
  • A bunker was added in the right-hand side of the 6th fairway maintain the difficulty level of the hole, after trees guarding the dogleg corner were removed due to aging.
  • Ryan Reynolds joined SHC in 2016 as our newest head golf professional.
  • Niki Gallaudet, Club Historian Hank Beadle, Club Secretary

2017 addendum:
  • Active membership stands at 246 • Nine names on the Waiting List!
  • No dues increase. • New outdoor furniture on porch and patio
  • New golf cart parking area away from Clubhuse
  • Resurfaced parking lot
  • Added fairway sand trap & moved Ladies Tee forward on hole #2
  • Added Saturday night food service = “Saturday Night Above the Green”. Very popular addition
  • Niki Gallaudet, Club Historian Greg Jacobs, Club Secretary

2018 addendum:
  • Full membership of 250 with a waiting list for the entire year
  • Dues remain at $240/month • Food minimum increased to $340 for 2018
  • Initiation fee to increase to $5000.00 on January 1, 2019
  • $500/member assessment due 3/1/2019 for critical maintenance andcapital improvements.
  • The walking bridge on #2 was replaced • The North bridge on tee box #4 was replaced
  • New sand trap installed on hole #6 
  • The “Pond Gate” on hole #9 was repaired
  • Accountant was hired to assist with integrating our financials into JONAS software
  • Health reimbursement plan was set up for employees
  • The dining room, including new furniture, and upstairs bathrooms were remodeled
  • New scoreboard was constructed in the outdoor patio area
  • Tom Cook resigned as office manager and Lisa McGinn was hired to replace him
  • Niki Gallaudet, Club Historian Dave Wiese, Club Secretary 

2019 Addendum
  • Our membership numbers throughout the year remained very close to our 250 maximum
  • Our dues and fees did not change from 2018
  • A separate bank account was established to hold capital funds
  • The pond in front of the 9th tee was dredged
  • The upstairs patio area was refurbished
  • The stairway from the kitchen to the parking lot was replaced
  • All Green Book roster information was generated from our Jonas club management system. 
  • Email addresses were included in the Green Book
  • The dress code was modified to allow denim in all areas of the club except for the driving range and on the golf course
  • The Stonycroft web site was redesigned with many new features including the ability to book events online, a member roster and a public facing page for membership applications.
  • The exterior of the clubhouse was painted
  • The stonework on the bridges was repaired
  • Sterling Food Services informed us that they would not be returning for the 2020 season
  • In September, the board voted to increase the membership maximum from 250 to 255
  • Dave Wiese, Club Secretary

2020 Addendum
  • 2020 marked the 60th anniversary of Stonycroft Hills Club. A Fall celebration was held in conjunction with the Pure Michigan event.
  • The worldwide Covid-19 pandemic caused a significant impact to our operations throughout the entire 2020 season.
  • Our Clubhouse was closed from mid-March through early June.
  • We had to cancel all indoor social event from Mid-March through June.
  • Take-out only food service began in early June.
  • The start of the golf season was delayed. When we were able to open the golf course and clubhouse there were many clubhouse adjustments including the installation of a hands-free ice and water machine, maintaining social distancing and face masks while indoors and restrictions on the course (no sharing golf carts, no removing the pins, no public water jugs, and many more).
  • A significant positive result of the pandemic was that by the end of the season, we saw a 30% increase in overall rounds of golf as it became one of the few activities that Michigan residents could take advantage of. Additionally, dining was restricted to a 50% capacity indoors so many of the dining activities were moved outdoors to the outside patios and porch.
  • Fortunately, we had no Covid-19 outbreaks related to club activities.
  • Dues were increased from $240 to $270 per month split as $245 for operations and 30 for capital. The 1st operations increase since 2013 and the 1st capital increase since 2015.
  • The club created a permanent position of General Manager to oversee club operations. This position was offered to Ryan Reynolds who took on a dual role of the GM/PGA Professional.
  • We engaged a new food service provider, TruFoods Management in a three-year contract. Owner and Executive Chef Jimmy Stepp is a graduate of Hyde Park Culinary school in New York, New York.
  • Derek Brown, one of our long serving assistant pros left that position to pursue other opportunities.
  • Key capital improvements included a major renovation to #8 bunker and alignment of the #9 tee boxes. Other key projects included a new roof on the maintenance barn, replacement of the patio steps and the steps to the #3 blue tees, and the irrigation pumps in the pump house. New equipment purchased for the course included a course sprayer with accessories and greens roller. A double door refrigerator was purchased for the kitchen.
  • A concentrated focus on office business operations and tight fiscal management became a key focus for the Board of Directors and our new General Manager. A cornerstone of our fiscal management was reducing the large number of accounts that were more than 30 days overdue. By early July we had no accounts that were more than 30 days overdue.
  • Membership upper limit was expanded to 255. Through targeted advertising and a promotional discount of the initiation fee, we grew from 232 members on January 1 to 255 by late May. We maintained that 255 level through the end of the year.
  • Dave Wiese, Club Secretary

2021 Addendum
  • The Covid-19 pandemic continued to impact regular operations through the early summer.
  • Dining events were limited to 50% capacity.
  • Adjustments made to clubhouse amenities in 2020 continued to be adhered to.
  • Stonycroft was hit with record breaking precipitation throughout the year closing the course completely on numerous occasions.
  • A patio improvement project was developed and voted on by the members of the club. The project did not pass
  • The bylaws were revised and edited by the bylaws revision committee and voted on by the members at the annual meeting as well as by electronic ballot early in 2022.
  • The bunker on the approach to #1 was removed as well as the bunker to the left of #5 green.
  • The greens committee presented, and a vote was held and passed to put in a well to replace the current irrigation source (the pond).
  • Membership was increased to 260 which we maintained throughout the year and a waiting list was created.
  • Lisa McGinn left Stonycroft in July to explore new opportunities.
  • Linda Cullen joined the Stonycroft office team as the Membership Services Director in July.
  • Beginning Jan 1st 2022 initiation was increased from $5000 to $6000.
  • Dues were adjusted to reflect $35 rather than $30 going to the capital fund. Dues remained at $280.
  • TruFood did not renew a contract for the 2022 season and a new search began for another caterer.
  • Ryan Reynolds, Club General Manager

2022 Addendum
  • Martha Moyer served a club’s Sixty-third President from mid-October 2021 through mid-October 2022.
  • Monthly dues remained unchanged at $280/month.
  • Capital allocation of dues increased from $30 to $35/month.
  • The initiation fee increased from $5,000 to $6,000.
  • The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were restated and approved by the membership. This brought them up to date with Michigan law, made them more flexible, and removed several inconsistencies.
  • In August proposed amendments to the new bylaws were approved to allow for electronic voting on the few budget items that were specifically excluded from electronic voting in the restated bylaws noted above.
  • We began the year with a full membership of 260.
  • Sweetest Gourmet became our new food service caterer.
  • Our Financial and Tee Time management system was migrated from Jonas to foreUP. This allowed us to accept ACH and credit card payments.
  • Course and clubhouse operations returned to normal following the Covid crisis.
  • The Golf Committee was restructured into 3 sub-committees: WGA, Co-Ed, and Men’s Golf. That allowed for an equal voice and better focus for each of the 3 group golf communities at Stonycroft.
  • The “All Day Café” was implemented by the Food Committee and Sweetest Gourmet.
  • The President’s Cup club event was made Co-Ed.
  • We executed a full membership survey.
  • The patio was replaced and made slightly larger and much more level. A firepit was added.
  • The membership approved a $600/Shareholder assessment to fully fund the scope of the irrigation well project. Following the pilot well drilling activity, it was determined that the aquifer was robust enough to support our water needs. The project was re-scoped to improve the wet well in the stream.
  • Dave Wiese – Stonycroft Hills Club Vice-President

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