04/03/2026
A Heartfelt Farewell
Dear Members,
After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role as Golf Course Superintendent as I begin a new chapter in my career. As I look back on the past 10 years—and now into my 11th season—it’s hard to put into words what this club and its membership have meant to me.
This place has never just been a job. It has been a second home. Every early morning, every long day, every challenge faced and milestone reached has been driven by a deep sense of pride and responsibility to deliver something special for all of you. To care for this golf course has been both an honor and a passion.
This has never just been a job. It has been a commitment, a responsibility, and truly a second home. I hope you know the pride I took in being your superintendent each and every day.
There are so many moments that will stay with me forever. I think back to the early years, when we didn’t even have a fully functioning pump station, and I would come in night after night just to turn the pumps on—one season totaling 109 extra nights—because that’s what it took to keep the course moving forward. I think about building things from the ground up, like installing a new pump house where there was once nothing or constructing a new cold storage building to support the operation and its future. And then there are the days that tested the turf staff in every way. Like the morning of my own wedding, after 2.5 inches of rain fell the day before, when I was out on the course making sure we were ready to host a 156-player celebrity outing. Seeing that event come together—with guests like Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael—was a moment of pride not just for me, but for what we were able to accomplish as a team under pressure.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible crew I had the privilege to work alongside. Mark, Chris, Israel, Dylan, and Kyle—these guys weren’t just coworkers, they were the backbone of everything we achieved. Through long days, early mornings, tough conditions, and big projects, they showed up, worked hard, and cared deeply. I’m grateful beyond words for their loyalty, their effort, and the years we spent building something together.
It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’ll always remember the people who made this more than just a job—it truly felt like a family.
The relationships built here—whether in passing conversations, shared laughs, or moments of appreciation—have meant more than you may ever realize. Your support, your patience, and your pride in the course made even the toughest days worthwhile. You didn’t just allow me to do my job—you gave it purpose.
There’s a unique bond that comes from watching the seasons change on a golf course year after year, and knowing you played a part in shaping what members experience each day. I will always be proud of what we accomplished together, and deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me to steward something so important.
Leaving is not easy. In many ways, it feels like I’m leaving a part of myself behind. But I do so with a full heart, knowing how special this place is and confident it will continue to thrive.
Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful. I will always look back on my time here with gratitude and pride.
With sincere appreciation,
Mike Papineau
