The Membership Directory provided to new Members and updated each year is the best reference source. It contains a section with By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the various departments and policies covering most Birchwood activities. Please contact the Property Owners Association (POA) Office for current information or any questions you may have at 231-526-2166.
Who may use the Club under our Membership?
· Spouses and dependent children 21 years and younger may use all facilities as a guest without guest charges.
· Immediate family members of property owners may use all facilities, subject to the Rules & Regulations. Guest charges may apply. Charges may be made to the property owner’s account or to family member’s Visa/MasterCard upon showing a guest card. Guest cards are available through the POA Office. IMMEDIATE FAMILY IS DEFINED AS ADULT CHILDREN, THEIR SPOUSES AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN 21 YEARS AND YOUNGER, AND THE PARENTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS.
What is the dress code?
Casual attire in good taste is permitted in the Clubhouse. The following items are considered inappropriate in all Club areas: Tank or halter shirts, t-shirts, thong-style swim suits, short shorts, micro-mini skirts, cut off shorts or any other clothing management feels inappropriate.
Blue denim, bathing and fitness attire with proper cover up or sweat suits are allowed south of the elevator including the Casual Bar and the Golf Pro Shop. The Casual Bar is the only dining area where blue denim is allowed. Hats or other head covers are not to be worn by males within the covered areas of the Club, aside from the Three-Way area and the Golf Shop. Denim is not allowed on the golf course.
What are the rules for pets?
Dogs, cats and birds are permitted. While walking your pet in Birchwood they must be on a leash and under control at all times.
Does Birchwood have Wi-Fi?
Yes, we have a wireless “hot spot” available that can be accessed on most of the main floor of the Clubhouse including the Casual Bar.
What is the Club’s tipping policy?
Food and Beverage charges:
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A suggested gratuity of 18% is added to the sales check. If you wish to give more or less, that is certainly acceptable. In the club industry, 18% is fairly standard. Space is provided on the check if you prefer to write in a dollar or percentage amount.
Others:
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Tipping is always at your discretion. Members and guests do regularly tip the bag boys and parking attendants.
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Members may also express their appreciation to the full-time staff through a contribution to the holiday bonus fund. You will receive a mailing in November each year regarding this program.
What should I know about our Birchwood account?
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Whenever signing for a charge, be sure to include your lot number. It is also your Account Number. Members may not use credit cards for any purpose. Guests, accompanied by Members, may use Visa or MasterCard for payment. Guests may use cash or credit cards in the Golf Pro Shop and Tennis Pro Shop.
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You will receive a detailed monthly statement before the 10th of each month. Payment is due before the end of the month in which it is received. Electronic funds direct bill payment is also available. Credit cards cannot be used to pay member balances. Please contact the Accounting Office at 231-526-2166.
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The Accounting Office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.
GOLF
What is the tee time reservation rule?
Tee times may be reserved up to one week in advance by calling the Golf Pro Shop at 231-526-6245. Renters may reserve tee times no longer than two days in advance.
What are the rules for Guest Play?
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A Member is required in every foursome in the peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
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Immediate family members may play unaccompanied any time.
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A non-house guest may play no more than three times per season.
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Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, unaccompanied guests are permitted with approval of the Golf Professional.
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Renters may invite guests; however, they will be limited to a maximum of two foursomes.
Do you offer bag storage & lockers?
Bag storage is available through the Golf Shop seasonally and for short term. In late winter, you will receive a mailing from the Club with information for both the bag storage and locker sign up. Of course you can sign up for either, at any time in the Accounting Office.
How is the Birchwood handicap established?
If you have an established handicap at another golf course, it may be transferred to Birchwood. Otherwise, every score should be entered into one of two available computers, and after 10 scores, you will have an established handicap.
What are the golf fees?
|
2011 Green Fees |
|
Immediate Family 9 Holes |
$20.00 |
|
Immediate Family 18 Holes |
$40.00 |
|
Accompanied Guest/Short Term Renter 9 Holes |
$45.00 |
|
Accompanied Guest/Short Term Renter 18 Holes |
$70.00 |
|
10 Prepaid Guest Green Fees |
$500.00 |
Green Fees - Shoulder Season
(September 15 thru May 15) |
|
Immediate Family 9 Holes |
$10.00 |
|
Immediate Family 18 Holes |
$20.00 |
|
Accompanied Guest/Short Term Renter 9 Holes |
$20.00 |
|
Accompanied Guest/Short Term Renter 18 Holes |
$40.00 |
|
Cart Rental Fees |
|
18 Holes |
$19.00 |
|
9 Holes |
$11.50 |
What is the Club rule for golf spikes?
All golfers are requested to refrain from wearing shoes with traditional metal spikes. Metal spikes are not allowed inside the Clubhouse, Golf Pro Shop or on the decks. By recommending soft cleats, Birchwood does not endorse one set over another or warrant the safety thereof.
What is the golf course dress code?
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Men and boys must wear shirts with collars, turtlenecks or mock turtlenecks. Mock turtlenecks must be a minimum of 1 ¾” in length, measured from neck seam to top of collar. All shirts must be tucked in.
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No cut-offs, short shorts, tank tops, tee shirts or blue jeans are allowed.
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All cuffs of shorts must not be higher than mid-thigh length.
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No denim is allowed on the golf course.
What is the policy with respect to walkers?
In order to speed up play during prime playing periods, all golfers will be required to use a golf cart unless an exception is granted by the Golf Shop staff.
FITNESS CENTER
What are the Fitness Center hours?
The Fitness Center is open daily from 6:00am – 10:00pm year round.
Who can use the Fitness Center?
The equipment area is accessible by POA Members, Social Members, Renters and guests of each. Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent. Guests are limited to four visits per year and must be accompanied by a Member. All Members and guests MUST sign in before each visit. Locker rooms will be available during the scheduled hours of operation. The door on the east wall that leaves directly from the equipment room is for emergency access only.
Towels are supplied. All cardio equipment has personal TV’s that are to be accessed with headphones only. Headphones and batteries can be purchased in the Accounting Office if needed. Birchwood also supplies antiseptic wipes to be used on equipment after each use.
Is the Fitness Center staffed?
There is not a trainer on staff. Members are able to use the facility in conjunction with Personal Trainers. Personal training sessions must be reserved with the Club. A reserved personal training session is only for the facility, individual equipment cannot be reserved. A master calendar and login book is maintained by Birchwood personnel and will include a contract and signed waiver. Personal Trainers will be responsible to invoice all personal training charges through member accounts. Birchwood will retain 20% of all personal training sessions as a user fee for the facility. Personal Trainers not abiding by these rules will be denied access to the facility. Personal trainers may also schedule time to be on-site to market their services to members at no cost to Birchwood.
TENNIS & SWIM
What is the court time reservation rule?
Reservations must be made for court use. Reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance. If unable to keep reservations, please cancel as a courtesy to others.
What are the rules for guest play?
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All guests, except renters, are limited to playing a total of six times per season and must be accompanied by a Member.
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During the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day, a Member must accompany each guest except rental guests or immediate family. Rental and immediate family guest membership cards are necessary for proper identification.
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All players (Members and Guests) must register in the Tennis Pro Shop prior to any play.
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Children under 12 using clay courts must be accompanied by an adult.
What are the guest fees for tennis?
$10 per person, per visit.
Is there a dress code for the courts?
Yes. Proper tennis attire is required at all times. No cut-offs, denim jeans or tank tops. Dark soled shoes are not to be worn as they damage the courts.
When does the pool open for the season?
The opening day for the pool will be Memorial Day, weather permitting. The pool will close on Labor Day, weather permitting. All persons (members and guests) MUST register and sign up in the Tennis Pro Shop before entering the pool area.
HOMEOWNERS
Should we leave a house key at the Clubhouse?
It is completely discretionary. It provides convenient controlled access to your home for security checks, mechanical problems if they develop, home services and the occasional owner who forgets keys or locks themselves out. Keys are secured in the Accounting Office and released on authorization of homeowners.
What general information would be helpful for us to know?
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Trash pick-up and disposal procedures:
· Pick-up is every Friday. Birchwood’s trash pick-up provider is American Waste Refuse Service.
· Red trash bags marked with American Waste should be placed curbside before 8:00am on Friday mornings ONLY. Unless a holiday falls on a Friday, then pick up will be Saturday.
· Trash bags are available in packages of 10 through the Clubhouse Accounting Office and the Receptionist Desk and are charged to your Club account.
· Red trash bags ONLY marked with American Waste may also be deposited in dumpsters located behind the maintenance building off Middle Road.
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The POA is required to schedule a pump out of your septic tank every three years.
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The POA owns and maintains its water system. Every homeowner is billed the same flat monthly rate of $25.
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Each year in the fall, you will receive a letter outlining the home security services and snow removal plans available to you. In the interim, if you have questions concerning these services, please contact the Club at 231-526-2166.
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In general, any house additions, new decks, stain color changes, tree cutting, etc., require prior approval by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC).
BIRCHWOOD SECURITY
How large is the Security staff?
There are six experienced, well-trained Security Officers. Birchwood provides 24 hour, 7 days per week security coverage. The Security direct line is 231-526-2751.
Who do I call for emergencies?
Call 9-1-1.
What happens if I call Security and there is no one answers?
Unanswered calls to Security (231-526-2751) automatically page the Security Officer on duty.
In the event I am away from my Birchwood residence for extended periods, what services are available?
The Security department offers weekly, bi-weekly or monthly inspections at a modest cost.
Residents who leave for the winter and heat their homes are strongly encouraged to install a freeze alarm in the street-side window. If the temperature in the home drops below a designated temperature, the bright red light comes on in the window, indicating a problem.
Who responds in the event our home security system alarm is set off?
The control operator should be directed to contact Birchwood Security first. If they are unable to make contact, a law enforcement department should be notified.
