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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2026 | 13 The biggest complaint from golfers in previous years was the condition of the sand traps. After a two-year deferral, the sand trap renovations are scheduled for completion in 2026 and the GAC thanks golfers for being understanding and patient with the progress of this project. The next focus is to address the increase in concerns regarding the poor condition of several tee boxes. Decisions regarding the best approach to take within the budget and scope of the work, in consultation with our golf course superintendent, are underway. The condition of a tee box is vital in making a good impression to any prospective new golfer or guest since it the first thing they encounter. Because of the footprint-to-foot traffic and concentration of golf shots within a restricted area, tee boxes show the most wear and tear on the golf course. The tee surface needs be firm, level, have essential irrigation, drain well, and be large enough to provide rotation of tee locations. Many golfers think the process is as simple as levelling the tee box with a shovel and then either re-seed or sod the area. While this results in short-term cost savings, it usually results in unlevel areas, poor drainage conditions, and soil surface conditions that only last a few short years. Many of our tee boxes are small in area and should be expanded to prolong their useful life span. The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) recommends tee boxes be replaced every 15 years. Sun Lakes has done much better in this regard as many of our tee boxes are original. Experience shows that bringing in specialists produces the best results, saves time, and is the most cost-effective approach. Laser levelling with proper equipment is necessary to expand the tee box footprint, ensure proper drainage, and improve soil conditions. The GAC continues to work on making recommendations to improve tee boxes to best serve golfers while staying within budget. ~ Mike Callahan, callahm56@yahoo.com Golf Advisory Lifestyles Magazine is the resource most residents turn to find out what's going on in our community. At up to 80 pages, it includes pictures from residents plus articles from the Master Board, Delegate Assembly, FirstService, the Restaurant, the golf pro, and all the advisory committees. Clubs and groups send articles and photos about their activities to Sunlakesnews@yahoo.com by the sixth of each month. The Lifestyles Advisory Committee meets on the seventh of each month, unless otherwise specified, to review and edit the articles submitted for each month's issue of the magazine. We also publish want ads and for sale items from residents at no cost and hide a monthly joke for residents to find. Responses to our "Get the Joke" contest are put in a hat and a winner is randomly drawn, earning a Visa gift card as a prize. Photographs taken by residents of areas within Sun Lakes are used on the magazine cover. We also post pictures of residents on their vacations, or of their beloved pets. If you're good at proofreading and are interested in joining us, please fill out a volunteer application form that you can get in the Main Clubhouse Lobby, and we'll put you on our waiting list. Lifestyles Advisory We are in a New Year and here are some reminders for us all: 1. When driving, stop at stop signs and be aware of speed limits here in Sun Lakes. On Country Club Dr. and Glen Eagles Dr., 25 mph is the speed limit. In the sub-associations, the speed limit is 15 mph. On other streets, the limit is 20 mph. Slow down and smell the roses, as they say. 2. When walking your pets, please keep them on a leash – for their safety as well as others. Try to utilize our new dog park as much as possible. And ALWAYS pick up after your pets! 3. Keep your garage doors closed during the day and always after dark. No sense in giving an invitation to the bad guys! 4. And finally, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. CALL (951) 845-2163. Securitas is here to help us and keep order in our community and their officers will respond quickly if you see something or need assistance. God Bless and best wishes for 2026. ~ Michael Volz, (818) 310- 1950, vmv1950@aol.com Safety Advisory The Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) is asking for volunteers to join us in advising the Master Board regarding cash investments, review of financial statements, and funding of our reserves for HOA improvements and repairs. If you have experience in finance, investments or management of operations please join us. To apply to the FAC for consideration, complete an interest form found at the Main Clubhouse reception desk. The FAC is chaired by Cathy Phillips and Co-Chaired by Kathy O'Hara. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. ~ Cathy Phillips, cclpcathy@gmail.com, (909) 297-9520 Financial Advisory

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