General Manager Update
AUGUST UPDATE 2026
Dear Members,
The season is flying by, and it’s hard to believe we’re already into August. Thank you for your continued support of Columbia Hills throughout the season. Whether you’ve been enjoying the golf course, dining, the pool, social events, or our many club activities, your participation has made this another outstanding year.
Below are a few important club updates, along with a look ahead at what’s coming over the next several months and our plans for next season.
Pool Update
As we move through August, several of our college staff will be returning to school, which will an impact on pool staffing.
The season is flying by, and it’s hard to believe we’re already into August. Thank you for your continued support of Columbia Hills throughout the season. Whether you’ve been enjoying the golf course, dining, the pool, social events, or our many club activities, your participation has made this another outstanding year.
Below are a few important club updates, along with a look ahead at what’s coming over the next several months and our plans for next season.
Pool Update
As we move through August, several of our college staff will be returning to school, which will an impact on pool staffing.
On select days, the pool may operate as “Swim at Your Own Risk” when a lifeguard is unavailable. During these times, our Food & Beverage team will continue to provide full service at the pool, and our Maintenance Manager, Dan Dick, will perform daily maintenance and water quality checks.
We will communicate these dates in advance so members know when lifeguard coverage will not be available. We believe this approach is preferable to reducing pool operating hours and appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Looking ahead, we are also in the process of selecting all-new pool furniture for the 2027 season. We are evaluating several options while reimagining the pool deck layout to maximize seating, comfort, and the overall member experience.
Golf Course Irrigation Project
The installation of our new golf course irrigation system is just around the corner, with work scheduled to begin at the end of this month.
The project will be completed one hole at a time to minimize disruption to daily play. Once construction begins, we will provide regular updates identifying where work is taking place so you can plan your round accordingly.
This investment represents an exciting improvement for the long-term health and conditioning of our golf course, and we appreciate your patience throughout the installation process.
Fall Events
As summer begins to wind down, we have an exciting lineup of fall events planned for our members and their guests. From golf tournaments and social gatherings to holiday celebrations, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the club throughout the remainder of the season.
Be sure to watch your email and the club calendar for registration details and event announcements. We look forward to seeing you at many of these upcoming activities.
Golf Course & Practice Facility Dress Code Reminder
As a friendly reminder, all members, dependents, and guests are expected to follow Columbia Hills’ dress code while on the golf course and practice facilities. Our staff has both the responsibility and authority to interpret appropriate attire and ensure these standards are maintained.
Men’s Attire
Permitted
Golf slacks
Bermuda-length golf shorts
Collared golf shirts (must be tucked in)
Mock-neck golf shirts with a minimum 1½-inch collar that cannot be construed as a T-shirt
Not Permitted
Jeans or denim of any kind
Cut-offs
T-shirts
Hats worn backwards
We will communicate these dates in advance so members know when lifeguard coverage will not be available. We believe this approach is preferable to reducing pool operating hours and appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Looking ahead, we are also in the process of selecting all-new pool furniture for the 2027 season. We are evaluating several options while reimagining the pool deck layout to maximize seating, comfort, and the overall member experience.
Golf Course Irrigation Project
The installation of our new golf course irrigation system is just around the corner, with work scheduled to begin at the end of this month.
The project will be completed one hole at a time to minimize disruption to daily play. Once construction begins, we will provide regular updates identifying where work is taking place so you can plan your round accordingly.
This investment represents an exciting improvement for the long-term health and conditioning of our golf course, and we appreciate your patience throughout the installation process.
Fall Events
As summer begins to wind down, we have an exciting lineup of fall events planned for our members and their guests. From golf tournaments and social gatherings to holiday celebrations, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the club throughout the remainder of the season.
Be sure to watch your email and the club calendar for registration details and event announcements. We look forward to seeing you at many of these upcoming activities.
Golf Course & Practice Facility Dress Code Reminder
As a friendly reminder, all members, dependents, and guests are expected to follow Columbia Hills’ dress code while on the golf course and practice facilities. Our staff has both the responsibility and authority to interpret appropriate attire and ensure these standards are maintained.
Men’s Attire
Permitted
Golf slacks
Bermuda-length golf shorts
Collared golf shirts (must be tucked in)
Mock-neck golf shirts with a minimum 1½-inch collar that cannot be construed as a T-shirt
Not Permitted
Jeans or denim of any kind
Cut-offs
T-shirts
Hats worn backwards
Women’s Attire
Permitted
Golf slacks
Bermuda-length golf shorts
Golf skirts
Sleeveless and/or collarless golf tops that present a neat appearance and are appropriate for golf
Shirts may be worn untucked, provided they maintain a neat appearance
Not Permitted
Jeans or denim of any kind
Cut-offs
Tank tops
Halter tops
Tube tops
T-shirts
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us uphold the traditions and standards of Columbia Hills. If you have any questions regarding the dress code or whether a particular item is appropriate, please contact the Golf Shop. Our staff is always happy to assist.
Thank you again for your continued support of Columbia Hills. We appreciate your membership and look forward to an exciting finish to the season. We look forward to seeing you at the club soon!
Regards,
Mike Jaeger
General Manager
JULY UPDATE 2026
Dear Members,
I hope you have been enjoying the club so far this year. As we move into July, I would like to provide several updates regarding a special event, course improvements, and club policies.
Elvis Tribute
Fred Ode has specifically requested that we bring Nathan Pittorf to the club after discovering his talent in Buffalo. We are excited to host this Elvis tribute and hope you will join us in filling the ballroom on Saturday, July 17.
Please come and enjoy the sounds of young Elvis along with a special themed menu prepared for the evening. We look forward to seeing you there. Click HERE to learn more about the show.
Course Improvements
We have begun clearing the hillside on hole #4 to improve the view of the landing area. Once the undergrowth is removed and we can better assess the scope of work, we will also begin removing trees from this area.
Additionally, we are approaching the start of our new irrigation system installation. We are currently targeting mid-to-late August for the commencement of this project, which should allow us to complete the installation before winter. I will share firm dates as they are finalized. Please note that while this project will have a significant positive impact on the golf course for years to come, there will be minimal interruption to daily play.
Conduct
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, staff now have a formal process for documenting behavior that does not align with club rules. While staff may not always address every situation directly, incidents will be documented and reviewed by management. Repeated or serious violations may result in disciplinary action.
The quality of the member experience is shaped by the consideration of our members, their families, and guests. We appreciate your partnership in maintaining the standards and atmosphere that make Columbia Hills a special place.
We look forward to a safe and enjoyable summer season.
JUNE UPDATE 2026
Dear Members,
I am pleased to provide an update on several improvement projects around the club.
Fillipic Property:
We are pleased to announce that Columbia Hills recently purchased the Fillipic property, which includes a significant portion of the land for hole number four. We are currently parceling off this land to ensure it remains a permanent part of our course.
This acquisition allows us to improve the view from the tee box. Starting this Monday, we will begin clearing trees and underbrush to provide an unobstructed view of the landing area.
Please note that clearing this space and establishing new grass will take some time. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the course.
Driveway / Parking Lot:
The driveway repairs are now complete. The project proceeded exactly as planned without any weather delays, and we appreciate your patience throughout the process.
Grill Room Patio:
The grill room patio is also nearing completion. This week, we leveled the concrete and applied a liquid granite finish. We anticipate the new furniture will be in place within the coming week.
Pool Furniture:
Regarding the pool area, we recognize that the current furniture has reached the end of its lifespan. While we plan to replace these items next season, we have had all existing pieces professionally cleaned prior to the pool opening. Our staff will also maintain a rigorous daily cleaning schedule. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize other essential capital improvements this season.
Patio Furniture:
Finally, as our new patio furniture was recently installed, we kindly ask that you treat it with care. Our previous furniture sustained significant damage over time, particularly from cigarette and cigar burns.
Thank you for your continued support.
Regards,
MAY UPDATE 2026
Dear Members,
We are set to begin a significant and much-needed driveway project on Monday, May 11th. During this time, the usual flow of traffic at the club will be impacted. Staff will be onsite daily to assist with parking and shuttle services.
The project will be completed in three phases:
– Phase 1: Work begins on the steep hill from the clubhouse to the valet lot. This 70′ x 22′ area will be replaced with 6″ of wire-mesh reinforced concrete, which will better withstand heavy traffic and braking.
– Phase 2: The valet lot will be milled and completely repaved.
– Phase 3: The main driveway will be milled and repaved. We will work on one half of the driveway at a time to maintain traffic flow.
We anticipate the entire project will take approximately one week to complete. We will send daily updates regarding parking and shuttle services to keep you informed of each day’s progress.
Thank you for your patience as we complete these necessary upgrades to our facility.
Irrigation Update
As previously discussed, Fred Ode approved the installation of a much-needed new irrigation system for the golf course. We have entered into a contract with Commercial Irrigation, who will oversee the construction and installation of the new system.
This project is scheduled to begin in the fall and, weather permitting, will be completed before winter arrives in Ohio. The installation process is expected to have minimal impact on daily play. All new irrigation lines will be bored underground, and the construction crew will work on one hole at a time to limit disruptions.
After extensive planning and coordination, we are pleased to share that a working model of the new system has been finalized. The most noticeable improvement for players will be more consistent course conditions. This does not mean increased water usage—on the contrary, the new system will operate more efficiently, using less water while providing better overall coverage. Additionally, our team will gain the ability to target specific dry areas, a capability we currently lack.
This significant investment will greatly enhance the overall maintenance of the property and elevate the playing experience at Columbia Hills. We will provide additional updates as construction schedules are finalized.
