It is wonderful to see so many Members enjoying our course in both competition and social rounds. At the moment Steve and his team are working hard to present the course, week in and week out, to the highest standard and I am sure we all appreciate their efforts.
With increased participation comes the challenge of maintaining the pace of play. Slow play can lead to distraction and frustration to those following. We all share the responsibility of maintaining a reasonable pace – being ready to play and keeping up with the group in front, not simply staying ahead of the group behind.
Our autumn renovations are underway and with assistance from mother nature, we should see our greens improve over the next month or so. Unfortunately the coring will not eradicate the couch invasion that is prevalent in the greens but the ongoing applications of Pylex that Steve has been using for the last four or so years, will keep it under control to a point. I have recently spoken to our Agronomist and he has confirmed the same, that what Steve is doing is a controlling strategy and not an eradication process. However without Steve’s efforts, we would see the couch spreading more widely through our greens. So what are the solutions? We can wait until someone invents a herbicide that kills couch, being aware that couch root systems can go down 300-400mm. Our Agronomist believes that is some 5 or more years away. Simply we need to replace our greens in a similar manner to the 7th hole, including the rebuilding of greenside bunkers that are also in need of extensive work. This is not a cheap exercise and requires a lot of planning.
Similarly the Clubhouse has its own issues that must be considered and planned for. Many people have commented that we need a new roof and possibly we do, but what do we do with all the other problems that exist with our current building. Additionally we do not have the facilities to compete with other licensed clubs, hotels and cafes in the area, which is of a major concern to the well-being of our business. The interior of the club has undergone an effective upgrade recently but problems with the clubhouse go deeper than what people see on the surface.
Hole 7 is now open and no longer do we have the luxury of getting 2 points without playing a shot. The green is taking a little longer to settle down but the newly laid bent grass is challenged by the recent high humidity. This will improve as the cooler weather begins. We also need rain to help break down the water we get from the bore, which can be high in sodium at varying times. Any new green takes time to develop and adjust to the eco climate it sits in while handling the traffic from golfers. We can help out by fixing pitch marks each time we walk onto the green.
Congratulations to the various Members, mainly women, who have decided to move forward to the purple course on the “Pick your own tee” days. This shorter course, 400-600 metres, will test your skills. Your handicap will be reduced, however that only reflects what the shorter course is meant to present. The idea of moving forward is to add challenge, fun and the opportunity to make more pars and birdies. Your adjusted handicap takes care of the rest. Starting in late March we will be introducing “Pick your own tee” days on Sundays. It would be good to see Members leave their egos at the door and embrace this forward challenge.
Finally golf is a game built on integrity, courtesy and consideration of others. Polite communication, when issues arise, goes a long way to preserving the spirit of the game. Respect for fellow Members, Board members, staff, guests and the course itself, remains fundamental to both our enjoyment of the game and the culture of the Club. The Board, management and myself are aware of small groups of Members hell bent on spreading false information around the Club. Some of this is personal, as well as incorrect. Comments such as “skewering the Board” are both offensive and without justification.
As a Board, we have developed a Strategic Plan for the future. It will necessitate change. We will shortly be holding a series of Members Information nights to address the current situation of the clubhouse and golf course. We will be discussing possible future options that we have been considering and researching. Please avail yourself of this opportunity to be correctly informed.
I repeat something I had said before;- if you have a concern, please speak to myself, Gavin or Ian or any Board Member. We are very happy to listen to your concerns and at the same time correct some mis-information being spread around. No Board or Management is all-knowing, but this Board does have a vision for the future that shows respect for the past and is well researched and considered, for the benefit of everyone at our Club.
Lindsay Verdon
Captain