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- Fore Info December 2023Continue reading →
New Captains survive Drive-In
- An update from the Chair: new Chairman opening piece
- Club Captain News: new captain sets out his initial goals
- Ladies Captain: new captain looks forward to her year and covers recent events
- Team Golf: England Golf accolade for our leader
- Competitions: key info on Winter Play/Competitive golf and Trophy Presentation Evening.
- Rules Quiz Question and Answer: ”accidents on the green”- what to do?
- Greens News: the latest on our course and winter plans
- Juniors: new captain Rosie Rooney gives update
- Vets update: new captain with roundup of all Vetish
- General Managers update: important club info
- Social: find out about the recent and upcoming events
- Pro’s Corner: lots of offers for Christmas and a raffle not to miss
- Winners in the 100 Club: did you win? Need some/more tickets?
This month we welcome our new Captains Richard Lane, Sandra Hooker, Ewan MacGregor and Rosie Rooney. A great quartet of super enthusiastic captains! No car park incidents this year just a pitch mark in the practice putting green and nearly a hole in one! Although the owner of that ball did take a ‘full set of irons’ just in case the wind got up…
Lots to read about their plans for the future in this edition. Also an introduction from our new chairman, Alan Farrell. Finally we welcome our new Chairs of Social (probably should be Bar Stool not Chair) Alicia Hardy and Planning and Development, David Fox. Congratulations and thanks for stepping up…
A big well done to Rosie Rooney for taking 5th place at the Junior European Open! Amazing, again putting AGC on the map.
Some key info about the golf course and winter play are a must read. Don’t miss out on the latest social events and sign up dates or subscription renewal due on January 1st!. Finally take a look at the pro’s corner for the special raffle and offers for great Christmas presents.
Don’t forget pro shop, bar/catering, greens and office staff, when your golf group arranges their Christmas tips! They deserve a big thank you for the excellent and hard work in 2023.
Let me know what topics you would like covered in future editions. Oh and let me know what you think…
I take this opportunity to thank ‘all’ readers of Fore Info (both of you will get a free drink…) and wish you all a merry festive season and a successful, healthy and fun golfing 2024!. Enjoy the read.
David MarshallEditor
From the Chairman
Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who supported and voted me for office as the new Chair of the Management Committee (MANCOM). I was truly humbled by the level of support I received and the trust and faith our membership have bestowed on me.
I will ensure I work hard on behalf of everyone to help lead our wonderful club into the future.
I would also like to pass on thanks to Nick Duncan who also put himself forward for the role of Chair of MANCOM.
It would be wrong not to pass on thanks to my predecessor Robert White for the huge amount time and hard work he put into the role and passing on the reigns with the club in such a good position to take things forward.
Annual General Meeting 2023
Due to a prior arranged trip to Barcelona for my wife’s birthday I unfortunately was unable to attend this year’s AGM that took place on Friday 24th November 2023 in our fabulous clubhouse. Whilst the full minutes are not yet available, I am able to provide an overview of some of the key points
The following members were elected to hold office;
Alan Farrell – Chair of Management Committee (MANCOM)
David Fox – Chair of Planning & Development
Alicia Hardy – Chair of Social
David Harrison – Land Trustee
Keith Monkhouse – Land Trustee
Ratification of existing officers for the following year;
David Crawshaw – Chair of Finance
Chair of Greens – Derek Myers
Competitions and Handicaps Secretary – Gill Freemantle
Club Captains
Richard Lane has now taken over the role as Club Captain from Simon Freemantle; I am sure everyone will join with me in wishing Richard a fantastic year ahead; ably supported by Gary Mugford who’s nomination to become Vice Captain was approved.
Annual Subscriptions
The proposed annual subscriptions rates and supporting reasoning that had been circulated prior to the AGM was approved.
Whilst I am very new to the post; I would like to express my thanks on behalf of all members to those volunteers who help in and around the club for everyone’s benefit.
I look forward to the year ahead with much enthusiasm in supporting our committees, staff and members and seeing our wonderful club thrive in 2024.
Alan Farrell
Chairman of the Management Committee
From the Club Captain
I am looking forward to working as a team with Gary Mugford my Vice Captain plus Sandra and Polly from the ladies’ section and Ewan and Andy from the Vets section and know we will all do our best to support the golf club and its members. Rosie Rooney will be Junior Captain and due to the success of the junior section over the last two-years supported by Gareth Rees and Mark Wood we are bringing back the Junior Vice Captain and this will be Tobias Cobb.
So, for projects, apart from proposing a non-alcoholic bar, (which I eventually decided against, as I would likely be out after my first day) I would like to continue the good work started with the Marshal’s Pilot and will discuss this further in CapCom.
What do I want from the members? Well, you are all actually Marshall’s if not in name. You should all have respect for other people on and off the course. Some people play as fast as they can (heath issues), others just enjoy being out with friends, but we do have a few that could and should just play a little quicker and give consideration to others on the course to make sure everyone has as an enjoyable time as possible.
The Charity the captains have chosen is Cardiac Rehab (Alton) which is dedicated to helping improve Heart Health, fitness and wellbeing of individuals with or at risk of developing heart disease. Ranges from rehab to retain-improve fitness. Some of you may be aware the club has a defibrillator in the main entrance but how many of you would be comfortable on how to use it? Did you know it actually talks to you and tells you what do?
To start this off I am going to do something different, you will be able to sign up online via clubV1 (Today’s Golf) or terminal at the clubhouse entrance. It will be £10 a ticket for a raffle ticket where the Charity “Car Parking space” will be the top prize, plus additional prizes of a 4 ball at Corhampton and dozen Prov1 balls or your preferred balls up to the same value.
Finally, we pay good money and give up our valuable time trying to play golf. Most of us hit more bad shots than good shots but over 18 holes we do actually hit a shot that get us coming back week after week. We have a great course, excellent practice facilities most clubs only dream of and great staff.
There are lots of people that would love to be able to play the game but due to health are unable to do so. So, lets at least have some “Fun and enjoy it”. Let us all be a positive ambassador for our club.
Richard Lane
Club Captain
Ladies Section
I have a very hard act to follow, Gunnel has been a brilliant Captain, quietly going about the role without any fuss. She can be extremely proud of her year, and will look back with great pride.
We have lost Caroline Warne our hardworking Treasurer who has been doing a fabulous job for the last four years but in Sue Pearce our accounts will be in another pair of safe and capable hands implementing the changes to our accounting system. We are fortunate to to welcome Jane Macrae again who was co-opted last year and Sigi Hill, I am fortunate to have a great committee. It goes without saying I am delighted Polly agreed to be my Vice Captain.
Thank you all for attending the Ladies AGM and then the Captains Drive-In on Sunday. Les and his team produced a super show for everyone to learn a little more about us. At the AGM’s we announced this years Club Charity, Cardiac Rehab, a local charity in Alton, which provides health benefits to a good number of our members including my husband Mike.
November, despite being very wet has been a busy month, we have had Visitors Coffee Morning which was well supported, followed by the Christmas Bazaar which for the first time was a stand alone event. I would like to thank Sarah Worthington for organizing an excellent day, I think the weather did us a favour instead of playing in the rain ladies had coffee and shopped instead, with raffles raising £650. We certainly have very generous members in terms of selling and supporting our raffles thank you everyone involved this year.
The Club Dinner on 11th November was another entertaining evening, many thanks to Simon for choice of menu and Ben and the team for producing a lovely meal with everyone dancing the night away.
Great news, Rosie Rooney qualifying for the second time to play in the Junior European Open in Cadiz, Spain in November and finished in the top 5. The Ladies at the Alresford Golf Club congratulate and wish Rosie all the very best for her golfing experiences in the future.
I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Ladies Texas Scramble on 12th December. This is always a fun event and will help to get us into the Christmas spirit. The sign up is on the board with a closing date of 5th December. Additionally the Christmas Jumper roll up takes place on 19thDecember with signup to follow.
Although we are in the midst of winter, we are still a very busy section with lots to look forward to including the Turkey Trot, the first Winter Triple at Lee on the Solent and the continuation of our 9 hole and Winter Foursomes competitions. The Maple Leaf, Hayling and Legg Bowl matches are under way and I wish the teams the best of luck.
The Ladies committee have taken the decision not to organize a roll up on New Years Day, as we only had 12 members turn up, 6 of which were the organizers and the Club Captain and his wife. However, the Boxing Day event was very well supported, with members seeming to prefer organizing their own tee times or not playing at all after a late New Years Eve.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sandra Hooker
Ladies Captain
Team Golf: EG Award
We are delighted to share the news that the founder of the Team Golf, John White, has been nominated for a prestigious England Golf Award – Lifetime Achievement Category – this reflects his outstanding commitment to the club over nearly 60 years as a Captain and volunteer, specifically the multiple benefits to the club that Team Golf has brought.
We look forward to seeing you all next year on the 18th of April, when we return to commencing the season with the first round of the Championship when everyone plays!
Our very Merry Christmas greetings to all who have supported Team Golf and we do hope you have a really enjoyable celebration. Your support is very much appreciated and long may it last.
Best wishes and a prosperous New Year,
John, Jan and James White
The Team Golf Team
Competitions and Handicap Committee Report
Presentation Evening
It was great to see so many winners and supporters at Presentation Evening, celebrating in everyone’s success. 2/3rds of our total 76 trophies were presented on the evening. Many thanks to those that gave up their time to polish.
Glassware for Collection – For those that were not able to attend Presentation Evening, but who may have won glassware mementos, please check the notice board in the Foyer and collect any glassware from the Pro Shop.
Winner of Fred Morse Trophy (Most Consistent Golfer)
It is at Presentation Evening where the winner of the prestigious Fred Morse trophy is announced. This trophy is awarded to the player who has had the most consistent performance through out the year. This is not necessarily about winning each event, or even being our lowest handicap player. Data is collected on the number of competition rounds played, the competition gross scores and score differential compared to the Course Rating. No General Play rounds or data are included in the analysis. The data is completely anonymised and given to an independent panel for review and assessment to determine the winner of the trophy. Not an easy decision this year, but nevertheless unanimously agreed by the panel, the winner of this award for 2023 is Robert Gwilliam. Robert was both surprised and delighted to win this award and concluded the evening with appropriate thank you’s.
Winter 2023/24 – General Play Scores
As the course status changes frequently at this time of year, the facility to submit scores via the England Golf App has been suspended. Players may still submit scores (and scorecards) via Club Systems, provided the course is qualifying. Please keep an eye on the daily updates by the Greenstaff on the course status via the App, and course signage that is visible on the first tee. If the course is not qualifying, then no General Play rounds will be permissible. The C&H Committee complete regular checks on General Play cards and will delete and scores that are submitted on days when the course is non qualifying.
New Trophy Book
The previous Trophy Book, which was in the Clubhouse, has been updated. Please look out for the new folder which is now on display
The folder contains history and format of all our trophy competitions and includes a QR code link to a file where you can display the history of winners.
The contents of the folder will remain draft for a period of consultation and should not be taken as final. Positive feedback and suggested corrections are welcome.
WHS Changes
There are some changes to WHS that will come into effect on 1st April 2024. More details to follow in next month’s Fore!
Gill Freemantle
Chair Competitions & Handicap Committee, Handicap Secretary
A Look at the Rules
Question
In which of the following situations should a player replay a stroke made on a putting green?a) Ball accidentally hits an animal.b) Ball accidentally hits a person.c) Ball accidentally hits a removed flag stick.d) Ball accidentally hits a bunker rake.e) Ball accidentally hits a person tending the flagstick.f) Ball accidentally hits a loose impediment.Greens
Yesterday, when I carried my clubs, played on temporary greens and saw the sheep in the rough between the fourth and the fifth I knew winter had arrived! Consequently, we should all be prepared for occasions when the course is non qualifying because it is shortened because of frost greens or winter projects. Also, we should be prepared for trolley and buggy bans. We take these decisions reluctantly and I trust you recognise that they are necessary measures to keep golfers safe and to protect our course. Even when we can use trollies and buggies, please follow the guidance of V1, such as the 90-degree rule.
Those that have played the course in the last week will have seen that the work on the tenth tee is going well. Ground works were completed by 24 November. The greenkeeping team have built up the levels at the back of the tee increasing the area of the white tee.
The team have adjusted the irrigation to include the additional area and root zone has been added, depth of two inches, across the whole tee, At the time of writing we expect, conditions permitting, that the work on the tee will be completed by the time you are reading this. This project is intended to help manage traffic and extend the life of the tee.
The green keeping team expect, conditions permitting, to begin our second project, the construction of the echelon of bunkers on the fourth hole, the week beginning the 4 December. The extract from the Hawtree Report that sets out this improvement states the following. “The hole presents three fairway bunkers one on the right side and two on the left side respectively at 200m and 215m from the back tee. These bunkers aren’t especially difficult, so we suggest shifting their position. We feel the challenge of the hole could be heightened by the introduction of four fairway bunkers dispersed in an echelon array and overlapping, the first bunker is placed on the left at 190m from the back tee and the last is located 230m from the back tee. In this way the fairway would be cut in two parts and it restarts after the bunker row, adding more interest to the hole.”
The greens have had various applications of iron, turf hardeners and bio stimulants in the last month or so and fungicides have been applied every three weeks since mid-September. These measures are preventative, intended to stop further outbreaks of disease. The team will apply a wetting agent, in the form of a penetrant, monthly through the winter and this will help water move through the profile. This will help the greens to drain more quickly giving us better playing conditions. To further improve the putting surface the greenkeeping team will aerate the greens monthly. This will keep the oxygen flowing and further improve the condition of the surface.
I’m sure you will all agree that, considering the weather and the time of year, tees and green aprons are performing well. Ideally, the team will cut the greens twice a week. In addition, worm control is being carried out as and when needed. We are using a tee mat on the 7th to protect the tee because it sits in the shade all winter, consequently recovery from any wear is very slow. The tee tops will also receive aeration in the form of solid tining to help water move through. Also, to protect the tees the greenkeepers will, throughout the winter, rotate the position of the tee markers or use tee mats. On occasion this may, unfortunately, effect the qualifying status of the course (as may the shortening of the 10th hole as we repair the tee) and this will be communicated via the V1 app. Please bear with us and understand that we will only do it to protect or improve the course.
As mentioned above we are increasingly likely to be using temporary greens over the next few months. The greens staff have repositioned some of the temporary greens to protect the green aprons. They are all being cut weekly at 7mm and they have had worm control. Overall, the grass quality is improving. The team have marked them with a white line, so if they are not in play members must lift and drop if they land within it.
The recent frosts have caused the leaves to start falling in large quantities so managing fallen leaves will keep the greenkeeping team busy over the next month, this will become increasingly challenging with every night frost. Some of you may know that our woolly friends have already escaped the pen, so please be on the look out for any errant sheep!
Finally, I am regularly asked how we decide on winter projects. First to say (I know I have said this before, but it is central to what we do) there are no pet projects, no individual member of the club no matter what their standing can change or add course features. It is the greens committee who consider the recommendations of Hawtree and decide which projects they consider would improve our course. If these are significant projects such as adding bunkers or if the project incurs a significant cost the projects are then considered by the Management committee. Once approved by MANCOM and funding secured the greens team then implement the works. As in previous years this is the process that we went through for the current set of projects.
Derek Myers
Chair Greens
Juniors Section
Hello everyone, I hope you’re enjoying the challenge of winter golf!First of all, I would like to start by saying thank you to Oscar Vaughan, who has done an amazing job this year in really getting everyone involved and has helped to increase the numbers at our competitions massively.
Following on from that, last week we had the Lillian Rogerson trophy in which 16 people participated, which is great. James Gillard took the win with 41 points, followed closely behind by Jacob and Harriet with 40 and 39. Well played everyone.
The Winter Electric is in full flow, with 10 people so far. However, there is still time to join in if you haven’t already, just make sure to complete your 6 rounds by 21st March 2024.
I do hope to really push for a few more matches this year, as they are a great fun and an opportunity for everyone to play some competitive golf as a team
Have a lovely Christmas break and see you on the other side!!
Rosie Rooney
Juniors Captain
Vets Section
As your new Vets Captain this is the first of my Fore reports, and first and foremost I must extend my thanks, on behalf of all the Vets’, to retiring captain, Steve Oldham for the huge amount of time, work and dedication he has put in during the year.
Our AGM, which was due to take place two weeks ago on Wednesday 15th November, was postponed, and was finally squeezed in on Wednesday 29th November. A constitutional change resulted in our being able to retain the services of three of our long serving committee members; secretary Graham Lumb, treasurer, Ken Coburn, and match secretary Tony Freeman. I retired from my position as Vets’ Tournament Secretary, a position I have, over the last three years, thoroughly enjoyed, and handed the ‘tournament’ reigns over to new committee member Ed Tinley. Andy Gagen, the only other new appointment to the committee, was voted in as Vets’ Vice Captain.
Club Captain Richard Lane was given a platform to introduce to members The Captain’ s Charity, Cardiac Rehab, which prompted an interesting question from the floor. ”Should not the defibrillator be housed outside and not, as so often, locked in the clubhouse?”
A traditional part of The Vets’ is the presentation of trophies and special mention here is the winners of the blue ribband event, The Vets’ Championship. Here there are two trophies to be won; the winner of the best nett score, Terry Lane, and the winner of the best gross score George Skaymen. A great advertisement for the health benefits of golf is that both winners were in their 80s!
The weather during October and November has been anything but kind to us in that a number of our roll up Tournaments have had to be postponed.
The Flag Day competition was eventually held on Wednesday 22nd November and of the 26 participants amazingly all the winners came from the last group out. Torquil Jack was the winner of the red flag, I was the winner of the blue flag and Stuart Slater was the winner of the Green flag, and winner of the nearest the pin, and to cap it all winner of the Flag Day Trophy! Well done Stuart.
The Bagman Trophy competition had been weather postponed so many times it had to be played on November 29th in conjunction with the AGM Tankard which is played on the day of the AGM. So winner of one had to be winner of the other, and both went to Bob Archer with 37 points.
Two ‘surprise’ trophy winners are declared at the AGM, The Captain’s Tankard for the best performance in the Summer Friendlies, and that went to John Goddard, and the other, The Winter Rollup Trophy for the best performance in the winter Rollups, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was me!
I was disappointed to have to inform Winter league captain Bob Archer that the away match at Royal Winchester GC saw the first of our Winter League defeats, 2.5 to 1.5. Our previous two home matches were won 2.5 to 1.5 against Corhampton and 2.5 to 1.5 against Hockley.
The Vets social event of the year, The Vets’ and Partners Dinner was held on Thursday 2nd November, and what a ‘magical’ night it was. Entertainment was provided from table to table, throughout the evening, by a celebrity magician whose tricks absolutely amazed us all.
I was not so enthusiastic when for his ‘pièce de resistance’ I was elected by a Robesbierre-esk baying crowd to be guillotined and, after checking the sharpness of the blade, dutifully place my head in the stock. Fortunately it was yet another of his masterful trick, the wicker basket remained empty and I survived, only to be greeted by cries of disapproval at the apparent failure and calls for a repeat and a ‘better‘result!
Ewan McGregor
Vets Captain
General Manager’s Update
PLEASE HELP US – The new carpet should now be in place in the mens changing room – please CLEAN YOUR GOLF SHOES before entering the clubhouse whether you are accessing the changing rooms, office or bar from the patio or main entrance doors.
Similarly, the shoe cleaner can be used rather than just banging your golf shoes to remove grass and mud in the car park.
Wet weather golf attire should not be worn in any of the seated areas in the clubhouse – please change out of your waterproofs or wet golf wear.
Help us keep YOUR clubhouse clean and tidy
FACEBOOK – check out our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/alresfordgolfclub
Make sure you ‘like’ our Facebook page and you will link to it and get the regular pictures and updates on what’s happening ! Share with your friends to help us boost our online and social media profiles.
INSTAGRAM Follow our brand-new Official Instagram page.
Expect to see media content of our picturesque course, golfing competitions, fun social events, and lots more.
Make sure to follow @alresfordgolf and stay tuned for new post updates on our page.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS 2024
ALL Subscription invoices will be emailed (or posted) to you over the coming days. If you do not receive yours by 15th December please contact the Office immediately as payment is due on 1st January.
To help us with this we would appreciate the early settlement of invoices and to ease the burden on the Office, please consider paying either online via BACS transfer or to the Office via the telephone.
If you intend not to rejoin – a telephone call or email to let us know is greatly appreciated. Simply to ignore your invoice and subsequent reminders just causes us extra work. You may have told your friends – but that doesn’t count !
Looking for a way to ease the burden of subscription renewal each year?
Why not join the ADVANCE SUBSCRIPTIONS SCHEME in 2025 ?
Choose any amount to pay over 10 months towards your subscription bill in 2025. Build up a credit on your account which is offset against your renewal bill due 1st January 2025. Pay as much or as little as you wish. Speak to the Office for more details and to receive an ADVANCE SUBS mandate form.
BOXING DAY ~ CAPTAIN v VICE CAPTAIN ‘ROLL UP’
Come and join Richard and Gary on Boxing Day morning between 9.30-11.00am for a ‘roll-up’ 9 holes. Christmas ‘house guests’ are welcome to join in at no charge.
You will be allocated a ‘team’ on arrival. Mince pies and Christmas beverages will be available in the clubhouse afterwards. Full details will be posted on the Social Noticeboard shortly.
CHILDREN IN NEED
Thank you to everyone who contributed on Presentation evening again this year. With your generosity we raised £180.63 for the BBC Children in Need appeal
CHRISTMAS CLUBHOUSE OPENING HOURS
Bar / Clubhouse Kitchen Friday 22nd December 07:30 – 20:00 09:00 – 18:00 Saturday 23rd December 07:30 – 20:00 09:00 – 18:00 Sunday 24th December 07:30 – 18:00 09:00 – 16:00 Monday 25th December CLOSED CLOSED Tuesday 26th December 08:00 – 16:00 CLOSED Wednesday 27th December 07:30 – 18:00 09:00 – 16:00 Thursday 28th December 07:30 – 18:00 09:00 – 16:00 Friday 29th December 07:30 – 20:00 09:00 – 18:00 Saturday 30th December 07:30 – 20:00 09:00 – 18:00 Sunday 31st December 07:30 – 00:00 09:00 – 18:00 Monday 1st January 09:00 – 16:00 09:00 – 15:00 Tuesday 2nd January 07:30 – 18:00 09:00 – 16:00 Winter is here- Be Safe on the Golf Course
Rain/Mud/Frost/Ice = slippery golf course, especially grass banks, wooden sleepers and any untreated areas.
PLEASE TAKE CARE AND KEEP TO THE PATHS WHEREVER POSSIBLE
DO NOT WALK ON SLOPES
DO NOT TAKE YOUR TROLLEYS ACROSS THE SIDES OF SLOPES AND BANKS
PLEASE ADHERE TO ANY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SIGNAGE ON THE COURSE
KEEP BUGGIES AND TROLLIES AWAY FROM THE EDGES OF GREENS AND TEES
If roads are icy in the morning on your way to the club, it is fair to assume that the car park and the paths around the club will be icy too! We do our best to grit and salt these areas but please take care.
David Maskery
General Manager
Social
As new Chair of Social, I would like to thank Steve Johnson for his energy and contributions as former Chair.
Our popular Club Dinner 2023 on 11th November was enjoyed by members and guests, all wonderfully “scrubbed up” in their glad rags! Merriment and a round up from our outgoing Captain accompanied a delicious three course meal. Music and singing by the lovely Karen Vickery kept the dance floor packed right up until the end of a great night.
More recently, much fun was had at the annual Captains’ Drive-in. The clubhouse was packed, our new Captains were put on the spot to choose their outfits. Rosie (Wayne) donned her MU shirt, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan) set down his light sabre, and Sandra Hooker threw aside her basque and rugby ball, to complete their test of golfing skill. However, they were outdone by Memory/White-Hart (Richard) Lane who (keeping his stylishly wigged head down) executed a phenomental shot just short of the hole. Well done to all and to Les for his excellent presentation. A full dining room and a tasty carvery feast rounded off a great Captain’s inauguration.
So, what’s next?
Saturday 10th December is Games Night for £18 (Under 18s for £9). All you can eat popular TV dinners and team games born from the best of British game shows, guarantees a great Saturday night. Sign up individually to join a table or in groups of up to 6.
And to bring in 2024 is our New Year’s Eve Disco Bonanza! For £40 you can enjoy a delicious three course meal, bacon butties before midnight and Andy’s amazing disco. Sign-up soon as spaces are going fast!
Any questions or suggestions for new events, I would love to hear from you. Wishing you all a festive December!
Alicia Hardy
Chair Social
Calendar Block: Burns Supper 2024
Saturday 27th January 7.00pm for 7.30pm
As you start to think of what you’re going to do after New Year and are looking for something to brighten up those dreary January nights, what better than an evening out with friends to enjoy a good hearty meal at one of the highlights of the social scene.
Come and enjoy our 30th Burns Supper – a uniquely Scottish experience in good company featuring whisky, haggis, neeps (mashed swede) and tatties, and a light-hearted appreciation of Scotland’s Bard, and of course, the skirl of the bagpipes.
This is always a popular event in the social calendar so look out for the sign-up notice that will be posted on the Social Noticeboard on Christmas Eve. The main speakers have been confirmed and will be featured on the notice board.
The cost for the evening will be £36 per person which includes a three-course meal with coffee and a glass of your favourite tipple for the toasts after the meal. A vegetarian option will be available for each of the courses. This is an increase on last year but just tracks with the rising costs of food and drink, plus this year we’re paying for the piper something we haven’t needed to do since 2017.
Members and guests are all welcome. Dress code is Black Tie or Highland Dress.
Contact George Clelland for further information.
Pro’s Corner
Shop NewsThere is always a warm welcome from the Pro Shop team so do pop in and pick our brains for Christmas gift ideas or just to warm up with a chat! Don’t forget we have access to many brands outside of the physical stock in the shop so please do enquire if there is something you are after but cannot see. We also offer a price match Guarantee with Clubhouse and American Golf!!
Pro NewsLessons continue to be busy and now is the perfect time to work on your golf game for next season. I have been incredibly proud of all my students this year and have had many success stories, this makes me very proud of the dedication and practice you all put in.
Golf TipIf you are struggling with your Fairway Woods and struggling to hit them from off the ground, then this video is going to give all the answers that you need. Click below, sit back and enjoy.Lastly and very importantly a huge thank you to you all for your support over the last year, from tees to trolleys your custom with us is greatly appreciated. We wish you all a peaceful, healthy and happy Christmas 2023.Mark Wood and the Pro Shop Team
A Look at the Rules
ANSWER
The stroke should be replayed in situations a), b) & d)See Rule 11.1b(2)In the other three cases the ball must be played as it lies. In all cases there is no penalty as all were accidental.Thanks to Brian Overton for all these Rules Q and A’s. If you have any rulings questions for Brian he will answer them here in future editions, just email the editor.
Our winners for December 2023
£100 David Hope Mason
£50 Charles Kydd
£35 Prizewinners
Richard Calton
Rosemary Verrall
Catherine Carberry
David Sault
Sarah Thorne
It’s good news again this month for two of our members who have won something for the first time. Both Rosemary and Catherine are first timers on the winners list so congratulations to them and all our winners for this the last draw in 2023.
For those who may not have seen the 2022/23 100 Club Financial Report in the recent AGM papers here is a brief summary of the year for the 100 Club. The main expenditure has been funding the new Honours Boards with £2,430 paid in the year and the remainder £2,570 carried over and paid in 2023/24. Also £1,000 was contributed towards the cost of additional patio furniture. £3,900 was paid out in prizes and after allowing for uncleared cheques we will carry forward £11,117 to the new year.
So why not round off 2023 by joining the 100 Club – you may win a cash prize like our members above.
Join us for as little as £1 per month
Can I join and why should I? What’s it all about?
Well, anyone who is a member of the golf club, either a playing or non-playing member, is eligible. You don’t have to pay £100, there isn’t a limit of 100 members or even 100 shares, you don’t even have to be 100 years old!
The original concept back in 1987 when the 100 Club was formed was probably aiming for 100 members to take up 100 shares. However today we currently have 135 members and they have over 700 shares between them. It works a little like a lottery. The income from share ownership is re-distributed in two ways. Some is given as winnings in the monthly prize draw and the rest is available to fund a contribution towards items or projects in the golf club that are not within normal budgets. The Honours Boards are a good example of how the 100 Club can help the golf club.
Without financial assistance the golf club would not necessarily be able to do or replace these things so with help from the 100 Club we all benefit. So for £1 per month, or more if you wish, you can help fund club ‘extras’ and at the same time maybe win a small cash prize as well.
For further information about the 100 Club or for an application form please give me a call or send me an email – Pat Wallis phone 01420 564417 or email peterpat51@outlook.com Or you can pick up a form from the Office.
Pat Wallis
Editor: David Marshall
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