Never before has there been such excitement to get back to golf. The ‘divot parties’ have once again been popular, testament to many dedicated members using any excuse to get on the course. Due to the lack of play I guess it was more like ‘Spot the Divot’.

I hope you were lucky or skilful enough to master ClubV1 and get your favourite 4 ball booked. I expect many of you have played already. How was the first round? Please send me any funny restart stories and photos that I may publish next month. As always the best/funniest will be rewarded by a free drink in the bar when we get back to drinking.

Not only was March 29^th our first day of golf after lockdown 3, but also the inauguration of the improved first hole, as part of what was the ‘first impressions project’. The project, kicked off in 2018, has successfully met its objectives of both improving the first hole as well as making the arrival at the first tee more attractive and welcoming.

The new starter hut, nicknamed ‘Bobs Billet’ or ‘Gezebob’ after Bob Moore (Greens Chair) was duly opened with a ribbon cutting by Pat Willis on behalf of the 100 Club, which kindly funded its purchase.  We must thank all the members that helped erect, paint, wire and prepare the hut which is a vast improvement in itself and as part of the new welcome at Alresford. Our Club Captain Tip, reminded everybody assembled as part of the honorary drive in group, of the initial drawing coming from Malcolm Scott for the new hole with bunkering and dogleg adaption. The greenstaff and Greens Committee has done an excellent job bringing these ideas to reality. A special thanks to Mal Hope-Mason for redesigning the flowerbeds and several members that sponsored the new plantings. A cleaned and repainted John Jacobs plaque now stands ideally positioned at the entrance to the hole. It was moved from behind the putting green where nobody saw it. This is a fitting addition as Malcolm was a disciple and friend of the great coach who opened the 18 hole course in 1993.

The new first hole was officially renamed Scotts in recognition of Malcolm and his family that gave so much to the club over so many years. It was great to watch the opening drives from the family. Given their golfing pedigree it is no surprise that neither Malcolm, Jane, Becky or Tom tested out the bunker. That honour was left to Graham Marshallsay as 1^st (but not last as Mel Exton followed Graham) in to the new bunker.

It was fitting that Mary our most regular starter and recent Club Captain and former Chairman (amongst other roles- sorry Mary not enough space here to mention them all!) should be the Honorary Starter for the opening of Scotts.

Well done to the whole First Impressions Team and Greenstaff  for all the excellent hard graft, making starting at Alresford something of which we can all be very proud.

Given the easing of lockdown we are all hoping to restart our wonderful Social Scene, which over the years has been a hallmark of this great club. In order to give more Social space we will now have a dedicated regular column so nobody misses out on the next events. Make sure you read this section well every month so you don’t miss out on the signup.

This month my ‘hot seat’ Interview is with Mark and Mandy Wood our new Pro Team. Find out more about them and their ambitions for the Club.

I am personally keen to raise funds for the Captains Charity. Given the pandemic, charities have suffered reduced income so they need our help even more. So what can we do? Well I have decided to do a sponsored ‘Handicap Chase to Single Figures’. Mark Wood will be coaching me and I will personally add a £ donation for every member that sponsors me. (Sponsorship sign up on noticeboard & payment in office when club reopens). I will be reporting back on my progress during 2021 and beyond if necessary. I hope you will consider supporting me and the Captains Charity.

Finally I would like to thank those members who contacted me with ideas for Fore Info. Although we cannot include them all, they are very welcome and have contributed to some of the changes you will see here and in the coming months.

If you have ideas to further improve Fore Info, please email me at newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk or look me up on the club directory for a chat.

David Marshall, Editor

Finally I would like to pass the word to our Land Trustees. If you, like me are uncertain who the Land Trustees are and what they do, let me explain. We are not a Limited Company but rather an unincorporated members club where the members share in the Clubs Assets and Liabilities. When it comes to Land and Buildings owned or rented by the club, it is obviously not practical for these to be in the names of all members. So they are put in the names of at least two but no more than four ‘Land Trustees’. They hold them on behalf of all members and are obliged to deal with them as directed by the Management Committee. For the full story and much more I highly recommend ‘The History of Alresford Golf Club’ book, especially insightful for new members. (Copies available from the Office).

MESSAGE FROM THE LAND TRUSTEES

(David Harrison, Brian Young, Keith Monkhouse and Mary Rook)

Now that we are back playing golf, albeit not yet enjoying the clubhouse to the full, you will have seen how the course has changed. New tees, bunkers and buildings have all appeared since we last played. Those of you who have walked the course during the closed period will have noticed how many were involved in achieving these changes. Not only were our greens staff doing their normal excellent work but many members were helping with the new buildings and re-siting the practice nets to complete the First Impressions project.

But many more were involved with the club during the lockdown period, quietly working away to ensure that our club maintains and improves its standards during this difficult time. The Chairman, Captains and their committees have done much to prepare us for a possible club development and, with our General Manager and his staff, have kept us all well informed about the club future programme via periodic most informative emails. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes.

We would therefore like to pass our appreciation onto all those who, in their own quiet way, have done so well to keep our club responsive and developing during the lockdown period.

The pandemic has limited our time to engage with our new Pro, Mark Wood and his wife Mandy. What follows is the second of my editorial interviews to uncover more beyond just the obvious golfing skills and good looks! I uncover their back story and Mark shares his aspirations for the club as our new Pro.

Quickfire Q and A

Return to golf

Obviously, it is a relief for us all for golf to be legal once more; on reflection…what a very strange statement that is; but never-the-less an accurate assessment of the journey that we have all endured as golfers and members of our Club.

Mandatory Tee Times continue for as long as required as stipulated by authorities such as; England Golf. Pre-booked Tee Times will not continue at the Club for any longer than needed. Once Tee Times fall-away we will return to roll-up golf on all days, subject to traditional bookings for matches etc.

Finances

There is some difficulty for our Club in our financial forecast for this financial year through to September 2021. Currently we forecast a loss of £40,000 due to less income from the bar, visitors, guests and societies. The Management Committee has taken the view to not to chase increased income in the golf season from visitors and societies, so that Members’ golf is prioritised. We hope for a brilliant golf season making full use of our wonderful and improved course, practice facilities and bar & catering services. I am sure we will all value our club far more this season.

Proud to be a Members’ Club

Since becoming Chairman in 2018, I have sought to prioritise members who provide nearly 80% of our golf income; we are a Members’ Club. We collectively own the Club, and throughout 2020/21 we have provided a higher proportion of income than normal, and have faced very long periods of being unable to use our own Club. I am therefore really grateful to Management Committee Members, and Vice-Captain Simon Freemantle in particular, in prioritising Members’ Golf and accepting this may result in a deficit for this financial year.

The Club faces a loss of members every year at the time of annual renewals, we plan for 9% attrition each year which was accurate again this year.  In my first year as Chairman, member renewals at the end of January were 486, this year we had 536 renewals. This increase significantly improves financial forecasting and enables us to set lower income expectations from visitors and societies; thus further developing priorities for our Members. Club rules allow for a total full membership of 675 5 & 7 day members; the Management Committee are required to regulate this number based on income requirements and the capacity of the Course. Given the increased amount of golf that our Members tend to play, my Committee has decided to initially limit the number of members this year to one hundred less than permitted; 575.

Club Championships

The maximum number of entries will be 66 for men and 33 for ladies. Players with a Handicap Index of 12.0 and below for men and 20.0 and below for ladies at the time entry closes do not have to pre-qualify provided they book a place in the “Men’s or Ladies Club Championship” by 31^st May, otherwise they will have to go through the qualifying stage. Players with higher Handicap Indexes must go through qualifying.

The number of places available through qualifying will be as many as needed to bring the total entry to 99 after entry for the lower handicap for both men and ladies players has closed. For example, if the number of entries on 1^st June for men is 45 then 21 places are available for those going through qualifying. Thus, for men the best 25 net scores plus ties from the qualifying competitions will gain entry to the Men’s Championship. The same will apply for the remaining places for the Ladies’ Championship.

For Men:

• Qualifying will consist of 2 medal rounds on 22^nd May and 12^th June
• Players may play in one or other or both rounds but only the best net score will count.

For Ladies:

• Qualifying will consist of 3 medal rounds

1. May (EG) Medal – Saturday 1^st or Tuesday 4^th May
2. Lifeboat (EG) Medal – Tuesday 19^th or Saturday 22^nd May
3. Centenary Salver (EG) Medal – Saturday 5^th or Tuesday 8^th June

• Players may play in one, two or three rounds, but only the best net score will count.
• Before playing in any qualifying round the player must register their intent by booking a place in the “Men’s or Ladies Championship Qualifying Entry” so that we are aware that scores in these Championship qualifying competitions are to be considered for possible entry to the appropriate Championship.
• Players must still sign-in for the actual competition on that day as normal.

Note:

1. Regardless of Handicap Index all players must meet the entry requirements as detailed in the Terms of Competition.
2. Players with a Handicap Index of 12.0 or less for men and 20.0 or less for ladies who fail to book in by 31^st May must go through the qualifying process and register for and play in the Championship Qualifying round on 12^th June (Laming Cup) for men or Centenary Salver on Saturday 5^th or Tuesday 8^th June for ladies.
3. In the event that a player of 12.0 or 20.0 and less has booked to play in the Championship by 31^st May but their handicap index increases beyond the boundary after the closing date, they still have automatic entry.
4. In the event that a player reduces their handicap index to 12.0 for men or 20.0 for ladies or less after 31^st May, entry will be assessed based on scores from the qualifying rounds.
5. Booking for the appropriate “… Club Championship” and for the “… Championship Qualifying Entry” should be done using the Booking function of the Members App or HowDidiDo.
6. Entries for players with handicaps 12.0 for men and 20.0 for ladies, or less will open on 19^th April and close on 31^st May.
7. Entries for players with handicaps 12.1+ for men and 20.1+ for ladies will open on 12^th April and close on 8^th June (Ladies) and 12^th June (Men). Only scores recorded after you have registered with the Qualifying Entry competition will count.

Members Survey

We’ve had some technical hitches with our proposed survey which we hope to resolve soon.

Committee Vacancy

We still have a vacancy on the Committee for anyone interested in how handicaps and competitions are managed. Send me an email if you’d like to know more. My email address is on the Members App.

George Clelland & Gill Freemantle

The mixed match season will be starting soon and it is expected that the first match will be at the end of May. The early matches have been cancelled or postponed from the original dates due to Covid restrictions. The sign up list for the first matches will be posted on the Mixed notice board in the foyer from the 12^th April.

There are 11 matches planned this year with a balance of home and away games. A full list of all our mixed match fixtures will be posted on the notice board in the foyer on 12^th April. Sign up lists for subsequent matches will be posted approximately 7 weeks before the match. Any club member with a CONGU handicap is welcome to sign up to play. All the matches are played in a friendly manner and everyone is welcome, no matter what their handicap. It is hoped that members who haven’t played before will join in and sign up for the opportunity to play mixed golf both at home and on some very enjoyable away courses. Playing partners are drawn as part of team selection.

The match teams will be communicated by posting the team list on the Mixed notice board and an email will be sent to all individuals involved. Team members are requested to play in team colours of white shirts and navy jumpers.
A decision has been made that Five Day members may play in the weekend matches if we are unable to field a team from the Seven Day members. There will be a section on the sheet for Five Day members to sign up. Green fees will not be required.
Specific catering arrangements are unclear at the moment but as we have rescheduled the early matches it is expected that all matches will include a meal. For home matches we expect to continue with a smart/casual dress code for our match meals.
For more information or any queries please contact Marion or Alan Bruce.

Marion Bruce

Question.

In which of the following has the player made a “stroke” as defined in the Rules of Golf? Can be none or more than one.

A – A player starts the downswing and the clubhead then becomes entangled in a tree limb, which stops his swing.

B – A player’s clubhead separates from the shaft during his backswing and he completes his swing, missing the ball.

C – A player swipes angrily with their putter, accidently hitting their ball, which had been on the lip of the hole, and it comes to rest in a bunker.

D – During the downswing a player intentionally alters the path of his club so that it misses the ball, although the clubhead reaches and goes past the ball.

We are planning on running a full programme of competitions this year and entry for the Vets Knock Out Championship, the Over 70’s Knock Out and the Fred White Foursome are now open via the Club V1 or HowDidIDo apps.  To enter go to the Knockouts in the dropdown menu of the apps where the rules of entry are outlined. The fee is £3 per competition and will be deducted from your Bar Card. Closing date is 6.00pm on the 16^th April. The draw will be made shortly afterwards and posted on the Vets Notice Board.

On Wednesday 19^th May when we will be playing the Vets Captain v Vice Captain match. This 4bbb is a popular event in the Vets calendar (usually won by the Vice Captains Team!) and normally played in March, it is the traditional opener of the summer season. Unfortunately this year we will not be following the match with a sit down meal.  The upside of this is that there will be no entry fee.  Ewan MacGregor has put the entry sheet on the Notice Board  with a closing date of  12.00 on  Friday 30^th April after which the teams will be drawn. Some of you have already contacted Ewan to let him know you want to play and he has added your names to the sign up sheet. If you are unable to visit the Club before the 30^th April and wish to play  please let Ewan know on ewanmcg1947@yahoo.com.

This year’s inter club friendlies have  been impacted by the  restrictions with us losing approximately half of our fixtures.  Clubs are coming out of lockdown at  different paces to ourselves which means we have been invited to play our away fixture  at Hockley on Monday 19^th April. The closing date for selection has passed for this match and the team already chosen, thank you to all who made themselves available.  Our next match is away at Waterlooville on Wednesday 2^nd June. 1^st tee is at 09.00 followed by an after match meal. On the 9^th June we are playing away at Corhampton. The sign up sheet for both these matches are now on the Notice Board. If all things go according to the Governments intended roadmap then from the 23^rd June we are very much hoping to resume our calendar of matches which can be found on the online version of the Club diary via the Club website.

Gareth Rees

Vets Captain

The planned tree works were completed with the stump grinding being slightly delayed due to a failure on the suppliers machine. The areas have received soil and seed so we hope for the right conditions to achieve germination. Our 6 staff are all fine and doing well. Ben is starting his Level 3 qualification and Dominic is well on track to obtaining his Level 2 qualification.

Following on from Greens Maintenance have been 2 applications of top dressing, which has firmed the surfaces up after another wet winter. The first granular base feed has gone down and another granular fertiliser will be applied the first week of April. These two applications should grow out the remaining disease scars although is very dependant on mother nature and frequency of frosty nights. Wetting agent programme will now begin along with liquid nutrition on a fortnightly basis. Solid tine aeration will also be carried out through the spring in the form of a pencil sized tine as to cause minimal disruption. Some leather jackets have been seen on the greens this week so the 9^th green was covered with a tarpaulin overnight but luckily only small amounts came to the surface.

All bunkers have been edged and sand depths checked and sand added where needed.

Tees, Aprons and Fairways have all been granular fed and nicely washed in from a good shower. Tees and Aprons have also had some wetting agent and liquid feed. Thanks to the divot parties who helped complete Fairway divotting over the last couple of weeks, it really will help. Paths will be topped and tidied where needed as we go through April.

The Sheep have now been taken off site and have yet again done a grand job of managing the roughs. Cut rough is showing signs of starting to grow but still not enough for a full cutting run. Wild flower area at the back of the 12^th green has been sprayed off and will be seeded again shortly.

Shrub bed on the walk to the 1^st is taking shape with the John Jacobs plaque in place. On lifting the heathers by the patio it was realised they were very “leggy” so were unsuitable, a row of lavender has been planted instead.

Winter servicing of machinery has been ongoing with replacement parts ordered when needed. A new Fairway fertiliser spreader has been purchased and replaces our old one which was rusting away and difficult to calibrate to get the right output. The new spreader is cheap compared to the products being applied each year!

Rook damage is tending to get better although if it turns warm and wet again they will be back. We will trial an oil extract product on the worst areas. The pest ingests the product, so should work on both Chafer Bugs and Leathers Jackets. Fantastic if this works BUT it’s not cheap to apply everywhere.

Now if anyone found a Ben Ross Tribe putter head cover in their bag whilst polishing their weapons during lockdown I would welcome it back!

Bob Moore
Chair, Greens Committee

Answer.

A. The Player has made a stroke in “A “only (See definitions in the Rules of Golf including Interpretation Stroke/1

If you would like to find out more about the rules, there is a wonderful rules section on the R&A website www.randa.org  where you can also find these exceptions. Just download the R&A app (Rules of Golf) from the app store. 

If you too would like to have the opportunity to contribute towards future enhancements to our club facilities and have the chance of winning a cash prize each month then how about making 2021 the year to join the 100 Club. 

You can win one of six cash prizes in the monthly draw: £100, £50 and four at £32.

Each share cost £1 per month paid for by monthly standing order and there is no limit to the number you can purchase.  Members generally have between 1 and 10 shares with 5 being the most common holding. There is an annual summer competition and dinner where you can meet up with fellow 100 Club members – this year on Friday 23 July. (COVID restrictions permitting)

For further information about the 100 Club and its history please refer to this section in previous editions of FORE Info.  Application forms can be obtained from the Secretary’s office or from me –  Pat Wallis phone 01420 564417 or email peterpat51@outlook.com

Pat Wallis

If you have something golfing to offer other members why not use Fore Info.  We ask for a donation to the Captains Charity. Please contact the editor by email at newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk