Fore Info June 2022

Content 

  • Members Story: amazing reconnection to a lost relative
  • Clubhouse Development update
  • Mens and Ladies Results and Team news
  • Captains Trip: tour highlights
  • Rules Quiz Question:in a penalty area
  • Club Champs: latest update
  • Mixed Matches: sign up
  • Vets update
  • New Caterers: introduce themselves
  • Juniors Section: interview with our Juniors Captain
  • Social : Druids Cup info
  • Team Golf results
  • Greens News: latest on the state of our course
  • Winners in the 100 Club: check if you won

Soon we will all be able to use the new clubhouse and services of our new caterer. I had a sneak peak and its very impressive, utilising the space so much better and incorporating a spikes bar.

The new caterers, ‘Ben@ The Kitchen‘ and team are a great find. Let’s all give them lots of business. Bring your friends and family too. The better they do, the better for securing their and our future long term. This is so key for me in making AGC a very social and friendly club, much more than just great golf.

In this edition I was honoured to hear our Member Story and the vital power of Facebook. I was also lucky enough to get a spot on the Captains trip which Tip managed brilliantly. There is a brief summary below but as always….. ‘what’s done on the trip stays on the trip’. Don’t miss Simons’ trip next year!

Also read about our Junior Captain Harriet Riches and more from all sections in this busy season. It was great to hear especially that we hosted the Hampshire ladies so well.

Read about the 100 Club planning to increase its payout pool! I was rather surprised to see only 126 members support the 100 Club. This is a great way to give back to the club and have a chance of winning big monthly prizes. Come on sign up if you haven’t yet and ask your mates.

Finally a gentle reminder not to miss the opportunity to sign up for the Charity Golf Day on July 22nd. All for Alices Arc, a great charity.

As always keep in touch to get your news in this, your club mag e-zine

David Marshall

Editor

newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk

Member Story: amazing chance reconnection to a lost relative

At dawn on a foggy morning on 30th October 2020 a large team of amateur archeologists from Aerei Perduti assembled in a remote field several kilometers from Villadose, near Venice Italy. Equipped with diggers and a host of other tools, their task was to excavate an area where it was thought an allied plan had crashed during WW2.

As work progressed Aluminum fragments were found and eventually the remains of the fuselage were exposed. Faintly seen on the side was the registration letters NH231. A LF Mk IXc Spitfire last know to have been flown by my Uncle ARNOLD GEORGE RAYMOND HALLAS.

The Merlin engine was found at a depth of 27 feet and whilst a bit battered and twisted externally remains in remarkable condition. Perhaps the most morbid piece now on display is the pilots flying suit which when viewed explained why so many remains were found in the wreckage.

After the recovery the next task was to see if it were possible to trace any relatives. The CWG site shows that Arnold was the son of George and Florence Rose Hallas (my Grandparents) of Burton on Trent. The news was released to the Burton Mail and they ran a story of their “ lost hero”. None of the family now live in Burton but a local man who had a keen interest in the project released details on Facebook. By pure chance it was spotted by my daughter in law in Southampton and passed to me. Contact was established with the local Burton man and eventually with the Italian group.

From enquiries undertaken and recorded at the time including interviewing the pilot of the accompanying Spitfire led to the following statement.

“ Monday 30th April 1945, 15.35 local time, Royal Air Force pilots from 601 took off from Bellaria (Rimini) to fly what would have been their last military mission before the end of World War 11. The Mission target was the strafing of German vehicles between Conegliano and Udine.

Flying officer AGR Hallas was one of 8 RAF pilots on that mission. He was hit by anti-aircraft guns south of Gemona, and unable to fly back to a safe area, crashed in Cambio di Villadose, Rovigo. The young pilot didn’t survive. F/O AGR HALLAS was 24 and was the last member of 601 Squadron lost on action”. The Germans surrendered in Italy 2 days later on the 2nd May.

After many delays due to the covid pandemic, 14 members of the family ( including all Grandchildren of George and Florence Rose Hallas) gathered at the Commonwealth War Grave site in Padua on the 29th April 2022. The additional remains were interred in the original grave and a service of blessing was conducted by a RAF clergywoman. Local dignitaries attended along with the military and the UK Ambassador to Italy.

We retired to a local hostelry for light refreshments organized by the MOD.

On the 77th anniversary of Arnold’s death, 30th April 2022 we were taken to the crash site near Villadose.  Fragments of the fuselage could still be found on the surface as the field had only recently been cultivated. After a minutes silence we were surprised by a fly past by two biplanes from a local aero club. On the third circuit of the the planes flew low over the site and dipped it’swings, the pilots way of honoring Arnold.

Then onto the local school where year 6 had done a project on Arnold and then onwards to the Mayor who bestowed an honorary Citizenship on Arnold before inviting us to tour his exhibition recently set up on Arnold and other Allied airman who had crashed in the area.

The two days were both quite overwhelming and emotional. The Italians were so welcoming and hospitable, not only members of Aerei Perduti, but the residents of Villadose too. It seemed everyone had taken Arnold to their hearts. A reconnection all made possible by facebook.

Terry Hallas

Management Corner

Clubhouse Development – Phase 1

At the date of writing this note the Club has not accepted the intended handover from Ascia Construction as we await some outstanding documentation and finishing off. We are hopeful that handover will take place on 1st June 2022.  At this date some minor works will be incomplete and added to the defect list which takes care of all the snagging issues expected with such a large project of work. The items suffering the longest delay are the retractable canopy shades which may not be with us until the end of July.

The new furniture will start to arrive with final deliveries planned to arrive w/c 6th June 2022.

For a project of this size to be a week off schedule and within 1 or 2% of budget is such a brilliant result. I must thank Ascia for running such a professional site; and Sue Masser, Bill Ragan and the House Committee for their own professionalism, diligence and dedication throughout.

We will publish the final costs and will be asking our QS to break down the costs into different areas so that Members can appreciate the huge amount of ‘unseen’ works necessary due to many years of unattended dilapidation within the Clubhouse. As an example; I am sure that most members were unaware of the previously poor kitchen arrangements that were completely inadequate for medium and large-scale events. We had become aware that the kitchen in the Steward’s flat may have been employed for these events which would not have been compliant with important regulations and not aligned to our hygiene standards, so we fixed that issue to keep us safe.

We hope to enjoy our new facilities for a couple of years before moving onto Phase 2 of the programme to build the dedicated dining room and complete the external aesthetic of the whole Clubhouse. These works, as planned, will not require closure of the Clubhouse.

Drainage

We had a major incident regarding flooding from the drains recently, which was unconnected with the Clubhouse refurbishment. It has affected the carpet in the Men’s Changing Room and there is likely to be some claim on the Club’s insurance. Further drainage work and survey is ongoing to resolve any issues, again unconnected with the Clubhouse refurbishment.

Honours Boards

As we near the end of the building stage of Phase 1 of Clubhouse Development we can now consider how and where to display honours boards. Graham Marshallsay has led some initial thinking on this matter which will be resolved as we settle into our new environment. Initially; the old Honours Boards will not be displayed and we need to determine as a Club what we would like for the future. Our Honours Boards record and remind us not only of our own achievements but also those of friends; many who are sadly no longer with us. As a Club we need to continue to enjoy this legacy but need to decide as a Club; what they should look like and where they should be displayed.

Course

It is some time since the original Hawtree Report; many of their recommendations have been implemented and improved our course. The Chair of Greens, Derek Myers, has proposed a review of the course as it stands and to seek further professional views for continued improvement. More news on this to come as we are currently considering costs, however; it is tremendous that our new Chair of Greens is driving continuous improvement working closely with our course manager.

Salaries

The Club has agreed an inflationary pay award for all directly employed staff. It is appreciated that inflation is causing us all some concern as bills for just about everything are rising. We will review salaries again in September of this year as the inflation story develops.

Rumour of the Month Award

Following on from last month’s nonsense; we have a new load of rubbish to laugh at. So; the current rumour is; that the sofas for the refurbished Clubhouse will be screwed to the floor to prevent movement by members. Genius! Whoever started this one has surpassed even my wildest dreams of stupidity. Again, if you really want to know anything my email address is; Chairman@alresfordgolf.co.uk please use it…instead of littering the Club with foolish make-believe…but it does make us chuckle. I might also suggest that, if you hear something fanciful do ask the rumour spreader; ‘have you checked this out with Robert’. I am always happy to respond to the absolute best of my knowledge, and; to the absolute best of my knowledge, you will not need a screwdriver to move any of the Clubhouse furniture.

See you soon…it’s been along time since we all bumped into each other for an after-golf drink or two.

Robert White

Chairman of the Management Committee.

Editors update. There was a rumour that they did consider screwing the Chair to the ground but thought sofas were easier and allowed easier removal of the aforesaid Chair….

From the Club Captain

May began with our long-awaited Captains Charity Trip in north Notts.  We were based in the historic Thoresby Hall Hotel and travelled less than 25 minutes to each of our 3 courses.  Worksop, home of Lee Westwood and other well-known Pro’s, Rufford Park and finally to Lindrick, host of the Ryder Cup in 1957.  Some great scoring (notably Gavin Jones with a 3 over gross for 46 points at Rufford!) with some less impressive (Captain’s 18 points at Lindrick!)

Alicia Hardy was lady’s winner with 114 points, Ed Tinley gents winner with 112 points but it was primarily a team event and the winners were BAGS (Billy, Alicia, Gavin and Suzy).

Special thanks to Richard Bass for the start sheets and Andrew Thorne, Gill Freemantle and Richard Lane for the diligent checking of scorecards.  All who helped in any way, thank you!

Lindrick, ex Ryder Cup Venue

All 46 golfers enjoyed the different challenges the courses provided, while the 5 non-playing partners enjoyed the spa and other facilities at the hotel.  Brilliant trip and company

We had the honour to host the Hampshire Ladies Championship Week.  This was a great success, although the clubhouse was missed.  We had terrific feedback on the course and friendly welcome.  It was so good to see our club represented well.  Jenny Myers quarter finalist while Rosie Rooney lost in the semi-final to the eventual winner.  Well done to all involved in making this a great success.

Men’s Friendlies have continued with a well fought draw at Bramshaw.  Slight pause now before it all gets busy again from June!  See club V1 for more fixtures and add your name if you can.  Vice-Captain Simon is pen poised ready to add you.

We had 2 Mixed Friendlies, both at home against Corhampton and Petersfield.  These were again great fun with a good mix of players and again well organised by Marion and Alan Bruce.  Both ended in narrow defeats 4.5-3.5 and truly enjoyed by all.

Competitive team matches coming up for the scratch teams and Kindred Cup.  Good luck to all involved and thanks to Jim White and Richard Lane for their excellent organisation.

Captain-Pro Challenge

Mark and I have now played 3 matches, losing 2 3&2.  The sign-up sheet is full now, but we are considering adding more times later.  It has been great to see team golf competitors on Thursday evenings.  Continued success to all involved in this popular competitive social event!

Captains Charity Day on Sunday 12th June.  The sign-up sheet is filling nicely.  Team event, morning and afternoon tees, with Captains Drive-in conducted by Les Thorne expected around 2:30. Prizes, raffles, fun, all welcome!  Jan, Bob, Harriet, and I look forward to seeing you all on a packed patio!!  Anyone wishing to help with raffles, sign-in, starting duties, please contact a captain or David.

Clubhouse

I hope that by the time you read this we will be open in some form.  My card is twitching, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Mark Tiplady

Club Captain

STOP PRESS – congratulations to Ian Sheath for winning the 2022 Hampshire Bowl on Sunday 29th at Stoneham. Well done Ian, a great honour for us to have an Alresford member win such a prestigious county event.

Ladies Section

 Unfortunately the Spring Bank Holiday Flag Competition had to be cancelled because of the lack of entries.  Only thirteen people entered.  The Captain’s Trip was this week and with so many on that trip, this may have accounted for the lack of support.

Unfortunately we lost the The Annodata competition v. South Winchester. South Winchester put out a very strong team.  Nevertheless it was a very close match.

The Hampshire Junior Girls Meeting took place at Lee on Solent on 8th May.  Jenny Myers, Rosie Rooney and Connie Lai took part.  Although they did not feature in the prizes they all played well.  Connie is one to watch as she has dropped her handicap by six shots in the last six weeks!

Our game against Cams Hall for the next round of the Knight Cup resulted in a win for Cams Hall despite some great play from Ann Gunn and Jane Macrae.

We have played two Stoneham matches this month.  One we lost against Bramshaw away but the other was a win at home against Sherfield Oaks.

Two scratch matches played this month resulted in a loss away at Corhampton and a win at home against them.

Polly Church and Gill Freemantle were successful in their  round of the Daily Mail Foursomes against Hockley and go on to the next round so we wish them well in that

Cynthia Barrett (left) with Gloria Harrison

 

16th to 20th May saw a very successful Ladies County Week take place on our course.  A lot of praise was received from over one hundred and sixty ladies who took part during the five days of  County Week.  Caroline Warne, Ann Gunn and Elaine Sutherland were all successful.  Jenny Myers lost out to the eventual County Champion in her quarter final round and Rosemary Rooney in the semi-final played some excellent golf only to be defeated by the same lady, Kerry Smith who went on to win the Championship.  Both girls are to be congratulated on their superb play and for doing so well in very daunting company.  Mention must also be made of Pat Palmer who played thirty-six holes of golf in one day to reach the semi-final of the Challenge Bowl Knockout.  My thanks to all who acted as starters and ball-spotters, we could not have managed without you.

Cynthia (left) with Gloria

During County week at Alresford on Tuesday, 17th May, Mrs. Cynthia Barrett celebrated her100th birthday.  Cynthia joined Alresford in the ‘60s. She was Lady Captain at Alresford in 1980 and together with Gloria Harrison, who is still an active member of the ladies section, won many competitions including the Ladies County Foursomes Championship in 1978 and they were winners of the handicap section of the International Avia Watches Foursomes event staged at The Berkshire Club.

Cynthia also won the Daily Mail Foursomes National Championships with Elizabeth Russel Cave in 1968.  She also revelled in match play and was a member of our winning Stoneham team when we were victorious in 1992 and 1995. Cynthia is resident in a nursing home in Winchester and a card was delivered to her with our best wishes, signed by as many members as I could find who still remembered her.

Let’s hope the weather continues to improve and we can enjoy some good golf in June.

Jan Harring

Ladies Captain

 

Competitions and Handicap Committee Report

Club Championship

25th & 26th June 2022

Entry has now closed.

The allocation of playing groups and tee-times will be made week commencing 13th June and competitors will receive an email at least one week before of their start time for Round 1 on Saturday 26th June. You will not have to book tee times on Wednesday 15th or Thursday 16th for either the Saturday or the Sunday as the course will be closed for casual play until at least 3:30pm on both days. If a player has not been allocated a place they will be notified separately.

On Saturday 25th, once the last group has handed in their cards the competition organisers will compile the results for Round 1 and this will determine the playing groups on Sunday 26th.  The order of play for Round 2 will be in descending order of Round 1 gross scores. This start sheet will be emailed to all competitors on Saturday evening. It will be the responsibility of each player to know their start time on Sunday morning. The first start time for both Round 1 and Round 2 will be 08:00am.

On each day of the competition, players should register and collect their score cards from the Scorer’s Table which will be located in the Clubhouse.  Within 5 minutes of completion of each round, players should return their cards to the Scorer’s Table and ensure they have agreed with the scorer that the card is correct before leaving.

Given the format of the Championship, players who fail to participate in the 2nd round will cause significant disruption to the running of the competition. Consequently, and based on our experience of other 2-day competitions, we are making it a condition of competition that unless a player notifies the Committee on return of their Round 1 scorecard that they will be unable to play in Round 2, he/she will be excluded from all competitions, and knock-outs until 1stAugust 2022.

Entry to the Championship sweepstake (both men and ladies) will be available in the Pro’s Shop.

General Play Rounds

Please ensure that you register for a General Play Round either through the PSI terminal or the App before commencing play and record your score immediately after.  ALL General Play cards should be placed in the box.

Hazel Trees

A reminder that no free relief is permissible from pollarded Hazel Tree bushes/stumps on 4th / 14th & 15th holes.

To allow for the preparation for the Club Championship, General Play rounds will be suspended from Monday 20th June to Sunday 26th June 2022.

If you are not wishing or unable to play in the Club Championship the C&H Committee would very much welcome volunteers (ball spotting and marshals etc.), if you are able to give a few hours of your time over the weekend, please contact me on handicaps@alresfordgolf.co.uk

 

Thanks

Gill Freemantle

Chair Competitions & Handicap Committee, Handicap Secretary

handicaps@alresfordgolf.co.uk

Mixed Matches

If you are unable to get to the club to sign up or access the club V1 system you can ask the office to add you to the lists or contact Marion or Alan Bruce. The sign up sheets close 3 to 4 weeks before a match.

There are 11 matches planned this year with a balance of home and away games. The next 3 are:

Hockley               Away      Wednesday 1st June at 1.00pm

Cowdray Park      Home      Monday 13th June at 2.00pm

Rowlands Castle  Home      Sunday 17th July at 1.00pm

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 email whilst the club house continues to be closed. 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. Green fees will not be required.

Mixed matches are normally followed by a meal. Once the club house re-opens we expect to continue with a smart/casual dress code for meals after our home games.

For more information or any queries please contact Marion or Alan Bruce.

A Look at the Rules

Question.

A player finds their ball in a penalty area. Lying next to their ball is a pile of leaves. If the player decides to play the ball as it lies, may the player move the leaves before taking the stroke?

Juniors Section

This month I learn more about our Juniors Captain. Although the Junior Section is the smallest part of the club we hope to grow it for the future. I want to find out what the Juniors get up to and their plans for the future.

Editor: So Harriet, lets start by learning more about you.

Harriet: I am 16 and in year 11 at school, studying GCSE at the moment. My favourite subject is Geography. I have two brothers Bailey and Harvey, also members at Alresford Golf Club. My hobbies are Golf, netball and badminton. I adore my cockapoo, Stanley.

Editor: do you know what you want to do after school?

Harriet:  I plan to go to  Peter Simmonds College for my A levels. I would like to go to University and also do some travelling.  I love animals and want to visit South America. I have heard about an animal rescue centre in Costa Rica where I could do some volunteering.

Editor: your whole family plays golf? Are you all super competitive?

Harriet: Yes my dad and 2 brothers play. We are very competitive, especially my Dad! Bailey has the best handicap but I am better than my Dad and that’s important!

Editor: What have been your biggest challenges as Captain?

Harriet: Decisions on the kit and things was hard. Lots of emails to reply to and sometimes frustrating to get other kids to make decisions. There are not so many in the juniors but I hope to expand the section. There are only about 6 competitions each year

Editor: What are some of the things you have achieved in golf so far?

Harriet: I have been playing properly for about 6 years but started at the age of 7. I started at HCP 54 and now I am 11.5. I would love to get to single figures soon. My best round ever was 75 at Sherfield Oaks.

Editor: What are the Juniors up to this year?

Harriet: Coming up we have the Green Jacket competition knockout in Hampshire clubs. Because we have so few juniors its tough to get a winning team, but we have done well in the past. The Team Golf is really fun and a great way to meet other juniors and members. 

Editor: Are there any challenges you see for the Juniors Section?

Harriet: We do not have many chances to all play together. Only really in competitions. We need to find a way to get connected and arrange casual Juniors golf.

Editor: What are your aspirations for the Juniors Section?

Harriet: It would be good to get more junior members, today only just over 30. It would be great to have a juniors roll up so more play together, not only with their dads/mums.

If we have more competitions then it would also be better. We do need to raise the profile of the section. We could get to schools and have a taster session with Mark. So far I have not seen much promotion of juniors and that will be needed in the future.

I would like to see more juniors playing in the mens/ladies competitions. The more the juniors get to play and compete the more we will attract new members and create a fun social scene at Alresford. I am thinking of setting up a juniors whats app group so we can all meet up easier.

Quickfire Q and A

Favourite Golf Course?

South Winchester

Your biggest golfing achievement?

Hole in 1 on 10th on a practice round.

Favourite holiday destination?

Iceland

Favourite Food?

Roast Beef Dinner

Favourite TV show?

Stranger Things

If you had only one thing to take on a desert island what would it be and why?

My dog Stanley (Cockapoo)

Present RoleJunior Captain, Alresford Golf Club since 2021
Started playing golf at age:7
Siblings2 brothers (Bailey, Harvey)
HobbiesGolf, netball, badminton
Golf Handicap11.5

Vets Section

 

Here we are, another month has gone by. It only seems last week I was writing last month’s report.

I went away for a few days rest and ended up replying to emails every day, so the holiday became a working one

How nice it is to play in good weather on a great course at Alresford now.

This Sunday golf will not be on my mind as I make my way to Wembley Stadium to see my beloved Nottingham Forest in the play offs and hopefully get to the Premier League.n(Editor note: Vets Captain very happy now)

May has been a very busy five weeks for our matches with four home and three away.

We have this thing at the moment that we can win at home but lose away.

We have some out standing pairs result with Ed Tinley and Ewan McGregor winning 8 and 7 in the rain and Chris Fuller and Eddie Martin winning 7and 6.

With so many games in one month a big thanks for all that took part.

We are all hoping that our next home match we can celebrate in the new club with a win.

Our Vets singles ko, vets over 70s ko, and the Fred White are all in full swing. You can check this on the notice board.

Steve, the vice-captain is in the process of organising the past Captains day and Ewan is looking at organising the Vets invitation in August.

Bob Archer

Vets Captain

General Manager’s Update

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to the following new members who have all joined the club over the past few weeks ; Samuel Blackwell ( Student) , James Windsor ( Intermediate) and Camilla Mortimer ( 5 day ).

We hope that your time at the club will be a long and enjoyable one for all of you. 

CLUB ‘ROLL UP’

Fancy a game during the week? All members are welcome to come along to the informal ‘club roll-up’ on Wednesday mornings. There is a tee reservation between 11.00-12.00 – members wishing to take part should  meet at the starters hut from approx. 10.45am for allocation of groups. As per the times highlighted for the Ladies and Vets Sections, we politely ask members to show courtesy to those who wish to play in this ‘roll up’ at this time. If you do not wish to play with this group please choose another time if possible. If there continues to be a limited use of this time , then the Captains Committee will review the tee allocation.

STARTERS & MARSHALLS

Would you like to be the welcoming face of the club to visiting societies?

The Golf Society season starts in earnest during June and I am looking for some’ local’ volunteers to offer to ‘start’ societies from the 1st tee. Most societies have between 45-90 minutes of reserved times.

Similarly Marshalling at some ad hoc times during the afternoons would be very helpful in monitoring ‘pace of play’ and visitor green fees.

Full training and information provided – friendly and welcoming demeanour preferred.

If you are interested, can spare the odd hour or so during the week and would like to assist please contact me in the Office.

CARPENTRY ASSISTANCE

If anyone would like to assist in putting the finishing touches to the Greenkeepers workshop and benches , please contact Simon. We are nearing Club championships and we would prefer our staff to be on the course rather than spending time completing the install on their work bench areas.

CAPTAIN’S CHARITY DAY – 12th JUNE

Stableford competition – Teams of 4 (all scores count)

Nearest the Pins and ‘Beat the Pro’ prizes

AM and PM start times

NO ENTRY FEE but a donation to the Captain’s Charity is welcome.

‘Sign up’  from 8.00am on Saturday 28th May on the Noticeboard in the Pro-Sho

David Maskery

General Manager

 

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

 

Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/alresford_golf_club/

[hr]

Hello from The Kitchen @Alresford Golf Club

As we count down the days to the newly refurbished clubhouse opening its doors to the members, their families, friends and guests; David has asked if I’d do a little piece about who we are and our vision for the food and drink offer at Alresford.

As mentioned in the email that announced our arrival, I, along with the whole Kitchen @ Alresford (and Winchester) team are very excited and honoured to welcome you all back into your clubhouse.

Over the last few weeks, with invaluable input from members, captains past and present and the occasional passer-by, we have put together an offer that we feel both reflects the desires of the members but also takes a big first stride into doing things a little differently….. We appreciate that things have changed in the period of the clubhouse closure and recent political and economic events have impacted upon us all as costs have increased at an alarming rate. We are mindful of this and will always aim to ensure that we provide a quality menu and product range at price points that represent good value.

We will be open for teas and coffees half hour before the first tee time – that’s 6.30am in the summer! The kitchen will start serving from 8.30am ish…. and will run all day until 8/9pm. We hope we can count on your ongoing support to continue to do this as well as finding our feet and understanding the nature of golfers. Fresh pastries, locally baked cakes and a warm sausage roll will always be available – a call from the 8th tee will ensure it’s waiting for you at ‘the turn’.

Pre or post round there is a brunch menu until midday – Full English (and a veggie alternative), filled brioche buns and dishes such as Eggs Royale, The Benny and The Brekkie Bowl. Granola for those who like to start the day on a lighter note is also available.

Lunch and the All Day menu kick off from 12 – salads, light bites, toasties and bagels all available alongside classics such as Steak Frites, Chicken Caesar Salad, Thai Green Vegetable Curry and Pies from our friends at Mud Pies in Midhurst.

The Bar – the heartbeat of the clubhouse will be stocked with the favourites and a few newbies! Guest Beers changing regularly, wines from The General Wine Company in Liphook, homemade lemonade and Aperol Spritz to kick us into summer.

We are passionate about what we do; hugely and we are here at Alresford Golf Club because we feel that the membership shares that passion and has a shared vision for what golf clubs represent and should offer in these slightly changing times.

The Kitchen @ Alresford Golf Club will always be an open, accessible, welcoming, family friendly environment (that also knows when to don the dickie bow for a formal function) but ultimately is there for you, your family, friends and guests and our coffee machine is always on!

We are looking forward to meeting you all soon.

Ben

Ben @ The Kitchen

Social

Druid’s Cup June 18th 2022

This is your chance to play the course at the best time of the day by entering Dawn Patrol on Saturday June 18th

Start from the 1st Tee only

First Tee 05:36

Last Tee 07:06

9 minute intervals

4 balls

The competition is set up on Club Systems for members to book in (and chose their tee slot) from 1stJune at 9pm until 10pm on 17th .

Entry includes a full English breakfast coffee and juices at the new Clubhouse and a hamper 1st prize.

Players will need to sign into the competition in the usual way before commencing play from 06:00am the day before the competition and close at 07:30am on 18th June.

 

All scores will need to be entered by 1pm.

Mike Battisson
Chair of Social

TEAM GOLF 2022

Four weeks into this year’s competition, TG22 is proving to be as competitive as ever. With twelve teams battling each week, the scores have varied from an exceptional start by the Cobbs to score 27 points in 9 holes to the Back Spinners winning their match with just 12 points – so well played to their Junior Harvey Vaughan – and only 7 holes too!

Good to see those able to stay for the presentations at the Cricketers each week and discuss the highs (and lows!) of their rounds. Weekly winners have received a sleeve of balls each and the birdie count will be revealed after the break for the Jubilee.

Full weekly results and newsletters are on the Team Golf page of the website.

Positions as of end of May

1st Papa Morph

2nd Rabble without Applause

3rd The Cobblers

Thank you to those that have helped and look forward to seeing all in the clubhouse on 9th June.

James and John White

Pro- Corner: Mark currently on holiday

Latest video tips on my you tube channel…. something to practice whilst I am on Holiday. See you all soon

Mark Wood

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/markwoodgolfacademy?app=desktop

Greens News

As I write this I’m looking forward to playing in the Jubilee Cup at the weekend. Overall, the weather has been good this week so hopefully we’ll all enjoy the course. As one of our “major” weekends the Greenkeeping Team have made every effort to present the course in its best “competition” state and they will cut and roll the greens on both days.

Greens are seeding well at present with the annual meadow grass in full bloom. Speeds are fairly consistent between 9 and 10 feet and, given the weather conditions, the Greenkeeping Team will continue to cut greens at a height of 3mm for as long it is sustainable. Greens have been solid tined to a depth of 6 inches and we also managed to tine over the new turf on the 7th green. This area has also been seeded and dressed.

The whole of the 7th green has also been fertilised to help the new turf and to keep the area true and level. Birds continue to peck the greens but so far damage has been minimal. This is in no small part thanks to the team of volunteers, organised by David Marshall, who help cover greens with tarpaulins to draw out the larvae.

Members should see that tees and aprons are performing well with plenty of grass cover, these areas have been treated with growth regulator. Fairways have been treated with liquid fertiliser and growth regulator; this will give us a cleaner cut with less clippings. They are already looking a nice colour. The rough is growing well and the new areas of long rough are now becoming defined and enhancing the downland nature of the course

The Greenkeeping Team continue to “tidy” the course recently strimming bunker edges and weeding and edging hard standing areas.

As the clubhouse refurbishment comes to an end, we are looking for some help from members to build some benches and erect shelving in the Greenkeepers refurbished work areas. So, if you’re interested, willing and able please can you let Simon Justice know either in passing or via the office.

Finally, it was pleasing to get such positive feedback from the county ladies following their county match week. Over the next month I hope you all enjoy the course as much as the ladies did – happy golfing!

Derek Myers

Chair Greens Committee

A Look at the Rules

Answer
Yes. Loose impediments can be removed anywhere on or off the course. Rule 15.1a

Watch the video to find out more…

[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFNeqx4KOyk” ]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. 

Thanks to Brian Overton for all these Rules Q and A’s.

100 Club

It’s Jennifer and Tony who win top prizes this month

Our winners in the 100 Club prize draw for June 2022

£100    Jennifer Miller

£50      Tony Wright

£32 Prizewinners

Peter Spreadbury

Jeffrey Staines

Carol Roe

Tim Chandler

Congratulations to all our prize winners this month.

It’s our anniversary…..

This year is the 35th anniversary of the very first 100 Club draw.  The 100 Club was formed to raise funds towards the cost of celebrating the Golf Club centenary back in 1990.  The inaugural draw was made on the evening of 22 August 1987 at which time there were 70 members signed up with 223 shares.  Although there have been many changes over those 35 years the 100 Club has maintained its original principles and continued to grow with 126 members and 619 shares now in play.  Funds of over £7.4k are raised each year to be spent on projects or items for the golf club as well as the monthly prize draw.

This is worthy of a celebration. In order to celebrate the continued success of the 100 Club in this 35th year the Trustees have agreed that the prize fund can be increased.  With effect from the draw carried out for August the £32 prizes will be increased to £35 and there will be an extra prize of £35 each month making five in total at that value.

A date for your diaries

Help to celebrate 35 years and join in the annual 100 Club Summer Stableford and Evening Meal on Friday 29 July.  This is a social competition open to all 100 Club members followed by a meal in the evening to which all 100 Club members are invited whether or not they have played.  Remember to keep the date free.  Look out for more details in next month’s FORE Info.

How about being a winner for the first time?  Why not make this the year you join the 100 Club.

If you would like to be part of the 100 Club and actively contribute towards future enhancements to our golf club facilities, and have the chance of winning a cash prize each month, then why not join us.  If you are already a member then please encourage your friends or new members to join us too.

The monthly draw is for six cash prizes: £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.

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

Quote of the Month

Forget your opponent, always play against par- Sam Snead

Editor: David Marshall

DISCLAIMER

The Editorial Team take no responsibility for incorrect information received from Contributors.