Clubhouse Development

We move ever closer to being able to make final presentations to members to enable a decision on the Clubhouse. It is very likely that we will propose a two-stage development and have a multi-year plan much like we have an extended plan for Course Development. We have two sources of funds to provide for the capital expenditure required; cash reserves and members loans. We are in the process of delineating and costing each of the two stages of development so that we can provide members with an estimate for both stages of development and a request for members loans to fund stage one, in addition to cash reserves, should members be supportive of the scheme at a SGM. So; more news in March and finally the SGM once we have the costings and plans for each stage.

Bag Tags

Thank you all for ensuring that you proudly display your Bag Tags. It really will be quite an exception to discover any member playing the course without their Membership Tag not attached to their bag; David has tags and stickers in the office should you still be lacking.

Course Rangers & Starters

I attended the 2^nd training session for Course Rangers & Starters held by Graham Marshallsay and David Maskery; thank you for arranging a Saturday session so that us working types could take part. The two sessions were very well attended and we now have a cohort of trained, volunteer Rangers & Starters already in place. We hope that the marshalling of our course will improve the enjoyment of our course for the majority, but a small minority may feel aggrieved that we will be checking that full payment has been made before taking to the tee, and that etiquette and pace of play are fulfilled as expected. Many thanks to Graham, David and all my fellow volunteers for getting us underway. Please do see David if you would like to volunteer as a Course Ranger or Starter.

Recruitment of a New Head Professional

As you will be aware Malcom will be retiring on October 31^st this year, and so we will be embarking on a recruitment process to replace the irreplaceable. Initially an advertisement will be placed in the relevant PGA publications and will be available on their website too. We plan to offer the role towards the end of June/early July so that the in-coming pro has sufficient time to serve notice on their current role, if needed, and to make arrangements ahead of starting on 1^st November. More info will be provided as we go, once ManCom has approved the appointment process.

Course Condition 

We are so fortunate to enjoy year-round golf at Alresford with little disruption. I have noticed an improvement in the presentation of the course this winter enabled by our excellent Course Manager, a committed Greens Committee and, crucially, a full crew of Greens staff. We have operated ‘a man down’ for some time previously as the Course Manager position changed and then we found it difficult to fill the apprentice role. Simon has been in place now for a full calendar year and Dominic, our apprentice, is making an effective contribution to the workload and completing his study courses. Well done to all of those who contribute to the condition of our lovely golf course.

Social

Les Thorne became Chair of the Social Committee in November and immediately provided us with a really entertaining Captains’ Drive In. In the few short months since his appointment, the Club has been really busy socially, through the Christmas and New Year periods with successful and enjoyable events. My lovely wife, Nikki, and I attended the Valentines Dinner at the Club and really enjoyed the evening; dining with Mr & Mrs Pulling in a busy dining room. The quality and value of the food was excellent and would undoubtedly cost 50% more in a restaurant or bistro pub environment. Well done Les, the Social Committee and the Pullingers (not to be confused with the Pullings, but Cheriton School often do). We now look forward to March 7^th and Kit’s legendary quiz, now in its 42^nd year, remarkable!

Happy golfing and happy socialising!

Rob White
Chairman

under Competition. As well as Name and Date, it is essential that these cards also show which set of tees has been used.

Score cards should always be returned regardless of the circumstances. Members who persistently fail to return score cards may be sanctioned.

Famous Grouse

The Famous Grouse Greensomes is scheduled for Sunday 15^th March with a Shotgun start at 8:30am; the result and awarding of the prizes will be done in the Clubhouse as soon as possible after all score cards are in. The sign-up sheet is posted in the Men’s Changing Room, and the closing date for entries is Saturday 7^th March and the draw for start tees will posted and emailed out on Monday 9^th March.  Please note that as this competition has a Shotgun start the course will not open for general play until 1:00pm.

Men’s Invitation

This year the Men’s Invitation has been moved forward in the calendar to Sunday 7^th June. In previous years, the Men’s Ladies’ and Vets Invitation events were all within 3-4 weeks of one another, so this is to try and space them about a bit particularly for those members who want to play in more than one invitation. The course should be looking its best in early June so we’re hoping for a great day’s golf on the new date. The sign-up sheet will be posted in mid-April, so now would be a good time to approach potential guests to put the date in their diary.

World Handicapping System

The latest set of “videos” about WHS released by England Golf can be viewed by using the links on the Match Committee section of the Members Area on the Club Website.

George Clelland

Question.

A player finds their ball lying on a track crossing the fairway and is unsure if they are allowed free relief.

They tell their marker that they will play the ball as it lies and play a second ball in taking relief from the track in accordance with rule 16.1. They state also that the ball played under rule 16.1 is the ball they want to count if the rules allow.

They then lift the ball from the track and drop it in accordance with the rules and then play.

Then they place another ball where the first ball was on the track and play that ball.

Did the player play a second ball in accordance with the rules?

The facility, which will be available to Alresford members shortly, can also be incorporated into golf lessons for a modest additional fee. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to try the technology.

To my amazement Malcolm described my post shot alignment (see picture) as “superb”. A little on the generous side methinks. 

On a related matter Malcom and I will be hosting a demonstration event by Peter Dawson on Thursday 28^th May.

Peter is an ex Ryder Cup player (in 1977) who strongly believes that there are ways that senior golfers can compensate for the loss of strength and flexibility as they mature. The demo event will provide hints and advice on how to achieve this, all done in a highly entertaining manner by one of Britain’s leading senior golfers. Representatives from Wilson Staff will also be in attendance. The demo will be followed by a Q&A session in the Clubhouse over tea and biscuits at which Peter will answer golf-related questions and regale the audience with tales and anecdotes from his time as a top tournament pro. The cost to Alresford Vets for this event will be £30.

In addition, Peter will be signing copies of his book entitled “Now for the Back Nine” which reinforces what he will demonstrate and which will be available to buy on the day (cost £20).

Well the rain has now stopped so I’m off to further perfect my post shot alignment some more!

Happy golfing

Ed Tinley
Vets Captain 2020

However the Ash Trees around the practice nets will be taken out whilst our tree surgeons are on site in March, Stump Busters are also booked for the same week.

The new saplings have now been planted. It’s 4 field maples down the RHS of the 1^st Fairway; 2 beech to the right of the 1^st white tee; 1 oak at the 200yd mark on the range; 2 sweet chestnut at the end of the chipping range and 3 oak on the RHS of the 8^th.

The attached photo shows Norman Sheen helping with his sponsored tree and you are not too late to “claim one”!

The Greens Committee did review the trees on the 16 ^th as mentioned in last months article. A display will be placed in the lobby to illustrate which trees are going to be removed and why. The decisions were not taken lightly.

We will be taking out the last oak on the LHS just before the bunker as it’s roots are in the bunker. We will also take out another oak just before it.

On the RHS we have a fabulous oak and beech that are restricted by a distorted oak; a small oak and two holly trees. So we are taking out the latter to allow the former to flourish.

The display will also point out the numerous Ash trees we have on the RHS soon after the Tee. We do have a considerable Ash Dieback problem on the course as illustrated by the action taken on the other side of the road to the Range Hut and Golf Studio.

All our sheep are in fact rams and are, like some of our members, inclined to bark! We have just discovered they have “ring barked” some of the smaller trees inside their pen as shown by the attached picture.

Those trees will probably be lost but action has been taken to defend other trees as the enclosure moved further up the 17^th towards the green.

Our “Green Keeper of the Month” is Ben.

We are very lucky to have enjoyed his service for over 15 years now. He does everything and will happily accept all the credit for the Academy Course condition! He lives in Four Marks with his Fiancee and daughter and is able to assist members with their gardens or trees in between the odd round of golf.

Bob Moore

Answer.

Yes

The original ball can be played as it lies or in taking relief. The player may play each ball in any order. The original ball need not be marked when lifted, but it is recommended. Note; The player must state which ball they wish to count, if rules allow, before playing either ball.

Interpretation 20.1c(3)/3

agreed as being “to provide funds for capital expenditure to enhance the Golf Course and/or Club House”.  This is still very much the objective and projects supported by the 100 Club would generally be considered ‘extras’ and not necessarily within the Golf Club budget. Many items have been purchased over the years with the new rattan patio furniture being the most recent.  In recent years the 100 Club has purchased the drinking fountain on the 4^th/15^th holes, the finger post signage, the Information Board and Clock at the first tee and the automated Defibrillator in the Entrance Hall.

So, can I join the 100 Club?  

Yes of course. New members are always welcome and so as a Golf Club member you can actively contribute towards future enhancements to the facilities on the Golf Course or Clubhouse whilst having the opportunity to win a monthly cash prize. Or why not increase your existing shareholding for an even better chance of a prize.  Shares can be purchased for £1 per month paid for by Standing Order and there is no limit on the number which can be held – most members have between 1 and 5 shares.  Each share is allocated a number which is entered into the monthly draw with a top prize of £100, with a second prize of £50 and four other prizes of £32. For more information contact Pat Wallis on 01420 564417 or peterpat51@outlook.com, or call in to the Secretary’s Office.

Pat Wallis