Fore Info March 2025
Contents
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Club Captain News
Ladies Captain
Vets update
Juniors
Competitions and Handicaps
Rules Quiz Question and Answer
Greens News
General Managers update
Social
Winners in the 100 Club
Welcome to those new members who have joined the club this month.
Gethin Davies, and Julia Paul (7 day), Kit Joyce (5 day), Tom Henbest, James Sewell and Thomas Ridgers (Intermediate), Ayan Vouk (Junior) , Linda and Martin Hide , Sarah Lavers and Juliet Rowe (Academy)
We hope that you all have a long and enjoyable time at the club. Even though we lose some members each year for personal reasons, it’s great to see we attract new members to fill their places. The AGC membership offer is very competitive in the region.
Although its been winter with few competitions, AGC can be proud of their Vets Section. As we approach the final stages of the regional Wessex Winter League, we remain undefeated and are League Champions even if we lose the last match. Well done to Steve Oldham the Team Captain.
On the course there was lots of rain but tremendous scores. Well done for Will Packenham-Walsh scoring a 66 with two eagles on 7 and 17 and Kelly Travers doing a special 68 with birdie 2’s on all par 3’s. That would have been fun to watch. If you do any amazing things on our course like this let me know and I will mention it.
This edition also covers key information on signing up for AGC and County Competitions. Its fantastic that AGC has been chosen for two prestigious County Championship events. As the season gets into full swing in March read about the key majors and sign up. Summer Knockouts closing dates are also ones to watch.
The Greens Section is again filled with details of our winter projects, how we are managing our woodland and details of planned work to optimise our course for the season. A date for your diaries is Divot Party on April 10th. Join in and do your bit to make our course look even better.
It’s great to see Ben’s Quiz went well, even if our team did not win.
Don’t miss out on the other events coming soon and highlighted in the Social Section this month.
Please get in touch if you have any topics you would like covered in future Fore Info editions. Enjoy the read
David Marshall
Editor
newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk
From the Club Captain
The Captain’s year is picking up momentum fast.
Our first friendly took place at home against the Hampshire County Team.
Whilst we didn’t win, it was very pleasing to see some great support from so many low and mid-handicappers, and Charlie’s pairings were a good choice, thank you all for that!
With scores as low as 64 and about 5 or 6 sub-69 it was impressive to watch.
The next match is the County Juniors followed by a Tri-way match with Alton and Tylney Park at Tylney. Please review ClubV1 Teams/Men’s Friendlies 2025 and mark your availability for as many matches as possible, and give Charlie plenty of choices to mix up each team.
Polly and I have been interviewing New Member Applications and hope those joining will be welcomed into the club with the usual warmness given by Alresford Golf Club members. Of the 21 applications, (1 meeting still to take place), 9x 7-Day, 5x 5-Day and 4x Intermediate joined, and 2 have not joined.
I am hoping to see more activity this year on the Marshalling once we get the Buggies allowed back on the course. Please sign-up and support doing some sessions out on the course if you have time.
To all members – we have had some slow play issues on the course the last few weeks, which happens, and the members need to work through it together. Help each other by observing the blocking point and accepting you may be the ones that need to let the group behind through, especially if you have clearly lost ground on your group in front.
At all times, this club expect all members to show respect and kindness to fellow members and marshalls, rude or aggressive behaviour will not be accepted.
With an enjoyable first Past Captains Dinner, I got invited to meet more of our past captains and hear some interesting stories and history about the club whilst enjoying Richard Lane and Ben’s food presentation, and learning more about what I will need to arrange next year.
Ben’s Quiz was also a fun night and very well supported, good food, a few drinks and a lot of brain strain!! Support the social events if you can, it’s a great way to meet members and enjoy our club-house facilities.
On to March we go…and 3 months done already ….what!!!
Gary Mugford
Club Captain
Ladies Section
This month has been an exciting and successful time for the ladies section, with 28 ladies playing in the last Mix and Meet before the competitions start in March. Congratulations to Sarah Bruce, Allena Doley and Jenny Steiner winning with a massive 27 points!
Best of luck to everyone playing in the final round of the Winter Triple at Corhampton – hopefully someone can pull off a fantastic score to secure the trophy!
The Hayling Trophy team is clearly on a roll – winning all their matches so far is a brilliant achievement. Fingers crossed for the last two matches and a place in the semi-finals!
A special mention for Kelly Travers and Rosie Rooney as they take on the challenge of the Sunningdale Foursomes – competing alongside professionals like Georgia Hall and Charley Hull, what a great opportunity.
Finally at the bridge event we raised an amazing £2,000 a great effort. Thank you to all the lady members that helped, and played to make it such a success. It was a wonderful afternoon of fundraising, tea and great company.
Polly Church
Ladies Captain
Hampshire Ladies Golf
Ladies – just a reminder to look at Hampshire Ladies Website to enter this year’s events, there is definitely something for everyone, including the Mixed Greensomes being held at Alresford on Monday June 9th. Lets make the most of home advantage!!
Sandra Hooker
AGC Delegate Hampshire Ladies Golf.
Vets Section
Andy Gagen
Vets Captain
Juniors Section
Tobias Cobb
Juniors Captain
Competitions and Handicap Committee Report
CHARITY COMPETITIONS
21st & 22nd March – Men
22nd & 25th March – Ladies
All entry monies from these competitions are donated to the RNLI charity.
CURLY’S Cup – 29th & 30th March 2025
Our first major of the year takes place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April. The scoring for Curly’s Cup is different to most of our competitions with Round 1, Medal less Round 2 stableford score.
LINNETS CUP
Friday 18th April & Saturday 19th April 2025
Our second major of the year – Linnets Cup, 36 holes mixed medal.
To allow priority for 7 day members who wish to play in the 36 hole competition over this bank holiday weekend. Round 1 (Good Friday) will be open via “bookable competitions”, 14 days prior at 9pm on Friday 4th April 2025. Round 2 will be open via “bookable competitions”, 14 days prior at 9pm on Saturday 5h April 2025. Unused tee slots will be released 48 hours before the competition.
MENS ORDER OF MERIT: REVISED FOR 2025
Full details of the revised Order of Merit 2025 competition (both Gross and Nett) have now been advertised and entry is open (via “live competitions). To enter players need to have a Handicap Index of 18.0 or less at the time of entry (deadline 10pm 28th March 2025).
SUMMER KNOCKOUTS
Rotherham: Mixed Foursomes Knockout
Wessex: Men’s Singles Knockout
Ross: Men’s (Over 50s) Singles Knockout
Cooper: Men’s Foursomes Knockout
Entries Close on 23rd March 2025
Club Championship
28th & 29th June 2025
Look out for full details and entry criteria for this year’s Club Championship. This year, ALL competitors must have competed in 6 qualifying competitions in preceding 12 months of which 3 MUST have been at Alresford Golf Club. In addition players with a Handicap Index of 13.1 or above will have to played in at least one qualifying competition:
This year’s qualifying competitions are:
Saturday 3rd May 2025 (Men’s Medal)
Saturday 24th May (Jubilee Cup Round 1 OR Mixed Medal)
Saturday 7th June (Men’s Medal)
Gill Freemantle
Chair Competitions & Handicap Committee, Handicap Secretary
A Look at the Rules
Question
Greens
March 1st is the first day of spring according to meteorological spring (astronomical spring begins on March 20th this year). So, hopefully we will begin to enjoy weather more suited to golf.
This month I have a number of areas I would like to cover including:
- Winter projects update
- Woodland management
- Greens maintenance
- Divot Party.
Winter Projects
The Second Tee
- The tees are nearly finished. We still need to complete the raking and turfing of banks and we have still to install sprinklers.
- The area to the left of the tee (17th hole side) is very muddy and will need to dry out before we can continue work.
Fairway Bunkers
- All five bunkers just need the fescue turf and bunker sand added.
- The turfing of the backs of the bunkers with fescue was due to be completed by now. Unfortunately the supplier reported that the fescue was suffering from disease and this resulted in a delay. We are hoping to receive the turf and complete the bunkers this month.
Woodland Management
Members will have noted the woodland work undertaken over the winter and have in some cases asked for clarification. N.B. In the first instant please use the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the club website (Course & Greens Frequently Asked Questions – Alresford Golf Club). This is the best and quickest way to understand how and why we manage our woodland.
We identified trees that needed felling or pruning for the following reasons.
- They were diseased and unsafe. These were mainly Ash suffering from Ash Dieback.
- Trees planted by Hampshire County Council in the 1980s and by the club 1992 onwards were planted close together, on the basis of plant 3 to keep 1. These areas need thinning if they are to grow into mature copses or woodland. So far, we have “thinned out” these areas by removing diseased ash and other unhealthy trees.
- We have more sustainable and healthier trees in situ ready to replace them. An example of this was the removal of the silver birch on 9. We had planted 2 oak trees in 2015/16 to replace this tree (and the damaged oak). We kept the best oak and felled the surplus oak and the birch.
- Nearby greens are unhealthy and perform poorly because they do not get enough light or moving air. In these heavily shaded areas trees are pollarded or felled to allow sunlight and moving air to reach the putting surface. The work adjacent to the 12th green is such an example, including the removal of diseased ash.
Tree planting will take place in the coming weeks, you will see a small amount of planting in our woodland areas including on 4, 14 and 15. We will also plug gaps and strengthen our boundaries with hazel.
Greens Maintenance
Last week was greens maintenance week. The weather made this incredibly challenging for the team as the “sand” must be kept dry before and during application. The seven greens that were scheduled to have the deep (12”) drill and fill were 1, 2, 4, 9, 12, 15 and 16 whilst all other greens were top dressed and solid tined (6”).
During March the team will apply fertiliser to fairways, tees and aprons plus some dressing and overseeding on tee tops. In general, the team have a great deal of work to get through and they appreciate your continuing patience.
Divot Party
The annual spring Divot Party will take place on the morning of April 10th so please come along and help to improve your course. The General Manager, David Maskery, and our Course Manager will be in touch, via their weekly updates, with further details.
Finally, I would like to thank Rob Gates for covering for me during my recovery from surgery, not least for writing the last two editions of FORE.
Derek Myers
Chair Greens
General Manager’s Update
Welcome to those new members who have joined the club in February and March;
Gethin Davies, and Julia Paul (7 day), Kit Joyce (5 day), Tom Henbest, James Sewell and Thomas Ridgers (Intermediate), Ayan Vouk (Junior) , Linda and Martin Hide , Sarah Lavers and Juliet Rowe (Academy)
We hope that you will enjoy your time with us.
There will be a NEW MEMBERS ‘MEET & GREET’ EVENING held at the club on Friday 7th March, 6.30 -8.00pm. All new members are invited and should have received a personal invitation from our Captain, Gary Mugford.
This is an ideal opportunity to meet informally with other new members and chat with our committee representatives over a welcome drink and some nibbles.
There will also be a representative from our Team Golf Committee. Team Golf is a fun and social team competition played over 9 holes on Thursday evenings starting in April and culminating in Finals Evening late July. The annual league event has now been running for over 20 years, and is a very popular fixture in the Club diary, presenting a great opportunity to meet other members and enjoy social golf.
Please RSVP to the Office if you are able to attend. Existing (i.e. not ‘new’) members are also very welcome to attend.
COURSE ETIQUETTE & RESPECT FOR FELLOW MEMBERS
We all know that the current weather conditions are effecting our golf course and accessibility for members. It is important that we all play a part in protecting the course and helping it recover quickly in time for the start of the golfing season. Members can assist in this in a number of ways;
- Repairing pitch marks on the greens (if not yours, then find another to repair)
- Replacing divots on fairways
- Repairing divots on the tees with divot mix
- Adhering to any course directional signage directing traffic away from the worn areas
- Keeping to paths when possible
- Not walking over newly prepared areas with or without turf
- Not taking trolleys between bunker edges and the greens.
- Carry if you can.
‘Pace of Play’ – probably one of the most contentious issues at any golf club. Every golfer does not consider themselves deliberately slow. However ‘Pace of Play’ is not always about the time. I would ask all members to consider how they are effecting other members on the course. It is the groups responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole or it is delaying the group behind i.e. it is apparent that they are playing quicker due either to ability or numbers, YOU MUST invite the group behind to play through irrespective of the number of players in the group. If your group is invited to ‘play thru’ you should do so, as by not doing so you in turn may be delaying the group behind you!
Allowing a group to play thru is not a slur on your golfing ability or character, but you will thanked and well regarded for identifying the need to and calling players through quickly and without delay.
Please respect the Course Marshall at all times – ignoring or arguing with the Course Marshall is not acceptable and any member doing so will be subject to the club disciplinary process.
FOR CLARIFICATION – the guide timings on the scorecard are not the times you are permitted to take. They are there for guidance only. So if the group behind is being held up, they MUST be invited through irrespective of whether you are playing to the time according to the card.
COMPETITIONS 2025 – BE PREPARED
For those members who play COMPETITIVE GOLF, please be aware of the Terms and Conditions of entry to club competitions found on the website in the Members Area / Competition Committee page.
For example to be eligible for prizes for Men’s Trophy and Board Competitions you must have a handicap index, have playing rights for the day of the competition and should have played in at least 6 qualifying competitions, (Home or Away but not General play) in the 12 months prior to the closing date for entry to the competition.
For the Club Championships (Men’s & Ladies’), you must be a full 7 day, Intermediate or junior member, with a fully developed handicap index (20 scores) and have played in at least 6 qualifying competitions in the 12 months prior to the closing date for entry to the competition (with a minimum of 3 at Alresford).
All members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the General Terms of Competition at the start of the season to avoid any last minute panic as closing dates for competitions begin to loom! Watch out for entry details and deadlines as they are posted on Club V1, FORE INFO and the Members Updates during the season.
COUNTY EVENTS 2025
We are delighted to be hosting two of the County’s major events in 2025, our 135th year. It would be fantastic to have a strong Alresford representation and maybe some winners? We have number of ladies featuring on our County Honours Board in the foyer, how about some more men?
Tue 20th – Weds 21st May 2025 Hampshire Seniors County Championships at BROKENHURST MANOR GC
36 Hole Strokeplay (18 Holes Per Day)
White Tees
Handicap Limit 14.4
Scratch & Handicap Prizes
Competitors can only win one voucher but can win both overall trophies
Prizes for various age categories- 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
https://www.golfgenius.com/ggid/tdzbdu/customerdirectory/9317033292970634790
Mon 9th June 2005 – Hampshire Mixed Greensomes at ALRESFORD GC
Tees – White (Men), Red (Ladies) Greensomes H’cap
Cost per pair £80
https://www.hampshireladiesgolf.com/competition2.php?tab=details&compid=184
Thurs 3rd July 2025 – The Hampshire Open at ALRESFORD GC
36 holes medal.
Open to Professionals and Amateurs (handicap limit 4.0)
Tees-White
Cost £65pp
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11271043145103617765
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 11.00-11.54am – 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.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS – STILL TIME TO SET UP YOUR ADVANCED SUBS SCHEME
Want to ease the burden of subscription renewals in January next year?
We do offer an Advanced Payment Scheme for your 2026 subscriptions. You choose how much you wish to pay against your bill for 2026 and your account is credited. Speak to the Office if you would like a Standing Order form.
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.
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.
Alicia Hardy
Chair Social
TEAM GOLF
ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN – Captains will soon be sending in their Team Sheets to formally register for Team Golf for 2025.
Weekly fixtures and timings will be confirmed just after the CLOSING DATE of 20th March.
Details are on the club website but if you are keen to find out more, John White will be at the New Members Welcome Drinks on 7th March.
Jan, John and Jim White
A Look at the Rules
ANSWER
Thanks to Brian Overton for all these Rules Q and A’s. After many years providing these Q and A’s, Brian is stepping aside. Many thanks Brian for your brilliant support over the years! If you are a rules expert and want to help provide Q and A’s for the future please let me know.
Just email newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk
Our winners for March 2025
£100 David Buckland
£50 Steve Oldham
£35 Prizewinners
Kim Johnson
Colin Verrall
Mike Bryett
David Robertson
Peter Wallis
Congratulations to David and Steve our top two prize winners this month – both of whom are first timers.
How can I join the 100 Club and be a first time prizewinner?
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 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 five other prizes of £35.
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.
Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy 2025
Pat Wallis
Editor: David Marshall
DISCLAIMER
The Editorial Team take no responsibility for incorrect information received from Contributors.
Social