Fore Info May 2022
Content
Here are some of the May Issue highlights:
- Our Club Captain, Mark Tiplady in the interview hotseat
- Clubhouse Development update
- AGM rule changes!
- Mens and Ladies Results and Team news
- Rules Quiz Question: rule on searching for a ball
- Club Champs: how to qualify?
- Mixed Matches: sign up
- Vets Team results
- New Juniors Section
- Upcoming events from the Social Committee
- Pro Tip from Mark Wood on ‘Chipping’
- New staff in the Pro Shop
- Pro Shop goes cashless!
- Greens News: getting the course in fine form
- Winners in the 100 Club: check if you won
- Tom Warden charity fundraising: remembering AGC member Dave Brant
As the season gets into full swing there is a lot to tell in this edition. I am very impressed how our teams and individuals continue to do so well in local and regional competitions. This is a combination of existing and new members, bringing high standards to our club. Long may it continue and make AGC an attractive club for the future.
I see again several examples of the great AGC ‘volunteer’ spirit this month with divot parties, starter hut painting and tarpaulin sheeting of greens to name a few. We are a members club and benefit from your support to help contain cost and improve the course and facilities. A big thank-you.
I was approached this week as to why we do not have a section for Juniors in Fore Info. A great point. Now we do and thanks Ady for proposing it. We have a small section of Juniors but aspire to grow this with the Pro Shop Teams support. Please welcome in juniors to the team events. I hope we will get a junior team in the Queens Platinum Jubilee Fore Info Team Challenge on June 2nd/3rd. There are still places for several teams and I am collecting individual names to make up a team, so contact me if you can play on both these 2 days.
Finally a reminder that the Charity Golf Day on July 22nd, in support of Alices Arc charity needs teams to enter. The charity was chosen in memory of Sophie aged 10, connected to 2 members. Even though it is a long way off yet, please register now to aid planning. (full details near the end of this edition)
David Marshall
Editor
newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk
Club Captain: much more than just a good golfer
This month I learn more about our Club Captain. Many of our members know Tip well but I hope to have unearthed a few things many will not know about this multi-talented, smiley gentle giant.
Editor: So Tip, let’s start by learning more about you. I hear you are from Nottinghamshire?
Tip: No and Yes, born to parents living in Brussels. I did spend most of my life up in Nottinghamshire. After school I spent many years in the financial sector working my way up from a clerk to a Regional Sales Manager for a number of companies. I particularly like planning, working with, and managing people and businesses. Having moved to Bournemouth to be with my ‘wife-to-be’ Pat, we soon moved to this area, buying a pub back in 2002. We totally developed the business, converted the only thatched fire station in Britain into letting rooms rooms and created a very successful business which we finally sold in 2008.
Editor: why did you sell?
Tip: Well, we had realised our ambition and business plan and Pat needed a rest!! I returned to Financial Services with HSBC for about 5 years, redundant at 57 and decided to take time off and enjoy an early retirement. But that did not last long as I received a call from my old Cricket Club, Blidworth Miners Welfare, to help them develop a recovery plan. I soon realised they needed help to turn the business around and decided to take them up on an offer to move back to Blidworth and be their Business Development Manager and implement the plan I developed. It was not what I planned but was a great time back in a place I had so many friends, in a club I joined when I was a youngster.
Editor: What are your hobbies?
Tip: I’m thinking of taking up golf in January! Music, from brass bands, through to Trance. All sport, but my first love was cricket, which I started at the age of 3. I made my “adult” debut aged 11, then 1st team at 14. We progressed from a low league side to the Premier League of the region. I was Captain for 7 years and made so many great friendships. It was a great role to learn managing people and helping run the club. My dad was a former President of both club and League, so I was following in his footsteps. The club means a lot to me.
Quickfire Q and A
Favourite Golf Course?
Sherwood Forest/ Ballybunion
Your biggest golfing achievement?
Daily Mail foursomes finalist with Tony Stanton
Favourite holiday destination?
Australia
Favourite Food?
Italian
Favourite drink after a round?
Pint
Favourite Movie?
Naked Gun
If you had only one thing to take on a desert island what would it be and why?
Wedge, practice short game
| Present Role | Captain, Alresford Golf Club since 2021 |
| Marital status | Married to wife Pat |
| Children | 2 girls, Melanie and Clare |
| Hobbies | Golf, Cricket, Squash, music, cooking, keeping in touch with old friends |
| Golf Handicap | 12 |
Editor: what were your greatest cricketing achievements?
Tip: Captain of two league winning teams, then runners-up in Premier league and cup winners in my last season before moving to Preston in 1989. I did manage to get into the County Boys team, but I also played in the Hampshire Over 50s team (with AGC member, Andy York). (Win anything? NO! County championship semi-finalists twice!))
Editor: tell us about your family
Tip: Well I married Pat in Australia in 2001. The most amazing beach/golf location on the balcony of friends’ house. Magic!
I have 2 step daughters (Melanie and Clare) and we have 4 grandchildren. I am just Daddy Tip!
Editor: What have been your biggest challenges as Captain?
Tip: The pandemic was undoubtedly challenging. It meant I was reacting to the situation not able to build a plan and implement. I must say my Vice Captain Simon (Freemantle), is outstanding and I do not know how I would have coped without him. The lack of a clubhouse has also been frustrating, but I am looking forward to making the most of having the full facilities soon and on the course playing well…
Editor: What skills do you need to be Captain?
Tip: My predecessors have set high standards and I have observed that being gregarious really helps as the Captain is regularly meeting, and also playing with new members, as well as Captains and members of other clubs. Also being comfortable with public speaking helps, although you do not need to be an expert. I would say being a good listener is key as you get to hear a lot of opinions from members.
Although you don’t need to be a low handicap golfer, being a consistent golfer really helps as so playing team and representative golf is part of the job. Nobody wants to let our side down.
Finally, being a good committee chair is important. Getting a variety of views and working through options before getting full alignment is tough but rewarding. I’ve seen all of these skill in our past captains!
Editor: How does the running of the club work with MANCOM and CAPCOM? You are a non-voting member of ManCom and Chair of CAPCOM. Simon has the CapCom vote on ManCom.
Tip: yes that is by design. Many clubs suffered with having an all-powerful captain who ran the show. In such clubs you often see pet projects like special tree plantings or new bunkers. With the system at AGC the Chairman, which is a multi-year role, chairs MANCOM and the Captain has a voice and is present to understand all the key decisions. This allows the Captain time to be engaged not only in CapCom, but the many other aspects of the role, particularly in external facing and recruitment responsibilities. I think this also ensures better continuity as the Vice and Captain work closely together and the transition is more seamless.
Editor: What would you like to change if you had your way?
Tip: I would like to find that perfect balance between number of members, number of society days and greenfees that optimises the value for members whilst making our golf club financially successful. Of course, the balance is so hard to strike and it’s a continuous struggle.
Editor: What are your ambitions for the club?
Tip: I want to ensure members once again get full value out of their membership. That is to have a clubhouse and social side that completes the golfing experience on what remains a course of envy. I cannot count the number of times visitors compliment us on the quality our course and its presentation.
Management Corner
Its all about the Clubhouse!
As you have all been noticing; the Clubhouse work continues largely to schedule, within a really well managed site by the contractor, Ascia Construction. There are some reasonably minor components running late, but these appear to be items that will not delay the re-opening and will hopefully be fitted with a month of the re-opening.
The kitchen equipment is currently being installed, the bar-counter and surround has been built this week, and all looking really smart. Sue Masser and her House Committee together with David Maskery have made a fantastic job of seeing this contract through. Finance are finalising discussions in relation to the small amount of VAT that we can reclaim from the build, and the management of VAT in relation to ongoing Bar and Catering services.
We await the important delivery of; the bifold doors, the flooring and furniture. All are said to be on schedule, but they are necessarily among the last of the important items to be delivered because we would not want to be storing huge rolls of carpet or new furniture in containers for a few months. We do not have a date for re-opening at this stage, but we will re-open the bar, lounge and dining areas as soon as we have all the services ready to provide you with a much-improved experience that brings the Club right up to date.
We are running very close to the budget and despite some additional works to the sub-floor we will be within 1% or 2% of the budget, or maybe better; the final cost will be shared with members once finalised.
Despite all this fabulous selfless work on behalf of all members, I am hearing ridiculous rumours about the self-interest of Management Committee members. I want to tell you how hurtful this is, and how embarrassed rumour mongers should be. I know from my heart that all members of my Management Committee love our Club, as I do, and we love securing the future of our wonderful Club, ensuring that Alresford Golf Club continues to be a brilliant place for all of us. The latest rumour coming our way is that the Chair of Bar and Catering and myself are fixing the price of lager to our own benefit. I would like to speak to the rumour mongers directly, so please contact me, I would love to understand what on earth drives these ridiculous thoughts! Where do they start? If any member has any other concerns do contact me directly, my email address is Chairman@alresfordgolf.co.uk. I am probably better informed than rumour spreaders, so do contact me directly if you really want to know what is going on. Simple? I am also open to apologies for the hurt the current rumours have caused, do contact me!
We are really confident that we will be providing a high-quality environment together with high standards of service and products that the Club can be justifiably proud of.
Rule Changes for this year’s AGM
The Planning and Development committee, led by Nick Duncan, are undertaking a detailed review of the Club’s rules. This is such a tricky and reasonably thankless task, but entirely necessary. The purpose of the review is not to bring in any new rules by stealth, but to ensure that the rules accurately reflect the custom and practice at our Club and to secure the Club for the future.
I am most grateful to the Planning and Development Committee for getting stuck in. The amended rules will be further reviewed and amended by the Management Committee in readiness to be presented to Members at this year’s AGM. The final say on any rule changes will be with Members as usual, through the AGM.
Tee Times
The intensity around Tee Times at weekends appears to be abating. Indeed; as I write this note there are 5 open fourball slots for tomorrow (Saturday) and 14 open fourball slots for Sunday. It appears to me that we have a capacity issue through the winter daylight hours, but good capacity at this time of year due to summer daylight hours.
It has been a tough role for the Captain’s Committee to find the common ground to please some people…some of the time….as it is impossible to gain wider popularity. I do appreciate that it is a continuing balancing act.
In closing….
We have a wonderful, improving course with a dedicated team of Greenkeepers, we have a new 25-year lease on the land we lease from the Tichborne Estate and we will shortly have contemporary kitchen, bar, lounge and dining facilities together with much-improved service and high-quality food. David Maskery describes the Club as ‘the model members golf club’, and I think he maybe right!
This has been brought about by many ‘generations of committees and Members’ who have selflessly given their time to the continuous improvement and security of our Club. I am so looking forward to the re-opening of the Clubhouse…the only thing that I cannot tell you…is the price of Lager!
………really looking forward to an amazing summer at our Club.
Robert White
Chairman of the Management Committee.
From the Club Captain
April is, for me, the transition from winter to summer for golf. Winter rules taken off, board competitions, fairway grass growing (and the rough!), sheep back home after their winter break and greens recovering from the winter. It is also time for our divot party, which was covered by our fine team of greenkeepers and 15-20 volunteers. Just need a splash of rain now! We do so well for volunteers. Whenever needed our members come up trumps, as witnessed by the team of painters giving the starters hut a freshen up.
Congratulations to Lynne Cowser and Jane Scott, winners of The Millie Diamond Salver at the Hampshire Lady Captains Spring Meeting at Corhampton.
The first “Major” of the year is the Linnets, which takes place on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. This was won by Steven Maxwell with 2 outstanding rounds of net 65 off a handicap of 8. Congratulations Steven!
Men’s Friendlies have got off to good and busy start. We entertained Shanklin and Sandown on Sunday 3rd and enjoyed a good match which we won 5-1. Rowlands Castle away, also great fun, we lost 2.5-1.5. Hockley Away, played in great spirit, was an unwelcome 5-0 loss. On to Waterlooville for a 3-way match with Waterlooville and Corhampton. On a tough, windy day the home team came out on top with Alresford best visitors!
Finally, Hayling away on a calm (for Hayling) evening. Another super match halved 2-2. Simon is doing a fantastic job, arranging these fixtures and team. He has been able to arrange for new and regular members alike. The hospitality at our away matches makes us look forward even more to the clubhouse re-opening!
Mixed Friendly at Tylney Park, well organised by Marion and Alan Bruce, resulted in a 5-2 defeat, nevertheless truly enjoyed by all.
Congratulations to the Mens Scratch Team, led by Jim White, who overcame tough opposition from North Hants 5-2 in the County 7’s. We look forward to a strong campaign.
Mark Tiplady
Club Captain
Ladies Section
Another very busy month for the Alresford Ladies.
On Friday 4th April we played the last of the Maple Leaf qualifiers away to Blacknest. Unfortunately we lost this match – but having already qualified for the final we were not too downhearted.
Saturday 9th saw the first of our Stoneham matches at home against Worldham. Some very close matches ensued but resulted in a win for Worldham.
Monday 11th saw the first of the Hampshire Ladies Golf 2022 County days. The Foursomes Championship took place with thirty six teams from all over the County. Four teams from Alresford took part and I am pleased to let you know that Karen Fox and Polly Church took second nett prize with a nett 72 on countback. So a brilliant result.
Easter Monday 18th was the Easter Mixed Bowmaker, well organised by the Social Committee and well supported. Thanks to Mike Battison and his team for a fun afternoon of golf.
Tuesday 19th was the ladies Spring Meeting. Unlike other years when we have enjoyed lunch and presentation of prizes to the winners of our winter competitions, we had a very much pared down day. However, thanks to the great efforts of Caroline Warne and Lynne Duncan, the ladies enjoyed an eighteen hole game of golf, including a halfway house and the weather stayed fine for us.
Thursday 21st was the Hampshire Past Captains Spring Meeting at Corhampton. I am delighted to tell you that Jane Scott and Lynne Cowser came in with the best gross score and won the Millie Diamond Salver.
Sunday 24th the ladies hosted a team from Guernsey who were over here to play Hampshire Seniors on Monday 25th. Jill England, Liz Thorne, Kathleen McLaughlin, Pat Palmer, Suzy Batty and Jane Hendry enjoyed singles matches against the Guernsey ladies and we came away victorious. A pleasant afternoon’s golf for all.
Monday 25th saw the Maple Leaf team together with their caddies, make the trip to North Hants GC to play against Liphook. Our team of Jackie Coulson, Louise Hampton, Jenny Fothergill, Marion Bruce and Sigi Hill ably assisted by their caddies, Pat Palmer, Lesley Martin, Lyn Jones, Rosemary Verral and Jo Youngs played some good golf. After four matches we were two all and eagerly awaited our last player to come down the eighteen fairway. The match came down to the last putt on the last hole and unfortunately we lost to Liphook. The match could not have been closer and my thanks to Marion Bruce who has guided, chosen and mentored the team throughout the season together with all the players and the caddies who have been of such a great support to our players. You have all done so well and it was a great achievement to get to the finals so well done.
Thursday, 28th we played our second Stoneham match at home v Liphook and resulted in a win 4/3 for Alresford. The team of Lynne Cowser, Jill England, Liz Hastings, Sandra Hooker, Pat Palmer and Ann Younger all played well, supported by their caddies. Congratulations to Rosemary Verrall, Team Captain and her team on a great win.
Throughout the month we have had friendly matches v. Bramshaw, Cowdray Park, Romsey and Blackmore. My thanks to all the ladies who have played in these matches and to Gunnel, who has put in a tremendous effort to organise these matches and players.
Jan Harring
Ladies Captain
Competitions and Handicap Committee Report
Club Championship
25th & 26th June 2022
The maximum number of entries will be a total of 111 (increased from 99 previously) with a split of 75 places for men and 36 places for ladies.
Men
Men with a Handicap Index of 13.0 or below, at the time entry closes, do not have to pre-qualify.
For men with a Handicap Index of 13.1 or above, at the time entry closes, will need to qualify by playing in one, two, or all three qualifying rounds (listed below). Player’s best nett scores will be ranked to secure qualifying places. Furthermore, the top 2 players with a HI of 13.1 or greater, from the qualifying competitions, will receive automatic entry.
Ladies
Handicap Index will determine entry to the Ladies Club Championship and associated competitions. Places will be allocated in Handicap Index order from low to high.
All players must register their intent to play in the Championship by signing into “Men’s & Ladies’ Club Championship ENTRIES ONLY” prior to the closing date.
Entries will open at 9pm on Friday 22nd April and close at 10pm on Tuesday 31st May.
Qualifying Competitions (for men with Handicap Index 13.1 or above)
Qualifying will consist of 3 medal rounds:
- Saturday 21st May – Men’s Medal
- Saturday 4th June – Men’s Medal
- Saturday 11th June – Laming Cup (Medal)
The number of places available through qualifying will be as many as needed to bring the total entry to 111. For example, if on 1st June:
| Entries from men with HI 13.0 or less | 45 |
| Ladies Entries* | 36 |
| Top 2 places (HI 13.1 or greater) from 3 qualifying competitions | 6 |
| Remaining Places available through qualifying (HI 13.1 or greater) | 24 |
*If less than 36 ladies enter then the remaining spaces will be available for the Men’s Championship.
Notes:
- Regardless of Handicap Index all players must meet the entry requirements as detailed in the Terms of Competition (available on the Club Website), specifically players must have a fully developed Handicap Index (ie. calculated using the 8 best scores from the most recent 20).
- Entries for both men and ladies, regardless of handicap, will open at 9pm on Friday 22nd April and close at 10pm on Tuesday 31st May.
- Only men (HI 13.1 or greater) who have registered their intent by the closing date and who have recorded a score in one, two or all three qualifying competitions will be considered for entry into the Championship.
- Entry into the Club Championship will be via HowDidiDo and sign-in (see below).
- The Entry Fee of £6 will be deducted from member’s card at sign-in to the competition, on the day.
- The Club Championship Policy is available on the Club website for members.
How to Sign In/Register for Men’s & Ladies’ Club Championships:
| 1. | Open “HowDidiDo”  |
| 2. |
Select “Today’s Golf”
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| 3. |
Select “Sign In/Pre Registration”
|
| 4. |
Select “Men’s & Ladies’ Club Championship ENTRIES ONLY”
|
| 5. |
Select “Sign In”
|
| 6. |
Select “Sign In”
|
| 7. |
Confirmation Screen
|
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
Mixed Matches
The mixed match season is well underway with the first match already completed. The list of matches is on the noticeboard in the locker rooms as well as a sign-up sheet for all the matches. You can also signal availability for the matches on the club V1 system.
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:
Petersfield Home Sunday 8th May at 1.00pm
Corhampton Home Friday 13th May at 1.00pm
Hockley Away Wednesday 1st June at 2.00pm
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 is 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 hits a fairway shot into the rough. Searches for a short time, returns to where they made the previous shot and drops a ball correctly to replay the shot. Meanwhile, their playing partner finds the original ball within the 3 mins allowed. Should the player play the original ball or the ball they have dropped but not yet played? See rules 18.1 & 14.4
Juniors Section
This month we are starting a separate Juniors Section and invite the Junior Captain and members to share their stories and successes here.
This month we can report that the ‘Peter Gregory Salver’ for 2022 was recently won by Oscar Vaughan. Oscar is the grandson of the former Vets Captain Gareth Rees. Well done Oscar!
1st Oscar Vaughan 39pts
2nd Harvey Vaughan 38pts OCB
3rd Amelia Aikenhead 38pts
Vets Section
How nice it has been to finally play in the sunshine. It makes everyone feel better and, hopefully, improves the golf!
Unfortunately, this month’s two matches were played in pouring rain. At home to Corhampton we won 4.5 to 2.5 and at home to Petersfield it was a draw. Great meals were enjoyed by all at The Swan for Corhampton and The Flowerpots for Petersfield. A big thank you to these two pubs who have stepped up to cover meals for our matches until our new clubhouse is open.
Five months into my duties as Vets Captain I am not saying it has been hard work, but it is certainly full on! With no Clubhouse, meals, and coffee to organise, teams to sort out and seemingly endless emails it has kept me very busy.
We have now completed 8 summer matches with 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. Thanks very much to all who have taken part so far. A reminder, if you wish to play in the matches, please put your name on the sign-up sheets at the Starter’s hut or email me and let me know.
We are now in the process of organising the Fred White singles K.O. and the over 70’s K.O. The draws will be posted on the noticeboard in the changing room.
The Vets are looking forward to the re-opening of the Clubhouse, hopefully in a month’s time so that we can go back to having a celebratory drink (or coffee!) after games.
With the better weather the roll-up numbers are increasing, thanks to all Bagmen for their assistance.
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 ; Christopher Graham, Zak Faithfull, Geoffrey Hooker, Richard Johnson, David Curling, Roland Richardson, Richard Sharp and David Finden (7 day), Vincent Sinnott (5 day) , Henry Herklots, Megan Power, Sam Power (Intermediate) and Luke Peters (Student).
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
Would you like to be the welcoming face of the club to visiting societies?
The Golf Society season starts in earnest during April 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.
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.
COURTESIES
These are provided to offer golf on specific occasions when we host county or Open competitions. These differ from the above in that they are usually at ‘networked clubs’ and not on our normal day to day reciprocal rota. This is why they are limited in number.
All requests for these rounds should be made to the Office in advance providing the name of club , day of courtesy and all players. Unlike previous years we will ballot for allocation. Members may apply for or play in a maximum of 3 such rounds. The closing date for requests to be registered to the Office, will be one calendar month prior. i.e. if the courtesy is on the 18th May, the closing date for registering interest is 18th April. The successful request will then be notified.
This year’s Courtesy list will be displayed in the Men’s and Ladies Changing Room until the clubhouse re-opens when the Main Noticeboard will revert back to the foyer.
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/
LADIES COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS WEEK (16-20 May)
We are pleased to be once again hosting then 2022 Hampshire Ladies County Championship Week.
We last hosted this prestigious week in 2011 when our own Becky Scott won and became County Champion.
Members may well ask as to why are we hosting when the clubhouse is not open?
The dates were requested and approved 3 years ago when the clubhouse project was still in its early infancy and no dates for work had been scheduled or agreed. The County has been kept informed of the project and dates from the outset and they attempted to re-schedule and even seek an alternative venue for this year as soon as it became apparent that there may be a conflict. Unfortunately, they were not able to do so. Therefore, we will host the week as scheduled and make the very best of what we have open and available.
There will be disruption to members access to the course during the week and the tee booking system will be suspended for the majority of that week – specific times will be published as soon as we have confirmed tee sheets for each day. We will always try to keep this disruption to an absolute minimum. A limited number of courtesies are still available for that week now on a ‘first come first served basis’.
Below is a general guide to course availability for the week.
Monday 16th May: Course closed until approx. 3.00pm (tbc)
Tuesday 17th May: Course closed until approx. 2.00pm (tbc)
Wednesday 18th May: Course closed until approx. 3.30pm (tbc)
Thursday 19th May: Course closed until 11.00am, and again between 12.30-2.30pm (tbc)
Friday 20th May: Course closed until 9.30am and again 1.00-2.00pm (tbc)
If you wish to assist with the event during the week, Jan Harring (Ladies Captain) is co-ordinating a team of volunteer ball spotters for each day. Members help gratefully received. Please contact her directly jans.travels@hotmail.co.uk
PRO-SHOP & DRIVING RANGE
As of Monday 9th May, the Pro-Shop will be going ‘cashless’. Members and Visitors will be encouraged to pay for all services and products via credit/debit cards.
We will shortly upgrading the card reader for the ball dispenser at the driving range. It is intended that this will take place week beginning 23rd May. This will involve a new plastic ‘credit card’ style card which you will retain and ‘top up’ in the Pro-Shop, with credit like your bar card.
There will be a charge of £1 per new card and again should you lose it and require a replacement card.
Please use up your credits on existing ‘paper cards’ as these will not be useable one the changeover is completed. Coin tokens will still be accepted.
We are sure that this new system will eradicate the issue with damaged or wet cards jamming the dispenser and provide a better service to members.
LEATHERJACKETS
It is that time of the year once again. To try to combat the infestation, we will be covering selected greens with tarpaulin overnight. This will take place at approx. 8.00pm each evening. You MAY NOT remove or play any green covered in a tarpaulin. The greenstaff will remove them and any larvae on the greens in the morning ready for play.
David Maskery
General Manager
Social
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TEAM GOLF 2022 …and they’re off!
All set now and we’re full! Twelve teams will compete in the TG ‘22 season so thank you to the Captains and well done everyone, including the nine juniors, for getting involved to date.
The first round of the League is on 5th May and finishes on the 21st July. (there will be no TG on Thursday June 2nd)
The Championship and prize-giving is the following Thurs 28th July, when everyone plays as a season finale – so ‘Save the Date’!
After the matches each week, we will convene in the Cricketers until the Club reopens for refreshments and to award the prize to the pair with the best score of the evening and update you on results.
Good luck to all!
John & Jim White, Organisers on behalf of the Social Committee.
Teams are as below and their respective Captains
Pro- Corner: Chipping
Chipping Consistency Every Time
How to chip more consistently with quiet wrists. Watch this video and it will seriously improve your chipping.
[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=braSpgRE_QY” ]
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Mark, Mandy and the team
MORE GOLF TIPS
I am always filming new video tips and popping them over on my YouTube channel which is completely free to subscribe to. You can find my channel here – https://www.youtube.com/user/markwoodgolfacademy
Greens News
Firstly, please can I thank, on behalf of all members, the volunteers who participated in our annual divot day last Monday, our Leather Jacket Warriors and those that have been giving our starters cabin its annual coat of preservative this week – THANK YOU!
The pace of golf picks up in May and early June so Simon and the Greens Team are working hard to present the course as well as they can, particularly for the Jubilee Cup and the ‘Ryder Cup’ style event over the bank holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Weatherwise late March and early April were kind to us, and the course benefitted. However, the lack of precipitation is beginning to have an effect. I played last Sunday, and I do not think I have seen such shiny greens so early in the year! We are cutting greens to 4mm and given better temperatures overnight we hope to drop the height to 3.5mm in due course. This will enable Simon and the team to gradually increase green speeds. The Greens Team continue to implement the Nutrition Programme with around 1.5kg of nitrogen being applied every 2 weeks. We plan to lightly top dress the greens in early May which will help “true up” the surfaces.
Those of you that played in the Linnets may have noticed that new 7th green turf dried out a bit over that weekend and the Greens Team have had to hand water it daily to keep moisture levels up. Generally, we have already had to irrigate the greens and tees. We have used the moisture meter to ensure we use as little as possible and that we only water the dry areas. Repairs have been made to the irrigation system and more will be needed to eliminate the remaining leaks around the greens.
Unfortunately, there is evidence that leatherjackets have returned to the greens. We will use the tarpaulin method to see how many we are contending with starting with the 17th green. Thanks to all those members who have agreed to volunteer time to lay the tarpaulins and one member (Phil Campbell) that even lent his tarp for the next few weeks.
Members who play the academy course will have noticed that the greens are growing well and filling in nicely. These greens will be lightly scarified in the next month or so.
Tees and green aprons are growing and filling in well. The Greens Team will now apply a monthly application of wetting agent and liquid fertiliser until the autumn. Fairways are now cut at least twice a week and with the new brushes on the mowers the stripes are really highlighted in the sun light.
The outfield areas are starting to slowly recover, and the Greens Team hope to fertilise the grass paths and surrounds shortly. The hard paths on the seventh, eighth and fifteenth holes have had the rotten edges replaced and new topping has been laid down. All stump areas have now been levelled and seeded. Please do not play your ball from these areas they are GUR, please lift and drop. Hopefully as soon as they get sufficient moisture they will begin to recover.
Finally, our longer standing members will have heard of Frank Pennink. Pennink, an outstanding amateur golfer, was a golf course architect in the style of Colt and Simpson. He was commissioned to redesign our course in the 1980s and his 18-hole (9 green) layout came into play in 1985. You can still see his influence particularly in our tiered greens on the 9th, 12th, 13th and fifteenth holes. In addition to AGC Pennink designs included Vilamoura (Old) in Portugal and St Pierre in Wales. He also worked on a number of the “Royals” including Royal Lytham St Annes, Royal Liverpool and Royal St Georges.
Derek Myers
Chair, Greens Committee
A Look at the Rules
Answer
The player must play the ball they dropped under stroke & distance. Once a ball is dropped correctly, It is in play.
Note; If it was the players tee shot, the second ball which may be teed is not in play until the player makes a stroke at the ball.
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
Steve and Ken scoop the top prizes this month
See who else has been lucky in the prize draw for May 2022
£100 Steve Johnson
£50 Ken Richmond
£32 Prizewinners
Jess Miles
Mandy Overton
Terry Foreman
Chris Chapman
Congratulations to our prize winners this month. Steve has never appeared in the winners list before so to scoop top prize is a good way to start.
Our Latest Purchase
The 100 Club has paid for the new Shoe Cleaner which has recently been installed at a cost of just over £4k. This is a welcome replacement for our old shoe cleaner which had also been funded by the 100 Club way back in 2012. In fact since that date the 100 Club has provided funds for nearly £32k worth of items or projects including this latest purchase – so a wide variety of support around the course and clubhouse.
A Date for your Diaries
Friday 29 July is the annual 100 Club Summer Stableford and Evening Meal which will hopefully return to it’s normal format this year. Remember to put the date in your diaries – further details to follow. This is an ideal opportunity to meet up with other 100 Club members and enjoy a social get together in our new clubhouse.
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
Tom Warden: Push Up Challenge for Dave Brant
For context I first met Dave when I was about 14, we used to play golf sometimes up to three times a week at AGC and he taught me a huge amount about life during those endless summer evenings whacking a ball around a field.In addition to playing golf regularly, he told me I needed to ‘put on some timber’ and would drag me along to circuit training and boxercise where he was comfortably the hardest worker in the room even after a few pints the night before!! Maybe this is what stunted my growth haha!
His attitude of ‘give it six nowt’ will stay with me forever and for that I am incredibly fortunate to have had such an amazing role model growing up. Since his passing I’ve thought a great deal about what I can do to honour his memory and while this is the first challenge it certainly won’t be the last.
From 19th April, until 20th May I’m going to do 100 push ups per day to raise vital funds for AEDdonate Charity who install defibrillators throughout the UK. My aim is to raise £1,500 for the charity which will cover the costs of a defibrillator and a cabinet. I haven’t decided exactly where yet but possible at the golf club or at the Flower Pots as it was one of his many favourite pubs.
I will personally put in £0.05p per push-up, the equivalent of £160.00, and if I get to my goal by 20th May I’ll double it.
Any support you can give would be greatly appreciated and if this helps save one persons life then I’ll consider it job well done!
Quote of the Month
I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators Gerald R Ford
Editor: David Marshall
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