Fore Info May 2025
Contents
To jump to the section you want to read, just click on the Content titles below (Return by clicking on links after each section):
iG: Intelligent Golf Update
History Corner: New
Club Captain News
Ladies Captain
Vets update: including Vets Captain Interview
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 in April and May so far;
Martin Davidson, ( 5 day), Chris Hugo, Kai Westwood, Thomas Hamer, Nial Day, Joshua Gay, Josh Kirby (Intermediate), Joseph Male , Harry Roskell, Ivor Ross (Student), Lucy Muncey, Gina Rees, Juliet Rowe (Academy), Tom Griffey, Robert Lewis(Juniors).
In this months edition you can learn more about our new club system: Intelligent Golf (iG). There are some useful tips to read about and where to get help.
Also you can read about our Vets Captain and his aspirations for the role in this months interview. There is plenty to celebrate on the golfing front from our captains reports and plenty of competitions coming up to test your skills.
We have a new section ‘History Corner’, timely as we celebrate our 135th year. The Club has a long and celebrated history, much of which is covered in the book ’The History of Alresford Golf Club (2015)’– a copy is on show in the clubhouse. I felt that although many members have been in the club for some time, we have a regular stream of new members who don’t know our club’s back story.
Watch out for the signup of several social events including the 135 Party (Disco and hog roast on 13th June)- details in the Social Section. Free to all members! Sign up fast to reserve your place and bring guests for just £10 each!!!
Don’t miss the Greens Report where our Chair, Derek Myers answers all your questions about the state of the course. We should congratulate our excellent greenstaff in such difficult conditions.
Please get in touch if you have any topics you would like covered in future Fore Info editions. Enjoy the read
David Marshall
Editor
iG: Intelligent Golf Update
As you will be aware now, we went ‘live’ to Intelligent Golf on Wednesday 23rd April. So far 536 people have logged in and set a Pin Number. If you have not yet logged in, please refer to the email sent on 23rd April (it has instructions and your first PIN no. on it). If you are having difficulty, please contact/visit Jamie in the office who is more than happy to help you.
We do understand it is a new system, and some people do not like change, but feedback so far has been positive. It is still new to many of us and we are all still learning so please be patient. We are aware of a few technical issues and we are addressing these with IG Support as quickly as we can over the coming days, so you will still notice a few changes to the IG members area page and the app including font size, graphics and colours to make things easier for you to read.
Tee Booking
The first tee bookings were able to be made on Monday 28th April for Thursday 8th of May.This went well (although we still had three groups that used Club V1?).
You can book a tee time either via;
IG App / Tee Times / Book / Date etc
Or through the Alresford Golf Members site / IG / My Golf/ Book Tee Time.
Please remember you need to click on the date after 9pm when booking, this will bring up a calendar for you to choose date and then select the time.
IMPORTANT ; When making the booking it will give an option of adding extra players. You must add a name for each player at this point. Any tee slots booked without a name will result in the entire booking automatically be removed by the system.
If you need to edit the booking, you can add people and remove people. DON’T remove yourself first as will then default to Player 2 who will then have editing rights.
Please note you can only have one entry every 4 hours on the same day.
Competitions
Medal/Stableford
You need to give intention to play in competition first ; ‘’Sign in’ either on the IG app or using the PSI in clubhouse entrance. Then ‘Check in’ to the competition.
To calculate how many shots you get click on Handicap then on bar across top click Calculator this will show you Course and Playing Handicap for the tee, you intend playing off.
If you are playing in a competition; to find the leader board, you need to go to your own score in IG and scroll down to bottom then click on link.
A few people on Sunday when entering a card managed to save it for only 9 holes. If you do this, you can go back in and amend. You also need to log out once entered score on PSI.
A few people had no balance on account you can now ‘top up’ your account by either
The office or via going into IG members area page / My Golf/ My Account. You can then top up your account by varying amounts. There is an option for you to securely save your card details for quick ‘top ups’ on future occasions and also an option to set an automatic ‘top up’ transaction when your balance reaches a certain point.
Knockout matches
In the IG app, click on Knockouts – this will show you what competitions you are still in and if you click on it, will then show opponents/contact details/handicaps and shots received or given.
You can submit results by clicking on the 3 dots at the top right-hand side of the screen.
Club Matches
If you would like to be involved in club matches Men’s/Ladies/Vets or Mixed, please sign up and set your availability.
Go to IG members area website- Competitions/Matches/View all Squads/ then click “Join”.
Go back to upcoming matches and on left hand side click on “set availability”
Top Tip
To save logging into the IG website member area each time and remembering the password you can do the following – Log in and click on the IG button taking you to IG website member area then copy the url at the top to your favourites. You can then use this each time rather than log onto alresfordgolf.co.uk (Thank you Elaine Capp)
Website
David Fox and his team are working with IG on our new IG integrated website with content for both members and public areas. This is a big job and will hopefully be completed by the summer so watch this space. We will keep you informed.
History Corner NEW!!!
From the Club Captain
The Captain/Pro Challenge is now well under way, with 2 losses and 1 Win. Thank you to Mark Wood for sparing his time to support this event.
The Men’s friendlies were played versus Rowlands Castle (we won at Home 4&2), Hockley (we won at Home and Hayling Island (We drew away 2.5 & 2.5).
Well done to Adrian Brockway of Rowlands Castle for driving the 18th.
Please review iG 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.
The Kindred Cup Team are through to the next round after beating Corhampton 3&2 at home, so well done to David Seager and the team.
The EAGG Scratch team lost their first match at Tidworth away, (was always going to be a tough match with Tidworth never losing at home so far) and now on to Brockenhurst next. Good luck to Grant Thorne and his team.
Upcoming matches include The Beckford Bowl Team’s next round match is confirmed as West Surrey, County 7’s are away at Basingstoke and Gales Hockley are away at Corhampton. Good luck to Henry Glanfield, Ashley Willmott and Trevor Pearce and their teams.
New Member Meetings currently reside at 51 with 49 joining and 2 not.
Of the 49 there are 44 Men and 5 Ladies.
Split is 13x 7-day, 12x 5-day, 13x Intermediate, 7x Student, 1 x Academy and 2 x Country.
With the trip to The Oxfordshire only a week away, final preparations in motion and hoping for some good weather to hold out!!
If anyone has contacts interested in sponsoring for The Pro-Am in September, please let Mark Wood, myself, or the Office know.
Gary Mugford
Club Captain
Ladies Section
The Ladies’ Section has had a busy (and sunny) month, with the Stoneham Cup, North Hants Trophy, and friendly matches all getting underway.
We kicked things off with a great win in the North Hants Trophy, beating Weybrook Park away – despite a nightmare journey thanks to the M3 closure!
Our first Stoneham Cup match against Lee-on-the-Solent was a really close one – we lost 4 -3, but the team is raring to go for our next match, which will be a trip over to the Isle of Wight to take on Freshwater. Good luck!
The Hayling Trophy team is through to the semi-finals and will be playing against Rowlands Castle – good luck to them!
Friendly matches have started too, and there’s still time to get involved if you would like playing some relaxed golf against other clubs.
We were lucky with the weather for our Ladies Spring Meeting – the sun shone all day, and 60 ladies enjoyed a fun team competition, a delicious meal, and prize giving. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Sarah Staines, Pat Palmer, Jill Wilson and Jenny Torbett – great playing ladies!
Away from the golf course the Ladies’ Charity Fashion Show was a fantastic success – it was lovely to see so many of our lady members enjoying themselves in a different setting! Many thanks to go to the superb models, Ben and his team for the delicious canapés, and a very special thank you to Karen Fox for all her hard work in pulling the show together – it was much appreciated.
Here’s to more sunshine and happy golfing!
Polly Church
Ladies Captain
Hampshire Ladies Golf
The first county event took place this month at a very windy Barton on Sea. Well done Kelly Travers and Jenny Myers fourth gross, and to everyone else for taking part in very tough conditions which were reflected in the overall scores.
Our Hayling Trophy team will be travelling to the Sandown and Shanklin GC on the Isle of Wight to play the semi final on a neutral course again Rowlands Castle – pity it wasn’t Royal Winchester! We wish the very best of luck.
The winners of the Centenary Foursomes Sarah Bruce and Kim Johnson 41 points and going on to play at Hayling Golf Club in August, 2nd on countback Karen Fox & Linda Wager, 3rd Nikki Evans and Sue Pearce on 39 points – great scores.
The HLG County Championship at Blackmoor GC starts on Wednesday 14th May. We have 28 ladies playing which is more than 10% of the whole field.
You should be able to see updated scores and results via the website. Good luck to everyone.
A reminder that entries opened on 1st February for all of the 2025 County Competitions – although some events are full there is still something for everyone and I urge you to play, they are an inexpensive way to play other lovely clubs whilst supporting the county at the same time.
Please email me if you have any queries about anything to do with the county and if I don’t know I will find out who does!
Sandra Hooker
AGC Delegate Hampshire Ladies Golf.
Vets Section
Andy Gagen
Vets Captain
Interview with our Vets Captain: Andy Gagen
Although many of you know Andy Gagen is our Vets Captain, some have missed the ‘Drive In’ or just want to know more.
I caught up with Andy to hear more about the man and his aspirations for his Captains year.
So Andy, Let’s kick off with finding a bit more about you. Tell us about yourself.
Andy: Born originally in Kent, I spent most of my life living in Surrey before moving to Alton 25 years ago. Worked in banking for some 40 years before retiring some 11 years ago. Married to Wendy and have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Played hockey for some 45 years before the knees gave up! I was Captain of the Barclays UK hockey team and Vets Captain of the Alton Hockey Team when we won the Wessex Masters League. Also played village standard cricket on and off for around 30 years, coaching and groundsman for around 15 years. I now enjoy watching my grandson play cricket as well as following the England team on various overseas tours.
Editor: When did you first start playing golf and what are some of your golfing highlights?
Andy: Apart from a few hacks around whilst working, I took up golf some 11 years ago initially playing in Alton at Worldham GC to see if I enjoyed the sport and soon got the bug! I was handicap secretary for a while. I moved to Alresford GC in 2021 just after lockdown to enjoy all that Alresford has to offer. I play golf for enjoyment whilst trying to do well, my main highlight apart from winning the Rotherham (with Mandy Overton) has been to take on the Vets Captain role at this fantastic club. I also enjoy golfing holidays with friends from previous work and hockey days, particularly in warm dry climes.
Editor: Probably many members are not so familiar with the Vets Section. Tell us about being a Vet.
Andy: When I joined Alresford I found it to be a friendly and welcoming club, not knowing many people in the club I found the Vets a great way to facilitate my golfing appetite! Apart from the weekly roll up and social golf we also play 20 other clubs home and away in the summer in friendly matches, a great way to play many other courses and meet new golfers all for the price of a meal and a drink or two. We also play in a competitive Winter league with 5 other clubs on good dry courses and this last winter were successful in regaining the Wessex winter league trophy. We also have a range of social golf matches internally and knockout competitions. We have 2 board competitions, the Vets championship over 36 holes in July and the Joe Kitchen trophy in September again over 36 holes. Our Premier event is the Vets invitation held in August were Vets members can invite a friend to showcase our course, 18 holes of golf with a shotgun start followed by a meal and prize giving.
Editor: What is your biggest challenge you face in your role?
Andy: Ensuring that I can maintain and hopefully develop the inclusive nature of the Vets section making sure all members of the section get a good share of the golf available. I would like to see even more participation in the Wednesday Vets rollups and matches. Also as I write this we are embarking on the switch from Club V1 to IG so getting to understand the new system and help Vets embrace it.
Editor: The Social side of the club is a key part of the club. What events do the Vets have in their social calendar?
Andy: Most of the social side is around our social golf competitions however we do have an Annual black tie dinner for Vets and partners to round off the summer season.
Editor: I know Bar and Catering is not your area of responsibility but as the Vets are big users for matches what would you like to see for the future?
Andy: I do understand in hospitality how difficult it is in the current climate and have been working with Ben and the team on a varied menu for our matches so that we can provide good hospitality to our guests. I hope this will continue to develop as the season progresses. I also want to work with Ben to find a great offering for our August invitation and our end of season dinner.
Editor: What are your aspirations for the role? What would you like to achieve?
Andy: Mainly for all vets to get the most out of their membership to have had a great season with the club, on and off the course.
Editor: There are many over 60’s who have not joined the Vets. How can you persuade them to join?
Andy: I do understand that all members have their own objectives for their golf. However, I would emphasise what the Vets have to offer that could enhance those objectives and their experience here at Alresford for a modest joining fee of just £10. The vets can offer casual rollups, matches and Vets Board Competitions for the most competitive seniors at the club. Friendship and enjoyment is at the heart of vets membership and I hope more over 60s will join this year.
Quickfire Q and A
Favourite holiday destination – winter sun in the Caribbean
Favourite food – Chinese although do struggle to find good restaurants
Favourite drink after a round… lime and soda!
Favourite Car – Honda ZRV
Juniors Section
Tobias Cobb
Juniors Captain
Competitions and Handicap Committee Report
Intelligent Golf (IG) – What’s New?
We have now migrated our golf management software to IntelligentGolf. The C&H Committee have been working hard behind the scenes to learn the new software and how it will better manage our golf competitions. What is new for members:
- There is now a Handicap Calculator included in the App
- Knockout matches show playing handicaps for the competition
- Knockout competitions have been set up in IG – results should be recorded via the IG App using “Matches” and then look out for the … in the upper right hand corner.
- Handicap statistics will start to build as more competition scores are entered
- Competitions are now separated by Playing Handicap Index. For Mixed and Men’s Div 1 = 0-13, Div 2 = 14-18 and Div 3 = 19+. For Over 60’s Div 1= 0-18, Div 2 = 19+. For Ladies Div 1 = 0-21, Div 2 = 22- 30, Div 3 = 31+
- When entering scores on the PSI terminal holes not played (previously DNP) should now be entered as NS (Not Started). There is also the option to select retired “injured”.
- Messaging function via the App is available – great for arranging matches
- Matches – Team/Club matches now show under “matches” – don’t forget to set your availability to either “Available” or “Unavailable”. Please don’t select “Maybe” as this is not helpful to match managers.
Over the coming few weeks competitions will begin to be populated for the remainder of the year.
Entry Fees/Refunds
A reminder that if you have not played in 6 qualifying competitions, players are not eligible for prize money. Refunds are not automatically generated and should be requested by email to handicaps@alresfordgolf.co.uk
Club Championship
28th & 29th June 2025
All 7 day members should now have received entry information for our Club Championship and it’s associated nett competitions. Terms of Competition and Entry details and the Club Championship Policy are available on the Club’s website.
Places for the Championship are limited, and it is important that all players, regardless of handicap, register their intent to play in the Championship prior to the closing date (8th June). Please note that men with a handicap index of 13.1 or above (on 8th June) will need to play in at least one qualifying event.
Saturday 3rd May (Men’s Medal)
Saturday 24th May (Jubilee Cup Round 1 OR Mixed Medal)
Saturday 7th June (Men’s Medal)
In addition, all entrants will need to have played in at least 6 qualifying competitions in the preceding 12 months, 3 of which MUST be at Alresford Golf Club.
Board Competition Results
Millennium Trophy – Mixed Medal (Sunday 13th April 2025)
Congratulations to the Winner: Lewis Floyd (PH 7) Nett 61
LINNETS Cup (Friday 18th April & Saturday 19th April 2025)
Congratulations to the Winner: Henry Reilly (PH 18) Nett 132
Gill Freemantle
Chair Competitions & Handicap Committee, Handicap Secretary
Mixed Matches
A Look at the Rules
Question
Greens
Unfortunately the greens have not recovered as quickly as we expected from the winter maintenance and are not as good as we expect for this time of year. This is unusual and a surprise as we have carried out similar work at a similar time previously and the greens have recovered well. Similarly, the wear on other areas of the course caused by movement of vehicles associated with our winter improvement projects and the heavy footfall of golfers has resulted in areas that have yet to “come back”. Unsurprisingly this has led to some negative feedback from members who are unhappy.
In addition to responding to the members who provided the feedback individually I want to share the information with all members so everybody understands our position.
But first a reminder that for grass seed to germinate and grow successfully, several key factors need to be in place:
- Temperature: Soil temperatures should be consistently between 10°C and 20°C for optimal germination.
- Moisture: The soil must remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. Dry conditions will prevent germination, while excessive water can lead to rot. The application of water below 10°C will cool the soil (see above).
- Oxygen: Seeds need well-aerated soil to access oxygen, which is crucial for metabolic processes.
- Sunlight: While seeds can germinate in low light, they require sufficient sunlight for healthy growth once sprouted.
- Soil Quality: A nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with good organic matter supports faster germination and stronger root development.
The questions and answers developed in response to the recent feedback include the following;
1. Why has the quality of the greens declined after maintenance, including the drill-and-fill treatment on greens 1, 2, 4, 9, 12, 15, and 16, carried out in February 2025?
The decline in the quality of greens has been driven by the dry spring and consistently low soil temperatures throughout March and April, resulting in minimal or no recovery. Greens are losing up to 3mm of moisture daily, making regular watering essential. Some watering takes place overnight at around 21:00, before frost sets in. However, cold water at this time only slows recovery further. To counteract this, early morning hand-watering has been carried out, specifically targeting edges and high spots where moisture readings had fallen below 25%. Since 25% is the benchmark for turf to remain healthy, these areas required extra attention.
The combination of poor recovery and dry conditions has caused drill-and-fill holes to enlarge rather than close. However, as of 24/04/25, the Course Manager has observed a significant improvement across all greens following recent rainfall. This progress has been further supported by sand dressings and Nitrogen inputs.
For effective recovery, soil temperatures on greens need to remain consistently above 10°C. Records show that during this period, temperatures dropped to as low as 5°C before climbing to around 12°C in the afternoon. These fluctuations have hindered recovery. Only this week (wb 21/04/25) have we seen temperatures stabilising, finally giving the greens a real chance to improve.
2. Why were the weaker greens prepared more quickly for the Linnets?
On Monday, 14th April, a sand dressing of approximately 15 tonnes was applied to all greens and then brushed in. This was intended to improve the roll and trueness of putts. Following this process, mowing was not possible, as it would blunt the units, leading to costly repairs. Given that a board competition was approaching, additional rolling and ironing were carried out to smooth the greens. The intention was not to increase their speed, but the dry conditions naturally contributed to enhanced speeds. All greens were treated consistently throughout the process. Automated watering was conducted overnight during the Easter period. During the competition, green speeds were recorded at 9.5 feet.
N.B. Please remember where green speeds are shared we are referring to the ninth green. Green speeds will vary markedly to this because of the slopes on our greens.
3. Why are the holes crowned?
Holes are cut using a hole-changing board and a hole-cutting tool, both of which are essential for completing this task. Holes are changed on Tuesday and Friday mornings, as well as on the second day of a 36-hole competition. Crowned holes are formed due to foot traffic rather than improper use of equipment.
4. Why was a visible cut left when cutting a new hole and plugging a previous hole?
A small cut may be left in the green by the hole changer during the process. Usually, this causes minimal damage. While it may not be visually appealing, all staff have been informed to be aware of this issue.
5. Why does the depth of sand in the bunker vary?
We aim to maintain a raked sand depth of at least 2–3 inches, in line with industry standards. However, this depends on greenkeeping staff being able to perform regular maintenance, which is influenced by staffing levels, weather conditions, and the priority of other tasks.
Additionally, sand depth can vary as it is moved around during raking by players. Over time, sand compacts and is topped up, causing the total depth to increase gradually.
6. Why are balls coming to rest against or near the face of the bunker?
This largely depends on the trajectory of the golf shot entering the bunker and the size of the bunker, which affect how the ball releases toward the centre. In this instance, sand has been added, and we are waiting for moisture to help compact it. However, sand tends to dry out and become fluffy over time. Under the right conditions, bunkers can be compacted and presented to meet the required standards (refer to the picture provided).
Watering bunker sand is not considered a viable option, as golf courses face increasing pressure regarding the usage and allocation of water resources.
7. Why was the new sand not compacted?
Sand bunkers require ongoing maintenance, and while the new sand was compacted during installation, it needs to be moved and fluffed to ensure it is placed correctly. Ideally, the edges of the bunker face require regular moisture to maintain compaction. However, the recent dry and windy conditions have resulted in reduced compaction and fluffier faces. New sand requires time and the right conditions to settle and compact properly.
8. Why was such invasive greens maintenance undertaken at the end of February, and what other timings were considered and rejected?
The drill-and-fill works were recommended by the Course Manager, supported by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), with the Management Committee approving a budget for these works to be carried out over a 3-year period. Our golfing calendar includes three scheduled maintenance weeks in February, August, and October. Conducting these works in October was rejected as it could lead to poor greens persisting through May. Performing the maintenance in February caused less disruption, as recovery typically occurs in May or earlier given favourable weather conditions (refer to Question 1 notes on spring recovery).
The diary and fixtures are planned well in advance, with competitions scheduled around the maintenance weeks. Therefore, the works had to be completed within those constraints.
‘Drill and Fill’ is a method similar to core aeration, where soil and thatch are removed from the green to relieve subsoil compaction and enhance drainage and air exchange. Large diameter holes are drilled to a depth of up to 10 inches. As the drill removes cores of soil and thatch, these holes are filled with sand. The sand-filled columns improve drainage by allowing water to pass more quickly from the green’s surface, thereby improving its overall health.
9. Why do we play winter greens and how to we decide to move back to main greens?
Please refer to the FAQs on the club website and the Course Restriction and Closure Policy Course-Restriction-and-Closure-Policy-March-2025.pdf.
10. How do we manage footfall to ensure recently seeded areas on tees are not stepped on?
In this instance, more consideration was needed when positioning the tee blocks in relation to the newly seeded areas. Although this situation is rare, the team has been informed and will address it moving forward.
Additionally, some of our tees are located close to boundaries or tucked into corners of the course. These areas often experience increased shading or cooler climatic conditions, which slow recovery and delay germination of the seed. We are currently waiting for more consistent day and night temperatures in these areas, as well as on the greens, to aid in the recovery process.
11. What is being done to repair worn areas caused by winter projects and footfall?
These areas are currently being repaired through seeding, aerating, and the application of fertilizer and our own mulch to aid their recovery. However, successful recovery requires adequate moisture and consistent temperatures, along with the care and attention being provided.
As these areas are worked on, they will either be marked as Ground Under Repair (GUR) or No Play Zone (NPZ). It is important to note that if there is insufficient rainfall, the recovery process will take longer.
12. How and why did we decide to add new bunkers to the course?
To clarify, two new bunkers were added to the course this year, and three others were renovated. Adding new bunkers is part of the 10-Year Plan based on recommendations from Hawtree (see website). If and when we complete the plan the total number of bunkers will remain similar to what we originally started with ten years or so ago, between 40 and 45.
The work is carried out within the constraints of the budget set by the Management Committee, allowing us to make improvements incrementally, a year at a time. For instance, once the work planned for the 8th hole is completed (see 10-Year Plan), it will have four bunkers, the same number as before.
13. Why was fescue turf laid on the new bunkers at the time it was?
The fescue turf was originally ordered for the new bunkers in November. However, it was affected by disease while still in the plot. After liaising with the company and reviewing images, the Course Manager decided to wait for its recovery, which turned out to be a lengthy process, as it did not fully recover until early March.
Since its delivery and installation, we have experienced very dry conditions, and the turf requires moisture to establish roots. Until this happens, it remains vulnerable. Daily hand watering with a wetting agent was necessary to prevent runoff. Given the undulating banks, this was a difficult task, requiring a soak-and-repeat method to avoid washing soil from the banks and flooding the bunker.
At the same time, greens were also being hand-watered, which impacted the overall water system capacity. As a result, bunkers were watered later in the day.
14. Who can tell me about the management and development of the course?
In the first instant please look at the greens section of the club website,
Course & Greens Information – Alresford Golf Club, which provides a wide range of information including plans, reports from golf experts such as Hawtree LTD or the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), policies and our Frequently Asked Questions.
Finally, let us all hope for optimum growing conditions over the next month!
Derek Myers
Chair Greens
General Manager’s Update
Welcome to those new members who have joined the club in April and May so far;
Martin Davidson, ( 5 day), Chris Hugo, Kai Westwood, Thomas Hamer, Nial Day, Joshua Gay, Josh Kirby (Intermediate), Joseph Male , Harry Roskell, Ivor Ross (Student), Lucy Muncey, Gina Rees, Juliet Rowe (Academy), Tom Griffey, Robert Lewis(Juniors).
We hope that you will enjoy your time with us.
COURSE SAFETY
Unfortunately, we have had a recent number of ‘near misses’ on the course and a ‘direct hit’ at the weekend.
All members are urged to show caution when playing towards the group in front, particularly considering the hard and bouncy nature of the course at present.
All golfers are responsible for the safety of themselves, playing partners and members
of the public who may be on the golf course or footpaths, when playing on the course.
No golfer should play if their playing partners are standing close by or in a position
where they may be hit by a ball or club. No golfer should play a shot towards the group
playing ahead until they are out of range, and it is safe to do so.
- Golfers must always be mindful of hitting balls towards other golfers or walkers. If you
can not see where your shot is going to land (especially if not on your fairway!), you
MUST shout ‘FORE’ to warn any fellow golfers who may be in danger, especially if the
landing area is obscured by trees or bushes
In particular the following blind shots
- 1st hole : wait for the bell
- 3rd hole ; ensure green is clear before playing over brow of hill towards the green
- 3rd hole ; be aware of tee shots from the 7th tee , RHS of fairway
- 4th hole ; shout ‘FORE’ if tee shot heads towards footpath on RHS of fairway
- 5th hole ; shout ‘FORE’ if tee shot heads left towards the 4th hole and any players approaching the 4th green
- 7th hole ; shout ‘FORE’ if tee shot heads right towards the 3rd fairway
- 7th hole ; ensure green is clear before playing over brow of hill towards the green. Do NOT play if players are leaving the 8th tee.
- 11th hole ; shout ‘FORE’ if tee shot head left towards 9th tee.
- 12th hole; ensure fairway and footpath is clear before playing over brow of hill towards green
- 14th hole ; ensure green is clear if attempting to drive the green
- 15th hole; ensure green is clear if attempting to drive the green
- 16th hole ; ensure footpath is clear before teeing off (this is a ‘call up’ hole).
- 17th hole ; ensure no walkers are on the footpaths (both RHS & LHS of fairway at brow
of the hill) – use the mirror behind the tee and wait for bell to sound before teeing off ifcutting corner of dogleg
- 18th hole ; ensure group in front is visible near green before teeing off as vision is
obscured as the faiway is slightly hidden.
‘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.
SAFE GOLF
We are delighted to inform you that Alresford Golf Club has been re-awarded SafeGolf status for a further 12 months and in so demonstrating commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, as well as adults at risk in the sport of golf. Our published policies and commitments towards helping to ensure that we provide a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults to enjoy golf are available via the club website.
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 in both and maybe some winners? We have number of ladies featuring on our County Honours Board in the foyer, how about some more men?
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
OFFICE STAFF
Lynda Eastwood is retiring and leaving us at the beginning of June. Lynda has been with us for nearly 8 years and she will be sadly missed. We are currently looking for a suitable replacement for a PT Office Assistant/Bookkeeper. If any member knows of anyone for whom this role may be suited, please get them to contact the General Manager for the job description and details.
SUB-COMMITTEE VACANCY
The Planning & Development Committee is currently seeking a replacement member.
The sub-committee is currently responsible for the management systems for major projects in liaison with other club sub-committees, implementing any additional strategies to address the recruitment of new members and golf development, reviewing of the club rules and bye-laws, maintenance of the Club’s website, social media and IT infrastructure.
If you have any skills which you think may be useful or helpful, please contact the General Manager or David Fox (Chair of P&D) to discuss further.
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
What a great attendance on the first night of our 25th Year of Team Golf – 65 out of 72 players. It was great to see everyone playing and enjoying the format and meeting new people and teammates too.
The full results of Round 1 of The Championship are on the TG Button of the club website but congratulations to all the winners on the night for both the Front and Back 9s plus all the players who had birdies (too many to mention – you know who you are!)
Special mention to Richard Prescott who may be the first person to have a ‘Turkey’ at Easter! Richard had 3 consecutive birdies on the 13th, 14th and 15th holes as part of his 19 points.
In addition, we kicked of Round 1 of the League with more superb golf from old teams and new. In fact, the newest Team to join Team golf were the winners with 22 points – The Nomads – well played Nicki Evans & Rob Gates!
Lastly on 8th May we have a special KO week for our 25th Anniversary – in the clubhouse, after playing their 9 holes – keep your eyes peeled for some invited players who will also play in addition to our 12 teams.
Many thanks,
JW
We wish all players a good season.
Jan, John and Jim White
A Look at the Rules
ANSWER
https://www.golfmonthly.com/video/qMdNNmqb/6-unplayable-ball-rules
Thanks to Wynne Tufnell for providing these monthly Rules Q and A’s. If you have had a rules argument with a friend and want advice please send your issue to us.
Just email newsletter@alresfordgolf.co.uk
Our winners for April 2025
£100 Keith Halls
£50 David Buckland
£35 Prize winners
Jenny Dillon
Nigel Pascoe
Pat Voak
Trevor Nice
Chris Chapman
Congratulations to our prize winners for May. No first timers this month but it’s never too late to join and be a first time prize winner yourself. You could win a small cash prize whilst helping fund future golf club projects.
If you have a project or idea which you think might be assisted by funds from the 100 Club then please give me a call or email – details below.
Reserve the date!
Friday 25 July is the annual 100 Club Summer Stableford and Evening Meal. 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.
So…..How can I join the 100 Club and contribute to future projects?
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 and know your extra contribution will be available to help with our golf club facilities. 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.
Pat Wallis
Editor: David Marshall
DISCLAIMER
The Editorial Team take no responsibility for incorrect information received from Contributors.
Social