Juniors

Member update 12 April – Whats happening with the irrigation project this week?

Published on 12th April 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

Members

A quick update on the irrigation works.

The Waterland folks did lots of work on the course last week which is summarised as follows:

  • 2nd Green Surround – work concluded
  • 3rd Fairway – work concluded
  • 6th Green Swale – work concluded
  • 7th Blue tee – work concluded
  • 7th Fairway Rough – work concluded but some reseeding required
  • 14th Blue Tee – work concluded 
  • 15th Blue tee – work concluded
  • 16th Blue tee – work concluded

This week we are expecting to complete the following:

On Monday and Tuesday 

  • 1st Fairway – new sprinklers to the RHS of Fairway 166-100 mts from the green and to the RHS of fairway 50 mts from green

On Wednesday 

  • 13th Fairway – RHS of fairway before bridge 211 mts from green and LHS side of fairway after the bridge

On Friday 

  • 18th Fairway – Right hand side of fairway from approximately 220 mts from green to 80 mts.

The works are being repaired well and hopefully this will continue as we have some warmer weather still with us left before the cold comes.   There is some growing time left.

For your information.

Richard Oliver/President

 

 

April Monthly Medal presentation event scheduled for this afternoon cancelled…..

Published on 10th April 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

Members

Unfortunately, due to a lack of a suitable space at the club tonight we will not be holding our normal Monthly Medal presentation event.  Recognition of the the April Medal winners will become a part of the May presentation event.  Our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Richard Oliver/President 

Members Update 1 April 21 – Where are we up to with the irrigation works?

Published on 1st April 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

Members 

Earlier in the week, if you played on the course, you might have noticed that additional sprinklers have been installed on the blue tees on holes 14, 15, 16 and 18.  This will give the back of each of these tees better water coverage.  Thanks to the care bring taken by the Waterland folks, the trenching necessary for the new sprinkler heads and the associated pipes and wiring has been carefully repaired to the extent that is hard to see where the work has been done.  Great work by Waterland and our thanks to them for looking after our course.

There was no actual installation work was done today.  Today time was spent marking the next set of adjustments to the out on the course.  Members will see that there are flags and spray paint on the 1st fairway, 2nd Green surrounds, 3rd fairway, 6th Green Surrounds, 7th fairway, 13th fairway – before and after the bridge as well as the 18th fairway.  These are the areas on the course where additional sprinklers will be installed with work starting on Tuesday after the Easter holiday period.

On Tuesday work will commence on the 7th fairway.  This will see three new sprinklers on the right hand side of the fairway/rough after the water crossing and before the first set of trees.  The tees for Tuesday will be moved forward to the fairway to ensure the safety of workers.

Wednesday will see the completion of the work on 7, and then the “walk off” area on 6 will see the installation of two new sprinklers.

Below the front bunker on the 2nd will see three sprinklers installed on Thursday – there has been preliminary work in this location during this week.

Friday will see an additional sprinkler be installed on the 3rd hole in the area short and left of the green.

We urge all golfers to be patient during this period and to not hit up on any workers – please wait for a signal from the staff.

Projects like this take lots of coordination and careful management.  Our thanks to Mark Hynes, Shane (our Super) and Norm Loughton for together coordinating the work and ensuring the work is done to the necessary standard.

Have a great Easter and play well on any of the four days that we have competitions running.

Regards 

Richard Oliver/President

 

Tree stump grinding Temporary Local rule

Published on 1st April 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Latest News, Members Only, Womens golf

Temporary Local Rule:  Tree stump grinding areas.

Due to the tree stumps on the course being ground down, the Match Committee has implemented the following temporary local rule.

Local Rule:

“Any ground affected by recent stump grinding, including temporary accumulations of stump grindings in the general area is to be treated as GUR from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1”

Member’s update – 29 March – Workers on the course over the coming days.

Published on 29th March 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

Members 

Waterland Irrigation have commenced the upgrade to a number of areas of the irrigation system on the course.  This week, there will be workers on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th blue tees where additional sprinklers will be installed to ensure adequate and efficient delivery of water to these locations on the course.  There may also be works around the green on the 2nd and 3rd holes this week, depending on how smoothly the works proceed.  

Additionally, there will also be stump grinders out on the course over the coming week/s.  Their precise whereabouts will be fluid, with no ability for us to pinpoint exactly where they will be, apart from somewhere in the rough.  There are in the order of 100 stumps to be attended to. 

We ask that you be patient during these works, and try to be as safe as possible whilst playing near the workers.

Richard Oliver/President

Members update 22 March 2021 – time-sheets

Published on 22nd March 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Uncategorized, Womens golf

Members

I thought it was a good time to update members on some issues regarding the time-sheets.

As you have hopefully read in ‘Splash’ and some of my recent posts, our membership numbers are continuing to grow which is great for the club.  This helps to give us a strong membership base into the future, something that all clubs hanker for.

With the increase in numbers comes some additional tightness in the time-sheets and the ability for our regular players to get the exact time slot they have been used to being able to book. I have been monitoring the timesheets and am comfortable that, at about the time they want, players can still get a slot.  Over the last month or so there has always been vacant slots on Friday night, across the time-sheets. I ask that you be patient and if need be add your name to the Waiting List for a game at the time that you wish to play, a slot (possibly two) will come up.

There has been some commentary about those with early book in rights.  This privilege is afforded to your Committee members, Life members and the volunteers who do closeout of the competitions.  Committee members and Life Members can book themselves and one other.  Volunteers can only book-in themselves.  This is small recompense for the work put in by these folks, all of which is on a volunteer basis. 

In regards to managing weekend time-sheets you will notice that that the ability to pre-book has been removed and that bookings for a social game will go back to being done through a call to the Pro-shop.  Primarily this being done to: to get all players to tee off at their correct time (managed through the Pro-shop); to ensure Social players tee off the correct tee (namely the 10th); and that the two weekend windows for social players (which are in Murray arrangements with Ainslie) are adhered to.  We think this will help fix some of the recent issues experienced by our members.

Murray has recently talked with all of his staff about these challenges in an attempt to ensure that both competition and social players play smart golf and don’t impinge on the enjoyment and pace of play of others on the course.

Finally, you will notice that we have agreed that there be some women’s only groups hitting off the 10th on weekend competition days.  The Committee considered this matter in the context that we have a number of new women members who need some assistance and encouragement in their early competition days and this can be gained by playing with our more experienced women members.  We are trialing this but, to date the results are very positive.  In terms of bookings for these groups, bookings can be made by our Women’s Captain and other Committee members.

Just for your information.

Richard Oliver/President.

 

Update for members – 17 March 2021

Published on 17th March 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

All Members 

The Course

The repair of the course continues however, we would all agree that there is a way to go yet.  The disease damaged 10th fairway is coming back to us but, has a way to go yet, as do other areas of the course.  A particular place of note is the fairway on 17 which is particularly bad at the present.  Shane and his team are continuing their work to repair these fairways.

Also, the work to fine-tune the irrigation system commences in the next few days and so there will be equipment and workers on the course.  We will work to ensure the impact on players is minimised and that competitions are not disrupted but we ask for your patience as this work is done.  The additional sprinkler heads will help get water to areas of the course that in the past have suffered and not received the amount of water should.  The results will be most evident in the Spring when the warmer weather returns.  

Facebook

Following on from my recent comments on the Facebook page I said that I would come back to you regarding the new moderators for our page.  Our moderators play an important role, making sure that commentary and discourse is appropriate in tone and content. 

As you will know if you have been reading Splash, Tony Murcutt, one of our current moderators has stepped away from his Committee duties and his Facebook role.

So, what about the future? Abul Rizvi has agreed to continue in the role and Wayne Bennett have Tracey Banister have agreed to become our new moderators.  If you want any assistance with getting access to the site or on how to post, please talk to one of these folks.

Remember, before you consider writing a comment, think whether if it was about you, you would be OK with it.  If you think it would cause you some offence or embarrassment, don’t write it.  The site provides a really valuable communication channel for us but, if people’s comments lack respect, we will block them from using the site. 

Summary from the Committee meeting on 11 March

From the President…

Richard Oliver met with CEO Ainslie on 25 February to, in the main, discuss the Course Improvement Program (in essence what we spend on using the money we raise through the Course Improvement levy). Hopefully you have read my recent update on this topic in Splash.  If not, I encourage you to do this.  In this article I gave a fulsome outline of what we intend during 2021.

In relation to member numbers, we are now at 673.  This compares with 658 in February. We are very pleased with the influx of new members into the club.  We are continuing to watch the impact our growing number are having on the competition time sheets, particularly those for the weekend games.  So far, there are still always slots available for Saturday and Sunday games on Friday early evening.  Remember to check later in the week, if you have difficulty getting into the sheets when they first open.  

From the Treasurer…

There was no report presented, as Keith (Salty) Pepper, our new Treasurer is still becoming familiar with the books.  A report will be provided in April, from which a summary will be provide to members.

From the Captains…

  • Noodles have been removed from holes as COVID restrictions have been lifted. There has been no negative feedback from members at this stage.
  • GLGC hosting 1 Senior Men’s, 1 Junior and 2 Women’s Pennant matches this month. The Women’s will not affect field as they are on Frida’
  • Match committee has decided to trial a continuation of the Yellow course 9-hole competition into non-daylight savings time. Trial will be conducted and if numbers permit, the comp will run from 13:00-15:00 each Friday.
  • Match committee will continue to monitor timesheets and round times. This is an ongoing responsibility of the Match Committee.
  • Match Committee to look into the stroke index of each hole for the course. Outcomes of this review will be presented to the Committee once the review and decisions have been finalized, following which we update members.

 Grounds and Greens

  • Work on fine-tuning the irrigation system commences in the near future.  There will be workers and equipment on the course for around two weeks.  Norm Loughton and Mark Hynes will be overseeing the work. 
  • The new mound on 15/16 has been seeded and advanced trees ordered for planting..
  • The Reach mower is expected to operating again in the near future following which the edge of the ponds will be trimmed. After this the hazard lines will be remarked.
  • All the bunkers have been sprayed for weed growth and then the weeds will be removed, where this is sensible. It is sometimes better to leave the roots intact, as it contributes to holding the bunker wall firm.
  • Advertising for new Greens staff members has occurred and Shane is hoping to have at least 2 extra staff in the near future.
  • Willows along 4,5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16 have been sprayed.
  • The removal of dead or dying trees continues through the efforts of Michael Brice.
  • Approval has been given by Ainslie for stump grinding. This work will start in the near future when the successful contractor can schedule the work.

Matters discussed in General Business not covered in other papers/reports

  • 25-year History update and planning for 25-year Anniversary dinner/event – Work continues on planning a substantial event to celebrate the 25-year birthday. Members to be kept informed as planning progresses.
  • Reciprocal Clubs – Work continues on the refresh of our Reciprocal Clubs list. Members has been asked to contribute their thoughts  

Next meeting – 8 April 2021

Richard Oliver/President

 

Work on Course

Published on 23rd February 2021 in Club News, Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

Members

 

Please note that – starting today – there will earthmoving equipment in the vicinity of the 14th, 15th and 16th holes.  This is to complete the installation of the mound between the 15th and 16th fairways.  We appreciate members patience with this project, and please be mindful of the safety of workers and players in this area.  Signs are posted to remind players of these works.

Member’s update and Summary from February Golf Club Committee meeting – 19 February 21

Published on 19th February 2021 in Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

All Members 

The Course

Hope all of you are playing good golf and enjoying the improving quality of the course.  Talking to Course Superintendent, he is conscious of the Greens being a little uneven at the present and is taking steps to smooth these out.  You will have noticed a light coating of sand has been applied and more frequent rolling of the green is occurring.  He had also fertilised the Greens which with the warm weather with us for a while yet will see the Greens quickly improve.  He also spoke to me about some disease which had gotten into the 10th fairway which he has sprayed and the team are working hard to bring back.  Unfortunately, this happens on occasions and when it does it takes time to repair the damaged areas.  I ask you to be patient as the repair work continues.

Facebook

We recently had cause to remove some posting/commentary on the Club’s closed Facebook page.  The site has 248 members and we want any commentary posted to be respectful and in good spirit.  Before you consider writing a comment, think whether if it was about you, you would be OK with it.  If you think it would cause you some offence or embarrassment, don’t write it.  The site provides a really valuable communication channel for us but if people’s comments lack respect, we will block them from using the site. 

Summary from the Committee meeting on 11 February

From the President…

Richard Oliver and Di Carlos met with CEO and CFO Ainslie on 4 February with the following topics discussed:

  • Website – provided a short update on the work done and the changes made. Also updated on the Content Change Process.
  • Sponsorship – this is still a work in progress. There is a likely hood we will sell a small number of signs.  Simon considers this reflective of the current business environment.
  • Water Remediation Plan – Both Simon and Stephen were supportive of a plan for the future being prepared.
  • Jolly Joker – Raffles are recommencing in the club proper and they are happy for us to talk with Nathan Kelly (Ainslie Operations Manager) regarding the recommencement of Jolly Joker activities.
  • Juniors – Money has been agreed for Murray to purchase the new Juniors equipment. The equipment has been ordered.
  • Capital Works / Course Improvement program – We talked through the early thinking on some of the possible proposals for 2021.
  • Guidance Statements – Adrian Andreatta reported on the currency of the statements and any that need revision. Adrian noted that some Guidance statements require updating a task which will be shared within the Committee. A further update will be provided at the next meeting.
  • Member numbers are – 658 in Feb 21. The number of full members together with Lifestyle member who area able to play in the Saturday competitions as at 27 January is 490.  We talked with Ainslie about a general cap of 700 and a cap to the 7-day playing group of 500. Ainslie is considering and would like to seek some comparisons with other clubs which, we have agreed to provide.

From the Treasurer…

  • Our end of January bank statement shows a balance of $102,675.77. With outstanding amounts yet to be processed our bank balance should be closer to $94,000.

From the Captains…

  • Monthly Medal – Wet weather has caused postponement of this month’s Monthly Medal to this Saturday the 13 Members badge draw will be on the same day as well.
  • Local rule change – The local rule concerning the GUR on the course has been updated to the following:
    • “All marked GUR areas are Abnormal Course conditions and relief MAY be taken under rule 16.1b” therefore relief is no longer compulsory within the white line marked areas. This was due to the fact that some patchy fairways would not allow a fair drop because of the size of the GUR markings.
  • Pennants – The DGA Pennants season has commenced. We are hosting 2 Men’s and 1 Women’s pennant matches this month. It does restrict the number of afternoon time slots available for our members.
  • Upcoming Events – Yellow Course Eclectic starts this month. 4 rounds over the year entry are $10 and entry forms have been printed and available outside the Golfsec office. Entries will be open until the start of round two, can committee members please push the entry into this competition.
  • Sunday Medley – It has been decided by the Match Committee and discussions with the Women’s Committee that we will trial a Medley only on Sunday’s effective from 1 March. This will be monitored over a few months to see what percentage of the prize money is won by women.  If the prizes won by women drops significantly, we may revert back to separate competitions.

Grounds and Greens….

  • State of the Greens – The Greens committee and Greens staff are fully aware of recent observations about the presentation of our greens through the 2020/21 Summer. It has been an unusual season, with heavy rainfall as well as bursts of intense heat and drying winds.  We have erred on the side of caution at this time of year and as a result the greens have been unfortunately, heavy and slow. 
  • 15th/16th Mound: As previously explained at the AGM, this project has been extremely frustrating and disappointing.  We have the fill in the car park ready to go, and are in the process of collecting quotes to transfer into location.  This work will be undertaken soon on days when the course is quieter.

Matters discussed in General Business not covered in other papers/reports

  • Course Marshalling – A short paper was considered outlining proposed Committee involvement in undertaking weekend marshalling activities. After some discussion the proposal was not supported for a variety of reasons.  It was however agreed that efforts should be made to reinforce Pace of Play expectations and care for the course. It was also decided that the current course signs noting “expected” times be removed – as they are providing an “out” to groups who are well behind but still playing within these advertised time-frames.
  • 25–year History update and planning for 25–year Anniversary dinner/event – Work will be done on planning a substantial event to celebrate the 25-year birthday. Members to be kept informed.
  • Pro-shop prizes – This item was discussed in response to a recent Facebook post asking about transparency to members Pro-shop accounts. Information was provided to members in Splash outlining the current processes for seeing what members have in their accounts.  Murray has also been in contact with MiClub to determine how the accounts can be safely “exposed” to members.  This is a work in progress.
  • Women’s Tee Times – Women’s Captain prepared a short paper requesting a small number of tee times be blocked out (back nine weekends) exclusively for Women to encourage new women members to play their early game in the club with other female members. This was supported by the Committee as a trial.      

Next meeting – 11 March 2021

Richard Oliver/President

 

Sat 6th Feb Monthly Medal

Published on 6th February 2021 in Golf News, Juniors, Members Only, Womens golf

Hi All,

Due to the walkway at the 3rd tee being under water and the amount of overnight rain (and the forecast showing more to come) today’s Monthly Medal competition has been postponed until next Saturday the 13th. The course is currently closed and there will not be competition golf today.