Good luck Seniors and Ladies who are about to start chasing flags!
We are closely reaching the point of selecting our players who will be representing the club in our upcoming men’s Pennant season. If you haven’t put your name down…Time is running out!
We have elected to go down a much more “team” branded clothing route this year with a full Hartfield kit.
We have used Jon Wells (Icon) and Rick Kulacz (Fenix) for our clothing. To that end, the cost to the individual to play in Pennants may increase to approx. $100 to help subsidise the uniform the fee will depend on the amount of funds we raise, thus ensuring no cost to non-pennant members.
This increase won’t apply to the Ladies and Senior Pennants, as we missed the window this year to fit them out….I’ll get you next Year!
We will also be organising fundraisers leading up to the Pennants tournament, so please be supportive. Thank you George Green for your continued support from Feral Brewing.

Match

We constantly get nudges and winks on ways to improve the course…Most points we are aware of, and Nick has an extensive list. To that end, If you have any suggestions or ideas I’d love to hear them… But please put them in an email to myself or the club. Don’t identify ways to improve our club to any of the match committee or myself if we are about to play golf, it may get forgotten but more importantly that is not the forum or time to do it. That said, if I am actual out and about and asking for your feedback, then please engage.
We have temporarily removed the grade win format for competitions (except monthly mug). We will look at this later in the year and perhaps try a different format.
Juniors and Visitors winning senior prizes in competitions – I will review this with Match committee in April and the decision will be published thereafter.
Shotgun starts – If you are waiting for the siren and it would be a good idea to warm up and chip and putt on the nearby green then this must stop! This is a breach of the rules and a DQ before you start may be implemented (no competition refund). You’ve been warned.
Music on the course – If you are playing music on the course during competitions and it can be heard by other members around the course then this is to stop.
Competitions – Please continue to support the new midweek 9-hole competition on Tuesdays. As I said in my last newsletter, your support will make it a permanent fixture.
We are also introducing the split competition third Saturday of the month starting 20th April.
On these days when two separate competitions are held (Morning and Afternoon), the competition fee will increase to $15 instead of $10  this will not only supplement the prize money for a smaller field but will also provide a “Member Prize” for bot AM & PM. You must be at the presentation to win the “Member prize”.
We are constantly looking for sponsorships for our competitions to advertise our members business’ and bolster the prizes on the day to our members. If you are interested then please contact the office or myself to discuss.

Pace of play – Please Go Faster!

Remember to keep up with the group in front

Course

We recently conducted an extensive grounds committee meeting and course inspection, where short, medium- and long-term tasks were raised. Most of which have a monetary impact. We will continue to work through the list so please be patient.
The course is coming back nicely after the core and sanding. You may see a lot of white paint around, Nick and his team are working very hard on any problematic areas.
We have had a couple of instances were roots have found their way up onto our fairways. Nick will remove them as soon as he gets a chance, but it is labour intensive and time consuming. In the meantime, a local rule will be put in place for one club length relief for any roots on the Fairway (NOT the rough). We will also put up a few posters on noticeboards highlighting this change.
We have had a couple of instances where groups have interacted negatively due to a disagreement of views on the course. This is not to happen. If you have an issue whilst playing golf, then the club will address it. In the first instance call the pro shop and it will be escalated from there. Do not take it upon yourself to get into a heated debate, as this rarely has a positive resolution.
Hole Maps on the Tee boxes are looking good. We have three left for advertisement, so get in quick as your next opportunity will be 3 years!

Around the club
I’d like to give a special mention and thank you to David Ball, Tony Downey and Lei Jin, for their continued volunteer work keeping the “front of house” presented immaculately. You’re time and effort is very much appreciated.

New Members – We have lots of new faces around the club, if someone needs guidance then please give help where you can.

 The Heat – We have changed our policy moving forward. If competitions are closed due to heat and you want to continue playing socially then as a member you will be allowed to play at your own risk. If you require medical assistance, the office and shop may be closed so call 000 in the first instance.

…And finally,  I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the positive feedback I’ve received regarding the newsletters. It’s encouraging to hear that they are being well received. Your support and feedback are invaluable as we continue to refine and improve our communication efforts. Your input is highly appreciated and ensures that the newsletters are both informative and relevant for everyone.

Kind Regards,
Paul
Captain