February 2024 Newsletter
Charity
Thank you for all your help raising money for Jane Scarth House in 2023. Following the success of last year’s fundraising, the committee have decided to continue raising money for Jane Scarth House again this year. Please keep an eye out for fundraising events coming up.
Cotswolds Trip 2024
There is now just one place remaining on the Cotswolds trip, after which only complete teams of 4 will be able to join. Please see below for details of the trip:
After the success of last year’s tour to Dartmouth we will again be organising a Ryder Cup style event. This year we will be going to Cotswolds Golf, Hotel & Spa. Located just north of Oxford it will provide a great venue for the event. The tour will take place from Friday 14th June – Sunday 16th and will include the following:
2 nights bed & breakfast
3 rounds of golf
2 Course Dinner
Bacon Roll on arrival (Day 1)
£280 Per person
Price based on twin rooms (single supplement available: additional £140)
The format will be similar to last year, two teams captained by Mark & Chris battling it out over 3 rounds of Matchplay golf. Last year’s event was won by Europe captained by Mark, so I’m sure Chris will want a strong team to seek revenge.
We have provisionally booked for 20 people however this number can increase if demand is high. We will take bookings on a first come first served basis. If you would like to join us, please enter via the pro shop with your £100 deposit. Full balance will be required 5 weeks prior to the event.
Bunkers
The following temporary rule will now be effective:
‘Abnormal Ground Conditions.’ Bunkers that are completely full of water or have a green stake in them are to be treated as ‘Ground Under Repair’.
The player must drop the ball without penalty on a part of the course through the green within one club-length of the nearest point of the bunker that avoids interference from the condition and is not in a hazard, not on a putting green and not nearer the hole.’
Greenkeeping
Members have asked what is going to happen with regards to greenkeeping after Shaun leaves this Friday. We are pleased to announce that Christian is going to take back over the management of the greenkeeping team. Christian has previously worked at Avington and Royal Winchester as well as Chilworth, so we are pleased to have him back on board.
Pitch Marks
It has been mentioned by a few members that people are not repairing their pitch marks. While we appreciate this may not be members who are creating these, it would be greatly appreciated that if you do spot any in the green you fix them. This helps our greenkeepers greatly and also helps maintain the quality of the greens especially when the ground conditions are so wet.
Club Clothing
Next week we are going to submit an order for Club polo shirts and sweatshirts. Please see the order form on the noticeboard. Anybody playing in club matches must wear a club shirt so now is the time to get your order in before the season starts!
WHS
I think most members will now be aware that England Golf/WHS are implementing changes to the way your handicap is calculated on 01/04/2024.
It would be helpful if members could read the information that has so far been provided by England Golf by following the link below.
Whilst there is a lot to take on board, at the bottom of the last page one link that is quite helpful is
CR-PAR INFOGRAPHIC
The committee think that there are likely to be a few teething problems with these changes that are due to take place in April so if you would be interested in attending a WHS help session please put your name on the list on the noticeboard.