Board News - May 2025
Ken Shirley

1.        Course Presentation
Over the last two months the Board has received many expressions of dissatisfaction with the quality of the course presentation, particularly the state of some greens.

We discussed this matter at length at our last Board meeting on 19 May, with valuable input from our greenkeeping staff.  The situation has not been helped by the extended sick leave of our Head Greenkeeper.

The basic problem has been a prolonged period of rain (290 mm) over a 4 week period in April and early May.  This high rainfall was coupled with unusually high temperatures for Autumn and little wind.  With the high humidity, fungal and other diseases got out of control on several greens, particularly greens 3 and 4.  The reason for this is that they are situated in the most sheltered and shaded part of our course.  The main infestations were Dollar Spot and Brown Patch.  The successful application of fungicides and other chemicals requires relatively dry conditions, and they were applied as soon as conditions allowed.  The good news is that with on-going treatment we have had a very good recovery.

We commend the efforts of our staff and the dedicated volunteers who contribute so much to course maintenance.

2.        Course Advisory Group (CAG)
The Course Advisory Group provides advice and recommendations to the Board on all aspects of course maintenance and development.  Rob Mitford-Burgess has been appointed as the new Chairman/Convenor of that group following the resignation of James Abraham (the former convenor) due to work commitments. 

One recommendation approved by the Board is the implementation of an internal out-of-bounds down the left side of the 10^th fairway.  This is deemed necessary to discourage and deter long hitters from attempting to drive the 10^th green over the row of trees.  This play has resulted in numerous near-hits to players on the 11^th tee and numerous incidents of golf balls damaging our neighbours’ properties.  The out-of-bounds would be clearly marked on the ground and shown on the scorecard.  It is also intended to widen the 10^th fairway on the right-hand side towards the green for the benefit of long hitters.

3.        New Clubhouse
Good progress continues to be made planning the clubhouse rebuild.  An initial hiccup with the siting of the new card shed/temporary clubhouse has now been satisfactorily resolved.  The next stage is the completion of working drawings and the building permit consents from the district council.

4.        General Manager
The General Manager’s position has now been advertised on the SEEK website.  The advertisement with a brief description is posted on the notice board and a position description can be obtained from the office.

Membership Subs Overdue
 

Thank you to all the members who have paid their subs for the 2025/6 year.  We still have a considerable number who have not yet paid, please pay this week or advise the office if you wish to resign. Overdue subs will result in those members having no access to Dotgolf and being unable print a card.

If you are having trouble paying in full at this time please talk to the office and we can put a payment plan in place for you.

9 Hole Ladies
Yvonne Hoskins

This week in stunning weather we had a fun day and played all irons off the red tees.  Our winners were Margaret Seavill, Lynne Lind, Robyn Lamborn, Diana O'Brien, Brenda Anson.  Well done ladies.  Next week we are back to the 'serious' stuff. 

9 Hole Men
Fred Hartley

Men’s Nine Hole Golf - Thursday 22^nd May 2025

The Kiwi AllStars reclaimed the series from the Rest of the World, returning an average Stableford score of 16.0 to the opposition 14.28 in this second of three rounds.  Individual top scores in the Stableford haggle:

Front Nine
Fred Hartley             19
Ken Hartley               19
Tom Martin               18
Thomas Hansen       17

Back Nine     
Frank Lamborn         22
Gerry Walker            20
Allan Hoskins           19
Bruce Blair               18

Next week:   Matchplay Championships and Plate games all on the Back Nine.  (Block booking has already been placed, no need to book on.)

Haggle on Front Nine for balance of the field.

Presidents Message
John 'Swampy' Marsh

Firstly, a big shout out to our Mens Championship Pennants team.

Mention must go to Peter Alford, who can no longer play golf for health reasons, and still pops into the clubhouse on Saturdays to sell our Bethlehem Butchery Meat Raffles. The Men are grateful for this Peter, it helps with the friendship and camaraderie enjoyed in the clubhouse.

Brian Currie has constructed some steps on the 12^th tee to make it safer for all of is old farts, big thank you Brian.

The 12^th bridge is finally open and looks awesome.

Don’t forget when you go to the office, give them a smile of welcome, the Ladies and Scott do a great job for the club.

Great photo of our Championship pennants in the men’s locker, well done guys I know giving up family Sundays must be “real hard” for you to play golf.

Just a small Grumble please use the sand buckets to repair your divots on the Fairway if you sand the divot it will repair itself much quicker, also pitch marks come on everyone we can improve.

Please don’t put rubbish in the empty bucket bins there are real rubbish bins around the course, cheers.

Happy Golfing

Friday Haggle
Terry Golder

16^th May 2025 (71 Entries)

Div 1
Jim McCrone     38
Cliff King            38
John Holloway   37

Div 2
Sascha Apanui  40
Gary Blackler    39
Bruce Lewer      37

Longest Putt (Hole 9) – John Keats
Raffle winners:  Fintan Downes, Tony Parkinson, Evan Aitken