Fellow Members,

Welcome from a very soggy golf course. At this stage the course is still open although the use of carts has been banned until further notice. If the rain keeps up as the forecasters predict it will be a day by day decision to keep the course open. I will be guided by our course superintendent on this and will only be as a last resort if the heavy rain persists.

The 11th tee is temporarily out of play for a couple of weeks due to top dressing and the plates are now in their correct positions.

Our work on the pond at the 13th has been posponed due to the weather, I will keep you informed when it will take place.

Lake Kattekar is full and overflowing and the only overwatering the course is receiving is from the rain and I for one am not going to complain. Our groudstaff are highly trained experiencd people who with limited resources keep your course in first class condition. There will be times when due to circumstances beyond their control problems will occur, like the blight that is attacking some of our fairways, right now. My plea to all members don’t criticise, encourage, and just let them do their jobs. They all have my full confidence and support, we are lucky to have them.

The weather has played havoc with some of the Foursomes Knockout first round matches so I am happy to allow those matches that can’t be played by the 7th to be played next week. The final is to be played on Sunday April 11th. There will be no change to that date! 

GOLF RESULTS

We have;

170 full members.

132 six day members

19 visiting members.

Wednesday 27th January 2010 - 2BBB Par event - CCR 68 - No. of Players 58.

Winners - Tony Hobson (15) & David Stanley (21) - +13. ( The lord High Executioner attacked Tony and left the Captain alone and that’s how it should be)

R//U - Pascal timores (14) & Peter Watson (25) - +11.

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP 11th - Michael Brown.

NTP 14th - Roy Ogle.

There were 14 competition balls and went down to Dennis Cooper & Reg Gilbert +8 c/b.

Saturday 30th January 2010 - Single Stableford - CCR 67 - No of Players 72.

Winner - Peter Watson (25) - 41points c/b.

R/U - Pascal Timores (14) - 41 points

Eagles Nest - Not Won.

NTP 11th - Alan Lindsay

NTP 14th - Sam Hunt.

There were 19 competition balls and went down to John Conolly 36 points.

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Who was the experienced “B” grade member when approaching the 18th green last week played an 8 iron into the green which soared into the sky landed on the concrete path in front of the putting green took a huge bounce finishing on the club house roof, then trickled onto the balcony shade cloth and finished in the camellias at the back of the putting green, much to the amusement and consternation of those sitting on the balcony. New roof leaks have appeared, is he the culprit?

Shot Execution - Professional.

Club Selection - Needs Counselling!

COMING EVENTS

Trophy Presentation Dinner Saturday 20th February 2010. A booking sheet is on the notice board and invitations are being forwarded to all trophy winners. Make this night a must to congratulate our winners and listen to stories of lucky so and so’s and if onlys.

Mark in your calendars Tuesday 30th November 2010 which has been confirmed as the date for this years “Southern Highlands Legends Pro-Am”. Don’t miss the opportunity to play with some of our leading professionals over the past 30 years. Our inaugural event last year was a huge success this years will be even bigger and better. make your plans NOW!

 The Arthur Brassey singles Knockout entry form will be up on Friday.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.

What penalty do I incur if I strike my ball and it hits my golf bag as a result?

Answer to last weeks question. - If a ball strikes a tee marker, water hazard post, direction post or similar, it is simply a rub of the green and the ball must be played as it lies without penalty. (Rule 19-1)

Until next week, stay dry, stay happy and good golfing.

David Stanley

Captain

 

Fellow Members,

Another week of fluctuating weather patterns with extreme heat, unusual humidity for the Southern Highlands interspersed with temperatures below seven degrees, a greenkeepers nightmare! Sections of some fairways most affected by the ‘pythium blight” have been heavily scarified to remove the dense thatch and reseeded. These areas are clearly marked with white lines and are COMPULSORY GUR. Our local rule of preferred lies through the green has been amended to closely cut areas of the fairways only.

Due to work being carried out to refurbish the pond, bridge and gully around the 13th green on Sunday the 7th and Monday the 8th of February, for those two days only, a temporary green will be in place making the hole a par three. I apologise for any inconvenience this may incur.

The local rule regarding relief on the 18th green no longer applies.

The drop zone near the net on the 14th has been remarked.

GOLF RESULTS 

Wednesday, January 20th 2010-Single Stableford-CCR 68-No. of players 68.

Winner - John Cummins (18) 41 points.

R/U - Bob Scullin (27) 40 points. (No doubt the Lord High Executioner paid both these gentlemen a visit)

Eagles Nest - Not won.

NTP 11th - Roger Williams

NTP 14th - Robert Eriksson

Competition balls went down to Frank Eggert (10) 35 points c/b.

Saturday, January 23rd 2010. - Anniversary Cup - Single Stroke - CCR 68 - No. of players 85. ( Of these 84 players 24 were visitors meaning only 61 members played in this important event. Why????????)

The Headlines Read ” Bandit Caught Red Handed at BGC Ltd.”

Winner - Mike Klopper (25) Nett. 61

R/U - Wayne Mckenna (17) 63 c/b Visitor.

Eagles Nest - Not Won.

NTP 11th - Doug Stalley.

NTP 14 th - Ralph Chartraw (Visitor)

23 competition balls went down to Brian Hanrahan (11) nett 70 c/b

Tuesday January 26th, 2010 - Mixed Medely Aggregate Teams of 2 - CCR 68 - No. of Players 20 teams of 2.

Winner - Joan & Ralph Polglase - 70 points

R/U - Fran & Graheme White - 64 points c/b.

COMING EVENTS

Saturday 20th February 2010 - Presentation of Trophies Dinner - Please put this date in your diary now!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.

What do I do if my ball strikes a tee marker or a direction post?

 Answer to last weeks question - Yes - This rule reads “Having lifted his/her ball they must place it on a spot within (30 cms) and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green. 

Until next week, good golfing,

David Stanley

Captain.

 

 

 

 

Fellow Members,

Welcome to another week of golf at the Prestige Club of the Southern Highlands.

Our weather remains capricious to say the least, with the thunderstorms, rain and heat causing our greens staff continuing headaches in curing the “pythium blight” that has appeared in a few of our fairways. The cost of spraying is prohibitive thus the scarifying of the affected areas. We hope the inconvenience will be minimal. A temporary local rule of relief through the green will be in place until further notified.

In future rounds not finished due to extreme weather conditions will be treated as “NCR Approved” without any change to handicaps.

The GUR section along the Gully in front of Lake Kattekar has been extended.

The draw for the J W Draper foursomes knockout is on the notice board. It is essential the “completed by” dates are adhered to so we won’t have a repeat of the John Owens fiasco.

GOLF RESULTS

Wednesday 13th January 2010 - Single Stableford -CCR 67 - No. of Players 90.

Winner - Greg Barnsley (15) 43 points

R/U -Ashley Southon (14) 41 points.

Eagles Nest - Tony Dick

NTP 11th - Murray Tobias.

NTP 14th - Alex Nicholson.

24 competition balls went down to Charles Vaughan-Smith (12) 36 points.

Saturday 16th January 2010 - 2BBB Stableford - CCR 68 - No. of players 76.

Winners - B Byrne (4) vis. & P Seville (32) 48 points c/b

R/U - John Jones(13) & Roger Williams(19) 48 points.

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP 11th - Peter Seville

NTP 14th - Craig Langby

20 competition balls went down to Peter Girven & Craig Langby 44 points.

COMING EVENTS.

This Saturday 23rd January - Anniversary Cup. 

Saturday 6th February 2010 - February Monthly Medal.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.

When a preferred lie through the green local rule is in place and my ball lies in the rough and is within 30 cms of the first cut or the fairway can I place my ball on the first cut or fairway thus in effect improving my lie but not closer the hole?

Answer to last weeks question - The player di not make a stroke, as he had no intention of making a stroke; however the ball was in play and the player has moved his ball (which was at rest). The player incurs a penalty of one stroke and must replace the ball (Rule 18-2a).

Until next week, good golfing,

David Stanley

Captain.

Fellow Members,

Welcome to the first Captains Blog for 2010. I hope you all saw out the old year in suitable fashion and are looking forward to 2010.

It is good to see the New Year commence with “Lake Kattekar” full to the brim after our recent good rains. However all this comes with a sting in the tail, The recent spell of very hot weather coupled with the wet soil have caused an outbreak of “Pythium Blight” on some of our fairways. The worst affected areas will have to be scarified to allow air to penetrate under the thatch to help alleviate this problem. We hope the inconvenience to players will be minimal. A local rule is in place allowing relief from the worst affected areas through the green and other areas will be marked GUR. Please take relief on all occasions as playing off the affected areas and taking divots will severley slow down their rehabilitation.

2010 will see the implementation of a new handicapping system which will take place incrementally over the next couple of years. Based on the USGA’s ‘rolling sample’ method the first package will include only the following;

A.  Calculation of handicap - commence operation of the USGA’s ‘rolling sample method.

B.  Remove CCR for men’s handicapping.

GA will announce on Friday 29th January confirmation of the new implementation date for the first package of changes. Anticipated to be late March or early April 2010. Please check the notice board for further information relating to these changes, including a list FAQ’s regarding these changes.

We are entering a team in the White Horse Cup again this year. Registration of interest forms are on the notice board and distributed  through bar area. All matches are handicap match play with the maximum handicap of 24. All players from previous years have related the enjoyment they had in playing in this competition which takes place on Sundays on various courses in the Illawarra District. We need a pool of players to draw from. Please contact Don Barker at the club or on 4862 3159 to signify your interest or receive further information.

DURING THIS EXTREME WEATHER IT IS DOUBLY IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOUR COURSE BY DRIVING CARTS IN THE ROUGH CROSSING FAIRWAYS (IF NEEDS BE) AT THE HIGHEST POINT, REPLACING DIVOTS AND REPAIRING PITCH MARKS. WE HAVE PERHAPS THE BEST PRESENTED COURSE IN THE DISTRICT, PLEASE HELP TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

GOLF RESULTS

 Saturday 2nd January 2010 - Monthly Medal - CCR 69 - No. of Players 81.

Winner “A” Grade - Sam Hunt (11) nett 68

R/U “A” Grade - Jim Phillips (12) nett 69

Winner “B” Grade - Alan Turpie (19) nett 68 c/b

R/U “B” Grade - Bill Metcalf (16) nett 68 

Winner “C” Grade - Graham Stranger (24) nett 68

R/U “C” Grade Bill Pope (25) nett 69

Best Scratch Score - Ben Byrne (5) 71. (Visitor)

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP 11th - Sam Hunt.

NTP 14th - Ian McKenzie.

21 competition balls went down to Harry Caust (14) nett 71 c/b.

Wednesday 6th January 2010 - American Foursomes Stroke - CCR 68 - No. of Players 74.

Winners - Barry Middleton & Bill Metcalf (13.5) nett 67.5.

R/U - Ashley Southon & Craig Langby (7.125) nett 67.875.

Eagles Nest - John Jones

NTP 11th - Harry Caust 

NTP 14th - Warwick Kiernan.

20 competition balls went down to Charles Vaughan-Smith & David Stanley (12.375) nett 70.625.

Saturday 9th January 2010 - H.A.Murdoch Trophy - Single Stableford - CCR 67 No. of Players 81.

Winner - James Burkitt (10) 42 points

R/U - Craig Langby (5) 40 points.

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP 11th- Warwick Kiernan

NTP 14th - James Burkitt

21 competition balls went down to Charles Vaughan-Smith (12) 34 points c/b.

Sunday 10th January 2010 - 2BBB Medely - Stableford CCR 68 - No. of Players 30.

Winners - Wendy & Bill Pope 43 points.

John Owens Memorial Trophy - Forball Knockout Trophy - Final Result - Played Sunday 10th January 2010.

An epic match decided on the 19th hole with the team of Neville Ridge and Colin Jenkins prevailing over John Mulholland and Brian Hanrahan.

A tight match with it’s share of dramas. It was a long time coming and congratulations to both teams.

COMING EVENTS.

Next week Wednesday January 20th to Friday January 22nd - Junior coaching clinic - 10am to 3pm, it’s not too late to book and volunteers are required to help on these days. If you are available, or wish to make a booking please ring James Burkitt 4887 1281.

Bookings close this Sunday January 17th for the J W Draper Foursomes Knockout Trophy. Entry sheet is on the notice board.

Saturday January 23rd - Anniversary Cup stroke event.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.

A Players ball is lying on the fairway and, in taking a practice swing, he accidentally moves the ball. Does he incur a penalty?

Answer to last weeks question. - The ball was not in play as he had not yet made a stroke at it. The player has simply moved his ball with a practice swing and he must retrieve the ball or put another ball on the tee and carry on. As the ball was not in play there is no penalty.

Until next week stay cool, stay dry and stay positive, the results will come.

Good Golfing,

David Stanley

Captain.

Fellow Members,

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to good year of golf in 2010. This will be an abbreviated blog to finish off the old year. Your board has plans to make this a big year for your club and I hope all members will join in our competitioin days where possible. I thank those members who take the time to access these blogs and hope the readership expands to all members during 2010.

83 ml. of rain fell over the Christmas period - Wonderful news for the course, ground staff and Captain, not so good for the Treasurer. 

I wish all members and your families a Safe, Happy and Prosperous New Year full of handicap lowering rounds of golf and good fellowship and most of all good health during 2010.

GOLF RESULTS 

Wednesday 23.12.09 - 3B Multiplier Stableford - 62 players - CCR 68.

A new novelty event for the last Wednesday before Christmas, so new that Brian Lamb said in his 50 years of golf this was a first for him. the event was generally well received, those that scored well liked it those that did not, did not. Funny about that!

Winners - Tony Hobson, Neville Ridge and John Jones - 105 points. On both par 5’s where all 3 scores multiplied they scored 27 and 18 respectively.

R/U - John Gaudry, Bob Constable and Kevin Burke - 92 points.

Eagles Nest - Not won.

NTP 11th - Frank Eggert.

NTP 14th - Roger Williams.

Ball went down to - Roy Ogle, Mike Klopper and Jim Phillips - 86 points.

Saturday 26.12.09 - Single Stableford - 8 players - CCR 70.

Winner - Peter Girven (27) - 36 points

R/U - Craig Langby (5) - 35 points No Eagles Nest Or NTP’s

Two Balls - one each to the above players.

Heavy rain set in mid morning hence the small field and no vouchers.

Wednesday - 29.12.09 - Single Stableford - 80 players -CCR 69.

Winner - John Dash (16) - 41 points c/b (you will all be pleased to know this outing cost the Lord High Executioner 1.5 strokes and he is now off 14 exact.)

R/U - Wayne McKenna (19) - 41 points (Visitor from Woodhaven Green)

          John Gaudry (9) - 40 points. (Club R/U)

Eagles Nest - Neville Ridge 4 balls.

NTP 11th - John Gaudry.

NTP 14th - Corydon Unwin.

Balls went down to Alex nicholson on 34 points c/b.

Congratulations to all the above winners.

COMING EVENTS

Saturday 02.01.10 - January Monthly Medal.

Wednesday 06.01.10 - American Foursomes - Stroke.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

A player places his ball on a tee within the teeing ground and, in taking a practice swing, he accidentally moves his ball. Does he incur a penalty?

Answer to last weeks question - Yes provided the flagstick has been removed from the hole and the ball therefore does not strike it. If the ball were to strike the flagstick, a breach of rule 17-3a would occur. The player must not lean on the flagstick to steady himself whilst he putts, as that would be contrary to rule 14-3, resulting in a penalty of disqualification.

Until next week, HAPPY NEW YEAR and good golfing.

David Stanley.

Captain.

 

Fellow Members,

I don’t know if I am meant to publish this blog. This is my third attempt, the previous two have disappeared just like a putt from the top of the 16th, just disappeared. Word Press must be incredibly sensitive and should I ever meet the person who wrote the software I shall tell them so and a few other things as well.

Our fields last Wednesday and Saturday showed a marked improvement on previous weeks and I hope this trend is going to be the norm rather than the exception, 72 on Wednesday and 110 on Saturday is quite good from our relatively small player base. Admittedly Wednesday was an Open Day and Saturday our Parent and Offspring Trophy event combined with Christmas Cheer Day.

I understand we have some members who for one reason or another are not interested in playing competition rounds but still make full use of the course on a regular basis, and that’s good. Our visitor numbers are steadily growing providing a much needed cash flow for the club, however in my mind our competition/trophy events are the lifeblood of our club and would like to see them patronised as much as possible. We endeavour to provide a program that  historically contains the most popular events with our members, if anyone has any ideas as to how we can improve the popularity of our competitions I would love to hear from them. The old chesnut of running a single events in conjunction with 2 ball and 4 ball events keeps rearing it’s head. This would mean marking 2 cards in some instances and if it means increasing our fields perhaps we should look more closely at it. Other clubs run them on a regular basis, is this the way you want to go?

At this time of the year I would like to record my thanks to every member for the support  I have received since becoming your Captain last May. It has been a steep learning curve for me and I have enjoyed the challenge, your help and advice has been invaluable, thank you. 

Anne and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and hope thar Santa leaves a handicap improving game under your tree. Remember “You ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that Swing”

A reminder that the clubhouse and pro-shop will be closed on Christmas Day with the pro-shop reopening on Boxing Day.

GOLF RESULTS.

Wednesday 16.12.09 - Single Stableford - Open Day - 72 players CCR.

Winner - Charles Vaughan-Smith (13)  42 points. Although you were no doubt visited by the Lord High Executioner Charles it’s good to have you back in the winners circle.

 R/U – Kevin Burke (19) 40 points – Visitor John Francis (18) Cromer Club 40 points.

Eagles Nest – Not Won

NTP 11^th – Paul Wilson

NTP 14^th – Peter Bracken

 

19 competition balls went down to John Mulholland 35points c/b

 

Saturday 19.12.09 – Parent and Offspring Trophy / Christmas Cheer – 2BBB Stableford – 104 players CCR 68.

Trophy Winners – Bruce Windybank (17) and Richard Windybank ( 6 ) 45 points c/b

R/U – Austin Richardson (26) and Scot Campbell (7) 45 points

2BBB Stableford;

Winners - Peter Garvin (28) and Craig Langby (5) 46 points

R/U – Taffy McCarten (24) and Michael Fitzgerald (28) 45 points

NTP 11^th – John Mulholland

NTP 14^th – Richard Lawson

Longest Drive 1^st;

 

“A” – John Mulholland

“B” – Jeff Spender

“C” – David Mathers

 Longest Drive 18^th;

 

“A” – Scot Campbell

“B” – Alex Mulholland

“C” – Joshua Frith.

Two sons and a grandson, not bad, showed the old buggers what it’s all about! Just don’t forget who taught you the game!!

NTP in 2 – 13^th “A” Richard Windybank – “B” David McGinnes.

NTP in 2 – 16^th “A” Jim Phillips – “B” Alex Mulholland

 

NTP in 2 - “C”;

4^th – Grahame White

12^th – Graham Ducker

 

Four “ball grabbers” for the worst scores – Names withheld to protect the guilty and I believe there is an inquiry pending.

COMING EVENTS.

Wednesday 23.12.09 – Stableford Multiplier Teams of 3.

Saturday 27.12.09 – Single Stableford

Sunday 28.12.09 – 2BBB Stableford Medley.

Saturday 02.01.10 – Monthly Medal.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.

May a player putt with one hand while holding the flagstick with the other?

Answer to last week’s question.

Yes, provided the act is not for the purpose of testing the putting green (Rule 16-1d). It is recommended that a ball be cleaned in other ways to eliminate any question as to the player’s intentions.

 

Until next week, Merry Christmas and good golfing,

David Stanley

Captain.

 

 

Fellow Members,

Welcome to another week of golf at the Bowral Golf Club home of the “Southern Highlands Legends Classic”.  A week of good weather and some very good golf scores. Your golf course remains in immaculate condition in spite of the lack of rain. I ask you all to leave the course in a better condition than you find it by always carrying a sand bucket and replacing divots, not always your own and repairing pitch marks again not only your own.

Our greens are fragile and need your care and attention. One habit I would like to see stopped is that of when having to move the nearest the pin marker please mark the position with a ball marker NOT by scratching a “V” in the grass with the prong.

During this spell of dry weather it is most important that all golf carts be driven in the rough, park your cart in the rough and walk to your ball, if it is neccessary to cross the fairway this must be done at right angles to that fairway.

Allow me to correct an omission I made from the Legacy Day Trophy winners, one which I have been reminded once or twice, - Fred Sewell won the Peter Douglas Trophy for ex national servicemen with 38 point on a countback. Now Fred am I forgiven?

GOLF RESULTS 

Wednesday 09.12.09; - 2BBB Stableford - CCR 68 - Players 62.

Winners - Grahame White (23) and Tony Hobson (16) - 48 points.

R/U - Paul Hickle (19) and John Bryan (24) - 45 points.

Eagles Nest - Not Won.

NTP 11th - David Burgess

NTP 14th - John Gaudry

16 balls in the comp. went down to Warren Ryan 42 points c/b.

Saturday 12.12.09; - 2nd round of the Peter Tait Trophy in conjunction with the Ted Box Medal of Medals Trophy and a Single Stroke event. A big Day!

Peter Tait Trophy - Best nett score after 36 holes.

Winner - Bruce Windybank - agg. h’cap 36 nett 136.

R/U - Reg Gilbert

Ted Box Medal of Medals Trophy fought out between 28 medal winners.

Winner -  Harry Caust (15) - nett 65.

R/U - Doug Stalley - (21) 69.

Single Stroke Event. - CCR 70 - 75 players.

Winner - Don Barker (16) - nett 62 ( Don has since been visited by the Lord High Executioner and is now of 13. He played the second nine in 36, 2 over. Great round Don you are now in “A” grade medal territory. Congratulations.

R/U - Grant Blanchard (22) - nett 65. Grant has also been paid a visit by “that” gentleman and is now off 20.

Eagles Nest - Not Won.

NTP 11th - John Dash

NTP 14th - Ned Simms

There were 20 competition balls and went down to Brian Frith nett 72 c/b.

Sunday 13.12.09 - Christmas Cheer - Irish 4 ball Medely.

A very enjoyable day with 84 players and over 100 attending the dinner after play. My thanks to Lady Captain Pam Barker and her ladies for doing the bulk of the organisation for this event. Many novelty prizes were dispensed apart from the hams collected by the winners. And Neville you are certainly not “nasty” it just rhymes so well with Nev.

Winners - Bernadette Brown (23) Bill Pope (25) Toni Clarke (29) Brian Hanrahan (11) - 95 points.

Men’s NTP 11th - Jim Phillips

Ladies NTP 14th Alex Dowling.

COMING EVENTS

Saturday 19.12.09 - Parent and Offspring competing for the Secretary’s Plate. As this Saturday is the last before Christmas it will be combined with the Men’s Christmas Cheer. In addition to the Trophy there will be lots of novelty events so if you can please join in this festive day.

Wednesday  23.12 09 - The last competition event before Christmas will be a Stableford Multiplier Teams of 3. So the possibilties are, a team can have 4×4x4 = 64 poins or 3×1x2 = 6 points if however if one of your team has a wipe on a hole then the combined total for that hole is 0 no matter what the other members of the team have scored. This event will no doubt test the season of goodwill to all men. Imagine if you have 4×4x0 = 0. Enough said.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.

May a player clean his/her ball by rubbing it on the putting green?

Answer to last weeks question;

Although such an announcement would be courteous, and could help avoid any possible confusion, a player is not required by the rules to inform anyone what type of ball he/she intends to play at a hole.

 

Until next week safe driving and good golfing,

David Stanley

Captain.

Fellow Members,

Hail to our new Club Champions;

“A” Grade - Ned Simms

     R/U     - Craig Langby

Ned took a three up lead after the first three holes and was never headed during the match although Craig squared the match on a couple of occasions, Ned finally claimed victory on the 35th hole.

“B” Grade - Nathan Bradbury.

         R/U - Tony Fitzpatrick.

Another epic match wiith neither player giving a quarter. Nathan ultimately shut out the match on the 19th hole to claim the Championship.

“C” Grade - Bruce Windybank.

         R/U - Brian Dawkins

Another nail biter with Bruce winning one up.

Three great matches played in the right spirit with each hanging in the balance until the last moment. Congratulations to all the players and a special thanks to our three referees;

Brian Lamb

Kevin Burke

Ron Campbell.

Who without fear or favour controlled their respective matches with a velvet glove in an Iron fist, and as such the riot squad and the St Johns Ambulance were not required.

GOLF RESULTS.

Wednesday 2/12/09 - Single Stableford - CCR 68 - Players 6

Winner - Bruce Windybank 20)

    R/U  - Brian Lamb

There were 16 balls left in the competition with the  last ball to Kevin Burke (19) on 35 points.

Saturday 05.12 09 - December Medal Round and the First Round of the Peter Taite Trophy -  CCR 69 - Players 75

Winner “A” Grade - Tony Fitzpatrick (13) nett 67

                    R/U - Brian Hanrahan (11) nett (69)

Winner “B” Grade - Bruce Windybank (18) nett 66

                    R/U - Alan Lindsay (15) nett 68

Winner “C” Grade - Peter Girven (30) nett 65

                     R/U - Reg Gilbert (23)

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP 11th - Colin Jenkins

NTP 14th - Ian McKenzie

There were 20 balls left on the competition with the last ball to David McGuinness nett 71 

Congratulations to  those standing in the Winners Circle and commiserations to those who almost made it. Next time?

COMIING EVENTS

Saturday 12.12.09 - 2nd round Peter Taite Trophy in conjunction with the Ted Box Trophy ”Medal of Medals”

The Medal winners this year in contention for the Ted Box Trophy are;

C.Langby (3) - Frank Eggert(3) - John Mulholland - Ned Simms (2) - Alex. Nicholson (2) - Tony Fitzpatrick

David Mathers - John Conolly - Harry Caust - Mick Cooper (2)- Pascal Timores - David Boyd - Ron Campbell - Tony Hobson - Richard Lavender - John Cummins - David Mcguinness

David Stedman - Chris Harvey - Bruce Windybank (2) - Tony Liddle - Graham Stranger - John Bryan - Bob Kemp - Graham Connolly - Doug Stalley - Grahame White - Peter Girven

 

SUNDAY 13.12.09  “Christmas Cheer” Mixed 4BBB Irish Stableford Shotgun Start 1.00pm followed by Dinner from 6.00pm.

This is a fun day as the last mixed event before Christmas, prizes galore for novelty events, longest drive, NTP , and many more. Don’t miss this one!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Must a player announce to his opponent(s) or fellow competitors that he intends to change his ball between the play of two holes?

Answer to last weeks question;

Yes. The action of placing clubs - even a bag of clubs - or the rake in a hazard is not considered testing the condition of the hazard.  However, the player must be careful that he does nothing that constitutes testing the condtion of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball.

Until next week, good golfing

David Stanley

Captain

Fellow Members,

My apologies for the lack of Blogs over the past couple of weeks. The situation has been rectified and it’s back to normal as of this week - promise! Now can somebody tell me how to standardise the font size in Word Press?

THE COURSE

Your course has never been in better playing condition than it is at the present time. Almost without exception members, visitors and the professionals who have played here recently find it hard to believe this standard is achieved and maintained by a ground staff of four, not forgetting Hamish’s Dad’s Army crew. So when you are out enjoying the course and you see Damien, Nathan, Matt or Nathan (jnr.) please acknowledge their efforts. We are quite often quick to criticize and slow to praise; it is so easy to take for granted the wonderful conditions we enjoy.

Our greens have prospered from the major renovations in September and the roller we were able to borrow in preparation for the Pro-am.

The GUR has been removed from the 15^th fairway apart from a short section of the gully adjacent to the pathway.

The new tee for the 11^th has settled down and is a big improvement.

The area behind the 9^th tee has been cleaned out and looks a lot better than the tangled undergrowth that previously inhabited this section of the course, although it has reduced the privacy for those seeking a relief stop at “Prostate “ corner aptly named by our resident psychiatrist.

Jim Dickson has kindly donated some colourful Japanese Koi fish, which will populate the dam on the 13^thbefore eventually being transferred to our dam outside Bowral House. Anyone found “searching” for his or her ball with a fishing rod shall be penalised under the non-conforming club rule i.e. Loss of hole in match play, two stroke penalty in stroke play.

Unfortunately a ruptured hydraulic line on one of our greens mower has caused some damage to the 18^thgreen. It could have been a lot worse if the operator hadn’t been vigilant and noticed the spill as soon as it occurred. We thought we may have been able to save the grass strip but that wasn’t to be and the area had to be scarified and re-sown. The white “mat” has been put in place to hasten the germination of the seed and promote growth. A local rule is in place to give relief until the area is playable again. Murphy’s Law strikes again.

In spite of numerous reminders pitch and divot repairs are not always carried out, I know visiting social players are the main culprits however I ask members to make repairs on the way around the course where they are noticed.

I don’t expect members to police our dress regulations however I would ask that when you invite visitors to play you make them aware of our requirements to save any embarrassment.

GOLF NEWS

A first for the Southern Highlands and BGC was the holding of the inaugural “Southern Highlands Senior Legends Classic” pro-am event on Tuesday November 17, 2009. A resounding success. This will now become an annual event in our calendar. The day saw 62 professionals including the likes of Rodger Davis, Ossie Moore, Mike Fergusson, Noel Ratcliff, Michael Harwood, Randall Vines and many others who featured regularly on the winner’s lists both here and overseas over the last thirty years. They played for a pool of $10,000 dollars sponsorship money. Our thanks to our sponsors, in particular our own Chris Green. Thanks also to Steve Anderson, Larry Canning who organised the event and to Tony White who did the bulk of the behind the scenes preparation. Our volunteers who worked as spotters were on the course most of the day, thank you.

The winning pro was David Saunders (68) of NSW by one stroke to Michael Ferguson (69) QLD.

The winning 4 ball team (two best scores on each hole recorded) were three of our ladies Wendy Burke, Robyn McGinnes, Noela McMurray and their pro Allan May with 87 points. The team of John Conolly, Gordon Conolly, Len Brandon and Randall Vines with 85 points on a count back from Alex Dowling, Helen Martin, David Mathers and David Saunders, came in second and third respectively. The winning ladies took away a magnificent Callaway golf bag each embroidered with the Southern Highlands Legends Classic logo. A team of ladies winning against all comers, who would have thought it? Mixed / Medley events are alive and well.

Legacy Day was an outstanding success although the numbers were down on previous years. Our distinguished guests, Major General Paul Stevens, and Mrs. Helen Stevens and ex GG and honorary visiting members Major General Michael Jeffries and Mrs. Marlena Jeffries complemented the event with their grace, humility and competitive golf.

The Veterans Cup was won by John Conolly (45) points, The Macrite Trophy, a Bronze statuette of Simpson and his donkey, went to Alex. Nicholson by one point 56 to 55 from Michael Fitzgerald affectionately nicknamed “Biggles” by his peers.

The dinner at night for the 93 attendees was an outstanding occasion. Paul Stevens as Commissioner of War Graves gave a most interesting address which certainly fitted in with the Legacy theme. We look forward to their company next year.

GOLF RESULTS

Wednesday 11.11.09 - 2BBB Aggregate Par - 51 players CCR 68

Winners - Dennis Cooper (19) Reg Gilbert (23) +6 c/b

R/U - Alex Nicholson (13) Harry Caust (15) +6

Eagles Nest - Graham Stranger 2 balls

NTP 11th - Graeme Smith

NTP 14th - Alex Nicholson

Disappointing field of 51 players meant only 12 balls for the comp. cut off square Peter Edwards (19)

Saturday 14.11.09 - Single Stableford - 71 players CCR 69

Winner -  Bob Young (19) 39 points

R/U - Tony Fitzpatrick (13) 38 points c/b

Eagles Nest - Not won

NTP 11th - Mick Cooper

NTP 14th - Alan Lindsay

A better field gave us 21 comp balls cutting of at Peter Watson (27) 34 points.

Tuesday 17.11.09 - Southern Highlands Classic Pro-Am.

Results and report above.

Wednesday 18.11.09 - Single Stableford - 40 players CCR 69

Winner - John Gaudry (11) 41 points

R/U - Alan Wigzell (21) 37 points

Eagles Nest - Not won

NTP 11th - Ashley Southon

NTP 14th - John Gaudry

Field of 40 (what can I say) left 9 balls cutting off at Grant Blanchard (21) 34 c/b

Saturday 21.11.09 - Legacy Day - 84 players.

Report and Trophy winners above.

Wednesday 24.11.09 - Single Stableford - 72 players CCR 70

Winner - Alan Wigzell (25) 41 points c/b

R/U - Doug Ruttan (27) 41 points

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP - 11th - David Stanley

NTP - 14th - John Cummins

19 balls in the comp went down to Pascal Timores 32 points c/b

Saturday 28.11.09 - St.Andrews Trophy - 4 Ball Aggregate Stableford - 66 players CCR 68

Winners - Michael Brown (21) Harry Caust (15) Don Barker (15) Nigel Menogue (20) 134 points

R/U - Jim Dickson(22) Brian Hanrahan (11) Kevin Burke (19) Sam Hunt (11) 130 points c/b

Eagles Nest - Not Won

NTP 11th - Philip Allen

NTP 14th - Jeff Spender

16 balls in the comp. went down to David Mathers (20) Robert Eriksson (25) Grahame White (23) Warwick Kiernan (16) 129 points

A 4B Aggregate is not a normal event more a novelty and has to be viewed as such. Next year we will run a single event in conjunction to allow for players who do not have a four and no chance to win the Trophy. This event has been running for 15 years under the same format so we must enjoy the day for what it is. Our generous broad (in accent NOT girth) bonnie wee lads, McKenzie-Young-Turpie-Nicholson donated a bottle of Scotch to each of the winners and then did everything they could to feature in the winners list, canny lot that they are.

Congratulations to all our winners.

COMING EVENTS

This Sunday December 6th sees the finals of our Club Championships being played. All scratch match play, “A” grade over 36 holes commencing 8.30am and 1.00pm.”B & C” grade over 18 holes commencing at 1.10pm and 1.20pm respectively.

“A” grade between Ned Simms and Craig Langby. This match will be worth going a long way to see. Craig the experienced ex trainee pro versus Ned the young gifted tyro. What a game it will be. Centrebet has it at even money!

“B” grade between Tony Fitzpatrick and Nathan Bradbury. Another match of youth versus experience. What’s Tony doing in B grade anyway. Anyone putting money on this game would be  very brave.

“C” grade between Brian Dawkins and Bruce “be afraid Brian very afraid” Windybank. Two wiley old foxes whose competitiveness is legendary. St. Johns Ambulance will be in attendance. Betting has been suspended on this game.

Sunday December 15th. Christmas Cheer Day. A day of Festive fun and an Irish stableford. Mixed Medley teams of four. Hams and Hampers galore, BE there.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Can I place my clubs or a rake in the hazard while I play my stroke out of the hazard?

Answer to the question put in my last blog;

Yes. Provided in doing so nothing is done to breach Rule 13-2 with respect to the next stroke. That is by smoothing the sand, the player cannot improve the new lie of the ball, the area of his intended stance or swing, or his line of play of the next stroke.

Until next week,

Good Golfing.

David Stanley

Captain.

Fellow Members,

Another week of ordinary weather, at least we can feel , now and again, some warmth on our backs.

The pro. shop has almost completed the move into the club house which will make everything more comfortable and accessible. This is a current trend all over the world, so all we ask of you is to be patient and give it a chance. If you were on the course over the last couple of days when the Vets had their week of golf you must have been amazed as to how smoothly it ran and had players in the club house and on the terrace before and after they had played. Well done Tony to have made the transition so seamless.

GOLF NEWS

Wednesday 4.11.09 - Single Stableford - 54 players CCR 68

Winner; - Peter Edwards- Man about town, raconteur and all round nice guy, 40 points c/b.

Runner up Pasquale Timores (20) 40 points.

Eagles Nest; Not won.

NTP 11th Tony Hobson

NTP 14th D. Stanley. How could it not go in the hole?

Small field therefore the balls for the comp cut off at 34 at Bill Metcalf on a c/b.

Saturday 7 . 11. 09 - Monthly Medal and “Remembrance Day Shield” - CCR 70- Players 69

Winner “A” grade

Alex. Nicholson (13) nett 70

R/U  Tony Fitzpatrick (13)  nett 71

Winner “B” grade.

David McGuinness (15) nett 66 c/b

R/U Tony Hobson (16) nett 66.

Winner “C” grade.

Graheme White (25) nett 65.

Best scratch score - David Mcguinness (81)

Eagles Nest; Sam Hunt (4 balls)

NTP 11th Pasquale Timores.

NTP 14th; Graham Gates.

WINNER REMEMBRANCE DAY SHIELD Graheme ” I Once Had a Mill in Manchester”  White (25) nett 65.

COMING EVENTS

The count down is on for the Inaugural ” PGA Legends” Pro-Am to be played next Tuesday. 64 pros. have booked for the event and at this stage 80 amateurs. There is still time to book a game and be part of the “BGC Southern Highlands” history. If you can’t play we still need plenty of volunteers to man various posts around the course for the day.

Legacy Day the 21st of November still has places available. One of our major events of the year and for a very worthy cause. Our guests this year are Major General Jeffries and Mrs. Jeffries and Major General Stevenson and Mrs. Stevenson. A wonderful day and night are guaranteed. If you haven’t booked already DO IT NOW!!!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

 If you do not get your ball out of a bunker, can you rake the bunker before your next shot ?

Answer to last weeks question;

“may” means the action is optional.

‘Should” means the action is recommended but not mandatory.

“must” means it is an instruction and there is a penalty if it is not carried out.

Until next week GOOD GOLFING.

David Stanley,

Club Captain.