Dear Members,
We are now over two-thirds through the year, with the AGM just under four months away. Please see an update on club operations:
Golf Operations
- Handicapping Disruption
At the end of September, Golf Australia will be updating its software systems for handicapping and golf management. During this transition, competitions will continue, but handicaps will not be updated for approximately one to two weeks. Todd will keep members informed as we approach this temporary disruption. All clubs across Australia will be affected.
In conjunction with this change, the Club will be introducing a Privacy Policy regarding the retention and use of personal information, which will be communicated to members. - Golf Carts- We’ve recently upgraded another six lithium EZGO golf carts. Nearly all older carts have now been retired, with only six remaining to be replaced in November.
- Golf Shop Team– Todd and his team are doing an outstanding job. Alan has recently joined, bringing valuable Golf Shop experience, and we’ve also welcomed Owen and Campbell to help maintain and manage the cart fleet more effectively.
Clubhouse Operations
- We’ve now past 12 months since the Club took over full food and beverage operations. While changes have been made along the way, we will continue to review and improve our offerings to members. Business results have exceeded forecasts, thanks in part to strong Friday night patronage driven by the member social group, and Sheree and her team’s outstanding work in attracting external use of the facility.
We understand this can occasionally disrupt member access, but the recent member survey showed overwhelming support for attracting non-member use to help subsidise the excellent value of our “club” pricing for members. - Our chef Haydon has been a great support to Sheree, whilst Janina will be taking on a more senior role in the front-of-house bar. With the support of Vanita and the entire team, we continue to look for ways to enhance the member experience.
Course
- It will be pleasing to see the 1st green open on Monday and thanks to Stewart and his team, including the work of Jarrod Mosley, for the excellent results. The 5th green has seen great improvement whilst the quality of the surface and total usable area on the new 1st looks to be an excellent improvement. With the quality of the available grass we had, seeding this green was going to give the best long-term outcome, which must always be a priority, and whilst indications can be understood on growth time, there is no exact science and we appreciate the members patience.
- Renovations will take place with the facility closure on the Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th September, with works including:
- Green Core- With a large core undertaken in February this year, an aggressive core will not be required
- Aggressive Tee coring
- Green surrounds coring
- Tree Works- there is limited time in two days, with priority being the pruning of trees encroaching into play, specifically holes 1 and 16
- The Course team, volunteers and members themselves have done a fantastic job getting the course through this winter. There are still issues that need to be improved on and we are working with Council for more tree removal around wet, shaded greens however, there is no doubt the quality of playing surfaces are far better, and they will bounce back a lot quicker in Spring. Stewart wants to pass on his appreciation for all members that care for the course, as this is paramount to protecting the high wear areas and it was certainly noticed in the efforts made by members this year. A big thank you to Stewart and has teams outstanding work over another a very difficult winter period.
Irrigation Project
We remain on track for the irrigation project to be completed next winter. While it’s too early for detailed updates, installation is scheduled to begin in late April, with a maximum disruption period of 16 weeks during the low season. Weekend golf will not be affected, and the installers will work on no more than two holes at a time during the week, but the extent or how we manage play with the installers is yet to be finalised. We’ll keep members informed as the timeline becomes clearer.
Car Park & Clubhouse Precinct
With the balcony and forecourt completed last year and the irrigation project planned and fully funded, the Board is now focusing on the next stage of our Capital Improvement Plan: the Clubhouse surrounds.
A Master Plan developed several years ago prioritised improvements to:
- Car park
- Practice putting green
- Cart/buggy storage with better access to the clubhouse
- Short game practice area
As our club, and golf in general, evolves post-COVID with an influx of people to golf, new challenges and opportunities have emerged. While previous planning focused on resolving specific issues, the Club must review how our entire 30,000m² land area can be best utilised.
The car park remains the next core focus, but we must ensure that any development aligns with the long-term vision for the entire precinct. Land surveys and civil engineering drawings have been completed, in order for planning to be effective.
There is a process the Club must work through, and member consultation will be a core focus in shaping the Club’s long-term vision.
You will not see me around for a good part of September, as I will be on leave playing some golf. On my return, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have feedback, or any queries. I enjoy members dropping in or engaging in your feedback.
I wish Jan and the Women’s division a great Spring Carnival, and a return to pleasant Spring weather and the better grass growing season.
Regards
Grant Shortland-Jones, General Manager
