As I have mentioned in previous course updates, we all have a part to play in ensuring the best possible condition of our bunkers.
In an effort to continually improve our bunkers we have decided to trial rake stands on a couple of holes. It is hoped the stands will result in the following:
Ensuring rakes are left in the correct positions within the bunkers.
Encourage people to enter the bunkers at the lowest possible point (as this is where the rake will be situated). Hopefully this will limit people walking down the faces as this gives us the best opportunity of hardening the faces to reduce the possibility of plugged lies.
Reduce the amount of the rake in contact with the sand to reduce the possibly of the rake interfering with the ball (although the head of the rake will still be resting on the sand).
Make it obvious if there are rakes missing from a bunker.
The trial will be held on holes number 1 and 2 and will run for a couple of months. During the trial I ask all members to undertake the following:
Enter the bunker at the lowest point where the rakes will be situated (assuming they have been replaced on the stands).
As always rake the bunker properly back towards the entry point of the bunker.
At you exit do not rake the sand towards the edge of the bunker but instead rake the sand back towards the middle of the bunker to help keep the base of the bunker flat.
After raking place the handle of the rake on the stand with the rake facing the direction of play. (as shown in the pictures below).
There is a very small possibly that the stand may interfere with the ball or an intended swing, particularly if the ball has come to rest against the stand. If this is the case the stands are to be treated as immovable obstructions and relief can be taken under rule 16.1c.
As mentioned, this is just a trial to see if there is any value to having the rake stands. At the end of the trial we will determine the following:
If they have helped in ensuring the rakes are always in the correct position.
If they have helped stop people entering bunkers in non-desired locations.
If they have had a detrimental impact on play (i.e. if relief is needed too often)
If they deter from the aesthetics of the course.
I would be very interested in any feedback members have either during, or at the conclusion of the trial. Feel free to catch me when see me around the club.
Regarding incoming changes to the rules of golf provided by Golf Australia. Please use the below link as an easy-to-use resource on the changes and all rules.
Additionally, Golf WA will no longer be providing hard copies of the Rules of Golf books as the R&A has advised they will not be printing new copies. We encourage all golfers to visit this webpage:
Ian Tanian – Veterans RepresentativeVeterans Matchplay R/Up Brian Hall with Bill EalesVeterans Matchplay Bill Eales with Veterans Matchplay Winner – Rick WebbVeterans Shield 2022 Accepted by Zion Schneider for the R/Up Eric CurleyVeterans Shield 2022 Ian Tanian and Winner Bob JohnstonVeterans Annual Stableford Trophy 2022 accepted by George Sieniszkiewicz for the Winner Markus RuescherMen’s Club Trophy 2022 Graham Bowen- Men’s Captain and R/Up – Chris MorrisMen’s Club Trophy 2022 Graham Bowen – Men’s Captain and Winner Bill EalesLadies Club Trophy 2022 Jan Argaet – Women’s Captain & R/Up Zion SchneiderLadies Club Trophy 2022 Jan Argaet – Women’s Captain & Winner Tom RasmussenVeterans Eclectic 2022 Bill Eales with Winner Tom RasmussenNon Veterans Eclectric 2022 Stuart Pope Winner with Ian TanianLikely Lads Mal Bailey & Rod Fuge with Ian TanianToast to the Ladies preseted by Bob White
Please phone Ros Sutton on 0429 555 517 to sponsor a trophy for the 2023 Women’s Golfing Season as this really assists our women member competitions and is greatly appreciated. It is not compulsory but really supportive and participation creates a great atmosphere of friendship within the Club.
We have already had a great response and hope that more of you will come on board.