MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

2024 is certainly flying along: Easter is almost upon us and the kids will be once again on holidays. WOW!

Sad news to begin with is the very recent passing of our respected member, Brian Bostleman.  A very nice bloke who I had the opportunity to play with a few times over the years.  Many of you will know him far better than I.  Mine and the committee’s condolences to you, and of course to Brian’s family and friends.

Unlike most newsletters, I will refrain from including the rainfall for the year to date.  That’s because primarily there hasn’t been any.  Pat, Dave and the few hand waterers are banding together to keep the greens and other crucial parts of the course in some sort of refreshed state – notably during the very recent run of hot days this month.

The course is certainly looking very dry with the exception of those areas being hand watered, and where sprinklers and automated irrigation is fitted. The 8^th/17^th fairway appears like an oasis primarily through the hand watering efforts of volunteers including Gary Walters, Mat Marson, Phil Russell, Brian Joyce, Laurie Wandmaker, Dougie Hill, Peter McCoy, Bruce Thompson and Grant Lugton.

Recent Installation of Irrigation and Drainage Lines – 8^th/17^th Fairways.  All members are aware of the recent works conducted in this area of the course. While the physical laying of pipes and connections associated with the drainage works was conducted by paid contractors, all the other works on the fairway including the hundreds of metres of turf works was again conducted by a small force of member volunteers.  Back breaking work at best, without their effort again in this work the club would have spent far more club funds to complete this much needed work.  To all those involved a huge vote of thanks from all members!

Volunteers of the Month – February and March:  February was all the volunteers that assisted with the 8^th/17^th works.  For the month of March committee has chosen to recognise the efforts of the above listed hand volunteers undertaking the watering on 8/17.  

Watering of greens during the recent hot spell.  Huge thank you to Bill and Pam Brown who spent a great deal of time ensuring the greens and surrounds were topped up with water so they didn’t dry out. BZ

Care of the Course:  We have continued to receive a high rate of green fees players over the course during the first three months of the year.  This is terrific for the club and the club’s accounts.  High traffic does bring with it the expected wear and tear including plenty of divots across the course. B eing recently cored and very soft due to this and the need to keep them well watered during periods of hot temperatures – makes the greens very susceptible to pitch marks and other damage.  Committee would appreciate all members taking the time to repair divots in the fairway and rough areas, and also attending to ball pitch marks in the greens.  Even though the greens have been cored the timely repair of all pitch marks is critical to them remaining in good shape until next coring. 

Shop Bargains: Good bargains a plenty in the golf shop.  Great shirts and jackets and plenty of golfing hardware for members to spend their hard won shop credits. Danny does a Stirling job of sourcing apparel and all equipment.  Check out the shop and don’t forget if there’s something you need and it’s not in stock, speak to Danny and he may be able to get it in for you at a very good price.   

Private Golf Cart Insurance:  The committee has a requirement that all private carts used on the golf course be fully insured by owners/users.  This is because the respective carts or incidents they may be involved in are not covered by the club’s insurances.  Most members have the carts added to their domestic insurances and this is reportedly a simple process.  Any members affected are again reminded to see Danny asap to provide evidence of current annual insurance cover.

Consumption of Alcohol at the Club:  Committee has recently determined that NO PRIVATE ALCOHOL is to be brought to the club for consumption either in the clubhouse or out on the course.  Committee considers it a reasonable expectation that all alcohol consumed by members be sold by the club for the overall benefit of the club, and to accord with Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines.  Members should be cognisant of the amount of alcohol consumed, including prior to and during competitions, so that other players are not adversely impacted.

Good Friday Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal – Ambrose Golf:  The club will once again stage the customary Good Friday Ambrose Golf Event on Friday 29 March.  Teams of four, BYO lunch, entry cost: $10.00 per head. 8.30am for a 9.00 am shotgun start.  Great prizes for the winners, plus the normal raffle and auctions on the day to raise funds for the children.  Peter and Kris Kelly have again been hard at it over the past year in organising donations and items for auction.  Last year the tremendous total of over $7,500 was raised.  Please enter your groups into OneGolf and watch out for further information.  Join in and have a fun day!

Finally, on behalf of all committee I wish you great golfing during the year ahead!

Regards,

Steve Wright
President CGC