CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

Ash & Nick.
A very interesting (and greatly humorous) competition closed at the end of 2019. Two of our members made a wager that the person with the higher GA handicap at the end of the year would publicly declare the other to be far and away the better golfer. Well, despite playing an estimated 25 rounds in the last two months of the year, Ash Southon at the Saturday presentation, dressed in his finest suit, declared that Nick Reinhard was the better player. Ash was magnanimous in defeat and declared that he was a mere ripple in Nick's pond. Lots of fun from two great club members and good mates to boot.

The Yellow Course. 
A new course has been developed and will be introduced when the World Handicap System goes 'live' on the 31st January this year. There is great support for a designated 9 hole course at the BGC, and as handicaps can be processed from 9 hole results it should prove a popular addition our full course offering. It is hoped to have cards printed in time for the course to be open.
The course will run holes 1 - 6, then 12, and finish on 17 and 18. Specific tee locations vary, and utilise some Green, Red and White course plates. The 9 hole course will measure 2593m, and for Men will be a PAR 33 (SCR 34), Slope 119: Women PAR 37 (SCR 37) and Slope 122.
As usual, players playing any course shorter than 18 holes will give priority to players playing the full course.

Course Condition Update
The recent rain has provided the course with a very welcome drink. However, as it has been some time since the course has been soft, it's worth reminding all players of the importance of repairing your divots and pitch marks. We are all responsible for looking after our course, and to  assist the greens keepers with providing the best quality playing surface possible.
The rain has certainly provided a much needed top up of the dam. (see photo)
A recent purchase has provided the greens keepers with a new (re-conditioned) 'rough' mower, to replace the John Deere which blew its engine last month. (See photo of new machine)

​Recent Results

Wednesday 15th January. Our first Open Day of the year, and the mild and less smokey conditions brought out a good field of 78 players. Welcome to 3 visitors from Antill Park and The Ridge GC's. Nick Reinhard (13) and Ash Southon (14) combined very well in posting a score of 47 points to beat Neil Halvorsen (22) and Vernon Vella (28) by 2 strokes. Nick Reinhard also tabled the best individual score of the day with 39 points. The Eagle now has 9 balls under her wing for next week, Alec Dietsch won the NTP 11th and Ken Dobie won the pro pin.

Saturday 18th January. Our first monthly medal round of the year. It was raining intermittently, and the course had received 15mm before play commenced. As a result, the course played considerably longer than it has over the past 8 months, evidenced by only 6 players (in a field of 83) equalling or beating PAR. The 'A' grade medal was won by Ash Southon (13) with an excellent net 64 from Ben Evans (14) on net 65. The 'B' grade medal went to Jamie O'Reilly (22) with a net score of 66 from Simon Taufel (20) on net 67. The 'C' grade medal was won by Ian McKenzie (24) with a net 72 on a count back from James Evans (30). The best scratch score of the day went to David Ferguson with a 75. The Eagle's nest was again not won, the NTP 11th went to Ben Evans and Terry Downing won the pro pin.

Sunday 19th January. Only two ladies in the field and Sonya Bleakley (38) prevailed with 21 points. The men provided 5 players in their field, and Paul Barnes (16) took out the day with 32 points. 

The Rules Quiz.
Last week I posed an interesting question about the rights of a player to have loose impediments replaced after another player has removed them. (Go and read the question now.)
The correct answer is that the player may have the loose impediments replaced if they so desire. As a result of a slight change in procedure at the Saturday presentation, (where I am now reading out the question before asking for answers), there were 5 players who knew the correct answer and the now familiar putt-off ensued. David McGinness, John Buchanan, Daniel Weekes, Clark Gibbons and Grant Blanchard each tried their luck, and again (he is yet to be beaten!!!) Daniel Weekes provided the best roll. Congratulations all!.

This Week. 
YES or NO, a player uses an alignment stick to check their alignment or swing plane between the playing of two holes. Is there a penalty to be applied?

"Who Am I ?" Competition.

Last week Alec Dietsch correctly identified the mystery member as Langdon Emery. Well done!

This week then, the new mystery member says,
"Numbers are very important to me".
​Who am I? Send your guess to me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com
​(Note, the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour
​
Morris had been playing golf for years, and he had the finest equipment, but his technique never improved a bit.

As his friend watched, Morris teed up at the first hole and promptly drove a brand new ball into the woods.  On the second hole, he drove another new ball into a lake.  On the third, he lost a new ball in another part of the woods.

"Why don't you use an old ball?" his friend Sam asked.

"I've never had an old ball!"

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!

Course Marking.
Several areas of the course have been marked with coloured stakes. While most of these areas have previously been marked (and the stakes replaced) some are new. The area at the entry to the machinery sheds (adjacent the 1st fairway) has been marked as out of bounds. The out of bounds stakes have been re-installed along the left hand side of the 2nd fairway. Note, the drain at the rear of the houses is in play and marked with Red stakes. The most notable change has been to stake the entire "Wasteland" area which is contained inside the 3rd, 16th and 4th  fairways/green with White stakes as GUR. Note, the drain along the right hand side of the 16th fairway is in play and is staked with Red stakes (see photo). Also note that players have a GUR option when their ball lies in bird/animal damaged areas in the General area/Bunkers and on the Green. Ball location only, not stance.

World Handicap System (WHS)
As I mentioned in my previous post, the WHS introduction is imminent. The Golflink computers will be taken offline on the 27th January until the 30th. The system will be online for use on the 31st January. As part of the introduction, Golf NSW was asked to undertake a full survey of the coloured courses at BGC. As a result of this survey the following will apply when the WHS goes active.

• Blue Course: Slope: Men = 115, Women = 125,  Scratch Rating: Men = 70, Women = 76
• Red Course: Slope: Men = 111, Women = 121, Scratch Rating: Men = 68, Women = 74
• White Course: Slope: Men = 113, Women = 121, SCR: Men = 69, Women = 74

​As you can see, there are several changes which will have a minor effect on your Daily Playing Handicap (DPH). When you look up your Golflink Handicap (GH) you will see the raw average of the best 8 of the latest 20 scores (no longer factored by 0.93). This handicap is useable anywhere around the world where the WHS is in use. The change you will notice is when you use your Golflink membership to sign up to play a round. When you do this your GL will be processed by the computer to produce your DPH. The following example uses a simulated player with a GL handicap of 20 who is signed up to play the Men's Blue course (with the new ratings).

• Slope Adjustment : GL (20) x (115/113) = 20.35
• SCR Adjustment : SCR - PAR = +1 = 21.35
• Adjustment for 'Potential' x.93 = 19.86
• 19.86 rounds to 20. The player plays off a handicap of 20. (ie, no change to previous)

As you can see, there is only a minor change to the outcome, and the computer will do the work for you. The main item to notice is that each course will have a Slope and a SCR, which will allow for mixed genders (and/or mixed courses) in the same competition.

Recent Results

Wednesday 8th January. An excellent roll-up for the first 4BBB competition of the year. 71 players joined 2 visitors (from Kogarah and Barton Ridge) on a smokey day. The team of Andrew Tomkins (19) and James Burkitt (15) held off the field with 47 points to win by 1 from Will Clayton (12) and his dad Ray Clayton (36). Roberto Ratalino posted the best individual score of 40 points. The Eagle now has 8 balls waiting for the next Wednesday winner, Chris Deane won the NTP 11th and Brian Lamb the pro pin.

Saturday 11th January. Another good field of 81 to begin the regular season. Fraser McDonald (21) posted 42 points to win the day from Phillip Downing (27) with 39 points on count back. John Jones relieved the Eagle of 2 balls while Tony Fitzpatrick won the NTP 11th and Roberto Ratalino narrowly missed an Ace on the 14th to win the pro pin. Visitors from Wakehurst and Moore Park were welcomed.

​Sunday 12th January. Just the men playing in the competition last Sunday, with 12 in the field. Alec Dietsch (13) with 38 points claimed the prize from John Buchanan (16) with 37.

The Rules Quiz.
The question posed prior to the Christmas break was finally answered at the Saturday presentation with Alec Dietsch and Daniel Weekes both providing the correct answer. The answer to the question (go back and read the question now) is that there is a 2 stroke penalty and the stroke at the wrong ball is not counted. After the ensuing 'putt-off' Daniel again prevailed over Alec to win the ball marker. I definitely think Daniel now has the wood over Alec on the clubhouse green!!

This week is an interesting scenario. Player A ends up above the pin on the 16th hole and requires a tricky/quick downhill putt. While player A is assessing his putt, player B (who is below the hole, and has an uphill putt) removes some loose sticks and leaves from below the hole.
True or False, Player A has the right to have those loose impediments replaced as they may help stop his ball from rolling well beyond the hole if his putt misses.

​"Who Am I ?" Competition.
The second week of the new identity, and there have been some interesting responses thus far, none correct though. Remember to email your response to me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

The clue for this week.
"I have previously held the position of Secretary/Treasurer of a national golf association".
​(Note, the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour
Secrets of Great Golf!

A reporter was interviewing Jack Nicklaus.

He said, "Jack, you are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf.  You really know your way around the course.  What is your secret?"

To which Jack replied, "The holes are numbered!"

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!

Our Country is on Fire.
The thoughts, prayers and best wishes of every member of the BGC are extended to all those affected by the fires which have impacted our country, as well as our admiration and great appreciation to those selfless members of the emergency services and the general public who have given their utmost to protect and defend lives and property. Their efforts are truly inspirational and the very definition of what it means to be an Aussie. The job is not yet complete and we (The BGC) would like to assist them in their endeavours.
​(Please support the fund raising Charity day on Sunday 16th February. See below for details)

Recent Results
Saturday 28th December. 55 players in the field, with visitors from Gibraltar and Mt Broughton. Paul Barnes (18) won with 38 points on a count back from Les Brooker (19). The Eagle's nest was not won, the NTP 11th went to Dennis Neale and Paul Barnes also won the pro pin.

Saturday 4th January. A seriously hot day for golf, with all bar 2 players choosing to play in the morning. Terry Wood (20) cleaned up the field with a fine 41 points from Dennis Neale (21) with 39 points on a count back. The Eagle's nest was again not won, and due to the score paper missing from the marker, the NTP on the 11th, was not able to be presented. The pro pin was won by Chris Harvey. 34 brave players in the field.

Please watch out for this little guy, he has been hanging around the clubhouse lately.
​Also, the 6th green mounding has established well enough to allow access to the work area, however the area is still 'Compulsory GUR'. Use normal drop procedures as per a No Play Zone Rule 2.4.

The Rules Quiz.

It's been quite a while since the last quiz question was answered at the Saturday presentation, so here it is again.
​
In stroke play, a player swings at and misses a wrong ball. What is the ruling?

1. The player gets a 2 stroke penalty and the stroke at the missed ball is counted.
2. There is no penalty.
3. The player gets a 2 stroke penalty and the stroke at the wrong ball is disregarded.
4. Loss of hole.

"Who Am I ?" Competition.
The previous competition was won by Alec Dietsch, who correctly named Maggie McKenzie as the mystery member. This week a new member's identity to guess. Remember to email your guess to me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

"I look at the game from a different perspective to the majority of players".

(Note, the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour
James was playing a round of golf with the club pro one day and after 18 holes they went into the clubhouse.

James asked the pro:"What do you think of my game?"

The pro replied: "You should shorten your clubs by two and a half centimetres."

James asked if the pro thought this would help his game.

To which the pro said, "No but it will help them fit into the rubbish bin!"

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!

The Christmas Message, (as presented at the Christmas Drinks).
Rob Humphreys - President
Good evening members, a warm welcome to you all.
We will soon reach the end of the Club’s financial year and I thought you might like an opportunity to hear from the Captain, Dick Hiser in relation to the course and from the Treasurer, Warren Ryan concerning finances.

Dick Hiser
This past year has seen the club grow in many ways. Our clubhouse is attracting more events and higher numbers at regular events. On the golf course the player numbers are up from last year, and there is a definite ‘buzz’ in the club.
Over the year we have played in excess of 16,000 games of golf.
More than 80 trophies have been contested.
Our ladies have been successful in a number of outside competitions, and a female junior, Michelle Di Natale was named as ‘Young Sportsperson of the Year’.
The ground staff have made a major upgrade to the 5th green surrounds and the 6th green mounding has been completed. Members have participated in a number of working bees to plant and maintain the course. Dad’s Army have been particularly active with the gardens around the clubhouse, and they are beginning to ‘grow-in’ currently.
I’ve now penned 39 weekly ‘Blogs’, and the reader numbers are continuing to grow, as evidenced by the responses to the various competitions within the blog. The general knowledge of the rules of golf has improved as well.
We’ve enjoyed a very good year, and this is due largely to the efforts of the staff of our club. I’d like to thank,

• Kevin Kenny for his enormous assistance in helping me come to grips with the role of Captain, and the highly professional manner with which he runs his ‘shop’.
• The guys in the pro shop Darryl, Josh and Nick who are the first point of contact for many of our club members and visitors, and who have to handle all the issues which arise every day.
• The members of the Match and Greens committee who convene regularly to make the golfing process run smoothly.
• The work done by the Women’s committee to make the Women’s golf experience so enjoyable.
• The fantastic Dad’s Army crew under Anton Sanger, who never give up in their attempts to add to the visual presence of the club
• The many club members who give freely of their time to assist with the running of events and activities.
• And lastly (but in no way least), the Green’s Keepers, who provide us with this fantastic course. They have done a monumental job and we are all extremely thankful for their efforts.
  I wish to take this opportunity to wish the members of Bowral Golf Club a very Happy Christmas, and an excellent 2020.
  Dick Hiser -Captain

​
Warren Ryan
November revenue was $135k, a record, compared to $120k last year. Bar and Catering Revenue was up 10% compared to last year, our costs continue to rise but our book profit year to date is $68k compared to $86k last year. Our cash position is $378k compared to $332k last year. We need a gamechanger and ideas are always welcome, none the less we hope to make a profit of $28k for the year and this will be our sixth cash profit in a row.
Warren Ryan - Treasurer

Rob Humphreys
This is a time for holidays and reflection and so I would like to thank all of the people who contributed to the smooth running of the club this year. Firstly, to Brian Lamb for acting as our Patron for 2019, I hope he will continue next year, thank you Brian. Secondly there are members who contribute funds anonymously to various projects the club undertakes, I thank them for their generosity.

Kevin Kenny is the “main Man” in charge of the day to day management of the club and has done a brilliant job. Speaking personally, he has stopped me from putting my foot in it on a number of occasions and I’m sure I’m not alone. He has ensured the decisions of the Board are sensible and implemented in good time. Kevin says that it is just his job but he does it very well, thank you Kevin.
Tim Davis is the function king and ensures that all of the events run to plan under his guiding hand. Tim is ably assisted by his team of Sally, Josh, Alexia, Britney and James who work hard in the service of the Club. There is also Regina, the Queen of the kitchen and her team of Deb, Linzy, Olivia and Georgia. Everyone asks “how does she do it” I don’t know but she does, time after time. Well done and thank you all.

Legacy is the main charity that we support. No-one who attended this year’s dinner could forget the brilliant speech by Dr Brendan Nelson – my highlight experience of the year. Two members of the club, Bruce Franklin and John Jones, were part of the organizing group and we thank them for their contribution to the success of the day.
Thanks, are also due to the Women’s golfing committee, led by Barbara Clayton, the President and Jane Clifford, the Captain. They run the women’s Club competitions and ensure that Bowral has representation in regional and district competitions. They are all volunteers and their diligence and commitment are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Ladies.

I also thank my fellow Directors, Dick Hiser, Warren Ryan, Helen Chadwick, Carole Turpie, David Stanley and Linden Toll. They too are volunteers and take their responsibilities very seriously. They are all qualified and registered to Clubs standard and are diligent with the management of the Club, providing me with great support. Thank you all. Thanks too to the spouses and partners of all our volunteers who allow them to provide their time and energy to assist the club.

Incidentally, at the AGM next April there will be opportunities for any of you to stand for the Board. If you are so inclined, find out what the procedural requirements are and fulfill them in good time.

I also thank you the members, who make Bowral Golf Club so great. On behalf of the Board, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Rob Humphreys
​President

Recent Results
Wednesday 18th December. The December Open day 4BBB competition. A smokey smokey day. This was definitely one for the morning players, with the afternoon contingent accounting for just 2 balls in the rundown. Des Perkins (25) partnered with Dennis Cooper (24) to post 46 points to win the day on a count back from John Mellen (13) and Vernon Vella (27). Vince O'Connor scored a fine 40 points to win the individual competition on a count back. The Eagle again defended her nest, and there are now 6 balls on offer. Tony Hobson won the NTP 11th and Alan Turpie the pro pin. We welcomed a visitor from Antill Park to the course.

Saturday 21st December. As there was a severe weather warning and Catastrophic Fire conditions forecast, the Secretary's Plate was cancelled and only the Single Stableford competition held. In oppressive conditions, 26 players braved the conditions. Philip Downing (27) won the event with 39 points on a count back from Norris Dudgeon (22).

Sunday 22nd December. A much nicer day to play following the devastation of the previous day. With 36 points, Harley Wendt (16) won the competition from Hamish McCathie (26) with 35. 

The Rules Quiz.
​Due to the severe weather conditions last Saturday, there was no presentation. Hence the quiz question posed in my last blog will carry forward. You have plenty of time to work out the answer and try your luck at the presentation on the 4th January.

"Who Am I ?", Competition.
Lots of answers to this competition during the past week. None have been correct, so here is the next clue.

"My favourite colour would be a combination of two of the Tee marker colours on our course".

email your answer to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

(note, the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour
​







Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf!!

(Photos courtesy of Matt Hiser)