CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

Coronavirus Update
The frequency with which operational changes are being required has thankfully slowed over the past few days. It's nice to wake up and not have to design a new protocol to cover a new requirement. This means that the protocols which are now established are likely to remain in place for some time to come.
Players will have noticed the new signage at the practice green limiting use to a maximum of 3 players simultaneously (maintain the required separation standard of 1.5m at all times). Also the signs and zones established behind the 1st tee which restrict the number of people to 2 in each zone. Be sensible with how much time you allow prior to your tee times to avoid having to wait at the tee for an extended period. 20 - 30 minutes before your tee time should be ample to allow a few chips and putts before play. Thank you to all players for complying with the requirements.

NOTE: Players are permitted to attend the club for the purpose of exercise only. Once your game has been completed you can no longer remain at the club to socialise. This does not count as an essential activity and may attract a serious fine to both the individual and the club. For the sake of our continued ability to play the game, please abide by the COVID-19 protocols.

This Week's Menu
Regina and Tim have prepared the menu for this week. Orders must be received no later than 5pm Tuesday 7th April.

This week the pick-up days are Thursday and Saturday.  This is due to Friday being "Good Friday."  I hope it is good for you!

So here it is, the menu for this week:

Option 1 - 2 course ($25 per person)
Main
Creamy Chicken, Potato and Vegetable Casserole
or
Beef and Guinness Stew with Polenta and Greens

Dessert
Lemon Tart


Option 2  ($10 per person)
Soup:   Minestrone

We are also offering our entire wine list for takeaway at a 10% discount.

Payment to be made at the time of collection, only by EFTPOS (tap only) or BGC Member number.   Cash payments cannot be accepted.

Please order by emailing Tim at events.at.bgc@gmail.com or phoning 4861 1042 (option 4), with the number of meals and options required.  Orders must be in by 5pm on Tuesday 7th April.

When ordering please nominate a collection day of either Thursday or Saturday.  Collection times will be staggered and Tim will advise of your time for pick up.

New Local Rule.
A new rule is being introduced as follows:

BGC Local Rule (Relief from exposed tree roots)

Purpose : There are a considerable number of exposed tree roots throughout the general area, and a player may be injured in the act of playing a stroke. 

Exposed tree roots are described as: tree roots which protrude or are exposed at ground level and which do not form part of a continuous tree trunk. (Relief from exposed tree roots which emerge from the ground and continue to form part of the trunk of a tree are covered under the “Unplayable Lie” provisions in Rule 19).
 
 
LOCAL RULE
“If a player’s ball is at rest in the General area and there is interference from Exposed Tree Roots that are in a part of the General area, the tree roots are to be treated as Ground Under Repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. (Drop within 1 club length, no closer the hole)
​
[But interference does not exist if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance]

Coming Events.
Where the format of an event can be covered under our current playing restrictions, that event will go ahead. As presentations are not permitted at present, it is anticipated that Trophy presentations will be made at the Anniversary dinner to be held in early 2021.

• The Secretary's Plate trophy has been moved to the 19th September.
• The Arthur Brassey competition continues as per the schedule listed on the club calendar. The semi final round should be completed by the 12th April, with the final to be played on the 19th April. Tee time TBA.
• Easter Monday, 13th April, and the Easter Medley. Tee times are available. The format is a team (2 players) aggregate Stableford. You will mark your own cards. Unfortunately due to the virus protocols, the usual extra sub-events will not be available.
• The BGC AGM has been moved to the 30th July.
• The Armstrong Trophy event will be held on Saturday 18th April, Single Stableford.
• The usual ANZAC day events have been cancelled and the club will be closed on that day.
• A new competition will commence on Friday 17th! The new competition will be known as "The Nugget" (a little bit of gold!) and will be played on the Yellow Course. This 9-hole event will be available for booking as per our other competitions. It is a Single Stableford format, and non gender-specific (ie, Women and Men in the same comp). Entry fee will be $15 per player, with a 1st prize of $45, 2nd prize of $30 and a ball rundown similar to the other daily events. This course is fully rated and scores will be forwarded to Golflink for inclusion in your handicap calculations. Players playing "The Nugget" will  be permitted to blend on a pair-for-pair basis when transiting the 12th and 17th tees. Note that this new competition will replace the old '12-hole' competition. Ash Southon will be in contact with players re the integration of the old and new competitions. Good luck, it's a good combination of holes and I'm sure "The Nugget" will become a popular feature of our playing calendar.

Recent Results

As the course was closed last Wednesday, no play was possible.

Saturday 4th April. What a relief to be able to get back on the course. I was very impressed by the manner of compliance players demonstrated in working within the COVID-19 protocols. Well done, but keep at it!! The winner of the Austen Richardson Memorial Tankard was Daniel Weekes with a net 67 from Nick Reinhard with a net 71. The medal winners were, "A" Grade, Daniel Weekes (9) net 67 from Nick Reinhard (12) net 71, "B" Grade, Simon Taufel (20) net 67 from John Oakes (20) net 69, "C" Grade, Henry Farrell (26) net 68 from Ray Furner (27) net 73 on count back. The scratch winner was Daniel Weekes with 76. Unfortunately the rain deterred a few players however, the field of 86 players was excellent. Prizes are available for collection from the pro shop.

Sunday 5th April. Again this competition grows. 24 men and women in the field on a very windy and cold day. Scott Olding (17) posted 35 points to win from Paul Pettiford (12) with 32. 

​"Who Am I ?" Competition.
There being no correct guesses over the past week, the competition continues with a new clue.
"I'm a past Foursomes Championship winner", who am I?

email your guess to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

(Note, the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour 
​
My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately, now when I pee I clean the toilet!

You Can Still Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf!!!

BGC to re-commence Golfing activity.

As many of you are now aware, the NSW State Government has reversed its previous position on playing golf. An email has been sent to all members covering the changed advice. Currently the BGC team is working hard to reinstate the course in readiness to commence play from Thursday 2nd April. Deliveries are being re-booked, cleaners are being brought back on duty, staff are being re-rostered, the course is being set up again. The pro shop has been loading up the booking sheets and competitions ready for you. It's a big job, so your patience is appreciated.

I have reproduced the correspondence received and sent in regards to the re-opening of the golfing component of the club below for your perusal. I'd like to thank all those members who contacted the office with their support over the past few days. Suffice it to say that the club did not have the option of remaining open last Monday evening despite comments to the contrary. Thankfully reason has returned and, although it created a great deal of angst for all the members and an enormous workload for the staff, we can get back to playing golf in a safe and healthy manner.

(Email to members sent 01/04/20)

Good morning members, we have now received the latest advice on this extremely frustrating saga to open or close the course. The Board is pleased with this result. We have decided that the course will reopen tomorrow after it has been suitably prepared. Please refer to the online calendar as some events may have changed. The social distancing rules must be complied with in accordance with the following rules.

             Effective 02/04/2020  only 2 players per group will be allowed. 

• All of your current bookings have been removed which means players will have to rebook.  
• All events trophy/medal will continue as scheduled.
• All competitions up to April 30 will be single events with the exception of the Easter Monday medley which will be a 2ball aggregate (play in pairs).
• Anzac Day golf is currently under review.
• No visitors accepted in the fields up to April 30 *current bookings will be contacted to reschedule. 
• Members are permitted to bring one guest as a playing partner. 
• The drinks cart/take away sandwich will continue on competition days.

 
Rob Humphreys,
President. 

(news release)

Home » NEWS » State News » COVID-19: Golf in NSW is back on

• David Tease
• April 1, 2020

After reconsideration, the Office of Sport – NSW Government has advised that golf is considered an activity that can continue to be played in line with Public Health Orders relating to public gathering limits, social distancing, and the elderly.

The statement from the Office of Sport – NSW Government is as follows:

The NSW Office of Sport would like to clarify the advice that went out on Monday 30 March 2020.

As you know, there are now restrictions around public gatherings and rules around leaving your home. These new measures are in place to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. But it is important to note that people are allowed to leave their homes for the purpose of exercise.

For more information on the new restrictions, please visit https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/public-health-orders

What does this mean for sport and active recreation organisations?

The NSW Government has issued guidelines allowing people to go outside and exercise. Any form of exercise is to be undertaken in compliance with the Public Health Orders, meaning that people must not participate in groups greater than two persons at any point in time. Therefore, individual sports such as golf and tennis can continue provided the Public Health Orders are complied with.

Maintaining the public’s physical and mental well-being is now as important as ever. Where possible, it is important sporting clubs and organisations continue to allow people to exercise, so long as social distancing is practised and rules around public gatherings of no more than two people are complied with.

We trust this information will help your organisation to make informed decisions.
​
Golf NSW understands and respects that it is ultimately a Club’s decision to open or remain closed, based on individual circumstances related to COVID-1
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(The following communique was received from Clubs NSW who are our governing body.)


COVID-19 – GOLF COURSES AND BOWLING GREENS CAN REMAIN OPEN 20-046
1 April 2020 

This morning the NSW Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee, announced that golf courses and bowling greens can remain open.

In an interview on 2GB Radio the Minister advised that “golf courses are allowed to be open ... as long as they follow the social distancing rule; no more than two in a group at the same time”. The Minister also said that lawn bowls and tennis can continue to be played, as long as they were confined to two people. 

The website of the NSW Office of Sport has now been updated to clarify that golf and other sports can be played provided it is undertaken in compliance with the Public Health Orders, meaning that people must not participate in groups greater than two persons at any point in time. 

Yesterday, Clubs NSW advised that golf courses and bowling greens needed to close. This advice was based on the information and advice which was available at the time. 

As noted above, the NSW Government’s advice has subsequently changed, thereby permitting golf, bowls and tennis to continue. 

There is no requirement for a club to provide staff to facilitate people engaging in the sport.
​
For more information please contact the Clubs NSW Members Enquiries Centre on 1300 730 001 or by email at 
enquiries@clubsnsw.com.au
Anthony Ball
Chief Executive Officer 

Latest Club Bulletin
​It is with great sorrow that I have to announce that Bowral Golf Course will cease golf activity until further notice. This afternoon we were advised by Golf Australia (endorsed by Golf NSW) that they had made a determination which was based on the content of the Prime Minister's press release of Sunday 29th March. They have advised that it is their opinion that all golf courses are to cease golf activity from today (Monday 30th March) until further notice. This decision is not taken lightly and it is unfortunate that the Coronavirus Pandemic has brought this upon us. But, 'that's life' as they say and we will get on with things and look forward to dusting off the clubs and joining our BGC friends on the course at some time in the future. A copy of the email which was sent to members is shown here.
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
​
Dear Member,
 
This afternoon the club was advised that Golf Australia had reviewed the information presented by the Prime Minister at his press address on Sunday 29th March. The result of that review is their recommendation that All Australian Golf Clubs to Cease Golf Operations immediately. Following that correspondence, Golf NSW has just released their own email which fully endorses Golf Australia’s position. The text of both emails received by the club is linked below.
 
As a result of this recommendation, Bowral Golf Club will cease all Golf Playing Activity until further notice. 
 
Golf course maintenance activity will be permitted to continue at present. 
 
The provision of take away food will continue as previously advertised.
 
Club staff will be contacted over the next 24 hours with details pertinent to their situation.
 
I wish all members good health and wellbeing over the coming weeks/months and look forward to be able to provide you with better news at some time in the near future.
 

Rob Humphreys,
President.


https://www.golf.org.au/covid-19/
 
https://www.golfnsw.org.au/2020/03/30/17592/covid-19-courses-to-close-from-midnight/
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​
 This is an unprecedented event in the club's history, not experienced even during the two world wars. I hope all members follow the advice of the relevant governing bodies and stay isolated. This does not mean that communication has to cease. Pick up the phone and keep in touch with your buddies, keep your spirits up, practice your putting in the lounge room, keep active. Look forward to everyone getting back onto the course just as soon as possible. I'll even schedule a PAR event to welcome everybody (just kidding!!). I'll keep posting on this venue whenever I have something newsworthy.

BGC does Take Away!!

This service will continue even though the golf activity has been terminated.
​
The following is a copy of the email sent to all members on Monday 30th March. 
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Good morning everyone,

I trust that you are well.  As announced in an email last week, we are providing takeaway meal options from this week.  I am sure that like me, you are missing Regina's delicious culinary delights!

So here it is, the menu for this week:


Option 1 - 2 course ($25 per person)
Main
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil, Creamy Mash and Greens.
or
Rich Tomato Italian Meatballs with Spaghetti, served with side salad

Dessert
Tiramisu


Option 2  ($10 per person)
Soup:   Leek and Potato

We are also offering our entire wine list for takeaway at a 10% discount.  

Payment to be made at the time of collection, only by EFTPOS (tap only) or BGC Member number.   Cash payments cannot be accepted.


Please order by replying to this email by 5pm on Wednesday 1st April or phone 4861 1042 (option 4), with the number of meals and options required.

When ordering please nominate a collection day of either Friday or Saturday.  Collection times will be staggered and I will advise of your time for pick up.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.


Very kind regards

Tim Davis
Assistant Manager / Events Manager
Bowral Golf Club
                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
​
​I'm advised that orders are already filling fast, so don't delay.

Coming Events
As outlined in the email bulletin to members, all golfing activity is suspended until further notice.

• The BGC Annual General Meeting has been moved to the 30th July.

Recent Results

Wednesday 25th March. A very changeable day with sunshine and rain in the mix. Tim Davis (29) posted 42 points for his maiden win in the club's competition, to win from Daniel Weekes (10) on a count back. Daniel shooting a scratch 73 on the day. 45 players in the field.

Saturday 28th March. The last trophy event for a while saw the playing of the Jock Rossell and Bill Chrystal events alongside a pairs and a single PAR event. Winning the pairs PAR event on the day was the team of Tom Whitmarsh (22) and Nik Potter (26) with a score of +3, while David McGinnes (20) posted +5 to win the single event.

The team of Nick Reinhard and Ash Southon posted +2 to win the Jock Rossell Trophy with David Burgess (14) and The Captain (14) runner's up with a score of 0. Russell Bourne (24) won the Bill Chrystal Trophy for the best score by a Lefty with 0 from John Buchanan (16) on -4.
There were 81 players in the field for this event and included 3 visitors each from Port Kembla and the Highlands, 1 from Bondi and 2 from Royal Sydney. In addition, the refreshments cart was introduced into operation with great success.

Sunday 29th March. The Sunday competition is proving to be a success and continues to grow a good reputation. It's great to see men and women competing in the same event. Hamish McCathie (25) scoring 39 to win from Sonya Bleakley (37) with 37. 19 players in the field.

The final of the Men's Foursomes Club Championships were played on Sunday. A very even contest had both teams 'all square' after 27 holes until the team of Tony Hobson and Peter Metcalf started to take control. The event was concluded on the 34th hole when the team of Alec Dietsch and Daniel Weekes were unable to avoid losing the hole and thus the match 4 and 2. Congratulations to both teams on a well played final, and congratulations to Tony and Peter for winning the Championship. My appreciation to John Buchanan and Paul Carroll for refereeing the event.

The Rules Quiz
As there were no responses to the question posed in my last blog, I will suspend this competition until we are able to conduct presentations once again. Stay tuned for this popular competition at a future date

​"Who Am I ?" Competition
Robert Eriksson backed up from guessing the mystery member from the previous week with another correct guess this week. Only took him one clue to pin the identity - Helen Chadwick. Congratulations Robert. A new mystery member commences this week. The clue....

​"I'm known as one of the most enthusiastic supporters of BGC," who am I?

Send your guess to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

​(Note, the photo is a logo only.)

A Little Humour
​

Update. 27/03/2020
​
An email has just been sent to all members outlining the most recent club announcements. The text of the email is reproduced here.

Good afternoon members, 

As we continue to adapt to the Coronavirus Pandemic, and the frequent changes it brings to our club, we would like to update members with the following initiatives. These are being introduced to provide cashflow to assist in keeping the business running. By supporting the following initiatives, you will be helping keep as many of our current staff employed. 

Starting Saturday 28/03/2020

Food and beverage * (No cash payments, all tap and go or member number)
We will have a refreshment cart out on the course during competitions. The cart will be stocked with sandwiches and drinks (non-alcoholic) . EFT available. 
 
Carts – only one person per cart (couples exempt). Carts will be charged at ½ cart rate, (some members have offered to pay the full rate but that is up to the individual). If you are carrying a playing partner's clubs then an additional $5 is payable (not applicable for full rate). It is imperative that the ‘Single-use’ cart option is not abused to avoid breaching the personal separation requirements. The club will be forced to apply a penalty in the first instance, or withdrawal of  cart usage in total.

Competition fees
All competition fees will move to $20.00.

Takeaway Dinners
The club will be introducing a takeaway facility utilising Regina’s current availability. 
From Monday 30/03/2020 Tim Davis will email members with the takeaway dinner and dessert option for the week. Regina will change these options each week. Pickups will be scheduled for Friday and Saturdays at a time to be arranged with Tim. EFT or club member card will be available, no cash transactions.

Grants
The Club will be applying for every available grant to which we are eligible.
 
AGM/Board Elections
ASIC has implemented a No-Action on club’s holding an AGM. Therefore, the BGC AGM has been rescheduled to July 30. To ensure on-going board stability, all directors will remain on the board until the AGM. More information on nominations for the Board will be sent out in due course. If you intend to stand for election, then please contact the Chairman of the Board, Rob Humphreys. 

As usual, when anything changes with regards to the club's operations, I will provide coverage on this venue for all to read.

Stay well, stay apart, but keep the lines of communication open amongst your friends and while the course is still available, keep playing golf.