CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of one of our past staff members. Stuart Denholm died on the 15th March at his home in Port Macquarie.  Stuart was a memorable character in the pro shop, where he worked from 2012 through to 2019. He had a great way of welcoming everyone with a big smile and a laugh, and he always remembered your name. A wonderful guy who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.

The Menu
The following is a copy of Tim's email to the membership.
Good morning everyone,

This week, we are offering takeaway meals for pick-up day on Friday 26 February 2021.

2-course Meal  ($25 for members, $30 for non-members)

Main: Chicken Tagine with Lemon, Feta and Almond Couscous

Dessert:  Chocolate Mousse Tart

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

Please order by emailing events.at.bgc@gmail.com or phoning 48611042 (option 4), with the number of meals and selections.  Orders must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 23 February 2021.

Collection times will be staggered and I will advise of your time for pick up.  Please collect from Bowral Golf Club, enter the clubhouse located at the corner of Kangaloon Rd and David St, Bowral.

Feel free to forward this to family, friends or anyone you think might be interested.  

Keep well and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Tim Davis
Assistant Manager

Whitehorse Cup Update
Don Barker kindly provided the following update on the progress of the two teams representing BGC.
On Sunday 21-2-21
Bowral 1 was defeated by Sussex Inlet 1…. 4 matches to 3 … again down to the last hole !!!
Sussex Inlet 2 was defeated by Bowral 2   …. 4 matches to 3.
Both teams are lying third in their divisions. Bowral 1 being one point ahead of the field and Bowral 2 just 2 match points ahead of Kiama.
With just one round to go, next week will determine if one or both progress to the final series .
A win to progress, or even a square could be sufficient depending on other results .
There are some anomalies in the results for division 4 but any error will be unlikely to change the outcome. 
Regards Don

Recent Results
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Wednesday17th February. A 4BBB team event with no individual format.

1. Paul Nichols (18) and Bob Harrison (25) 45 points
2. Wayne Ison (23) and Patrick Lane (16) 43 points

The Eagle's Nest was not won and jackpots to 4 balls next week.
The NTP 11th went to Daniel Weekes and the Pro Pin to Alec Dietsch. We welcomed a visitor from Manly GC.

Friday 19th February. The "Nugget". Just 9 players in the weather affected field (8 Men and 1 woman).

1. Ash Southon (14) 20 points
2. James Nethersole (42) 19 points
3. Scott Olding (11) 18 points
4. Grant Blanchard (30) 16 points

Balls down to 14 points and the NTP 6th went to David Bleakley.

Saturday 20th February. With fine conditions developing as the day wore on, the field of 64 players enjoyed a challenging PAR event for the Jock Rossell pairs aggregate PAR plus the Bill Chrystal single PAR for Left handers plus a single PAR event held in conjunction.
After a considerable amount of dust had settled John Ferguson (15) and Dick Hiser (12) were declared winners of the Jock Rossell for 2021 on a score of +2. Peter Metcalf (19) and Martin Flaxman (22) scored -2 to claim second place.

​The Bill Chrystal Memorial Trophy was won by Les Brooker (15) with a score of 0 with Brian Hanrahan (14) in second with -4.

The individual event was won by Dick Hiser (12) with +2, while the Eagle was not troubled and will now hold 4 balls in store for next week. The NTP 11th was won by Daniel Weekes and the Pro Pin by Alec Dietsch. We welcomed visitors from Kooindah Waters and Concord GC's. We experienced some unusual computer issues with the processing of scores for this event, and at the time of writing, these issues have not been resolved.

Sunday 21st February. The sun brought out a few more players than usual for a tilt on the white course. Thomas Moulton (20) posted 39 points to beat Adem De Manincor (22) on a count back. Balls were won down to 36 points via a count back.

Monday 22nd February. "Monday Madness". A field of 13 players (10 Men and 3 Women) enjoyed some of the best conditions for many weeks on the 9-hole course. Graham Oldfield (23) scored 20 points to win the event from Gil Levy (25) with 18 points via a count back. Balls were won down to 16 points via count back.

The Rules Quiz.
Whilst the presentation did not go ahead due to issues with the scoring for the PAR event of the day, the quiz was played out. If you want to read the question you need to go back to my blog of the 1st February.
There are 4 possible options available for the player to play their next shot. In each case the next shot will count as number 4.

1. The player may drop within the penalty area in the spot from which the previous shot was made. The ball must stop within 1 club length of the spot, no closer to the hole.
2. The player may take back on the line relief outside the penalty area keeping the point of entry (of the tee shot) into the penalty area and the pin in a line. The ball must stop within 1 club length of the spot, no closer to the hole.
3. The player may take lateral relief at the point of entry into the penalty area (of the tee shot). The ball must stop within 2 club lengths of the points and no closer to the hole.
4. The player may return to the teeing ground and play another tee shot.

The next presentation will occur after the Monthly Medal on the 6th March, stay turned for the quiz question in the blog preceding that event.

Something from Yesteryear.
Thank you to Darryl Purchase for providing the Club with two fully-restored traditional 3 and 5 woods with the branding as shown in the accompanying photo.
Hastings Clark was appointed as the 2nd club professional to work at  Bowral Golf Club. He commenced his post on the 18th June 1934. Hastings hailed from Royal Sydney GC, having completed his apprenticeship under his father Carnegie Clark. Hastings would continue in the role as Club Professional at BGC for 48 years until his retirement in July 1982. The workshop utilised by Darryl to restore the clubs was the original Pro Shop used by Hastings during his service. 
The two woods are on display above the fireplace in the Board room.

Whitehorse Cup 
The following progress report has been provided by Don Barker.
​
Yesterday,  Sunday 14-2-21, both teams had outstanding wins which have moved Bowral 1 into 2nd place in Division 2, and Bowral 2 into equal 3rd place in Division 4.
 
Bowral 1 defeated Gerringong 6 ½ matches to a ½ . 
Bowral 2 defeated Kiama 5 matches to 2.
 
With 2 more rounds to go before the finals series, both teams are back in contention and will be striving to be in the top 3 in their divisions, in order to proceed to a qualifying playoff between 2nd and 3rd spot.

Next week:  Bowral 1 will play Sussex Inlet 1 at Gerringong
                      Bowral 2 will play Sussex Inlet 2 at Kiama 
 
Regards Don

​Good Luck guys!!

Recent Results

Wednesday 10th February. An American Foursomes event with only 56 players in the field due to more wet weather. The team of Tony Hobson and John Russell (12.8) posted a nett 67 to claim first place from Peter Gallagher and Daniel Weekes (13.9) with a nett 68.
​The Eagle's Nest was not won and jackpots to 3 balls for next week. The NTP 11th went to Daniel Weekes and the Pro Pin to Pat Lane. Balls were won down to nett 73 via a count back.

Friday 12th February. The "Nugget". 27 players contested the 9-hole competition to get in some practice for the weekend?? (22 Men and 5 Women). Bob Young (25) posted 20 points to win on a count back from Adam De Manincor (24), while in third place Scott Olding (11) posted 19 points to beat Simon Kemp (15) also via a count back. The NTP at the 6th hole was won by Bob Young. Balls were won down to 16 points via count back.

Saturday 13th February. Another very wet day and no carts available on the course. 64 players entered the first single PAR event on the calendar since last August. Good preparation for the Trophy next week. Jacob Nicholls (14) scored a fine +5 to claim the win from Terry Downing (17) with his score of +3. The Eagle's Nest was not won and will jackpot to 3 balls next Saturday. The NTP 11th went to Nicholas Winstone and the Pro Pin to David Burgess. Balls were won down to -2. 

Sunday 14th February. A quiet damp day on the White Course with just 7 players in the field. David Spies (8) scored 40 points to claim the win. Balls were won down to 35 points.

​Monday 15th February. "Monday Madness". Just 5 players in the 9-hole competition which was won by Robert Eriksson (21) with a score of 20 points. Balls were won to 18 points.

The Rules Quiz
There will be a presentation following the Trophy round next Saturday, so get your research done in advance and try your luck. The question for the presentation is located in my blog of 01 February, so please go back and read it.

​A Little Humour


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Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!!

Whitehorse Cup
Unfortunately both the Bowral teams lost their competitions on Sunday. Both results were very close with a 4 to 3 outcome. Several matches were halved, so the results were much closer than the score indicates. 
Next week Bowral 1 will play Gerringong and Bowral 2 will face off against Kiama. Good luck guys!

​Recent Results

Wednesday 3rd February. A single stableford event before the arrival of the wet weather. 68 players entered the competition with Paul Pettiford (12) beating Brian Lamb (22) with 37 points via a count back. 
Eagle's Nest - not won, now 2 balls in the nest for next week.
NTP 11th - Chris Kunz
Pro Pin - Harry Caust
We welcomed a visitor from Kogarah GC and balls were won down to 32 points via count back.

Friday 5th February. The "Nugget". 26 players in the field (22 Men and 4 Women).

1. Sonya Bleakley (34) 25 points
2. Warwick Knight (24) 24 points
3. Brad Johnson (7) 23 points
4. Scott Olding (11) 21 points

NTP 6th - Brad Johnson, balls won down to 19 points via a count back.

Saturday 6th February. A very wet day, with the afternoon field being washed away at the 13th green (see photos above). Only 50 players were able to complete their round.
'A' grade medal: Jimmy Pinkstone (5) nett 69 on count back from Michael Ljubic (6)
'B' grade medal: Norris Dudgeon (21) nett 67 from Alan Turpie (20) nett 69
'C' Grade Medal: Luke Kalaizis (34) nett 61 from Ryhs Harrington (27) nett 68
Scratch winner: Jimmy Pinkstone 74.
Pro Pin - Jimmy Pinkstone
NTP 11th - Matt Helm
Eagle's Nest - not won, 2 balls for next week.
Visitors from Port Kembla and Lakeside GC.

Sunday 7th February. 16 players in the field on the very wet White Course.
Luke Kalaizis (32) won with 39 points via a count back from Matthew Conquest (20). Balls were won down to 33 points via count back. Several visitors from Moss Vale GC.

Monday 8th February. "Monday Madness". 10 players turned out to contest the 9-hole event. Eddie Jones (20) posted 20 points to claim the prize from James Rowe (11) with his score of 18 points. Balls were won down to 16 points via count back. Great to see Ray Clayton back on the course after his injury.

The Rules Quiz
As a result of the afternoon washout last Saturday, the quiz question from my last Blog will continue to the next presentation (20th February). Go back and read it, you now have plenty of time to study!

A Little Humour
​McDermott and McDuff were sitting in the clubhouse on a raw and blustery day, thawing their beards in front of the fireplace while freezing rain beat against the windows. The pair were silent for a long time over their whiskeys. Finally, McDermott spoke, “That was quite a round of golf.”
“Aye,” McDuff replied. “Same time next Saturday?”
“Aye,” said McDermott, “weather permitting….”

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!!

Letter from the Captain.
During the recent monthly board meeting I advised the Directors that it is my intention not to seek re-election as Club Captain at the next AGM (15th April 2021). I shall seek re-election as a Director only. This has been a very difficult decision, as there are still so many projects yet to be completed. However, that will be the case no matter when I choose to stand down. The projects will continue under the guidance of the next Captain.
I have received a great deal of invaluable assistance and support over the past two years and I leave the role comfortable in the knowledge that the club and course are in a strong position. 
So now is the time for all those members who have the role of 'Club Captain' still unfulfilled on their bucket list to dust off their resume and contact either Rob Humphreys or myself.

Course Update

• The recent and ongoing wet weather has left the course very soft. Players who plan to use a cart for their round should check the club website or with the pro shop as to whether carts are permitted before leaving home.
• The following short term local rule is in place until the ground conditions improve. Please note that the distance available is different to what has been used in the past. This will become the standard distance for preferred lies for the future.

Local Rule E-3,  (Preferred Lies due to short term inclement weather)
"When a player's ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area: 

• Reference Point: Spot of the original ball. 
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 15cm (height of score card) from the reference point, but with these limits: 
• Limits on Location of Relief Area: 
  • Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and 
  • Must be in the general area. 

In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a."
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• Pre-Covid playing conditions are now back in place as of 01 February. This means that :

1. Rakes are back in bunkers and players should 'Play it as it Lies' . Please remember to rake the bunker after use and leave the rake in the bunker when you have finished.
2. The foam collars have been removed from the flagsticks and flagsticks may be removed as required. (Use a gloved hand as a sensible precaution when handling the flagstick)
3. Ball washers and drinking fountains are back in use.
4. Players will mark their playing partner's card. Don't forget to sign your partner's card as 'marker' and your own card before submitting your results. Cards will go back into the slot next to the computer after lodgement. 
5. NTP, Pro pin and Eagle's Nest Competitions will return on appropriate days.

White Horse Cup Progress
Bowral played host to 12 teams from two divisions in this popular inter-club competition. Unfortunately the storms in the late afternoon of the previous day meant the course setup was affected, but nonetheless the competition was completed successfully. Thanks to the amazing work by Matt Morris and his team to get the course ready despite the weather. Don Barker has provided the following post-competition report.

Under overcast skies, twelve teams met at BGC for round #1 of the 2021 White Horse Cup.

In Division 2 - Bowral 1 defeated The Grange – 4 matches to 3 
                          Moss Vale 1 defeated Sussex Inlet 1 – 4 matches to 3
                          Gerringong squared with Shoalhaven Heads 2 – 3 ½ matches each.

In Division 4 – Bowral 2 was narrowly defeated by Moss Vale 2 – 4 matches to 3
                          Kiama defeated Shoalhaven Heads 1 -  5 ½ Matches to 1 ½
                          Highlands defeated Sussex Inlet 2 – 5 matches to 2 
    
This has Bowral 1 at the top of the leader board in Division 2, and Bowral 2 in  strong contention going into round 2 . Next round, Bowral 1 will meet Moss Vale 1 at The Grange and Bowral 2 will meet The Highlands at Moss vale.  
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A very successful and enjoyable day was made all the better by the excellent catering by Paul Carroll and John McGuire.
Regards Don

Australia Day 2021. The first major medley competition of the playing calendar and the Captain V Captain trophy up for grabs. The hot conditions forecast were tempered thankfully and the field of 74 players enjoyed a competition which included novelty events for the first time since March last year. The bbq which followed was greatly enjoyed by everyone and again we thank Tim Davis and the staff for the amazing effort. 

Following a manual card tabulation by the two Captains the following results were announced.

• Best Womens pair: Ellen Neale (18) and Carole Byrnes (21) 44 points
• Best Mens pair: Alec Dietsch (13) and Graham Oldfield (21) 48 points
• NTP Women 2nd shot 4th hole: Netti Buchanan
• NTP Women 14th hole: not won
• Long Drive Women 18th hole: Jan Deane
• NTP Men 2nd shot 13th hole: Nick Winstone
• NTP Men 14th hole: Graham Oldfield
• Long Drive Men 8th hole: Graham Oldfield
• Straightest drive 1st hole: Barb Clayton
• Best Dressed "Dinkum Aussie" : Tony Dick

The Captain V Captain trophy was won by the Mens' team with an aggregate score differential of just 21 points. Thank you to Annie Geddes (women's Captain) for all her assistance in setting up the event, good luck next year.

Wednesday 27th January. 77 players joined a field with the competition being won by John Ferguson (16) with a healthy 43 points. 

• Best in 'A' grade : Paul Barnes (13) 39 points
• Best in 'B' grade : Patrick Lane (17) 41 points
• Best in 'C' grade : Wayne Ison (24) 38 points via count back.

Balls were won down to 35 points via a count back and visitors from Manly, Moss Vale and Gerringong were welcomed to the club.

​Friday 29th January. The "Nugget". Just 4 players in the field for the 9-hole competition due to the poor weather. John Buchanan (9) continued his good form with 20 points to win the event. Balls were won down to 11 points.

Saturday 30th January. The poor early morning weather reduced the size of the field to just 56 players. Glen Lehane (19) found little trouble with the conditions to post an excellent 46 points to win the event from Matt Helm (15) with 40 points. Balls were won down to 33 points via a count back and visitors from Highlands, Cromer and Manly were welcomed to the club.

Sunday 31st January. With most of the day taken up with the White Horse Cup event only 5 players entered the daily competition. Rory Blatch (10) scored 41 points to beat Rhys Harrington (27) by 3 strokes. A visitor from Shell Cove joined the field.

Monday 01 February. "Monday Madness". Eddie Jones (24) scored 19 points to win the 9-hole event.

The Rules Quiz.
Another presentation will be made following the medal day 6th February. Here is the question that will be asked at the presentation. It relates to Penalty areas.
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"A player hits their tee shot on the 14th hole towards the penalty area which encompasses the dam. On arrival at the ball the player finds that the ball is within the Red Penalty area and attempts to play a shot. This shot does not leave the penalty area but falls into deep water in the dam".

1. What options are available to the player to proceed, and
2. What shot number will be the next shot played with each option?

Good luck, answers provided at the presentation and in my next blog.