CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

Compliance with Covid-19 Protocols.
 
The following email is being sent to all BGC players.
​
Dear Members,
 
Thus far the members of BGC are to be congratulated on the way they have accepted and complied with the Covid-19 protocols. These protocols are imposed on the club by State Authorities and are in place for your protection. Unfortunately, there is always someone who believes the rules don’t apply to them.  Very recently, I received a report of players abusing the ‘Use of Carts’ protocol.
 
To refresh ; (Unless both players live in the same house), Only one player/bag per cart is permitted . Under no circumstances is it ok to ‘Hitch’ a ride on another player’s cart. Any further instances of misuse of carts will see both players (driver and rider) have to explain why their playing rights should not be suspended for one month.
 
It is vitally important that all Covid-19 protocols are adhered to. A breach could see heavy fines imposed on both the individual and the club. A large part of the course is openly visible from the road, and infringements would be easy to observe. We could ultimately have our club closed down completely.
 
I apologize to the 99.9% of our members who do the ‘right thing’,  for having to voice this situation, but we are doing SO WELL SO FAR, let’s keep it going and continue to enjoy the freedom to play golf.
 
Kind regards,
 
Dick Hiser
Captain
30 April 2020

ANZAC Day 2020
​What a difference to the 2019 event! Last year 56 players joined the field on a fine day to play golf and, following a very moving flag lowering ceremony, 81 members and guests sat down to enjoy a meal in the clubhouse.

Twelve months later, 2020, and a worldwide pandemic has changed our lives. Members were not able to collect for the group ceremonial remembrance, instead making individual observances on this solemn day. Thanks to David Farthing for lowering and raising the flag on behalf of the members. Let's hope next year provides a chance to re-group for ANZAC Day 2021.

The Menu
Regina and the gang were blown away by the demand for their meals for the ANZAC weekend. 131 main courses were prepared and collected, which puts the service up into 'First Friday' levels. Thanks to everyone for putting in a huge effort. For members who have yet to take advantage of this service, I can thoroughly recommend the food and the convenience. It makes deciding on what to eat over the weekend a dream.
This week's menu is re-produced below in Tim's email.

(From Tim)​
​Good afternoon everyone,

Here we are in week 5 of our takeaway menus.  I trust that you are all remaining safe and well.  Last week's response was amazing.  The team prepared 131 Roast Lamb Meals!

Thank you so much for all who have supported this initiative and also those who have purchased food and drinks, on competition days, on the course.

This week the pick-up days are Friday and Saturday.  

So here it is, the menu for this week is a French theme:

Option 1 - 2 course ($25 per person)
Main
Coq au Vin (chicken, white wine, bacon, mushrooms and cream) served with creamy mash and steamed French beans
Dessert
Vanilla Bean Brûlée Tart with Creme Anglaise


Option 2  ($10 per person)
Soup:   French Onion

We are also offering our entire wine list for takeaway at a 10% discount.  We will also have a wine suggestion matched to the meal available at time of pick-up.  This will be even more discounted!  Details will be on the blackboard in the bar.

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 email to 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 5pm on Tuesday 28th April.

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

Course Update
As many will have now observed, the 4th fairway extensions have been completed, and we now wait for the grass to grow through. We should see a tinge of green by early next week. The temporary tee is in operation, and has resulted in some very impressive scores!! Please note that the work area is to be treated as Compulsory GUR.
It's again time to remind all players of the importance of repairing pitch marks!! Please make an effort to repair at the very least, your own pitch mark and at least one other. Everyone appreciates a better surface on the green, and this is one area where the player has the responsibility.

Recent Results

Wednesday 22nd April. A big field for a Wednesday competition has reinforced the effect the Coronavirus is having on our events. 93 players joined the field with Don Orrock (23)scoring 40 points to win the day on a count back from Des Perkins (28). The lowest score to earn a ball was 33 points on a count back.

Friday 24th, and the 2nd edition of this competition, and again a good field of 53 players. This week the ladies cleaned up the prizes with Janean Morgan (54) scoring a very impressive 29 points to beat Rosemary Pettiford (44) on 27 by 2 strokes. Balls were distributed down to 20 points on a count back.

Saturday 25th (ANZAC Day). Potentially a new record for a Saturday field, saw 104 players contest the event this year. The White course played as expected, with quite a number of players finding the water on the 18th by accident. Nigel Menogue (22) scored 42 points to beat Mathew Helm (16) by one stroke. Balls were earned down to 35 points on count back.

Sunday 26th April, Again the field grows, with 34 players this week. Sonya Bleakley (37) posted 41 points to beat Steven Burlace (28) on a count back. Balls were delivered down to 35 points.

"Who Am I ?" Competition
Robert Eriksson again successfully identified Leonie Carroll as the mystery member last week, so a new member is being introduced.
​
"It's been quite a while now, due to the Covid-19 situation, and I'm really looking forward to a good deal". Who am I?

Send your guessed to me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

(Note, the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour

ME, DRINKING HOME ALONE IN 2019
Sad
Disturbing
Loser

ME, DRINKING HOME  ALONE IN 2020
Good Citizen
Inspiration
Hero!

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

From the Club President.
(The following is a copy of the letter sent to members from Rob Humphreys yesterday.)

A Message from the President
 
Dear Members,
 
I hope you have all kept safe and well in this environment of social distancing that effectively prevents all social gatherings for the foreseeable future. Many of us are much better now in the use of technology, like Skype, Zoom and the social networks. If you are like me, it is better than nothing but not the same as hugs and kisses from the grandchildren, relative and friends. Let’s hope that the “flattening of the curve” succeeds and the restrictions are lifted sooner rather than later.
 
In January and February this year, the Club members were discussing the pros and cons of the proposed development of the Clubhouse and potential changes to the course. I provided the available details relating to the proposal in a memorandum to members dated January 2020 in preparation for a meeting to be held on 26 April 2020.
 
The COVID19 virus, however, overwhelmed Australia and the rest of the world with dangerous implications for us all. The precautions mandated by the Federal and State governments have had extraordinary effects on our social behaviour and stopped our development plans in their tracks.
 
Having said all that, there are some things that we can be grateful for:

1.  We are able to play golf, subject to the distancing requirements, although we can’t enjoy the camaraderie that we are used to before and after a round. Even so, the fields for both the men’s and women’s competitions are at an all-time high, so much so that I can only get on the waiting list for next Saturday! I am sure that a major factor in the popularity of golf at present is the excellent way in which the course is being presented. Matt Morris and his staff deserve our congratulations and thanks. 
2. We have a new 9 hole competition playing on Fridays, open to all members. All players use the yellow tees and the scorecard is non gender specific. It attracted a field of 63 men and women on its opening day and it looks as if that will continue. New scorecards have been prepared for all of the other tees also.
3. Dick Hiser, our Captain has reported in his Blog that the course works are underway, commencing with the 4th hole refurbishment. In addition, the cart shed extensions have been completed allowing for additional cart storage. 
4. The Treasurer reports that the cash position is sound but not excessive. In the meantime, the large golf fields provide a welcome cash flow and the members’ support of the weekly take-away meals is an additional contribution. Thanks go to Tim Davis and Regina for their assistance. 
5. The Club has lodged the appropriate documentation for participation in the “Job-Keeper” subsidy. As a result, 13 out of 15 of our staff have been retained and will form the nucleus for increased operations when the restrictions are lifted. Those staff have continued to be paid and we will receive compensation from the government in May. 
6. We have attracted 13 new members since the end of March and have had additional enquiries, which underlines the popularity of BGC. As you may have noted from the Club’s website, after much discussion we have included a joining fee of $500 for new Country Members, which may also aid the Club’s cash flow position. I know that when you meet the new members, you will give them a traditional BGC welcome, even if you can’t buy them a drink.

 
As you will be aware, the directions we received from the regulatory authorities were confused and variable. What was prohibited one day was allowed the next, subject to new restrictions. I thank Kevin Kenny for his unceasing efforts to ensure that BGC was in the best position to continue playing golf. He was ably assisted by Dick Hiser who then kept you up to date through the Blog. I thank each of them on your behalf. I also thank the Directors for their support and advice during this stressful period.
 
Most of all though, I thank the members for their continued support and I hope that you all enjoy your golf, restricted though it may be. Keep safe and well.
 
Regards,
 
Rob Humphreys
21 April 2020

Booking Sheets
Most players are aware of the increased number of bookings at present (particularly on Saturday's). It is pleasing to see such great attendance on the course, but it also means that short notice bookings might not be available. The booking sheet is open for several weeks in advance, so players are advised to book ahead to avoid missing out. 

Please note the following :

• If you are unable to find a slot for a particular day, contact the pro shop and they may be able to assist by placing your name on a 'wait-list'. If you are booked to play on a Saturday and find that you are going to be unable to attend, please remove your name from the booking AND contact the pro shop immediately so they can contact the first player in line from the wait-list.
• Sunset is slowly reducing the available time for play as we move into winter, and with no gap between the morning and afternoon fields like in the past, it's vitally important for all players to be on time, AND leave the tee after teeing-off and move smartly to their ball for further play. If the morning tee times start to slide this will have a direct flow-on effect to the later tee times, and players will be finishing their game in darkness. Don't 'dilly-dally' after teeing off!!
• A new clock will shortly be positioned in the window of the pro shop to assist in getting play on time. The tee times are separated by just 7 minutes. This means you have to tee-off, get to your ball and have played your second shot within 7 minutes so the following group can play their tee shot on time.

Enjoy the fantastic Autumn weather and the awesome condition of the course.

In This Issue

• ANZAC Day 
• Course Status
• The Menu
• Coming Events
• Recent Results 
• "Who Am I ?" Competition 
• A Little Humour

ANZAC Day 2020.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 limitations, the usual ceremonial events held at BGC will not occur this year. A flag lowering ceremony will be held for the club by David Farthing on our behalf. There are other ways for members to show their support for those who gave of themselves for our country in times of war. One of these is to "show a light", where individuals or families hold a candle or a light at 6am on their own driveway (stay separated from your neighbours) and recite the Ode. Lest We Forget.

The Menu
The culinary delights continue again this week. Below is the latest information from Tim Davis. Be sure to take advantage of this fabulous initiative, it supports the club, and definitely makes your dining decisions over the weekends so much easier!!

From Tim.

​I trust that you are all remaining safe and well.   Thank you so much for all who have supported our takeaway meals for the last 3 weeks.  The response continues to be fantastic.

This week the pick-up day is Friday only  (due to Anzac day Public Holiday) 

Our menu for this week is Anzac day themed:

2 course ($25 per person)
Main
Roast Lamb with roast vegies, rosemary and mint gravy and potato gratin
Dessert
Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce


Soup  ($10 per person)
Carrot and Red Lentil

We are also offering our entire wine list for takeaway at a 10% discount.  I have attached for your reference.

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 email to 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 21st April.

The collection day is only Friday for this week.  Collection times will be staggered and I will advise of your time for pick up.

Recent Results

Wednesday 15th April, Tom Mooney (26) again fired up the course with 45 points this time after losing 4 strokes following his 44 points the previous weekend, some very impressive figures, well done. In second, with 40 points was Glen Welsh (12). The field of 74 players shows how well the members are supporting the club at this time of isolation.

  Friday 17th April. The "Nugget" is launched! Not even the stiff breeze on the day could detract from what was a very successful debut. The Nugget is now up and running, and will be a regular event on Fridays into the future. This provides our club now with two gender-neutral competitions each week (the Sunday Comp being the other event). Scoring was understandably tight, and  count-backs were in high demand. Dennis Neale (22) with 21 points won the inaugural event in a count back from Alec Dietsch (12) and Russell Bourne (24). 60 players joined the field with 39 men and 21 ladies. The best placed ladies were Helen Chadwick and Mary O'Connor with 19 points each.

Saturday 18th April. The Warwick Armstrong Cup 2020. A fantastic field of 97 players ventured out onto the course in pairs to contest a popular event. With a score of 42 points, Andrew Tomkins (18) won the trophy and the day's event from Piero Dal Bianco (19) with 39 points. Congratulations to all players for showing such fine support for the club.

Sunday 19th April, The Sunday competition is becoming a regular event now, and this week the men took out both prizes. Adam Bell (49) scored 39 points to win the day from Harley Wendt (14) with a score of 36. 

Sunday 19th April, the Final of the Arthur Brassey Knock out for single handicap Matchplay. A tight match fought out until the final hole with John Mulholland securing the prize 1 up from Jim Larkin. John congratulated his opponent and said he gave nothing away throughout. Congratulations John and well done to both.

​"Who Am I ?" Competition
Our current mystery member remains unidentified, so another clue might help.

"I scored 30 points last Saturday, playing off a Daily Handicap of 22", who am I?

Send your guess to me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

​(Note, the photo is a logo only)