CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

Warwick Armstrong Cup
Contrary to my previous announcement, the Warwick Armstrong Cup will indeed be play this coming Saturday 18th April, as per the original schedule. We have a very full sign-up sheet for Saturday, so keep checking and try to join up with a single to fill the slot.

"Stone the Crow's"
There have been a number of instances lately where a Crow has been seen to steal a players ball. This is happening on the 5th fairway at present, and seems to effect Yellow and White balls for the most part. Maggie McKenzie says she's never had a Crow steal one of her pink balls, so Pink might be the new White!! The following is the appropriate Rule of Golf which covers this situation.

Rule 9.6
Ball Lifted or Moved by Outside InfluenceIf it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved a player’s ball:

• There is no penalty, and
• The ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).

This applies whether or not the player’s ball has been found. 
But if it is not known or virtually certain that the ball was lifted or moved by an outside influence and the ball is lost, the player must take stroke-and-distance relief under Rule 18.2.

A bird is considered to be an 'Outside Influence'. Good luck, and remember you must have observed the bird removing your ball to claim the free relief. So if you observe a bird taking someones ball, be sure to let them know, they will be most grateful, and may even buy you a beer when the COVID-19-19 situation improves enough to socialise again.

Don't forget the "Nugget" competition, which gets underway on Friday

Coronavirus Update
Things have stabilised over the past week thankfully. However, it is not a time to relax the restrictions. Just some reminders of the Protocols which are in force at the course.

• There is a maximum occupancy of 3 persons on the practice green. The minimum personal separation of 1.5m still applies.
• Zones are set up behind the 1st tee to restrict the number of players congregating before teeing-off. Maximum of 2 persons in each zone. Also avoid arriving too early for your tee time. 20 - 30 minutes is an adequate time to have a couple of practice putts and chips before moving to the 1st tee area.
• Maximum of 1 person in the pro shop at any time (in addition to the Staff member).
• Use Tap-and-Go cards or your member number for payments please.
• Visitors are not permitted on the course, however a member may invite a guest player to be their playing partner, it is the member's responsibility to ensure that their guest complies with all the COVID-19  protocols. 
• Where possible all players on the course should book a time slot to allow the pro shop staff to manage the number of players.

Course Status
As advised in my previous blog, there will be some course works getting underway shortly. The work to extend the 4th fairway will require the use of a temporary Tee, and this will be established in the tree-line in the vicinity of the small crater-dam with a distance of approximately 110m to the green.
Work will also commence to repair the defect beside the 3rd green where a depression is trapping water. This area is currently GUR.
As advised in my last Blog, a new Local Rule has been introduced to assist  players with issues caused by tree roots. Go and read the previous Blog for full details.
The areas within the General Area which are 'Closely mown' and which have suffered from 'Die-off' due to excessive water are to be treated as GUR.

The Refreshments Cart has been a great innovation. Thanks Tim!!

This Week's Menu
The following is the menu for the meals on offer for this week. Please email Tim with your order early to avoid missing out. 

From Tim
Good morning everyone,
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 2 weeks.  The response has been fantastic.

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

Our menu for this week is:

Option 1 - 2 course ($25 per person)
Main
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni with salad
or
Beef Lasagna with salad

Dessert
Vanilla Panna Cotta with berries


Option 2  ($10 per person)
Soup:   
Thai Pumpkin

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 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 14th 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

Recent Results

Wednesday 8th April. Nigel Menogue (23) showed the field the way with a score of 40 points to win by a stroke from Jim Rowe (14). A good field of 67 braved the rain to enjoy a good day on the Course.

Saturday 11th, and another good sized field of 87 braved the gale-force winds in another Single Stableford event. Tom Mooney (30) posted a very impressive score of 44 points to win the day by 7 points from Daniel Weekes. Tom was the guest of Linden Toll (board member) and actually signed his membership application following the round.

Sunday 12th, and thankfully the wind dropped a little to welcome the field of 18 to the competition. This week the ladies cleaned up, with Julie Hayden (19) scoring 37 points to hold out Julie Jeffery (20) with 35 points on a count back.

Monday 13th April. The Easter Medley. 
A good field of 58 players took to the field for this year's event on a beautiful Easter Monday. When all the cards were returned, the team of Helen Chadwick (29) and Nick Reinhard (12) finished as the top 'Bunnies' with a score of 75 points. In second was the family affair of Sharon Rowe (37) and Jim Rowe (13) with 72 points. Nick Reinhard won the best individual player with a score of 40 points. Congratulations everyone, and a big thank you to Chris Hill and Robert Eriksson for organising the event.

The Summer Eclectic.
The final tally has been made and the winner for Summer 2020 in the Gross Score category, in a count back, was Ash Southon with 55.0 from Alec Dietsch. Ash also won the Nett category with 47.5 from Paul Barnes on 49.0. Congratulations to everyone, the Winter edition is now underway, and the sign-up sheet is available in the pro shop.

"Who Am I ?" Competition
No successful responses over the past week, so the competition continues.
"I competed in the Easter Medley today (Monday)", who am I?

email your response to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com
​(Note, the photo is a logo only.)

​A Little Humour













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

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
​                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(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