CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

I am posting this blog from Barwon Heads Golf club, a special part of the world and a great golfing experience.
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ANZAC Day is a very special day for our country and our Kiwi cousins and allows us all the time to reflect and pay tribute to those who have served our country and especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

As with our club tradition, yesterday was the ANZAC Day medley and as you can see from the photos it was a great afternoon. Thanks to our freelance photographer for providing the shots.

The introduction of MiClub last Wednesday was a success with only some minor hiccups and it will take us all a little while to “bed this in”.  A big thanks to Kevin, Darryl, Anthony and John Buchanan for all the effort to implement the new system and all members for givng it a go. 

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• Unfortunately, we received a report from an unhappy visitor on a recent Monday who was frustrated by golfers in carts pushing in front of them without asking permission.  We all understand his frustration.  Just a gentle reminder to observe the appropriate golf etiquete and curtesy on the course. 
• Thanks to all for repairing the diverts over the last couple of weeks, it is much appreciated by our greens staff and keeps the course in good condition.
• You will have noticed the club house painting is underway, there will be some restricted parking and access so please take care.  The painted sections are looking great.

Upcoming Golf Events

• The Foursomes Club Championship draw is posted on the notice board in the club house
• John Owens

The draw will be on the notice board later this week.  The first round is to be completed by the 16th of May.  Please note: You will notice on the MiClub bookings page there are comments below the Competition description which provide information on due dates, events etc.

• The next round of the Arthur Brassey knockout is due to be completed Sunday the 9th of May. [Not the 7th as previously posted!!!]
• As mentioned, the Bruce Smith cup is to be played at MVGC locked on Sunday the 25th of July.  Both clubs are keen to get at least 20 players from each club to compete.  The sign-up sheet will be in the pro-shop soon.  

• As previously posted: The May Monthly Medal is scheduled for the 1st. This competition will also include the President's Trophy. The Anniversary Dinner is also held that evening.
• The Winter Eclectic sign up sheet is in the Pro Shop.

In this issue:

• Introduction
• AGM
• Upcoming Golf events
• Recent Results

Introduction
I would like to thank the BGC members for placing their faith in me as the incoming Captain. It is an honour to be Captain of the Bowral Golf Club and I look forward to building on the foundations laid by former Captains, Boards and Management.

Firstly, I would like to thank Dick Hiser for his great captaincy over the last two years. His energy and attention to detail both in the course development and golf programming will be a hard act to follow. In addition, this was achieved with the COVID challenge of the last twelve months, no mean feat and allowed all of us to continue enjoying the game of golf; thank you Dick.

I intend to continue with the weekly blog as this is one of the key platforms of communication to members ensuring the activities on the course and the clubhouse.  I’m sure it will take me a while to understand how to “drive” the software, so there might be some interesting outcomes.

I will restart the Rules Quiz in a couple of weeks time.

​Thankyou.

The Annual General Meeting - 2021

Last Thursday evening was the club’s 78th AGM where reporting and review on the past twelve months and auditors was presented to members as well as the election of the board members for 2021, please see the photo below to put a face to a name…

Friday - The Nugget

Fifteen players with Bob Young winner with 21 points and runner up Robert James with 19 points on a count back.

 Sunday – Stableford Medley

In perfect golfing weather with the winner Eugene O’Sullivan with 37 points on a count back  and Thomas Moulton runner up.

​Monday -  Madness 9 Hole Stableford

Fantastic Autumn day for a quick round of golf... and the winner was Peter Law with 22 points.

Farewell Message
I wish to extend my thanks to the President, the Board and the members of Bowral Golf Club for their support, acceptance and understanding over the past two years. Whilst I have appreciated  the considerable assistance from all areas of the club, I’d like to express my great appreciation to Kevin Kenny for pretty much everything. There is no end to the work he covers, and he has made my job infinitely easier. I’d also like to thank my wife Denise for her support over the past two years. It only took her 103 blogs to get my use of the apostrophe correct, no small feat, believe me. Who said I was a slow learner!
 
To say my term has been ‘interesting’ would be an understatement, however, as any Captain will attest, the incumbent has a vast array of ‘interesting’ experiences to manage over the term of their office. It has been both a privilege and an honour to serve the Board and the members. I believe our club is growing in a direction which will serve us well into the years to come. We have seen the membership base grow to include more juniors and sub-juniors than ever. The Lifestyle category has seen a very popular extension and is bringing with it a new demographic. Golf competitions have moved forward to include regular weekly events with Women and Men competing in the same competition. The introduction of the 9-hole competitions have proved popular.
 
The course is an ever-changing and challenging entity. Ongoing adjustments have and will continue to be required. The Greens’ Staff are functioning extremely well under the supervision of Matt Morris, who has grown into the job fabulously. The presentation of the course this past weekend is a tribute to the dedication and hard work these guys deliver. If only there was a solution to the birds!!!
 
Women’s golf at BGC is in good hands under (Captain) Annie Geddes, who has settled into her role with competent ease. She has the respect of her peers and I foresee the women entering a strong period of growth with new members and increased enthusiasm.
 
In summary, I am happy, that as I stand down from my role as Captain, golf at BGC is in good health. I am confident that the incoming Captain will be welcomed by the membership and hope that he will be afforded the same high level of support and encouragement which I received.
 
I wish all the members of BGC the very best for the future.
 
Dick Hiser
​Captain

​Recent Results

Wednesday 7th April. Piero Dal Bianco suggested that this competition should be played on the White course to avoid the wet area of the 15th fairway. I listened and 77 players joined the field. With a score of 43 points, Piero Dal Bianco (20) then swamped the field! Best in 'A' grade was Phil Jeffery (9) with 40 points, best in 'B' grade was Peter Campbell (16) with 41 points via count back and best in 'C' grade was Warwick Kiernan (34) with 39 points. The Eagle defended her nest of 4 balls and there will be 5 balls on offer next Wednesday. The NTP 11th went to Ash Southon, and Hamish Mulholland won the pro pin. We welcomed visitors from Strathfield, Dunheved, Bonnie Doon and Woodlands (Vic) golf courses. Balls were won down to 35 points via a count back.

Friday 9th April. The "Nugget". A good field of 29 (28 Men and 1 Lady) players took to the 9-hole competition. 1. Alex Dietsch (14) 21 points.  2. Eugene O'Sullivan (22) 20 points.  3. Angus Yuill (22) 19 points via count back from  4. Richard Saville (22) also with 19 points. Balls were won down to 16 points via count back

Saturday 10th April. The April Monthly Medal and Austen Richardson Tankard. A good field of 95 players braved some early Winter conditions to play the course in it's best condition for many weeks. In an indication of the standard of the setup of the course is the fact that only 7 players equalled or beat PAR!! It's the first time in many months that Golflink has applied a course score adjustment. The Medals were won by

• 'A' Grade Jim Phillips (14) nett 67, runner-up Chris Kunz (15) nett 68
• 'B' Grade Bruce Frankland (23) nett 69 on count back, r/up Nicholas Winstone (23) nett 69
• 'C' Grade Stephen Morris (30) nett 61, runner-up Hugh Cashmore (25) nett 69 on count back
• The scratch winner was Anthony Rath (+2) with 69 off the stick.

​The Eagle's nest was finally won with Jacob Nicholls collecting 8 balls. 1 ball will be on offer next Saturday. The NTP 11th went to Nicholas Winstone and the pro pin to John Mulholland. Balls were won down to nett 75 via count back.

The Austen Richardson Tankard for 2021 was won by Jim Phillips (14) with a nett score of 67 from Chris Kunz (15) nett 68. Austen's grandson Tom was on hand along with several other members of the Richardson clan to make the presentation. It's great to see the family of a departed member continue to support their event so fervently.

Sunday 11th April. The annual Jubilee Cup, Vardon and Senior Vardon event. This event succumbed to the Covid cancellations of 2020, so it was great to see a field of 74 players tee off this year. Very blustery cold winds welcomed the players to a course which played tough. In the final round-up the trophy was won by Thomas Holz (+2) from Links Shell Cove with his score of 73. In 2nd place was John Renshaw (2) from Northbridge GC with 75 on a count back from 3rd place getter Greg Segal (5) from Moss Vale GC.
The overall nett winner was Jamie Krzyszczak (5) from St Michaels GC.
In the Senior division, Graham Leake (4) from Links Shell Cove posted 74 to beat Peter Beard (0) from Pacific Dunes GC with 76. In 3rd was Shane Floyd (1) from Cromer GC with 77 on a count back. Some scores from BGC players who entered the competition included Clark Gibbons 83, Jimmy Pinkstone 80, John Buchanan 87, Ash Southon 91, Phil Jeffery 87 and Nick Reinhard 92. Well done lads, tough day at the office!! 

Monday 12th April. Monday Madness. Just 7 players in the field today (4 Men and 3 Women). David Bleakley (21) won the day with 21 points from Sandra Short (37) with 19 points.

The Rules Quiz
I presided over my last Rules Quiz last Saturday with a good crowd on hand. I decided to make it a no-notice quiz and not ask the question in my previous blog. The net result was a massive 'putt-off' which included most of those players present. The context of the quiz related to Rule 16 of the Rules of Golf and covered the requirements around utilising 'Free relief'. This is one of the most commonly used rules in golf. Key points to note include : Taking full relief from the course condition at the closest point, dropping within 1 club length, and the drop must be in the General area. Clark Gibbons provided the best putt of the contest to win the ball marker. 

A Little Humour




Hooroo, and Don't Forget to go out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!!

Coming Events - Clubhouse
Please check the club website for up-to-date details about availabilities at coming events as many are already sold out.

• The Bowral Golf Club AGM is scheduled for Thursday 15th April commencing at 6pm. The Annual Report and the register of nominations are posted on the main notice board. Should you have any questions for the Board, it would be greatly appreciated if you send the question to the office ahead of the AGM to allow time for a full response to be prepared in advance.

• We have received an offer from The Shed Fitness group. Please see the attached email for details.

“Dear members of The Bowral Golf Club,

My name is Harry Carlon and I work at The Shed Fitness Studio in Bowral. We offer Personal one-on-one fitness training to people who are after programming and training specific to their goals, abilities and injuries. We have several BGC members who train with us and about 6 months ago we offered 1 x FREE Personal Training Session to any current member of the Golf Club to try out a session with one of our trainers in our studio. We had 6 members take us up and all of them are still currently training at least once per week with their PT. Several of our clients also play golf regularly with the club and we would like to offer the same special again throughout Autumn. I have left 10 vouchers with Kevin who will pass them out to any member who would like to take up the offer.

If you are interested in some Personal Training, no matter what your current fitness level is, please give me a call or send me an email to discuss what would be involved.

Thank you for your time,
Harry Carlon.

0422 644 791
harry@theshedfitness.com.au"

Kind Regards,
Harry Carlon
24 Station Street, Bowral 2576
(02) 4862 3030
0422 644 791
harry@theshedfitness.com.au
www.theshedfitness.com.au

Recent Results
The improved weather has permitted full coverage of the calendar events over the past week.

Wednesday 31st March. The final competition for March, and the final opportunity to have an impact on the Summer Eclectic. 69 players in the field on a mostly fine day. Tony Hobson (14) posted 39 points to beat Ant Burridge (24) on a count back. The Eagle protected her nest comfortably and there will now be 3 balls on offer next Wednesday. The NTP 11th was won by Tony Fitzpatrick and the Pro pin by John Buchanan. Balls were won down to 33 points via a count back, and 2 visitors from Eastlakes GC joined the competition.

Friday 2nd April. The "Nugget". 19 players (14 Men and 5 Women).
1.  Robert James (22) 23 points,   2.  Eugene O'Sullivan (23) 22 points
3.  James Nethersole (39) 21 points on a count back from  4.  Bob Young (25).
The NTP 6th was not won, and balls were won down to 18 points via a count back.

Saturday 3rd April. A gorgeous day on the course under a clear blue sky. 90 players in the field including a visitor from Russell Vale GC. Ant Burridge (23) reversed his Wednesday fortunes by winning the count back this time with a score of 40 points.
Best in 'A' grade was Langdon Emery (14) with 38 points via a count back.
Best in 'B' grade was Henry Farrell (21) with 40 points via a count back.
Best in 'C' grade was Chris Harvey (30) with 37 points.
The Eagle successfully defended her nest and will provide 8 balls for next Saturday. The NTP 11th was won by Adem De Manincor with Henry Farrell winning the Pro pin. Balls were won down to 34 points via a count back.

Sunday 4th April. The Easter Sunday Medley. Ash Southon (14) posted 40 points to win all the eggs from Bill Hayden (26) with 39 points. Balls were won down to 38 points via a count back. Visitors from The Coast GC, The Links Shell Cove and Merewether GC joined the field.

Monday 5th April. The Easter Monday Medley. Another lovely day for a game.
The White Course hosted a field of 17 players  (14 men/ 3 Women) in the mixed format. Wilma Lung (35) posted a fine 41 points to claim the day from Nick Reinhard (10) with 37 points. Balls won down to 35 points.

The Rules Quiz
Lots of fun during the quiz at the presentation last Saturday. The answer to the question which I asked in my blog of 08 March (go read it now) was that if another player observes the ball to have moved on the green, they should advise the player of the situation. The player should return the ball to its correct position before playing their next shot. Failure to return the ball to the correct position incurs a 1 shot penalty.
As the entire forum correctly answered the question, another question, which was asked from the floor became the competition for the 'putt-off'.
"What is the procedure to follow should your ball be lost in an area marked as GUR?" (For example the wet area on the 15th fairway). The answer is that the player may take free relief at the point where the ball crossed the marked boundary. The requirement is, that it is 'known or virtually certain' that the ball came to rest within the marked area. Mark a position which allows full relief from the area and drop within 1 club length (but not closer to the hole) and play on. 5 players participated in the putt-off with David Burgess claiming his maiden win. 

A Little Humour
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​They had but one job!!!??