The belated Blog, Mixed foursome Champions - clean sweep, Our new Patron, Patron Trophy

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What a great working bee we had - 19 enthusiastic, loyal golf club members and staff turned up in not so pleasant conditions to pick up sticks. The working bee was deemed necessary as the winds over recent weeks had covered the rough with debris making it impossible to mow. If it was not picked up now, mowers would be damaged or the rough let grow longer and we would lose balls.  Both scenarios were unacceptable. Although Dad's Army do a great job they needed a hand, as the debris needed picking up now. At 1.00pm the rain was falling steadily and discussions were held, should we go. The intrepid farmers amongst our group said it is only rain and we would play golf in it, so, let’s go, including Wendy Burke, our only female recruit. Others were not so enthusiastic, however relented in the interest of the club.

Several utes and trailers were made available, so we started on the 10th working down the 5th, over to the 12th, down the 13th and 15th then back to the 3rd then home. In 1 ½ hours we picked up at least 53.5 tonne of sticks. Maybe an exaggeration however a lot of wood was collected leaving it clear for the boys to mow. A special thanks must go to all the team who were : Peter Keys, Brian Lamb, Rick Denny, David Boyd, Alan Turpie, Bruce Hall, Nick Tait, Robert Dean, John Russell, Garrie Harrison, Terry McAuliffe, Noel Symonds, Wendy Burke, Kevin Burke, Damian Gair, Nathan Wright, Matt Morris and myself. If I have left anybody out, my sincere apologies.

Again my most grateful thanks to all for a job well done, which maybe we can repeat in a couple of months in finer weather.

What was highlighted, is the great job Dad’s Army do week in and week out. If anybody would like to join them in a most congenial atmosphere on Thursday morning at 9.00am, not this Thursday however, they are going on their annual mystery tour, please contact Peter Hannaford.

Thank you also to Damian, Nathan and Matt who always present the course in an immaculate condition.
Paul Carroll - Captain

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Brian Lamb

Our new Patron Brian Lamb. At the Board's first meeting we had the pleasure of appointing Brian Lamb as the Club's new patron. Brian has been a member of the club for many years and has been Club Captain, Club President and then Brian had another term as Club Captain. Brian has been a tremendous supporter of the club over the years both on the course and in the clubhouse. He has been a generous benefactor in more ways than giving more than 'just' his time and expertise. Brian's horticulture skills can be seen around the course and he also works on the course in each of the working bees we have had recently, as well as attending to other plants on the course. For example the hedge behind the 8th tee is tended by Brian. The camellias around the 11th were propagated by Brian's wife Lynette and then given to the club -many other plantings on the course are by Brian's hand. Brian has attended (and officiated at many) of the club's formal dinners. There was only one dinner he can remember missing out on and that was this years Anniversary dinner which conflicted with Brian and Lynette's daughter's wedding - forgiven. Brian is also the organiser of the Senior golfers visit to our club and also involved in the Royal Prince Edward Yacht club visit each year. To be Patron of our club is an honour Brian is truly worthy of.
KjB

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Terry Downing

HOLE IN ONE
Terry Downing, on the way to winning the single stableford game on the 30th May with 43 points (on a count-back from Jim Evans) got a hole in one on the 11th for a '1 a 5'  or 5 points in the stableford system. KjB

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The final of the Foursomes Knockout Championship were played on Saturday 30/05/15 between David Boyd and Pascale Timores against Bob Young and Alistair Fotheringham. The match got off to a good start in crisp autumn weather with David and Pascale winning the first hole after some controversy about the GUR on the new bridge. Bob and Alistair soon fought back and won the second to level. It was then a seesawing event with hard fort holes going either way. Only three holes were squared in the first 14. With some powerhouse driving and iron shots from Pascale and a lift in the chipping and putting from David, they managed to get in front on the 15th and 16th and finished on the 17th 3/1. A good game played in great spirit and with worthy winners.  Paul Carroll-Captain

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Losses from the course

A couple of weeks ago we had 18 Pittosporum Silver Sheen stolen. The plan is to replace them in the next weeks. We also had some wood stolen from the green keepers area. The plan is to bar access to the course by putting a row of posts on the western side of the 18th  near the green so that car and utes cannot enter the course area by this route. Stopping people accessing the course is another matter. 

Pedestrian Access to the Course. Many of our members walk the course. Other members of the public access the course both for walking in the main and also (rarely) to steal things. Signs on the perimeter fencing state that the golf course is private property and that access is not permitted. It is very difficult to enforce and people walking on the course put themselves in the position that they  may be hit by a ball. Golfers know if there is a group in front of them but are unaware if a person enters the course ahead of them if they can't be seen. Two weeks ago we had a wedding party having their photographs taken on the 5th fairway, just over the hill so they couldn't be seen from the tee. 

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The second round of the mixed Foursomes Championship and Wotton Trophy was played on Sunday 7th June 2015 in beautiful  highland winter weather. A field of 16 pairs contested the final round  with the best overall scratch score and the winners of the championship for 2015, going to Helen Chadwick and Alex Mulholland. They scored a gross 89 in the first round and 86 in the second round for an overall scratch of 175. They also proceeded to win the Wotton Trophy for the best nett score after deduction of handicap. Not content with that, they also won the vouchers for the day's event. 

Runners up in the scratch were Anne Geddes and Damian Gair with 180 and the Wotton Trophy Ellen and Dennis Neale. Congratulations to every body who played for a well contested and supported event. 

Our 'new' Board. Well it's  scarcsely new by the time  you read this, however we have a new board as of April 30th. Bob Constable stepped down this year and there was an election for the remaining board members.The two new board members are Carol Turpie and Keith Markwell who bring new skills and perspectives to the board. This year, after 3 years 'in the chair', Ian steps down from President to Vice President.

Carole Turpie

Looking at the honour boards in the 'members room' and referencing Doug Stalley's book, it is obvious that our club's success and longevity does not happen by itself. Members assist the club in many capacities as volunteers in the clubhouse or on the course, standing for committees and boards are part of that success. Members support the club by coming to events in the clubhouse and playing golf, croquet, bridge etc and all contributing to the club. 

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The final of the Foursomes Knockout  was played on Saturday 30/05/15 between David Boyd and Pascal Timores against Bob Young and Alistair Fotheringham. The match got off to a good start in crisp autumn weather with David and Pascal winning the first hole after some controversy about the GUR on the new bridge. Bob and Alistair soon fought back and won the second to level. It was then a seesawing event with hard fought holes going either way. Only three holes were squared in the first 14. With some powerhouse driving and iron shots from Pascal and a lift in the chipping and putting from David, they managed to get in front on the 15th and 16th and finished on the 17th 3/1. A good game played in great spirit and with worthy winners.  
Paul Carroll-Captain

Bruce Smith Cup Sunday 24th May 2015 at Moss Vale. Bowral Golf Club sent 16 of their finest to Moss Vale Golf Club to compete for the annual Bruce Smith Cup. After a mid-morning start, it was a perfect autumn day in the Highlands and although the conditions were wet after the rain, the course held up well and offered a challenge to all competitors. Just prior to the conclusion we were neck and neck with three wins each however we could not sustain the pressure and eventually went down 5 – 3. The host provided lunch and commiserations and we were magnificent in defeat. My many thanks to our loyal representative players for their involvement. Maybe next year! Paul Carroll - Captain

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The Roadway is fixed

The roadway on David Street has been an issue for a long time. The potholes were a hazard to people returning to their cars especially in the evening. This area is the councils responsibility as it is not  on the club's land. We countacted the Council many times and in the last weeks these representations  finally resulted in extensive work to the road. Now all is fixed. The club has added lights so the pathway to this area is now well lit and this is the preferred way to access the club by foot.
The entry via the driveway is steep and not suitable for pedestrian access.