Bridges. As you may be aware the local rule regarding the masonry bridges on the course was changed. These bridges are on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 18th holes, whereas previously the bridges on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd were part of the hazard now they are not part of the hazard. Members approached the Captain and this matter was discussed at the Match and Greens committee. The revised local rule followed. Here are a couple of scenarios involving the bridges. What happens if your ball is on the surface of the bridge on the 2nd? This bridge has shingle-like material on it, which constitutes an artificial surface and is therefore an obstruction, therefore relief may be taken at the 'nearest point of relief'. Where the stones are virtually continuous thereby forming a path, it is clear that relief can be taken. Where the path 'peters out' so the stones are further apart, the situation is a little bit more difficult. The correct thing to do would be to ask your card marker is it OK to take relief from the obstruction if, in equity to other players in the competition, you think relief is warranted. In my view, because no sheep stations are involved, a more conservative approach is better where the situation is marginal. Either hit the ball where it lies or claim an unplayable lie and proceed as per Rule 28. Another situation is - what happens if the ball comes to rest in the pipe under the bridge? In this situation relief is allowed. Under Rule 24-2b(i), the player is entitled to drop the ball, without penalty, within one club-length of the spot on the ground immediately above its resting place in the drainpipe, but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard or on a putting green.
The Captain vs Captain event is scheduled for Sunday 17th August. A sign-up sheet for this will be in the Pro Shop from this Wednesday. Last year the men's team won, so this year it's a chance for the ladies to even the score. | The Foursomes Championship final was played on Sunday 13th July. John & Alex Mulholland won the Foursomes Championship against Stuart Denholm and Frank Eggert 3 / 1 after 35 holes in frosty conditions. It was a great match with John & Alex down 4 holes at one stage in the first 18, only to be square at the turn. Many pars were scored by both teams. Foursomes is a great format liked by many and disliked by few. It is the game most of the best players in the world hate to love. "I don't think it's quaint," said Fred Couples to Golf Digest. "It's extremely nerve-racking, but it's really a fun match. When you do get going and you're having fun, if you shoot under par, it's the greatest thing ever. But you can really get going the other way quickly." My thanks to Paul Carroll and Jim Phillips who refereed 18 of the 36 holes each. July Monthly Medal. Saturday's competition was our Monthly Medal, played in divisions in conjunction with a Stableford. Frank Eggert won the A grade and Warren Ryan the B grade with a fantastic 62 nett (which included a 7 and 8) and the C grade was won by Peter Burgess with an equally fantastic 61 nett. The 18th tee. The new 18th tee is complete and has been turfed. It is expected that the tee will be back in operation in the first part of September. The David Power memorial seat will resume its place in due course. The temperature. When I was writing this on Sunday morning Weatherzone showed a temperature of -5.1 deg. for Bowral. Later on I ran into member, Graham Connolly, in town that morning and his thermometer had shown -6! |
Glen Eagles and St Andrews. Last month we had the pleasure of visiting Glen Eagles and St Andrews. There are a few photographs to peruse. At Glen Eagles they were syringing the greens because of the unusually hot weather. (Our ground staff syringe the greens during periods of hot weather, that is when they use a hand-held hose to water the green and this may occur during a competition round.) Equally interesting was they were hand-watering the rough. Normally one would expect the Scottish weather to preform this task but conditions had been quite dry. Glen Eagles is the venue for the Ryder Cup which starts on September 26th. Glen Eagles is set in some 600 acres of grounds with an imposing hotel, with an equally imposing room tariff. The weather in Scotland was fantastic. |
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March 2024
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