CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

The White Horse Cup.
Last Thursday the players who represented BGC in the 2019 White Horse Cup competition met for a dinner to celebrate their efforts and to re-live some of the memories of the competition. Don Barker is to be congratulated for his continued management of the WHC teams, he does an excellent job. The club President Rob Humphreys and the Captain were invitees at the event. Congratulations to the following players, all who represented the club in this year's WHC. David Burgess, Tony Rourke, John Mulholland, Sam Mulholland, John Mellen, Brian Hanrahan, Dennis Neale, John Ferguson, Clark Gibbons, Tony Fitzpatrick, Grant Blanchard, Phil Jeffery, Simon Weston, Ash Southon, Paul Pettiford, Paul Carroll, Piero Dal Bianco, Pat Donoghue, Peter Shortle, Bruce Franklin, Don Barker and Kevin Burke (res). The dinner culminated in the presentation of the 'Golden David' award (essentially a best and fairest award). This year John Mellen received the award by a close margin and was presented with the statue from Don Barker. It was suggested that the statue should be carried by John on his buggy to all his future WHC events!!

Recent Results

Wednesday 21st September. A windy windy day!! Congratulations to the field of 51 hardy souls who joined the competition for our August Open Day. Topping the podium were Shane Harvey (29) and Ash Southon (17) with a very creditable 44 points. Runners-up on the day were Daniel Weekes (16) and Norris Dudgeon (21) with 43 points on a count back. The Single Stableford winner, with 40 points was Tony Dick (27). The Eagle protected the two balls in the nest, the NTP 11th went to Nick Reinhard and the pro-pin to Phil Jeffery. We welcomed visitors from The Highlands, Tully Park and Moss Vale. DSR 71.

Saturday 24th August. The inaugural playing of the 'League of Nations Day'. It was pleasing to see the open attitude by the players to this event. One group even going so far as to sport the flag for their chosen nation on their cart. In all 14 nations were represented in the field, these included : Australia, Latvia, Greenland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, China, Botswana, Ireland, Malta, Iceland, Gibraltar, Portugal and New Zealand (although they failed to indicate their choice on their card). And the result?? Apsveicam Nāciju dienas atklāšanas uzvarētāju komandu, kas pārstāv Latvijas valsti. Their team being comprised by Terry Downing (aka Jānis) (19), Norris Dudgeon (aka Māris) (21) and Wayne Roberts (aka Valdis) (9) with a nett 58 5/6. If you wish to get a translation of the text, be sure to ask one of the team, I'm sure they are fluent in Latvian! In second place representing Malta were the genuinely Maltese team of Chris Barry (32), Jim Evans (30) and Warwick Kiernan (32) with 59 1/3. The flag of Latvia now stands on the fireplace mantle until next year's event. The eagle's nest was not won, the Captain claimed the NTP 11th and Wayne Roberts the pro-pin. Visitors from Wakehurst, The Australian and Narooma joined the field of 76. 

The Rules Quiz.
Last week I proposed a question regarding the required details the player was obliged to fill out when completing their score card. (Go and read it now).
The correct answer is that the player is responsible only for ensuring that his/her handicap is correctly marked, that the correct hole (gross) scores have been entered, that he/she has signed the card and ensured that the marker has signed the card. That is all. A reminder, it is the player's responsibility to ensure that the correct handicap is indicated on the score sheet. The fact that the club has pre-printed the card does not relieve the player of this responsibility.
Last week's winner (as a result of a 3 person putt-off) was Daniel Weekes.

This week's question relates to a Match Play context only. The question: During a Match Play competition the player and opponent hit the other's ball in the course of playing a hole. What is the result of this action?
Join us at the Saturday presentation and try your luck at winning the ball marker. 

Know Your Course Competition
Last week's winner was Alec Dietsch, who correctly identified that the 3rd green was the answer to the photo question. I was a little disappointed by the poor response with just Alec being the sole entry. I may have to look at something different for the future.

For this week, there is no photograph, just a question. There is a clock which hangs on the southern face of the clubhouse under the gable. It overlooks the practice green, and has been frozen in time for many years. To the nearest 5 minutes, what time is indicated on the clock's minute hand?
Send your response to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

A Little Humour
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​Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf!

Memorabilia.
The Club was just recently presented with a new item for inclusion in the Memorabilia cabinet in the main foyer. Ms Genelle Almaide has graciously donated (via Fred Sewell) the Bag Tag which was provided to J W (Jim) Draper for his use during the playing of the 1960 Open Championship (The 100th edition of The Open). Jim had to make it through qualifying in order to play. Included with the Tag is the letter from the Scottish golf Union which lists the past Scottish Amateur Champions. J W Draper's name is listed for his win in the event in 1954 at the Nairn Club. Jim was a member of BGC from 1984, and was a handicapper from 1998 - 2000. Jim also donated the 7 framed prints seen around the club which depict some of the courses on which the current British Open is staged. There is a framed photo of Jim, including his medal from his Scottish Amateur win, hanging on the wall of the clubhouse. 

5th Green works.
During the past week the green staff have been hard at work on the rear surrounds of the 5th green. They have installed a new cart path, closed off the old cart path, and planted out 50 Pittosporum bushes. All motorised carts are now required to move to the appropriate 6th tee via the new path. A walking-only path to the women's 6th tee is provided in its original location.

Recent Results

Wednesday 14th August. A Single Stableford competition was played in fine and mild conditions. Winning the event (his inaugural win at BGC) was Daniel Weekes (16) with 38 points on a count back from Paul Pettiford (14). The Eagle's nest was not won, Will Clayton won the NTP 11th, and Ash Southon won the Pro pin. 59 players in the field and the DSR was 69.

Saturday 17th August. Another of our Trophy events, this time the WH Friend Trophy. A Single Stableford event replacing the Par event of recent years (due to popular request). Congratulations to Terry Downing (20) for his score of 43 points in winning the event by 1 stroke from Ant Burridge (22). My appreciation also to Terry for returning to attend the presentation ceremony having played in the morning. The Eagle is holding onto the 3 balls in the nest, David Spies won the NTP 11th and Jim Rowe the Pro pin. Visitors from Northbridge, Wakehurst and The Coast joined the other 73 players in the event, and the DSR stayed at 69.

The Rules Quiz

Last week I tested the knowledge on the boundaries of some of the areas on a course (go and read it now) specifically with regard to Out of Bounds and Penalty areas.
As the markers that depict the Out of Bounds areas are 'Out of Bounds' themselves, a ball is only out of bounds when the entire ball is out of bounds. A ball which has any part of it inside the course is considered NOT out of bounds. In the case of a Penalty area marker, the markers are inside the penalty area, and hence a ball which has any part of it, on or inside the line is considered to be INSIDE the penalty area. How did you go? 
At the presentation last Saturday, 3 players had the correct answer and the putt-off ensued with Alec Dietsch emerging victorious.

​This week we look at the score card. The Question, Which elements on a score card are the responsibility of the PLAYER to complete correctly? Good luck.

Know Your Course Competition

This event was not won last week, although there was a healthy increase in responses. The answer was the 150m mark to the 17th green.

​This week is considerably easier, so give it a go.

A Little Humour
Hear the one about the bad tempered golfer who bought a new set of TaylorMade M-Series clubs.  After playing with them for a couple of rounds he returned to his pro shop and told the pro, "These were the best clubs I have ever played with.  In fact, I can throw these clubs 40 metres further than my old ones!"

​Now Go Out and Enjoy A Game of Golf.

New Competition.
Bowral Golf Club will introduce a new competition as of Sunday 01 September. A Single Stableford event with separate competitions for the Ladies and for the Men. The usual competition fee will apply, and all BGC playing members and their guests are welcome. Visitors to the club may also enter the competition providing they are financial members of a golf club, and hold a valid Golflink handicap. An NTP competition will be set up on the 14th hole, with a ladies' and men's prize. Please see the flyers posted on the notice board for full details. 

Dad's Army.
Those of you who have entered the clubhouse via the main entrance will have noticed the extensive garden reconstruction currently underway. The troops under the baton of Anton have been hard at work for a number of weeks, and their progress is starting to show. Thanks on behalf of the members to all the troops for the fantastic work they do for us. 

Renovations begin behind the 5th Green
Damian and his staff have commenced work to the rear of the 5th green. The end result will be a new path (from the back right hand side of the green) for all carts and pedestrians heading to the 6th Tee. A pedestrian-only path will be provided from the 5th green to the Ladies' Tee in its current location. This should reduce the wear effect caused by carts to the rear and left hand side of the green, and hopefully allow the grass to re-establish. As part of the  renovation, an arc of Silver Pittosporum bushes will be planted in a similar fashion to what exists behind the 7th, 10th and 16th greens. When funds become available (hint hint) the new path will be concreted.

Recent Results

Wednesday 7th August. The inaugural playing of a 'limited club' Ambrose competition. Not surprisingly the scores were very similar to those of other 3 person Ambrose events. Maybe those other 9 clubs are just added weight?? Next year this event will be a 4 club only event. Taking out the prize for the first playing of the event were, Alec Dietsch (13), Bob Bearup (18) and Jim Larkin (14) with a nett score of 58 1/2. The runners up with a nett 59 were, Kevin Kenny (0), David Burgess (12) and Peter Shortle (24). Clark Gibbons relieved the Eagle of 2 balls, Peter Leon won the NTP 11th and Dennis Neale rounded out the winners circle by winning the pro pin. In all 55 players entered the event.

Saturday 10th August. Winter returned with a vengeance to welcome the hardy souls who ventured out for the Single Stableford competition on offer. 44 Players (not bad considering the windchill was -7 for most of the day!!) started the competition which saw Simon Taufel (21) collect the prize with a very creditable 36 points from Peter Burgess (28) on 35. The Eagle was not troubled, John McGuire won the NTP 11th and the Captain won the pro pin. A DSR of 70 was some indication of how difficult the conditions were, but anyone who made it through the full 18 holes should feel very satisfied with their effort.

The Rules Quiz.
Last week I posed a question which tested your knowledge regarding damaged clubs during a round (go and read it now). The question specifically asked whether a player may re-tighten a club head after it had become loose. The answer is of course - Yes. (Be aware though, you must return the club head to, as near as you can recall, the original settings.) We had four players at the presentation who provided the correct answer, and a 'Putt-off' ensued with Jim Larkin emerging victorious.
This Week, we look at what defines the margins of some of the playing areas on the course.
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Question 1. When is a ball considered to be Out of Bounds?

Question 2. When is a ball considered to be in a Penalty Area?

Know Your Course

Congratulations to John Mulholland for correctly identifying the 4th green to win the ball marker from last week's competition. Lots of entries, which is great to see.
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Let's see how you go with this one. Don't be shy, yours might be the correct guess.
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A Little Humour

This week, a quote.

I'll always remember the day I broke ninety. I had a few beers in the clubhouse and was so excited I forgot to play the back nine. ~ Bruce Lansky

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf

New Tee Markers
The Match and Greens Committee recently approved the replacement of the Tee markers currently in use across the course. The previous markers have served us well for many years, but the combination of sun bleaching and bird interference has necessitated a change. Last Wednesday the selected option was presented to members of the club with a request for individual hole sponsorship at $120 per hole. The sponsorship was completely filled within hours of being raised, and my great appreciation to the members listed below for their generosity. 
Hole 1 The Captain, Hole 2 Damian Gair, Hole 3 Barb & Ray Clayton, Hole 4 Dave Burgess, Hole 5 Nick Reinhard, Hole 6 David Farthing, Hole 7 John & Di Mellen, Hole 8 Kevin Burke, Hole 9 Langdon Emery, Hole 10 Tony Rourke & Marg Horwitz, Hole 11 Alec Dietsch, Hole 12 Alan Lindsay, Hole 13 AMD Partners, Hole 14 Jane Clifford, Hole 15 Bob Constable, Hole 16 Paul Carroll, Hole 17 Warren Ryan, Hole 18 The President, Hole 19 Tim Davis, Hole 20 Kevin Kenny

Recent Results

Wednesday 31st July. The last event in July, and 51 players teed up for a Single Stableford event. Again the mild Winter weather made for a fabulous day, and Paul Carroll (16) made the most of the conditions with a score of 42 points to win the day. Runner up with 37 points was Peter Shortle (25). Thank you to Paul for making the effort to return for the presentation, even to the point of bringing his grandsons with him, great effort. The Eagle's nest of 1 ball was won by John Buchanan, the NTP 11th by David Simmers and Tony Rourke winning the pro pin. We welcomed 2 visitors from Roseville, and another from Pymble, and the DSR was 69.

Saturday 3rd August. The John McMaster Memorial Trophy was held as part of the August Monthly Medal competition. John Mellen (14) emerged victorious with an excellent score of net 65 to claim both the Trophy and the 'A' grade medal. In addition, John shot a score under his age to win the scratch award with a gross 79. Amazing effort John!! The 'A' grade runner up was Brian Hanrahan (14) with a net 69 on a count back. In 'B' grade, Norris Dudgeon (22) won the medal with Don Barker (21) runner up. The 'C' grade medal was won by Bruce Windybank (31) with a net 67, from Ray Furner (33) on 69. The eagle's nest was not won, the NTP 11th went to Ash Southon, and Tom Whitmarsh won the pro pin to round out the prizes. We welcomed  3 players from Highlands, and 1 from Balgowlah, and the DSR again at 69. My thanks to Paul Carroll for standing in for me for the presentation whilst I'm away.

Coming Events

Next Wednesday the 7th of August is the first playing of a '5 Club' Ambrose. Players are limited to only 5 clubs for the round. Four tee shots are required from each of the 3 players in each team. Something with a difference, give it a go, I'm sure you'll be surprised by how well you play. Leave the other clubs in the car, to avoid having too many clubs left at the pro shop please.

​Sunday 18th August. The final date for completion of the quarter finals in the John Owens competition.

The Rules Quiz

Last week I gave you the opportunity to refresh yourselves with the available options after hitting your ball into a bunker (go and read the previous blog now). For those of you who didn't get the opportunity to look them up, there a 5 options available to you. 1. Play the ball as it lies. 2. Drop within 2 club lengths of your current position (in the bunker) for a one shot penalty. 3. Take back on the line relief (still in the bunker, one club length) for a one stroke penalty. 4. Take back on the line relief (outside the bunker, one club length) for a two shot penalty. 5. Take stroke and distance relief (back to the location of the previous shot) for a one shot penalty. So, keep these option is mind for that day you end up in a bunker under the lip, or with a difficult stance, as they may provide a better outcome.

This week's Question.
Lots of us are now carrying clubs which have adjustable (with a special tool) heads. They provide players with the option to set up the club with draw/fade bias and adjustable lofts. All good, as everyone agrees, BUT, what do you do if your adjustable club head becomes loose during the round? Question, Is a player permitted to refit/tighten the club head without penalty? 
​Good luck, and come to the Saturday presentation to put yourself in the running to win the ball marker, and have a bit of fun at the same time.

Know Your Course Competition.

Congratulations to Leonie Carroll for her second win in this competition, and thank you to all those who entered during the week, it's pleasing to see the numbers rising. The photo (go and look at it now) showed the stairs leading to the 12th Tee. There are 11 steps in the run.

This week's photograph, read the caption and send your answer via email to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com
​The first correct entry wins a club ball marker.

A Little Humour.

Just a thought.
"I’ve spent most of my life golfing – the rest I’ve just wasted."
Unknown

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf.