The WHS is Coming

In This Issue

• Course Marking changes
• World Handicap System
• Coming Events
• Recent Results
• The Rules Quiz
• "Who Am I ?" Competition
• A Little Humour

Course Marking.
Several areas of the course have been marked with coloured stakes. While most of these areas have previously been marked (and the stakes replaced) some are new. The area at the entry to the machinery sheds (adjacent the 1st fairway) has been marked as out of bounds. The out of bounds stakes have been re-installed along the left hand side of the 2nd fairway. Note, the drain at the rear of the houses is in play and marked with Red stakes. The most notable change has been to stake the entire "Wasteland" area which is contained inside the 3rd, 16th and 4th  fairways/green with White stakes as GUR. Note, the drain along the right hand side of the 16th fairway is in play and is staked with Red stakes (see photo). Also note that players have a GUR option when their ball lies in bird/animal damaged areas in the General area/Bunkers and on the Green. Ball location only, not stance.

World Handicap System (WHS)
As I mentioned in my previous post, the WHS introduction is imminent. The Golflink computers will be taken offline on the 27th January until the 30th. The system will be online for use on the 31st January. As part of the introduction, Golf NSW was asked to undertake a full survey of the coloured courses at BGC. As a result of this survey the following will apply when the WHS goes active.

• Blue Course: Slope: Men = 115, Women = 125,  Scratch Rating: Men = 70, Women = 76
• Red Course: Slope: Men = 111, Women = 121, Scratch Rating: Men = 68, Women = 74
• White Course: Slope: Men = 113, Women = 121, SCR: Men = 69, Women = 74

​As you can see, there are several changes which will have a minor effect on your Daily Playing Handicap (DPH). When you look up your Golflink Handicap (GH) you will see the raw average of the best 8 of the latest 20 scores (no longer factored by 0.93). This handicap is useable anywhere around the world where the WHS is in use. The change you will notice is when you use your Golflink membership to sign up to play a round. When you do this your GL will be processed by the computer to produce your DPH. The following example uses a simulated player with a GL handicap of 20 who is signed up to play the Men's Blue course (with the new ratings).

• Slope Adjustment : GL (20) x (115/113) = 20.35
• SCR Adjustment : SCR - PAR = +1 = 21.35
• Adjustment for 'Potential' x.93 = 19.86
• 19.86 rounds to 20. The player plays off a handicap of 20. (ie, no change to previous)

As you can see, there is only a minor change to the outcome, and the computer will do the work for you. The main item to notice is that each course will have a Slope and a SCR, which will allow for mixed genders (and/or mixed courses) in the same competition.

Coming Events

• Friday 12 Hole Competition has started up again. Roll-up starts from 2pm. $5 comp fee, and if you wish to enter the best 3 of 12 rounds comp, the entry fee is $20. Note that players playing an 18 hole round have right of way where holes intermix.
• Australia Day Medley. The Convenors have arranged a fun day for all golfers, and there will be a BBQ lunch to follow (lunch bookings are required at the BAR). There will be a Shotgun start at 08:30. The format is Irish Stableford, and there are some fun competitions included in the round. See the notice board for full details.
• RFS Charity Day. Save the date, Sunday February 16th. The booking sheet is now open (online). The format is Single Stableford. Entry is $45 (current RFS members exempt) which will be donated to the RFS along with proceeds from the various other fundraising activities on the day. A sausage sizzle will run from 11 am until 2pm. Anyone who wishes to donate items for inclusion in prizes would be most welcome.
• The first of the Monthly Medals will be contested next Saturday 18th January, and the following Saturday (25th) is the first of the Trophy competitions (Sefton Cullen).

Recent Results

Wednesday 8th January. An excellent roll-up for the first 4BBB competition of the year. 71 players joined 2 visitors (from Kogarah and Barton Ridge) on a smokey day. The team of Andrew Tomkins (19) and James Burkitt (15) held off the field with 47 points to win by 1 from Will Clayton (12) and his dad Ray Clayton (36). Roberto Ratalino posted the best individual score of 40 points. The Eagle now has 8 balls waiting for the next Wednesday winner, Chris Deane won the NTP 11th and Brian Lamb the pro pin.

Saturday 11th January. Another good field of 81 to begin the regular season. Fraser McDonald (21) posted 42 points to win the day from Phillip Downing (27) with 39 points on count back. John Jones relieved the Eagle of 2 balls while Tony Fitzpatrick won the NTP 11th and Roberto Ratalino narrowly missed an Ace on the 14th to win the pro pin. Visitors from Wakehurst and Moore Park were welcomed.

​Sunday 12th January. Just the men playing in the competition last Sunday, with 12 in the field. Alec Dietsch (13) with 38 points claimed the prize from John Buchanan (16) with 37.

The Rules Quiz.
The question posed prior to the Christmas break was finally answered at the Saturday presentation with Alec Dietsch and Daniel Weekes both providing the correct answer. The answer to the question (go back and read the question now) is that there is a 2 stroke penalty and the stroke at the wrong ball is not counted. After the ensuing 'putt-off' Daniel again prevailed over Alec to win the ball marker. I definitely think Daniel now has the wood over Alec on the clubhouse green!!

This week is an interesting scenario. Player A ends up above the pin on the 16th hole and requires a tricky/quick downhill putt. While player A is assessing his putt, player B (who is below the hole, and has an uphill putt) removes some loose sticks and leaves from below the hole.
True or False, Player A has the right to have those loose impediments replaced as they may help stop his ball from rolling well beyond the hole if his putt misses.

​"Who Am I ?" Competition.
The second week of the new identity, and there have been some interesting responses thus far, none correct though. Remember to email your response to me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

The clue for this week.
"I have previously held the position of Secretary/Treasurer of a national golf association".
​(Note, the photo is a logo only)

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A Little Humour
Secrets of Great Golf!

A reporter was interviewing Jack Nicklaus.

He said, "Jack, you are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf.  You really know your way around the course.  What is your secret?"

To which Jack replied, "The holes are numbered!"

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf !!