As our club prepares for significant renovations and beyond, the Golf & Caddie Sub Committee (GSCS) has outlined key initiatives designed to enhance our ability to accommodate the potential interruptions arising from the fouryear program. This focus is critical, as the renovations are expected to temporarily reduce our overall tee time availability. Additionally, GSCS will seek to improve the member experience by enforcing etiquette and addressing outstanding issues. These initiatives and guidelines compliment / Should be read in addition to the “Conduct & Courtesy on the Course / Golf Rulings” in our E fixtures booklet.
Maximising Tee Time Availability
Pace of Play
Maintaining an efficient pace of play is essential; we will introduce measures to improve pace and accommodate more players. Some of these measures, particularly during weekends, would include a combination of moving the tees forward and putting more centrally located pin positions subject to good maintenance practices. We will also work with the Greens Convenor to explore opportunities that reduce rough mowing height throughout the year.
Marshals will be empowered to inform and document players who do not maintain pace of play.
Reduction of Weekend Competitions
Currently, the club hosts around 130 competitions annually, averaging three events each week. While rescheduling these events to weekdays is not feasible due to participation limitations, the GSCS will review the competition calendar and propose alternatives. This may include combining women’s and men’s trophy and medal events to decrease weekend competitions.
Earlier Competition Start Times
Competitions on weekends, will now commence earlier, targeting a start time of 7:24am. This adjustment aims to allow events to conclude sooner, giving participants more time to enjoy their afternoons. Whilst this may cause disruptions to those taking up “early bird tee times” we would encourage them to enter these competitions.
Social Events Scheduling
The GCSC has received substantial numbers of complaints where social events secure preferred times through the Management. Moving forward, Management will suspend the reservation of preferred times for social events to ensure that tee times are accessible to a greater number of golfers. Members planning social gatherings will be required to follow the standard scheduling process by queuing and booking tee times. However, significant requests will be evaluated by the GCSC on a case-by-case basis to assess their merit with approvals resulting in such events commencing at non peak times. This approach aims to maintain fairness while accommodating special circumstances.
Facilitating Member Participation
The front office will actively assist members in forming four-ball groups during peak periods to maximize the utilization of tee times. This initiative presents an excellent opportunity for individuals or pairs to join in and connect with fellow members, fostering new friendships and enriching the overall club experience. We trust Members will embrace this initiative.
Etiquette Enforcement
Promoting Proper Conduct on the Course
Effective October 1st, marshals will have the authority to advise members and document those who neglect to replace sand in divots, rake bunkers, and repair pitch marks. This will include divots taken on tee boxes. There are also occasional instances of damage to the greens due to golfers dragging their feet. We encourage members to highlight these to Marshalls.
Offenders will receive a formal letter, and repeated violations could lead to suspension of playing privileges.
Buggies Restrictions
We have noted instances where buggy tire marks have damaged certain areas of the golf course. Responsible buggy use is essential to maintaining good playing conditions and not add to the challenges of maintaining the golf courses to a high standard. To protect the integrity of our greens and course, buggies will be required to be on the cart tracks on Par 3 holes at all times and when buggies are allowed on the course they are prohibited within 30 yards of the greens. Marshals will monitor compliance and document repeat offenders. Continued non-compliance may result in the revocation of buggy privileges.
Tying Up Loose Ends
Competition Tie Resolution
The by-laws for cup competitions which states that ties will be resolved by an 18 hole playoff have been updated; ties will now be resolved through a sudden death playoff.
For other competitions, in the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by count back of the last 9 holes, six holes, 3 holes and the last hole of the competition.
Digital Competition Entries
We are currently working towards entry for competitions using our app. We will keep members informed when we transition to it. We understand that are members who maybe unfamiliar with the process and the front office will be available to provide assistance.
