Well as I write this first full newsletter of 2017 it is a time to reflect on another hectic year (2016) for both us in the shop and a club as a whole. We had an interesting year of trade, with the first 5 months difficult, all entirely due to poor weather conditions. This indeed had a major impact for the greenkeepers too, unable to cut areas on the course at times, and therefore putting the progress of the course back somewhat. June saw a pick up in the weather, which has largely held right through to now, and this in turn has seen our own business pick up well, and then indeed the work on the course condition gather momentum. As I write away on this Monday morning I feel the course is as good as I have seen it for the time of year, with strong growth on the greens, and much tidying up of overgrown areas. Indeed I have been spotted with a strimmer on a couple of occasions myself, and intend to offer a further few days on ditch duty in the new year. Mind you when Steve posted some pics of me hard at work the consensus was my strimmer grip was all wrong!
With difficult times for golf as a whole with less memberships and more casual players now, the club has responded well to a changing market and introduced lots of new member categories. Please help the club by spreading the word of what a friendly and well run club we are part of, and I am sure with the continued support of you, the members, we will prosper as we move forward.
Here's a picture of Richard Ladd on his way to defeat over nine holes to yours truely. Better luck next time, Richard!
As you know Micko has now left us and I just reiterate what a credit he is to both the golf and partying professions! Legend already, my great tall ginger mate! Good luck in the future and make sure you are back for the Pro-am buddy.
January will see an in-store sale, as well as clearance on eBay as we make way for the new stock. We expect to be started as you read this so pop in after that for a browse.
Look out in the New Year for some ace lesson deals and several classes we aim to roll out for beginners, juniors, sports clubs and company groups, and not forgetting our aim to deliver roll up classes to the members on a more regular basis.
Well done on the playing front to Dan Holland whose 41 points won the Xmas Jumper Stableford on Saturday 17th December from Alan Dear with 39 points and then Dave Pegg with 38 points. Sunday 18th December saw an excellent mixed Captain's Xmas Aggregate stableford with 40 enjoying an excellent buffet after the event. Winners on the front 9 were Ian Sutherland paired with Gill Kapka, scoring a superb 39 points. The back nine winners were Dave and Chris Reid on 32 points.
Saturday 7th January saw a creditable 32 entries for the Medal. Division 1 saw a father and son one two, with an excellent 65 from Leigh Davey knocking Bill's 68 into second. Division 2 saw Myles Shaw's better back nine 69 knock Shaun Mitchell into second. Notable mentions for Paul Barker's 69 in Division 1 as well as Jason Ellis with a 70. Division 2 notable mention for Mick Goddard with a 70.
Note The men's knockout entry lists are now open in the shop, payment must be made with entry.
- January 14th Winter league round 3
Sport wise Tottenham recently beat Chelsea to make the top of the Premiership most interesting.
My Baggy boys had two wins in the league to make Premier League survival look most probable now, but crashed out of the FA Cup to Derby at the weekend.
Grimsby continue to improve under the new manager with a great win at Hartlepool at the weekend.