We trust you are all safe and healthy. These are certainly trying times for everyone, but we are in a fortunate position whereby golf can still be played albeit under restricted conditions – but the alternative is not much fun. We can understand everybody’s irritation at not being able to play when they want and with who they want.

With the current restrictions we are down to field capacity of 70% of our normal capacity for this time of year which is hard at the best of times with the shorter winter days.

Unfortunately, there is a growing number of members who are missing out on a game on weekends whilst at the same time there is a high number of members who are playing both Saturday and Sunday as well as at other times during the week. This is not equitable for all members, and we still need to bear in mind that there is still a high number of members who still need to work during the week and can only play on the weekend which of course is limited. We do ask if you can play on the weekday to do so and leave the weekend spots to those members who cannot play during the week. It is during times like this we need to be thoughtful of everyone including your fellow members.

In an effort to ensure we set a fair and equitable environment for all members, effective from this Saturday the following tee booking arrangement will be in place:

• Each member will only be able to have 1 open booking at any one time in the system,
• The timesheet for both Saturday and Sunday will open on the preceding Friday at 7.00 pm as it does now. The main change here will be a member will now only be able to book a time slot on Saturday or Sunday. This does not mean you cannot play both days but first preference for a tee time on Sunday will be for members who cannot get a Saturday tee time. Members will still be able to utilise the wait list for Sunday and once the competition is finished on Saturday will be able to book a Sunday tee time subject to availability. Sunday with now be a members only day – no visitors will be allowed,
• The timesheet for Mondays will open on the preceding Sunday night at 7.00 pm,
• The timesheet for Wednesdays and Fridays will open on the preceding Monday night at 7.00 pm. Again, a member will now only be able to book a time slot on Wednesday or Friday. Again, this does not mean you cannot play both days but first preference for a tee time on Friday will be for members who cannot get a Wednesday tee time. Members will still be able to utilise the wait list for Friday and once the competition is finished on Wednesday will be able to book a Friday tee time subject to availability. Both Wednesday and Friday will now be Members only days – no visitors will be allowed,
• The timesheet for the ladies Thursday competition will open on the preceding Wednesday night at 7.00 pm.

The current arrangement will remain in place that any member on the waitlist for Saturday and who does not get a game on either the Saturday or Sunday will be allocated a guaranteed time on the following Saturday.

We believe this creates a much fairer system equally for all members. There is no perfect system and no answer that will cover all situations. We kindly ask for your forbearance during these times and understand the world is not where anyone wants it to be. Sacrifices much more important are being made in much more critical areas than on a golf course.

There are people working hard to try to make the best result possible for you out of a bad situation and this is especially the case for the pro shop staff of Anthony, Ray and Jonathan. Thank you.

UPDATE TO PLAYING CONDITIONS

Please note the following with regards to course and playing conditions:

• With winter well and truly upon us and the volume of golf being played the course is starting to see the effects, until further notice we will be playing preferred lie through the green. This will be 30 cm no nearer the hole. Also, there will be some additional GUR areas in play around the greens, namely the right hand side of 5, the right hand side of 11, the left hand side of 14, and the left hand side of 17. Relief is nearest point of full relief no nearer the hole,
• Please note with the pool noodles in holes the ball MUST still come to rest in the hole. If the ball does not come to rest in the hole it is not considered holed. There is no gimme’s. An example is as follows:

• The practice putting green, the practice nets and the practice range will be closed until further notice.
• As golf is considered exercise please do not arrive at the course any earlier than 15 minutes before your tee time and leave as soon as your round is complete,
• Please continue to look after your course by repairing divots and pitch marks. Also, please smooth bunkers as best as you can with your foot or club. It is your course to look after.

Let’s be kind to all and be patient and understanding so we can come out of this at the other side. Remember we are all in this together.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of your Golf Committee.