Oatlands Enews – Friday 10th September 2021
Content
This week’s Enews covers the following topics:
- Welcome Back to Oatlands from Club President, George Isaac
- Club Captain’s Update
- Course Re-opening Compliance
- From the Course
- OGC Takeaway Cafe
- Covid Exchange tee Times – Expressions of Interest
- Members Only Closed Facebook Group
- DIY Mexican Fiesta
Welcome back to Oatlands
When the NSW Premier relaxed the “1 hour for exercise” rule in the “LGA’s of Concern”, I was so excited to be able to re-open Oatlands.
It broke my heart when the NSW Health orders left us with little option but to close the course on 23rd of August. Closure of the course is never ideal, however in terms of timing, the course has had a good “rest” following planned renovations and the course team has had the opportunity to get ahead of schedule with the planned bunker renovation program. Dom has kept us up to date with videos of progress posted to the Oatlands Facebook page, and there is more course news in this eNews.
We must remember that many restrictions remain in force, such as the 5km rule for exercise. As such, we have many members who still cannot access the course. The golf community has been wonderful in sharing tee times between Clubs to try and provide access to a game for as many members as possible. Oatlands currently has time sharing arrangements in place with:
- Asquith
- Avondale
- Carnarvon
- Castle Hill
- Cumberland
- Killara
- Lynwood
- Monash
- Muirfield
- North Ryde
- Pennant Hills
- Ryde-Parramatta
- Stonecutters Ridge
- Strathfield
Many of these Clubs provided access for our eligible members even though Oatlands has not been able to reciprocate until now. We thank those Clubs for supporting our membership. Members will notice on the timesheets that times are reserved for members of other clubs throughout the week. These times are to facilitate our time sharing agreements with other Clubs, and these times are being utilised by Oatlands members who are not able to access Oatlands under the restrictions that remain in force.
The General Manager has provided communication on a number of previous occasions, including requesting details of courses that members are eligible to access, if you cannot access Oatlands. Sam has done a fantastic job, in very trying and constantly changing circumstances, to keep as many members as possible playing golf. Thankyou Sam!
I look forward to seeing you back at Oatlands soon, and for those still not able to access Oatlands, we are thinking of you and looking forward to your return.
Sincerely,
George Isaac
Club President
Club Captain’s Update
It will be great to have the course open again tomorrow!
Although time sheets are currently open, until further notice play will comprise a daily competition in a medley format, and social play. All trophies and incomplete match play events remain suspended until we are able to fully open to all members.
Timesheet and Booking Conditions are as follows:
Timesheets and Bookings
- All timesheets will open 5 days in advance at 4:30pm
- Competition timesheets will become available for Lifestyle members 4 days in advance at 7pm
- The timesheet configuration for the week will be as follows:
- Monday Medley Comp – Ladies Handicap Divisions: 7am – 12:30pm
- Monday Social: 12:36pm onward
- Tuesday Social: 8am onward
- Wednesday Medley Comp – Mens Handicap Divisions: 7am – 1:00pm
- Wednesday Social: 1:06pm onward
- Thursday Comp – Ladies Handicap Divisions: 7am – 12:30pm
- Thursday Social: 12:36pm onward
- Friday Comp: 7am – 12:30pm
- Friday Social: 12:36pm onward
- Saturday Medley Comp – Mens Handicap Divisions: 7am – 1:00pm
- Saturday Social: 1:06pm onward
- Sunday Medley Comp: 7am – 12:30pm
- Sunday Social: 12:36pm onward
Importantly, at this stage there will be no limit on the number of games playable per week for members eligible to access Oatlands, however, demand will be reviewed regularly and limits may be reintroduced if required. Our objective is to always try and provide equitable access to the course for all members.
Golf is a Game of Integrity
Oatlands has a long tradition of playing competition golf. One prospective new member described Oatlands to me recently as “you guys are a serious competition golfers club”.
Although we are currently playing in 2’s without daily presentations and social activity, those registering to play in a competition are doing just that. If you prefer to play golf socially, times are available for social golf.
At Oatlands, all members, staff and committee are charged with the responsibility of making sure the game is played within the rules. The rules of golf, and Oatlands’s By-Laws, provide for sanctions against those who do not follow the Rules of the game, and the By-Laws of Oatlands.
Prior to our recent closure, the Club has had to address an unacceptable number of breaches ranging from accidental scoring discrepancies to more blatant acts of cheating. It goes without saying that this will not be tolerated, however the message does not seem to have been understood by some golfers.
It is disappointing to have to convey this message so bluntly (again), however all members should expect and be aware that breaches of rules and scoring irregularities will be dealt with to the full extent permissible under the Club’s Constitution and By-Laws.
Yours Sincerely,
Matt Seamons
Club Captain
Course Re-opening Compliance
The current NSW Public Health Orders mandate that in order to play golf at OGC you must live within 5kms of the furthest part of the Golf Clubs (the 5kms from your residential address must include the entire golf course).
- It is incumbent on all members to know if they reside within the 5kms or not. DO NOT BOOK IF YOU DO NOT MEET THIS REQUIREMENT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
- It is a requirement of re-opening the Club that we update our Covid Safety Plan and provide details of the re-opening to the local police.
- Arrival no earlier than 20mins before tee time
- Masks will be required up to the 1st tee and must be re-applied immediately upon completion of the 18th hole
- Every player MUST individually register at the Pro Shop for ALL play (including social), and an ID address check will be undertaken by the Pro Shop. Please have your ID ready for presentation.
- QR code check in must be completed. Codes are provided outside the Pro Shop.
- You must leave the course as soon as your round is complete. You cannot loiter around the course or the practice facilities once your golf game is complete.
We are aware of at least two other Clubs whereby golfers (members) breached the Health Orders and Club directions. The individuals received large fines via NSW Police Infringement notices, and subsequent disciplinary action from the respective Clubs. Oatlands GC will be encouraging inspections by the NSW Police and have been deemed compliant at every inspection that we have had to date, so please do not make a booking if you do not reside within 5kms of the Club.
Please be advised, that while the Club will not be taking any chances, the obligation for compliance sits with every member. The Club is obligated under the NSW Health Orders to inform the NSW Police of any known breaches and will not hesitate to do so to keep the Club compliant and meet our broader obligations of the Health Orders and community safety.
From the Course
Rainfall for the Week: 12.0mm, Rainfall for 2021: 752.5mm Dam: 95% Green Speed: Renovations
A very busy week on the course for the team with all staff members returning to normal hours as of Monday. We have also had a large contribution from our volunteers on most days this week, which has enabled the course, the collars, and the bunker project to be ahead of where I expected them to be by the end of the week.
All fairways have received their cut this week since renovations with plenty of grass being cut off these surfaces. Most of the fairway surfaces have fully recovered with just areas on the 3rd and 7th which are affected by shade in winter, yet to start fully growing. All roughs have been mown and the blowers and vacuum have been busy all week tidying up all the leaf debris. Many trailer loads of sticks have been removed from around the course, which has been undertaken by the volunteers.
The re-turfing of the collars on the 3rd, 6th, 8th and 9th was completed on Tuesday, and the 16th green complex has been completed today with the collar and the 4 bunker surrounds all being turfed. Our volunteers have gone through the bunkers on the 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th and cleared out all the loose debris that was left over after our contractor shelled these bunkers out. This is a labour-intensive task, and the course team are very grateful for this assistance by our volunteers.
Greens have received several chemical applications this week that require watering in after application, and this task has certainly been made easier with the course closure. Our greens are in great condition, with the height of cut being lowered to 4mm for the weekend.
I can’t thank everyone that has volunteered their time over this past week enough. Everyone shows up with enthusiasm and dedication to assist in making the golf course a better place for other members to enjoy!
Enjoy the weekend!
The Course Team.
OGC Takeaway Cafe
The temporary Takeaway Cafe will re-commence when the Club re-opens on Saturday 11th September with the following hours of operation:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Thursday:10:00am – 3:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday:10:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday:10:00am – 3:00pm
Members are reminded that cafe sales can only take place for golfers moving between holes 11 and 12. Post golf sales are not available with the restrictions in place requiring members to head home immediately upon completion of their golf.
The Takeaway Cafe is selling coffee, packaged sandwiches, bottled drinks including beer, pies, sausage rolls and confectionery.
Members are reminded that all items are for takeaway sale only and can only be consumed on the way back to your car or in your car, not on the verandah or carpark.
COVID EXCHANGE TEE TIMES – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
With the upcoming re-opening of Oatlands Golf Course, the Club has been able to secure tee times for OGC members at 14 other Golf Clubs. These times are only available to Oatlands members who are ineligible to play at Oatlands Golf Club from Saturday 11th September when we re-open.
To assist in the allocation of these times, members are asked to please complete the Expression of Interest Survey by clicking on the link below;
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THIS SURVEY, PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE AGAIN
Tee Time Allocation
Times at other Clubs are being allocated on a rotation basis, with those members who have played the least amount of golf at Oatlands since 5th July (5 games of less) given first priority.
Members will be contacted directly once times are allocated, please be patient.
Stay safe and talk soon.
Sincerely,
Sam Howe
General Manager
Oatlands Golf Club
Members Only Closed Facebook Group
The Club’s members only Facebook Group is quickly becoming a fantastic way for the Club to engage with members and members to engage with each other.
We now have 209 members who have joined the group and hope that this continues to grow.
Importantly, members are advised that this social media platform will not be used for the Club to communicate critical information through, that will remain via the Enews, website and direct email.
An example of the a few of the content items that are being posted to this Members Only Group are provided below:
To join the Members Only Facebook Group please click on the link below and then click on the “JOIN GROUP” button. You will be asked a few questions to vary you are a member and then approved by the group administrator shortly thereafter.
www.facebook.com/groups/870087546972166/
DIY Mexican Fiesta – Saturday 18th September
On Saturday the 18th of September, we are offering pick up and delivery of our ready made Mexican Fiesta
$40pp
Pick up from 11-5pm and delivery from 3-5pm
Menu
- Pulled Pork Tacos
- Chilli Con Carne Beef Nachos
- Brown Rice Chipotle Burrito Bowl
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo – Salsa
- Churros with Dipping Sauce