Oatlands Enews – Friday 26th July 2024
Content
This week’s Enews covers the following topics:
- Player Registration prior to Play – Compulsory as of Monday 29th July
- From the Course
- Ladies Captain vs Presidents: Captain gets the Win
- Captain’s Corner – Golf, A Sport of Ethics and Integrity
- Interactive Rules Seminar – Wednesday 4th September
- Sam Reece Wins PGA Associate Match
- Member Referral and Group Membership Incentives
- Oatlands Scramble – Tuesday 17th September
- Introduction to Competition Golf Sessions
- Max Dakic and Sam Reece NSW Championship Fundraising Raffle
- Pennant Update
- Recent Trophy Event Winners
- Upcoming Golf / Trophy Events
- Upcoming Member Events: July & August
- Members Only Facebook Group
Player Registration prior to Play – Compulsory as of Monday 29th July
In recent months, there has been an increasing number of competition and social players not registering into the Pro Shop prior to play. This causes a range of complexities including but not limited to;
- Difficulties Starting Fields
- Players commencing in competitions without scorecards
- Players left on course in shotgun starts without playing partners
- Groups being moved up into tee times that are vacant
However the main issue with players not registering is the insurance implications in the event of an incident on course involving a player whose presence on the golf course has not been registered.
To assist in overcoming these issues, effective Monday 29th July, all players are required to register in-person in the Pro Shop prior to play. The Club has installed a self check-in kiosk terminal in the Pro Shop (pictured) to allow players to register themselves prior to play or you can advise a member of the Pro Shop staff personally.
This requires all players to attend the Pro Shop counter and advise a member of staff that they are registering, or to self check-in via the self check-in terminal installed in the Pro Shop earlier this week.
This requirement applies to both competition and social play and requires individuals to register themselves. Registration on behalf of another player will no longer be allowed.
The Match Committee appreciate your co-operation and understanding of this requirement which will make management of the play on the golf course, and compliance with insurance requirements much easier for the Pro Shop staff and Club.
Failure to register prior to play in competition may result in disqualification, and failure to register for social play may result in suspension of bookings rights.
From the Course
Rainfall for the Week: 0.0mm, Rainfall for 2024: 905.0mm, Dam: 100%, Green Speed: 10.5 feet
A week without rain was replaced with some very strong winds on Saturday afternoon which was great for drying playing surfaces out, but it did bring down a few trees and branches, along with a massive amount of leaf debris which was left scattered across the course. The course team, with the help of our Monday volunteers, put in a big effort and we were able to get the course tidied up and presentable to host the Super Seniors Pennants on Tuesday morning.
The winds returned on Thursday again but with more warmth than last weekend, giving us a taste of the warmer weather that is hopefully only a few weeks away, just in time for course renovations. Leaf debris once again littered the course, with the course team doing their best to tidy up again before the weekend.
Recent herbicide applications to the 12th, 13th, 14th, 17th, and 18th tees for Winter Grass weeds are having the desired effect, with this problematic weed in these tee complexes really starting to melt out and die. The winter grass weeds in the 15th and 16th tee complexes are looking very prominent following a growth stimulant application. The stimulant is encouraging this weed to grow which will increase the effectiveness of a controlling herbicide we have applied this week. We have tricked the Winter grass into growing and these plants will be absorbing moisture/nutrients to maintain this growth, while also absorbing the herbicide during the growing process which should increase the effectiveness of this application.
The drainage mainline on the 16th fairway has been completed this week after our order of drainage pipe was delivered. This mainline will have an influence on its own, but we will also trench in several lateral lines connecting with this mainline, with these laterals collecting excess water from the fairway surface and the rough line on the right hand side of this hole. The lateral lines will be dug as time permits, with the course team only a matter of weeks away from our very busy Spring renovation period, where greens and fairways are renovated for the upcoming growing season. Therefore, the completion of all the drainage works on the 16th will take some time but will be beneficial in the end.
Volunteers were on course Monday morning assisting with the course clean-up from the strong winds of last weekend. Thank you gentlemen for all your help once again this week!
Greens will be cut on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Happy Golfing!
The Course Team.
Ladies Captain vs Presidents: Captain gets the Win
The annual Ladies Captain vs Presidents day took place on Thursday 25th July with 70 ladies contesting the event. The Captain’s (blue team) and President’s (pink team) were dressed to impress and were taking this light-hearted competition between friends quite seriously.
It was great to see a warm sunny day on the course and the Captain’s team took the greatest advantage of the conditions winning the day 20 matches to 15.
The Ladies President, Michele Hannaford was gracious in defeat, congratulating Ladies Captain Jill Vale, and gently encouraging her pink ladies to lift for next year.
Captain’s Corner – Golf, A Sport of Ethics and Integrity
Golf, often considered a gentleman’s game, is particularly steeped in ethical considerations. The sport not only demands physical skill and mental acuity but also places a significant emphasis on integrity, respect, and sportsmanship. These ethical principles are woven into the fabric of golf, influencing how players conduct themselves both on and off the course.
Integrity and Honesty
One of the most fundamental ethical principles in golf is integrity. Unlike many other sports, golf relies heavily on the honesty of the players. Golfers are expected to keep an accurate score, call penalties on themselves, and play the ball as it lies, adhering strictly to the rules of the game. This self-regulation is a hallmark of golf, underscoring the importance of personal integrity. A golfer who cheats not only disrespects the game but also diminishes their own reputation and the trust others place in them.
Respect for Others
Respect is another cornerstone of ethical behaviour in golf. This respect extends to fellow competitors, the course, and the game itself. Golfers are expected to be courteous, maintaining a positive attitude regardless of the outcome of their game. This includes observing silence when others are taking their shots, repairing divots, and raking bunkers to leave the course in good condition for those who follow. Such actions reflect a respect for the collective enjoyment of the sport and the shared use of the facilities.
Sportsmanship and Fair Play
Sportsmanship in golf involves playing fair, accepting victories and defeats with grace, and exhibiting humility. Good sportsmanship means acknowledging the achievements of others, offering congratulations for good shots, and commiserating over bad ones. It also involves adhering to the spirit of the rules. For instance, while the rules of golf are detailed and extensive, ethical golfers do not seek to exploit loopholes for unfair advantage. Instead, they strive to compete fairly and honourably, embodying the true spirit of competition.
Accountability and Responsibility
Golfers are also expected to take responsibility for their actions. This includes owning up to mistakes and learning from them, rather than blaming external factors such as the condition of the course or the behaviour of other players. Ethical golfers acknowledge their role in the game and accept the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. This sense of accountability fosters personal growth and upholds the integrity of the sport.
The Role of Etiquette
Golf etiquette, while not part of the formal rules, is a significant aspect of the game’s ethical framework. Etiquette encompasses a range of behaviours that contribute to the overall experience of the game. This includes being punctual for tee times, allowing faster groups to play through, and maintaining a steady pace of play to ensure that the game flows smoothly. By adhering to these unwritten rules, golfers show respect for others’ time and enjoyment, reinforcing the community spirit of the sport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethics in golf are more than just a set of guidelines; they are the essence of what makes the sport unique. The emphasis on integrity, respect, sportsmanship, accountability, and etiquette creates an environment where the true spirit of the game can flourish. Golfers who embrace these ethical principles contribute to the noble tradition of the sport, ensuring that it remains a game of honour and respect. By upholding these values, golfers not only enhance their own experience but also preserve the integrity and enjoyment of the game for future generations.
Good Golfing
Col McRae
Club Captain
Oatlands Golf Club
Interactive Rules Seminar – Wednesday 4th September
Join us on Wednesday 4th September, for our next interactive Rules Seminar covering both R&A Rules and OGC Local Rules demonstrated specifically on Oatlands Golf Course, utilising drone photography.
This seminar will cover all the common Rules of Golf as they specifically relate to situations at OGC, along with the Club Local Rules and an opportunity for attendees to ask specific questions about any hole and scenario on our golf course.
Booking for this Seminar is via the Club website or by phoning Reception.
Sam Reece Wins PGA Associate Match
Oatlands PGA Associate (formerly known as PGA Trainee) Sam Reece, has won his first PGA Open Match at Antill Park on Monday 22nd July with a fine score of 3 under (67).
The PGA Membership Pathway Program, which Sam is undertaking, includes Professional tournament play as an integral component of the Program. There is a wide variety of playing opportunities for students including:
• Weekly matches
• Pro-Am events
• State Championships
• National events
• PGA Tour of Australasia events
(subject to eligibility)
Students are required to demonstrate competency in their professional playing ability by meeting the PGA Playing Standard.
This results builds on recent good form by Sam and places him in a great position to meet the playing standard requirement of his PGA training.
Member Referral and Group Membership Incentives
The response following the recent launch of these incentives has been fantastic, with July on track for a record month for new member applications. These have our Full-playing membership rapidly approaching capacity once again, and members looking to propose new members or upgrade to full-playing membership are encouraged to do so before capacity is reached and a waitlist is again in place.
The Club’s greatest source of new members has always been from existing member referrals, and to recognise this, the Membership Committee would like to implement the following new member incentives:
Member Referral Incentive
Any member referring a new member to the 7-day membership categories (Full-playing and Intermediate, excludes Juniors) will receive a $500 credit* to be used in the Bar (Food & Beverage) or Pro Shop (Retail), and any member referring a new member to the 6-day membership category will receive a $350 credit* to be used in the Bar (Food & Beverage) or Pro Shop (Retail).
This credit can be allocated to the referring member, or to the new member, depending on the preference of the referring member.
Group Joining Fee Incentive
Any group of 6 or more members joining in the following playing categories: 7-day (Full-playing and Intermediate), 6-day, and Lifestyle, (excludes Juniors), will receive 50% reduction* to the Joining Fee for all new members in the group, providing they join at the same time.
*Not available in-conjunction with any other offer.
The Membership Committee predicts that 7-day membership categories will once again reach capacity by the end of the calendar year. It is hoped that these offers will encourage member referrals and groups known to each other and existing members, further enhancing the cultural aspects that make Oatlands Golf Club great.
With an exciting development and large scale improvements to Club facilities on the horizon, now is a great time to join Oatlands Golf Club.
For more information or to propose a new member, please contact Membership Co-ordinator, Kathy Bright, by phoning Reception or via email administration@oatlandsgolf.com.au.
Sincerely,
Matthew Seamons
Membership Chairman / Vice-Club President
Oatlands Golf Club
Oatlands Scramble – Tuesday 17th September
Oatlands will be holding our annual Scramble event on Tuesday 17th September with the event open to members and visitors.
So get your team of four together and enter now.
Oatlands Golf Club – Mixed Open
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Tee Time: 8.00AM Shotgun Start
Entry Fee:
Members: $80.00 pp
Visitors: $110.00 pp
Inclusions:
- 3 x Callaway golf balls per person
- Bacon & Egg Roll and Barista Tea/Coffee on arrival.
- A chance to share in over $1,700 of prizes
- Exclusive partner offers
Registrations Close: Monday, September 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Handicap limits for both individuals and teams apply. Please ensure you have read the Scramble Terms of Competition prior to competing in this event.
To register a team for the 2024 Oatlands Scramble, CLICK HERE.
Introduction to Competition Golf Sessions
The Club will be hosting a series of Introduction to Competition Golf Sessions each month for the remainder of the year.
These sessions are aimed at those members interested in playing competition golf, or those that have just started and would like further information on the nuances of competition golf compared to social golf.
The sessions will go for 2-hours, with one hour inside covering handicapping, hole indexes and course ratings, and scoring formats, with the second hour outside covering practical examples of the common golf rules and etiquette that form part of competition golf.
Bookings for these sessions are available via the Club website of by contacting the Pro Shop, and will be offered on the following dates:
- Tuesday 27th August @ 10am
- Tuesday 24th September @ 2pm
- Tuesday 22nd October @10am
- Tuesday 26th November @10am
Participation in these sessions is complimentary.
Max Dakic and Sam Reece NSW Championship Fundraising Raffle
Max Dakic & Sam Reece will be competing in the 2024 NSW/ACT PGA Associate Championships in August (22th – 30th). To assist them to contest this prestigious event, they will be selling raffle tickets in the Proshop with the funds raised going towards helping them pay for expenses such as Entry Fees, Accommodation, and Travel.
- 1st Prize – 1 Set of Titleist T200 Irons
- 2nd Prize – 18 Holes of Golf for 4 players with 2 Carts at a Private Members Country Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
- 3rd Prize – 18 Holes of Golf for 4 players with 2 Carts at Concord Golf Club (Midweek)
- 4th Prize – 1 Scotty Cameron Putter
- 5th Prize – 1 Pair of Footjoy MyJoys
Tickets $10 Dollars.
Tickets are on sale until 24th of August.
Thanks for all of your support!
Sincerely,
Max Dakic and Sam Reece.
Pennant Update
Men’s Super Senior Pennant
A cold and windy Tuesday 16th July saw Round 1 of the Super Seniors played at Muirfield GC. The course had dried out well after the big wet and was set up for a tough contest.
The Oatlands GC Super Seniors Team (listed below), took on Roseville GC with some really close results for both teams. Although we went down on the day, it was a great win for Richard Lees and Joe Wahbe, two new players this year. Chris Garland finished his match square. The other players just missing out on the day but played well under the conditions.
- Lindsay Macinnes
- Vassik Barvos
- Renato Manongdo
- Chris Garland
- Richard Lees
- John Farrar
- Rob Palin
- Joe Wahbe
On Tuesday, 23rd July Oatlands GC played hosts to the 6 other Clubs in our division for Round 2, the other Clubs in our division are listed below:
- North Ryde GC
- Monash CC
- Asquith GC
- Muirfield GC
- Bayview GC
- Roseville GC
Thank you to the the OGC players that turned out to assist as spotters and helpers.
All Clubs had very favourable comments as to how great the course looked and how much support there was on the course from our Oatlands Super Seniors Team as spotters and assistants.
Our next match is to be played at Monash CC on Thursday 1st August at 11:30am against North Ryde GC.
Colin Davis
Team Manager and Captain
Ladies Bronze I Pennant
Our Bronze I Ladies had a bye last week (Friday 26th July) as Oatlands played host to the other teams in the division.
Our Ladies are playing North Ryde GC at Ryde-Parramatta GC today, with no results available at the time of writing.
Regards,
Jill Vale
Ladies Captain
Recent Trophy Event Winners
The 2024 Southpaw Cup was played on Saturday 20th July, in windy conditions that became extreme as the day went on.
The gross winner was Wil Reece with a fine score of 77.
The nett winner was Connor Jackson with a fantastic score of 71.
Well done gents!
Upcoming Golf / Trophy Events
Men’s
- Saturday 27th July – Legacy Cup
- Saturday 3rd August – President’s Cup
- Saturday 10th August – HP Evans Knockout Qualifying
- Saturday 17th August – HP Evans Knockout Rnd 1
- Mon 19th – Wed 21st August inclusive – Course Renovation Closure
- Saturday 24th August – Green Tee Stableford
- Saturday 31st August – HP Evans Knockout Quarter-finals
Ladies
- Monday 29th July – Veteran’s Teams Day
- Thursday 1st August – Club Medal
- Monday 5th August – Visitors Day
- Thursday 15th August – Club Medal
- Mon 19th – Wed 21st August inclusive – Course Renovation Closure
- Thursday 22nd August – Team Event TBA
Mixed
- Sunday 28th July – WS Targett Knockout Semi-finals
- Sunday 4th August – WS Targett Knockout Final
- Mon 19th – Wed 21st August inclusive – Course Renovation Closure
Upcoming Member Events: July and August
The Club has lots of fantastic events coming up for members and guests, and we encourage members to take part in the Club’s diverse event offering over the coming months:
- Saturday 27th July, Christmas in July
- Wednesday 31st July, The Bettington Restaurant
- Friday 16th August, 500 Social Cards Evening
- Saturday 17th August, Debortoli Wine Appreciation Dinner
- Wednesday 28th August, The Bettington Restaurant
Note: Bar Account Credit and Birthday vouchers can be used for all of these events!
Members Only Facebook Group
If you aren’t already part of our Members Only Facebook Group, join up now and join in the conversation.
This group is where members can share their experience of Oatlands Golf Club and chat to one another about interesting things happening in the world of golf and society as a whole.
Importantly, members are advised that this social media platform will not be used for the Club to communicate critical information, which will remain via the Enews, website and direct email however, it is a place that members and the Club can post interesting Club and golf related items to compliment this Enews.
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 verify you are a member and then approved by the group administrator shortly thereafter.