Development Update – Clubhouse and Niblick Cresent

Clubhouse Development

Following the member update on 3rd July, we can advise members that Levande is continuing their due diligence, and negotiations with the Club and Mirvac are progressing.

We expect the outcome of these to be finalised by the end of August at which time a comprehensive update on how we will progress will be provided.

We thank members for their patience and understanding.

Niblick Crescent Duplexes

The construction of the Niblick Crescent duplexes are progressing ahead of time, with practical completion expected toward the end of September.

At the time of writing, the dwellings are at lock up stage with the major aspects of kitchen, bathrooms and tiling completed.

Photo and video of the internals of these duplexes will be provided through the Enews over the next few weeks.

Manor Real Estate has recently been appointed to look after the Rental Management of these duplexes. Once the properties are listed, the listings will also be provided through the Enews for members to inspect.

If members have any questions relating to the Clubhouse Development or Niblick Crescent duplexes, please direct them to the General Manager, Sam Howe, gm@oatlandsgolf.com.au.

Club Closure for Course Renovations – Monday 19th – Wednesday 21st August inclusive

Members are advised that the Club’s bi-annual Course Renovation is scheduled for Monday 19th August – Wednesday 21st August inclusive.

These renovations are vitally important to ensure the long-term health of our turf surfaces and to provide the best opportunity for growth as we come out of winter and into the warmer months.

Given the continued difficult conditions of prolonged rain events and high volumes of traffic in recent years, it is vitally important the upcoming renovation is completed in full.

During the three days of renovations, all Club facilities (including Clubhouse, Admin, Pro Shop, Practice Facilities) will be closed.

The Club does receive intermittent requests to organise tee times at other Clubs for members during renovations. Unfortunately, this is not possible, as we are unable to offer tee times for all members at other Clubs, and as renovation closures are a regular part of maintenance for all Golf Clubs, we would be unable to reciprocate the volume of requests we would get in return. Therefore, while we do request and provide tee times in extenuating circumstances, it is common practice across the golf industry that renovation closures are not considered extenuating.

As mentioned in the Course Update, the turf course has held up well through winter despite the wet weather and we expect the course to recover quickly coming out of the renovation and into Spring.

The video below is an example of the type of renovation that takes place to our greens during this closure with holes punched into green surfaces which are then filled with sand to reduce the compaction and thatch build up.

Recovery time is generally 2-3 weeks depending on weather and warmth.

Captain’s Corner – Slow Play

We are running this article for a second week in a row to ensure the message is conveyed to as many members as possible.

As the days are shorter this time of year, the issue of slow play rears its head.  Whilst we don’t want people breaking records to play golf, we ask that players be aware that slow play knocks on through the field.  If your group finishes in 4 hours 45, it will certainly set the scene for 5 hour plus rounds later in the field.

The most important factor is your place in the field is not directly in front of the group behind, but directly behind the group in front.  If you are on the tee of a par four and the group in front is on the green, then you have fallen behind.  There are several simple steps you can take to improve pace of play.

1. The time for chat is not when you should be ready to hit.

2. Walk directly to your ball. Don’t walk as a group chatting then break off to play your shot.

3. Read the green as you approach the green. By the time it is your turn to putt, you should have studied the putt and be ready to play.

4. In most cases, the best place to leave your bag/cart is between the green you are playing and the next tee. You should never leave your equipment in front of the green when you are putting.

5. Play ready golf. Except in match play, there is no penalty for playing out of turn.  If you are ready, yet closer to the green than your partner who is not ready, you should play your shot if it is safe to do so.

6. When in doubt, play a provisional ball. You have three minutes only to search for a lost ball, not five.

7. If you have putted out and the fairway is clear and you can hit, mark your score later when you are held up or when others are hitting. Don’t waste time marking when you could be hitting.

8. Calling up on par threes is recommended. Don’t be worried about people watching you as quite frankly, they don’t care where you hit it and they can help you spot your ball. Calling up can save up to 5 minutes per par three. 

All these tips and more can shave minutes/seconds off your round duration which all adds up.

Good Golfing!

Col McRae
Club Captain
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.