Holiday Trading Variations

Members are advised of the following changes to normal trade throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Note: The entire Club (Course, Clubhouse and Golf Shop) is closed on Christmas Day.

CLUBHOUSE – BAR

The Clubhouse Bar will open as normal throughout the Christmas and New Year period with the following exceptions:

• Monday 16^th December: Bar to close at 2:30pm
• Wednesday 25^th – Christmas Day – All Facilities Closed
• Thursday 26^th – Boxing Day: Bar open 11 – 5:30pm
• Tuesday 31^st – NYE Bar to close at 5pm
• Wednesday 1^st – NYD Bar open 11 – 5:30pm

CLUBHOUSE – CATERING

The kitchen and sandwich service will open as normal throughout the holiday period with the following exceptions:

• Wednesday 25th December: All Facilities Closed
• Thursday 26th December: Sandwich Hut Closed (daily bistro menu available)

CLUBHOUSE – RECEPTION

Members are advised that the Club Reception will shutdown over the Christmas / New Year period for the following dates:

• Closing – Tuesday 24th December at 2:30pm
• Re-open – Monday 6th January at 9am

GOLF COURSE AND GOLF SHOP

The golf course and golf shop will be open everyday except Christmas Day. Please see website fixtures for tee times.

From the Course

Rainfall for the Week: 20.5mm,  Rainfall for 2024: 1,099.0mm, Dam: 90%,  Green Speed: 10feet

While the rainfall last Saturday wasn’t ideal for golf, it was a godsend for the course with the steady rain able to soak into the soil profile of playing surfaces to replenish what the recent run of hot weather had taken away. Humid conditions is increasing growth rates of kikuyu and couch turf species, but we managed to finish off our 2^nd application of growth regulator to fairways and roughs this week which will keep things under control up until the Christmas/ New Year period.

Our greens are in a very healthy condition with a strong preventative fungicide program controlling diseases which would normally flourish in these humid weather conditions. Putting surfaces remain firm and true with the wetting agent and soil penetrant program we have in place making pitch marks on greens hard to find. The root systems of the greens are strong, evident by the way the turf just doesn’t flick up when repairing any elusive pitch mark.

With the assistance of the volunteers, the course team will be gradually working through the bunkers moving sand around in them so that we get the correct shape back in the bunkers with the bases flat and no hollowed out areas where the high faces meet with the start of the base. We are using our bunker bike to push the sand around to speed up this process, and staff will also be moving sand regularly from the exit points of the bunkers back into the bunkers each time they prepare the bunkers before competition.

Construction of the new 19^th tee complex has progressed this week, with irrigation installed by the course team and new growing medium starting to be delivered from Thursday morning through to Tuesday next week. This new tee complex is more than three times the size of the previous tee box, which is required to sustain the wear of full time use in the future. New turf is being laid next Friday, just in time before most of our suppliers close for the Christmas/ New Year period. The 19^th green base is also progressing, with the shape of the front two bunkers visible from the back of the 9^th tee pad.

Our volunteers were on course Monday morning performing a bunker run in front of the competition players, assisting with the sand movement in bunkers, edged pathways, topped up drainage lines on the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 16^th holes, and trimmed and tidied up the memorial garden. Thank you to everyone that assisted this week, your support is always appreciated!

Greens will be cut on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Happy Golfing!

The Course Team.

Rope and Stake – Local Rule Consideration

Directional Rope and Stakes are being utilised around the golf course to manage traffic and ensure that the inevitable wear and tear, that occurs with 60,000+ rounds of golf per year, is pushed off the line of play (away from difficult to maintain “choke points” and into less sensitive parts of the course). In a perfect world, Oatlands would have larger green complexes with wider collars and traffic routes, however in the absence of these, the rope and stake has proved to be an effective solution to long-term problem areas of the course. 

A matter was raised at the recent AGM requesting consideration be given to allowing free relief if a ball in motion strikes a directional rope and/or stake.

In drafting this communication, we have consulted with the Rules of Golf and the Manager of Rules at Golf NSW. Following this consultation, the following advice has been provided:

Directional rope and associated poles / stakes are classified a “Movable Obstruction”  under rule 15.2. 

• Rule 15.2a(1) – Without penalty, a player may remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way.

 Please note however there are two exceptions to this:

1. Tee markers must not be removed when a ball will be played from a tee area. (see rules 6.2b(4) and 8.1a(1))
2. Restrictions on deliberately removing movable obstruction to affect a ball in motion (see rule 11.3)

However, under the Rules of Golf;

• line of site relief is NOT available from directional ropes or stakes; and  
• if a ball in motion strikes directional rope or associated stakes, relief is not available.

The Bottom Line:

• If any directional rope interferes with your shot you may remove the directional rope and/or stake. (These should always be replaced after the shot is played).
• If a ball in motion strikes the directional rope or stake, you play the ball from where the ball comes to rest. (No free relief is provided).

Additionally: A reference was made at the AGM to a ball striking power lines (a Local Rule in place at some clubs), and whether the principle of this Local Rule could be applied to Rope and Stake at Oatlands.  If a ball was to strike elevated power lines within the boundary of a golf course, the rules of golf enable the committee to implement a local rule that the shot must be replayed without penalty, we don’t have this at Oatlands because we don’t have any imposing power lines.  The Rules of Golf enable a committee to implement such a local rule because the circumstance involve the fact that the powerline was imposed upon the course by an outside source.

As the Rope and Stake are not imposed on Oatlands by an outside source, this Local Rule is not allowed to be applied by the Match Committee.

Once again, in an ideal world, we would prefer to have a course with no rope and stake. Unfortunately, experience over recent years has clearly shown that not having them in place to protect high traffic areas, is extremely detrimental to the condition of our golf course. One of the complexities that the Match and Greens Committee face, is balancing priorities and options that are often in direct opposition too each other. And while the Rope and Stake on the golf course is under constant review by the Match and Greens Committee in-conjunction with our Course Superintendent, the current condition of the golf course and the recovery and sustainability of turf surfaces in previously problematic areas through the use of rope and stake, means the use of them as a course maintenance mechanism will remain as a key part of our management practices.

Adopt a Hole – Registration Open

️‍♂️ Oatlands Golf Club Launches Exciting “Adopt a Hole” Programme ️‍♀️

Calling all Oatlands Golf Club members! The Greens Committee is thrilled to announce the launch of the “Adopt a Hole” Programme, an initiative designed to ensure our golf course remains in peak condition throughout the year. This is your chance to make a meaningful contribution to our beloved course while having fun, connecting with fellow members, and earning recognition for your efforts.

What is the Adopt a Hole Programme?

This programme invites members to take ownership of the care and maintenance of one specific hole on our course. Participants will be grouped into teams based on their nominated hole, working together to:

• Repair divots and pitch marks.
• Rake bunkers and assist with small upkeep tasks.
• Support our course staff by maintaining excellent playing surfaces.
• All while playing your regular golf – No extra time commitment required.

Your efforts will play a key role in preserving the beauty and playability of Oatlands Golf Club for all members and guests.

How It Works

• Register Today: Simply nominate your preferred hole when registering. 
• Team Formation: Each hole will have its own team, creating a friendly competition to see who can achieve the best results.
• Recognition and Rewards: At the end of 2025, the Greens Committee will evaluate the efforts of each team. Individual team members from the top-performing hole will receive a prize as recognition for their dedication.

Why Join?

• Help maintain the high quality condition of our golf course.
• Foster camaraderie with other members.
• Be part of a rewarding and community-driven initiative.
• Compete for exciting prizes and recognition from the Greens Committee.

How to Register

Email your nomination for your preferred hole to gm@oatlandsgolf.com.au. Registration closes on Friday 17th January 2024, so don’t delay!

Let’s come together to make Oatlands Golf Club the best it can be, ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone who steps onto our greens. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a new member, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark on our cherished course.

Questions?

For more information, contact Sam Howe (gm@oatlandsgolf.com.au).

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, show your love for the game, and help us make 2025 a year to remember. Sign up for the “Adopt a Hole” Programme today!

Together, we can achieve excellence on and off the greens!

School Holiday Clinics – Max Dakic

In the upcoming school holidays, PGA Professional Max Dakic will be running four (4) Junior Clinics:

• Thursday January 9^th 11:00am – 1:30pm
• Thursday January 16^th 11:00am – 1:30pm
• Thursday January 23^rd 11:00am – 1:30pm
• Thursday January 30^th 11:00am – 1:30pm

 The clinics will cover all aspects of golf including Full Swing, Chipping, Putting & More!

Food and Beverage will be provided to the juniors following the clinic.

Duration – 2:30 Hours

Cost – $90 Per Child

Bookings can be made on the club website or by calling the Proshop on 9630 4444.

Expression of Interest – Hosted Sandbelt Golf Tour: Limited Spaces Available

The initial response to the Sandbelt Tour hosted by PGA Professionals Jeremy Ward and Sam Howe has been fantastic. It is not too late to join this great adventure as outlined below:

Join the Ultimate Golfing Experience: Melbourne Sandbelt Adventure!

Attention Oatlands Golf Club Members and Guests! Expressions of interest are now open for an unforgettable golf trip to Melbourne’s world-renowned Sandbelt region. Hosted by PGA Professional and Head Professional Jeremy Ward and PGA Professional and General Manager Sam Howe. This exclusive adventure promises exceptional golfing, expert coaching, and a fully hosted experience you won’t want to miss.

Trip Highlights

Destination: Melbourne Sandbelt
Dates: 7th – 10th April 2025 (During Course Renovation and Closure)
Hosts: Jeremy Ward (Head Professional) & Sam Howe (General Manager / PGA Professional)
Travellers: Limited to 14 guests

What’s Included?

• Golf at Iconic Courses:

  • Kingston Heath
  • Peninsula Kingswood (North Course)
  • Yarra Yarra.
  • Commonwealth

• Luxury Accommodation:
  Stay 3 nights at The Langham Melbourne in Superior Rooms, with daily breakfast included.

• Dining Experience:
  Enjoy a premium set-menu dinner at Meat & Wine Co Southbank, offering spectacular views and mouth-watering cuisine.

• Travel in Comfort:

  • Return economy flights between Sydney and Melbourne.
  • Private transfers for airports and golf courses.

• Coaching & On-Course Play:
  Daily coaching sessions from Jeremy Ward and Sam Howe, plus the opportunity to play alongside your expert hosts for personalized tips.

Why Join?

This is more than just a golf trip—it’s a chance to sharpen your skills, enjoy world-class courses, and connect with fellow Oatlands members in a relaxed and luxurious setting. With the expertise of Jeremy Ward and Sam Howe guiding you every step of the way, this fully hosted experience promises memories to last a lifetime.

Register Your Interest Today!

Spots are limited to 14 participants, so don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity. To express your interest or for more information, contact Sam Howe gm@oatlandsgolf.com.au, or Jeremy Ward (golfoperations@oatlandsgolf.com.au).

We look forward to sharing this incredible golfing adventure with you!