From the Course

Rainfall for the Week: 0.5mm,  Rainfall for 2024: 1,054.5mm, Dam: 90%,  Green Speed: 9.5feet

Members playing the course last weekend may have noticed black algae on putting surfaces which is a result of surfaces staying wet for extended periods. With the rainfall that fell Friday night and into Saturday coupled with the high humidity, presenting ideal conditions for algae to appear on putting surfaces. All greens were sprayed on Monday morning with a combination of two fungicides which has cleaned up the algae. Some drier weather has also enabled the greens to dry out somewhat which also helps to clear away the algae.

Greens were sprayed on Thursday morning before the ladies shotgun start with fungicides to control pythium and anthracnose, with wetting agent and soil penetrant also added to the tank mix to ensure any irrigation or rainfall infiltrates through the profile and away from the surface. Greens will be sprayed again on Friday morning with growth regulator and a silica based product to strengthen the leaf blade to protect against traffic and environmental stresses.

Tees received a fungicide and wetting agent application this week to prevent the patch disease that was evident earlier this year in certain tees. This patch disease comes under the ERI diseases, with scientific evidence showing that the disease causes damage to the couch turf during the summer months with the symptoms only showing once the growth in the couch turf slows during the autumn months.

Growth regulator applications have also recommenced on fairways and roughs as the first areas that were sprayed during our initial application this growing season were starting to show signs that the regulator was wearing off. The signs of this are that the fairway mowers starting scalping fairway surfaces when mown, and this was evident on the 3^rd and 15^th fairways on Tuesday. So, as you can see it’s been a big week applying products to different playing surfaces to protect against disease and to control growth for better playing surfaces.

Leaf and bark debris has been a constant issue again this week with the late afternoon cool changes depositing plenty of debris across all playing surfaces. The team has attempted to mow all roughs this week to keep these areas at an acceptable height but to also mulch up leaf debris at the same time.

On the construction side of things, the sub-bases for the new 19^th (7^th) tee is ready, with irrigation to be installed early next week and then growing medium being delivered late next week. This will mean new turf should be laid on this tee before Christmas, and hopefully the new concrete path laid before Christmas as well, but this will depend on contractor availability. Once our construction contractors have completed their work on the tee complex they will shift back up to the practice green site to complete the works there.  

Our volunteers were on course Monday morning performing a bunker run in front of the competition players, the 6^th creek was tidied up, practice nets checked and cleaned, paths edged, and fairway divotting performed on Thursday morning.

Greens will be cut on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Happy Golfing!

The Course Team.

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 committment 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!

Expression of Interest – Hosted Sandbelt Golf Tour with Jeremy Ward and Sam Howe

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: One of the world’s finest examples of strategic bunkering.
  • Peninsula Kingswood (North Course): Renowned for its challenging layout and immaculate greens.
  • Victoria: Arguably the most underrated course on the sandbelt.
  • Commonwealth: Currently regarded as one of the best conditioned courses on the sandbelt.

• 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 mouthwatering 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!

Captain’s Corner – Local Rules

The general Rules of Golf are clearly set out in the Official Rules of Golf and are determined by the R&A in conjunction with the USGA.

Depending on circumstances that may exist at some courses, the Club Committee has the authority to introduce, via the Local Rules, certain changes to condition of play. These Local Rules must be made available to all members, for example on the back of a scorecard, on the noticeboard or website.

At Oatlands, we have “Temporoary” Local Rules that may only apply on particular days and as such are available on the daily Noticeboard. All members must take note of the local rules board as part of their pre-game routine. Local Rule boards are located at the 1^st and 12^th tees. 

More permanent Local Rules are available on the back of the score card, and within on the MiScore App.

When you open the MiScore App you will see a menu on the top right hand side of the screen. If you press the menu button it will open up a number of options available to you. Towards the bottom of the page there is an option “Local Rules”. By pressing the Local Rules, all the Club’s local rules will appear which will assist players if required to clarify ruling that are covered by the Local Rules.

In the new year we will examine the Local Rules in more detail in the Enews.

Can I please encourage players to access this link to not only make players aware of the Local Rules but apply these rules when required.

Good Golfing,

Matt Seamons
Captain

Summer 7’s Stableford in December

December will see the introduction of Summer 7’s Stableford each Friday from 6th to 20th December with tee times from 4pm – 6pm.

The event will be a 7-hole stableford on holes 12-18 followed by an optional Nearest to Pin or Long Drive in the Simulator Studios.

Any member or guest taking part in the Summer 7’s Stableford, will receive a complimentary drinks voucher to use with any meal purchase at Bistro 94 after golf.

Bookings for Friday 6th, Friday 13th and Friday 20th December are now open via the Club website.

Turtle Awareness

Join the 1 Million Turtles Program at Oatlands and Help Save Our Turtles!

OGC have been partnered with the 1 Million Turtles Program for some time to involve our members in turtle conservation. The programme starts with the Turtles in Schools initiative at Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC). Members can contrinute by taking photos of any turtles you spot while playing. Turtles are often out searching for open areas to make their nests—just remember not to get too close, or they’ll be spooked!

If you come across a turtle, snap a photo and forward to course@oatlandsgolf.com.au.

Christmas Bettington Restaurant, Wednesday 11th December -Menu Available

Members and guests are invited to our CHRISTMAS Bettington Restaurant on Wednesday 11th December 2024.

This event will see a Christmas themed 3-course banquet available for our members and their guests.

Seating times are available at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm and 7:30pm, so grab some friends and join us for another great night of food and friendship.

Bar account credit and Birthday vouchers redeemable.

Menu – $69pp

Entree

• Classic king prawn cocktails (gf)
• Roasted scallop, Nduja burnt butter, crispy prosciutto (gf)
• Mushroom and peas arancini, tomato relish

Main

• Double smoked Berkshire leg ham, honey glaze (gf)
• Classic beef Wellington, shiraz jus
• Rainbow glazed carrots and broccoli (gf)
• Roasted Cauliflower and chat potato, labneh, smoked almond (gf)
• Pomegranate and blue cheese holiday salad (gf)

Desert

• Christmas plum pudding, custard
• Summer fruit salad