Oatlands Enews – Friday 23rd April 2021
Content
This week’s Enews covers the following topics:
- Volkswagen Scramble Regional Final
- From the Course
- QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenges – Back every Friday
- Pace of Play – Golfers Responsibilities
- Golf NSW Webinar – Careers in Golf for Women
- Staff Profile – Paige Stubbs (Teaching Professional)
- Paige Stubbs – 4 Week Game Improvement Programme
- Mother’s Day Luncheon – Sunday 9th May
- Complimentary Guest Vouchers for 6 and 7 Day Members
- Dine & Discover Vouchers – Available for Use Now
- Rules Corner – The Role of the Referee
Volkswagen Scramble Regional Final
The regional final of the Volkswagen Scramble was played today at Twin Creeks with Oatlands fielding three teams that qualified at the Club level in the November and March VW Scramble sponsored by Denlo Parramatta.
The format was a 5 person ambrose with the qualifying teams each joined by one of the Club PGA professionals. The 3 teams played well and all finished in the top half of the field however were some way off the winning score of nett 47 (that’s not a typo)!.
The teams and scores are listed below;
- John Lewis, Ian Johnson, Paul Madden, Chris Garland with PGA Professional David Ecob – Nett 55.4
- Mark White, Jonathan Kelly, Alan McGibbon, Kelvin Wheat with PGA Professional Jeremy Ward – Nett 56.2
- John Winter, Brendan Oakes, Josh Fryer, Scott Austin with PGA Professional Sam Howe – Nett 56.2
Unfortunately this means that no Oatlands team has progressed to the national final later in the year however we are looking forward to another 2-3 Club qualifying events later in the year and early 2022.
From the Course
Rainfall for the Week: 0.0mm, Rainfall for 2021: 544.0mm Dam: 90% Green Speed: 10 feet
Work on the 15th greenside bunkers has continued this week with these bunkers being fully completed now, and so bringing an end to the first stage of our bunker rejuvenation program. We were planning to try and complete the four bunkers around the 16th green before it became too cold for the Zoysia grass to establish, but the recent floods out in the Hawkesbury region has affected the quality of the turf that is available so it has been decided to cease the bunker project now. This is a good start to the program nevertheless, with many lessons learnt and experience gained which will put us in a great position to start up again following the greens and fairway renovations in August/ September.
Greens continue to improve from recent renovations under very favourable weather conditions. Irrigation is being reduced with less evaporation during these enjoyable Autumn days, which means surfaces will start to firm up and green speeds increase.
Recent herbicide control of Winter Grass and Kikuyu weeds in our couch collars and surrounds has worked well with the death of these weeds very visible in most collars. Over the next week the team will be running over the collars with a broom attachment on our Ventrac machine and we will also punch some solid needle tines into these surfaces followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser application to encourage some late season growth in these areas before they head into winter dormancy. All tee complexes will also receive a final fertiliser application next week before they also go into their winter dormancy.
The grass on our collars, aprons and tees is Santa Ana couch which is a warm season grass. When the overnight temperatures start to drop and the heavy doona and/ or the flannelette sheets are on the bed, the Santa Ana turf goes into dormancy and growth all but ceases. The turf losses its colour when early morning frosts are frequent, and heavy wear areas will usually go to dirt or reduce the turf back to ‘stubble’ as we refer to in the industry. But when the overnight temperatures increase again to double digits, the growth of this turf returns and the cover on surfaces is back again. Therefore, this late season fertilising is to ensure that the cover on our collars, aprons and tees is as thick as possible to ride out the winter until spring/ summer returns.
All fairways have been fertilised this week to also send them into winter in the best possible condition. Bunkers have been trimmed and are looking very sharp!
Have great weekend everyone!
The Course Team
QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge – Back every Friday
The Match Committee recently trialed going back to the Club hosting just the two QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenges each month (as was the case pre-Covid) and running a standard Medley Stableford on the other Friday’s.
Feedback from this trial was that members preferred the Tiger Tee Challenge on Friday’s and this was evidenced by the drop in numbers on the non-Challenge days.
As such, going forward all Friday’s will be QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge events unless Friday is required for Pennant hosting or a Charity or Corporate Golf Day is booked.
The Tiger Tee Challenge sees the course set up from the back tees and with difficult pin positions. While this remains the key feature of the event, the increased frequency of hosting these events weekly means that on occasion the back tees and certain pin positions will not be available to ensure the continued high standard of course presentation.
The QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge event held today (Friday 23rd May) saw 145 golfers in the field, a record for this event. The downside of this was a 5 hour round of golf for many in the field. While slower play is not unexpected with a big field on the course at its most difficult, these rounds times are not sustainable and as such some tips on Pace of Play are covered in the next Enews item.
Members are reminded that Tiger Tee Challenge events are open to non-members with a Golflink handicap so please feel free to invite your friends to play your golf course at its most difficult.
QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge timesheets open 30 days in advance at 6am.
Pace of Play
The changes to the Rules of Golf that came into effect in 2019 have had a positive impact on Pace of Play in general however this does not mean that it has completely been eliminated.
All golfers are reminded of their responsibility in setting and maintaining a pace of play that allows the game of golf to be enjoyable for all. This includes but is not limited too;
- Playing READY – This means that if you are ready to hit and it is safe to do so then you should hit, regardless of whether you are furthest from the hole or not
- Calling up on par 3’s
- Calling up when a ball is lost
- If a playing partners ball is lost when your groups has fallen behind, you should not help in searching
- A ball is lost if it isn’t found in 3 minutes (this was reduced in 2019 from 5 minutes)
- Leave your bag / buggy between the flag and the direction of the next tee when putting
- Be conscious of your own speed of play – Don’t dawdle, limit practice swings, be ready to hit when it is your turn
If everyone focuses on Pace of Play and keeping up with the group in front then the slowest rounds (even in a full field Tiger Tee Challenge or Stroke event should be 4 hours and 30minutes).
Mother’s Day Luncheon – Sunday 9th May
The Club is pleased to be able to offer our popular Mother’s Day Luncheon this year after the 2020 lunch had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
We will once again be providing a gift for all Mum’s in attendance and entertainment for the younger kids.
This event usually books out so get in early to avoid missing out.
Staff Profile – Paige Stubbs (Teaching Professional)
“Hi Everyone,
Time to get to know a little bit more about me (Paige Stubbs – Teaching Professional)
I love food and wine, dancing and singing my heart out and living life to the fullest!
I have always been a very sporty girl having the opportunity and support from my amazing parents to try nearly every sport under the sun! I was an extremely competitive cricketer and competed at high levels alongside Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning.
Fun Fact: I have represented NSW in both cricket and golf.
At the age of 15 I held a golf club for the first time and joined Pennant Hills Golf Club‘s Junior Program. I could always connect to the golf ball and hit it miles but miles right onto Copeland Road (thanks to my amazing cover drive shot from cricket). At the age of 17 I had to choose between continuing golf or cricket and off a handicap of about 15 I said to my parents I wanted to be a professional golfer (surprisingly they did not laugh in my face considering my handicap was so high).
Fun fact: I took a hat trick in the Australian Championships.
When I graduated from Tara Anglican School for Girls (off a handicap 9) I spent a gap year solely focusing on golf (finishing that year off a handicap of 4). Thankful that my parents pushed me into studying (I was not happy at the time), I moved to Canberra and spent 4 years completing my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Sport Coaching and Exercise Science whilst working at Federal Golf Club and every extra minute grinding on the golf course! Once I finished university, I was off a handicap of +3 and turned professional!
To be honest I thought I wasn’t cut out for professional golf as my first Australian season I was always so tired; after every round I would sleep for hours. Thinking I just had to get fitter, I pushed myself harder and harder to the point that in China at a golf tournament my body completely shut down. Little did I know I was playing week in week out on tour with glandular fever and then it turned into chronic fatigue – 6 months on the couch for me was ordered! But this did not stop my determination to pursue professional golf once I was healthy again – so I slowly got back into it!
I have been so blessed to have travelled all over Europe, Asia, China, Australia, North Africa and New Zealand. I have been to over 20 something countries by the age of 28.
Lots of people have been asking me “Will I go back to playing professionally overseas once covid is over?” and to be honest I really do not know. At the moment I am loving coaching and getting to spend so much time with my amazing friends and family (especially my 3 nieces and 2 nephews).
You’ll just have to watch this space!
Thanks everyone at Oatlands for welcoming me so warmly.
Paige Stubbs”
Careers in Golf for Women – Webinar
Golf Australia, the PGA, WPGA and Golf Management Australia will be hosting “Careers in Golf” webinar sessions across three Mondays in May to promote the key opportunities available to young women in the golf industry. Learn about the experiences and pathways of females currently working in various roles in golf through interactive Q & A sessions, as per the details below:
To register to take part in the Webinar, please click here.
Paige Stubbs – 4 Week Game Improvement Programme
Members and guests are invited to enjoy the opportunity to learn from Oatlands Tour Professional / PGA Golf Coach Paige Stubbs where she will simplify your game to improve your score as well as help you with your mental game and pre-shot routine.
Limited to 4 people per clinic: $230pp
Details
Clinic A
Week 1 – Tuesday 4th May 10am: Putting (1 hour)
Week 2 – Tuesday 11th May 10am: Chipping/Bunkers (1 hour)
Week 3 – Tuesday 18th May 10am: Driving Range (1 hour)
Week 4 – Tuesday 25th May 10am: On Course Playing (Mental Game/Routine Included) (2 hours)
Clinic B
Week 1 – Tuesday 4th May 2pm: Putting (1 hour)
Week 2 – Tuesday 11th May 2pm: Chipping/Bunkers (1 hour)
Week 3 – Tuesday 18th May 2pm: Driving Range (1 hour)
Week 4 – Tuesday 25th May 1pm: On Course Playing (Mental Game/Routine Included) (2 hours)
Please feel free to contact Paige on 0416421677 for more information. Booking is available online in Paige Stubbs Lessons or call the Pro Shop.
The Bettington Mexican Night – Friday 14th May
Complimentary Guest Vouchers for 6 & 7 Day Members
Members in the 6 and 7 day membership categories are reminded of the complimentary guest vouchers that are a part of your membership.
With the new membership having just began, all eligible members will have received their 2021-22 vouchers in the Member Account section of the website.
In the last membership year, 3,471 vouchers were issued to our 6 and 7 day members of which only 1,075 were used as of 31st March 2021.
That left over 2,000 complimentary guest rounds unused for the membership year.
To redeem a guest voucher simplify inform the Pro Shop when checking in and they will deduct a voucher instead of the $65 green fee.
For any questions, please contact Reception or the Pro Shop.
Dine & Discover Vouchers – Available for Use Now
The NSW Government has launched Dine & Discover NSW to encourage the community to get out and about and support dining, arts and tourism businesses. Oatlands is pleased to advise members that the Club is now able to accept these vouchers. Details of the initiatives are outlined below:
NSW residents aged 18 and over can apply for 4 x $25 vouchers, worth $100 in total.
- 2 x $25 Dine NSW Vouchers to be used for dining in at restaurants, cafés, bars, wineries, pubs or clubs.
- 2 x $25 Discover NSW Vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues.
The vouchers:
- can be used 7 days a week, including public holidays
- can be used at participating NSW businesses that are registered as COVID Safe
- are valid to 30 June 2021.
Rules Corner – The Role of the Referee
During important competitions, referees may be appointed to assist with running the event. The role of the referee varies, depending on the nature of the event. These roles are defined in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf Committee Procedures Section 6C.
6C Providing Rules Assistance to Players
A Committee may appoint referees to assist with the administration of a competition. A referee is an official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.
(1) Referees in Match Play
In match play, a referee’s duties and authority depend on his or her assigned role:
- When Assigned to One Match for Entire Round. As the referee is with the match throughout the round, he or she is responsible for acting on any breach of the Rules that he or she sees or is told about (see Rule 20.1b(1) and the definition of “referee”).
- When Assigned to Multiple Matches or to Certain Holes or Sections of the Course. As the referee is not assigned to accompany the match throughout the round, he or she should avoid becoming involved in a match unless:
- A player in a match asks for help with the Rules or requests a ruling (see Rule 20.1b(2)). When making a ruling at the request of a player, the referee should always confirm that the request for the ruling was made in time (see Rules 20.1b(2) and 20.1b(3)).
- A player or players in a match may be in breach of Rule 1.2b (Code of Conduct),
Rule 1.3b(1) (Two or More Players Deliberately Agreeing to Ignore any Rule or Penalty they Know Applies),
Rule 5.6a (Unreasonable Delay of Play) or
Rule 5.6b (Prompt Pace of Play). - A player arrives late to his or her first tee (see Rule 5.3).
- A player’s search for a ball reaches three minutes (see Rule 5.6a and definition of “lost”).
(2) Referees in Stroke Play
In stroke play:
- A referee is responsible for acting on any breach of the Rules that he or she sees or is told about.
- This applies whether the referee is assigned to one group for the entire round or to monitor multiple groups or certain holes or parts of the course.
A referee’s decision is final as Rule 20.2c tells us.
Rule 20.2a Rulings by Referee
A referee is an official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.
A referee’s ruling on the facts or how the Rules apply must be followed by the player.
- A player has no right to appeal a referee’s ruling to the Committee.
- The referee may seek the Committee’s help before making a ruling or refer a ruling to the Committee for review, but is not required to do so.
Why are there these differences in roles? In Match Play, players compete against each other on every hole, they can see each other’s play, and they can protect their own interests. A player can ignore a breach of the rules by his or her opponent. In stroke play, the referee is protecting the interests of all players in the competition.
And finally:
6C (5) Referee Warns Player About to Breach Rule
While a referee is not obliged to warn a player who is about to breach a Rule, it is strongly recommended that a referee should do so whenever possible in order to prevent a player from getting a penalty. A referee who acts in accordance with the recommendation by volunteering information on the Rules in order to prevent breaches of the Rules should do so uniformly to all players.
But, in match play where the referee has not been assigned to one match for the entire round, he or she has no authority to intervene. The referee should not warn the player unless asked, and if the player does breach the Rule, the referee should not apply the penalty without the opponent requesting a ruling.
John Bowring
OGC Karaoke Night – Friday 21st May
Upcoming Events – May
