Oatlands Enews – Friday 18th February 2022
Content
This week’s Enews covers the following topics:
- Re-scheduled Annual Presentation Dinner – Saturday 30th April 2022
- From the Course
- Covid-19 Settings in NSW – Update
- Club Employee of the Year Awards
- Superpin / NTP Markers – Please Write Clearly
- Pennant Update
- Clubhouse Operating Hours
- Upcoming Trophy Events
- Recent Trophy Winners
Re-scheduled Annual Presentation Dinner – Saturday 30th April 2022
Following the second postponement of the 2021 Annual Presentation Dinner in January, we are pleased to announce that the 2021 Annual Presentation Dinner will be held on Saturday 30th April 2022.
This is one of the most popular events on the OGC calender, with all of the men’s trophy winners for the year being recognised, along with our 50 and 60 year members.
Given the disruption to 2021, we are hoping to get a good turnout to to this event and celebrate the golfing success of our winners for 2021 in typical Oatlands fashion!
Bookings can be made via the online timesheet or by contacting the Club’s office.
From the Course
Rainfall for the Week: 24.5mm, Rainfall for 2022: 232.0mm Dam: 100% Green Speed: 10.0 feet
All greens were given a dusting on Monday morning which is a very light topdressing of sand. This is part of a program to manage mat and thatch levels in our greens. In January we scarified all greens twice during the month to reduce the mat and thatch levels, but the dusting of greens isn’t as harsh to the turf plant as the scarifying process which injures the plant and can leave the plant susceptible to disease attack. When performed regularly, the dusting of greens produces a firm and true putting surface.
All bunker edges have been trimmed this week as well as drainage pits throughout the course as part of our on-going maintenance program. Our planned growth regulator application to all fairways, roughs and flyovers were also completed, and this should regulate growth in these areas for the next 4 to 5 weeks. By then the temperatures should be milder and the humidity levels dropping, so this will most likely be our last application of growth regulator to those areas with a fertiliser application to then be applied to promote a late season surge of growth before the winter months.
An irrigation leak into the front bunker on the 15th has been repaired this week, with this bunker back in play for the weekend. The right hand side bunker on the 8th came back into play on Wednesday, with the back 2 bunkers on the 16th still two weeks away from being ready for play.
The middle tee pad on the 9th tee which was turfed in Zoysia as a trial, has really improved recently after a lengthy establishment period. As part of this trial, we will use this tee pad during next Wednesday’s competition to collect feedback on two points.
Playability from this grass type, and;
Recovery time from play in relation to divots repairing or growing over.
The results will be interesting and evident for everyone to see. The Zoysia turf around our new bunkers is growing great and the new faces look impressive after being trimmed again this week.
Our volunteers were on course Monday morning, performing a bunker run before the competition, edging pathways, trimming the 6th hedges, trimming fairway sprinkler heads and clubhouse maintenance. Thank you gentlemen for your assistance once again this week!
This weekend greens will be cut on Saturday and cut and rolled on Sunday.
Enjoy the Weekend!
The Course Team.
Covid-19 Settings in NSW – Update
Yesterday (Thursday 17th February) the NSW Premier announced a number of changes to the Covid-19 settings in NSW. These changes are outlined below:
From the beginning of Friday, 18 February 2022, the following adjustments will be made to the current settings:
- No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm for hospitality venues);
- QR check-ins will only be required for nightclubs, and for all music festivals with more than 1,000 people. Hospitals, aged and disability facilities may use their existing systems for recording visitors;
- Singing and dancing will be permitted at all venues, except music festivals, where singing and dancing can recommence from 25 February
From the beginning of Friday, 25 February 2022, the following adjustments will be made to the settings:
- Masks will only be mandated on public transport, planes, and indoors at airports, hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, corrections facilities, and indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;
- Masks are encouraged for indoor settings where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others and for customer-facing retail staff to protect vulnerable people who must access these premises and services;
- Each State Government agency will review where it may be appropriate for public-facing staff to wear masks and will implement as necessary; and
- The 20,000 person cap on music festivals will be removed, with singing and dancing permitted. Vaccination requirements will remain for indoor music festivals over 1,000 people, with attendees required to have at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The NSW Government media release following yesterday’s announcement can be viewed by clicking here.
Club Employee of the Year Awards
Each year, the staff of Oatlands Golf Club hold our Staff Christmas Party in February with December generally being the busiest month of the year for Club and staff.
In 2021, we introduced Employee of the Year Awards in-conjunction with this event, which took place on Monday 7th February 2022.
In recognition of the staff awards, each department manager has provided a short blurb on the Employee of the Year for their department with the General Manager providing a blurb on the overall Club Employee of the Year for 2021.
Admin: Andrea Grieve (Financial Controller) – In a year effected by Covid restrictions, forced work from home, and broader strategic issues requiring the General Manager’s focus, Andrea has been a consistent performer in her role as Financial Controller, week in and week out. This consistency has ensured that Club’s finances are kept in order and the Board and management are up to date with all the information required to make important decisions. Andrea’s diligence has also allowed the staff around her to focus on the important operational aspects of their roles.
Catering: Di Citroni (Sandwich Hut and General Kitchen) – While Di has reduced her hours after the 2021 Covid lockdwon to focus on other things, she remains a popular member of staff with Club members and fellow staff alike. Di played an integral role in keeping club catering services going during the 2021 Covid lockdown which came close on the tail of the unexpected loss of our previous Head Chef. Di’s legacy at the Club and particularly in the sandiwch hut will be hard to live up to, however, she has been generous in her time and assistance in training our new kitchen staff.
Clubhouse: Emma Monaghan (Bar Supervisor and Admin Assistant) – Over the last year Emma has significantly shown growth and leadership in her role at the Club. She acknowledges all members and welcomes them each and every day with a smile. Whether its in the bar, on the drinks cart or at an event Emma always brings her A-game. She has been a great addition to the team and has become part of the OGC family. Her recent work in the front office has filled a significant hole and provided seamless service while one of the Club’s admin staff recovers from a medical issue, and further proves how deserving she is of this award.
Course: Trent Gawith (Senior Groundsmen) – Trent consistently works with passion and commitment to perform any task required of him to be best of his ability. Trent is always willing to work overtime shifts on weekends and public holidays when required, and after working at Oatlands for over 10 years, he has a natural sense when additional assistance is required and will offer to stay back instead of needing to be asked. He’s not used to winning as he supports the Canberra Raiders, but he thoroughly deserves this award.
Golf Operations: Grant Lomas (Golf Admin Supervisor) – It’s always a difficult task choosing the employee of the year, particularly when all the Pro Shop staff have shown outstanding work ethic this year. However, the hard work and dedication Grant provides year in year out is undeniable. Throughout the Covid lockdowns managing our timesheets has proven to be an extremely difficult task, and Grant has handled this challenge exceptionally well, including managing tee times for our members at 14 other Golf Clubs. Grant’s effective execution of his role provides his fellow Pro Shop staff with peace of mind and the ability to focus on other necessary areas of the operation.
Overall Employee of the Year 2021 – Karah Chapman (Clubhouse Manager)
In a rollercoaster 2021 which included another Clubhouse shutdown due to Covid-19, Karah’s ability to react and adapt quickly to the changing environment has been a credit to her and a great benefit to the Club. Karah re-opened the temporary cafe from the Clubhouse verandah in June at a day’s notice to ensure continuity of service to club members within the NSW Health guidelines, and also made the necessary but difficult decisions around labour management and cost control to ensure the Club got through the lockdown in the best possible position. In addition to this, Karah remained in contact with the predominantly casual clubhouse team which resulted in the majority of the team returning to the Club and circumventing the hospitality labour shortage issues which caused many venues to shut some or all of their operation in December and January. Karah recently attended a GMA (Golf Managers Australia) F&B Manager’s conference, with the GMA CEO providing the following feedback to the Club on her participation;
Hi Sam,
Just to let you know that Karah was an absolute star at BMI F&B Management – smart and creative.
Well done for sending her on the learning adventure. It’s a great example of why we should encourage women to develop in Golf Clubs.
I can imagine your members and staff would love working with her.
Kind Regards,
Paul Vardy
—
Karah is a worthy recipient of the Oatlands Golf Club Employee of the Year for 2021.
Superpin / NTP Markers – Please Write Clearly
Recently there have been a number of Superpin or Nearest to the Pin markers that have been filled in but not legible. We ask that members completing these markers please take care when filling in the player details and distance to allow the golf admin staff and ladies committee to efficiently and accurately finalise competition results.
Thank you for your assistance.
Pennant Update
Men’s Major Pennant
Happy Friday ladies & gentlemen!
Well, it was another awesome performance by the boys last Sunday in our away game at North Ryde!
We came away with a fantastic win 4-3, with another day of great golf played by both sides.
Will Reece got us off to a flying start showing his opponent how to play match play with a convincing 5/4 win. Rowan Easterbrook who has been playing great golf executed some awesome shots to win 3/2.
Nathan Wareham took his opponent to the 18th with some spectacular shots and won 1up.
Charlie Kim had us all on the edge of our seats with an opponent who was at one stage 4up! But Charlie hung in there & with his amazing short game clawed his way back beating his opponent on the 18th to win 1up!
Brad Hooper, Grant Lomas & Luke Mason all had hard games and gave it their all taking the opposition to the final few holes. Luke just missing a birdie putt on the 18th in a match which could have gone either way.
Overall, another great performance by the team & great to be a part of!
Again, a special thanks to the caddies & supporters who come each week and are such an important part of the morning!
This Sunday we play North Ryde at 7am at home. It will be another great match no doubt.
The team this week:
- Nathan Wareham
- Charlie Kim
- Luke Mason
- Will Reece
- Rowan Easterbrook
- Grant Lomas
- Sam Reece
- Norm Nakhoul (Reserve)
Thanking you all!
Ken Doolan – The happy Irishman and Team Manager.
Mixed Pennant
Our Mixed Pennant team hosted Massey Park last Sunday. The team came away with a convincing 4-1 win to keep their finals chances alive. A great team effort against a strong Massey Park side. Thanks to those members who supported the team and to all the Club staff for their help and support. Massey Park were impressed by Oatlands course and hospitality.
Results:
- Tony Monaghan & Debbie Jepson – Won 2/1
- Christian O’Reilly & Amy Kim – Lost 3/2
- Lindsay Macinnes & Justa Kim – Won 5/4
- Ben Mees & Leonie Guthrie – Won 1 Up
- Pete Crawford & Stephanie Monaghan – Won 6/5
- Kane Milne & Annie Kang – All Square
Next match:
This Sunday 20/2 at 11:30am Oatlands travel to Massey Park for a crucial return match. The team:
- Tony Monaghan & Debbie Jepson
- Kane Milne & Annie Kang
- Lindsay Macinnes & Justa Kim
- Ben Mees & Leonie Guthrie
- Pete Crawford & Stephanie Monaghan
- Chris Garland & Linda Bestford
Peter Crawford
Team Manager
Ladies Silver II Salver
The Oatlands ladies’ Pennant season started last Friday with the Silver II Salver team playing Monash at Pennant Hills. With one of our games still to finish, the heavens opened, resulting in delays for the rest of the field. After much deliberation, Oatlands came away with a draw. This week we have a bye.
Lexi Grice
Pennant Manager
Clubhouse Operating Hours
Members are advised of the following Clubhouse operating hours. These are unchanged, however, given the disruption of the last 2 years it seemed appropriate to publish them in the hope we get a run of normal operation:
- Monday: 11-6pm
- Tuesday: 11-6pm (Happy hour 3-5pm)
- Wednesday: 10-6:30pm
- Thursday: 11-6pm
- Friday 10-6:30pm (Happy hour 4-6)
- Saturday: 10-6:30pm
- Sunday: 10-6pm
Note: These are also the operating times for Clubhouse Locker Rooms which are locked by Clubhouse staff when closing.
Upcoming Trophy Events
Men’s
- Saturday 19th February: Captain’s Cup – Individual Stableford, 18 Holes, Black Tees
- Saturday 5th March: Autumn Medal – Individual Stroke, 18 Holes, Black Tees
- Saturday 19th March: OGC Memorial Bowl
Ladies
- Thursday 24th February: President’s Cup Semi-final Matchplay
- Thursday 3rd March: President’s Cup Final Matchplay
- Thursday 10th March: Club Medal Round 2, GNSW Medal Round 2, Veterans Medal Round 2
Recent Trophy Winners
Congratulations to the following Trophy winners over the last few weeks;
Saturday 29th January: AM Stanton Cup, Jim Granger 43 points
Saturday 12th February: AC Berk Cup, Ben Mees nett 132 (36 holes)
