Oatlands Enews – Friday 19th January 2024
Content
This week’s Enews covers the following topics:
- From the Course
- Encourage Shield Team Crowned State Champions
- Fundraising for Junior Development and High Performance Programmes
- Getting Started Programmes – Starts Tuesday 13th and Sunday 18th February
- Captain’s Corner – Nearest the Pin
- New Staff Member: Assistant Bar Manager – Ashleigh Kempthorne
- Australia Day Modified Trading
- OGC Takeaway
- Bettington Restaurant, Wednesday 24th January – Menu Available
- Nine, Wine & Dine – Friday 23rd February and 15th March 2024
- Pennant Update
- Upcoming Member Events: January and February 2024
- Recent Trophy Event Winners
- Upcoming Trophy Events
- Family Membership Incentive – 50% Joining Fee Reduction for Immediate Family
- Members Only Facebook Group
From the Course
Rainfall for the Week: 222.5mm, Rainfall for 2024: 232.5mm (2023: 916.0mm), Dam: 100%, Green Speed: 9.5 feet
Wow, what a week it’s been on the receiving end from old Mother Nature! The intensity of the rain on Monday was very similar to rainfall events that we witnessed during the wet year of 2022, with the entire course covered in a sheet of water. Our maintenance facilities were also flooded, with the sewage main line behind the shed unable to cope with the volume of water trying to go through the pipe system, meaning we had sewage mixed in with stormwater flowing through the maintenance facility.
The rainfall totals for the week went like:
Sunday afternoon/night to 6am – 70mm
Monday 6am to 9:30am – 65mm
Monday 10am to 12:30pm – 23mm
Wednesday afternoon/evening – 43mm
Monday was a write-off work wise and put maintenance schedules for the week back one day. This is why the new turf around the 14th, 17th, and 18th was yellow in colour initially, as it had been rolled up for an extra 24 hours than usual. The colour will return once exposed to sunlight and the plant is able to perform its natural process of photosynthesis, with chlorophyll producing the green pigment in the blades or leaf of the turf.
With the course closed on Tuesday, the team was able to verti drain all greens with solid needle tines which allows oxygen to enter the soil profile via the tunnels that the tines leave behind. This aeration process was most beneficial after the greens were under water several times this week. Fungicide and growth regulator was applied to greens on Thursday morning to control disease populations during this high humidity weather. This meant greens weren’t cut so that we obtained maximum efficacy from the growth regulator application.
Bunkers were damaged with the intensity of the rainfall on Monday morning and will require many man hours repairing them. Silt will have to be removed from all the new bunkers to ensure the sand continues to drain freely, and the wash outs on the faces will need to be filled in by pushing sand back up the faces. Labour intensive work will begin next week, meaning bunkers will be GUR this weekend.
Our volunteers arrived on Monday morning to assist with the turfing on the 14th, 17th, and 18th collars but we couldn’t even start this work. A few hearty souls returned on Tuesday morning and assisted with the turfing, while Joe (VOTY- Volunteer Of The Year) replaced several broken tiles on the clubhouse roof to hopefully stop some of the leaks! Thank you to all those that attended, especially those that returned on the Tuesday, it was most appreciated! See you all next week for our annual Volunteers golf day and dinner!
We will be cutting greens both mornings this weekend.
Have a great weekend and happy golfing!
The Course Team.
Encourage Shield Team Crowned State Champions
Fundraising for Junior Development and High Performance Programmes
The success of our Junior Development and High Performance Programmes under the leadership and guidance of Jeremy Ward over the last 2-3 years is now becoming obvious for all to see as reflected in the recent success of our Encourage Shield team who, after finishing runner up in the metropolitan pennant in 2022, have just won the metropolitan and state pennants for this competition as detailed in the previous Enews article.
Following on from this, the Club now has a staggering 46 members aged 17 years or less with GA handicaps, 12 of these members are on singles figure handicaps and two of the 10 year olds (one boy and one girl) have GA handicaps of 7 and 6 respectively.
By any measure, the OGC programmes are producing incredible results and as such, we have a waitlist of over 40 kids hoping to join our programmes.
The rapid growth of our Junior Development and High Performance Programmes will be extremely beneficial for the strength of the Cub’s membership long into the future, however it also has increasing costs to deliver and in keeping up with the growing demand.
This is why the Club has registered the Junior Development and High Performance Programmes with the Australian Sports Foundation which allows for fundraising to occur, with all donations being tax deductible.
Donations toward the programmes will be used for the activities (this is not an extensive list):
- Increased JDP clinics (we currently offer 9 clinics a week during school terms)
- Specialised school holiday coaching programmes
- Private coaching for High Performance Squad members
- Engagement with third party sports professionals, such as; golf specific exercise specialists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, etc
- Tournament entry and travel costs for JDP and HPS members and coaches
The continued growth of our Junior Development and High Performance Programmes also allows us to resist our elite talent being poached by other Golf Clubs,(an unfortunate and all too regular scenario in the golf industry), and to retain our exceptional PGA professionals who implement the programmes.
As such, the Club is calling for donations to support the growth of our programmes through the Australian Sports Foundation with tax deductible donations possible via the website below:
CLICK HERE to donate to the Oatlands Juniors
For more information, please speak to Golf Operations Manager and Head Professional, Jeremy Ward, or General Manager and PGA Professional Sam Howe.
In the video below (filmed in early 2022), PGA Professional Jeremy Ward outlines the Development Programmes and Australian Sport Foundation funding.
Getting Started Programmes – Starts Tuesday 13th and Sunday 18th February
Ever wanted to try something new but didn’t know how? Oatlands Golf Club is proud to announce a “Get Started” programme that introduces golf to people who have not yet experienced this challenging and rewarding game. Join in the fun as our team of Teaching Professionals take you through the basic elements including, the correct grip, chipping and putting, to the full swing and on-course play.
When does it start? This programme will commence on Sunday 18th February for 8 weeks with session times from 9am – 10am or Tuesday 13th February for 8 weeks with session times from 10am – 11am. The cost of each 8 week programme is $240 which will be credited off the cost of membership should you decide to join the Club Membership at the end of the programme.
FAQ
What does the programme involve? 8 week programme (8 x 60 minute sessions) that takes you through all aspects of the game. From chipping to driving from putting to bunker play you will learn it all from our resident team of Teaching Professionals.
Do I need clubs & can I bring a friend? We will lend you what you need and we encourage you to bring along as many friends as possible.
Do I get to play the course and what do I wear? The Club is happy to offer you the opportunity to play the course during social times so you can practice what you are learning. As to your attire, you need to check out the dress requirements shown on the Club’s website.
What does it cost? The cost of the “Get Started” programme is $240 for the 8 week programme (This is payable up front).
So what are you waiting for? Complete the registration form below for the next Getting Started Programme.
Click here to register a friend or family member for the upcoming Getting Started Programme
Captain’s Corner – Nearest the Pin
There has been a number of incidents of late where the information recorded on the Nearest the Pin (NTP) sheet, has either been incomplete, inaccurate or illegible, resulting in some recordings not being allowed.
Effective immediately, the following information must be recorded on the NTP sheets.
- Players name printed (initials will not be accepted)
- Scorers name printed – NOT a signature
- Measurement in centimetres (CM)
The player’s scorer is responsible for the measurement.
Please ensure these guidelines are followed to avoid non-compliance and that all players in your group are aware of these requirements.
Sincerely,
Colin McRae
Club Captain
New Staff Member: Assistant Bar Manager – Ashleigh Kempthorne
With our three casual Bar Supervisors (Chelsea, Hannah, and Emma) recently moving on, we have amalgamated the casual roles into a fulltime role and appointed Ashleigh Kempthorne to the role of Assistant Bar Manager.
With an impressive 9-year journey in the hospitality industry, Ashleigh brings a wealth of experience from cafes, restaurants, and event functions. Her passion for creating memorable experiences and ensuring top-notch service is evident in her diverse background.
Ashleigh is a sports enthusiast. With a competitive spirit, she has a keen interest in netball and softball, embodying teamwork and dedication. Her love for sports mirrors the camaraderie we value at Oatlands, making her a perfect fit for our dynamic community.
Ashleigh also enjoys singing and is rumoured to be a karaoke sensation. Look out Karah, you might have some competition at the next Karahoake event.
In addition to her talents in the workplace and on the sports field, Ashleigh enjoys cooking and her passion for food adds to the other skills she will bring to the role at OGC.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Ashleigh Kempthorne, the newest member of our team, and encourage all members to introduce themselves at the next opportunity.
Australia Day Modified Trading
Members are advised that trading for Australia Day, Friday 26th January, will see the Sandwich Hut closed (daily bistro menu and pre-packed sandwiches made on the day will be available) and the Clubhouse will close at 5:30pm.
Bettington Restaurant, Wednesday 24th January – Menu Available
Members and guests are invited to our a la carte Bettington Restaurant on Wednesday 24th January 2024.
Bookings are available for 2 to 10 diners, with a two course menu for $55 or three course for $69.
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.
The Bettington Menu – 24th January 2024
On arrival
- Prawn avocado and cucumber (gf)
- Bread and butter
Entrée
- Buffalo Burrata, watermelon, blood orange, burnt pear puree, walnut crumble (v, gf)
- Bluefin tuna sashimi, sake and sesame dressing, crème fraiche, grape and shiso (gf)
- Oyster Kilpatrick, smoked BBQ sauce, lemon wedge (gf)
Main
- Maple brined and braised wagyu beef brisket, desiree puree, pickled onion (gf)
- Crispy skinned pork belly, apple puree, sushi rice and broccolini (gf)
- Squid ink spaghetti, prawn butter, tiger prawns and cherry tomato
- Pan seared dory, Paris mash, tomberry, dill, caper and lemon butter sauce (gf)
Dessert
- Mango crepes with mango sago pomelo sauce
- Peach and pavlova trifle, brandy custard, almond biscuit and raspberries (gf)
- Chocolate mousse brownie, white chocolate ganache, vanilla ice cream (gf)
Nine, Wine & Dine – Friday 23rd February and 15th March 2024
The first two instalments of the new Nine, Wine & Dine in November and December 2023 have been a fantastic success with bookings near capacity with members and their guests.
The two remaining events for the 2023-24 season will be held Friday 23rd February and Friday 15th March, with timesheets now open for members to make bookings and to invite guests at no additional charge.
Competition play is optional, but for those playing the single stableford, we have prizes for the men’s and women’s winners and runner ups and an NTP. The 9-holes played will be holes 1-7, 17 & 18.
Tee times will be available from 4pm – 5:30pm with a two course modified a la carte menu after golf.
Bookings are now open, and we hope to see you there!
Pennant Update
Encourage Shield
See earlier article in this Enews
Upcoming Member Events: January and February
The Club has lots of fantastic events coming up for members and guests, and we encourage members to take part in the Club’s diverse event offering over the coming months:
- Wednesday 24th January, The Bettington Restaurant
- Saturday 17th February, The Bettington Restaurant
- Friday 23rd February, Nine, Wine & Dine
- Wednesday 28th February, The Bettington Restaurant
Recent Trophy Event Winners
Corey Fernandez won the Summer Medal on Saturday 6th January with a fine score of nett 63.
Upcoming Trophy Events
Men’s
- Saturday 20th January – AM Stanton Cup
Ladies
- Thursday 25th January – Ladies Opening Day
Mixed
- Friday 12th January – QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge Champion of Champions
Family Membership Incentive – 50% Joining Fee Reduction for Immediate Family
The Board and Membership Committee of Oatlands Golf Club are pleased to announce a new membership initiative designed to encourage immediate family of our existing membership to join our wonderful Club.
Starting 1st July, all immediate family of an existing member in any of the Club’s playing membership categories, will be eligible for a 50% reduction to the joining fee of the respective category in which they join.
Eligibility criteria are listed below:
- Must be in one of the following relationships with a current Playing Member of the Club.
- Spouse including defacto*
- Children including in-law relationships*
- Parents including in-law relationships*
- Siblings
* Defacto and in-law relationships require verification via a shared address on a photo ID or marriage certificate.
This is an exciting opportunity for existing members of the Club and one that we hope will continue to build the strong family and inter-generational culture that is one of the hallmarks of OGC.
For further information on this incentive or to make an application, please contact Kathy Bright via email: administration@oatlandsgolf.com.au or by phoning the Club Reception.
Members Only Facebook Group
The engagement among the membership on our Members Only Facebook group has continued to grow in recent months with posts from members and staff happening daily.
So, if you aren’t already part of our Members Only Facebook Group, join up now and join in the fun banter.
We now have over 380 members who have joined the group and hope to see this get closer to 700 in the next 12-months.
Importantly, members are advised that this social media platform will not be used for the Club to communicate critical information, which will remain via the Enews, website and direct email however, it is a place that members and the Club can post interesting Club and golf related items to compliment this Enews.
To join the Members Only Facebook Group please click on the link below and then click on the “JOIN GROUP” button. You will be asked a few questions to verify you are a member and then approved by the group administrator shortly thereafter.
www.facebook.com/groups/870087546972166/