From the Course

Rainfall for the Week: 19.5mm,  Rainfall for 2025: 136.5mm, Dam: 100%,  Green Speed: 9.5feet

The storms last Friday night brought some trees and branches down but didn’t cause that much damage to the playing surfaces. The course team, with the help of the volunteers, were able to tidy up most of the course on Monday. The blowers and vacuum have continued to work throughout the week to remove as much debris as possible from the fairways and roughs, with the southerly buster on Wednesday afternoon littering the course once again.

The tees have shown a great response to the recent fertiliser application and rainfall. A granular wetting agent was also applied with the fertiliser to ensure any irrigation or rainfall freely enters the soil profile. The verti draining or aerating of tee pads, has started and will continue into next week.

Greens remain in a very healthy condition with the team monitoring moisture levels around the thunderstorm activity of late. The thunderstorms do usually reduce the need to irrigate that night, but the storms don’t always deliver a high amount of rainfall, and they usually follow a very warm day. So, the challenge is to ensure the greens get through the warm day before the thunderstorm arrives and then gauge if enough rain has fallen to replace the moisture that was lost throughout the day. The right amount of moisture is critical for the health of the green and not placing any extra stress on the turf plant, as well as avoiding conditions that favour disease development, while trying to produce playing surfaces that everyone can enjoy.

We have some new casual members on the team which is enabling the constant whipper snipping tasks to be performed regularly which adds to the presentation of the course. Growth regulator applications to fairways and roughs have continued this week and will be finished off next week.

Construction work continues with the practice green by our contractors and course staff. OGC staff have completed the installation of the irrigation, and the contractors are finalising the levels of the sand on the green and spreading the stockpiled soils across the surrounds of the green. Final shaping of the bunker surrounds and installation of drainage gravel in the bunkers is next on the agenda. The contractors will be excavating out the new path for the 19^th tee next week with formwork and laying of the concrete to start the following week. 

Our volunteers were back on course Monday morning performing a bunker run in front of the morning competition players and removing a lot of debris from these areas in the process. They then helped the course staff to tidy up the rest of the course. A section of the ceiling in the kitchen collapsed with the heavy rain over the weekend, with the repairs performed by Joe and David Gaffaney. Mike Cumming also performed his weekly pruning of the roses in the clubhouse gardens. Thank you to everyone involved with this week’s voluntary services for the Club, it is always very much appreciated!

Greens will be cut on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Happy Golfing!

The Course Team.

Niblick Crescent Duplexes – Video Tour

With the Niblick Crescent duplexes completed just before Christmas and two of the four dwellings rented even before hitting the market, we’re thrilled to announce that the remaining two properties have now been leased, with tenants moving in next week!

This is fantastic news for the Club’s future, as it highlights the growing appeal of our developments. Before the new tenants settle in, we invite members to enjoy a short video tour of one of these beautiful properties below.

Titleist Fitting Day – Wednesday, 19th February 2025

Oatlands will be hosting a fitting day on Wednesday 19th February with club manufacturer Titleist.

If you are thinking about upgrading some or all of your equipment, these days are essential in ensuring you get the right equipment for your game, with the respective club fitter from each manufacturer on hand to expertly guide you through the fitting process, along with our expert PGA staff, and with all the latest equipment and launch monitor technology available to help you get the best out of your new clubs.

Bookings are essential with times available from 10am – 3pm. Bookings can be made via the website or by contacting the Pro Shop. 

Captain’s Corner – Golf, A Sport of Ethics and Integrity

Golf, often considered a gentleman’s game, is particularly steeped in ethical considerations. The sport not only demands physical skill and mental acuity but also places a significant emphasis on integrity, respect, and sportsmanship. These ethical principles are woven into the fabric of golf, influencing how players conduct themselves both on and off the course.

Integrity and Honesty

One of the most fundamental ethical principles in golf is integrity. Unlike many other sports, golf relies heavily on the honesty of the players. Golfers are expected to keep an accurate score, call penalties on themselves, and play the ball as it lies, adhering strictly to the rules of the game. This self-regulation is a hallmark of golf, underscoring the importance of personal integrity. A golfer who cheats, not only disrespects the game, but also diminishes their own reputation and the trust others place in them.

Respect for Others

Respect is another cornerstone of ethical behaviour in golf. This respect extends to fellow competitors, the course, and the game itself. Golfers are expected to be courteous, maintaining a positive attitude regardless of the outcome of their game. This includes observing silence when others are taking their shots, repairing divots, and raking bunkers to leave the course in good condition for those who follow. Such actions reflect a respect for the collective enjoyment of the sport and the shared use of the facilities.

Sportsmanship and Fair Play

Sportsmanship in golf involves playing fair, accepting victories and defeats with grace, and exhibiting humility. Good sportsmanship means acknowledging the achievements of others, offering congratulations for good shots, and commiserating over bad ones. It also involves adhering to the spirit of the rules. For instance, while the rules of golf are detailed and extensive, ethical golfers do not seek to exploit loopholes for unfair advantage. Instead, they strive to compete fairly and honourably, embodying the true spirit of competition.

Accountability and Responsibility

Golfers are also expected to take responsibility for their actions. This includes owning up to mistakes and learning from them, rather than blaming external factors such as the condition of the course or the behaviour of other players. Ethical golfers acknowledge their role in the game and accept the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. This sense of accountability fosters personal growth and upholds the integrity of the sport.

The Role of Etiquette

Golf etiquette, while not part of the formal rules, is a significant aspect of the game’s ethical framework. Etiquette encompasses a range of behaviours that contribute to the overall experience of the game. This includes being punctual for tee times, allowing faster groups to play through, and maintaining a steady pace of play to ensure that the game flows smoothly. By adhering to these unwritten rules, golfers show respect for others’ time and enjoyment, reinforcing the community spirit of the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ethics in golf are more than just a set of guidelines; they are the essence of what makes the sport unique. The emphasis on integrity, respect, sportsmanship, accountability, and etiquette creates an environment where the true spirit of the game can flourish. Golfers who embrace these ethical principles contribute to the noble tradition of the sport, ensuring that it remains a game of honour and respect. By upholding these values, golfers not only enhance their own experience but also preserve the integrity and enjoyment of the game for future generations.

Good Golfing!

Matt Seamons
Club Captain

School Holiday Clinics – Max Dakic

OGC Professional, Max Dakic, has one school holiday clinic left for the current holidays:

• Thursday January 30^th 11:00am – 1:30pm

 The clinic 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.