Oatlands Enews – Friday, 21st March 2025
Content
This week’s Enews covers the following topics:
- Farewell Karah Chapman
- From The President’s Desk
- US Masters Breakfast & Golf
- From the Course
- 1,000,000 Turtles Project – Release of Turtle Hatchlings
- Pennant Update
- Free Joining Fee for Women – Limited Time Offer
- Captain’s Corner
- Proshop Offers & Events
- Upcoming Member Events
- Wine Specials Ahead of a Wine List Update
- Bar Tab and Visitor Vouchers – Expire 1st April 2025
- Recent Trophy Event Winners
- Upcoming Golf / Trophy Events
- Members Only Facebook Group
Farewell Karah Chapman
Today was the last day of work for our Clubhouse Manager, Karah Chapman. Karah started here as a casual bar staff member in late 2018 and as other staff moved on from different roles and the Club faced the challenges put forward in the early 2020s by Covid, rain/floods, and inflation/cost of living pressures, Karah stepped up in many aspects to take on responsibilities that have kept the Club functioning and given her the chance to move onto her new role at Killara Golf Club as the Assistant General Manager. We’re sure to see Karah back at the Club visiting from time to time and wish her luck and success with her future.
From The President’s Desk
It has been three months since my last update, and significant developments have been taking place behind the scenes at Oatlands Golf Club. I would like to take this opportunity to bring members up to date on our ongoing efforts and future initiatives.
As many members are aware, our General Manager recently accepted a position at Killara Golf Club. Since then, we have been actively recruiting and conducting interviews to find a suitable successor who will guide Oatlands Golf Club through its next phase of development. We have appointed Robert Blain as our new General Manager. Robert will join us from 7th April 2025. Robert brings with him extensive experience, having held positions at Eastlake Golf Club, New South Wales Golf Club, Royal Sydney Golf Club, and Hamilton Island Golf Club. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Robert as he becomes part of the Oatlands Golf Club community.
We are pleased to report that the duplexes on Niblick Crescent have been completed and are now occupied. This milestone represents the culmination of a long-term project, and it is rewarding to see it finalised.
As mentioned in my previous update, the clubhouse development we are undertaking involves a complex legal and approval process. I want to reassure members that the Board and the Planning Committee continue to work diligently behind the scenes with Levande to ensure the successful realisation of this project.
While Levande continues to focus on the key elements of the project, our immediate attention is directed towards planning auxiliary works that will minimise disruption to members. The course works on the 19th hole and practice fairway are nearing completion, with the new green complexes already looking outstanding. I am eager to experience them firsthand. These improvements are vital to ensure that Oatlands Golf Club can continue to operate with 18 fully functional holes, with no need for temporary tees or greens, throughout the construction phase.
In the past two months, we have also prioritised creating a temporary clubhouse environment for our members. I want to report that we are in the early stages of planning to provide essential member services within the existing Pro Shop. These services will include a bar offering a selection of beverages, table seating, restrooms, and the Pro Shop. I will provide members with a more detailed update once these plans are further developed. Our goal is to maintain a comfortable and welcoming environment for members to enjoy their post-golf social activities.
We remain committed to keeping members informed on the progress of these initiatives. Please continue to monitor the weekly eNews, and keep an eye on your email for more specific updates as they become available.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we work together to shape the future of Oatlands Golf Club.
US Masters Breakfast & Golf
The US Masters Breakfast & Golf is back for 2025 on Monday April 14th, where Members and their guests are welcome to enjoy watching the final round of the first Major Championship of the year for 2025 before heading out on the golf course to compete for the Oatlands Green Jacket.
Cost for the day is $65pp for both Members and Guests and includes the Bakers Corner, Full English Buffet Breakfast & Barista Tea & Coffee followed by golf. Bookings can be made on the website or via the link below.
From the Course
Rainfall for the week – 0mm
Rainfall for 2025 – 264.0 mm
Dam – 80%
Green speed – 10 feet
The summer heat has continued this week after the warm weekend just gone. Several areas on the 1st, 17th and 13th fairways are showing signs of stress, with symptoms very similar to Ground Pearl damage. The team has dug up sections of these patches to try and identify the cause for these areas to be struggling. No Ground Pearl’s were found, and no other pests were found. We will now send a sample away to test for any possible disease, and test the soil for pH levels, nutrient levels, sodium, and CEC. We are aerating fairways during the upcoming renovation period, and any required amendments will be applied at the same time. These areas aren’t new areas but when climatic conditions are favourable, they tend not to stand out as much as they do currently. Something is making them struggle in hot/dry weather, and hopefully this testing uncovers something.
All tees have been fertilised this week which will promote strong healthy growth leading into the cooler months. The verti draining of the tees has continued this week with only 5 tee pads to complete. Growth on all surfaces remains strong with a full cut of rough completed this week, and fairways mown twice.
The 19th green and surrounds shaping work has been completed with seeding taking place on Tuesday afternoon. The first load of turf is being laid on Friday morning which will cover the surrounds of the back bunker, the collar, and most of the surrounds. Zoysia will be laid around the surrounds of the front two bunkers, and this will be laid next week. The two ponds will have kikuyu turf laid around them with different species of aquatic plants to be planted around their edges.
The practice green is progressing well with more rolling of the putting surface performed this week. The first cut of this green should happen later next week at around 10-12mm, and then gradually lowered down as they surface matures.
Our volunteers were on course Monday morning performing a bunker run in front of the competition players, electrical/cabling work continued in the simulator and proshop, drainage pits trimmed, fairway sprinkler heads on the front 11 holes trimmed, paths edged, Crab Grass and Parramatta Grass poisoning continued, and the path down to the main dam was tidied up. Fairway divotting was performed on Thursday morning, and the roses were tendered to. Many thanks to those that volunteered their time to the Club this week!
Greens will be cut on Saturday and Sunday morning. I will be setting pins on Saturday, with Garry setting them on Sunday morning.
Happy Golfing!
The Course Team
1,000,000 TURTLES PROJECT – RELEASE OF TURTLE HATCHLINGS
The Club is pleased to advise Members that a significant milestone has been achieved for this Project. The Club has been a supporter of this initiative for some time and has been provided with updates from time to time on Project progress from the national Co-Convenor of the project, Professor Ricky Spencer from Western Sydney University. Mid last year, Professor Spencer advised us that necessary Licencing/Regulatory clearance had been obtained for moving to the next stage of the work that required the assistance of the Club.
As a result, late last year 2 clutches of Turtle eggs were recovered from nests on the Golf Course and safely relocated to PLC Sydney’s dedicated turtle incubation room. PLC Sydney is a founding school in the Project Turtles in Schools initiative. The eggs have been cared for by students at the school, successfully hatched and will be released at the Golf Course on Tuesday 25th March. More specific details of the journey of the eggs and hatching process are at this link:
The Turtle Release is a significant event for the 1,000,000 Turtles Project and OGC congratulates Professor Spencer and his colleagues and PLC Sydney for the achievement of this milestone.
For details of the overall Project check out the following link: https://1millionturtles.com/
If Members wish to obtain more details on the Club’s involvement in the Project you can follow up with Club Vice President Bill Mitchell who handles Club liaison with Professor Spencer.
Finally, all work on this Project is carried out under permits by the Western Sydney University and NSW Department of Education Ethics Committees and licencing by NSW Parks and Wildlife.
Pennant Update
Men’s Major Pennant
-Grant Lomas
Our Ladies Bronze II Team played against Pennant Hills GC at Ryde-Parramatta today and came away with a halved match of 2.5 points a piece. The team will play again next Friday at Bayview against Concord.
Free Joining Fee for Women – Limited Time Offer!
Oatlands Golf Club is thrilled to announce a special promotion aimed at encouraging more women to join our vibrant golfing community. From now until 31st May 2025, all women who sign up for a playing membership will have their joining fee waived!
This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to growing women’s golf and ensuring that our women’s golf program continues to thrive well into the future. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or new to the game, this is the perfect opportunity to become part of a welcoming and supportive golfing environment.
Why Join Oatlands Golf Club?
- A Welcoming Community – Meet like-minded women who share a passion for golf.
- Beautiful Course & Facilities – Enjoy playing on our stunning and well-maintained course.
- Women’s Golf Program – Take part in competitions, social games, clinics, and exclusive events designed to enhance your golfing experience.
- Coaching & Development – Improve your skills with access to professional coaching and clinics.
How to Take Advantage of This Offer
Simply contact our Membership Team and complete your application before 31st May 2025 to have your joining fee waived!
Call us at: (02) 9630 4444
Email us at: administration@oatlandsgolf.com.au
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to play the great game of golf, connect with fellow members, and enjoy everything Oatlands Golf Club has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome more women to our Club!
Captain’s Corner – Understanding the Rules of Competition Golf: Accidental Movement of the Ball
This week, I am pleased to introduce a series of brief refreshers on some fundamental rules of competition golf.
At Oatlands Golf Club, competition golf is central to our identity. A thorough understanding of the rules is essential to maintaining the integrity of the game. To support our members, we have recently hosted two well-attended rules seminars focused on how the Rules of Golf apply specifically at Oatlands. These sessions received positive feedback, and we plan to continue offering similar educational opportunities. Please check the eNews for details on upcoming sessions.
This week, we are focusing on Rule 9.4 – Ball Lifted or Moved by Player, a rule that often leads to confusion.
Rule 9.4 – Ball Lifted or Moved by Player
As an exercise for the coming week, I encourage all members to review Rule 9.4 in the official Rules of Golf. While it is comprehensive, familiarity with its principles will help all players apply essential aspects of the game’s regulations.
This rule applies only when it is known or virtually certain that a player (or their caddie) has lifted a ball at rest or caused it to move.
Understanding the Rule
A common misconception is that there is no penalty for accidentally moving a ball in the general area. However, the rule is clear:
- No penalty if the ball is accidentally moved on the teeing area or the putting green.
- A one-stroke penalty if the ball is accidentally moved in the general area, a bunker, or a penalty area.
There are exceptions to this rule, which are outlined in Rule 9.4b. Members are encouraged to review this section for further clarity. Key exceptions include:
- When a player is permitted to lift or move a ball.
- Accidental movement when searching for or identifying a ball.
- Accidental movement on the putting green.
- Accidental movement anywhere except the putting green while applying another rule.
- A ball coming to rest against a player or their equipment.
Additionally, if a ball is moved, it must always be replaced in its original position before play continues. Failure to do so results in an additional penalty for playing from the wrong place.
Rule 9 – Play the Ball as It Lies
Rule 9 is extensive and covers a range of scenarios that players may encounter during a round. Taking the time to review it will help ensure fair play and a proper understanding of the game’s regulations.
What to Do If You Are Unsure of a Rule
If you or your marker are unsure how to proceed in a given situation, the recommended course of action is to play two golf balls for the remainder of the hole. Before submitting your scorecard, consult the Committee for a ruling.
If a member of the Match Committee is unavailable, the Pro Shop serves as the Committee for daily competitions and can provide guidance.
By enhancing our understanding of the rules, we contribute to the fairness and integrity of competition golf at Oatlands. If you have any questions, please email golf@oatlandsgolf.com.au, and we will address them in next week’s eNews.
We look forward to seeing you on the course!
Thank you for your support!
Matt Seamons
Club Captain
Proshop Offers & Events
MGI buggy & Bag deal
While stocks last, buy an MGI Navigator AI buggy and receive a free MGI Cart Bag valued at $379 to match your brand new buggy.
TaylorMade fitting experience on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025
Dear Members,
We are excited to announce that we have booked an exclusive TaylorMade fitting experience on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025 at our venue, where all members will have the opportunity to go through a custom club fitting.
An expert club fitter will help you optimize your equipment and ultimately perform better on the golf course with the help of the latest TaylorMade technology.
You can book a specific time for your appointment, as well as check other available dates. You can also contact the golf shop to learn about available appointments, book your custom fitting or ask any questions you have about this special event.
We hope you enjoy this exclusive fitting experience!
Taylormade Bag Giveaway
Until March 31st anyone who purchases a Taylormade Glove will go into the running to win a Taylormade Stand Bag.
Upcoming Member Events: March & April
The Bistro 94 & daily bar menus have both been updated from March 7th so make sure you get down to the Club and check out the new offerings from the Oatlands Kitchen.
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:
- Friday 21st March, Bistro 94
- Wednesday 26th March – Bettington Restaurant – Fully Booked
- Friday 28th March, Bistro 94
- Friday 4th April, Bistro 94
- Monday 4th April, US Masters Breakfast & Golf
- Friday 11th April, Bistro 94
The Bettington Menu:
On arrival
Asparagus and goat cheese frittata (v,gf)
Bread and Butter
Entrée
Xo butter Hokkaido scallops, Sambal, and crisp bacon (gf)
Spanner crab Caesar salad, charred lettuce, Indomie aioli, prok lardon, smoked egg (gf)
Duck and pork san choy bow, shiitake and beansprouts (gf, df)
Main
12-hour braised smoky beef rib on mushroom tart spinach and vegemite gravy
Roasted bone marrow spaghetti, sea urchin roe, caviar and lardon
Slow-cooked lamb shank with massaman, young potato, saffron pilaf, and Thai basil (gf)
Seafood risotto, prawns, mussels, squid, spiced coconut and Parmigiano (gf)
Side – $12.00 each
Roasted potatoes, rosemary salt (v, gf)
Green oak lettuce, honey vinaigrette (v, gf)
French fries, aioli (v)
Wine Specials Ahead of a Wine List Update
The Club’s Wine List is being updated over the coming month and as such, there are a number of wines currently on the list that are being run out.
With the Members Bar Account Credit expiring on 1st of April, now is a great time to grab one of our wines before the new wine list becomes available.
Bar Tab and Visitor Vouchers – Expire 1st April 2025
Members are reminded that their annual Bar Tab credit, and Visitor Vouchers (Visitor Vouchers allocated to Full Playing and 6-Day members only) will expire on 1st April 2025, at the commencement of the 2025-26 Membership year.
Bar Credit can be used for clubhouse and takeaway food and beverage purchases, along with attendance at Club dining events such as “The Bettington” nights and “Bistro 94”.
Visitor Vouchers can be used to bring non-member guests during competition or social play with no green fee payable.
Members are encouraged to visit the “MEMBERS ACCOUNT” section of the Club website to confirm the status of your Bar Tab and Visitor Voucher accounts for 2024-25 and utilise the remaining credit on or before 31st March 2025.
Recent Trophy Event Winners
Men’s
Governors Cup – Christian Jean-Louis 43 points
Ladies
St Patricks Day Team Day – Elly Kim & Rhonda Furini & Robyn Kean & Kate Choi 81 points
Upcoming Golf / Trophy Events
Men’s
- Saturday 22nd March – NB Charlton Round 1 (round of 16)
- Saturday 29th March – NB Charlton Quarter-finals
- Saturday 5th April – Monthly Medal & NB Charlton Semi-Final
Ladies
- Thursday 27th March – Grace Norris Rnd 1
- Thursday 3rd April – Grace Norris Rnd 2
- Sunday 6th April – Weekend Ladies Singles Handicap Matchplay Qualifying Round
- Thursday 10th April – Post Renovation 3 Person Ambrose
Mixed
- Sunday 23rd March – Husband & Wife Trophy
Members Only Facebook Group
If you aren’t already part of our Members Only Facebook Group, join up now and join in the conversation.
This group is where members can share their experience of Oatlands Golf Club and chat to one another about interesting things happening in the world of golf and society as a whole.
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.