We are nearing the end of the winter season and it is fair to say the course has been much better than previous years with the drainage work of last year really paying dividends. In addition we were able to install 12 new winter mats thanks to the generosity of the Rabbits & Seniors section, David Hartas and Andrew Barker. The remaining 6 will be completed in readiness for the 2023 winter season by the enthusiastic volunteers. The greens team are busy bringing the bunkers back in to play ready for the new season so if you land in a bunker with no red flag in it you must play the ball as it lies. In addition, could you please remember to rake the bunker for others that follow you, unfortunately we are already seeing footprints in the sand. Also, we currently are allowing the use of mats in the rough as it is still not possible to easily determine where the rough is. As the grass begins to grow and the fairways become more defined we will remove this local ruling as soon as practically possible. Finally, we have been fortunate to play on the main greens for most of the winter and it is really disappointing to see so many pitch marks just left for others to repair – no excuses here just take responsibility! We have introduced some variety into the competitions following requests by many members and they have generally been well received. We are keen to hear your views so could I ask those of you who have played this winter to reply to this email answering these 2 questions? 1. Have you enjoyed the variety competitions we have held – YES/NO? 2. If you have enjoyed some of the variety, which would you like to continue? I was going to ask which would you like to stop but after today’s Junior Tees competition with just 19 entries I think I know the answer! We did hope the different aspect would be interesting and those that did play really enjoyed it but we do listen and this will not be repeated. To add insult to injury, I had to disqualify myself and my playing partners today as we inadvertently managed to play off the wrong tee on the 14th without realising until the 15th fairway. A quick reminder that the final two events will be a 2 ball Stableford Multiplier on Saturday 18th March and a 3 person Texas Scramble on Saturday 25th March (previously advertised as March 11th but subsequently moved). Rules Quiz Evening We will be holding a fun rules quiz evening on Thursday March 9th, 7.30pm and it would be great to see many of you there. Please see the separate mail with full details. Hopefully you are all looking forward to a great year of competitions as we get ready to welcome the new season. This is the first in a series of Newsletters with information to help you enjoy your golf as much as you can. World Handicap System A brief reminder that the Handicap Index (HI) that you finished last season with will be your starting HI when the new season. Competition Qualifying Criteria A PLAYING MEMBER who has never held a handicap may attain a WHS HANDICAP by returning HANDICAP SCORECARDS over any combination of 18 holes or 9 holes card to complete a total of 54 holes of our home course when we have a conforming measured course. This year WHS have stated that these must be pre-registered, in the same way as general play scores either by the HowDidIDo app, the Club V1 screen in the bar or in the Pro Shop. The cards must be signed by a member and submitted to Ian in the Pro shop. Your HI will probably change as you complete more cards on your way to the 20 cards required for a fully developed HI. Please note to be eligible to play in club majors Members must have either a fully developed Handicap index, or have a least 10 scores in their handicap record of which at least 5 should be in qualifying competitions. Please remember, unless otherwise stated all competition rounds MUST start on the 1st tee. Submitting Competition Scorecards Members are reminded that ALL scorecards must be entered on the computer or via the app on your mobile. Under the WHS system any player entering a competition and not returning a score / entering it on the computer will automatically be given a system generated penalty score and email about the missing card. The competitions/ handicaps committee can remove or amend this score if the actual card is subsequently returned. Upcoming Competitions Please note the entry sheets for the Weaver & Waring knockouts are available in the Pro Shop in addition to the Ludwell Trophy for Tigers. The entry sheets for the Rabbits singles & doubles knockouts will be posted on the Rabbits noticeboard this week. The closing date is April 16th so make sure you get your entries in before then. Also available are the entry sheets for the Double Shotgun on Captain’s Drive In day. The Captain’s Drive in will take place on Sunday March 26th at 12 noon with a shotgun competition in the morning and afternoon. The first qualifier of the season will be on Tuesday March 28th followed by the first competition off the white tees on Wednesday March 29th. Competitions
Hollow Tine Cup This ‘friendly’ competition between the Tigers & Rabbits will be held on Sunday March 12th at 12 noon with Tigers Captain Tom Stanley assembling a strong team to try and regain the trophy from Rabbits Captain Eric Armstrong and his team. We would be delighted to hear from you with any questions, ideas or general comment on any matters related to running competitions at our club. Jim Roberts, Competitions Director
Competitions Key Contacts
Competitions Director Jim Roberts 07508844294 jimroberts.arbonne@gmail.com
Handicap Secretary Jason Shaw 07740839232 Jason.Shaw@sharp.eu
Professional Ian Marshall 01977 706806 professional@pdgc.co.uk
Ladies Section Chantelle Shaw 07534119163 chantelleshaw71@yahoo.com
Tigers Section Tom Stanley 07713808568 stan@crashrepairparts.com
Rabbits Section Jim Roberts 07508844294 jimroberts.arbonne@gmail.com