Oatlands Enews – Friday 12th June 2020

Published on 12th June 2020 in E-News, Guests

Content

This week’s Enews covers the following topics:

  • Clubhouse Operation Update
  • Thank you to our incredible Volunteers
  • From the Course
  • Bunker Insurance Claim following February Storm Damage
  • Inside Golf Magazine
  • Joke of the Week
  • Report Balls that go Out of Bounds
  • 2020 Ball Prize Credit Expires on 30th June
  • FootJoy Summer Apparel Clearance – 30% Off All Stock
  • Weekend Trophy Event Schedule
  • MiScore App – Available to all Members to Trial
  • Chipping Green: No Play, Penalty Area

Clubhouse Operations Update

It has been an interesting few months since we closed the Clubhouse in mid-March as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. We are pleased to say that with the Clubhouse re-opening on 1st June, things are starting to resemble the pre-Covid operation.

The Board and Management would like to thank all members for their patience and understanding over the last 3 months as we implemented the necessary restrictions.

A special thanks also goes to the staff and volunteers who ensured that the closure of the Clubhouse had a silver lining with a wonderful paint job of the inside of the Clubhouse as well as a number of new products launched, such as takeaway meals. This has been such a success that they will continue as a regular part of the offering to our members and their guests.

With the information coming from the State and Federal governments on an almost daily basis, it has been difficult to keep up with the changing operation. Now that up to 50 people are allowed inside Registered Clubs and Pubs and with the low rate of new Covid-19 cases, the operation is settling into the new normal and it is therefore a good time to communicate with you all on how the Clubhouse is currently operating. An overview of the operation is included below, however, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Club General Manager, Sam Howe.

Compliance Requirements

  • A maximum of 50 people allowed in each designated area
  • A CovidSafe Marshal is to be on duty at all times
  • Hand sanitizer is being provided at all entry and exits and all frequent touchpoints such as the bar counter
  • Every patron is to have their details recorded upon being seated
  • Food & Beverage must be consumed seated at a table (no consumption while standing)
  • Tables and chairs have been setup to facilitate social distancing, tables and chairs are not to be moved or tables joined.
  • A maximum of 4 people per table in the members bar area
  • Members are not to sit at tables until they have been cleared and disinfected by a member of staff. The Club has a Red/Green signal system in place to ensure compliance. Please do not sit at a table with a Red signal facing up (even if the table is cleared). This means that the table has not been disinfected following the last group leaving.
  • Due to additional staff requirements for CovidSafe compliance, there will be no table service in the members bar area until further notice
  • Showers in Locker Rooms are closed until further notice.

These measures are being reviewed by the senior management team on a weekly basis and via the Operations Committee and Board through frequent informal discussion and monthly meetings.

Clubhouse Trading Times – Normal Winter Times

Monday 11am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 11am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am – 6:30pm
Thursday 11am – 5:30pm
Friday 11am – 6:30pm
Saturday 10am – 6:30pm
Sunday 11am – 5:30pm

Closing times may vary in the event of Private or Club run events such as Bistro on Bettington evenings.

Sandwich Hut – Normal Trading Times

Monday 11am until field crosses over
Wednesday 11am until field crosses over
Thursday 11am until field crosses over
Saturday 11am until field crosses over
Sunday 11am until field crosses over

Daily Bar Menu – Normal Trading Times commencing Monday 15th June

Open everyday from 11:30am to 2pm

Takeaway Menu – Weekly Menu

New menu released Wednesday with availability for collection from Thursday.

Thank you to our incredible Volunteers

When the Clubhouse shut in mid-March followed by the announcement of JobKeeper payments for eligible staff, the General Manager spoke to Life member and dedicated volunteer John Carey and asked a “simple” question;

“Do you think we can paint the Clubhouse with a group of enthusiastic bar staff with little to no painting experience?”.

Now it has to be noted that at the time, the forecast for the Covid-19 pandemic was extremely negative and it looked like the Clubhouse would be closed until at least August or September.

So, after engaging a colour consultant to advise us on an appropriate colour scheme that would match the existing and potential future carpet replacement, we embarked on the ambitious project under the strong guidance of John Carey and Joe Wahbe. Well, it is safe to say that despite the enthusiasm of the staff, progress was slow, and with the introduction of the takeaway cafe, takeaway meals, and takeaway tap beer and cocktails reducing the staff at John and Joe’s disposal, the project was progressing and with time on our side, a positive outcome taking shape.

As work continued in May, and the worst fears of the Health authorities regarding the Covid infection rate weren’t eventuating, it was becoming apparent that time was becoming our enemy and sure enough on Thursday 21st May, we got advice that Registered Clubs could re-open for up to 50 people on 1st June and we hadn’t gone beyond the Club conference room!

To the General Manager, the project seemed over, but not to John and Joe. On Friday 22nd June, the call went out to Club members requesting volunteer assistance to continue the project from Monday 24th May. Well, the response to the call to arms can only be described as unbelievable. During the course of the next 5 days, a virtual army of volunteers turned up ready and willing to get the job done, and what a job they did! Not only did they complete the conference room painting, they finished the function room, reception foyer, members bar and the bar itself.

The results of this project has to be seen to believed, not only for the incredible facelift they have given the Club, but for the quality of workmanship that would have cost the Club at least $50k had it been undertaken by paid painters. This job could not have been done without the contribution from all involved, from John Carey and Joe Wahbe who co-ordinated the work, to the volunteers who did all the cutting in, skirting boards and difficult aspects of the painting, to the Club staff who did virtually all the rolling and therefore applied the bulk of the paint to every wall that got attention. This has truly been an unbelievable achievement and one that would be the envy of every other golf club.

The volunteers and staff are are listed below;

  • Joe Wahbe
  • Dave Gaffaney
  • Col McRae
  • Col Davis
  • Ian Tanner
  • Stephen Jones
  • John Herbert
  • Tony Armitage
  • Dick Elsley
  • Peter Bowyer
  • Craig Taylor
  • Rod Bowyer
  • Mike McFarland
  • Greg Preston
  • David Pickering
  • Mike Cuming
  • Craig Peterson
  • Peter Cox
  • Rob Palin
  • Paula Skelton
  • Merv Trevaskis
  • John Surian
  • John Carey
  • Greg Berriman
  • Matt Sally
  • Bob Cairns

Staff:

  • Emma
  • Kelly
  • Amy
  • Georgie
  • Chelsea
  • Hannah
  • Karah
  • Tom
  • Grant
  • Sam
  • Oli

 

From the Course

Rainfall for the Week: 19.5mm Rainfall for 2020: 743mm   Dam: 100%   Green Speed: 10.5 feet

 

 

A short week for the team with the public holiday on Monday, but nevertheless there has been plenty of activity on the course. We started the week with the grinding of the Peppercorn Tree stump on Tuesday morning. The contractor ground the stump below ground level and as close to the pavers / sandstone border as he could. We then brought our bobcat in and dug out all the remaining roots to ensure that when we turf or create something on this site, that it doesn’t sink or subside when any remaining roots rotted away. This happened in the 16th green surrounds on the 2nd tee side where we removed a large tree. As the remaining roots and stump rotted away, a large hollow developed which we recently repaired when we performed the renovation work around this green. The course team will now bring new soil into the existing Peppercorn Tree site and turf this area until a decision is made on what will replace the Peppercorn Tree.

The irrigation repair on the 8th fairway was completed this week after it was hit while we verti drained this fairway. The existing pipe work was very close to the surface in this area, as there is a lot of large sandstone rock just below the surface. To avoid hitting this pipe work with any future verti draining, we jack hammered out a trench through the sandstone so that the pipe sits much lower below the surface.

We have completed our first fungicide applications to all fairways this week to control the patch disease that appears in our fairways every winter. This application requires a light water in to place the chemical at the correct area of the plant to control the disease. It may seem crazy that we are watering fairways after recent rainfall, but it is a requirement to control this disease.

Greens were fertilised this week with an iron based fertiliser which will darken the appearance of these surfaces. We will be needle tyning all our greens throughout next week, with little to no interruption to members play. The needle tyning will provide aeration to the root systems and help to dry putting surfaces out and inevitable firm them up after the recent rainfall.

No volunteers this week due to the public holiday on Monday.

Have good weekend!

The Course Team

 

 

 

Bunker Insurance Claim following February Storm Damage

The Club is pleased to announce that we have now received confirmation that the bunker damage caused as a result of the Storm on 9th Feburary, has been approved.

This claim provides for the full repair of 35 of the Club’s bunkers. This will be a large scale project which the Club will endeavour to undertake with minimal disruption to play through the use of the Club’s spare 19th hole.

Further information on timing of the project will be communicated to members once planning is completed with the expected timeline on full completion to be in the vicinity of 18 – 24 months.

 

Inside Golf Magazine to Return in August

Many members have been asking whether the Club has renewed its subscription to the monthly Inside Golfer magazine. The answer is that we have, however, the publisher has not produced a publication since April due to the impact of the Covid-19 situation on their operation.

We have been advised that the next issue scheduled for publication will be in August.

Joke of the Week

The Pope met with his Cardinals to discuss a proposal from Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. 

Your Holiness”, said one of his Cardinals, “Mr Netanyahu wants to challenge you to a game of golf to show the friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish and Catholic faiths.” 

The Pope thought this was a good idea, but he had never held a golf club in his hand. 

“Don’t we have a Cardinal to represent me?” he asked. 

“None that plays very well,” a Cardinal replied. “But, there’s a man named Jack Nicklaus, an American golfer who is a devout Catholic. We can offer to make him a Cardinal Then ask him to play Mr. Netanyahu as your personal  representative. In addition, to showing our spirit of cooperation, we’ll also win the match.” 

Everyone agreed it was a good idea. 

The call was made. Of course, Nicklaus was honored and agreed to play. 

The day after the match, Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the Pope of the result. “I have some good news and some bad news, your Holiness, “ said Nicklaus. 

“Tell me the good news first, Cardinal Nicklaus,” said the Pope. 

“Well, your Holiness, I don’t like to brag, but even though I’ve played some pretty terrific rounds of golf in my life, this was the best I have ever played, by far. I must have been inspired from above. My drives were long and true, my irons were accurate and purposeful, and my putting was perfect. With all due respect, my play was truly miraculous.” 

“There’s bad news?” asked the Pope. 

“Yes, I lost by three strokes to Rabbi Tiger Woods. 

Please Report Balls that Go Out of Bounds

Members are asked to please report any incidents of golf balls clearly going out of bounds to the extent that the ball may have struck any one of the following;

  • Bettington Road
  • The residents adjacent to the 6th hole
  • Oatlands House

In the event that a golf ball does strike one of these areas and causes damage, each individual member has insurance coverage as part of their affiliation fees with Golf Australia that mean there is no liability for damage caused. However, this is contingent on the incident being reported. So if you think you might have hit a ball into any of these areas, please report the shot to the Pro Shop or Reception including the date and time the shot occurred.

We thank you for your assistance.

2020 Ball Prize Credit – Expires 30th June 2020

Most long-standing members would be aware that the ball prize credit accumulated through competition play up to 31st April expires at the end of the Club’s Financial year on 30th June.

The Ball Prize Credit is available for use in the Pro Shop for merchandise purchases. With the new range of winter apparel in stock and some great clearance sales on summer apparel, it is a great time to use up your credit before it expires.

Members can check the credit they have via the Club website or by speaking to one of the Pro Shop staff.

FootJoy Summer Apparel Clearance Sale – 30% Off All Stock

WHILE STOCK LASTS!!!

Weekend Trophy Event Schedule

Now that play is back in groups of 4, we are able to re-schedule the postponed weekend trophy events, while not as difficult as an AFL or NRL re-schedule, it is surprisingly complicated to fit things in once time is lost due to the number of events the Club holds. With our Major Pennant team now playing a home and away semi-final against Penrith in August, this could potentially decimate our Foursomes Championship fields.

Below is the weekend trophy event schedule up to the course renovation / closure on Sunday 23rd August;

  • Saturday 20th June: Qualifying Round NB Charlton 4Ball Knockout – Top 16 pairs
  • Saturday 27th June: Governor’s Cup
  • Saturday 4th July: Foundation Day – TBC
  • Saturday 4th July: NB Charlton 4Ball Knockout Round of 16 Matchplay
  • Saturday 11th July: Foursomes Championship 36 holes
  • Sunday 12th July: WE Tunks Father & Son Trophy
  • Saturday 18th July: Legacy Cup
  • Saturday 18th July: NB Charlton 4Ball Knockout Quarter Final Matchplay
  • Sunday 19th July: Qualifying Round WS Targett Mixed Fourball Knockout – Top 8 pairs
  • Saturday 25th July: NB Charlton 4Ball Knockout Semi Final Matchplay
  • Sunday 26th July: WS Targett Quarter Final Matchplay
  • Saturday 1st August: Kingswood Cup
  • Saturday 1st August: NB Charlton Final
  • Sunday 2nd August: WS Targett Semi Final Matchplay
  • Saturday 8th August: Winter Medal Round
  • Sunday 9th August: Mixed Foursomes Championship 36 holes
  • Saturday 15th August: Presidents Cup
  • Sunday 16th August: WS Targett Final Matchplay
  • Sunday 16th August: Major Pennant Division 2 Semi-Final at OGC
  • Saturday 22nd August: HP Evans Singles Knockout Qualifying Round – Top 16
  • Sunday 23rd August: Major Pennant Division 2 Semi-Final at Penrith
  • Sunday 23rd August (PM) – Wednesday 26th August: Renovations / Course Closed

MiScore App – Available to all Members to Trial

MiClub have offered Clubs’ a free trial of their MiScore App which members are encouraged to trial and provide feedback on its functionality and convenience.

The MiScore App allows golfers to complete scorecards on their mobile device and can be loaded onto your device by searching MiScore App from the Apple or Android store and selecting the icon displayed below.

Once loaded simply open the app and follow the prompts. The App acts exactly like a scorecard with all of Oatlands’ hole lengths, pars, indexes and local rules built in and provision to sign the card at the completion of play (note: under current restrictions signing of the scorecard is prohibited).

Note, just like a physical scorecard when using the MiScore App you are filling in the scorecard of another player as the marker.

If you have any questions or would like to go over the app with a member of staff please see the Pro Shop staff or General Manager.  

Chipping Green: No Play, Penalty Area

Members are reminded that the Chipping Green adjacent to the 11th green is a No Play Penalty Area. This means play is prohibited from this area unlike a normal hazard whereby you may play your ball if you can find it and you deem it playable.

If a ball comes to rest in this area, the player must take a Penalty Drop under Rule 17.1d.  As an additional option, relief may be taken at the nearest dropping stake.

Please note: Play from within this area as marked by red stakes with green tops and a red painted line is prohibited. A ball entering into this area is an automatic penalty.

 

< Back to previous page