Oatlands Enews – Friday 8th September 2023

Content

This week’s Enews covers the following topics:

  • Mixed / Medley PGA Scramble – Friday 15th September – One Week Away
  • From the Course
  • September Bettington Restaurant – Menu Available
  • Captain’s Corner – Searching for Lost Balls, 3-minute Maximum
  • School Holiday Junior Clinics with Max Dakic
  • Mixed Pennant 2024 – Expressions of Interest
  • Upcoming Member Events:  September – October
  • Recent Trophy Event Winners
  • Upcoming Trophy Events
  • Members Only Facebook Group

Mixed / Medley PGA Scramble – Friday 15th September – One Week Away

There is still time to enter a team for the OGC Mixed / Medley PGA Scramble. Open to members and guests, with the only requirement that each team consist of at least one OGC member to qualify, all male, female and mixed teams are eligible to qualify for the regional final where the qualifying team/s are joined by one of OGC’s PGA Professionals.

Friday 15th September, 8am shotgun start.

The event will be open to male and female, members and guests, and requires a minimum of one member per team to qualify in the 4 person Ambrose format.

The cost is $75 for members and guests (the majority of the fee going to the PGA).

All participants will receive a bacon & roll on arrival and a Callaway gift pack.

Registration for the OGC Mixed PGA Scramble is done though the PGA event portal which is accessible by clicking here.

Click here for event terms and  conditions.


From the Course

Rainfall for the Week: 0.0mm,  Rainfall for 2023: 617.5mm, Dam: 90%   Green Speed: 9 feet

The pre-emergent herbicide and insecticide application to fairways was completed this week with the 11th fairway and surrounds sprayed and watered in on Thursday morning before play. As I mentioned last week, this application will provide season long control of pests (Billbug, African Black Beetle, and Argentinian Scarab Beetle) on all fairways and roughs to tree lines. The pre-emergent herbicide (Pennmag) used in this application will only provide a 6 to 8 week control period but will allow desired turf species recovery through worn or thin areas whilst stopping weeds and undesirable grass from germinating. Before this cover period elapses, we will apply a longer lasting pre-emergent herbicide (Barricade) which will then provide up to 6 months control against undesirable weeds and grasses.

The overnight temperatures are slowly increasing and combined with the fertiliser application just completed on fairways, these playing surfaces will see a surge in growth over the coming weeks just in time for the men’s and women’s Club Championships. Fairways are being mown this week at 15mm and will be reduced to our usual 13mm for cutting next week. Preferred lies will remain in place for the time being, with some core holes on the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 13th, and 17th just needing to grow over, and then we will return to play as it lies conditions. 

Growth on our couch surfaces is starting slowly but couch grass needs a higher soil temperature than kikuyu to stimulate significant or recovery growth. The team has laid the foundations for any possible early season growth by performing the early renovations to our collars and aprons, and this week we have verti drained all tee pads to also encourage growth on these surfaces as early as possible.

Our greens are in great condition and fully recovered from renovations with the cutting height back down to the regular height of 3mm. Growth on greens is high because of the renovations, so growth regulator will be applied to all greens next week. This will slow vertical growth but still allow horizontal growth. Rolling of greens will start to increase in the lead up to Club Championships which will increase green speeds and improve the trueness of our greens.

A smaller crew of Monday volunteers again this week with some of our regulars still away travelling. The speed humps at the 9th tee were cleaned with the gurney before receiving a fresh coat of paint, the remaining tree guards were either repaired or replaced, and the poison painting of the Parramatta Grass weeds continued on the 7th flyover area. Thank you gentlemen for your time and efforts this week!

Greens will be cut on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Have a great weekend and happy golfing!

The Course Team.


September Bettington Restaurant – Menu Available

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.

MENU

On Arrival

  • Red pepper and goat cheese

Entrée

  • Split king prawns in chilli, chives and garlic butter (gf)
  • Scallop ceviche, avocado mousse, yuzu, green apple, finger lime and caviar (gf)
  • Burrata with roasted watermelon, aged balsamic, mint, local EVO and toasted crostini (v)

Main

  • Slow cooked lamb shank in Rogan josh, shallot, butternut, broccoli and cashew (gf)
  • Coffee glazed beef short rib, with creamy potato, caramelised carrot, king oyster mushroom and crispy leek
  • Twice cooked spatchcock, spiced bread sauce, confit chestnut mushrooms, duck fat potato & tarragon chicken jus (gf)
  • Miso glazed blue cod, asparagus, stuffed zucchini flower, soft herbs & lemon beurre blanc

Dessert

  • Glacé: Belgian chocolate, honey macadamia, mint cookies (gf)
  • Bombe Alaska with vanilla gelato, Italian meringue, roasted hazelnut and Ferrero Rocher
  • Croissant bread and butter pudding, apricot glaze, custard, and vanilla gelato


Captain’s Corner – Searching for Lost Balls, 3-minute Maximum

As we approach the upcoming trophy events, including the Men’s and Women’s Club Championships, we would like to bring your attention to a critical aspect of the game: Pace of Play.
 
Golf is not just a sport; it’s an experience, and one of the key elements of that experience is maintaining a reasonable pace of play. It ensures that everyone on the course has an enjoyable and efficient round of golf.
 
To enhance the overall experience and in accordance with the new Rules of Golf regulations, we would like to remind all members about the importance of adhering to the maximum time limit for searching for lost balls, which is now set at a strict three (3) minutes.
 
**Why is this Important?**
 
1. **Efficiency**: Adhering to the three-minute rule speeds up the game, reduces waiting times, and allows for a smoother flow on the course. It ensures that all players have a fair opportunity to complete their rounds within a reasonable time frame.
 
2. **Enjoyment**: A faster pace of play makes golf more enjoyable for everyone. It minimizes frustration and allows you to focus on your game rather than waiting excessively.
 
3. **Tournament Play**: For our upcoming trophy events, pace of play is particularly crucial. It helps ensure that these prestigious events run smoothly and on schedule, allowing all participants to have the best possible experience.
 
**What You Can Do:**
 
1.  **Keep an Eye on the Clock**: Use a timer or the clock on your phone to monitor the three-minute limit when searching for a lost ball. If you reach the limit, you must proceed under the appropriate penalty.
 
2. **Play a “Provisional” Ball**: The Rules of Golf allows for a “Provisional Ball” to be put into play if a player suspects a ball may be lost. Playing a Provisional Ball eliminates the need to return to the spot the previous ball was played once a ball is declared lost, by doing so in advance. Players must advise their Marker that a Provisional ball is going to be played. In the event the original ball is found (within the 3-minute search time allowed) then the Provisional ball is no longer in play and shots played with the Provisional ball do not count toward the players score.
3. **Play “ready golf” whenever possible**: This means that players should hit when ready (as long as it is safe to do so) and not based on who is furthest away or the honour system.
 
By working together and respecting these pace of play guidelines, we can maintain the integrity of the game and enhance the golfing experience for all members. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter and look forward to seeing you on the course during the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Club Championships.
 
If you have any questions or need further clarification on the Rules of Golf, please do not hesitate to reach out to our PGA Professionals, a member of the Match Committee, or our General Manager who is also a PGA Professional.
 
Thank you for your commitment to the game. Let’s make these upcoming Championships memorable for all the right reasons.

Col McRae
Club Captain


School Holiday Junior Clinics with Max Dakic

Are your kids eager to improve their golf skills while having a blast during the school holidays? Look no further! Max Dakic, our talented Assistant Golf Professional, is excited to host two exclusive School Holiday Clinics packed with fun games, engaging activities, and essential golfing knowledge.

📅 **Clinic Dates and Times:**

– Week 1: Tuesday, September 26th at 12:00pm

– Week 2: Tuesday, October 3rd at 12:00pm

⏱️ **Clinic Duration:** 2 hours and 30 minutes

🏌️‍♀️ **What to Expect:**

  • Expert instruction from Max Dakic
  • Fun games and activities to keep young golfers entertained
  • Comprehensive learning about the fundamentals of golf
  • An opportunity to make new golf-loving friends

💲 **Pricing:**

  • $90 per person for each clinic

🍔🥤 **Food & Drink:**

  • Food and drinks will be provided at the end of each clinic to refuel our young golfers.

🎉 **Limited Spots Available:**

  • Only 10 spots are available for each clinic, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

🤝 **Visitors Welcome:**

  • Invite your friends and family to join in the golfing fun! Visitors are welcome to participate in these exciting clinics.

📞 **Booking and Inquiries:**

To book your spot or if you have any questions, please contact the Proshop. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your kids to learn and enjoy the game of golf with Max Dakic!


Mixed Pennant 2024 – Expressions of Interest

OGC is calling for Expressions of Interest for members who would like to represent the Club in the Metropolitan Mixed Pennant Competition.

The Metropolitan Mixed Pennant is a mixed 4BBB Handicap matchplay competition played by five two-person teams from Metropolitan Golf Clubs. Supported by Golf NSW, with an independent committee managing, the competition began in 1984.

Today, around 40 teams compete for the Elaine Roy / Kim Frank Memorial Trophy. 

Players must be aged over 21, with a maximum handicap limit of 27 for a male, and 36 for a female competitor.  Matches are played against par, with handicaps adjusted accordingly.

Matches are usually held on Sunday throughout the season, with the tournament generally beginning on the first week of January.

Oatlands has a strong history in this event, including a runner-up finish in 2020, and winning the competition in 2021.

Any members wishing to take part in the 2024 squad, should email the General Manager, Sam Howe, at gm@oatlandsgolf.com.au by no later than 5pm on Friday 6th October for consideration by the Match Committee and Team Manager.


Upcoming Member Events: September – October

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 offering.

Following the recent member survey regarding event ideas, we will be adding to the list of event types below as the year progresses, however for the time being, please see the upcoming events for August and September:

  • Friday 15th September, PGA Scramble, Booking required
  • Saturday 16th September, The Bettington, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm – Booking required
  • Friday 22nd September, Karahoke, – Booking required
  • Wednesday 27th September, The Bettington, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm – Booking required
  • Wednesday 4th October, OGC Interactive Rules Seminar, 6pm – 8pm – Booking required
  • Wednesday 11th October, Oatlands Golf Club Ltd Annual General Meeting – Registration required
  • Friday 13th October, Social Cards Night, 6:30pm – 9:30pm – Booking required
  • Saturday 14th October, The Bettington, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm – Booking required
  • Wednesday 25th October, The Bettington, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm – Booking required
  • Saturday 28th October, New Members Cocktail Night (by Invitation: New Members, Proposer, Seconder)

Recent Trophy Event Winners

No Trophy events were decided in the last week.


Upcoming Trophy Events

Men’s

  • Saturday 9th September – HP Evans Knockout SF 
  • Saturday 16th September – HP Evans Knockout Final
  • Saturday 23rd September – Club Championship Medal Rnd 1 of 2
  • Saturday 7th October – Club Championship Medal Rnd 2 of 2
  • Saturday 14th October – Club Championship Matchplay Rd 1 (Plate, Middle Markers, Long Markers)
  • Sunday 15th October – Club Championship Matchplay Rd 1 (Open)
  • Saturday 21st October – Club Championship Matchplay Rd QF (Plate, Middle Markers, Long Markers)
  • Sunday 22nd October – Club Championship Matchplay Rd QF (Open)
  • Saturday 28th October – Medal
  • Saturday 28th October – Club Championship Matchplay SF (Plate, Middle Markers, Long Markers)
  • Sunday 29th October – Club Championship Matchplay SF (Open)
  • Saturday 4th November – Club Championship Matchplay Finals (All Grades)

Ladies

  • Thursday 14th September – Captain’s Cup Rd3
  • Thursday 21st September – Captain’s Cup Final
  • Thursday 28th September – Medal
  • Thursday 5th October – Captain’s vs President’s
  • Thursday 12th October – Club Championship Rd1
  • Thursday 19th October – Club Championship Rd2
  • Thursday 26th October – Club Championship Rd3

Mixed

  • Sunday 1st October – Labour Day Cup Rnd 1
  • Monday 2nd October – Labour Day Cup Rnd 2

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, that 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/

 

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