Greens have been rolled once since the aerating process with cutting of surfaces to resume most likely on Monday morning if adequate recovery (enough grass has grown through the topdressing sand) has occurred. The first cut is at 5mm, gradually reduced as recovery continues until we get back down to our usual 3mm height of cut.

The fairway aeration has been performed throughout the week with only the 2^nd, 6^th, 10^th, 11^th, 15^th, 16^th, and 18^th fairways to be completed. The benefits of this aeration work were observed on Wednesday with rainfall from the previous day causing no concern to the completed fairway surfaces, with the water able to move freely through the profile via the aeration holes and away from the surface.

Washouts from the track mark areas and down at the 9^th green surround that resulted from the 98mm on Friday and early Saturday morning, have been tidying up the course team to prevent this piled up soil from killing the existing turf that it came to rest on.

The predicted rain bomb last week did arrive and delivered 161.5mm in a 48 hour period. While we were lucky to complete most of the planned work over the course closure period, the turfing work on the track marks and around the 9^th pond couldn’t be completed as we experienced erosion damage to these prepared areas, and turf wasn’t available as the turf farms in the Hawkesbury region were all flooded again. It may be several weeks now until turf is available from these farms as they need to clean up after these flood events. The flood waters deposit silt and debris onto the turf paddocks which must be removed for the survival of the turf, and to also limit the possibility of weeds germinating from seeds that are contained within this silt. The farms must also deal with dead carcasses that may have washed down stream and finished up on their properties. There’s no council clean up in these instances, with the turf farms having to dig a hole and bury them themselves. We will perform repairs to the track marks across the 13^th, 14^th, 15^th, and 17^th fairways and around the 9^th pond, and then lay new turf on these areas when it becomes available.

We have had to also postpone the delimbing of the large dead tree between the 7^th and 8^th holes, as the ground was too wet and soft for the crane to drive across. A crane is used with this tree work to limit damage when lowering the cut branches down to the chipper machine, and to also avoid damage to any surrounding trees. This work will be performed when conditions are suitable.

Our volunteers have once again been a huge asset to the club and me during this course closure period, continually going above and beyond to assist in so many ways. Tasks completed by them during this period included.

• Painting of car park lines.
• Planting of new garden at the 7^th
• Block work at the 9^th
• Painting of the handrails on the clubhouse balconies.
• Painting of the speed humps on 9^th
• Picking up the limbs from the fallen tree behind the 14^th green
• Trimming the trees near the rear of the men’s locker room.
• Practice net repairs.
• Gurney cleaning the on course toilet block.
• Trimming the 4^th tee hedge.
• Weed removal and poisoning on tees and flyovers.
• Tree guard removal as required.

I can’t thank this group of men enough for all the hard work they contribute to this club each week, and over the 3 days of every renovation period. They all believe I just copy and paste this appreciation each week, but I am truly grateful for all the assistance they provide to me, my team, and their fellow members. The free lunch that the club provides is nowhere near enough compensation for the time and effort that you volunteer to your club!

No cutting of greens this weekend due to the renovated surfaces. 

Happy Golfing

The Course Team.

OGC Ladies Visit Forster Tuncurry during Renovation Closure

A group of Oatlands Ladies took the opportunity of course closure for renovations to have a getaway to OGC reciprocal club, Forster Tuncurry.  There were 26 ladies who made the trip where we played 2 games of golf and conducted our own competitions.   We “created” some local rules which worked well for us as one of the days we were racing against fading light.  But we all finished and all had a great time both on the course and off the course. 

The individual winner on day 1 was Anna Kim and runner up was Gail White with a 10 ball rundown. 

The winning team on day 2 was Joy Hawksley, Mary Altair and Deidre Tannous.

We had a twin coloured ball for our survival ball. 6 teams out of our 9 did not lose the ball and the winning ball was drawn from those.  That team was Linda Bestford, Pauline Fallance and Louise Badaoi. 

Improve your Short Game and lower your scores with Jeremy Ward’s Short Game Clinic!

Join Jeremy on either Tuesday 7^th May or Friday 10^th May for a 1.5-hour class focusing on chipping, pitching, and bunker play.

Here are the details:

• Date: Tuesday 7^th May or Friday 10^th May (Or both)
• Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
• Cost: $70 per person
• Spots: Limited to just 8 participants
• Focus: Improve your chipping, pitching, and bunker skills

This clinic is perfect for golfers of all skill levels looking to enhance their short game technique under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

To secure your spot:

– Use the “Jeremy Ward Lesson” booking sheet through the members website

– Email Jeremy at golfoperations@oatlandsgolf.com.au

– Contact Jeremy directly at 0434 574 660

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your short game to the next level. Book your spot now and start shaving strokes off your game!

Good Golfing

Jeremy Ward
Head Teaching Professional

Join our Monday Volunteers – Lunch Provided, Laughter Guaranteed!

Our Monday volunteer brigade are part of the lifeblood of the Club, but more than that, they are a group of dedicated members who have a great time with each other while giving back to the Club they love. If you would like to join this merry group, please email gm@oatlandsgolf.com.au

Rules – How to Drop a Ball Correctly

Bettington Restaurant April – Menu Available

Members and guests are invited to our a la carte Bettington Restaurant on Saturday 13th and Wednesday 24th April 2024.

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.

Bar account credit and Birthday vouchers redeemable.

On arrival

• Zucchini pinwheel (gf)
• Bread and butter

Entrée

• Roasted Yumba prawns, dashi butter, wattleseed and shiso (gf)
• Pan seared scallops, bone marrow, pickled zucchini and bearnaise (gf)
• Caramelised onion and gruyere tarte fine, salad of confit duck and watercress

Main

• Twice cooked chicken, spiced rice cake, marinated mushroom, fried fish cake and shallot
• Pinnacle MSA beef scotch fillet, rosemary and smoked garlic butter, grilled asparagus, roasted heirloom tomato (gf)
• John Dory, potato rosti, teriyaki glaze, braised fennel and finger lime (gf)
• Cured pork belly, baked apple, celeriac puree, crackling and jus (gf)

Side – $9.00 each

• Crushed fried potatoes, rosemary salt (v, gf)
• Sauteed seasonal vegetables (v, gf)
• Crunchy sesame slaw (v)

Dessert

• Pear and rhubarb cobbler, Canadian maple and vanilla ice cream
• White chocolate mousse, meringue, toasted black sesame and white chocolate (gf)
• Leche flan, caramelised fig, snow tuile and fig leaf Chantilly (gf)

Max Dakic School Holiday Clinics

Hey Junior Members! In these upcoming school holidays, Max Dakic will be running two Junior School Holiday Clinics.

• Week 1 – Friday April 19th
• Week 2 – Friday April 26th

The clinics will cover all aspects of golf including Full Swing, Chipping, Putting & More! Food and beverages will be provided to the participants following the clinic.

• Time, 12:00pm – 2:00pm,
• Cost $120 Each Clinic (2 Hours)
• Both Members & Guests are welcome!

Bookings are to be made through the Pro Shop.

10 spots per clinic so book quick!

Titleist Ball Education Day – Saturday 11th May (postponed from 23rd March)

We are excited to announce that Titleist will be hosting a ball education day at Oatlands Golf Club on the 11th May after the original event on 23rd March was postponed due to unforseen circumstances. This presents a fantastic opportunity for our members to gain valuable insights into selecting the right golf ball for their game. Additionally, there’s a chance to receive a complimentary ball or two!

Titleist will also be showcasing their latest SM10 wedges for members to demo during the event. This is an excellent chance to try out cutting-edge equipment and improve your game.

The event will run from 7am to midday to ensure that everyone has ample time to participate. We encourage all members to take advantage of this opportunity and join us for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable day.

Best regards,

Jeremy Ward
OGC Head Professional

PING Fitting Day – 20th May 2024 – Limited Space Available