Having trouble viewing the email and images? View the email online.

MEMBER'S NEWSLETTER

1st August 2025

 
club image

PLAYING READY GOLF

We can all play a role in improving pace of play – and thankfully, many of the solutions are easy and practical. It all starts with a mindset of being ready to play, and embracing the widely accepted principle of Ready Golf.

Being Ready to Play

While others in your group are playing, you should:

  • Carefully watch where your ball goes and walk efficiently to your ball;
  • Assess your shot and consider distance or club selection in advance
  • Be ready to play when it’s your turn – no delays

It’s especially important for the first player to play to be prompt in preparing and hitting their shot.

What is Ready Golf?

Ready Golf encourages players to hit when
they are ready, as long as it’s safe, rather than strictly waiting for the farthest player. Examples include:

  • Hitting a shot while a playing partner is still assessing theirs
  • Shorter hitters playing before longer hitters who are waiting for the green to clear
  • Tee shots played out of order if someone isn’t ready
  • Finishing putts even if it means standing close to another’s line
  • Chipping while another player retrieves a ball or rakes a bunker
  • Marking scores at the next tee (except the first to play, who should tee off first)

By adopting these simple habits, you’ll not only improve your own game rhythm, but you’ll be helping everyone enjoy their round a little more.


club image

MEMBERSHIP PAUSE

The Club’s Membership Sub-Committee and Board continue to monitor timesheet availability to ensure a fair and positive experience for all members. In light of recent pressure on timesheet access—particularly during peak periods—the decision has been made to temporarily pause the acceptance of new member applications across all categories.

While membership category transfers (e.g., from Lifestyle to Full Playing) will still be permitted during this time, new membership enquiries will be collated and held on file. Applications will be revisited once timesheet demand stabilizes and daylight hours extend, allowing for improved access and member playing opportunities.

This decision follows the Club’s highly successful initiative to attract new female members earlier this year, which saw over 100 new women join across various membership categories. We are proud of the growth in engagement this has brought to the Club, but also recognize the importance of maintaining access and availability for existing members.

We trust members will support this proactive and considered approach. The Board and Membership Sub-Committee will continue to review course utilization and timesheet pressure to ensure membership growth is sustainable and in the best interests of the entire Oatlands community.


club image

JEREMY WARD RECOGNITION

Oatlands Golf Club is proud to celebrate the recent recognition of our Head Professional, Jeremy Ward, who was featured by the PGA of Australia for his outstanding contribution to developing the next generation of PGA professionals. With nearly 15 years of PGA membership, Jeremy has been instrumental in mentoring young Associates through the PGA’s Membership Pathway Program, including former team member Max Dakic, now an Assistant Professional at Montecito Club in California, and current second-year Associate Sam Reece.

Jeremy’s commitment to education and mentorship not only benefits those pursuing a career in golf but also enhances the overall experience for Oatlands members. His leadership has positioned the club as a respected environment for professional development and coaching excellence. We extend our congratulations to Jeremy on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for continuing to set such a high standard for our club and the broader golfing community.

AUSTRALIAN PGA ARTICLE


Sam Reece - NSW/ACT PGA Associate Championship Raffle

Later this month, our very own Associate Professional Sam Reece will be representing Oatlands Golf Club in the NSW/ACT PGA Associate Championships, to be held at Tura Beach Country Club. This prestigious event brings together the top Associate Professionals from across New South Wales and the ACT, competing over four days in a 72-hole stroke play format.

To help cover the costs of entry fees, travel, and accommodation, Sam is selling raffle tickets as part of the PGA's fundraising initiative. Tickets are available now and can be purchased directly from Sam in the Proshop. We encourage all members to support Sam in the lead-up to this exciting event—your support not only helps one of our own but also puts you in the running to win some incredible prizes:

  • 1st Prize: Titleist T-Series Irons Set

  • 2nd Prize: Scotty Cameron Putter

  • 3rd Prize: 18 Holes for 4 Players (with 2 carts) at Concord Golf Club

  • 4th Prize: FootJoy MyJoys Packard Shoes

  • 5th Prize: Titleist Hybrid 14 Stand Bag


FROM THE COURSE

The course team focused on both routine maintenance and aesthetic improvements across key areas of the course this week.

Greens were given a light dusting of sand to maintain the smooth putting surfaces and support ongoing turf health. This light application of sand will aid in thatch control and improve ball roll consistency, and with a real commitment to a dusting program this growing season, greens will become firmer as thatch levels are reduced.

Garden beds along the 15th hole were mulched to enhance presentation and assist with moisture retention. As members will have seen, we have a large amount of material stockpiled on the edge of the tip area following the processing of our green waste pile. The course team will continue to use up this material across the garden beds and mulch areas of the course. This not only improves the visual presentation of the course but also supports plant health during the warmer conditions.

A pigment and fertilizer combination was applied to the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 17th fairways to improve color and presentation heading into the peak playing season. The bleached appearance observed on certain fairways is an annual occurrence, primarily due to the extended periods of shade these areas receive throughout the day. With limited sunlight, the turf is unable to effectively perform photosynthesis. As a result, chlorophyll production decreases, leading to a loss of color and a weakened visual appearance. These fairways do recover quickly following our spring renovations, and from the warmer temperatures after the winter period. The tree canopies that affect these areas have been thinned out over the years and this work will continue where required.

The volunteers were on course Monday morning cleaning and repairing the practice nets, sand from exit points of the bunkers was blown back into bunkers, tree guards were checked/repaired/replaced, whipper snipping the nature strip along Bettington Rd, assisting with the mulch spreading along the 15th, and work in the temporary clubhouse. As always, a huge thanks to everyone involved this week and for everything you do for OGC—your ongoing support doesn’t go unnoticed by your fellow members and club staff.

Greens will be cut on both mornings this weekend. I will be setting pins on Saturday morning, and Joel will be setting them on Sunday morning.

Happy Golfing
The Course Team.


club image

LEGACY DAY

What began as a damp and overcast morning quickly turned into a memorable day of golf, camaraderie, and community support at the Legacy Cup. Early rain showers may have scared a few people away, but spirits remained high as 142 dedicated golfers showed up to take part in the annual event.

The annual Legacy Cup Trophy day successfully raised over $1100 for the Legacy charity, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved.

The winner of the Legacy Cup was Dale Brimicombe who fired an impressive round of 43 points off a handicap of 18 to finish two shots ahead of Vince Petitto. Both gentlemen will have the honor of representing the Club at the 91st Annual Governor's Legacy Trophy golf day at the Australian Golf Club in September.


club image

FAREWELL TO CLUBHOUSE

With early works already underway and the major redevelopment of the Oatlands Clubhouse about to commence, now is the time to come together and celebrate everything the current building has meant to us. To mark the occasion, the Club will host a special ‘Farewell to the Clubhouse’ evening on Saturday 16th August—our final Saturday night event in the existing venue.

The night will feature a casual and social atmosphere, with canapés, shared platters, and a drink on arrival. While some tables and chairs will be available, the evening’s format is deliberately informal—creating space for conversation, reminiscing, and reflection on the many memorable moments we’ve shared in the Clubhouse.

Adding to the celebration, a live band will play favourite hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, setting the tone for a relaxed night of dancing, storytelling, and nostalgia. A few brief speeches will capture some of the Club’s most treasured moments, and we’ll also be running a silent auction featuring select memorabilia from the Clubhouse, with all proceeds going toward Junior Development at the Club.

Members are also welcome to use their birthday vouchers toward this event. Bookings are essential—secure your place via the link below and join us for a heartfelt farewell to a building that’s been at the centre of so many cherished memories.

Click Here to Book


club image

SUPER SENIOR PENNANT

In the second round of the 2024 Super Seniors Pennant season, Oatlands Golf Club faced Stonecutters Ridge at Bankstown Golf Club. The course was presented in good condition, though the fast and undulating greens proved challenging, catching out a number of players early in their rounds.

Stonecutters fielded a strong team that applied consistent pressure from the outset. While a number of matches were closely contested—many reaching the 18th hole—Stonecutters ultimately claimed an 8–0 victory.

Despite the result, there were encouraging signs, particularly from newcomers Tony Monaghan and Peter O’Donnell, who both performed admirably in difficult conditions. The team now turns their attention to next week’s fixture against Massey Park at Cumberland Golf Course as we continue the pursuit of a first win this season.

Colin Davis
Team Manager


club image

QUEENSTOWN GOLF TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Join Head Professional Jeremy Ward for the trip of a lifetime to Queenstown, New Zealand. Experience world-class golf and breathtaking alpine scenery as you play some of the country’s most spectacular courses.

Trip Dates: 16th – 21st February 2026
Duration: 5 nights / 4 rounds of golf

Package Inclusions:

  • Return flights with Virgin Australia

  • 5 nights’ accommodation in 2-bedroom Lake View Apartments at Peppers Beacon

  • 2 rounds at Jack’s Point (including carts)

  • 1 round at Millbrook – Coronet Course (including cart)

  • 1 round at Arrowtown Golf Club (including cart)

  • All airport and golf course transfers

  • Range balls included at each course

Whether you’re keen to join or know someone who would love this experience, please share the details. A full itinerary will be provided to those who register interest. To express your interest, please contact Jeremy Ward at the Pro Shop or email: golfoperations@oatlandsgolf.com.au


WS TARGETT MATCH PLAY

Congratulations to the pairings of Charlie Kim / Kate Choi and Rob Bechara Jr / Lisa Bechara who won their semi finals last weekend in the WS Targett Match Play and will contest the final this weekend. 

The WS Targett Trophy carries great significance at the Club, having been donated by Bill Targett, who joined Oatlands in 1956 and was elected to Committee that same year. Bill served as Captain from 1960–1962 and President from 1967–1969, and was honored with Life Membership in 1979. The trophy has been contested annually since 1981, with the inaugural title claimed by Col Barr and Jean Baker.

WS Targett Match Play Draw


UPCOMING EVENTS

QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge Open Day - Friday 1 August

President's Cup Stableford - Saturday 2 August

  • Male members, black tee competition.
  • Played since 1966 the first winner being B. Carter. The original Presidents Cup was the A.C. Berk Cup which is now a separate event on our calendar.
  • Conditions of Play: Located here

       WS Targett Final - Sunday 3 August

       Ladies Visitors Day - Monday 4 August

       QPC&C Tiger Tee Challenge Open Day - Friday 8 August

       HP Evans Knockout Qualifying Rd - Saturday 9 August

       Rescheduled Ladies Captains v Presidents Match (8:30am Shotgun) - Thursday 12 August


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Oatlands Golf Club Members Facebook Group

Oatlands Golf Club Instagram Page

OATLANDS GOLF CLUB
www.oatlandsgolf.com.au
94 Bettington Road, Oatlands NSW 2117

Phone: (02) 9630 4444
Email: admin@oatlandsgolf.com.au

facebook  facebook