Greens Maintenance
The maintenance week coincided with a period of weather, which was particularly helpful in that the rain for once appeared at the right time. The fertiliser which has been applied and the seed that has been sown should have the effect we seek, a period of growth, which will produce a surface to take us through the winter without any significant problems. Please remember you can help Tom, our green keeper by repairing any pitch marks you find, not just your own!
Our discussions with the Abbey Trustees for them to take over the maintenance of the course from 1st April 2010, when Tom retires, are progressing well and there should be a smooth transition of responsibility.
Competitions
As we approach the end of the main competition season, prize winners are reminded that we hope they will be present to receive their prizes at the Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation on the 26th March at the Feathers Hotel, Helmsley. Please note the date in your diary, full details will be circulated nearer the event.
Winter Foursomes
Entries close today but if for any reason you have been unable to get to the club to sign in on the entry sheet, an email to Ian Wilson in the next twenty four hours at handicaps@ampleforthgolf.co.uk should ensure your entry. It is hoped to post the draw early next week on both the notice board and the club web site.
"Foursomes" is a form of match play where two players form a side and take alternate shots. It is ideally suited to winter conditions as play is faster with players able to move forward ready to take the next shot. Full details are on the notice board.
Handicaps
The EGU is introducing a modification of the handicap system for 2010. This involves indicating on the Handicap list those members who have failed to enter three scores for handicap purposes during the course of the preceding 12 months. These players will have their handicap endorsed with an "i" to indicate it is "inactive". The EGU have introduced this modification to avoid the situation where players can enter an open competition with a handicap which is not up to date. A draft list will be posted on the notice board to ensure all members are aware of how this change might affect them, and enable them to take action before the end of the calendar year to ensure their handicap is deemed active if they wish. This change will not affect members playing in any of our qualifying competitions. In addition to playing to playing in Qualifying competitions, members can submit supplementary scores, these are achieved by signing the Supplementary Scores Book, located in the Members hut prior to play and taking out a card, which is scored by your playing partner and must be signed by you and your partner. The Committee has decided it will be in accord with our existing arrangements for our knock-out competitions, to amend the conditions of entry to ensure only those members with an active handicap can enter and from 1st April 2010 all members entering the knock-out competitions (apart from the mixed pairs competition) will be required to have an active handicap. Further information on this issue will be posted on the notice board.
Membership Drive
The club is seeking new members along with most golf clubs in the vicinity. Letters have gone out to this year’s visitors (i.e. to those for whom I have an address) inviting them to become new members at half the normal subscription for the rest of the membership year. Please do what you can to encourage any of your contacts that might be interested in membership to make an application and take advantage of these reduced rates.
Improve your game
Your game can be improved with a lesson from a professional. Ken Howarth, the club professional, is available for lessons for any member or prospective member at a time to suit, please contact Ken on 08454 276602 or 07952 091777, or by email on:- kenneth@howarth8185.freeserve.co.uk Ken can also re-grip your clubs and undertake club repairs.
Michael A Wilson – Hon Sec – 3rd October 2009
Tel – 01904 768861
Fax – 01904 762012
sec@ampleforthgolf.co.uk
AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE GOLF CLUB (www.ampleforthgolf.co.uk)
NEWSLETTER – 3rd OCTOBER 2009
This newsletter is being sent to all members on email. If you know a member who is not on email, why not print a copy for them? This is helpful information for all members.
