Modernising Golf's Rules
Last week the R&A proposed some key changes to the Rules of Golf from 2019. Their Rules Modernisation initiative has been underway for a few years now and this is the next stage in that process. The aim is to not only make the Rules easier to understand, but also to address some of the game's current problems, such as speed of play, and ensure they fit the needs of today's game.
Please spare a couple of minutes to complete our survey, which gives you the chance to have your say on the proposed changes.
We've picked out some of the most significant Rules changes for you to digest in this survey, before giving you the chance to say whether you agree or disagree with each of them. It'll be great to know your thoughts.
Have your say here.
Last Winter Competition of the season
The last Winter competition of the season which was a Fourball Better Ball was won by Graeme Swaby and Steve O'Donoghue with 38 points over 15 holes with the loop being closed due to the weather.
In 2nd place with 37 points was Chris Harris and Mike Linwood who beat Keith Francis and Steve O'Loughlin on a card playoff. There were 7 twos worth £8.25 per player.
Pros Comp
I will be running a Pros comp this Saturday for any of you who would like to enter to get a card in your hand with the new season nearly upon us. It will be a full handicap Stableford from the yellow tees off your normal handicaps not winter.
Captains Prize
The closing date for the Captains Prize is this Friday so if any of you haven't entered you better be quick!
New Stock
The shop is filling up nicely now with all the new FootJoy clothing now in store and for Ladies the new Daily Sport range for 2017.
As well as the new clothing we have had our new TaylorMade bags and putters along with PING Drivers, woods, wedges and putters filling up the shop.
Come in and see us in the pro shop to see what we have to offer.
Paul Waring
Paul Waring had a disappointing week at the Tshwane Open missing the cut after his great finish at the JoBurg Open so no doubt Aaron will be giving him a load of stick next time he appears in the shop. Paul now has a few weeks off with Morocco being his next event the week after the Masters.
A message from the Handicap Chairman
Firstly a Happy New Golfing Year to you all. The Committee would like to wish all Golfers Good Luck for the Forthcoming Season.
Having read all the informative weekly bulletins from the Chairman of Greens we thought a Pre Season message from the Handicap Committee would be an opportunity to update the members on some of the main issues that are constantly brought to our attention through a golfing season, and update you on Rule Changes and plans that the Committee has for the season's competitions.
We'll start with the biggest issue, SLOW PLAY, it is and always has been the number 1 moan in the bar on a competition day; we are constantly looking at ways to improve the pace of play.
We have installed clocks every 6 holes and ask all competitors to record their times on their cards, in reality only 50% of competitors comply. The maximum times for each 6 holes is printed on the cards, as is the maximum time acceptable for 18 holes, 4 hours 10 minutes is not unreasonable.
We have arranged for Geoff to tour the course during a competition to keep groups up with the pace of play, which has helped but sadly some members take offence and on occasion have been abusive.
Some clubs impose sanctions but, if we did, we feel it will only create animosity and become counterproductive.
So what's the answer? The answer is in the hands of the players because it's the players who are responsible for slow play, not the Committee, you all know you should play a provisional ball if you're not sure if yours is lost, you all know it's a maximum of 5 minutes looking for your ball, you all know you should call the group behind through if you're looking for a lost ball and finally you all know you should keep up with the group ahead not ahead of the group behind.
So to improve the pace of play we ask you to please do all the things you're supposed to do and hopefully everyone will enjoy their golf a bit more.
Moving on to the second most discussed issue, COMPETITION BOOKING. For the 2016 PPS Series we introduced an online system with a method of prepayment in the Pro's Shop. We trialled this with a view to eventually introducing it for Saturday Competitions.
So was it a success and will it be introduced for 2017? Well, for the first 6 competitions as it was a trial we sent text and email reminders to 50% of entrants regarding the non- payment of entry fees. Even then 50% of those sent reminders still didn't pay so as per the entry conditions they were deleted from the start sheet, within minutes of being deleted from the start sheet those entrants would call the Pro's shop complaining they had been deleted.
For the last 4 PPS Competitions we decided not to remind those whose entry fees were outstanding and consequently there were still non-payers followed by entrants removed from the start sheet and then ringing to complain.
Based on this trial we have decided that we will continue to use the Online System and Payment Method for the 2017 PPS SERIES. However, we don't feel it is the right time to introduce it for Saturday Competitions, but we will revisit this issue at the end of the 2017 season. The option to pay online is not available at this moment in time but the Club is in the process of changing the Club's website and this facility may be an option in the future.
With regard to other matters, there is a new Local Rule regarding Accidental Movement of a Ball on a Putting Green posted in the Locker Room. Please ensure you take time to read it prior to playing in any competitions.
The Master Handicap List will no longer be printed and posted in the locker room on a monthly basis as all live Handicaps are now available on www.masterscoreboard.co.uk
The course was re-measured by the Cheshire Union last July and the SSS for all Competition Tees has increased by one shot. Details of the changes are posted on the noticeboard in the locker room.
In 2016 we were asked by members across a range of ages and handicaps, if we could play more competitions from the Yellow Tees. We changed 4 White Tee Stablefords to Yellow Tee Medals and based on the positive feedback we will continue with this format again this season. We also played a competition using a different Stroke Index based on data we accessed over the previous year's competitions. You may wonder what conclusion we came to; well the simple answer is the index on holes 11 & 14 should be reversed. It's not an easy change as there are many issues to deal with before making a change, but we will continue to explore the option.
We are constantly looking at what we do and how we can help you all continue to enjoy your golf and keep you challenged. We welcome positive suggestions and will discuss all your requests at our meetings but would ask if you have any issues or suggestions that you write or email us at handicaps.bgc@hotmail.co.uk
The Committee is made up of 5 volunteer members who will listen to you all but would ask if you have something you want to discuss please don't approach any member of the Committee prior to them starting a competition as they also want to enjoy their golf, we're all available when we've finished.
The Committee members are,
Alex Peers, Clive Plummer, Simon Taylor, Roger Hazlewood, Nigel Skilling
Once again good luck for the coming season
