President`s Report - Horsham Golf Club

REPORTS
Page
President
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Manager
2
Captain
N/A
Ladies
3
Photo Gallery 4
Indoor Staff 5
Course Com. 6
Ladies Social N/A
Early Birds N/A
Membership 7
Junior
8
Pro Shop
8
Golf Australia 9
Flyers
10, 11
President’s Report
It has been a busy three weeks since taking over from Brian in the job. At present the
Club has many issues that we need to address over the coming months. With our
Members’ support we can return the Club to a trading profit, but it will need all
Members to give their full support to the Board, Management and Staff.
It was great to see so many interested Members attend the special Information Meeting
on Tuesday night. Unfortunately some Members did not sign in, but we believe
approximately 220 members attended, which shows a real interest in the Club.
I have had Members ask questions in regard to whether the Golf Club is one identity, or
whether the Clubhouse is separate to the course. Please be assured that the Club is one
identity, and in the unlikely event that we have to go into Administration, that would
affect the complete Club – the Clubhouse, Pro Shop and the course. The running of the
whole business would be taken out of our hands and handed over to an administrator.
With a hard working Board and with the Members’ support, we believe we can and will, trade our way out
of this current situation, but I say again – we do need the support of all the Members.
Following the Special Meeting, many members have made a donation of $500, and some have paid their
Full Membership of $900 for the 2016/17 season, rather than the discounted offer of $850. I do fully
understand that some Members may struggle financially to pay next season’s subscription early. I would
like to suggest that those Members pay what they can afford into their House Account and then use our
facilities – come out and enjoy lunch, or Sunday Brunch, or the Members’ Carvery once a month. If each
Member came into the Clubhouse and enjoyed a coffee, a beer, or a soft drink after golf, and attended one
function a month, that would have a significant impact on the day to day running of our Club.
As you would be aware, we have taken the step this year to buy back the business of the Pro Shop. This
has been trading very profitably for us, and turned from a cost centre to a profit making business, but again
we need your support. I still hear of Members buying clubs, shoes, apparel on the internet rather than
buying from the Club. Please – if you are considering buying any golf equipment, most certainly do you
research on line, but before you buy, give Hoss and his team in the Pro Shop a chance to match that price
and support your Club.
I have been told that some Members are bringing their own alcohol onto the course rather than buying it
from the Club. I would like to say to those Members – you are jeopardising our Liquor Licence, it is illegal
to bring your own beer or alcohol of any type onto the course. Please do not jeopardise our Liquor Licence.
If you are playing with a Member and notice that they are drinking beer that they have brought onto the
course, please point out to them that they are risking the Club’s Licence, they are doing the wrong thing by
all the Members, and that you are not impressed by their attitude.
On the first of February, we began transferring two dollars from each entrant’s Match Fee into the
Machinery replacement Fund. As of last Monday (three weeks of golf) the amount in the Fund is $1976.
The Course Committee is in the process of prioritising the equipment needed.
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I am pleased to say that the majority of Members have accepted the change to a voluntary Ball Competition.
I would like to see all Members pay the extra two dollars into the Ball Comp, as again, this is supporting
our Club.
John Priestley
Manager’s Report
At the members and staff meeting on February 23rd, all members present were informed of our financial
position.
I understand there are a number of members who are not happy with the way some things have been
managed but as I have said in the past, no business would have even opened in the way this one did with
zero operating capital. We were behind the eight ball from the day the doors opened.
I started this job in June 2014 and took control of a club that had lost nearly $600k in that financial year
ended 2014. I was confronted in the first 4 weeks of my employment with how to pay wages.
I implemented a program of huge changes within 3 months of starting and those changes have continued
into my second year as manager.
I have been helped enormously by some exceptional staff and a very hard working Board of Directors.
I have always said our membership subscription fees are too low for the quality of the course and amenities
but I also understand it was very difficult for previous Boards to increase the membership fees while trying
to re-build after the fire. According to the latest edition of the Golf Australia newsletter the vast majority
of golf clubs generate approximately 50% of their income from membership fees - in our case that income
is approximately 20%.
It also needs to be made crystal clear that our functions are profitable and we have a large amount of
repeat clientele - it is generally our food and beverage to members that are not as profitable, mainly
because of the small spend per head.
I work very closely with the Board of Directors and especially the President; if anyone has concerns about
my duties as Manager I would ask that you speak to either John Priestley or past President David Lavithis.
No, I am not a local, play a lousy game of golf, but I can assure members that I have been working hard
and will continue to do so to ensure that Horsham Golf Club not only survives but does well into the future.
David Doyle
Captain’s Report
No Report received.
Upcoming events:
Sunday March 6 – Swingers (Drawn partners) Pinehurst. Shotgun start
Sunday March 20 – Legacy Day Ambrose (see flyer below)
April 8 – 10 – Autumn Tournament
Sunday April 17 – Extravaganza (note change of date)
Men’s Championships starting April 30
Sunday May 1 – IVO Whitton 36 Hole Championship
Dave Dickinson
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Ladies Golf
The 7th Annual Ashes was hotly contested by
84 ladies in a 3BBB Stableford format. June
Gross, Pat Brooksby & Trish Mills won with 50
points with 2 groups coming in with 49 points.
A highlight for Annabelle Plowright was a hole
in one on the 11th hole.
Annabelle holds
the Hole-in-One
tray
June, Pat & Trish hold the Ashes Trophy
Carlin & Gazzard Ladies Pinehurst saw 84 ladies from around the region play for
the chance to win an accommodation & meals package in Mt Gambier, car detailing of their own car and
the use of a Mercedes. Marlene Pilmore (Warracknabeal) teamed with Jackie Fechner to come in with a
score of 91 – 17 5/8 – 73 3/8 to win the Carlin
& Gazzard Pinehurst. Runner-ups were Robyn
Watts and Sharon Wynne with 87 – 12 ¾ - 74 ¼.
Chris Gazzard and Lyn McLachlan
from Carlin & Gazzard Mt Gambier
with winners Jackie Fechner &
Marlene Pilmore
Monthly Medals: January – Lisa Jakobi 90-13-77. Lisa so excited about winning her first medal she was
shaking on accepting the medal.
Newly returned golfer Mary-Anne Burdett posted a great round of 101- 37-64 to win the February Monthly
Medal. This was only her 4th round of 18 holes since playing some years ago
Skin Care Day - A great and very informative talk
and discussion by Mr. Ian Holton, a leading
Australian plastic surgeon and skin specialist, on
Tuesday February 2nd. This was a follow up to the
talk given by Gabi Da Ros in November.
Mr Ian Holten going through
his slide presentation
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Upcoming Events – 2016
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Monday Feb 29th – Pink Day
Friday March 18th – Wimmera District Ambrose – Teams of 3, $36 team 9.00am - 9.30am hit off
(Note change of time from fixture book)
Thursday March 31st – Autumn Ambrose Drawn teams
Thursday April 7th – Captain v President (grudge match)
Thursday 14th – Golden Putter 4BBB Par Own Partner (Open Event) Shotgun 9.00am – 9.30am
Sponsored by Robertson’s Furniture
Julie & Helen
Photo Gallery – Ashes Trophy and Carlin & Gazzard Pinehurst
Ashes Trophy table
Kerrin Smith, Joy Pretlove
& Barb Hawkins setting up
the tables
Liz Jackman & Elaine Milbourne
Barb Hawkins, Kirkie Smith & Kath Rook taking the
lunch orders for Carlin & Gazzard
Ashes Trophy
table decoration
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Marie Oliver & Liz Robertson setting up
Carlin & Gazzard trophy table
Indoor Staff
As most members know Darren Jefferies has been made redundant. The staff would like to wish him all the
best for the future.
Jess has been second chef since we have been in the new clubhouse and will be continuing as the chef with
Wendy helping when required.
If you have any suggestions Jess would be very willing to take them on board. Please let her know by
speaking with her or by email: functions@horshamgolfclub.com
There will be times we will be looking for volunteers within the clubhouse. Any help would be appreciated.
Judy Krahe will be letting the members know when this is required. There will be a lot of times in the near
future e.g. autumn tournament, extravaganza day, legacy day. To name a few when help will be needed.
The kitchen will still be open for lunches Wednesday to Saturday and brunch on Sunday. We are still taking
function bookings for any type of event. See Wendy at any time or email on the above email address.
We would like to say good bye to our junior Julia Adams. Julia started with us as a 15 year old and has
now moved on to university in Geelong studying teaching. It has been really good to see a shy young kid
develop into a wonderful young woman over the time she has been with us.
Don’t forget there is an ongoing sale of up to 30% off of selected stock in the PRO SHOP.
The next members draw will be held Friday 11th March. This has been brought forward because of the
clash with the WDGLA.
Congratulations to Peter Hayes for winning the members draw this month. This was kindly donated back
to the club. The draw for next month will still be $250. Thank you to Ian Matheson for the $100 Ducks
Nuts Voucher for each members draw until the end of the year.
Cheers
Indoor Staff
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Course Development Committee
The full Committee last met on Tuesday 9 February, 2016. Key matters discussed at the meeting with some
additional commentary are as follows:
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Volunteer help on the course has continued and is providing valuable resources to the outdoor staff.
The working bee on Thursday 11 February concentrated on cleaning up the area between the car
park and the main road, including a tree removal. The Committee also briefly reviewed the format
of the volunteer effort and decided to leave it as is.
Work has continued on nuisance grasses infecting the greens. Renovation work on the greens
involving punching holes and sanding them will begin on Tuesday 16th February.
Kikuyu outbreaks on the fairways have been sprayed. Follow-up spraying will be required.
Rabbits are becoming more of a problem. Robert Pizzoni has been dealing with these as best he
can but needs more help. The CDC is seeking more assistance for Rob in his endeavors which is
very much appreciated.
The new shed which was purchased for a Chemical Storage facility and has been stored as a flat
pack for about 6 years has been erected near the existing maintenance workshop. It now serves as
secure and weather proof storage for the Toro equipment. A letter of thanks is to go to Mark and
Leanne Lehman and their son-in-law Ben for their assistance with this project.
The new drinking water tap behind the 16th green is getting some use. This facility needs to be
better advertised through the Club newsletter as many members are not aware of its existence.
Given the shortage of funds, major new works on the course have been delayed until funds are
available. The following applications will be made for Grants to assist the following works:
o The Horsham Rural City Council for sealing the area under the old Rosebrook Clubhouse.
Applications close 29 February;
o The Horsham Sports & Community Club for a handrail up the pathway to the Reception
door and providing more secure access to the golf course;
o Holden Australia (Home Ground Advantage Program) for a new Machinery Shed
($100,000) and the flooring, electrical, plumbing and beautification works for a new
Chemical Shed. Applications close 29 February.
The Strategy to maintain the cart tracks is being updated with maintenance and improvements done
last year and plans for this year. A more up to date (2013) aerial photo of the Golf Club footprint
has been obtained from the City Council and this will be used to communicate the revised cart track
maintenance program.
The Ladies are proposing to create and maintain garden beds near the Clubhouse. The Committee
will assist with this work. The initial plan is to create a garden bed on the 1st tee on the car park
side of the new sponsor boarding. Work will begin once the Sponsorship Boards have been
installed.
Projects proposed to be advanced this year are:
o Complete the equipment register and long term plan for equipment replacements.
o Secure and lockable access to the Golf Course.
o Continue constructing safer entries to bunkers.
THE BOARD TO PARTICULARLY NOTE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY MATTERS:
 There still appears a culture amongst some members not to give way to Greens Staff. The Greens
Staff will be requested to take the names of those offending. These names will be given to the
Captain for follow-up.
 The Committee recommends a formal Heat Policy be developed and implemented as a high priority.
Peter Jackson, Chairman
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Monday Social Ladies
No Report received
Pink Day Monday 29th February 8.00am – 8.30am shotgun
start. Names to the Pro Shop by noon Sunday 28th.
Come and support a great cause.
Early Bird Report
No Report received
Wimmera District Golf Association
At a meeting held at Dimboola Golf Club on Wednesday 24th February, where the amalgamation of the
Mens and Ladies Wimmera District Associations was finalized. President of the new WDGA is John Lacey
(Nhill), Vice President – Robert Scott (Minyip), Secretary – Megan Ashton (Horsham), Treasurer – position
to be filled.
Committee (and Chair of each sub-committee)
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Libby Lacey (Nhill) – Ladies Match
Brian (Titch) Thomson (Horsham) – Mens Match
Alan Mayer (Horsham) – Junior golf
Sub- committees:
Ladies Match: Julie Wirth (Horsham), Annie Ball (Nhill), Casey Phelan (Sheep Hills) and Carole
McKendrick (Stawell)
Mens Match: Andrew Hood (Kaniva), Shane Grover (Nhill), Darren Tegelhuter (Minyip) and Mark
Lehmann (Horsham TBC)
Junior Match: Shane Grover (Nhill) and Alan was to co-opt some other volunteers
Memberships
Membership Sub Committee
 Nil to report on memberships, therefore “Watch this Space” next Club Newsletter.
 At present updating “New Members Welcome Pack”
 “Trivia with a Twist” booked again for 2nd October, 2016- best night guaranteed,
Register your table now with Elaine Breuer
Mobile: 0428 824846
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Junior Golf
2016: HORSHAM GOLF CLUB JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
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Commenced 9.15am Sunday 21st February
Weekly Sunday FAMILY JUNIOR GOLF - play 9 holes
Members and New players most welcome
 8-14 year olds - MYGOLF session x 6 weeks
Starting Sunday 10th April – must register on line:
www.mygolf.com.au $60 includes Golf Sports Pack
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Ben Davey: Professional Coaching Sunday 24th April – Must book at Pro Shop.
Groups of 4 per hour, or Individual ½ or 1 hour lessons available
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Sunday 2nd October: Horsham Golf Club to host a
“Stuart Appleby Rookie Series” Tournament, for
Under 15 and Under 11 players
For further information contact:
HGC Junior Liaison Officer
Mrs Elaine Breuer 0428 824846
Email: bebreuer@bigpond.net.au
Golf Shop News
Dear Members,
The weather is great and the course is in fantastic condition so come out and play every chance you get
SPECIALS – UP TO 30% DISCOUNT ON ALL STOCK
Bridgestone B330 golf balls $50 a dozen
Volvik Crystal golf balls $45 a dozen 10% off
Srixon Mens and Ladies Soft Feel golf balls $28 a dozen
Srixon Mens and Ladies Leather golf cloves $29 now $21.80
Puma specials on clothing and footwear 30% off
Bridgestone clubs are all 50% off
Oakley sunglasses 30% off
Ben Davey: Professional Coaching Sunday 24th April – Must book at Pro Shop.
Groups of 4 per hour, or Individual ½ or 1 hour lessons available.
COURSE CARE
The care of the course is a job for everyone involved in the golf course not just the ground staff.
Please take a sand bucket and fill your divots. If you happen to walk over a divot that doesn’t have sand in
it please fill that one too. Fix your pitch marks on the greens. This is a very quick job and one that makes
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sure the greens are kept in great condition always. If you see another pitch mark that isn’t yours please fix
it.
Rake the bunkers so they are smooth for the next person who happens to go in there. This involves all foot
prints and the divot! Place/throw the rake in the middle of the bunker not on the edge.
Everyone is worried about the pace of play however you do need to take care of your golf course. If someone
is in the bunker and has to rake it then maybe someone else in the group should putt out first rather then
wait for the person to rake and then make their way onto the green. Ready golf is always best in this
circumstance and it guarantees the course is kept in good condition. And makes sure no one feels rushed
playing golf.
CARTS
Now the weather is better more people are playing on Saturdays. If any members need to hire a cart please
book in the pro shop when you put your name on the timesheet. Thank you.
The direct line to the pro shop is 53 823312
We are limited with what we can stock in the shop but have accounts with every golf company. If you need
anything we can order it and you will have it within a week. Please don’t hesitate to ask the shop staff about
any product. We are here to assist you with your golfing needs.
We look forward to seeing you all in the Proshop.
Hoss, Jenny, Jordy and Pam
Useful information on the 2016 Revision of the Rules of Golf
HTTPS://WWW.YOUTU BE.COM/WATCH?V=SIBOM XO6BEY
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Horsham Golf Club
Autumn
Tournament
Friday 8th April ~ Sunday 10th April 2016
Great Prizes
Ladies 4BBB Par
Mens 4BBB Par ~ Golden Putter
Super
Saturday
36 or 18
holes
Ladies 36 Holes Stroke
Ladies 18 Holes Stroke
Mens 36 Holes Stroke
Mens 18 Holes Stroke
4B Stableford Aggregate ~ any combination
Entry form available at
www.horshamgolfclub.com
Horsham Golf Club 304 Golf Course Road Horsham (03) 5382 3312
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