Club Email

Below are notes from the Board Meetings held on 30 April 2024.

Public Green Fee Increase

Following a review of public green fees across Sydney, volume of non-Member rounds played and ensuring the Membership fees continue to represent value over public green fees, an increase of $8 on weekends ($80 to $88) and $7 on weekdays ($70 to $77) was approved and will take effect from 1 July 2024.

Member's guests continue to receive a $10 discount on applicable fees.

Quarterly Financial Statement

The Quarterly Financial Report for the period of 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024 is now available on the Members website.

Long Reef Public Board Walk

Northern Beaches Council recently publicised plans through their community consultation platform to replace the public boardwalk beside the 17^th tee. The Board are discussing logistics and options with the Council to ensure a long term solution is considered, with minimal impact on Long Reef Golf Club and its Members.

Clubhouse Master Plan

The Building Committee is currently collaborating with the design team and consultants to develop the Clubhouse Master Plan. Members, staff and visitors were recently invited to complete surveys to gather traffic data in order to inform the planning process.

The project is still in its early stages, with plans for member and community consultation set to begin soon. Information sessions for members are scheduled for early July, providing a platform for feedback and input on the Clubhouse Master Plan. Over the next month, a date for the first Member information session will be confirmed.

Membership Subscriptions

The 2024/2025 Membership Subscriptions were issued in early April and are due by 31 May 2024.

Fully Playing Members who have made subscription payment in full by 31 May will receive 3 x Member Guest social round vouchers.

Members are also reminded that House, Prize and Ball Accounts credited prior to the 1 May 2024 must be spent by 30 June 2024. All Member Accounts can be used across the Golf Shop, Bar and Café.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like clarification or further expansion on any of the items above.

Keith Warren | President

Note: This document is not intended to be a minute of the relevant Board meeting but is intended to provide members with a summary of the significant decisions made or issues discussed by the Board at its most recent meeting. Certain matters may be commercially sensitive, subject to privacy considerations or otherwise confidential and will not be included in this summary document.

From your Captain

Hole in one

Congratulations to David Ford who achieved his first hole in one on the 13th hole on Wednesday 8 May.

Bunkers

The work done on the course bunkers and drainage in the past 12 months has made a significant improvement to our water storage and course management. Our bunkers have held up exceptionally well and the course has been able to remain open and playable during this wet weather period.

Upcoming Events

Presidents Cup - 2024 Saturday 1st June 18-hole handicap stroke event played in conjunction with the 1st June Medal

The Left Handers Trophy - will be played in conjunction with 1st June Medal.

Masters Pennants

The Master Pennants gets underway on Sunday 19th May with Long Reef playing Monash at Monash. The return match is Sunday 26^th at Long Reef. The teams in our division are: Monash, Macquarie Links and Asquith.

The team: Jimmy Knox, Jimmy Little, Doug Campbell, Ian Brown, Adam Lynn, Steve Sapsford, Nick Sherlock, Mick McKerihan, Matt Pook and Tony Holley. All the best boys!

Junior Scholarships 2024-25

Congratulations to the following recipients of a Scholarship for the coming Membership year:

Ryder Brinkman

Lennox Cleary

Will Elliot

Angus Greenland

Jasper Lee

Thomas McConochie

Harry McKerihan

Henry Mitchell

Oliver Robinson

Justin Turner

Stuart Turner

Thomas Turner

Joel Warren

These Members have been selected by the Scholarship Committee to due to showing a promising talent with a high degree of commitment and dedication to improving.

Results

Wednesday 1st May - Single Stableford & 4BBB - No competition due to inclement weather.

Saturday 4th May - Monthly Medal - with a field of 111 players.

The overall winner and score of the day with a nett 64 was Nick Thorowgood.

Full Results

Wednesday 8th May - Single Stableford -Vince Horan Qualifying with a field of 163 players.

The overall winner and score of the day went to David Mason with a score of 39 points on the countback

Full Results

Saturday 11th May - Single Stableford and 2 Ball Aggregate - No competition due to inclement weather.

Rob Cordaiy | Captain

From your Women's Committee

Pennants

Silver Salver

The Silver Salver Pennants game at Monash against Pymble was cancelled due to weather. The same team of: Vanessa Murphy, Sally Hill, Ali Gattas, Wendy Millson and Marianne Rudd played at Pennant Hills against Ryde Parramatta. Unfortunately, the team had a loss. Shame we had a couple of washouts, as the last game is at Long Reef on 17 May 2024, where we will be hosting and have a bye. Thank you to everyone in the Silver Squad this year.

Bronze Plaque

Friday 17 May 2024 is the first game for the Bronze Plaque at Warringah Golf Club against Bayview. The team will be: Jeanette Reitzer, Prue Bardsley, Veronica Bertram (Captain), Jude Sandvoss and Danielle Seisun with Debra Trim as reserve.

Good luck to the Bronze Plaque team!

Foursomes Championships

The Women's Foursomes Championships qualifying rounds were played on 30 April and 2 May 2024. The 36 hole gross winners for the Women's Foursomes Championships were: Rachel Buxton and Vanessa Murphy with 185. The B Grade winners were Tracey Martin and Robyn Lyon with 214 and C Grade winners were Sue Dewell and Sheila Dickson with 239. The 36 hole nett winners were Diana Sier and Ali Gattas with 158 nett on a c/b from Pam Burke and Natalie Driver.

The final of the Women's Foursomes Championship will be played on 16 May 2024. The Open Championship final will be played over 36 holes, with the B and C Grade Premierships played over 18 holes. All women members are welcome to come down to the club to help celebrate with the finalists at the end of the round.

Long Reef Plate

The Long Reef Plante was played 9 May 2024 in two Divisions.

Division 1: GA 16.2 to 27.2 and

Division 2: GA 27.3 to 54.0 (maximum daily handicap 45).

Lucky the weather stayed fine for everyone. The winner of Division 1 was Tracey Martin (24) with 37 points and the runner-up was Maria Russell (29) on 33 points. The winner of Division II was Corinne Crawford (32) with 35 points and runner-up Sheila Dickson (36) on 32 points.

Lilith Gollan

The Lilith Gollan was also played on 9 May 2024 over the first 9 holes. The winner was Lynne Clayton (19) with 19 points on a c/b from Sally Hill (13) with third place going to Emma Thurlow (6) on 18 points on a c/b.

Results:

On Tuesday 30 April the nett winner of round one of the women's foursomes championships was Lisa Jenkins and Petrina Rousel with 76.5 from Marg O'Connell and Aki Lee with 78 nett and Pam Burke and Natalie Driver with a 79 nett.

On Thursday 2 May 2024 the second-round nett winners were Sue Dewell and Sheila Dickson with 77.5 nett from Lisa Mackenzie and Jude Sandvoss with 78 nett and Diana Sier and Ali Gattas with 78.5 nett. The Gold tee competition was won by Di Heffernan (25) with 32 points.

On Tuesday 7 May the winner of Division 1 was Gay Mccorby (28) with 35 points on a c/b from Tracey Martin (25). Division 2 winner was Fiona Mcknight (39) with 32 points from Julia Mahn (32) on 28 points. The gold tee competition was won by Sonya Cordaiy (39) with 29 points from Louise Cox (45) on 27 points. The runner up in the Mixed 9-hole competition was Arlene Veith (45) on 17 points.

On 9 May 2024 players that were not eligible for the Long Reef Plate played an 18 hole stableford event. The winner was Sally Hill (14) with 34 points.

Upcoming Fixtures:

17 May - Pennants - Silver Salver hosting and Bronze Plaque commences at Warringah Golf Club
23 May - Weekday Golf NSW Medal Round played in conjunction with the Presidents Trophy qualifying round and the Veterans Challenge Brooch.
Reminder that the President Trophy is played in 2 divisions with eight players from each division playing handicap match play and the winner of each division playing off to decide the winner of the Presidents Trophy. The dates for the match play are: 28 May, 30 May, 4 June and the final on 6 June 2024.
1 June - Weekend GNSW Medal round
6 June - Final of the President Trophy
13 June - Dot Leonard Rose Bowl

Sue Kruse PSM | Women's Captain

From your Golf Shop

Explore the new MGI Zip Buggies!

We currently have the complete range of MGI Zip buggies available in the Golf Shop.
Here's a brief overview of each model:

MGI Zip X1

The MGI Zip X1 is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use electric buggy. It features a simple design with digital electronics and variable speed control. It's a great entry-level model that offers excellent value for money.

MGI Zip X3

For golfers looking for additional features, the MGI Zip X3 comes with advanced digital electronics, including a distance control function.

MGI Zip X5

The MGI Zip X5 takes convenience to the next level with its innovative downhill speed control and electronic park brake, ensuring that your buggy stays put on any slope.

MGI Zip Navigator AT

The ultimate in performance and technology, the MGI Zip Navigator AT is an all-terrain model that features dual motors, full directional remote control, and patented gyroscope straight tracker technology. This model is ideal for those who play on diverse courses and require a robust, versatile buggy.

Why Buy MGI?

MGI buggies stand out for their quality, reliability, and features. But what truly sets them apart is the exceptional service support. If anything goes wrong with your MGI buggy, our dedicated MGI serviceman visits us weekly to perform any necessary work on-site. This convenience ensures that you are never left without your buggy for long, making MGI the number one choice for golfers.

Special Offer

For a limited time, we are offering a free bucket loop, drink holder, and multi-purpose clip with the purchase of any MGI buggy. Plus, we guarantee to beat any quoted price. Pop in or send me an email to find out more. - jenny@lrgc.com.au.

Jenny Schulenburg | Director of Golf

Corporate Partner Feature

A & S Synthetic Grass Specialists

35 Years in the Industry! At A & S Synthetic Grass Specialists, we are proud of the services we provide. With over 35 years of experience in the synthetic grass industry, we have been able to complete every job well and on time. We don't use subcontractors, and the person who gives you a quote will be the one installing the turf for you. This local, family business is happy to help out all of Sydney.

We Provide High-Quality Products, Personalised Service and On-Time Completion of Projects

Contact our very own Long Reef Member Alan Dean 0418 405 875 or aandsgrass.alan@bigpond.com

You may have noticed we've taken advantage of their high quality services with installation of their premium astroturf for our new practice nets behind the Golf Shop as well as as astroturf throughout our new Golf Shop in the trackman simulator and under products displays - we couldn't be happier with the outcome and high quality!

Upcoming Charity Golf Day

Tressillian Golf Day

Join us for a great day out and help raise money for Tresillian Wollstonecraft. Their team provides valuable services to parents and babies across NSW.

- Friday 31st May 2024
- Registration from 8am

It is a great day of golf with breakfast, lunch, and drinks included.

Tickets are on sale now, so secure your place or team of four.

Individual golfer: $250 + GST
Team of 4: $1000 + GST
Lunch only:$100 + GST

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Perth and have lived most of my life on the beautiful Northern Beaches of Sydney. When I left high school I went to business college and that was the beginning of my career in administration, with the majority of those years being personal assistant or executive assistant to top tier management. Work aside, I am married and am the proud Mum of two sons and two grandchildren. I love anything to do with the performing arts and have a passion for dance and music.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Aqua aerobics, walking, Pilates and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am also studying for a Diploma in Family History which I will complete this year.

How long have you worked at LRGC?

I started at LRGC almost two years ago as Sunday receptionist, and I feel lucky to work in such a great place with a great team of people.

Rules with George | Question

Question: Harry was playing a stroke round on a wet day.

Harry's ball was on a green which had a puddle of temporary water between the hole and his ball. He wanted to take relief from the abnormal course condition.

He realised that there was no point on the green which was no closer to the hole , so that he could gain free relief from the temporary water which was on his line. He did not wish to putt through the water.

He picked a spot off the green as his reference point from which he could play his ball without interference.

Which is correct?

A) Harry must drop his ball off the green at a point no nearer the hole where he would have a dry line to the hole.

B) Harry must place his ball off the green at a point no nearer the hole where he would have a dry line to the hole.

C) Harry is not permitted to play his ball from off the green, when he takes relief for his ball on the green.

From Your Welfare Coordinator

It is with great sadness I report the unexpected passing of Graham Hope. He had been a Member of the Club for over 25 years, the last couple as a Retention Member. Our sympathies to his brother Paul, who is also a long-standing Member of the Club.

Margaret Mullins continues to do well at the Arcadia Hospital. She is doing rehab after suffering a fall in Melbourne. She is in good spirits and looking forward to returning home and playing golf in the near future.

Stephen Twigg | Welfare Coordinator

From the Archives - Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday, was Tuesday the 14^th May - the date that we recognise as the Club's birthday.

103 years ago, the 14th May fell on a Saturday. A meeting had been arranged by the Council in the Twight Tea Rooms, and was chaired by the Shire President to discuss the question asked by Cecil Martin six months earlier- 'Could permission be granted to create a Golf Course on Long Reef Headland?' The Headland was Crown land, administered by Warringah Council.

This was a gathering of older gentlemen, with names like Alfred, Albert, and Arthur likely to have been born some way through the previous century. With their experience as local business men and councillors, professionals such as a GP and a Vicar, and some experienced golfers, they had obviously made quite a detailed plan between themselves before the meeting. Minutes were taken and by the end of this single meeting the Club, to be called Long Reef Golf Cub was born. It was the beginning of the beginning that went on throughout May and June 1921.
The nomination of Henry Mann, already a Vice President of Bonnie Doon, as President, and the Shire Clerk Robert George Jamieson as Treasurer was unopposed. The local Headmaster of Narrabeen Public School Albert Lambert was later to be elected a Captain and Hon. Secretary. A general committee was formed that day, along with its 6 Vice-Presidents! Fees were set that afternoon for men and women, for members or non-players. Plans were made to have the rules and by-laws ready for the next meeting, a council requirement.

In any previous written history the course designer of those first 9 holes has not been acknowledged. Research and help from Club Members Gary Martinolli and Les Browne also of the Australian Historical Society has helped confirm a suspicion!

During that first meeting on the 14^th May the last resolution in the Club's Minutes (with no record of who made it) went to the subject of Ground Layout

- "It was resolved that the Committee meet Mr Merrilees on Sunday 22 May at 9.30am to go in to the matter of space required for the links and to fix position of fairways and greens etc. Mr.Marshall undertook to meet Mr Merrilees" (I think this is another example of a result of a pre-meeting discussion!)

There are no further mentions in the Minute book after this about the original course layout design. We do know that two workers at different times in May and June put in for their expenses of time and equipment and that cups and flags were purchased. There is no mention of when those first 9 holes were ready. We do know that in Feb 1923, 19 months later there was an Official Opening of both Course and new Club House.

The only other time that P.G. Merrilees' name was mentioned again was as one of four golfing Professionals who played a demonstration game the afternoon of the opening. The other three were Frank Eyre, Dan Soutar, and Carniege Clark. An educated guess would suggest that the meeting did go ahead in May 1921, that his design was accepted, the plan was carried out and that he was a special guest at the opening.

Two weeks ago a copy of the March 1923 Golf in Australia Newsletter from the Heritage society archives gave us the confirmation of the answer to the question about the designer. On a page listing news from some of the major clubs of the time it says -

"The Long Reef Golf Links were laid out by P.G. Merrilees, who at present is offering valuable suggestions regarding a bunkering scheme and the improvement of the course generally."

From this we might assume that for the first two years LRGC was bunker free!

We do know that Frank Eyre and Dan Soutar designed the next 9 holes from 1927-31. Research on P.G. Merrilees will continue! Happy Birthday LRGC!

___________________________________________

The Archive Committee frequently receives requests from families wanting information about a relative's golfing history. Sometimes the old ledgers provide the answers, although we were stumped recently by a daughter of one of the Club Assistant Secretaries in the 50s who was trying to trace her mother's ashes. More often than not, it is to help with the writing of an obituary as has been the case this week.

Sadly former member Lou Gordon has died. She was a popular member for 20 years. As a successful C-Grade player, she won a Premiership and is the only woman to win a C-Grade Foursomes title four times. She played pennants and was on the Committee for five years, three of these as Handicapper.

We have also lost the most enthusiastic of golfers Cheryl Hooley who died recently. She loved the game and never stopped trying! Although she resigned some years ago because of ill-health she will be remembered by her antics in the concerts where she acted as a Director and always brought her own juke-box!

Sympathy is conveyed to all.

Sandra Mellowes | Archives Committee

From your Board