Club Email

From your Board

FINANCE

The Net Profit for November was $69,338. The Net Profit for the year to date is $371,742. The net surplus did include $24,444 in Jobsaver payments.

COVID RESTRICTIONS

The current restrictions in place at the moment include:

One person per 2sqm indoors.
Face masks must be worn at all times for floor staff and only for patrons when they are indoors. This includes the Pro-shop.
Patrons must sign in via Service NSW app at BOTH the Clubhouse and the Pro-shop, as they are classified as separate "venues".
1.5m distancing between tables.
These restrictions will be in force until at least 27 January 2022.

CLUB ELECTIONS

I would like to congratulate new Board Members Stephen Holdstock and Andrew Thurlow on their election to the Board, as well as Doug Campbell and Steve Skinner on winning ballots for their respective positions as Captain and Treasurer. Thank you to retiring Board Members John Steuart and Doug Mansfield for their significant contribution over the past year.

SERVER REPLACEMENT

The Club's server will be replaced this month. We hope that this will be a smooth process but please be patient if we do encounter any disruption to our normal business operations. This upgrade will improve efficiencies and increase productivity.

STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

LRGC recognises the importance of training and developing its staff and understands its employees are a key factor in its success as a business.

It therefore encourages its staff to be continually improving their skill and abilities through both internal and external training. The Board approved a new policy which sets out what LRGC may offer employees through development and training opportunities and can be viewed on the Club's website.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The strategic planning process will commence on 25 January 2022. As in the past the Board, staff and Members will make significant contributions in creating this plan. This strategic plan will have particular emphasis on course improvements and Clubhouse redevelopment.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS

The Board has approved investigations to be undertaken on options for replacing all current MSL applications for General Ledger, Membership, Functions Diary, POS. BI, HR and Payroll.

The past 2 years have been extremely challenging for all of us. As we start 2022 we still have many restrictions in place and an air of uncertainty. The well-being of our Members, staff and visitors and how we can limit the impact of the virus will continue to be our main priority.

Stay vigilant, stay safe and stay well.

Stephen Twigg | 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 the Captain

Thank You

This is the first Newsletter since I was re-elected as your Captain and I would like to thank everybody that voted (and particularly those that voted for me!). Whether you wanted me as Captain or not, I am here to represent all Members and I can assure you that I will do so to the best of my ability. If you have anything on your mind that you want to share / question, please do not hesitate to Email me (captain@lrgc.com.au).

It wasn't a first!!

If you can remember back to the Newsletter before Xmas, I posed the question around 10&8 wins - I am informed that Ian Brown and Geoff Osbourne beat David Bradley & Tony Holley by the same score a few weeks earlier.

Letter From America

The Proclaimers (don't dare say "who?") song should probably be updated to Email at least now but Cian Hughes is off to college in Alabama in August 2022 to further his golf and studies and we wish him every success and keep us updated with your progress, Cian.

Do the right thing

Thank you in advance of your cooperation.

Rakes in bunkers: after use, rakes should be placed back in the centre of the bunker, pointing in the direction of play. Please do not leave them outside the bunker or resting against the lip of the bunker.

Practice on the course

Please hit no more than two balls while practising on the course, paying attention not to hold anybody up behind you and repair all pitch marks and divots.

Scoring on the app

90%+ of Members now use the MiScore app and are generally finding it very easy. Just a reminder that nothing has changed in terms of the need to agree your score with your marker, prior to pressing "Submit Agreed Score". Just like we would have with a paper scorecard. any discrepancies need to be ironed out before a score is submitted

Identifying your ball

Please identify your ball with your playing partners prior to starting your game and inform them every time you change your ball. You should also identify your ball with a mark that distinguishes it from other players and is easily identifiable. If you do need to lift your ball to identify it, you must mark the spot of the ball first, the ball cannot be cleaned more than needed to identify it (unless on the putting green) and it must be replaced on the original spot. Failing to mark it before lifting it or cleaning it when not allowed, incurs one penalty stroke.

Drop Zones

A reminder that when taking a drop in one of these areas on the 2nd or 18th, you are entitled to drop within two club lengths, in any direction (including in front of the drop zone marker).

Major Pennant

The new season gets underway with a home match against North Ryde on Sunday 30th January (7am start). The squad is Dan Baldacchino, Ian Brown, Doug Campbell, Dom Dowling, Luke Edgell, Ryan Farrell, Cam Gillespie (Captain), Cian Hughes, Harry McKerihan and Chun-Ta Wu. Five of the squad have shot at least one sub par round in the last few weeks so hopefully that form can be maintained.

Golfing Highlights over Xmas / New Year period

Last Saturday was the January Medal, the first round of the Founders Cup and the second qualifying round of the Strokeplay Championship.

Ross Kocass edged out Kristian Hooker to win "Score of the Day" and A Grade, after both shot excellent nett 66s. Kristian's bogey free, 3 under par off the stick (68), did ensure he collected the Scratch prize, though. Stewart Nettleton was third in A Grade with nett 67.

Cameron Daddo took out the B Grade Medal with nett 69, two ahead of both Trevor Waters and Mark Pitt.

The C Grade winner was Mark Richards, also with nett 69, with Josh Malin beating Peter Lindwall for second after a countback (70).

Alyssa Starc was the Women's Medal winner with a nett 73.

Dan Baldacchino got his new year off to an impressive start with 3 under par on Sunday 2nd which he quickly followed up with 2 under on Tuesday 4th.

Michael Dunn is proving that he definitely does like Mondays winning "Score of the Day" on both the 3rd (45 points) and the 10th (42 points).

I won't cast aspersions on the other two Grade winners on New Year's Day but in winning A Grade, I clearly need to be hungover to play decent golf as my 39 points won Scratch as well while Alan Shuttleworth's 40 points won him B Grade and "Score of the Day" and the C Grade winner was Peter Nichols with 38 points.

Harry McKerihan shot even par (40 points) to win A Grade, Scratch and "Score of the Day" on Wednesday 29th December.

Boxing Day's winner was Matt Pook with an excellent round of 1 under par, playing off 5, for 42 points.

Rod Adams won C Grade and had "Score of the Day" on Wednesday 22nd with 41 points. Both Jimmy Knox and Kristian Hooker shot 2 under par (40 points) but Jimmy won out on a countback while Chris Mitchell took out B Grade, also with 40 points.

The Saturday before Christmas was the Dress Up Ambrose day. The customary image of Santa is an old guy with a big white beard...well not at Long Reef... 4 young Santas, dressed questionably, won the competition so congratulations to Billy Watson, Connor Duff, Cian Hughes and Jack Davies. They did think they should also have won "Best Dressed" but that protest was dismissed and the "Angels" - Jane Hagan and Catherine Wiggett won that award.

Hope you have an enjoyable golfing year and stay safe!

Doug Campbell | Captain

From the Women's Committee

Welcome to the 1^st newsletter of 2022.

Happy New Year and here's hoping 2022 is a much better year for all. (Did we say that to each other this time last year?)

Results 18 Holes

It appears some ladies were getting in the Xmas spirit with some very high scores during the Silly Season. Congratulation to the following:

Julie Preston (27) 44pts
Aki Lee (33) 42pts
Jen Jansson (13) 40pts
Diana Sier (20) 40pts
Jan Daniel (30) 38pts
Robyn Lyon (29) 41pts
Diana Sier (20) 40pts
Jan Daniel (29) 38pts
Robyn Lyon (28) 38pts
Amelia Bowen (27) 43pts
Abigail Gruzman (26) 37pt
Mary Payne (40) 39pts
Julie Campbell (33) 38pts

W/E Stroke Club Medal 8^thJan - Alyssa Starc (5) Net 73.

Covid has ruined our plans again with the cancellation of Women's AGM and 2021 Prize Presentation on Wednesday 19th January 2022.

Due to the cancellation of the AGM, the 2021 Prize Presentation will be conducted at the first possible Thursday presentation.

We will confirm nearer to the date, depending Covid conditions.

Upcoming Events

Opening Days

Sunday 30th January 2022 is the Weekend Opening Day, 4BBB and single Stableford. The entry form is in the locker room and it is a random draw. There will be nibbles and a drink after the game.

Thursday 3rd February 2022 is the Weekday Opening Day, 4 Person Dropout Ambrose - 8 .00AM shotgun start. Golf NSW entry fees are due by 27^th January, $15 for weekday and $10 for weekend.

Please note: payment can be made via the website. Details re lunch after golf will be advised shortly, depending on any Covid restrictions. The entry form and how to pay is in the locker room.

Barrenjoey Week of golf 7th February, please contact Clare John, Sue Rossi or Angela Brown or enter you name on the sheet in the locker room if you can help out on Monday / Thursday at Long Reef.

Thursday 17th February - Stroke Club & GNSW Medal 1, qualifying for Singles Knockout and Long Markers Knockout, match play 22/2, 24/2, 1/3 and 3/3. The entry form will up in the locker room within the next few weeks.

2021 Golf NSW Champion of Champions:
Best of luck to Josie Garrett who will be playing in the 2021 NSW Champion of Champions to be held at Manly Golf Club on Monday 17^th January.

Michelle Ison | Women's Vice Captain

JOHN STEUART

John Steuart joined the Board in 2009 and has been Treasurer for the past 13 years. At this election he decided not to seek re-election.

During his time as Treasurer the old pro shop has been demolished and the new MUSAB building completed, the maintenance facility demolished and relocated, the wetlands project has been completed and various other projects on the course and in the Clubhouse completed. There have been 5 Presidents, 5 Captains & 4 General Managers.

He has taken the Club through some very dark times to this year when we finished with a record profit.

During his tenure the Club has seen enormous growth and he leaves his role as Treasurer with the Club in its strongest ever position.

At the AGM the Club presented John with a caricature (pictured right). Highlights of the caricature were a briefcase, his long-time companion Tara, meat pies, golf carts, pro shop in the background, spreadsheets and a little bit of his private life with Norths Rugby and a Harley.

We cannot thank him enough for the time and effort that he has given to the Club - without him and people like him the Club does not grow. Treasurer is an arduous role - the digging deep into the financial reports, an audit every year, budgets, reviews, Member expectations to be met and yet he has turned up for the past 13 years.

Personally I have enjoyed working with John and have appreciated and respected his opinions and advice.

John deserves our gratitude, respect and praise. I hope by being presented with this caricature he will always remember how important he has been to the Club and its Members.

Stephen Twigg | President

Clubhouse Updates

Bar Price Increase: In line with the government bi annual tax excise there will be a small increase across selected beverages effective Friday 11^th February 2022.

Friday Raffle: The Friday evening raffle will be put on hold until the current COVID situation eases and Members, guests and cafes diners return to the Club.

Upcoming Changes to Events in Fixture Book

Wednesday 26^th January 2022 - This will be a 1 tee start, Men & Women competition from 6.15am.
Tuesday 1^st February 2022 - Australian Hickory Championships - tee times for the 18 Holes, 9 Holes and Rookies competition on this date will be starting slightly later than usual due to this event being played.
Monday 7^th February 2022 - Barrenjoey Week - There will be no competition on this day, Social Play will be available in the afternoon

Rules With George | Question

Question: Playing the 18th hole, Michael found his ball on the bitumen path to the right of the green, from his second stroke. He considered his options and decided that the best thing would be to use the "Dropping Zone" for relief.

He was aware that a blue and white dropping zone stake was in place.. He carefully considered his drop point and dropped his ball a full club-length in front of the post and slightly to the side of the post to avoid interference by the post to his stance or swing.

His ball stayed close to where it had struck the grass. He played his ball onto the green. He completed the hole with one putt.

Which is correct?

A) Michael incurred the general penalty of 2 strokes for taking relief closer to the hole than the stake. His score for the hole would be six

B) Michael acted correctly, his score for the hole would be four.

From the Archives | January 1922

It would be nice to know just what was happening at the Club in January 1922 just six months after the first greens were created. There certainly hadn't been an official opening and there wasn't a Clubhouse. A Captain was not considered necessary and a golf Professional was yet to be appointed. There was of course a committee in place.

We are so fortunate to be able to refer to the original letters to and from the council from 1920, and have the first Minute book to read from the first entry in May 1921. But... the last entry for 1921 was for the month of August, to be followed only by an entry in January 1922. There are no blank pages in between. Had the Secretary fallen asleep at the wheel?

His name was Mr John W. Alford and he volunteered for the role in May 1921. It is most likely that official meetings were not held between August and January. A golfer and committee man as experienced as the Club President Arthur Mann would have insisted that meetings were recorder properly.

In the August minutes we read that the creation of holes continued but it was decided to fence the greens with 8 posts each with two rows of wire one 18 inches, the other 30 inches above the ground (refer image below). This was to keep cars, and both two-legged and four-legged invaders off the greens. It was also reported that the Shire approved the suggested rules of the Club but wished to limit non-rate paying players to 25% of the total number of games. The Club was also instructed that it would be responsible for any accidents to persons using the park not just the course.

Progress was being made over the holiday season and a random list of members was kept which looking at the Minutes from May - August seems to be about 30 in number. It is fair to say that this introductory phase continued until the first AGM in July.

At the January 28^th1921 General Meeting held at the Twight Tea Hall it was decided a list of members be made in a Day book and given to the 'greens man' so that he could check players in. (This Day Book is the second oldest ledger in the Archives.) He was also to charge non-members 1/6 for a half day and 2/6 for a whole day game as displayed on a painted notice board for all to see on the first tee.

This meeting received a letter of resignation after only seven months from the Secretary John W. Alford because of pressure of work. President Mann proposed Mr Arthur Lambert (pictured below) to take his place as Secretary. He accepted and continued in the role until 1939.

Sandra Mellowes | Archive Committee

Pro Shop

Buy a Clic Gear buggy and receive a seat free of Charge

Cleveland Carry Bags now $159

Callaway X Hot Package sets now $1549

Titleist Fitting Day January 21-(8Am to 1pm)

Please book in the pro shop

Let the Games begin

The Ancient Greeks invented the Olympic Games and, as everyone with a television will remember, these always start with a lot of fanfare and hoo-ha.

You know the kind of thing: big brass bands, torch relays, torches being held aloft in triumph, photos of fabulously fit athletes, news clips of other images of politicians (slightly less fit but always smiling) eager for photo opportunities in time for the 7pm news.

Friday club has decided to dispense with all of that hoo-ha for a few reasons. Hoo-ha is expensive and rather tiring for all men and women of a certain age. And we lost our torch.

January 28 is our "Freedom Day, freedom to play Friday Club golf again, that is.

Refreshed and well nourished after our summer holiday break, we'll be keen and eager to work off those pesky little festive season kilos.

Mind you, the golfing outlook appears vaguely familiar.

Apart from the Olympics, the Greeks also gave us their alphabet, which is where the latest Covid variant, Omicron, gets its name.

As everyone knows, Omicron is highly contagious and health regulations are constantly changing. So please keep a watchful eye on the LRGC message board for updates.

The Friday club annual general meeting was set down for February 11 but this has been postponed. We'll advise you of the new date as soon as possible.

In the meantime, put this date in your diaries: January 28, it's when Friday Club resumes.

Perry Yeldham | Friday Club President

REEF BREEZES