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Board Meeting Notes

Below are notes from the Board Meeting held on Thursday 25 August 2022.

1. WELFARE CO-ORDINATOR

Serving as the Welfare Co-ordinator for the past 5 years, Brian Cummins will be passing the duties on to Steve Twigg. The Board would like to thank Brian for his commitment and compassion, regularly checking in with our Members who have experienced illness or hardship.

2. CLUB ELECTIONS

The timeline for this year's election to the Board is as follows:

21 September - Nominations for the Board open 5pm

4 October - Nominations for the Board close 5pm

5 October - Ballot for positions conducted (if required)

13 October - Voting commences 5pm (if required)

23 October - Voting closes 5pm

27 October - Annual General Meeting

If any Member is interested in learning more about the role and responsibilities of a LRGC Director please contact myself or the General Manager.

3. GOLF CART HIRE FEE INCREASE

Effective from Saturday 1^st October Golf Cart fees will increase to $37 for Members and $33 for Members with a Medical/Pension certificate that has been received and approved by the Club.

4. LIFE MEMBERSHIP NOMINATION

Mick Snell was nominated for Life Membership by Doug Campbell and Wendy Millson. The Board agreed that the nomination had met the criteria for Life Membership and that the nomination will proceed to the AGM, to be put to a Member's vote.

5. FINANCE

The net surplus for July was $34,350. Significant rain fell across the Course during the month resulting in a 4-day closure, a 65% decline in Member competition rounds compared to the previous month and no carts permitted on the Course. Despite the affects on Golf for the month, the Clubhouse traded strongly.

6. NEW MEMBER INTAKE

18 applicants from the waitlist have been offered Membership effective from late September. The Membership Committee continue to monitor timesheets and playing trends to ensure the Club maintains an appropriate level of playing Members whilst not creating extensive waitlists on popular days of play.

7. LOADING DOCK

Minor remedial work will be completed on the Club's loading dock between 19^th and 21^st September. During this period, the two car spaces adjacent to the loading dock will be fenced off to store the waste bins.

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

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

Did you Know?

Two weeks have passed since the Spring green renovations were carried out and there have been many questions about why renovations need to happen and the processes the greens go through. Our Course Superintendent Peter Donkers has answered our questions:

1. Why are greens renovations carried out twice yearly at the time selected?

At Long Reef we have around 0.8 /Ha of green surface and around 60,000 rounds of golf per year not counting Member walk on or practice golf. Greens are the most concentrated traffic surface on the course for this reason compaction is the biggest issue. Oxygen and soil health = plant health, so aeration is of the utmost importance. Compaction is created by traffic and maintenance practices also rain or irrigation add to reduced oxygen levels in the soil. Renovations relieve compaction and sand filling the holes allows for oxygen space in the soil. Spring and autumn are ideal times for renovations to prepare for summer weather, longer days, heat and high traffic, autumn for relief from post summer stress and preparation for winter.

2. Solid v Hollow tynes.

For the past 4 or 5 years we have been doing the major renovations with solid tynes. This is not a usual practice for most golf courses but a practice I have found to have more benefits for our situation. At Long Reef we have a coring machine which is capable of doing things most machines are not capable of (this is a story within itself). The machine we use is capable of going very deep into the green with large size tynes (16mm up to 200mm deep) this allows for sand veins in the profile deep into the green (see photo below). Hollow tynes could only go around 110mm deep. Whilst solid tynes are currently producing a better result through the renovation process, it is also more efficient with only 2 staff required, 1 to top-dress and 1 to core holes compared to 7 staff needed to pick up and remove all the cores using hollow tynes. Solid tynes are also much less disruptive to the surface and on most occasions if all goes well, we can get the job done 40% quicker.

3. How much sand is used?

Depending on the size of tynes used we would use 40 to 45 tonnes of sand at each renovation. We use a very fine grain pure sand (no silt) sourced from the Newcastle area, this sand when dry, easily brushes deep into the open holes filling each hole.

4. What is the purpose of the lime used during this renovation?

This renovation we added an amendment of lime around 50 kg per green depending on size. The reason is to raise the P/h level in our greens. Currently the average P/h in the greens is around 6.2 which is ok but for optimal biological activity a P/h of around 6.8 is best. We will add the same amount of lime amendment at the next renovation which should raise the P/h to the optimal level.

5. What work is carried out on the greens in the weeks following renovations?

Following renovations, it takes time for things to get back to normal. We roll the greens once all the holes are filled with sand to help smooth the surface. We cannot mow for at least 8 to 9 days due to sand damaging cutting units on machinery and cutting heights are raised for the first few cuts. During the following weeks we try to vertical cut the greens using what are called thatch away units, these are vertical cutting units which fit to our greens mower and have circular saw type blades set vertically at close settings. This helps take out minor bumps and unevenness, this is also a bit aggressive but they work very well at helping get the surface back to normal. During the following weeks it is optimal to lightly dust the greens with sand and broom it in this also helps smooth the surface. It can take a number of weeks to get things back to normal and the weather plays a big part in being able to get out to do the work as the greens need to be dry. This means that we are very restricted as the work needs to be done later in the day when there is no moisture on the surface, by this time the Course can be quite busy so it is important to navigate between play where possible.

Trillionaire’s Club

Please join me in welcoming Stephen Volich to the “Trillionaire’s Club”. The greenkeeper team are much appreciated for their commitment and dedication to making our course the fabulous asset it is. This last year has been particularly challenging with Covid disruptions and the rain. The Club and Board are deeply grateful for how the team has persevered.

Steve has been personally singled out for his fantastic attitude towards his duties, his hard work, attention to detail and enthusiasm to achieve outstanding results.

Steve's flexibility with availability, hours and leave taken has truly assisted the Club and greenkeeper team navigate the challenges faced. Steve is a deserving member of the “Trillionaires Club”.

Keith Warren | President

From the Captain

Club Championship & Grade Cups

The deadline for all grades is this Friday (9th) at 5pm. Entry is only through the MiTournament site so please visit the Long Reef Members section on the website if you need any assistance. The Men's C Grade and the Women's Weekend Premiership qualifying rounds will be held on Saturday 17th and Saturday 24th September while the qualifying rounds of the Championship, A Reserve, A and B Grade Cups will be Saturday 8th and Saturday 15th October. The Matchplay rounds will be held on Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th.

Please only register to qualify if you are available for all rounds of the Matchplay.

Bunker Master Plan and Course Improvements

Craig Parry is putting the finishing touches to his proposal and I anticipate his recommendation going before the Golf Committee and Board by the end of September. Assuming approval, we will look to hold a Members Information night in October to share the plans. These will include hole-by-hole visual representation and supporting rationale. I am excited by what lies ahead for our course evolution over the next few years and I would encourage as many Members as possible to come along when the date is set.

Congratulations

After a few delays due to the weather, both the Mick Snell Cup and 4 Ball Knockout competitions were concluded over the last couple of weeks. Both finals went down the last with Shane Parsons beating Jane Hagan 1up to take out the Mick Snell Cup while Sascha Plate and Greg Hunter won 2up over Nick Munday and Marty Haywood in the 4 Ball final.

Ian Brown and Jenni Brown came from 9 shots back after the first round to successfully defend their Mixed Foursomes Championship meaning first round leaders, Adam Lynn and Jane Hagan had to settle for the Mixed Foursomes Cup (nett event).

Chun-Ta Wu recently represented NSW in the Australian All Schools Championship in Victoria. Individually he tied for 5th overall in the Boys Strokeplay while he and his NSW teammates won Gold in the Strokeplay and Silver in the Matchplay events.

Wednesday and Saturday winners

In the few days following the greens renovations, we held "novelty" events with a 5 Club Challenge on Wednesday 24th August and a 2 Ball Ambrose on Saturday 27th.

Peter West won C Grade and Score of the Day in the 5 Club comp with a very creditable 35 points. Peter French (33 points) was runner-up in C Grade after beating Philip Gors on a countback. Tony Cooper took out A Grade with 34 points, two ahead of Peter Watson who beat Michael Dennis after a countback. Michael teamed up with Dane Drayton to finish as runners-up in the 4BBB.

Jeremy Gruzman was the B Grade winner with 34 points with Rex Langthorne AM (32 points) edging out Hugh Wilson for second after a countback.

The 4BBB winners were Keith Warren and Steve Cunningham with 43 points.

Playing in the final group of the day, the father and son combination of Mick and Harry McKerihan won the 2 Ball Ambrose with a nett score of 63.5. Stuart Mulvena and Craig Roberge must have thought they had it won as their score of 63.75 had been on top of the leaderboard from early in the day. Third place went to Phil Hooper and Dave Farrell with net 64. The Scratch score of the day went to Ross Bockman and Tony Holley with 4 under par.

Paul Korbel, with 40 points, won B Grade and Score of the Day on Wednesday 31st August. Rex Langthorne AM finished runner-up for the second Wednesday in a row after he lost out on a countback to Paul while Alex Sexton was third in B Grade with 38 points. Tony Smithyman was the A Grade winner with 39 points, one ahead of Clint Sulway and Michael Dennis. Dane Drayton was the C Grade winner with 38 points, one ahead of Paul Langley with Ray Roberge a further shot back in third.

Tony Smithyman and Paul Press won the 4BBB with 46 points, one ahead of Clint Sulway and Nick Cregan, while Tim Cruickshank won Scratch with 1 over par.

Enjoy your golf!

Doug Campbell | Captain

From the Women's Committee

I must admit, I think we are all tired of whinging about the weather, but sooner or later it would be nice to have at least a few weeks without rain. Given the amount of rain the course continues to be in excellent condition.

On Friday 26th August we held our Annual Players and Caddies Day. Weather wise it wasn't the ideal (no surprise) but we snuck in 9 holes of golf. Congratulations must go to our Best and Fairest Players for 2022.

Bronze Plaque - Veronica Bertram,
Bronze III - Clare John
Bronze IV - Nan Crump

As weather cancelled most of Grade and all of Silver there were no 2022 winners for these competitions.

This Thursday 8th September is our Charity Day in aid of Blue Bottle Supporting The Kids Cancer Project. Thank you to all who have registered via MiTournament. If anyone is still having issues registering please advise Jenny Schulenburg or contact myself.

Let's hope the rain stays away ... at least until 1pm.

If I don't see you on the course see you at the bar....

Gilda Severino | Women's President

From the Bar & Cafe

Check out our new "Reserve Cellar Selection" wine list | See below

These premium wines have been competitively priced for our Members to enjoy on special occasions. Grab a bottle at the next Waterfront Dine In, or perhaps a celebration drink with your playing partners after a birdie blitz on the course.

Rules with George | Question

Question: Playing at Long Reef, Jeremy hit his second shot on the third hole . The ball ended in the revetted area of the face of the "bunker"in front of the green .He knew that the artificial lining has been declared by the Committee as an Integral Part of the course so is not an Immovable Obstruction. He declared his ball unplayable and said: " I will take line of play relief under Rule 19".

He picked up his ball and dropped it back on line about two club-lengths beyond the bunker on a nice grassy lie..
Jeremy has acted correctly so which is correct?

A) Jeremy should have dropped his ball on the sandy floor of the bunker.

B) Jeremy incurred a penalty of two strokes .

C) Jeremy incurred a penalty of one stroke.

D) Jeremy will be disqualified unless he drops again.

From the Pro Shop

Holiday clinic | Thursday 29th September & Thursday 6th October | Both days 9am -2pm | $95 a day

TaylorMade Fitting Experience

Dear Members,

We am excited to announce that we have booked an exclusive TaylorMade fitting experience on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 at our venue, where all Members will have the opportunity to go through a Tour-level custom club fitting.

You will have the opportunity to experience the latest TaylorMade technologies under the watchful eye of an expert club fitter, who will help you optimize your equipment and ultimately perform better on the golf course.

Please CLICK HERE to register for this event.

You can book a specific time for your appointment, as well as check other available dates.

You can also contact our team at the pro shop to learn about available appointments, book your custom fitting or ask any questions you have about this special event.

We hope you enjoy this exclusive fitting experience!

Get fit for your clubs like a Tour Pro here at Long Reef Golf Club

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4th | 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM | WEBSITE LINK - CLICK HERE

From the Archives | The Barling Trophy

The Barling trophy - previously known as the A.P. Lambert Memorial Trophy

There are two stories here, two names inscribed on a small tray that has seen better days. It is silver on the outside, but has the two handles missing and is tarnished on the inside. It still honours two special people.

The Barling trophy has been competed for since 1991 but first it was the A.P. Lambert trophy presented to the club on the retirement of A.P. Lambert as Club Secretary in 1940. That year it was won by Dudley Barling and he went home with it! Edward Dudley Barling has his own special story from the beginning of his membership in 1936 through to his retirement from golf in the late 70s but more of Dudley in the next newsletter

In 1940 the A.P. Lambert Memorial Trophy was a 36 hole Stroke event restricted to members who were members prior to 1940. In his book Ross Lanes suggest that the trophy was played for until the 70s. Alfred Peyronnet Lambert was there at the very beginning of the club, and along with Presidents Mann and then Hudson and Captain Whytock, completes the list of the four dominate leaders in the 20s and 30s.

A man with such an unusual second name was simply and affectionately called "Pop" Lambert. His first role was to become the Hon. Secretary taking over from John Alford in early 1922. Shortly after he was also elected as the first Captain of the Club at the first AGM in 1922 . He held this post for two years, finding then that his other duties as Hon. Secretary made life a bit too hectic he resigned as Captain. William Whytock was elected and Pop continued to apply his secretarial and administrative skills to the job, all of which can be seen in all his remaining ledgers written in long hand in pen and ink, that we have in the Archives. We do not know how many letters he would have written over his time. The Club bought him a typewriter in 1929 at a cost of 10 pounds but the ledgers continued to be hand written. His position would have been demanding, but men's golf was mainly played at weekends in the 20s and 30s. The Associates also played during the week and Friday Club commenced in 1932 but both arranged their own competitions, rules and timesheets etc.

In 1921 when the club opened Alfred was the teaching Principal at the Narrabeen Lakes school having started as a "pupil" teacher at the age of 19 in Wellington NSW in 1879. It is only a guess but it's likely that he knew something about the letter written by Cecil Martin in September 1920 asking the shire to consider giving permission to allow a course to be created on Long Reef Headland. They were both teacher in a small shire. Cecil taught at Brookvale school at this time, but he was posted away to a school in Burwood before the 1921 meeting was held.

In 1924 'Pop' Lambert became the club's first Life Member. At the same AGM the title was also bestowed on the Minister of Lands, Arthur Griffith.

At the time of his retirement from teaching in 1925 the Club recognised the importance of the secretarial role by making "Pop" the first fulltime paid Secretary quickly rising to the salary of $6 per week. He held this position until 1940, and over this 15 year period plus his time as the Hon. Secretary he made the most valuable contribution to the Club. "Golf in Australia" in 1940 noted as follows: "A. P. Lambert, Secretary of Long Reef Golf Club, astounded his members when he intimated that he was in his eightieth year and felt it was time to resign. It would be difficult to find another active golf Club secretary of such seniority in any country."

War time was coming and following Alfred's resignation there was little stability in the role, in either the volunteer or the employee replacements. There was however a female Assistant Secretary appointment in 1945 and Jim Alderdice was appointed as Secretary in 1947 and remained in the position until 1966.

"Pop" Lambert died in July, 1943. His memory was honoured as members competed for the A. P. Lambert Cup.

Next time a different character and talent- Dudley Barling - the second name on the trophy

Sources:
- The first 100 years of Long Reef Golf Club
- Ross Lanes and Sandra Mellowes
- Golf in Australia 1940

Sandra Mellowes | Archives Committee

REEF BREEZES

From your President

From the Captain

From the Women's Committee

From the Bar & Cafe

Rules with George | Question

From the Pro Shop

From the Archives | The Barling Trophy

Rules with George | Answer

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