Club Email

Below are notes from the Board Meeting held on 29 July 2025

Michael Infanti

Michael has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support he has received from the Long Reef Golf Club community.
He recently received some positive news at his latest check-up and we continue to wish him all the very best in his recovery.

New South Wales Golf Club – Thank you

NSW Golf Club has extended their sincere thanks to Long Reef for our support during their course renovations. They praised the warm hospitality, outstanding course presentation and the friendly professionalism of our staff, along with the welcoming nature of our Members over the past six months.

Golf Connect

The Club has been working with Golf Australia on the rollout of Golf Australia CONNECT, the new national handicapping platform replacing the long-standing GOLF Link system. The new system will go live from 2nd October.

A timeline will be provided to Members and any relevant updates or actions required will be shared in due course.

Smoking Policy

We kindly remind all Members and guests that smoking/vaping is only permitted in designated outdoor areas at the Club and must be at least 4m away from all entrances including the rear entrance of the Club.

When on the Golf Course we ask that you are mindful of your playing partners and that you are a suitable distance away from others. No smoking/vaping is permitted on the greens or tee boxes, or around the putting green/practice nets and golf shop terrace. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a comfortable environment for all.

House Membership

With the removal of the 5km rule, the updated House Membership structure will come into effect from 1st September. House Members will now enjoy a rolling 12-month membership, meaning they can join at any time and renew one year from their sign-up date. House Members will continue to receive a 5% discount on purchases as part of their benefits.

Women’s Bronze IV Pennant – 2025 Winners

The Board extends its congratulations to the Women’s Bronze IV Pennant team on their outstanding victory in this year’s competition. Further details are available in the Women’s Committee section below, but this success is a strong reflection of the Club’s thriving Women’s Membership pathway and the positive impact of the Rookies program.

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.

Eric Apperley Shield

Our team travelled to Pymble on Sunday, 27th July to take on Stonecutters Ridge. It was a tightly contested day, with individual matches swinging back and forth throughout. In the end, the match was drawn, with both teams winning three matches apiece.

The planned match against the NSW Golf Club at Stonecutters Ridge on Sunday 3^rd August was a washout and both teams were given a draw. The team is currently leading their division and their next round is this Sunday at Penrith Golf Club against Pymble.

Goulburn Weekend – Dr McCarthy Shield

Full report and results in the Archive Section further down this newsletter.

Midweek Eclectic

The Midweek Eclectic finished on Wednesday 23^rd July. Congratulations to the following grade winners:

A Grade Joint Winners

Tim Cruickshank 57.50 Nett

Cam Gillespie 57.50 Nett

B Grade

James Jennings 59.15 Nett

Phil Blanshard 59.85 Nett

C Grade

Peter Bailey 63.10 Nett

Ken Taylor 63.35 Nett

Course Maintenance – August

Course maintenance will commence shortly, weather permitting, beginning with the scarifying of the fairways. The course will remain open during this phase of the work.

The course will be closed on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 August to allow for greens renovation, which will involve solid tine aeration to a depth of 80mm.

Please note: The originally planned coring of the greens will not take place at this time due to a delay in the delivery of the new coring machinery. A 30cm preferred lie is permitted on the fairway only when playing a hole that has been scarified.

Upcoming Events:

Men vs Women – Sunday 10th August
$15 Entry Fee
This event will be decided by comparing the average scores of the top 10 Men and top 10 Women. Join us for a great day of golf, friendly rivalry and plenty of laughs. Cheese and nibbles will be provided after the round in the Members Area leading into the presentation.

Results

Wednesday 23^rd July – Single Stableford and 2 Ball Aggregate with a field of 216.

The winner and score of the day went to James Dean with a score of 38 points on the countback.

Full Results

Saturday 26^th July – Medley Stableford with a field of 144.

The winner and score of the day went to Mike Dickson with a score of 36 on the countback.

Full Results

Wednesday 30 July – Single Stableford with a field of 46.

The winner and score of the day went to Jeff Seed with a score of 37 points.

Full Results

Rob Cordaiy | Captain

Bronze IV Pennant Team Seal the Shield in a Thrilling Finish at Wakehurst

The final match for the Bronze IV team was played at Wakehurst against Bayview, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Representing Long Reef were Heidi Lillyman, Sandra Hamberlin, Julie Vargeson, Libby Cleary, and Val Hindmarsh. Although Long Reef was leading the competition, the team needed a win in the final round to secure the Shield, with Roseville Golf Club close behind and ready to pounce.

In a dramatic finale, Long Reef and Bayview teed off in the last group of the day. As matches concluded, Long Reef had secured 2 wins and suffered 2 losses — leaving everything riding on the final match still out on the course. Roseville players and supporters anxiously watched from the clubhouse veranda, knowing the outcome would determine the Shield.

With Sandra Hamberlin coming down the 18th hole under immense pressure, she showed remarkable composure by sinking a nerve-wracking 3-foot putt to win her match 1 up — clinching the Shield for Long Reef in the most dramatic fashion possible.

The team erupted in celebration, with captain Julie Vargeson delivering an emotional speech, capturing the spirit and determination that carried the team through the season.

A heartfelt congratulations to the Bronze IV team for a brilliant team effort. Special thanks go to May Yeng, Sheila Dickson, Virginia Murphy, who also contributed throughout the season and Therese Hettler, Elizabeth O’Brien and Lydia Sloman who were in the squad. A very special mention to Linda Sinclair, the team’s convener. Her exceptional leadership and organisation were key to the team’s success.

Well done, Bronze IV — a memorable victory and a testament to teamwork, resilience, and grace under pressure.

Captain’s Trophy

The Captains Trophy has been played over the last two weeks. The finalists are: Karen Reader and Adriana Bowyer; against Jodie McPherson and Nikki Winestock. Unfortunately, due to wet weather the final has been deferred to Tuesday 12 August 2025.

Remembrance Day

On 14 August 2025 the Par event will be played in conjunction with the 18-hole Sherrie Hughes Plate and the 9-hole Forget-me-not trophy.

If you want to play in these events, please put your name down on the sheet in the locker room or message me and I will put your name down. A draw will be done on Thursday 7 August 2025.

Course Maintenance and Keno 2Ball Ambrose

The course will be closed on 18 and 19 August 2025 for the coring of the greens.

On Saturday 23 August 2025 and Thursday 28 August 2025, the Keno Golf NSW 2 ball Ambrose will be played.

The leading team from the combined field of the Thursday and Saturday competitions will qualify for Stage 2 the Regional Finals.

If the leading pair is unavailable for Stage 2, the next placed pair may replace them. If you win the Regional Final then the State Final will be played at Bonville in December.

Upcoming Fixtures

Please note medal round changes to accommodate deferred July/August medal rounds:

12 August – Matchplay Final of the Captains Trophy
14 August – Par Round mixed divisions in conjunction with the Remembrance Day Trophies
23 and 28 August – Keno Golf NSW 2 ball Ambrose
4 September – C Grade Medal GNSW round only, deferred from July medal round
6 September – Weekend Golf NSW medal round 6 deferred from 2 August

Sue Kruse PSM | Women's Captain

As of the 5^th of August, the Course is only 100mm off Sydney’s annual rainfall! In the last fortnight, 225mm has fallen on the Course. The dams are still at 100% capacity and the Course is extremely wet again.

Our fairway renovations were scheduled to start on the 4^th of August. However, due to the recent rain we’ve received over the last fortnight this work has been delayed until the Course has had some time to dry out again.

The planned renovation will include reshaping selected fairways, lowering the mowing height, spiking to improve aeration and drainage, scarifying to remove excess thatch to promote healthy growth, blowing debris from the fairway to leave a clean playing surface.

Greens renovation is scheduled in for Monday 18^th and Tuesday 19^th of August, then follwoing the Club Championship in October, all couch tees will be renovated. This work will help maintain healthy high performing tee surfaces for the growing season ahead.

Boardwalk Replacement - Northern Beaches Council have awarded the contract for the replacement of the Boardwalk at Long Reef Beach and expect construction to commence later this month. The Board and Management are working with the Council and Contractor to ensure there is minimal impact to golfers and the golf course during this time. As the final plans are determined, Members will be notifed of any measures put in place that may affect play.

Swan update - We’re now down to 2 baby swans. While it’s disappointing, it’s a reminder that we can’t control Mother Nature. My team keeps a close eye on them every day, and they’ve become part of our maintenance staff family.

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers who give up their time every Tuesday to help around the Course. Your hard work and attention to detail makes a noticeable difference, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I appreciate the effort you put in, and the Course is looking better for it. Thank you for being such a valuable part of my team.

Kurt Schulenburg | Course Superintendent

Lee Grierson - NSW State Champs Raffle

Our PGA Associate, Lee Grierson, is heading to the NSW State Championships in Tura Beach from 26th - 29th August. To support him on this trip, the PGA has provided raffle tickets available for $4 each (cash only) at the Golf Shop.

The prizes up for grabs are:

1st Prize - Set of Titleist T Series Irons
2nd Prize - Scotty Cameron Putter
3rd Prize - 18 Holes for 4 at Concord (with carts)
4th Prize - Pair of FJ MyJoys Shoes
5th Prize - Titleist Stand Bag

Lee is currently sitting inside the top 20 on the Order of Merit, with strong performances including a win at Wagga, 3rd at Oberon, T6 finishes at Gold Creek & Wollongong Pro Ams.

Raffle closes 22nd August.

Course Renovations - Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th August

While the Course is closed for renovations on Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th August, our friends at Shortees Par 3 Course in Terrey Hills have kindly offered Long Reef Golf Club Members the opportunity to make use of their fantastic facilities.

They have extended a discount green fee of $20 per round (normally $30) exclusively for Long Reef Members during this period.

If you choose to head up to Shortees, please remember to take your LRGC Member card with you to access the discounted rate!

Struggling with Long Putts?

Consistently 2 putting is essential for keeping your score down. Eliminating 3 putts with getting that 1st long putt close to the hole.
Watch PGA Professional Danny Vera as he shares key tips to improve your distance control and avoid costly 3 putts.

Watch the video HERE.

Jenny Schulenburg | Director of Golf

BOOK A LESSON HERE

Question: Playing the 18th hole, Bill hit a powerful drive well right. He said, “ that is in the middle of the practice area, I will easily find it”.

He found his ball without any trouble but saw that it was deeply embedded in the very soft ground of the area.He knew that to play the embedded ball as it was lying was very risky.

He knew that the practice area was a large area of ground under repair cut to fairway height.

Which is correct?

A. If he wants full relief from the ground under repair, Bill must take relief dropping a ball in the nearest dropping zone, well back on the 18th fairway.

B. Bill has the option of taking relief for the embedded ball under Rule 16.3, dropping the ball in the area of ground under repair, and then consider further options..

C. Bill must play the ball as it lies, despite it being deeply embedded in an area of ground under repair.

Constantly feeling stiff on the first tee? Playing with niggles or pain?
We’re excited to welcome the expert golf fitness coaches from Strokes Gained Studio to Long Reef Golf Club for two free 1-hour stretch sessions designed specifically for golfers.

Pacific Room, LRGC

§ Men: Monday 18th August
9:00am – 10:00am
Click here to book

§ Ladies: Tuesday 19th August
9:00am – 10:00am
Click here to book

Now Pouring

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The Cantina Di Gambellara Monopolio Pinot Grigio showcases the best of Italian wine. Its pale yellow colour offers a fruity and intense aroma, complemented by elegant notes of white peach and mango.

Available by the glass or bottle

GOULBURN V LONG REEF

There was another great turnout for the annual Goulburn visit to Long Reef on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27th July, a total of 44 played the event. The long-standing relationship between the two golf clubs is one if the cornerstones of our tradition and history. We are lucky to have such a relationship with Goulburn Golf Club. The friendship turns to rivalry twice a year.

In the 72^nd year of this rivalry, history dictates that the main purpose is to contest the Dr. McCarthy Shield on the Sunday. The Saturday afternoon games are part of the normal Long Reef competition field. The weather did improve in the afternoon and on Sunday the players were greeted by a cold and windy July day - typical Long Reef winter weather.

Eleven matches were scheduled to be played (best-ball format). Due to late cancellations from Goulburn, Long Reef “lent” Goulburn three players for the day – Paul Bradford, Tim Gotts and Ralph Harpur. This made for interesting results at the end of the day. Some great golf and some not so great golf was played on the day, but a great day was had by all.

Long Reef came out on top to reclaim the Ray Harvey Trophy 8.5 to 2.5. All the results are below.

Ray Harvey Trophy winners - (Best combined score) - Kev Tompkins, David Quinn, Ralph Harpur and Tim Gotts

Mick McGuigan Trophy - (Best Four Ball score) - Dave O'Sullivan and Grant Easterby

Ray Harvey Trophy winners - Kev Tompkins,David Quinn, Ralph Harper and Tim Gotts

McGuigan Trophy -Dave O’Sullivan and Grant Easterby

Dave Cooper Trophy best score from Goulburn – John Blewitt

Winners and Loser shields - Long Reef - Goulburn - Greg Doussett & Noel Ostini Goulburn

Other winners-

Best Goulburn Score -Mark Gutherie and Andrew Martin

Best Long Reef Score – Jimmy Knox and Billy Edwards

NTP 2nd Alan Herriot

After the match all players enjoyed dinner in the club where the trophy presentations were made.

Thanks are extended to the club and staff by all involved for making it another memorable event.

Everyone is looking forward to the return visit to Goulburn on Sunday 9th November. Clear a spot in your diary and enjoy a weekend in beautiful Goulburn.

Greg Doussett | Long Reef Coordinator
Mick Snell | Archives Committee

Answer: B is correct.

In this situation Bill had Interference by two conditions at the same time, the embedded ball and the ground under repair.

He has the option of taking relief under Rule 16.3 for the embedded ball or under Rule 16.1 for the ground under repair.

Having dropped his ball for relief from the embedded ball he may decide to play it as it now lies or take relief from the ground under repair.

In taking relief for the embedded ball, the reference point is a spot right behind where the ball is embedded and the relief area is within one club length of the reference point.

Interpretation 16.1/3, Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. The ball was originally embedded in the general area in the ground under repair.