Cromwell Golf Club Catchup

24 June 2011

Sponsors: Golden Gate Lodge and Gallop South

Welcome to the early winter edition of the “Catchup” which is overdue. Really no excuse other than to say time constraints and more pressing needs took priority however I am pleased to note that Graham has been sending out his own memo updates.

SGM/Course Development.

It was heartening and positive to see the very positive result and support for the continued development of the course and the acceptance of long term funding. Thank you to Peter Morrison who spoke eloquently and succinctly on the merits of taking the opportunity afforded to us.

Already members will have seen evidence of tree removal, part time greens established, new machinery and pegs in the ground and we know some disruption will follow. This was handled well over stage one and I am sure it will not be a problem now.

Please note: I have heard murmurings that these new holes will be too difficult and long. Please bear in mind that the tee blocks will not remain as they are. Personally I am especially looking forward to hole 2 and 3 becoming more challenging in keeping with the style of changes already made.

Captains Report

The Club Championship are over for the year and now its time for the Old Smuggler, don’t wait until the last day to play, talk to the opposition and organise the match. The Hay Paterson Trophy also starts next Saturday.

The graded pennant series is coming to a close, our Senior B team lost last week and Wanaka s a result will go through to the finals.  The Intermediate and Junior team have not feared so well but enjoyed the competition. The Presidents grade kicked off 2 weeks back and as Cromwell was under water we were invited to go to Millbrook and play it there, we had a great day and came away with a win. And last week we tied with Wanaka at Cromwell in difficult conditions. In the “interclub” Cromwell is presently in third place.

Placing- we have instigated placing on the course, so keep an eye on the notice board. Keep the sand buckets going and remember the pitch marks on the greens.

With the shorter, cooler days now with us have a thought for those players behind you on the course, it is your responsibility to keep up with the four in front.

We have been averaging around 55 players on a Saturday, it would be nice to see some more, if you know of somebody that is a member but doesn’t play on a Saturday talk them into coming along, who knows it may become a habit and after all it is not a bad social hour or two even if the golf isn’t that flash and there is always the chance of taking one of Sue’s raffle prizes home!

Bob McArthur

Firewood

Yes, it is hard to believe that those large piles of firewood have all but disappeared. Don’t despair however as recent fellings and more to follow will ensure a continued supply to follow which has proved an excellent source of revenue. We now have our own very good splitter which is a help. Just call Graham or Irene at the club to order your wood.

Club Wine

Following on from the very successful Reisling the club has acquired a 1,000 litres of Pinot Noir from the Bendigo/Pisa sub regions. Hand picked and placed in oak barrels for over a year, produced and bottled courtesy of “Prophets Rock” this vintage is certainly indicative of a great central pinot noir and that lovely lingering taste associated with them. Now with our own label this wine is available to members and friends at a very reasonable $16.00/bottle which is extremely good value.

Volunteer Work

In previous newsletters I have expressed gratitude to the volunteers hat have trimmed cut and felled trees, made paths, laid grass and tidied gardens to name a few activities.

Now I would like to especially mention and thank those members on committees and boards who spend many long cold nights at meetings and extra duties. They have offered to be in these positions because they know that it contributes to the smooth running of the club. There are many ways to be active members and by that I don’t just mean playing golf.

On that note Graham and Irene manage the club but it is not in their collective job description to do many of the small things they do. They often get saddled with tasks that club members should be doing and helping with. There seems to be a thinking in the club that “ Irene and Graham will do it”. We are spoilt by the amount of hours they put in and should not take advantage of it.

Bar Rosters/starting/scoring

Absolutely great to see the numbers on this because obviously the more that put their hand up the better. Especially with the bar which doesn’t require much expertise and generally there is always someone about who will assist. I came across someone recently who said they didn’t do the bar because he wouldn’t know what to do. I’m guessing this person has spent decades leaning on the bar watching others poor his drinks and has learnt nothing!! Duh  When you are on the roster please note in your calendar when you are on as it is frustrating when duty people don’t turn up without organising a replacement. It is usually a simple matter to ask someone the week after to swap with you.

Aulde (old) Mugs Golf Group

Every Friday an intrepid group of twenty or so gather for a friendly 9 hole contest all of their own which anyone can join in on. This group has been busy over the last 5 weeks prising money from their midst and have generously contributed a cheque worth $260 to the Canterbury Earthquake Fund.  Well Done.

Coming events

9 Hole Golf : This is proving to be a very good social day of golf and is growing in popularity. This event now has a sponsor in Mount Michael wines. If you want to play in this and can’t get a team together let us know. Mark June 12th in your calendar.

Quiz afternoon: No firm date for this but intended for a Sunday in the middle of winter when we need a bit of frivolity and madness to lighten the mood. Confirmed dates and details will follow.

Mens Dinner: No not what you think. This is to be a ladies night out entirely catered for by men in the club kitchen. This will be restricted to 50 of our fairest so when we announce a date be in quick.

Results

Club Champions have once again been found in contests which were followed with much interest in the club.

Blair Deaker over Bob Butterfield, Lester Scott over John MacDonald, Bob MacArthur over Neville Field and Alex Pyper over Grant Simpson.

Congratulations to all these players and more especially the winners. I would like to take the opportunity to compliment young Alex Pyper who has displayed maturity beyond his years and took this form into Junior pennants where he was one of our strongest competitors.

For Sale

At “The Chalets” they are selling two golf carts. One petrol cart at $2000 and an electric one at $3500.

If interested in finding out more please call 4454590 and ask for Allan.

Furniture Upgrade

Many of you will have noticed the new (2nd hand) chrome backed chairs that have graced the clubrooms. Graham has had his ear to the ground as usual and grabbed a very good opportunity. They are not new and some are a little weary around the edges but without really close inspection look very good. Also you may have noticed that many of our original chairs have now been recovered and really look smart. Howard Anderson has given us a great deal on this and Kevin Hurley has been kept of the streets spending considerable time and energy getting these chairs ready for makeover and then reassembling them. Sorry Kevin I know you don’t want the spotlight but thanks for your effort and others who have helped you.

Weather Site

Did you know there is a web site that will allow you to accesss the weather report for a course you may be wishing to play on. Have a look at www.weathermap.co.nz.

Raffle

Available at the club is a $5 meat raffle for an 1/8th of a cattle beast, 4 draws and only 200 tickets. You will find it on the “prize” table upstairs.