This month's Newsletter will cover the following subjects:

1. Bunkers
2. Greens and their Surrounds
3. Misuse of the Practice Facility behind the Pro-shop
4. Course Spraying Programme
5. Use of on-course powered vehicles
6. Frost Policy
7. Rules Course
8. Board Elections

Bunkers

Bunkers probably generate more complaints than any other area of the course; not enough sand, sand in the wrong place, un-raked sand, footprints etc. etc. The Course Superintendent has reviewed and amended the bunker management plan as follows:

• To rake all of the Bunkers at least three times a week; ensuring that all of the sand is in the right place - smooth sides to help the ball settle at the lowest part of the bunker.
• Every Bunker will have the depth of sand tested each and every month to maintain a formal 80-100mm within the Bunker - The Bunkers will have monthly top-ups of sand where needed
• Unfortunately we continue to see extremely poor etiquette from those selfish players that do not rake their footprints in the bunker.  To address this the PC would like to remind the members that the lowest handicapper in any group is responsible for the on-course etiquette of their group so please monitor your group's bunker 'behaviour'.
• Rakes must be left IN the Bunker with the handle pointing down the fairway.

Greens and their surrounds

Within the CMP objectives the expected standard is as follows:  "The green surrounds shall be maintained to provide a smooth, well presented transition from fairway to putting green" Unfortunately this standard has been compromised by the invading Kikuya and, in places, Paspalum.  To address this it has been agreed that the Paspalum will be dug out of the surrounds by hand and the area re-seeded.  The Kikuya will be hit with specific sprays.  The run-off area to the right of the 9th Green will be remediated in the next few weeks.

.

Misuse of the Practice facility behind the Pro-shop

The re-seeding and refurbishment of the practice green has taken months to come to fruition and so to have some idiot come along, within hours of it opening, and take large divots out of the putting surface is nothing short of vandalism. If you suspect who might be responsible for this damage please have a strict word with them as, if caught, the club will not hesitate to cancel their membership.

This photo shows one of approx 12 divots over the green and even more in the surround.

Course Spraying Programme

We are now entering the time of year when there will be a great deal of spraying of various chemicals, fertilisers & fungicides over large parts of the course.  All of these sprays are safe for golfers and the staff observe safe practices when applying them. Some of the products do have a strong smell which players may find unpleasant. This smell is just to alert people that a product has been applied. The team also use a detergent foam to indicate where the product has been sprayed. When spraying is underway, you will always see a sign outside the  Clubhouse next to the 6th Green.  As stated the sprays are safe but it is never a good idea to lick your golf ball clean as some do - particularly when the E.coli carrying Geese are about!

The use of on-course Powered vehicles

Recently, we have noticed players using scooters and other motorised vehicles that have not been approved for use on course.

Club Policy requires that members must seek approval to use motorised/powered vehicles on course. We must ensure they are safe to use on our terrain and won't cause damage to turf.

Please note that single blade, 2 wheeled scooters are not acceptable for on course use.

All applications must be made to the General Manager prior to bringing a vehicle on course.

Frost Policy

To avoid foot traffic damage to the turf, morning play may be delayed if there is a frost. The Course Status page on the Club Website will be updated to notify the time when the course is expected to re-open.

Players with tee times booked prior to the course opening will lose their tee times and will have to book a new tee time – if available. Where afternoon play is an organised competition, players starting later in the morning must clear the starting tees by the designated time e.g. In the case of a three tee start at midday, all players in the morning field must play through clear of the afternoon starting tees by the advertised start time.

In the case of a Competition Day being delayed – eg Wednesday 18H Ladies. Priority will be given to providing tee times to the Competition field and Casual play will be rescheduled.

The Pro Shop staff on duty will have the final decision on managing the reopening of the course and allocating revised playing times.

Rules Course

BOP Golf Referees Association is holding a Level 1 Rules Of Golf Course here at the club Sunday May 26 at 12 noon. This is a 2-3 hour rules presentation with practical on course demonstrations. Designed for Beginners, juniors & all golfers who would like to learn more about the rules of golf, etiquette and more!

Please register your interest by emailing boprules@gmail.com

Board Elections

 If you have not already voted please take the time to study the CV's and vote; you have until 5:30 on Sunday 28th April

 Regards,

 Player's Committee