Clubhouse taking shape

Leo Power working on the storeroom

The transformation of our two shipping containers into a functional golf shop and clubhouse really accelerated in September. Two more sliding doors were installed along with phone-lines, electrical wiring, the shop counter, state-of-the-art computer systems, curtains and the storeroom. The interior should get a coat of paint this week and the skillion roof is expected to be in place by the end of October.
It’s pleasing to see the clubhouse really starting to develop a “club-like” atmosphere with initiatives such as the introduction of a sausage sizzle after the Seniors’ Competition on Tuesdays. Expect the friendly clubhouse vibe to strengthen as additional social infrastructure is put in place and patronage increases. Pop in, say hello and try out your course if you haven’t had a chance yet.

2016 Membership fees

Shortly all members will be receiving an email explaining the new membership categories, how to choose the one that suits you best and how to pay.

As outlined in the President’s recent email regarding the Members’ Information Session on the evening of 17 September, the two main categories for membership will be: $475 a year (which can be paid quarterly via direct debit) for unlimited play with no green fees, and $165 which entitles members to pay green fees at half the visitor rate.

There are also a number of other categories for supporters, juniors and intermediate members aged 18-22. For more information on 2016 fees, online and downloadable application forms and payment options please visit the membership page on the club’s website or click here

Competition Golf

Some of our Wednesday Ladies

Following installation of the club’s computer system, competition players are now encouraged to book their preferred tee times on-line via the Book Online button on the Fixtures page on the club’s booking website or click here in order to save administrative time at set-up. If you have forgotten you logon for this site or don’t have one contact Garry Mayer at handicaps.malenygolfclub.com.au

The club’s Wednesday morning 9-hole competition for ladies has been gaining in popularity with players of all standards taking part and enjoying morning tea in the clubhouse together after their round. Beginners are welcome so why not get involved and tee off between 8:30am and 9:00am.

Tee times for some of the competitions have been be amended. From October 1 the 8:30am shotgun start on Tuesday moves to 8:00am and the 2.00pm tee time cut-off for the 9-hole competition on Thursdays has been extended to 3pm. For more details on fixtures please consult the club website www.malenygolfclub.com.au.

Congratulations go to September Monthly Medal winner Paul Lowe who blitzed the field with a net 65! Well done Paul, who has undoubtedly attracted the handicapper’s attention.

Friday Chook Run

The Club is introducing a new 9-hole Chook Run on Friday’s teeing off between 1pm and 3-30pm. The stableford competition, starting from next Friday 9 October, will be played off the Red Tees and entrants will be issued with an adjusted Chook Run Handicap. First prize will be a frozen chook and the $5 entry fee will also fund a complimentary sausage sizzle afterwards for competitors.

Members wishing to play socially are encouraged to call club manager Richard Owen or the volunteer on duty on 07 5499 9960 to arrange a tee time or to book one of our fleet of new Ez-Go electric carts. If there is a competition on you will usually be able to get on the course without too much of a wait.

Position vacant

The committee is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced IT exponents to take over the role of official Webmaster with responsibility for managing and developing the club’s website www.malenygolfclub.com.au.

This is a great opportunity to get involved with the club and put your specialist skills to use for the benefit of members and the broader community.

Pre-requisites for applicants include experience in the use of the WordPress publishing platform, or the desire to learn. Those interested should contact Garry Mayer by emailing him at handicaps@malenygolfclub.com.au

Club Christmas Party

The cost of the Maleny Golf Club Christmas party and presentation night which is being held at Maleny Manor on the evening of Wednesday 18 November will be $55 per head. Limited places are filling fast so contact Margaret Trigger ASAP on 0417 633 660 or mjtrigger03@bigpond.com to register your interest and arrange payment.

Tuition

Locally-based golf professional Paul Stratford has started conducting clinics on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and it is pleasing to see a number of ladies taking up his special offer of 4 lessons for $99 over four weeks.  To book into a clinic or arrange private lessons please call Paul on 0417 643 988 or email him paul@melex.com.au.

Course Update from the Superintendent Mick McCombe

From left Superintendent Mick McCombe and Mark Kearney admiring improvements on the 1st tee

Thanks goes to Greens Committee Chairman Rob Bailo for his fine handiwork in the construction of a quality sand and sand-bucket dispenser which we recently installed adjacent to the first tee. This welcome addition was augmented by the installation of a ball washer as well.

Renovation work on the greens commenced on Monday September 28, involving aeration, addition of soil amendments and some top-dressing to level out the putting surfaces. Construction of the new tees on the fourth hole has been completed and once the greens have been renovated our focus will shift to construction of the ladies’ tees on the 7th hole and then the 1st. An additional two bunkers will be added to the 3rd and one more to the 8th. In keeping with the original Graham Papworth design.

Captain’s Corner with John Pottage

In addition to our local rule providing relief from the electric fence on the 9th hole, the 5th and 7th holes are deemed to share a double green. Consequently, Rule 25‐3 Wrong Green need not apply.

Balls lying on the wrong side of the green can be putted from where they lie, or alternatively relief can be taken in accordance with Rule 25‐3 by taking a free drop off the green without penalty. Both rules are explained on the back of the club’s new scorecards.

Water Hazards Rule 26. If your ball is in a water hazard (yellow stakes and/or lines) you may play the ball as it lies or, under penalty of one stroke: play a ball from where your last shot was played, or drop a ball any distance behind the water hazard keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard and the spot on which the ball is dropped.

If your ball is in a lateral water hazard (red stakes and/or lines), in addition to the options for a ball in a water hazard (see above), under penalty of one stroke, you may drop within two club-lengths of, and not nearer the hole than: the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, or a point on the opposite side of the hazard equidistant to the hole from the point where the ball last crossed the margin. For more information click here

Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball – Rule 27. If, after playing a shot, you think your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds you should play a provisional ball. You must state that it is a provisional ball and play it before you go forward to search for the original ball.

If the original ball is lost (other than in a water hazard) or out of bounds, you must continue with the provisional ball, under penalty of one stroke. If the original ball is found in bounds, you must continue play of the hole with it, and must stop playing the provisional ball. For more information click here

PS – Refrigerator required

Have you got a good working refrigerator with a 500 litre + capacity, including a large freezer, surplus to requirements which you might be prepared to donate to the club? Now that the storeroom has been completed we can accommodate a refrigerator in which to store cold drinks and frozen foods to enhance member services. Please contact Club Manager Richard Owen on 54 99 9960 if you help.