Hello,

Autumn is in full swing – golden leaves, a little dew on the grass, and some very enthusiastic grass growing on the verges, stopping my ball in its tracks! A huge thank you to everyone who came along this morning – it's lovely to see the course still buzzing, even as the temperatures drop.

Tee Time Update – More Space, More Opportunity!

You asked – Brad hath delivered! (arrr - make angelic sounds and star to the golf gods!) More Tuesday morning tee slots have been opened for us, as many as the club can physically manage while still mowing lawns and making space for other members. This is a positive move and a reflection of our growing numbers, so please let's embrace it with gratitude.

When I teed off at 9:46 this morning, there were still 9 open slots! So yes, there's plenty of space now. A gentle reminder that it's not a rite of passage to play only with your regular group on Tuesdays. Why not treat it as an opportunity to meet someone new? Come with an open mind and a curious heart – ask questions, share a laugh, and you might just walk off the 9th with a new golf buddy.

Let's Talk Speed of Play

This isn't about rushing shots – but it is about playing efficiently. We're currently averaging 2 hours 30 minutes for 9 holes (on a mostly flat course). Google and ChatGPT tell me the average worldwide is 90–120 minutes, which means:

• 90 minutes per round = 10 minutes per hole
• 2 hours per round = 13.3 minutes per hole

So please:

• Play ready golf when it's easier and appropriate. 
• Take one practice swing - max! 
• Make it a habit to walk to your ball already thinking about your shot and club choice.

Just like a doctor running late, slow play can have a knock-on effect for those after us. Let's do our bit to keep things moving and be respectful of everyone's time. I'll be keeping an eye on scorecard times to help us all improve together.

AGM – Have Your Say

A reminder that our AGM is next Tuesday evening. The Annual Report and voting papers have been emailed – please take a moment to vote, especially on the Director role, and be involved in your club. 

These are the current positions:

Nominations of Board Members

Director: Colette Kraus, Ockert Visser and John Caird – Election Required

Nominations of Golf Committee Members

Ladies Club Captain: Rebecca Lewis – No Election required

Ladie’s Vice Captain x 2: Christine Fleury and Penny Elliott – No Election required

Men’s Vice Captain x 2: Kevin Carroll, Nathaniel Milnes and John Caird- Election Required

Note: Women are not able to vote on the men’s-only positions.

Regional 9-Hole Ladies Meeting

I'll be attending the Regional Meeting next Tuesday at 1pm (here's hoping they put on some lunch ah?!). If there's anything you'd like me to table or raise, please email me before the weekend. I'll report back what I find out too. 

Rule Reminder of the Week

If you hit your ball out of bound the options are:

1. Stroke & Distance:  you must play another ball from the same spot as your original shot, adding a penalty stroke. 
2. Alternate (new) rule: see explanation via the link below as it’s rather complicated. This rule allows players to drop their ball in a designated relief area, typically near the fairway, instead of returning to their previous spot. This costs TWO shots as opposed to one.

Choose ONE of the above.

Mid-Winter Christmas – Raffle Call-Out

Our Mid-Winter Christmas Do is coming up on June 24! Please bring along any unwanted baskets, goodies or gift items we can use for the raffles. We're aiming for a fantastic prize table this year. 

Thank you all for bringing your warmth, humour, and sportsmanship to every round. Autumn is a season of change – and what better time to shake things up, try a new playing partner.

And lastly…

Wishing you all a gentle and meaningful Mother’s Day this Sunday. Whether you’re celebrating with your own children, remembering a Mum who’s no longer here, holding space for the wish to be a Mum, or stepping into new motherhood – this weekend is for you. Be kind to yourself and to one another.

See you next week

Penny and Sheridan 

9 Hole Ladies Golf Committee

Convenors:

Penny Elliott - 021 969 982

Sheridan Alexander - 021 134 4048

Treasurer:

Jacquee Pedrick - 021 032 4454

New Members Contact:

Laurie Gandras - 021 046 3374