NEWS UPDATE

Course The course is holding up fairly well as we head into the autumn months. Bringing the required annual maintenance forward to early September, as anticipated, has allowed the greens to be presented to a higher standard further into the year. This maintenance practice will be continued in future years. Areas of excessive wear have been protected early to allow longer recovery periods and further guidance ropes will be added to shortly to direct the body of golfing traffic away from areas that require greater protection. Members are asked to respect these directions as it is for the benefit of your course both in the short and long term. Further scarification of the greens may be carried out with the possibility of micro-tining if the weather temperatures allow. Winter greens are being prepared but policy will be to continue presenting the full course when possible. As the months progress into winter, the practice of dropping to the side of the fairways from 150 yards will be introduced, allowing protection of key areas of play. The recent positive feedback regarding the course is greatly appreciated. It has taken longer than anticipated to get the course to the standard we all would desire this year. Although there are many contributing factors to the early season condition of the course, the aim continues to be to present the course to as high a standard as possible every day. Given the current relatively good condition of the course and planned maintenance programme, hopefully the winter months will allow us step into the Centenary year on the front foot. Clubhouse The option to use smart phones, laptops etc. on the Clubs Wi-Fi network is now available for Members. The access code is available from either the Club Office or members of bar staff. Pros Shop Kevin Whale now has the Pros Shop up and running. Normal service should be resumed as time progresses. With the final clean up and refit almost complete, it could be beneficial to your game to have a look at the indoor teaching/custom fitting area that has been developed. As stock continues to arrive and with the introduction of a Launch Monitor, we will see our Pros Shop return to being one of the best outlets in the North East. Given the reception Kevin has received and the length of time we have been without a Professional it is very encouraging to see the support already being offered from the membership. The use of time sheets every day will be reintroduced at the start of next season. The current practice at weekends will however continue throughout the winter. The insolvency case involving Phipps Golf Ltd is still ongoing. Again, as soon as there is progress regarding the completion of this legal process, members who had credit remaining with Phipps Golf Ltd will be contacted and informed of the position. Centenary Plans continue to evolve for the pending Centenary year. Several events, golfing and otherwise, to commemorate the year are being organised by the Centenary Committee and details will be made available and also published in the fixture book once these are finalised. A Centenary scorecard will be in circulation shortly. As we come to the end of the current supply of scorecards, members are requested to temporarily use winter cards for casual play. Centenary merchandise such as sweaters and shirts, also bearing this logo will be available from the Pros Shop leading up to and throughout the coming year. Should you have any ideas regarding Centenary celebrations please approach any of the incoming Captains or section Secretaries who will be happy to listen and take your thoughts to the Centenary Committee. It is the intention of the Club to produce a Centenary booklet detailing as much historic information as possible. Existing records will provide a substantial part of the historic record but I would ask all members to consider making available any old photographs, newspaper cuttings, individual memoirs that would be of interest to old and new members alike. Any items provided will be returned at the earliest convenience. 18 October 2011