Local Rules

As some may have noticed, the hard copies of the local rules have been removed from the notice board overlooking the putting green.  All local rules are available on the club website and MiScore app and these should be treated as the up to date local rules. 

For special events such as our open events, a hard copy of the local rules may be on display - however at all times players can ring the Pro Shop on 9455 1983 to clarify rules.

I have received a suggestion to include a rules corner in my updates - which I think is a great idea.  I encourage all members to download the R&A Rules App on their phones.  There are various ways you can use this app to educate yourself on the rules of golf - for those who are time-poor, there are plenty of videos of 1- 2 minutes duration that explain different scenarios that we should all be comfortable applying.

Last Thursday I was advised that a member used a R&A model local rule concerning a lost ball that the club has not adopted.  That is they took relief in the area where they believed the ball was lost for 2 penalty shots.  Under rule 10.4.1, your ball is lost when it is not found within 3 minutes of beginning to search for it.  At this stage, the only option at Gosnells is to take "stroke and distance relief" and return to where you played the last stroke.  I would like to emphasise here that it is a matter of courtesy to your fellow playing partners and the groups behind you to play a provisional ball if there is some doubt as to whether you will be able to find your ball.

The Match Committee members are discussing the model local rule concerning lost balls and will obtain feedback from members before considering further.

Concerning the area right of the right bunker on 15, this area should be treated as GUR.  The hoops and rope in this area should be treated as movable obstructions - that is they can be removed and replaced after your shot.

 

Course Care

Reluctantly, this week two members have been given a written warning for using more than the allowable two balls when playing casually on the course.  There have been numerous reminders about the club's policy on the use of golf balls when practising on the course - please ensure you comply with this.

Following on from my update on 22 December, it is expected that all members of the same playing group, hold their partners to account on;

·      Course care

·      Pace of play

·      Rules of Golf

·      Standard of dress, i.e shirts untucked for males.

 

Major Events

I am aware that some members are keen to know the dates for our major events for this year.  As noted by Paul in his last update, the next few months are a busy time for us with several major events.

Our next major event is the Summer Cup on 20 and 21 January which will be a busy weekend with a full field entered (waiting list is active - please speak to pro shop staff to have your name added)

• Opening Day 24 February
• Club Foursomes Championships 24 March
• Junior Open 5 April
• Australian Junior Amateur 8-12 April
• Mens Senior Open 19 April
• Gosnells Open 20/21 April
• Ladies Silver Bronze (Senior women ranking event) 10 May
• Club Championships Stroke play rounds 3/4 August, Matchplay 10 and 17 August
• Senior Club Championships 11 and 18 August (AM)
• Junior Club Championships 11 and 18 August (PM)
• Mixed Foursomes Championships 13 October
• Club Closing Day / Gala evening 23 November

 

Pennants

We will soon be putting out an expression of interest for those wanting to nominate for Men, Senior Men, Women and Senior Women pennants in 2024.

I am aware that some women may have already expressed their interest to either Grace Cheetham, Deb Calcott or Lyn Bennett.  This is fine, no need to express your interest a second time.  You can also leave your name in the Pro Shop.

Announcements for the Men's 2023 MVPs will be made on Opening Day - after the AM field has finished and before the PM field tees off.  Women's MVPs for 2023 were announced at the Women's Presentation Night.

The 2024 MVPs for all teams except juniors are planned to be announced as part of presentations for the Past Captains / Presidents Day on Saturday 31 August.  Junior Pennant MVPs will be announced on their opening day on Sunday 17 March.

Pennant training will be run on Wednesday evenings with further details to be provided.

All teams will be invited to attend training however it is expected that Men's Division 2 and 4 and Women's Division 1 regularly attend training as part of the commitment to play pennants. Training for all other teams is encouraged but optional.

Tree Trimming

On 23 and 24 January, there will be some necessary tree trimming on the first hole.  To ensure the safety of workers and players, the first hole will be closed on these days.  Those who are playing in a competition on those days will receive 2 stableford points for the first hole.

 

Saturday AM Presentations

Due to low attendance numbers, we will cease Saturday AM presentations other than for sponsored or major events.  Happy to review this should numbers warrant ongoing presentations.  We would love to be in a position of having regular sponsors on all days, including Saturday mornings.  More to come soon on the minimum requirements of being a sponsor.

 

Competitions

There has been a reasonable amount of feedback from members about not playing stroke on a Tuesday.  As a result, the Match Committee have decided that stroke will not be played on a Tuesday.

Given that Friday 26 January is a public holiday, our Public Holiday competition policy will be in place.  Friday AM will be competition only and Friday PM will be the same as it usually is, with casual play at the beginning of the PM field and twilight/ casual play later in the day.

 

Feedback/suggestions

If you have any feedback or suggestions, these can be sent to match@gosnellsgc.com.au