President’s Update
One of the shining lights over the past 18 months has been the ability (for the most part) to be able play Golf.
For many, even that is not possible now with the new 10Km restriction.
With a return to 2 Players, again during the shorter months, your Board has once again had to make tough decisions. Tough decisions and universal popularity are an oxymoron. The most common complaint in the past week is that Members cannot get a spot, so it is with some dismay that I see 14 spots available in today’s Competition in bright blue skies and mild temperatures. I assume that no carts and the 10Km Restriction are factors but still, 14 more people (of any Category) could have played in the Comp today.
There is also much talk about “imbalance”, and you are correct there is an “imbalance”.
On Monday, 272 Members were trying to get 124 Saturday spots, so 148 Members missed out. Today (Thursday) has spots free.
Moreover, your Club has 620 male Members who have access to 470 spots per week – a ratio of .75; by contrast, there are 200 Ladies for 230 spots – a ratio of 1.15. Your Board used this science when making its decisions. Ladies may only book 1 game when bookings open and book a second game if spots are available – this will definitely happen with a 1.15 ratio – or more simply, there are more available spots than Ladies, so some will be able to book and play 2 Comps.
Ladies who book mid-week cannot book on Sunday. This is designed to ensure there are spots for Ladies who missed out or could not get a booking; as well as ensure that the Sunday sheets are not further flooded with Ladies that have already had a game. Likewise, men who play Monday and Wednesday cannot play on the weekend.
I could bore you with lots of other examples but hopefully one thing is clear, it all gets complex with difficult decisions having to be made in the best interests of Members. I want to be clear here – “Members” not “Men”, “Ladies”, “Vets” or any other special interest group. This is why your Board added Competitions for all Categories on Monday and Thursday – to create more spots for those that can play mid-week to try and take the pressure off the weekend.
However, increasingly, your Board is concerned about the Course and Members must take responsibility for the damage they are doing. I received several complaints yesterday about fresh, non-repaired divots that could only have been made by Members – unforgiveable.
Your Board has also had comments about stopping the Public. Your Club plays an important role in the wellbeing and mental health of the whole community and believes, for now, that we should continue to contribute to this vital aspect of our “all in” predicament.
Finally, to the many Members who have provided support and encouragement, thank you – it means a lot and like many of you, we continue to try to balance the demands of the Club (currently significant), community, work and family every minute of every day.
Mark Mathieson
President