FLEMPTON GOLF CLUB : MARCH NEWSLETTER
FROM THE CAPTAIN
Now that spring has finally sprung, change is very much in the air. This is of
course also true at Flempton Golf club. It was really good to see many
members giving up part of their Saturday evening to attend the EGM. It just
shows how much we all care about the future of the club. The meeting gave
everybody the opportunity to air their views and ultimately the matters being
proposed were almost unanimously supported.
I am happy to report that the newly formed Management Council met for the
first time on Monday evening. Members will of course be kept fully informed as
to progress on the various items and projects that the Concil has deemed to be
the most important to ensure that Flempton continues to provide the values and
experience which make it such a special place.
At the same time it would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to
welcome and to thank Rupert McCallum now that he has agreed to take up the
role of vice captain. hopefully he will be confirmed as captain at our AGM in
October. I am sure that all members will welcome Rupert and give him full
support. I am confident that he will make every success of his captaincy.
NEWS IN BRIEF
The 2017 County Card has now been issued and is available from behind the
bar for collection for anyone interested. It is now in a new plastic format that is
personalised to the user with a membership number and the facility for
attaching an annual sticker. Please ensure you sign the register when
collecting as it is important that we have a record of individual memberships.
On Tuesday 4th April from 12 noon, Paul is organising a display of Glenmuir
and other ladies golf clothing which can be tried on and ordered during the
afternoon. The newly furnished and fully stocked shop will also be open at the
same time.
A new relief steward has recently been appointed to replace Graham and work
alongside Bill for two days a week. We welcome Richard Pray to the club and
we will normally see him on Mondays and Tuesdays in the absence of Lindsay
and Michelle. Please introduce yourself when the opportunity arises and do all
you can to make him feel welcome.
The absence of the Flempton clock has been remarked on by a number of
members. What is probably not well known is that it was originally the gift of
Alan Birrell and that it is presently being restored with funding provided by Alan
through his estate. A memorial plaque will complement the restoration as a
tribute to Alan and his service to the club.
EXTRA-ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
There was a very good attendance at this meeting held last Saturday when the
captain presented his vision of how the club could move forward with
confidence for the future and simultaneously address a number of outstanding
development issues.
The outcome of the meeting was very positive with the vast majority of
members endorsing the proposals put before them and supporting the
establishment of a Management Council to oversee the strategic development
of the club.
In his address to the meeting the captain referred to the new ball washers now
in place around the course which have been funded from the proceeds of the
100 club. He also expressed his disappointment that only 24 members were
participating in this venture which so clearly helps to bring about course-related
improvements. He also confirmed that it was not too late to join in this year to
help fund the sort of things being requested by members.
TAKE NOTE
Entry forms for the main summer competitions are currently posted on the
competitions noticeboard. The closing date is March 31st and to be valid they
must be accompanied by the correct remittance for each competition. Entries
without payment will not be accepted.
COMPETITIONS AND FIXTURES
Jim Leishman Trophy
There was a good entry for this competition
dedicated to the memory of Jim which was won
by Richard Jaggard (12) 38pts on his return to
competitive golf after his recent surgery. It was a
close affair with Peter Marshall (21) 37pts
managing a commendable second.
In the Daily Mail Foursomes there was a good
win for Flempton Ladies represented by Pippa
Beak and Claudia Long who saw off their
opponents from The Suffolk by 4&2. They will
play Feltwell in the next round and have again
been drawn at home.
Keen to try the new layout at Flempton, the Par3
competition in mid March organised by the
Ladies Section was a great success. The blue
markers located near to the 150 yard posts
tested the skills of all entrants as they attempted
to hit the green and hole in a further two
shots. Thanks are extended to Nicki McMahon
for setting up this Par3 as a permanent
alternative.
The Gentlemens' Open on August 10th has
already attracted a significant number of entries
and it promises to be a very competitive
event. There are still vacancies for anybody who
would like to participate. The entry fee is £65 per
pair and details are on the website.
KNOW YOUR RULES
When one ball collides with another
It is not uncommon for one golf ball to collide with another during a round of
golf. The rule to cover this situation is straightforward but sometimes is not
understood.
If both balls are on the green before a ball is struck and a collision ensues then
there is no fault attached to the player whose ball is at rest when it was
hit - but for the player whose ball is in motion it is a two stroke penalty in
stroke play but no penalty in match play. The player whose ball was at rest
replaces it to the original position; the player whose ball was in motion plays the
ball as it lies.
If neither ball, or just one ball is on the green there is no penalty to either golfer
but the travelling ball must be played from where it lies and the static ball
returned to its original position.
AND FINALLY
Please be patient and show understanding as essential work continues on the greens in
the coming weeks to get them in prime condition for the new season.