Aldenham Golf and Country
Club Newsletter
Short Term Pain – Long Term Gain !
September 2016
After only one week, our greens are nearly back to their very best after the considerable
work carried out during Annual Greens Maintenance Week. All twenty-eight greens were
deep scarified, cut, tined, top dressed with 40 tonnes of sand, brushed and fertilised.
Once again, Marc and his team performed magnificently, working late and keeping 18holes open at all times.
The past dry weather has seen the fairways lose their colour in places, but tees,
approaches and greens still have their lush green colour. The water bill has yet to be
opened !
A difficult decision needed to be made whether to purchase a Baroness or Toro fairway
machine. Finally, we decided to stay with Toro. A new 5610 can be seen striping the
fairways with its partner the Toro 7000D.
Almost £100k has already been spent this year on machinery and management will
continue to strive to provide Marc with the resources he needs to continually make
improvements to our course.
In August we had a visit from Profusion, a bunker specialist. It was decided that any
bunker repair would only be a short term option. Bunkers need to be completely rebuilt at
a cost of approximately £6k each. We have 37 bunkers. Answer in next Newsletter.
When budgets allow, members’ advice will be sought as to which is more important –
Bunkers or Greens drainage. If bunkers, then which ones to do first ?
A decision was made at Committee that 5-ball golf is not allowed at any time.
Would all members and visitors take note: trollies, buggies and single seater scooters
must not pass between greenside bunkers and greens. Also, stay well clear of the green
surround.
We were considering allocating a green and tee to groups of members who have the same
surname initial, making them responsible for the repair of each divot and pitchmark. The
idea defeats the object of what Aldenham is trying to achieve. We expect both members
and visitors to respect our course and replace divots or repair pitchmarks ‘anywhere on
the course’. Make sure litter is placed in the bins provided and please pick up any stray
plastic bottle or piece of paper.
Members must sign in their guests and pay for them in the Pro Shop BEFORE proceeding
to the course.
--ooOoo—
It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of John O’Dwyer in August. John
joined the Club in 1984 and was Club Captain in 1993. He was a larger than life character
and will be sadly missed at the Club.
--ooOoo—
Bank Holiday Tee Bookings – if the office normally regularly books your tee times on a
Monday or Friday, please be advised this will not be the case on Bank Holidays. Because
of the uncertainty of numbers on these days, you will be expected to make the booking for
yourself. Only book the number of slots required as these are public days and the
opportunity of extra revenue must be taken.
The Drone has Landed ! - Finally, last Saturday the final footage was shot of clubhouse
and course. This will be shown as the opening sequence on our soon-to-be-presented new
website. We will be keen to know who’s who in the footage. The Captain has already
owned up to teeing off on the 4th but we are keeping it a secret that his ball came to rest in
the pond !
Aldenham Golf Club is pleased to announce Roberto has accepted the position of Head
Chef. Previously from Roberto’s Rickmansworth, where he gained a Michelin Star,
Roberto has already made a big impact with both members and visitors. He is preparing
new menus for Christmas functions, Weddings and Parties. Members will start to see a
variety of new dishes prepared daily.
There is also a new face behind our bars. Andy Edwards, a previous Captain and
respected playing member and Committee member has joined the team.
There is a suggestion that we should start a Winter Pool and darts League to be played on
Monday evenings. Start sheet to be posted in the Members’ Lounge. Until I have viewed
the opposition, I will not be advising as to my tip for 2nd place.
There is a new Hole-in-One Club notice in the Members’ Bar – to ensure that you are not
left with a hefty bill in the Bar when you get a hole in one, why not join up? Just add your
name to the list and give the Bar £1. Whatever is in the kitty is available to spend – one
drink for any member in the Members Bar.
Lastly, to anyone reading this Newsletter who is not a member – Aldenham Golf Club still
has membership opportunities available in most categories. Whether a beginner to golf or
a seasoned professional, you will be made most welcome. We are a friendly club with two
great courses to play. So, whether you are considering starting golf or a single figure
player, do not make a decision before having visited our club and played a round. Call and
speak to John on 01923-853929 ext 202 or email [email protected].
Enjoy,
John and the Aldenham Team
Aldenham Golf and Country Club |
www.aldenhamgolfclub.co.uk
Church Lane
Aldenham
Watford
WD25 8NN