ON THE
August 2013
Email: vinegolf@senet.com.au
Web: www.vinesofreynella.com.au
In this edition…
From The Manager…plenty happening…”a must read” SOCIAL NEWS…Bingo, meals, great events, diary dates, Friday nights ON THE COURSE…water storage, water capacity, shade sails, “unsolicited comments” BRIAN COX “walking for cancer”…you can help
From The Manager…Neil MacKenzie
We have received a number of enquiries as to the projects that are being considered under the Capital Expenditure program. On the course, these include the upgrade of our pumping system, the re-establishment of one of our bore holes and fixing a dam leak. Around the club house we want to expand our parking and upgrade the approach to the front of the club house from the car park. We are also looking to improve the veranda area. In the club house our bar fridges need replacing, the wash hand basin requires relocating to meet legislation and our disabled washroom is substandard. You won’t have missed the erection of solar panels. The Committee invited proposals from 4 suppliers and chose Blu Sky Solar. The 30kw system includes 115 panels and two inverters and we expect the system to provide around 43,465 kWh per year, approximately 45% of our club house’s power requirement. Members will be able to track the amount of power generated on the new TV screen in the Member’s Lounge. The system is financed over a 5 year term. Stacey Petroff has been appointed as Finance Clerk and Office Assistant. She will work 15 hours a week under the watchful eye of Julie Edge who has taken up the position of Membership and Finance Supervisor. Stacey has settled in well, shows bags of confidence and will be a great asset to the Club. The Club has held a number of meetings with Davies Environmental Group. This is a recently established consultancy dealing with strategies to reduce waste, alternative methods of power and supporting the environment. We have been discussing not just ways of reducing our expenditure but also increasing revenue from alternative and complementary uses of the estate. The Environment Group has offered to develop a business plan in this area for free but we need a volunteer to lead the project on the Club’s behalf, initially in the short term. This will involve meeting with the Group team to establish focused projects and then developing an implementation plan. So if you’re interested in growing mushrooms, farming fish, recycling waste, building windmills and applying for grants please get in touch with the General Manager. In a month’s times members will be informed of available committee positions. All members are encouraged to consider standing for election and potential candidates should feel free to talk about the position’s responsibilities with an existing committee member or the General Manager. The Management Handbook is essential reading.
FROM THE CAPTAIN…Barry Phillips Well you can certainly tell it’s winter time with the weather for golf being perfect one day, horrendous the next. Only got nine holes in on Saturday 17th August after my playing partners pulled the pin and left me stranded in the rain but eager to go on. Well that’s my story anyway. The course has held up well albeit a bit damp at times and thanks must go to Russell, Rob and his band of merry men. The Men’s Foursomes Championships were recently completed with the second round on Sunday 11th August. Congratulations to the winners Paul Gregory and Sam Earl who were simply too good for the opposition with rounds of 75 and 73. Winners of the net competition were Mike Clark and Rod Gorton who blitzed the field in the first round but fell away in the second. Fortunately they had a reasonable buffer after the first round and could afford to relax in the second. This is the second year we have trialled the format of holding the championships over two Sundays but due to lack of support for the event we are likely to revert to playing 36 holes on the one day which is favoured by the majority of the players who enter. Any comments or feedback however would be welcomed. On the subject of Sam Earl many of you may not be aware that Sam is seeking a traineeship position, looking interstate if necessary, to pursue his dream of a professional golfing career. Sam is a very accomplished golfer and we wish him well. Sam finished with 6 wins and 1 loss playing at number one in our A2’s in the recent pennant competition, an excellent and almost perfect record. Speaking of pennant’s we held over the presentation of the Geoff Hardiman Trophy until the Men’s Foursomes presentations. The Geoff Hardiman Trophy is awarded to the best and fairest pennant player who also displays great leadership qualities and epitomizes the true spirit of the game. This year’s recipient was Andrew Manthorpe so congratulations Andy. Many if not most members would be aware of impending changes to the handicapping system with the introduction of the slope system. The changes come into effect towards the end of January 2014 and we will keep members informed as we move closer to the date. I believe it is imperative that we move to a new golf management system which will include on-line booking, printing of cards and autoscore. We are currently investigating options but budget constraints will determine the initial level of entry to a new system. That’s all from me and I will see you out and about on the course……..if it’s not raining!
HOLE IN ONE Congratulations to Don Cram Saturday 17th August 3rd hole Congratulations to
A WORD FROM THE GIRLS…from Rose Corbett (V/P) & Lyn Cummings (Captain) During July we held our Ladies Representative dinner which was a huge success. This is a night when we say thank you to everyone who represented our club in teams events over the past year. It is very informal and everyone has a chance to just relax and mix together. Many thanks to all committee members for providing the salads, preparation and cleaning up on the night. Special thanks to our chefs, Wayne Corbett, Gavin Deacon and Kiran Rama.
Our last team events for the year are underway. Nomads have played Blackwood at Blackwood resulting in 2 ½ to 2 ½. The return match at the Vines on 15th August was a great win for our girls 4 to 1. Our team was Angela Beaty, Helen Allen, Karen & Katherine Hender, Glee Walton, Eleanor Andrew, Jan Shaw. Thank you to Helen Brereton who managed the teams. The Vines hosted the first match of The Southern Shield with Karen Rama as the host manager. Our first match was played at Thaxted Park with the result a win 3/2 against Flagstaff Hill. Our club was represented by Deb Gill, Judith Hill, Bev Hill, Deb Dudson and Denis Walters. Mary O’Hagan, Ros Brunton and Lyn Cummings represented The Vines in the Rhonda Watson Brooch at Glenelg which is a team event for handicaps 18 and under. Glenelg won the gross event with Kooyonga taking out the handicap. The Vines finished middle of the road, but it was another chance for our girls to play on one of our pennant courses. The final of the Laurel Wreath was played on 20th August between Cathy Hayward and Roshan Stewart with Lyn Cummings refereeing the match. The girls played hard with the match won by Cathy on the 20th hole. The Club Foursomes are starting in late September and we encourage all our girls to enter. Our fashion parade will be held on Monday 16th September commencing at 1:00pm. Marianne from Gallery Mode at Morphett Vale will present the new summer fashions and Annette will have a display of jewellery for purchase. Afternoon tea with our “special scones” will be available at $5.00. Bring along your friends and don’t forget to write your name or group on the booking sheet in the ladies lounge. This month’s winners of the raffle were Mignon Hogan, and Bev Hill
FLOWERING NOW… Thryptomene 'F.C. Payne', is an Australian native plant cultivar
that is widely grown in Australia. It is a selected form of Thryptomene saxicola, a species from WA. It is an open, evergreen shrub with a slightly weeping habit, growing to 1 metre high. It produces masses of long-stalked small pale pink flowers starting in winter and continuing through spring that are attractive to various insects including butterflies. Where can you see them?...around Clubhouse, behind 18th green, 6th & 12th tees.
Hardenbergia violacea is native to Australia. It is known in
Australia by the common names false sarsaparilla, purple coral pea, happy wanderer, native lilac and waraburra. It is a vigorous evergreen climber growing to 6 m (20 ft) or more, sometimes growing as a sub shrub. It has typical pea-like flowers which are usually violet but can be white, pink or other colours. Where can you see them?…behind 18th green, bridge to 2nd, 6th & 12th tees.
SOCIAL NEWS…from David Jolly (Vice President, Membership & Hospitality)
Hello everyone! Well the days are slowly getting longer and the sun is starting to shine a little more…. Perfect for a game of golf followed by a delicious meal! Wednesday through Fridays are busy for meals, with everyone loving what the new chef has on offer. Plus Saturday lunch and Sunday, lunch and dinner! Also- look out for your local messenger paper for adverts; tell your friends and neighbours, The Vines is the place to be dining. Remember- Bookings are essential. The clubhouse is crowded with members and guests so don’t be disappointed to miss a table, book via the Office 83811822. Facebook continues to grow in popularity, Michael Gee is doing a great job managing this, and the regular posts and photo’s are wonderful! Make sure you share with your friends. Friday Nights! Friday nights continue to be popular with happy hour from 5.30-7.00pm, members draw and raffles. Plus the bistro is open from 5.30pm till late. If you bring a guest, they too can join The Vines as a social member. $30 to join which gives you a $30 credit on the house credit account. That means it’s FREE!! The raffle funds support the Club in fund raising and maintaining our facilities.
Some dates for your diary:
Bingo Wednesday-28th August and NEW Sunday Bingo! Bingo is growing more and more popular on Wednesdays! Last month we had 70+ players. The prizes are growing too, so tell your friends, book a table and come on down to enjoy a social, fun and friendly environment. Never played before? That’s OK- all games will be explained, we have many new bingo players each month, so don’t be shy! Having a meal before Bingo- book early for a meal, as the clubhouse is busy Wednesdays, so don’t be delayed for a 7.30pm start to Bingo. Sunday Bingo- September 8th- 4.30pm for a 5pm start. Bingo should be done by 6.30 and then why not stay on for a roast of the day or our full dining menu? Monday 7th October- Social Octoberfest Ambrose- 12.30pm for a 1.00pm shotgun start. Keep an eye out for the booking sheet. Friday 11th October- Vines Winery Tour- This will be a day to remember, including some platters while on the tour and a meal at the clubhouse upon return. Bookings via the office, more details to be advertised soon. Sunday 13th October- Round 1 of the Mixed Social Sundays. This event will run over 6 different Sundays between October and March. More dates and details to be finalised. Time sheet will be in the starters office. Saturday 26th October- 70’s/80’s theme night, music and door prizes. Details to come, pay at the office or on the night.
Membership: Our committee is working on a membership plan for a future focus over the coming years. Ongoing with the come and try golf clinics, we want to see our clubs membership base grow, and we have a few exciting ideas that should promote our club to more players, and continue to support our current members. This is exciting for all members. Remember to take advantage of your “potential member guest pass”, see the office for details. Did you know? If you are the successful referral for a new member you can benefit with some discounts off of your own membership! Having a function? Need a venue? Remember as a member you get to hire our club room for free for any function you book. Special function packages are available, catering ranges from birthdays, engagements, weddings to baby showers, hen’s shows, social groups. To find out more enquire with Matt Chesterman, Hospitality Manager. He will ensure you have a successful event that you and your guests will enjoy! See you around the clubhouse soon. Have a suggestion or feedback? Email the office on info@vinesgolfclub.com.au or in person.
BRIAN COX “walking for cancer”… Brian is a well known and respected member of The Vines. His son Michael was the assistant pro at The Vines a few years ago. Brian’s family has influenced by cancer. Brian says that; “The upheaval in the lives of families when cancer strikes a member, can only be fully appreciated by those experiencing it, which is why the patients and carers I have met during the last 6 years are completely grateful for the accommodation and transport set up that Cancer Council SA provides.” Brian is involved with Cancer Council SA as a volunteer driver transporting country patients. Patients are transported from the Council’s two motels for various cancer treatments to the RAH, St. Andrews, Flinders Private Hospital and Tennyson Medical Centre. Brian is in the process of collecting donations on behalf of Cancer Council SA from sponsors. He has challenged himself by entering the 2013 City to Bay Fun Run to be held on Sunday 15 th September. He will be walking the full 12km course…not running. He is looking for people to sponsor him on his “gruelling 12km walk”. Cancer Council SA has given him the address below for lodging any donations by sponsors on sa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/coxybyname Any assistance from club members would be greatly appreciated. If you need any further info grab Brian at the Club, phone him or ask at the Office. Brian says: “If any member would like to join me on 15th September, feel welcome to do so. I
approach the 12kms like this…golf course is 6km…add 2kms for “detours”…up hill and down dale with clubs in tow for 4 hours plus adds an extra 4kms to make a total of 12kms. Adelaide to Glenelg is 12km downhill. COME JOIN ME”
Try our Bistro.
Dinner: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday from 5.30pm. Lunch: Saturday & Sunday from 11.30am. Bookings recommended on 8381 1822
ON THE COURSE‌from Russell Virgo (Vice President, Course) Strategic Plan - Pillar 2: The Course
Water Course Committee has reviewed our water storage with the aim being to collect and save every drop that comes into the dams. The first task will be to improve the seal of the two dams between the 2nd and 18th fairways to prevent the leaking that has occurred over time. This work will be carried out during October / November 2013. The repair procedure involves the use of material filler that filters its way into the leaking areas and seals these weak areas. The material must be added when there is no flow of water in or out hence the proposed timing. Course Committee has a water capacity programme with the aim being to have available the maximum volume of water for irrigation. An investigation of a previous bore near the pathway to the 6th green will be undertaken. The bore is non active due to the jacking pump being inoperative and difficult to remove. So there is a cost associated with a detail exploration to solve this problem. Rainfall/Irrigation Total rainfall since July Grapevine is 109.5 mm for a total of 462 mm year to date. Same time last year 522.5 mm. With all the dams now full, the winter rain has done its job and all we require is the spring and summer rains to fall at the appropriate time.
Shade Sails
To improve the comfort of members who enjoy the outdoor environment Shade Sails are proposed for the area on the eastern side of the 1st tee. The Shade Sails are being donated via Weathersafe Shades Pty. Ltd. member Dave Roberts with the paving under the sails to be positioned by the green staff. For those technically minded people; there will be two Sails each 4.8m veranda attached, 6.5m out from the veranda and 5.6m wide to the attaching posts. The attaching posts to be 1.6m into the ground and 150 sq.m of paving to be positioned incorporating a buggy bay area with the garden bed along side the path being removed and paver at the height of the path. Next step is to put design to Onkaparinga Council for approval.
If you are looking for Shade Sails for your home or work environment contact Dave
at Weathersafe Sails Pty. Ltd. 20 Bennet Avenue Melrose Park 5039 phone 8276 1111
The Course On Sunday 11th August 2013 the Course Superintendent of Kooyonga Golf Club (Steven) played golf at the club with the following comments made to Rob Millington Course Superintendent: "genuinely impressed by the condition of the turf and in particular the greens, he
commented on the greens being firm and fast. Also the course was firm and dry considering the time of year and thought the Vines members got good value for money regarding yearly subs."
The Vines green staff and Vines members should be proud of these comments coming from Steven. To further assist the green staff in keeping the course in the best condition during the wet period all members and those using motorised carts should keep clear of the areas that have been roped or hooped for protection.
Greens and Fairway Maintenance During August, our maintenance programme for greens and fairways called for treatment for Poa Annau and other grasses. We will be using materials that may cause a slight yellowing of the greens and fairways. This programme will benefit the September 2013 greens renovation and allow the proper nutrient levels to be maintained in the greens. This will have a positive impact on reducing the disease incidence throughout the summer. STRATEGIC PLAN - COURSE Vision - To be the best golf course south of Adelaide. Mission - To exceed the members' and visitors' expectations of the playing surfaces and surrounds. Next month update: "Bunkers"
SPONSOR INJURED… Graeme Eckert is a much liked member of our Club. Along with Robin & Lyn Choat their business Allen Jewellers are very generous sponsors of The Vines. I guess because of work and other responsibilities Graeme does not get to play golf as much as he would like. Recently he has not been playing at all. He has been recovering from a rather painful injury. Apparently he enjoys bush walking (for our Kiwi friends…that’s “tramping”). He had previously walked from Port Augusta to Melrose. In early July he set out again with his son and others on the same walk. Along the way they were negotiating boulders and creeks when unfortunately at one crossing, after warning others to be careful, he slipped on a rock, fell awkwardly with backpack, onto his side and slid into the creek. “Am I hurt?” Agony followed so the answer was “Yes”. The detail from here is a little fuzzy largely being the fault of junior editor who was shocked by the description of the injuries suffered by Graeme (perhaps that’s a little too dramatic). Anyway suffice to say that Graeme was damaged. He believed that he had cracked some ribs but decided to carry on walking. (Don’t know if the walk was completed.) Now six weeks later he is still feeling his ribs but is improving, back at work and hopes to play golf again soon. From The Vines: Graeme I am sure that everyone at The Club is hoping that you repair quickly and that we see you swinging a club soon.
FROM BERNIE… “I CAN HEAR JUST FINE” Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, 'Windy, isn't it?' 'No,' the second man replied, 'it's Thursday.' And the third man chimed in, 'So am I. Let's have a beer ....' “LAST REQUEST” John was on his deathbed and gasped pitifully, "Give me one last request, dear," he said. "Of course, John," his wife said softly. "Six months after I die," John said, "I want you to marry Bob." "But I thought you hated Bob," she said.. With his last breath John said, "I do!"
Main Club Sponsor…
Club Sponsors… Christies Beach
Happy Valley
Elite Printing Studio Pty Ltd