ON THE
GRAPEVINE November 2014
Email: info@vinesgolfclub.com.au
Web: www.vinesofreynella.com.au
In this edition…
ON THE COURSE…drainage, tees, irrigation, fairway height, tree management…answers to your questions…A MUST READ SOCIAL NEWS…plenty happening
Testimonials…..Reynella Mazda, Lifestyles Kitchens
RULE OF THE MONTH
FROM THE PRESIDENT…Don Johnson It is now less than 2 weeks to the Annual General Meeting. I would like to remind members that if they require any further explanation regarding any item or items in the financial statements that they make a request for the information via the office at least five days before the Annual General Meeting. This is in line with The Constitution…clause 24(e). With another year drawing to a close it is appropriate for me to thank both Rose Corbett and Steve Beaty for their contribution and time while on the Committee of Management. It has been a fairly hectic year with a number of additional, and at times long, meetings to finalise issues that had to be resolved. It is with pleasure that I advise that Funeral Directors, Alfred James and Sons, have come on board as sponsors. It was necessary to purchase a new projector for the Bingo Nights and they have generously paid for the cost of the projector. Membership of Golf Clubs is still a major issue because this is where the majority of income is derived. A number of members who resigned this year have indicated that when the Flexible Membership is included in our list of memberships they will re-join the Club. We will also have to advertise aggressively this year to maintain our membership numbers. It is apparent that we are going to have a long hot and dry summer with little rain expected. We are currently waiting for two reports, which we expect in the next week, on alternatives to further increase the volume of water that could become available. As always water is an important commodity for us. Finally it is disappointing that all the positions on Committees have not been filled. I have received a number of comments from members during the year about various matters but I do not see these people putting their hand up to assist. I have received the Annual Reports from other clubs and it is obvious that more people are involved in other clubs than ours. I know being involved is voluntary but at the same time it can be very gratifying to see the results of your efforts. I would be pleased to speak to anyone that is prepared to step forward and assist in any area.
AGM MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM…be there and put
your hand up to help.
A WORD FROM THE GIRLS…from Debbie Gill (Vice President, Women’s Golf) Hi Everyone, This is my first foray as Grapevine Reporter for the Ladies….
On Thursday 16th October we had 26 women play in the Marthax Shield. Unfortunately we lost the Shield this year with most of our ladies finding it difficult to play to their handicap on challenging Thaxted Park course. Next year this event will be played at The Vines and hopefully we can win it back. Our Closing and Presentation Day was held on the 28th October. We presented over 40 prizes and trophies rewarding our Club Champions and Special Competition winners. It was great to see the surprise on ladies’ faces who didn’t realize they were winners. We pay a fee at the beginning of the year to be in these Special Competitions that are run throughout the year, but we don’t know the results until Closing Day….just like Xmas! Speaking of Xmas, we are organising our Xmas Party for 9th December. This year the theme is “When I grow up I want to be”. So if you’re around the club you might be in for some interesting sights! I don’t know how I’m going to go walking around on stilts…I might have to think of something else!!!!… Monday 10th and 17th November sees 23 ladies playing at Blackwood and Flagstaff Hill respectively in the Metropolitan Southern Zone Challenge. It’s played every year between Flagstaff Hill, Blackwood, Thaxted and the Vines. It’s a Stableford event where individuals are winners as well as Clubs. Club Advantage Cup which is a Men’s and Women’s Individual Stableford is being held at Blackwood this year on Monday 24th November. We are trying to get as many women as we can, to attend this event and win the Cup for the Club. As I said, it’s a Men’s Comp as well, so come on you fellas, let’s have a huge field from the Vines and bring the Cup home!! Melbourne Cup day was a bit of fun, with a comp run by the Pro Shop and Matt and his team putting on a great 3 course meal. There were sweeps, best hat, best dressed and best novelty hat prizes. It was fun to get into our ‘best bib and tucker’ for the day. I was pleased that our Ladies Captain Karen Rama requested the course siren be sounded at 11am on Tuesday 11th November to mark Remembrance Day. It was a wonderful gesture to give everyone on the course or in the club house the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by Defence Forces in Australia and throughout the Commonwealth.
RULE OF THE MONTH…from John Ward QUESTION: I have correctly dropped my ball ( the nearest point of relief and within one clublength of that point, no nearer the hole) to take relief from a path (obstruction) and the ball rolls more than two club-lengths from the point where it was on the path. Do I have to re-drop my ball? ANSWER: No, not necessarily. Provided the ball has been correctly dropped and does not roll into any positions listed in Rule 20-2c, it is in play and MUST NOT be re-dropped. The ball may roll up to two club-lengths from the point where it FIRST STRUCK a part of the course when dropped, and this may result in it coming to rest an appreciable distance from the point on the path from which relief has been taken.
PLEASE NOTE….
You may have noticed that this “Grapevine” is printed in grayscale. A recent study of the cost of printing in colour revealed an opportunity for a substantial cost saving. The editor made a recommendation to the Committee of Management…that we cease printing in colour. While this decision may be disappointing to some, it is after all, the content of the “Grapevine” that is most important. The Grapevine is but one method by which our COM communicates with members. REMEMBER that the “Grapevine” will still be available, in colour, on our website.
NOVEMBER SPONSORS DAY – AIR DIFFUSION AGENCIES Wednesday 19th November will be the Air Diffusion Agencies Sponsors Day. The timesheet is now open for bookings. Please support our sponsor by playing in their event. We thank Air Diffusion Agencies for their generous support.
ON THE COURSE… from Russell Virgo (Vice President, Course) COURSE DEVELOPMENTS...
Drainage Programme *16th Green Work started on the 10th November on the drainage modifications and is anticipated to take 2 weeks. *17th Front of Green This work has been delayed *10th Green As per previous Grapevine due for work to commence in April 2015 Tees The programme of scarifying the tees continued with the 9th, 14th and 15th completed last month along with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 16th in September. The blue tee for the 6th hole is to be redeveloped and will be out of action between 5 - 6 weeks. This work is due to begin after the completion of the 16th green drainage project.
IRRIGATION…
The Course Committee is currently investigating the following options: water storage capacity, water usage, irrigation equipment/technic and generating further supply with 3 companies specializing in water management. (Some have short term possibility and also longer desirable outcomes) In the meantime a little rain would not go astray. We continue to monitor the current irrigation programme.
COURSE TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME MEETING on the course Tuesday 21st October 2014 Attendees R. Virgo, Course Superintendent, M. Clark, R. Bell, B. Bray As part of the tree management programme and following on from the trimming of trees adjacent to the 6th hole in 2013 the Course Committee discussed the following holes and agreed on the action. Hole 3 LHS remove dead branches from trees – Action Course Staff (CF) LHS remove trees (3) adjacent to practice chipping green (revise traffic path) – Action Members Working Group (MWG) LHS trim remaining trees adjacent to the 3rd green and car park – Action (MWG) RHS Trim back all branches over hanging the pathway – Action (CS) Hole 4 Trim back all branches over hanging the blue tee – Action (MWG) LHS large tree adjacent to fairway trim branches – Action (CS) Hole 10 LHS starting from Bottle Brush: Trim back all branches over hanging the pathway – Action (CS) Hole 11 Trim back all branches over hanging the pathway – Action (MWG) LHS trim low branches on tree 20m from start of fairway – Action (MWG) Hole 12 RHS trim low branches on tree at 150m – Action (MWG) Hole 13 Trim back all branches over hanging the pathway – Action (MWG) LHS trim back branches adjacent to ladies tee – Action (MWG) Hole 16.5 Trim back all over hanging branches to improve hole (playability and green) – Action (CS) Hole 17 RHS large tree adjacent to fairway trim branches – Action (CS) LHS large tree adjacent to fairway trim branches – Action (CS) Hole 18 Corner of dog leg remove dead branches – Action (MWG) RHS fairway 100m from green branches (2 locations) overhanging fairway – Action (CS) Timing… Members Working Group November 2014 from hole 11, with the others in the following order 12, 13, 18, 3 and 4. Course Staff The work programme, subject to manpower availability and budget, will commence in May 2015 from hole 10, with others in the following order 17, 18, 3, 4. The tree removals approved by the Committee of Management 30th September 2014 (5th tee, 5th green, 7th tee and 18th tee) will be incorporated in the work programme as manpower and budget allows.
R. Virgo, Vice President - Course
FAIRWAY HEIGHT Cutting heights on fairways is a perennial topic that is raised from time to time. I am asked questions like: Why do we cut the fairways so low in summer? Do we change the mowing height during the year? Why do we cut when there is no growth ie during winter? Can we raise the height of cut to allow the ball to “sit-up”? The facts: We do not alter the mowing height from 11 mm, year round. Many of the Group 1 courses that have Santa ana fairways are cutting at 8 mm and less in some cases. Reasons why we manage the fairways as we do: Santa ana couch (Cynodon dactylon x tranvaalensis) is a warm season grass that has both above ground lateral stems called stolons and below ground stems called rhizomes. When the ground temperature increases during spring, the growth rate in the stolons increases markedly. At this time we increase the frequency of cutting from weekly to twice or three times weekly. This is necessary to keep thatch production to a minimum. Thatch management in Santa ana couch is critical, particularly at this time of year. If thatch was allowed to develop then the fairway surface would become spongy. This in turn would cause problems with mower scalping, uneven surface, disease incidence, build-up of salts in the thatch, poor irrigation penetration, minimal run, difficulty in pushing buggies and greater water requirement due to the lush top growth in thatchy turf. The two fairway mowers that we currently use were bought specifically because they have heavy, powerful cutting units that have the ability to keep couch grasses under control. If we raised the height of cut to allow the ball to “sit-up” then our management program would have to change. The increased workload would require extra staff to deal with the thatch in a different way, thus increasing costs. The mowing workload would not change because growth and surface would still be a daily issue. The increased work would be in scarifying on a regular basis. Scarifying would become virtually a full time job in the warm months. The full course would take 2-3 weeks to complete and would be repeated regularly over the warmer season. This in turn would produce hundreds of cubic metres of waste material that must be taken off site. Again extra cost. Consider how much thatch comes out when a Santa ana lawn is scarified at home, with an area of 100 –200 square metres. We have 150 000 square metres of fairways! During October/ November the Santa ana produces prolific amounts of seedhead. When the fairways are cut during this time the seedhead will regrow overnight. This means that to present the fairways for play we must cut daily. We use a growth retardant during this time that has the effect of stopping seedhead production. The cut surface of the fairways also tightens-up slightly and this may be the effect that causes some members to think we alter the mowing height at this time of year. This effect is temporary and will wear off after 3-4 weeks. Presentation: Some of the work we do on fairways is aimed at presentation rather than thatch control. During the winter months when growth is at a minimum we may still send the mowers out to clean up divots, even out the surface (some areas continue to grow) and maintain the shape of the fairways (definition). Summary: Simply, tight lies are the result of the way to manage the type of grass that the Club has chosen. The choice was made to plant Santa ana couch because of its ability to survive and produce a good playing surface with far less requirement for irrigation inputs. This grass is managed differently to the cool season grasses that were used previously. Many members will remember the condition of the fairways back then, the reason the choice was made.
Rob Millington, Golf Course Superintendent.
SOCIAL NEWS…from David Jolly (Vice President, Membership & Hospitality) Hello everyone!
Friday Nights! Members draw went off recently- well done Dale! The prize is now around $275 at the moment. Pop on down and enjoy Friday night fun, raffles, prizes and Happy Hour- 5.30-7pm, and the members draw at 6.30pm. Sevens- has kicked off! Make sure you make the most of daylight savings and get your team out each week entering their cards. Twilight – Social twilight is taking place next Thursday 20th November, then again on the 4th and 18th December. The 18th December will be the Ham and Turkey twilight. Book early for that night. We have had a few teething issues ensuring that players have a table for meals or drinks together. All has been rectified, and will run smoothly for our remaining social nights. We need more players! Please pop down and join the competition, we want to ensure it is a success and we can provide excellent end of season prizes. But to do that, we need the numbers. Ideally we are looking for 80 players! There is only 8 social twilights remaining for the season, so commit and come along! Last time was excellent with 61. Social Sundays- Next will be November 16th. A reminder this is designed as a mixed event only, and if you need a partner, please advise the office, David Jolly or Pam Baverstock. We are only too happy to help match you up with a fellow golfer for the day!
December date change- the social Sunday will now play Sunday December 7th.
BINGO –last Wednesday of every month Next one is Wednesday 26th November. Meals available from 5.30pm, and suggest you book early. Cash Prizes- welcome to members and guests! Again, we are always looking for more players. Members, get behind this fun night out. Karaoke- Friday 12th December- pop down, it’s free. Come and sing along and have some fun! Xmas- Saturday 6th December, is our Annual Christmas Party. This year we have canapés on arrival a 3 course meal with choice of main and dessert, plus some entertaining acts on the night. $50 if you pay before November 21st, or $60 thereafter. We have had steady bookings for this, so get your table in now. 7th December- Luncheon has been cancelled- we have had no bookings or interest shown in this event, so we have decided to cancel the luncheon. Xmas Ambrose- Sunday 14th- should be a cracking day. This will open on Miclub shortly. Hams and Turkey prizes available. Friday 19th December- Santa and lollies for the kids! Membership: Remember members, introduce a member, to receive 10% off your own subscriptions, of their membership. Example, sign up a 7 day member, to receive close to $200 credit off of your own membership the next financial year. Great bonuses for our members to encourage new and introduce new members to our club.
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.
From John Ford‌
FROM THE CAPTAIN…Barry Phillips The end of another calendar year is fast approaching with Christmas just around the corner. It has been a challenging year in terms of member participation in major and weekly competitions. However I must thank and congratulate the sixty members who entered the recent Club Championships, more than we have had for a number of years. The final round was an exciting proposition with eight or nine players in a position to win the title of Club Champion. Congratulations to Brendan Fisher who prevailed under pressure to be our new Club Champion. Well done Brendan and let’s see you playing Simpson Cup next year. Congratulations also to the following winners: B Grade Champion – Ben Phelan C Grade Champion – Jarred Clarke Junior Champion – Luke Noble Handicap Plate – Colin Lambert Best Gross 7-12 handicap – Nigel Coles Veteran Champion – Kevin Bartsch Super Veteran Champion – Harry Lambert Best Gross 28-36 handicap – no entries Draw for new Ping G30 Driver – Mark Potter The Senior Pennant season is coming to a close with the minor rounds completed on Monday. The good news is our team made the semi-finals by finishing 2nd in our group. The bad news is we play against Tea Tree Gully at Tea Tree Gully who once again were undefeated in their group and have won the competition every year. Good luck guys! Over the next couple of months your Match Committee will be planning and setting the golf program for the next 12 months and all members are invited and welcome to come forward with any ideas and suggestions on “all things golf”. In the meantime I hope to see you all out and about on the course.
Brendan Fisher
Ben Phelan
Luke Noble
Kevin Bartsch
C Grade Winners‌.Jarred Clarke (2014) takes over from Allan Johnston (2013)‌only about 70 years difference
HOLE IN ONE Congratulations to 3
rd
Simon Hoey
hole, Saturday 1st November
From Bernie… PARKING SPACE… Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, 'Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!' Miraculously, a parking place appeared. Paddy looked up again and said, 'Never mind, I found one.'
GETTING A GROUP TOGETHER… Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and asks the first man he meets, 'Do you want to go to heaven?' The man said, 'I do, Father.' The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.' Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?' 'Certainly, Father,' the man replied. 'Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest. Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and asked, 'Do you want to go to heaven?' O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.' The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?' O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'
CALLING… Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend, Finney. 'Did you see the paper?' asked Gallagher. 'They say I died!!' 'Yes, I saw it!' replied Finney. 'Where are ye callin' from?'
AGAIN… An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut. The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. He says, 'Sir, have you been drinking?' 'Just water,' says the priest. The trooper says, 'Then why do I smell wine?' The priest looks at the bottle and says, 'Good Lord! He's done it again!'
More from Bernie… CHICKEN… Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, 'Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman.' 'Oh yeah?' said Charlie, 'And how did this one end?' 'When it was over,' Mike replied, 'She came to me on her hands and knees.' 'Really,' said Charles, 'Now that's a switch! What did she say?' She said, 'Come out from under the bed, you little chicken.'
Testimonials….. “I received wonderful customer service from Reynella Mazda, they made my new car purchase a breeze. The best thing is I did not receive the normal car salesman from them. (Not like I have previously)” Julie Sloan. Woodcroft. “I cannot fault the service at Reynella Mazda and say thank you to your staff and look forward in purchasing my new Mazda in the next 6 to 12 months.” Debra Craggs. Aberfoyle Park “My husband appreciated the morning coffee and we always love getting back a clean car. Great bonus.” Stacey Kusmanoff. Seaford.
“From the start to completion of our kitchen renovation, Steve and his team were completely professional. Nothing seemed too much trouble from the 3D design concept to colour choices to handle selections and even the layout of cupboards. We found Steve extremely helpful and obliging even when we thought < we knew better, he convinced that perhaps this would be more functional. Demolition and installation was performed cleanly and with a minimum of fuss, whilst a minor after sales service was attended to promptly. We are proud of our new kitchen and we would recommend Lifestyle Kitchens to Vines Members and Friends” Rose and Wayne Corbett.
Main Club Sponsor…
Club Sponsors… Christies Beach
Happy Valley