Happenings at the Course

I thought it was odd when I noticed Helen Wainwright playing backwards towards the tee on the 5th today. Playing in the C9 Helen finished third on a countback with 17 points. Did she wish for others to claim victory? Helen later explained that a tree caused this unusual occurence being her only means of escape from her predicament. Good course management I say.

How to avoid being disqualified in a comp.

Lately there have been several people disqualified after their round for not signing their card or not having their marker sign their card.

It is your responsibility to check that your card has two signatures and that scores are entered correctly on the card for each hole. You will not be DQ’d if you can’t add up the totals or subtract your handicap correctly!

We take zero pleasure in DQ’ing players for this oversight.

Some Advice Concerning Slow Play.

Today’s round was a stroke round and these can be expected to take longer to play than a stableford round.

It has been calculated that a stableford round at Jamberoo should be completed between 3 h 45 min and 4 hours. Stroke rounds should take no longer than 4h 20 mins.

In Mens competitions we have a local rule that states that the maximum score on any hole is a 9. Once you have had your ninth shot pick up and record a 9 next to the hole played.

Here are some general principles to help with the speed of play.

DON’T BE THE SLOWEST PLAYER

Evaluate your pace of play honestly and often, and if you’re consistently the slowest one in your group, you’re a slow player, period. Encourage everyone to move quickly enough so you find yourself right behind the group in front several times, both early and late in the round.

PLAY READY GOLF

Remember the old staples of getting around in good time: Play “ready golf” (hit when ready, even if you aren’t away) until you reach the green, be prepared to play when it’s your turn on the tee and green, and never search for a lost ball for more than three minutes. Think about your putt and the line of the putt whilst others are putting.

THE HONOUR

To speed up play, the honour may be taken by the first player ready to hit or preferably shorter hitters may play first. No player should play until players in front are out of range. In stroke play “your honour” is old school or retro and should only be considered if you are waiting for the group in front to clear your range.

SLOW PLAY IS SELFISH PLAY

Be ready to play when it is your shot and walk quickly between shots.

Your group should keep up with the group in front. If your group falls more than a hole behind, or you are searching for a lost ball, strongly consider calling the players behind to play through. Size up your shot as you walk to your ball. Don’t overuse measuring devices especially close to the green.

Pick up as soon as you cannot score in par or stableford.

LEAVING THE GREEN

When the result of a hole has been determined, players should immediately leave the putting green. Marking of cards on greens or practising putting contributes to slow play. Player’s buggies should not be left in front of the green but left to the side or near to the next tee. Wait until you arrive at the tee to update your scorecard. If you are ready to hit, wait until after you have teed off to record your score.

WATCH YOUR BALL AND YOUR PARTNERS’ BALL

If unsure – always hit a provisional ball. Look for lost balls for no longer than 3 minutes. Help to look for a lost ball after you have located your own and if clear – only after you have hit your own ball.

If the group behind is ready, request they play through immediately it is apparent that the ball is lost – not after 3 minutes.

CART GOLF

Drop you passenger off to his/her ball with the correct club and then proceed to your ball and be ready to hit on your turn.

Remember that not all players ride in carts and to travel at walking pace when there is a group in front that are not playing in carts.

The low marker in the group is responsible for enforcing the “Be Ready” guidelines.

REMEMBER – SLOW PLAY IS SELFISH PLAY

Did you see this happen?

Did anybody notice the culprit who played their ball through the back window of one of our members car today? It was parked near the putting green. Our member was very disappointed that the person responsible didn’t at least leave a note.

If you witnessed this sad occurence then please contact the club office.

Some News from the Course

JGC Gardens 2024.

A January update

A great big thank you to all Members and friends who gave their time and energy in 2023 to the restoration of the gardens at JGC. A special thanks to Bruce and Chris for their stellar efforts on the gardens at the 9th and 10th tees, and to Bruce especially, for the massed plantings of bromeliads on the way to the 10th tee. This new garden has been created in response to a request to formalise the area as a garden. This will simplify rule interpretation for golf balls ending up here.

With efforts to tame the gardens around the course commencing in 2023, this year sees the reintroduction of an old initiative for the ongoing care of the gardens at the golf club. The ‘Adopt a Garden’ scheme is being restored and we are seeking Members to get involved.

Adopting a Garden involves commitment to an hour or two each week, throughout the year, to maintain a garden by weeding, mulching and light pruning. No specific garden skills are needed. Monthly working bees will help with any bigger tasks that need doing. Specific gardens can also be adopted by a group of friends, a family group, or a regular golfing group.

If you are interested in Adopting a Garden in 2024, please leave your name and contact details with Linda at the Office, or use the list placed on the noticeboard at the Club. Get in early to choose the garden you would like to adopt – some will be simpler to look after than others!

Liz

Women Veterans 4/1/2024. A Great start for the New Year.

22 Ladies played with five visitors enjoying their day with the Vets,
with four of them joining the Women Vets – 3 members from Wollongong
and one member from Jamberoo.
Winners:
First Jenny Grey 32 points $30
Second Barbara Costello 31 $25
Third Kelley Greaves 31. $20
Balls to : 27points
Vanessa O’Brien 30
Pam Middlebrook 29
Tracey Watson 28
Rhonda McKinley, 28
Kerrie Michie 27
Congratulations to you all.

Thank you, Annette for your lovely slices, and to the Ladies who helped with lunch and clean up.
I really appreciate everyone’s help.

Regards, Lorraine

Wednesday Happenings

Great Opportunity to Assist your Club.

A great opportunity for members to help at the club.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for our starters on competition days to provide the service that we have become used to and some help would be appreciated. We are very busy on these days in particular.

Do you have a spare couple of hours on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday morning to work alongside our starters?

It is a great way of meeting members and seeing how the club operates. The work doesn’t require excessive skills, just a friendly demeanour. All training will be given on how to operate bookings, eftpos and membership enquiries.

Volunteers receive out of pocket expenses per shift.

If you are interested, step up and come along and join our team. Contact Peter Young or any of our other dedicated starters or ring the Office.

It is a great way to help your club.

Bob loses his head!

Bob Neilson’s first shot on Wednesday split both the fairway and his four-iron. The head of the club went sailing 40 metres away. Could be time to use his super shot winnings on a new set?

A near miss on 13.

Ray Sheehan played a brilliant shot on the 13th during the Wednesday competition.

In a magnamimous gesture Ray did not enter the Super Shot preferring to let some other member take the prize. Dave Piccirillo was the worthy recipient with an excellent shot to 154 cm.

Meanwhile Wayne Griffiths started the new year with an amazing 44 points to easily win the Drummond Golf voucher beating Ray Sheehan who had 38 points. Ray deservedly earning some good karma after his fine shot on 13.

Other winners on the day were :

3rd:  Ron Hewson  37 pts  4th: Bob Neilson  36 pts 5th: George Goor  35 pts (c/b) 6th: Leesa Swan  35 pts (c/b)

NTP 3rd:  Al Thrower  890 cm 7th:  Bob Neilson  307 cm 9th:  Russell Reeves  160 cm

D&P 8th: Craig Foster  420 cm.

Bob seemed to do alright with his remaining clubs by the way!

I must say I was greatly impressed with the state of the greens, their surrounds and of the fairways today. All this achieved so soon after the public holidays and with the green staff down to two with Shaun away on annual leave. Nick also informed me on the course that he expects to have the rough under control by the weekend as well. Thanks to the Greens Staff for their dedication to have the course in such good condition despite all the disadvantages that they faced. I think we can all appeciate the efforts they are making so that we can enjoy our course.

Dave Ransom

A Thankyou to Members.

Bill Hodgson would like to acknowledge the many good wishes he received from members on the occasion of his 80th birthday. I quote Bill who said, “Its always been a pleasure to work in the golf shop and to play with such a terrific group of people. Thank you”.

Jamberoo legend celebrates his 80th birthday

Bill Hodgson worked as a volunteer starter at the shop for many years. He was also a leader among our volunteers and handled all of our purchases for the shop. He was very well respected by our members and his fellow volunteers. You are loved and appreciated by many at the club and you represent the importance of all our volunteers.

Today he celebrated his 80th birthday.

Congratulations Bill. You are an amazing individual and have made a HUGE impact on Jamberoo Golf club.

He and Marilyn can now be spotted enjoying their retirement with a game a golf.

Best wishes from your many friends at the club.

photos courtesy of Rod Hodkinson