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Since the last article appeared things have been hectic on all fronts. Membership applications have been coming in steadily as a result of publicity in the local press and the offer to new members of free golf for the rest of the current year.

The schedule of promotional events as well as course development has been severely impacted by two unexpected factors.

The 8th Green

First, unusually inclement weather of all kinds. In the past month we have seen the odd few days of Springlike temperatures, which have persuaded the unwary to de-winterize by dusting off the Summer golf bag, changing spikes and all the other things we golfers do in Spring, only to be put firmly in their place by periods of prolonged rain,

and a number of snowfalls of 6-8 inches at a time. This did not stop some of us however. The intrepid (mad?) few for whom golf is a religion could be seen in woolly hats, ski suits, mittens and anti glare sunglasses searching for holes in the snow in which their balls might be buried. Then as soon as the snow disappeared there was the mad rush for early tee times to collect the variety of balls which were revealed in all their multicoloured glory.

Second, the dreaded foot and mouth. This has meant a ban on hopping over stiles to retrieve lost balls from farmers’ fields, and the need to disinfect shoes before and after each round. We have also taken the step of postponing the Open Day planned for 24th March. This will now take place on 21st April. However we have managed to escape the worst and have been able to stay open most days.

Meanwhile preparations continue for the run up to the new season and the opening of the full 18 hole course in June, which is still on schedule.

Greenkeepers are engaged in preparing the new greens and tee boxes, tree planting, and the marking out and cutting of fairways. Soon the new course will be accurately measured and the Standard Scratch Score defined and approved before the installation of course furniture.

Marketing are busy with the membership drive, while at the same time seeking corporate sponsorship and various forms of promotional partnership. The club logo has been redesigned to incorporate the image of a curlew, which is common on and around the course.

The House and Social Committee are involved with setting up the facilities and resources needed to cope with the additional numbers of members and visiting parties expected, including the appointment of permanent caterers as well as seeking voluntary support from within the club membership for various aspects of the social calendar, starting with the annual springclean of the clubhouse, not one of the most popular activities around!

More after the Open Day.