BOARD UPDATE19th Hole The Board has decided to postpone any changes to the layout of the back nine. Accordingly, the decision to construct a 19th hole has been abandoned for the time being. Why have we taken this decision? All members have rightfully been fully engaged with the Board's plans in this regard. Given the strong views advanced by the "yes, it's a good idea" and "no, let's not tinker with the existing layout", the Board has decided that to proceed with the proposed changes could well result in a membership schism, a result that we want to avoid at all costs. The Board has sought, and will continue to seek additional expert guidance to assist in the longer term course strategy being developed by the Board in conjunction with the Greens Committee. When significant course works are undertaken, the affected hole will either be temporarily closed or modified to allow play to continue (e.g. temporary greens). Practice Facilities The Board is also cognisant of the member's wishes around improved practice facilities. As indicated above, there are no immediate plans for changes to the existing course layout. Therefore, it is clear that we do not have space for a long practice range. The Board would love to grant everyone's wish for this - but we simply do not have land available without a wholesale reduction to the playing area of the front nine - which we are certain, nobody wants. That said, the Board will devote considerable funds to improve what practice facilities we currently have. We intend: a) to improve the condition and the functionality of the range between the 2nd fairway and the 7th green and, b) to improve the practice nets area hopefully with the inclusion of a chipping green in that vicinity. Details of our plans for this are currently being formulated and we will continue to update the members when appropriate. Car Park Our decision not to proceed with changes to the back nine and a 19th hole, has freed up funds that now enables us to bring forward the planned car park improvement. In this regard, we are now in the process of obtaining quotes to have the car park sealed. The removal of the majority of buggy trailer parking has now allowed us to achieve an optimum number of painted parking bays on a sealed tarmac. There will be parking disruption for about a week while the work is done, but we are confident that everyone will be supportive of this terrific improvement to the Clubhouse environs. We will keep the members posted on developments. Board of Management |