Sale Night

Well the sale night was a great success last Thursday evening. Thank you to everyone that came along and had a drink and nibble with myself and the rest of the professional team. Tom was busy doing 10 minute swing checks on the simulator while I constantly served behind the till for a good solid hour. It was great to see everyone and nice to see the shop so busy. 

This week we have started putting out our new winter stock from Under Armour, FootJoy, Nike and Galvin Green. I have to say the clothing from all the brands looks amazing this year.


 

It's your golf course and they're your playing surfaces 

Following a season where the golf course has performed at the highest level it is a real shame that I'm having to write this article. 

All of us here at The Chase strive to produce a golf course that you as members are proud of and enjoy playing on a regular basis. To do this a huge amount of time and effort is put in by the greens staff and a large amount of financial investment is continually committed by the Simmons family. This being said we are seeing some worrying trends appear on the course that are showing a total lack of respect for all we are trying to achieve. 

The two main areas of concern are:

Pitchmarks 

Despite producing what are considered the best greens we've ever had here at The Chase, we are seeing an alarming amount of pitchmarks on a daily basis. These not only create an uneven putting surface but also encourage the poorer grasses that we are striving to eradicate. The finger is often pointed at visitors/societies for this issue but having monitored play across all the sections I can honestly say that the problem starts a lot closer to home and every golfer should be asking themselves; Have I got a pitchmark repairer in my pocket and am I using it? All too often we are stopping people a number of holes into their rounds, even on the back 9, and their pitchmark repairer is still in their bag! People are also pitching on the green itself but their ball may run through and onto the collar/surround. They then proceed to play their ball with no effort to inspect the green for a pitchmark.

   

Trolleys and buggies next to the greens 

Coming out of the winter we were asked by the members if there was anything that could be done to improve the greens surrounds as they were lacking grass coverage. Time was spent aerating these areas and money was spent on top-dressing, seed and fertiliser. Following all of this we have seen a vast improvement in the quality of these areas. For a number of years we have implemented a 10 yard policy that asks golfers not to take trolleys or buggies within 10 yards of the greens to help prevent wear and tear of the surfaces (this is now 10 meters). Unfortunately this request is not adhered to and we are constantly seeing trolleys and buggies only a few feet from the edge of the greens.

None repairing of pitchmarks and taking trolleys/buggies close to the greens are not acceptable.

It's your golf course and they're your playing surfaces so please adhere to the following: 

ALWAYS have a pitchmark repairer in your pocket from the 1st tee. 

NEVER take trolleys or buggies closer than 10 meters from the edge of the greens. 

Would members be happy if we had to protect the greens/surrounds by using temporary greens and by banning buggies/trolleys and implementing carry bags only? We don't want to do this so please look after YOUR golf course. 

Simon White
Course Manager


 

Tiger

I saw the news before the Ryder Cup about Tiger making a return to golf after not playing a professional tournament for 14 months. He was due to play this today in the Safeway Open on the PGA Tour in California. He pulled out if it this week and the Turkish Open after saying his game still isn't good enough to compete against the best players in the world. 

Jesper Parnevik was almost breathless when previewing the return last week. He said, 

"I see Tiger at the Medalist Golf Club in South Florida, we played nine holes together. He's pounding it a mile and flushing everything...his trajectory and ball flight are like the Tiger we knew 15 years ago. Comebacks are never a sure thing, but something tells me his might be spectacular." 

It would be great to see him comeback and compete to a very high level again and start winning majors and try and pass Jacks record. He is approaching his 41st Birthday and has dropped to 767th in the world ranking but you never know what Tiger is capable of doing.


 

Range Night 

Range night started today and will run throughout the winter. Range night is a perfect opportunity for you to come along and receive some great tips and advice from out PGA Professionals. There is no need to book, just turn up between 5.30pm - 7.30pm on Thursday evenings every week. 

Only £5 per person which includes limited range balls.

Night Golf Returns 

Have you ever played golf in the dark? Have you ever played golf in a Halloween costume? 

If your answer is NO then this is the night for you. It's back with popular demand. Night golf returns with a scare this October with a Halloween themed evening on Friday 21st October 2016. £15 for members and £20 for non-members, this includes all the glow in the dark equipment for the night and a meal off the specials menu in the bar before play. 

Shot gun start commencing from 7pm and food from 5pm. Everyone welcome, bring friends and family. If you would like to play please sign up on the membership information board or contact Katrina.


 

Welcome from the Seniors Section

It's hard to believe we have reach October and Monday saw the penultimate Leading Edge 11. With a beauty full sunny Autumn day had 55 Senior competing. The results are below.

Division 1 Result 
1st Mr Ivan Poole 89-20c=69
2nd Mr Graham Bunch 83-12c=71
3rd Michael Bates 83-12c=71

Division 2 Result 
1st Mr Mike Hopkinson 96-28c=68
2nd Mr Roy Brown 94-21c=73
3rd Mr Brain Hartley 101-27c=74 

Well done to all.

Thursday 29th September it was the Senior's team in action with a visit to Stafford Castle GC for the rearrange match. On a fine and warm September day the Senior's lost by 6.5 to 0.5. With very enjoyable company and the course at in excellent condition it was an excellent match followed by a fine meal.

Competitions for the next month please see the noticeboard.

17th October 2016 Leading Edge 12 
20th October 2016 Seniors vs. Uttoxeter Home 
27th October 2016 Seniors vs. Juniors 
31st October 2016 Seniors Winter Competition 1 

Barrie Morgan
Senior Secretary


  

Ladies News

Presentation Evening will be held on Wednesday 19th October 2016 (N.B. this is not in the Diary). The menu is displayed in the changing room. 

Lady Captain's away break was held at Abby GC, Redditch. 16 members attended and a very enjoyable time was had by all. 

Competition Results
4.9.16 Sunday Ladies Break Through Brooch - Rozalind Matthews 80 Nett 
7.9.16 Break Through Brooch - Div 1 Rachel Bishop 72 Nett Div 2 Ailine Sunderland 77 Nett 
21.9.16 18 Hole Foursomes - Sue Brindley & Wendy Orgill 32 pts 
25.9.18 18 Hole S/ford Qualifier - Div 1 Sue Price 36 pts & Div 2 Roz Matthews 31 pts 
28.9.16 9 Hole S/ford Qualifier - One Div Margaret Amos 14 pts

Forthcoming Events 
Mixed Charity Goodwill Trophy 18th October 
Ladies Halloween 14 Hole Fun Comp 26th October (fancy dress optional and appreciated) 

Next Committee Meeting 2nd November 2016


 

Terry Edwards Trophy - 09/10/2016 
1st) John Johnston, Alan Richardson, Peter Bryant, Adrian Edwards - 96 
2nd) Darren Moulden, Steve O'Dowd, Phil O'Dowd, Steve Pritchard - 92 
3rd) Carl Brogan, Adam Hodgetts, Dave Salkind, Darren Barker - 92 

Weekday Stableford - 11/10/2016 
1st - C.Thompson 40 Points and 2nd - N.Higginson 36 Points (Count-Back)


 

Our winter coaching programmes have now begun. Please see the price list here for our up to date winter golf lesson prices and programmes. 

Now the season has finished, the winter is the time to be working on your game ready for next season 

Lessons are available 7 days a week throughout the winter months.