President’s Patter

May 2022

Whenever I write a Newsletter for my business or this monthly ‘President’s Patter’ I reflect every time how fast the year seems to go. We now have less than 30 days till the Southwest Open where the usual call out will go for volunteers to assist throughout this major event.

If you have not volunteered for a long time or if you have never volunteered, please give it some thought, it’s really a very enjoyable experience and of course one that the Club is very grateful for.

The course is looking in immaculate condition and I note that having identified the nematode issue across the course recent treatments to control them are beginning to have noticeable results. If you haven’t read Superintendent Dave’s detailed report on the Club website or in the last Course Crier then please take the time to do so, it makes for very interesting and informative reading.

VP Greg Trevaskis has facilitated the first meeting to look at the processes around the nomination and approval of life members in the Club. His committee of past presidents and life members provide knowledge and experience that goes back a long time and is needed to deliver a balanced view in terms of managing this process appropriately and fairly. This process is one that has been undertaken by many other clubs and I am grateful for the information and advice we have received from them in relation to what they have done.

As well as continuing the 6 monthly review meeting with members established by past president Geoff, we will also be calling for a Special General Meeting later in the year to look at some proposals to amend the Club Constitution, this will likely include any recommendations with regard to life membership changes where it is appropriate that these be included. Further and more detailed information will be provided shortly for your reflection.

It was fantastic to see 29 juniors and their parents, including many new children, take part in our initial ‘Have a Go Day’ in April. I would like to congratulate Jodie Valli for her sterling working promoting this event and in designing the flyers and advertising material that went out with such obvious good effect. I also commend to members the tireless work of Peta Van Wyk our junior convenor and the Junior Committee. Our GM Des was instrumental in liaising with Ackzel Donaldson who is the State’s leading junior golf developmental coach and I am delighted that we have adopted his program and appointed him as an overall mentor. This has built on the great work done by Shani Waugh over past years and ensures that our Club will continue to provide a strong junior golf program. I take this opportunity to wish Shani well in her future endeavours.

Congratulations to Women’s President Annette and Women’s Captain Lorna Hammond along with their committee on what I hear was an extremely successful ‘Women’s’ Open Day’. The quality of food and service and the conditions of the course underpinned their huge organisational efforts behind the scenes and certainly reflects well on our Club, so well done to all who participated.

Congratulations also to our Director of House and Social for a great ‘B Night’ event in April. Whilst Eleece would have liked a few more attendees on the night those who participated raved about the food, the service, the band and the ‘vibe’. Even with the able support of Functions Manager Tanya there is still a lot of background work that needs to be done so on behalf of the Board and members I thank her for her efforts and look forward to the next Club event.

It is extremely satisfying to head up a Board of people committed to the best interests of the Club and members. With our GM Des and his team of professionals providing the ‘backbone’ of Club operations and service, we may not always agree at times on what is ‘best’ or how to manage things most appropriately but due to their commitment to our Club we remain in a very strong position and one I am proud to be a member of.

Happy golfing everyone till next issue.

Best Wishes

Rob Littlewood

PRESIDENT