New Bunkers Appear by the 15th Green
Work will be starting on the 23rd November on two new bunkers at the
15th Green. This work is part of the ongoing program to improve the course.
A plan showing the position of these bunkers is on display in the
clubhouse.
CAPTAINS NEWS
As my year is rapidly drawing to an end, this seems an appropriate
time to thank you for all your support this year. Also to Chris and Helen
for achieving the difficult task of reminding me to be at the right place
and the right time! Particular gratitude for supporting my Carers Relief
Day which raised £650 for the Eye Volunteer Centre. There have been
some quite fundamental changes in the way the Club has operated this year
- these may not have been very visible but, as time goes by, the results
should be to everyone's benefit. We are still attempting to get a 30mph limit
on the road to Diss but bureaucracy needs no speed limits! The Club Ball
was judged a success by everyone who expressed an opinion, and will hopefully
be repeated next year. Thanks to everyone responsible for the organisation.
Finally a big thanks to Robert and his team. Our course has been splendid
and helpful weather is only helpful if the right job is done at the right
time! ~ Bob Perrett, Club Captain.
GREENS
Construction of two new bunkers at the 15th starts 23rd November,
hopefully the position of these bunkers will prevent poorer shots finding
the green therefore rewarding only the well struck shot. Over the past month
considerable work has occurred on the greens which gives the impression of
disturbing what had become very true putting surfaces. This work is essential
in helping the greens to go through the winter so next year we can reap the
rewards of the excellent greens we are becoming accustomed to. The likelihood
of wet conditions in the not too distant future will no doubt see the
consideration of some trolley restrictions. These restrictions are not brought
in for the sake of it, with much discussion taking place on the greens committee
before implementation. We are fully aware that this can mean some members
will struggle to play. This situation is always under review. I have been
trailing a cover for trolley wheels recently. These are called Hedgehogs
and have a large dimpled surface. This reduces the drag which should help
reduce the likelihood of unsightly marks on the grass after frost. It also
helps with one of the main concerns in winter when trolley wheels flatten
and smear worn cast in wet conditions. If we decide to use these we would
not need any trolley restrictions. Trolley users would be able to purchase
a set and when fitted continue to use their trolleys in all conditions. If
any one sees me with some odd looking orange wheels come and have a look.
Unfortunately this will not reduce power caddy restrictions a combination
of wider wheels and considerable weight means these are not a green keepers
friend during the wet winter months. We are going into the winter with a
good covering of grass. This is due to 2 things; favourable weather and good
green keeping practices. During the winter golfers can have a bigger impact
on the course than the green staff. Sadly this is nearly always negative.
Please keep an eye out for areas beginning to show signs of wear and try
to avoid these. If it is already worn it is too late. Please keep off green
surrounds particularly between bunkers and greens. I would suggest as many
as half the trolley users fail to do this on the 4th hole alone. It should
be obvious to all that trolleys do not belong on tee boxes, sadly it isn't.
Finally please repair any pitch marks you see especially if it's not yours.
None of the above points should in any way lessen the enjoyment that I hope
you will all get from your golf this winter. ~ David Elliott,
Chairman of Greens.
AGM 2004
The AGM will take place on Thursday 9th December at the club starting
promptly at 1945.
Copies of the 2003 minutes can be collected from the admin office
before the AGM or from the lounge on the day. Copies of the club accounts
will also be available for collection.
The AGM is your opportunity to speak on any matter regarding the club
you wish to support your club and attend this important yearly meeting.
STRI VISIT
1st October saw our yearly course advisory visit by Dr Tim Lodge,
after spending the morning walking the course, inspecting various greens,
tees and fairways Tim gave Robert a summary of his thoughts on conditions
of the course. This was followed up by his comprehensive report. A copy of
which is available in the clubhouse for you to read.
SOCIAL LIFE
The Ball held at the Golf Club this year in the marquee was a great
success. The plan for 2005, costs permitting, is to do the same with extra
tickets and a larger marquee. The notice for sale of tickets will go up in
June/July so please buy yours as soon as possible to save
disappointment.
The new carpet in the clubhouse has been purchased by the social
committee, please if you think the rest looks a bit dreary, come to some
of the social events, have a good time and then we can purchase some more
items! Horse racing night will have come and gone by the time you read this
however future events include an Irish Night in March followed by a quiz
evening later in the year. Partner crib is ongoing, Thursday evenings from
1930, more players would be most welcome. If you have any questions on crib
or any other social activity please ring me on 01379 642165. ~
Steph Mendham, Social Chairperson
COURSE NEWS
On Tuesday 16th November the club signed a 5 year Exclusive Supplier
Agreement with Bartrum Mowers Ltd for machinery used to maintain the course,
including servicing. This deal put together by Robert Ransome the head green
keeper will save both long term costs as well as ensuring that the green
keeping staff always have the equipment to keep the course in good shape,
with a back up service always there to help them.
DISS LADIES PLAY AT ST ANDREWS
Steph & Val Mendham, sisters in law and both first time grandmothers
entered the Peugeot LGU Coronation Foursomes this year along with 17,250
other couples. They won the Diss GC Event, followed by the Regional Final
at Malvern (The Worcestershire GC). Along with 10 other couples they enjoyed
a two day all expenses paid trip to St Andrews for the UK finals where they
came a creditable 6th. Husbands Pat and Peter acted as caddies and two faithful
Diss members Brian and Veda Oakes travelled as supported to what was the
highlight of Val & Steph's golfing life so far! This is a new partnership
in golf and one that is likely to continue, Val and Steph see this as a potential
holiday scheme. They have just won the first round of the Daily Mail
Foursomes.
SECRETARY WINS AT FRINTON ON SEA
Secretary Manager Chris Wellstead, having gone without a competition
win at Diss this season visited Frinton to play in a Secretaries regional
qualifying event for the Golf Club Secretary Open Championship 2005 and won
with 42 points in a very benign conditions reducing his handicap to 8 and
qualifying to play in the final at Ganton GC Yorkshire in May 2005, Ganton
was the recent host club for the Walker Cup against the Americans. |
