Dunfermline Golf Club - Newsletter
Members Update September 2011
As we approach the end of this playing season it is hoped you have had a successful and if not at least an enjoyable summer spell. As it seems normal these summer days the weather has been fairly mixed. However, maybe we will see an Indian summer before the inevitable winter sets in. Through the following paragraphs The Council hope to update you with any news since the last newsletter.
The Clubhouse
I am sure you are well aware of the problems we had with burst pipes during last winter. I am glad to inform you that most of the repair work is complete with only outside work still to be carried out on the render. This may not be completed until next spring as the external wall requires drying out completely before the repair is made. It should be noted that all costs for repairs were covered by our insurers. This included Ceiling repairs and repainting, a new carpet in the dining room and total redecoration. Drying out all internal walls, new lockers, carpet and redecoration to Ladies locker room
We are currently looking to change the worktop in the Gents toilets with a possibility of changing the floor covering. The gas boiler in the upstairs flat also needs replaced and we will be receiving quotes for this in the near future.
It is also worthy of note that during inclement weather and winter months our Greens Staff will again be carrying out repairs and redecoration projects which will be an obvious saving on our expenditure.
As a result of required repairs to the dining room ceiling it would seem that restoration is no longer needed. However the fund which was started to cover the restoration is still in a bank account set up for that very purpose. This is approximately £2,500, and it is proposed by the Council that this fundraising continues in the name of ‘A property restoration fund’. It is anticipated that the type of building, which serves as our clubhouse, will always require restoration/repair in various areas. The Council and members are extremely grateful to those people who donated to the fund and we wish to give assurances that the fund will be used only for suitable projects.
The Golf Course
The course has been in very good condition throughout the summer and the work carried out by our greens staff has been complimented by members and visitors alike.
The severely wet weather we experienced this year highlighted the need for some drainage work on the course. The Greens Committee and Head Greenkeeper have looked at a staggered programme of drainage work and the Council have approved work to be carried out by a specialist company on the 18th fairway. This will probably take place this winter. There are other areas requiring attention and these will be dealt with in future years.
Kenny Duncan and the Greens Committee are currently putting together a winter programme of work. We hope the weather will be kind enough to allow completion this year.
It is also anticipated a staggered programme of replacement Astroturf tees for the par 3 course, with perhaps 3 tees being constructed this winter.
Many positive comments have been received on the improving condition of ‘the wee course’ and it is intended this improvement will continue over the next few years.
Jim, our handyman member of the green staff, has recently returned to work after recuperating following breaking an ankle. We are delighted to see him back fully fit.
Our Fairway grass cutting machine is now 7 years old and over the past year has broken down on several occasions. It is becoming less than reliable and is now in need of replacement. The greens committee and Head Greenkeeper are currently looking at vehicles for replacement and you may even see fairway cutters on trial on the course.
Hopefully comments raised through the members survey have been or are being addressed. However should any member have concerns or suggestions please write to the Council with your thoughts.
Playing the Game
The knockout stages of the various club championships were badly affected by poor weather. However the cooperation of all players involved saw all the finals being played on the programmed Sunday. The winners were as follows;
Senior Gentleman Club Champion - Scott Macdonald
Ladies Club Champion – Joan Peden
Junior Club Champion – Douglas Taylor
Gentleman Club Champion – Alf Brown
Well done to all of our champions and commiserations to all those missing out this year.
Once again the Gents competitions have been very well subscribed with 150 - 170 players taking part each Saturday.
This year some of the competitions were drawn entries and many comments have been received about this. Mostly positive, however some negative. It is without doubt a healthier way to conduct competitive golf and most clubs certainly carry out draws for their competitions. It really is the only fair and proper method. Our software suppliers inform us that draws will be easier to carry out after some adjustments to their programme.
General
Our staff do a good job for the club members and should receive the support from all of us throughout the year.
Recently one or two members or their guests have been less than supportive towards individual members of staff even to the point of being offensive and aggressive. The Council understand that the vast majority of members or guests do not behave in this manner and it is sad this behaviour has to be highlighted. However the Council take a dim view of instances where staff have been openly criticised or offended, especially without foundation, and will deal with such circumstances should they arise.
It is emphasised that members are responsible for their guests’ behaviour. This is one of the reasons we require a guest list for private functions and also the reason for the member booking the function to sign stating they are responsible for behaviour at the function. Where any incidents involving a member’s guests come to light this may result in action against the member.
If any member of the club has a problem with any staff member they should put their concerns in writing to the council. They should not directly, openly criticise, offend or treat the staff member as a second class citizen.
Our Greens staff are very courteous in their efforts to allow us to play with as little interference as possible. However members are respectfully reminded the Greens staff should be given priority over players when carrying out tasks on the course. In practice, this means you should not expect a staff member to automatically stop cutting grass (e.g.) when they are in the particular line you are playing to. You should allow them to finish their task before playing your shot. However on some occasions the task may be time consuming and the greens staff may stop to allow you to play.
Many thanks for your cooperation with this.
DGC Council
Dunfermline Golf Club
Members Newsletter June 2011
Here we are into a new golfing season which looked promising when we had our summer weather in April. However, not to be it would seem as May provided us with a few stings in the tail - plenty of rain and storm force winds which caused devastating damage to various trees around both our courses. Let’s hope things improve in the not too distant future.
The course is starting to look and feel good and hopefully the feedback from our survey will be addressed where improvement was described as desirable by a number of members. The next few paragraphs will summarise for you the scoring and feedback received through the returned survey forms.
Members’ Survey – approximately 1/3 of distributed forms were returned (320 in total) and many thanks to members who took the time to complete the form.
Section 1 The Golf Course
condition of the greens received the highest score with tees, fairways and general condition of course also being scored highly. The speed of the greens was shown as ideal by a very large majority (80%) – it would therefore be unfair to make changes here. Areas of concern were condition of bunkers (mainly inconsistency), practice facilities and the lowest score was given to the 9 hole course. These issues have been communicated to the Head Green Keeper and we therefore expect to see some improvements this year.
Fairness of the booking system and availability of tee times came out with above average scores, albeit there were some comments on both these issues. The Council will continue to monitor and improve these areas where possible. Some provision for those members without internet access has been put in place for Competitions.
The scoring for a requirement to increase visitor numbers was above average and to address this area the Council has appointed a marketing group headed by Dave Taylor who has already put initiatives in place for this purpose. Changes will be made to our web site and this will include a short video which visitors may watch to give them a flavour of our course.
There was a definite score against visitors being able to book directly online and an average score for accepting 2 for 1 vouchers. There was a less than average score to allow block booking of sweeps.
Section 2 Golf Competitions
The scoring in this area showed that we have roughly the correct mix of Ladies, gents, seniors and mixed competitions and less than half members stating they preferred to play non-competitive golf.
Section 3 Social Events
Social functions are important to more than half the members returning forms. However it is important to note we do not currently have a Social Convenor, therefore there are no socials arranged. This is despite an appeal to members for volunteers for the position, to no avail. If any member or members wish to take on the role of Social Convenor please inform the Secretary.
Section 4 The Clubhouse
Most areas in this section received higher than average scoring with the highest scoring given to Food quality/value and variety of drinks from the bar. However lower scoring (albeit still above average) was awarded to appearance and décor of clubhouse and cleanliness of toilets (gents in particular). The House convenor is currently looking into improvements in these areas.
Section 5 The Professional Shop
Again scoring was above average in all sections here with the highest score given to shop appearance and professional advice. Chris Nugent, our professional, has made good efforts this year to increase range of goods available and is constantly reviewing his pricing. The recent Callaway Demonstration day was well received and attended by many members.
Section 6 Quality of service from all staff
This section was scored very highly with all staff receiving a score of well over 4 out of 5. As a club we obviously support and appreciate our staff and we should continue to do so and encourage them in their various positions.
Section 7 Overall satisfaction
Most members have indicated they are very satisfied with their membership of the club with only one person giving a score of less than average. A similar score for value for money with five people giving a less than average score.
Section 8 Recommendation to friends
The overall satisfaction with the course was supported in this section with the highest score in the entire survey given here. Where most members would recommend their club to friends only one person gave a less than average score and would obviously not recommend.
Section 9 Course usage
As may have been predicted most members stated they play more often in mornings both midweek and weekends with some keen golfers recording they play at all times.
Section 10 Dress Code
The result of this section proved that around half of the members returning their form preferred a relaxed dress code in one of the choices given. Prior to the survey being started the Council set up a trial relaxation to dress code where denims and trainers may be worn in the clubhouse on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings after 5pm. The result of the survey appears to support this change and as such the Council will continue this trial until the 2011 AGM when it is hoped a decision on future dress code will be discussed. It is also worthy of note that the SGU and SLGA are encouraging relaxations to dress codes with a purpose of increasing younger people to join golf clubs.
Junior Golf and Clubgolf
DGC have new Junior Convenors in Dave and Gill Taylor and we are grateful to them for taking up the roles.
Juniors are the life blood of a golf club and with this in mind Dunfermline Golf Club has enrolled in the Scottish Golf Union junior golf scheme, Clubgolf. This involves trained coaches from the club teaching the basics of golf to children from local primary schools and encourages them to take up golf and subsequently join the club. However, most of these children are nine years old and there is currently no membership available to children under 10 years old. The Council are currently looking at addressing this with perhaps membership of 9 hole course being available. I am grateful to Dave Taylor for taking on the Clubgolf lead role and for his inspiring and enthusiastic approach to junior golf. Many thanks to all our enthusiastic Club golf coaches namely Duncan Clark, Eddie Comerford, Derek Burns, Linda Ferguson, Joan Peden, Gill Taylor, Dave Taylor and Lynne Wright.
Finance Group
We have appointed a sub group committee to look at our subscriptions policy and structure. Their conclusions will be promulgated before this years AGM.
I hope you all have a healthy, successful and enjoyable season
Ken Kilgour
Captain
GREENS CONVENOR UPDATE
Winter Programme
After what seemed like a never ending winter of snow and ice the Winter Programme for the course got back on track and the work done on paths at the 3rd and 4th tees has been completed and has already started to grow and bed in.
The returfing of the area at the right side of the 3rd green is completed, has knitted together and has been put back in play. Work on bunkers has also been completed and new ladies tees built at 12th and 17th holes – due to delays with weather some work will be carried over to this year’s winter programme.
Drainage Issues
Considering how badly the course was affected by the snow and ice it is amazing how it has recovered and the growth returned. There were a number of areas significantly affected by excessive water on the course and we have asked for estimates for possible drainage works to be undertaken. However it is a reflection of the good work done on aeration throughout the course over the past years that it has recovered so well.
We have been in correspondence with the contractors for the Coal Authority to establish if any of the flooding was a consequence of the work on the reed beds – but this does not seem to be the cause. It is likely the flooding is due to the severe weather conditions experienced over the past few years and we will need to consider incorporating additional drainage solutions on the course.
We may also have to consider closing parts of the course during wetter winter weather – such as 1st or 2nd nine only being available or restricting the length of some holes to avoid areas of excessive wear and tear. We may also have to consider limiting the use of sit on buggies on the course during very wet conditions.
Members Questionnaire – Greens issues
I am grateful to everyone who took part in the members’ survey and found the feedback very useful. The main areas where I and the Greens Committee need to concentrate on this year are;
• Bunkers – more consistency of sand throughout the year – including practice area.
• Par 3 course – improve conditions of greens and tees and define areas better.
• Practice area – improve hitting areas and re-seed more often.
• Winter greens – consider alternative locations for some greens.
Wind Damage
The recent wind damage on 23/24 May resulted in a major clear up operation for the greens staff with assistance from members. We lost a number of trees and the par 3 course was particularly badly hit. However we were very lucky not to have any damage to greens on either course. There still remains a lot of work to clear up branches and tree trunks but main areas for access have been cleared – All the greens staff did a great job in very difficult conditions to get the course playable again so soon.
Finally
Despite the latest setback I think the course is really starting to look good and the greens are rolling well – I can’t believe how the course has recovered from the 4ft of snow that was lying down here in January!
I hope the weather for the rest of the season is good and the course continues to progress. My thanks to Kenny and his team for all their good work and support so far this year.
Joan M Peden
Greens Convenor
HOUSE CONVENOR UPDATE
Clubhouse Damage
As you are all aware there was serious damage done within the clubhouse this winter when we had two burst pipes. Recovery from which has been fairly slow. Firstly because the drying out time was lengthy and secondly because tenders had to be prepared to satisfy our insurance company’s procedures. However we are well on the road to recovery now and it is estimated we will be fully up and running again within the next fortnight. Part of the clearing up process was carried out by our greens staff in the initial stages. They were unable to work on the course due to weather and they did a good job carrying out salvage work within the main building.
The clubhouse has been running smoothly thanks to the efforts of Doreen Fotheringham and her bar staff and Steven Westwood and his catering staff and secretary Bob DeRose.
Socials
We held a wine tasting event in April which was very successful. However I want to re-iterate the Captain’s concern regarding the vacancy of Social Convenor. Many successful social events have taken place over the past few years and it would be very sad if this trend ceased. Please, if any member is interested in taking up the Social Convenor’s position please speak to me or The Secretary or indeed any Council Member. Without a willing person it is unlikely we will have functions such as the Hogmanay dance.
Ann Mackay
House Convenor
MATCH SECRETARY UPDATE
The thanks of the club go to the winter handicap team who won their league this year. The team consisted of Fraser Kerr, Duncan Clark, Mike Clark, David McClelland, Kenny Duncan, John Reeve, Kenny Scott, Dave Patrick, Norrie Westbrook, George Primrose, Dave Forfar, Steve Merret, John McIntyre and Ian Wallace. Well done to them all.
Our thanks also go to the Scratch team of Scott Macdonald, Steve Ferguson, Calum Malcolm and Euan Malcolm for manfully struggling through dreadful conditions on Saturday 7th May at St. Andrews Bay in the Fife Team Championship. The team didn’t win but all completed their rounds on what was a truly dreadful afternoon for golf.
Saturday medal play continues to be well supported this year with 150+ teeing up most weeks.
Slow Play
I turn to the old spectre of slow play, and I have asked for starting times and finishing times to be put on scorecards so we identify where the problems might emanate week by week. I make no apologies for trying to highlight and sort out this perplexing issue.
To date the round times have been on average 3hours 25 minutes and 3 hours 38 minutes in early April then went up to 3 hours 40 minutes on a particularly inclement day. The worst day so far was April 30th when rounds slumped to 3hours and 48 minutes. Many rounds that day took in excess of 4 hours. This is unacceptable.
Thankfully May 7th returned to 3 hours 25 minutes with many rounds 3 hours 10 minutes. It can be done gents.
I have anecdotal evidence of groups holding up others without considering waving them through. I have spoken to offenders so far and will be prepared to put persistent offenders to the back of the draw if necessary. Please don’t feel guilty or embarrassed to name and shame the slow players who are holding up play. We all deserve to enjoy our golf without it taking more than 4 hours.
SLOW PLAY IS SOMETHING THAT WE ALL WISH TO AVOID SO……
PLEASE REQUEST TO GET THROUGH IF YOUR GROUP IS BEING UNDULY DELAYED. BETTER STILL IF ARE DELAYING OTHERS, STEP ASIDE, COURTEOUSLY, WITHOUT BEING PRESSURED TO DO SO.
Pace of play must be self-policing and it is all our interests to take an active role in playing as quickly as possible and making sure EVERYONE IS GETTING THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THEIR ROUND.
The club match play competitions are well under way and I urge all entrants to keep to the scheduled closing dates for each round. It is unpleasant for me to eliminate people who have not played by the appropriate date.
I hope you all have an excellent season and keep the feedback coming in please,
Jim Glancy
Match Secretary
