Newsletter Issue 8 - October 2009

Captain's Report

 

Kenny Duncan and his team of Greenkeepers have achieved very good conditions on the Course throughout the summer in spite of some prolonged wet spells.

Bentley, the company who have been working on the reed beds, have now completed their contract there. They initially constructed a road for their heavy traffic to use and to minimise disruption to club traffic. This road became the entry (and part of a one way system) to our car park. Because this has proved to be popular, Bentley agreed to make it a permanent feature and to bring it up to the required standard with a tarmac surface. To compensate for any inconvenience that their through traffic caused the members, they also agreed to create extra car parking facilities (with spaces marked) and resurface the driveway to include new speed bumps (also clearly marked!) All this work was done at no cost to the club.

There have been a number of very popular and most enjoyable social events during the summer. Congratulations to Frank Batty and his team for all his work to ensure their success.

As always Steven Westwood has ensured that we enjoy the catering, especially in the dining room where his extensive weekend menu is a great success.

Doreen and her team have offered an excellent service in the bar.

I need to thank our secretary Bob De Rose and the Council for all their support to myself during this first year of my captaincy.

I hope all members have had a successful and enjoyable season at Pitfirrane, and I look forward to seeing you all at the events throughout the winter. The first of which is our Open Greens Meeting on the 29th October at 7pm.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                   Jim Stevenson

                                                                                                                             Captain                    

                                                                                                                                        

Greens Report

Course Condition

In the spring newsletter I did say that I had hoped for a drier summer and, up until August, conditions had been much better than the same period in 2008 – unfortunately we then seemed to get a disproportionate amount of rainfall during August and early September!!

However, despite this, the course has been in excellent condition throughout the season and both members and visitors have rightly commented favourably on both the presentation and general standard of the course.

The new sand that has been sourced this year has been incorporated throughout the bunkers and is of a good quality and is in plentiful supply - so hopefully that problem has been resolved for the present time!!

Kenny and his team started the annual aeration work on 24 August but, due to very wet conditions, the work was not fully completed in the planned timescale. I would like to thank the membership for their co operation during this partial closure and hope that all the members can see the benefit of this planned programme.

We have received financial quotes for the purchase of a rotary rough cutter for next season and the council is currently considering the cost - I remain hopeful we will be able to proceed with this purchase as it would make a significant difference to the management of the course during the growing season.

Tree Work

The diseased tree at the 5th green was successfully felled and the area surrounding already had 10 saplings planted which are now benefiting from the removal of the tree.

Tree pruning will be undertaken during the winter and any lower limbing that may be required.

There will be a programme of felling dead trees throughout the winter and, resources permitting, further planting of young trees on both the big course and the Par 3 course. If any members would like to support future tree planting by donating trees please contact Kenny Duncan.

Ecological Survey Visit

On 15th July an ecological adviser, Lynn Jopling, from the Scottish Golf Environmental Group visited the course for an inspection of the course to assess how “environmentally friendly” the club is in relation to course management and maintenance, tree planting and our relationship with indigenous trees plants and wildlife.

Lynn works closely with the Scottish Golf Union and she is in the process of preparing a report on her visit. However her initial assessment of the condition and management of the course was very favourable.

 

Health and Safety

A full Health and Safety report has been completed for the course, equipment and work procedures and a number of recommendations were made which have been accepted and implemented by the club. Overall the report was very favourable and commended the work practices implemented by Kenny Duncan and his team.

The full report will be reviewed on a regular basis by Alan McCullough on behalf of the Greens staff and Phil Wright on behalf of the Greens Committee.

Priority to be given to Greens Staff on the Course

One of the recommendations of the H&S report was the need to give priority to greens staff on the course to ensure both their safety and that their work is completed as quickly as possible on the course. Notices to this effect have been displayed throughout the club and Pro’s shop.

Health and Safety Issues on 3rd Hole

A complaint has been received from a householder on Cairneyhill Road relating to golf balls being mis hit from the tee over the fence and road. In an attempt to reduce the risk the marker on the 3rd fairway will be moved back towards the green and to the left. Members should be aware of this change of position.

Winter Programme

Kenny and his team have prepared a Winter Programme which includes new winter tees at 1st and 5th, replacement of paths at 3rd and 4th tees, drainage work, reshaping of some bunkers, replacement diesel tank and surrounding area, tree maintenance and ongoing work on tees greens fairways and aprons.

Re Siting 14th Mens Tee

A proposal has been made to re site the men’s general and medal tee at 14th – taking the tee further back and closer to the main road. I would welcome member’s views on this proposal. Obviously any proposals would need to go to the AGM for discussion and approval.

Greens Open Evening Thursday 29 October at 7pm

I intend holding another open meeting for members with the greens staff on Thursday 29th October at 7pm. This will be an informal evening which gives members an opportunity to meet with Kenny and his team and the greens committee to discuss the work that been undertaken this year and the proposed winter programme.

It is a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the condition presentation and maintenance of the course and the proposal for the 14th tee.

     

                                                                                                                          Joan Peden

                                                                                                                 Greens Convenor

 

House Report

 

This has been a very busy season for the bar and the catering. Improvements to the bar are continuing. Members will notice that the temperature of the wine has improved after recent refurbishment of one of the fridges. The other fridge is to be replaced. Paintwork will be done at the beginning of October. There should be minimal disruption as the work is being done in two sections.

                 
Currently we are looking at swipe card arrangements with a view to presenting this to members at the AGM. 

Can I again ask members and their guests to be aware of the dress code.

The box for funds towards restoration costs for the dining room ceiling is now on the bar and the total raised at present is £133.

                                                                                                                       Ann Mackay

                                                                                                                  House Convenor