Golf committee minutes
Meeting - March 31 2010
In attendance. B. Dyer (Chair) B. McAlpine, D. Wyatt, A. Zamiara, A. Egge, J. Hubbuch, T. Skogen, J. Dammeyer, T. Shephard. Regrets R. Manspeaker, A. Wilkes
Business arising from last meeting.
1. WGA and MGA members can expect earlier tee times, starting in May and continuing through next winter.
2. The new computer for posting handicap scores is being installed downstairs, located at Jennifer’s former desk.
3. Tom Shephard has advised that he is now more involved in the placement of pins
4. Barton Creek qualifying. Nobody signed up for the March qualifying, and a further qualifying is planned for April 17th.
5. Tom Shephard advised that there are now tee cups on gold tees and dual purpose tees now have appropriate dual colors painted on them.
6. Gates - The gate system appears to be functioning in a satisfactory manner. The golf committee provided their input, following comments from Tom Shephard, as follows
 Overall, there was a strong consensus that there should only be 1 entry ‘gate’ post and 1 for exit, with the 90 degree rule in force in between.
 The gates would be removed for the summer, starting sometime in May.
 Next winter season, the golf committee recommended to management to switch to 1 entry ‘gate’ and one on exit, with 90 degree rule in effect.
 We can still expect the ropes to be re-introduced for the first few weeks of new grass in the fall.
 The Gates committee of Gary Osborne, Tom Sprott, Ron Palma and Ronda Manspeaker were thanked for their work on this topic.
Report from Green Superintendent, Tom Shephard.
 Tom advised that the new tree on #8 looks stressed but is receiving due care and attention and should be ok.
 Tom discussed the chemicals sprayed around lakes and trees and advised of the savings that can result from this work. Some of the areas around the trees require a wide band to ensure the machinery, other than weedeaters, can be used.
 We were advised that over 100 new sprinkler heads have been bought which will give better coverage when the winds are blowing and will be installed round the greens. Overall, this is
the start of a bigger irrigation project that will take some years to accomplish, as there are over 2000 sprinkler heads around the course.
 The topic of bunkers was, again, discussed. First and foremost, it recognized that this is primarily a ‘budget’ issue and that the grounds crew cannot have a major impact on the condition of the bunkers without additional resources applied. The general manager advised that he has spoken to ‘corporate’ on this matter within the past week and it now remains to be seen what happens. The last time the bunkers were re-done was in 2005.
 As part of ‘The Derby’ post mortem, we mentioned that top dressing should be carried out at least 4 days prior to a major tournament, to ensure the surface materials have been fully absorbed into the green. (Otherwise operation of the Derby was first class – but it was disappointing that only 42 members participated, down from 54 the year before and 60 2008. The pro-shop staff did an outstanding job in running the tournament)
Report from the General Manager.
Tim Skogen said that the club is keen to reduce the amount of water that is used on the course. This conversation was widened to discuss the relevance of a long term plan. Such a plan could not only reduce the water consumption, but could also reduce the number and size of the bunkers on the course. It was noted that there are many bunkers of primarily aesthetic value - simply draining the maintenance budget. It was recognized that there is a capital cost in switching sand bunkers into grass bunkers and that the benefits would only accrue in the longer term. Thus, it was uncertain if capital would be provided by ‘Corporate’ for the preparation of a long term plan or for reducing the number/size of existing bunkers.
We also discussed the implications of having the $45 afternoon golf (after 3.15 pm) for non-members and Brian Dyer provided his opinion that the financial benefits arising from this program may be outweighed by the costs, both intangible and tangible, arising therefrom. It is difficult to evaluate the wear and tear aspect on the course, but this should be part of the equation.
Report from Head Pro
Jennifer briefly outlined all the activities going on at the club, which has been extremely busy. She advised that the terms of the ‘interns’ – Matt and Troy will be terminating very soon and also that the number of marshals at the club will be reduced for the summer. We will be going back to single tees in April and summer mixers will be re-commencing in a few weeks time. 10 people have signed up for the upcoming Divot party on April 2nd.
Next meeting – Wednesday 28th April in the private dining room to be chaired by John Hubbuch.