Thursday - December 4, 2008

I would like to discuss our course set-up procedures and the request I made to Phyllis Coosaia, the golf committee chairperson. It seems like on a daily basis, someone questions us on why we don’t use a particular tee any more or we get a complaint that we have the wrong color flag on a hole for the pin location. We have been trying to accommodate all the requests that we get from any group at the various meetings, asking us to move the markers here or put that there or let’s not use this tee on Thursdays, etc. and it has gotten out of control. It is not only getting way to confusing, but we are finding out that these requests are not always the wishes of the entire membership. It not only makes us appear to be lazy, but it makes us look like we just don’t care and that is the farthest from the truth. We need to get back to setting up the course correctly and with consistency. If a hole plays over a bunker off the tee, then the course is just going to play a little tougher that day. Everyone has to play the same hole. I understand that it might be more difficult for some people, but that’s why they have a handicap system. Please don’t misunderstand me, we still want to do everything we can within our capabilities to accommodate our members. So here is what I proposed to Phyllis. That she present a letter to the men’s and ladies clubs that going forward, the maintenance staff will be setting the course up on a daily basis using whichever tees and pin placements are deemed necessary for the best course conditions for that day. Special requests will be handled on an event by event basis. If any group has a special request such as not using a particular tee for their event, or if they need a hole to play to a certain yardage, or want special tee marker or pin location placements, they can submit a writing request at least 24 hours prior to the event. The request can be emailed to me, typed up or hand written and put in my mail slot in the office. It doesn't matter as long as we get it in writing 24 hours in advance. If for some reason a request cannot be granted, the person submitting the request will be contacted immediately, provided they have included a way to contact them. This way the event coordinator, participants and course maintenance know exactly what is expected for that event and we will avoid all the confusion.