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23rd August 2024

Dear ,

Welcome to this week’s GA News! In this issue, you'll find updates on the club's turf replacement project, details about our upcoming golf and dinner event - the Green Acres Classic, and results from the final of the Women’s Interclub.


The new Board met for the first time with the five new members. The Chair noted some of the key matters to be tackled by the Board over the coming 12 months:
  • Our prime focus must be to continue to repair and improve the condition of the course, including turfing, alleviating hazards such as walking areas, bunker maintenance, and other work;
  • The development of the Course Enhancement Plan is being considered in consultation with our course architects, Clayton and Kruze. It’s hoped to be finalised, socialised with members and a schedule built to show the works activities over the coming years to be ready by the end of the year;
  • A decision on the greens replacement program;
  • Implementation of the first stages of the Clubhouse Rejuvenation Plan, which will see new furniture, carpet, lighting, internal painting, and perhaps other works over the next 12 months;
  • Continuing to review and update our Policies so that the Club operates in a best-practice environment;
  • A benchmarking review comparing key elements of our operations with peer clubs.
  • Marketing and member survey initiatives
  • Ongoing Risk management and assessment activities
The financial statements presented showed that the Club is financially strong at the end of July, with some $4.8m in cash or equivalents. Trading, particularly in hospitality, was down over the month primarily due to fewer external functions and members at the Club, but pleasingly, golf centre sales exceeded budget by $22k.

The Board approved the purchase and laying of some 8,000 metres of turf to replace damaged and poor-quality areas on several fairways. This work has now commenced and will continue next week.

Turf Replacement Project

Contractors and our turf staff have been able to move through more holes today of the turf replacement project.

A substantial amount of new turf has been laid so far. The turf has been shipped in from farms in South Australia, and due to this time of the year, it is still dormant and is mostly yellow in appearance. But this will change as the turf takes root and soil temperatures begin to rise in the coming weeks. 

The process of completing each area of turf replacement involves the turf removal, topdressing if required, then laying the new turf in mega rolls (as pictured below) and then topdressing sand over the turf seams, finishing with blue line marking indicating the areas as “No Play Zones”.  

Major areas of turf replacement to the 3rd, 6th, front of the 8th tee, and 11th holes were completed Friday, while partial works on other holes will carry over to Monday and Tuesday next week. The turf has been removed on the 16th hole in preparation for turf laying on Tuesday.

All holes will reopen this weekend, with works to begin again on Monday and Tuesday, and some hole closures will be required to facilitate safety of staff and speed of work in certain areas of the course.

On Monday and Tuesday, the 8th and 18th will be closed. Works will occur near the necks of the green and around bunkers on these holes, so the closures will be necessary so our turf staff have clear access. The 16th hole will also need to be closed on Tuesday for turf laying.

We will provide another update to members on Monday. All members understanding and patience during these works is appreciated.

Please note the TLR’s currently in play and for the duration of the turf recovery phase. The website and the Golf Centre are the best sources for this information.

Turf Replacement Works - Website Post & More Photos

 

Green Acres Classic - Sunday 15th September

The booking sheet for this year's Green Acres Classic is now open!

Reserve your preferred starting hole and get ready to enjoy the Gentsomes Ambrose format with your favorite group of members. The event will begin with a 12:30pm shotgun start. Please note that this afternoon shotgun is exclusively for those participating in the Green Acres Classic, and the entry fee will be charged to members' accounts.

Gentsomes is a team event played in groups of four. Each player in the team hits a tee shot, after which the team selects the best one. All players then play their own ball from that spot, placing it within one club length, but not closer to the hole. Players complete the hole individually, and the two best Stableford scores are combined to give the team’s score for that hole. Men score using the men's stroke index, and women use the women's stroke index. Each player must contribute a minimum of three drives and no more than six drives, which should be recorded on the scorecard.

Following the Gentsomes Ambrose event, participants will be treated to a beautifully prepared two-course sit-down dinner and a prize presentation. Awards will be given for the best men's, women's, and mixed team scores, as well as nearest to the pin. All of this for just a $55 entry fee.

Book your spot by clicking the link below. 

Green Acres Classic - Booking Sheet

Anniversary Cup - still spots available 

The Anniversary Cup will again be hosted by Spring Valley on Sunday 22nd September.

This is a golf and dinner event between Green Acres, Spring Valley, Latrobe and Patterson River golf clubs who all formed as clubs back in 1948.


More information can be viewed by clicking the below image and if you'd like to compete please book via the below booking sheet link
76th Anniversary Event @ Spring Valley - Booking Sheet

Men’s Founders Cup Final

Tomorrow, we reach the epic conclusion of the 2024 Founders Cup, with the final match featuring two iconic club members: the number 3 seed, John Hongmung, versus the number 8 seed, James Moorhead. 

Find out who emerges victorious after the match and wins the A.N. Alley Founders Cup by viewing the draw below.
Draw for 2024 Men's Founders Cup

L & B Carlyon Bowl- President’s Trophy

This Sunday’s draw for the L & B Carlyon bowl has been completed and is visible on the daily timesheet.

Despite there being no dinner afterwards there are still 12 pairs participating who will be eager to have their names marked down in history as the 2024 Presidents Trophy champions.

The format for the day is Mixed 4BBB Stableford off the daily tee markers.

No-Shows

As you may know, the Golf Sub-Committee has been monitoring ‘No-Shows’ for golf bookings.

Unfortunately, this issue is now impacting other areas, including clinics, lessons and catering events. When you make a booking on a timesheet — whether it’s for a round of golf, a lesson, a dinner booking, or any other club event — your attendance is expected or the booking is to be cancelled or deleted in advance. This can be done online up to the day before, or by contacting the club and having a staff member do it for you. 

Failure to cancel your booking prevents other members from taking that spot. Staff also rely on accurate timesheets to coordinate member services effectively and efficiently.

Please ensure you notify the appropriate department — whether it’s the Golf Centre for lessons or the Members Bar for dining — if you’re unable to attend.

Course Care

It’s disappointing to hear that some members are neglecting to rake bunkers, repair pitch marks on the greens, or fill divots with sand. These simple tasks are essential for every golfer to complete as they make their way around the course.

With Spring approaching, the grass will soon come out of dormancy and start growing again. It’s crucial to repair all divots, including those from practice swings that may have taken a chunk out of the turf. Properly filled divots will help ensure a smooth, even surface as the grass begins to grow.

Bunkers should be raked after every shot so that the players behind you find the course in the same condition you did. Pitch marks must be repaired, even if your ball didn’t stay on the green. While you’re at it, take a moment to fix a few extra marks while your playing partners line up their putts.

By taking these small, simple steps throughout your round, you’ll help ensure the course is in excellent condition as we enter the growing season.

Lovely to see some "Spring" Golf weather this week. We hope that your games were enjoyable.

New '5 Month' members

The WSC attended the induction sessions for the 41 new women members who are participating in the Women's 5 month program starting September 1st. All of them are really excited about joining Green Acres so please make them feel welcome when you see them around.

Also a very warm welcome to new member Hannah Nguyen. 

Nine Hole Comps

Just a reminder to members who may not already be aware, we have 9 hole competitions on Monday and Friday that are available at any tee off time.

On Tuesday and Thursday there are dedicated nine hole women's times from 9.00am to 9.30am for comp, then on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday you can do a nine hole comp from 3.00pm.


Interclub Round 5

The final round of Interclub for the 2024 season was played today at Latrobe Golf Course against Heidelberg. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and Latrobe did an excellent job of organizing the event.

Green Acres won one match and squared another, resulting in a 5.5 to 1.5 loss.

Match Results:

  • Caroline Dorrat – Lost 5 & 4. Caroline made some great drives, but her opponent ultimately gained the upper hand.
  • Brenda Carey – Squared her match, which see-sawed throughout the day.
  • Meg Toose – Lost 3 & 2. Meg showed great tenacity by clawing her way back from being 4 down.
  • Julia Trafford – Lost 8 & 7 after a tough day.
  • Genevieve Moss – Lost 1 down. Genevieve played a consistent match with impressive drives, solid fairway shots, and several accurate shots over bunkers onto the green.
  • Nicky Smith – Won 3 & 1 after being ahead for most of the day. Nicky demonstrated some impressive up-and-downs from bunkers.
  • Kerry Grabau – Lost 4 & 3 against an opponent who made few mistakes and played a strong game. Kerry’s fairway shots were consistent, and her chipping was impressive.

Presentations were held over lunch, and the Interclub Trophy was awarded to the winning club, Kew Golf Club.

Thanks to all players and caddies for their commitment throughout the 2024 season.

    Diary Alert!

    • Caddies Trophy/Medal Day 3rd Sept. Anyone who has caddied 2 or more times for pennant or interclub will be eligible.
    • Club champs start on Sunday 29th Sept and run until Sunday 13th October.  
    • Monthly catch up lunch can now be booked online via the link below 
    Monthly Catch-up Lunch Booking Sheet

    Father’s Day - September 1st

    Celebrate Father’s Day at Green Acres Golf Club on Sunday, September 1st, with a special bistro menu and all-day Father's Day specials.

    Be sure to reserve your table by phoning the Members' Bar.


    Ping Fitting Day

    Friday 6th September 12pm -5pm

    Join us for our Ping Fitting Day and experience the latest in golf club technology by Ping.

    More information to come next week but be sure to secure your spot now by clicking the link below. 

    PING Fitting Day- 12pm Till 5pm - Booking Sheet

    Srixon & Cleveland Custom Fitting Sale

    Get the most out of your game with our exclusive Srixon and Cleveland Custom Fitting Sale! Take advantage of tour-level fitting and find the perfect clubs to match your swing.

    Whether you're after major power with Srixon's ZX series or looking to play big with Cleveland's latest lineup, now is the time to upgrade your gear.

    Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your game, book your fitting today below.

    SRIXON/ Cleveland Fitting Day - Booking Link

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