MEMBER NEWS
Members Newsletter - July 2022 The summer is in full swing and as the temperatures rise so does the level of activity at the Club! I hope that you are enjoying your golf and finding plenty of time to get involved in the wealth of competitions and events organised by our hard-working Captains and Committees. Last week I had the pleasure of my monthly course walk with Course Manager Craig and his deputy Ross and was very pleased with the overall condition and presentation of the course. The team has been working hard installing the ball washers, constructing new sleeper benches and stripping and painting the existing metal fixtures, all of which have made a big difference to the teeing areas.
Our main renewal period is now complete, and I would like to thank members for their continued support of the club for the upcoming year. The renewal as a whole has been positive, particularly in view of the rising pressure on both leisure time and cost of living this year. Having been closed for the majority of the last year, we do have a limited availability of 7 day memberships again following renewal, so if you know of someone who may be interested in joining us, please encourage them to get in touch. This month we said a sad farewell to Deputy F&B Manager Bobby Uddin who has accepted a fantastic opportunity at Sopwell House to become Banqueting and Events Manager. Bobby has been instrumental in developing our function operations during his time at the Club, the benefits of which we very much appreciate and will continue in his absence. In more positive news, I am pleased to announce that our Head Chef, Miguel Ben Mesbah (pictured) has been awarded employee of the quarter for his hard work in leading the
Kitchen team since February. There is currently a serious shortage of Chefs to supply the hospitality industry following the pandemic and our kitchen team has been running 2 members short for most of the year. Miguel has been working his socks off to ensure that the shortages did not impact our members and function customers while also maintaining our 5-star EHO rating following an inspection in June.
Many of you will know I have been doing a lot of cycling this year, most of which has been to get fit again, but I am also trying to raise some money along the way. In June I completed the London to Brighton Bike Ride (in a relatively prompt 3 hours 10 minutes), raising money for the British Heart Foundation. Not one to know when to stop, In September I hope to go one step further as I join 10 of my colleagues from across BGL to tackle a 3-day ride from Burhill Golf Club in Surrey all the way to Paris, close to 300km! We are undertaking this challenge to raise money for British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal which funds the Red Cross teams that have been working around the clock to get critical care to those who need it most, both in Ukraine and it’s bordering countries. I am sure that you will agree that this is a very worthy cause and if you would like to support our fundraising efforts you can do so by visiting our shared just giving page here, any donations would be greatly appreciated! Ian McDowell General Manager
A Message from the Captain
Huge thanks to everyone who has supported the many Charity events at the club over the last month. From a combination of the Plant sale, Ladies Charity Day, Midsummer Marathon entries and sponsorship, Club Charity Day including the Dubai Raffle, Bottle Raffle, Beat the Pro, Auction Items/Bids and Donations we raised over £16,000 towards Parkinson’s UK with the total raised year to date on both JustGiving page and in our Charity fund being now over £21,000! Huge thanks to not only our members generosity on participating in the various fund raising activities including donating auction items or bottle raffle items. Also to friends, guests and associated businesses who have been incredibly generous with their donations. Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. There’s currently no cure. But we’re determined to change that. By helping Parkinson’s UK fund the right research into the most promising treatments, we can get closer to a cure. Prizes winners to be announced from the raffle and marathon day are:a) Marathon Day John and Rajesh completed an amazing 113 holes, 6 complete rounds, on the day my best round as recorded was 40 stableford points (incl equalisation shot) and grand total 137 points. So the overall total was 296. The winners were Eleanor Trigell, Matt Phillips and Henry Robinson who all equalled the grand total of 296. I also posted pictures and updates on our JustGiving page and on LinkedIn – the sunrise on the 2nd green at 4:40 was very special! Here's Eric, Me, John and Rajesh around midday:
How John and Rajesh made it through 113 holes and staying sane when playing Greensomes format I don’t know! I witnessed them in some very interesting places throughout the day, the best example was we all played down the 18th together at the end of my R2. With John on the fairway Rajesh went for it with driver – I think he made the 5th green on the par 3 course which I haven’t seen before – not even from Ed!
Here’s sunrise at 4:40am with Steve Lee and Gill to Sunset on final hole for me on the day with Steve Pick (Vice Captain) and Aaron Ewing. Diana, David Phillips, Trevor Bull, Jock Hunter and Pete Holman also helping me through the 3rd and 2nd rounds. All pulled together by chief organiser Eric Wylie who also encouraged us and replenished us throughout the day. b) Dubai Trip Raffle There was lots of anticipation as Michelle from Parkinson’s UK drew the winning ticket on Saturday. The lucky (and very delighted) winner was James Manfre. We hope you have an wonderful trip playing 4 amazing course in Dubai! So onto normal news on competition results, upcoming events and a rules update:The course remains in outstanding condition with everyone I play with commenting how good the greens are. Our pro at charity day Joe Heraty praised them enormously. With Joe I witnessed the most amazing shot I have ever seen at Aldwickbury. The night before Charity Day, after spending 3 and a half hours in a car coming down from Leeds, Joe then proceeded to play nearest the pin early and drove the green on the 1st!
Recent Mixed Mixed and Gents Team News Mixed Teams update (Margaret Churry) Unfortunately, the Arkley match in June was cancelled, as they couldn't raise a team this year. We have a mixed match at Mill Green on Sunday 24th July and anyone is welcome to sign up on the sheets on the board by the locker rooms. Sadly, I can’t make it as am away in sunny Wales on holiday. Please do sign up as these are great fun events and a chance to meet new people in the club. The Gents Foxes (manager Chris Pearce) Our Foxes team played at home on 10th June and won all our four games, giving us the full 10 points up for grabs, which certainly will help move us up the league. Unfortunately, we were unable to take this form to the away game over at Essendon on the 24th June, where we lost 3-1, so only gained 2 points, but they could make a difference at the end of the season. However, all is not lost in maybe still trying to progress to the knockout stage
as we have two home games left. One against Aldenham on the 22nd July and the other against The Shire on the 5th August so a positive win in both will certainly help. Our Gents Chiltern Breakfast League (CBL) team (manager John/Geordie Taylor) After a disappointing draw at home to Three Locks the team regrouped and played the next match away to Richings Park and came away with a excellent win of 3 1/2v to 2 1/2. Well done to the team for sticking in and playing with a little desire. Our next match is this coming Sunday at home to Hazelmere, where we will be looking to reverse our defeat away to them earlier in the season. Gents Scratch Team (new manager Steve Sierra) After the draws against Batchwood and The Hertfordshire hopes were high for a win at home against East Herts. Unfortunately we lost 3-5 on the day but great battling and still lots to play for having been promoted last year.
Recent Mixed and Gents’ Competition Results 11th June 2022 Swindle Challenge Congratulations the Ladies Swindle for winning the Swindle Challenge. Thanks Jock for presenting the trophy to a delighted Gill Lee. Bragging rights go to the ladies again for the year having already won the ladies vs gents match! Individual winner on the day was Debbie Roberts with 41 points.
18th June 2022 Captains’ Canadian Scramble Some fantastic scoring on the day with team Aaron Ewing, Adam Duke, Stewart Fox and Big V – Vernon Rodrigues for shooting a gross 11 under (net 55)! They were pipped on net score though with the winners Kevin Trehy, Darren Simpson, Chris Dilks and Geoff Benson (this is Geoff at his happiest!) winning with net 54 (-17)!
25th June 2022 Charity Day/Charity Cup
Many thanks again as above for supporting charity day. The course was in fantastic condition and looking amazing thanks to Craig and his team and Gill Lee who produces the wonderful plant and flower display. The competition results were:Charity Cup Champion – Dinah Howard (42 points) Winning Team – Andrew Davies, Kim Nguyen, Adrian Smalley and Andrew Godden (94 pts) including a 3 point birdie from Joe the Pro. Other prizes to Pauline Anderson Ladies 1st, Adrian Smalley Gents 1st, Andrew Godden guests 1st, Nick Brown guest 2nd , nearest the pin and longest drive prizes as well. Here is Dinah delighted to lift the trophy with the other prize winners as well and some photos from the day – Joe, Elisangela from FlightScope – (note: FlightScope have given the club discount vouchers for their products available in the pro shop) and me on 7th. Dinah with trophy and Diana showing off Gill’s wonderful flower display on the 1st.
2nd July Gents Club Championship Day This for me is the biggest tournament of the year for the Gents section, 36 holes off scratch is a real challenge for the lower handicappers and 27 hole net plate competition for those a bit higher. The course was once again superb, Craig and his team speeding up the greens to super slick (I only 3 putted 3 or 4 times but no 4 putts for me – unlike some!). The Championship result was close. Having been 5 up at one stage Matt Brown and last years champion Mike Van Wyk were 1 apart coming down the last. Mike needed a birdie to take it to a play off and went for it down the hill, he managed to get a great return putt for par to at least keep the pressure on. On the slick green Matt went it bit further down the hill than I think he meant on his first putt, he held his nerve though and sunk the 4 footer to win his first club championship. Huge congrats to Matt as you can see here:-
1st Matt Brown 74+75=149 (+7) 2nd Michael Van Wyk 72+78=150 (+8) 3rd Steve Sierra 77+76=153 (+11) Club Championship Plate The competition was extremely close. Some great scores over 27 holes as a net competition with 6 players within 1 shot of each other at the top. Richard had a huge job in sorting out the 5 tie countback for 2nd place. Sadly, no winners photo as he had to shoot off. So to the result:1st Ziad Ahmed on 107 On Countback 2nd Mike Howells on 108 (Great effort in defence of his title from last year) 3rd Karl Bonney on 108
Unlucky Paul Beecher, Marlon Gill and Gareth McNeill who also score 108 but just missed out on countback.
Forthcoming Events and Competitions 16th July Aldwickbury Shield (Mixed) A great honours board tournament. Sadly, I am away on holiday this week and so am unable to be there. Entry closes shortly and may have closed by the time this newsletter goes out. Please see notice board or email hyne_richard@hotmail.com if you wish to be added as a reserve. Then summer league, Thursday night series and normal weekly and monthly tournaments will be the main features of July and August. I don’t put the regular monthly and weekly competitions here or summer league dates. Please enter these on the day as normal, check your club diary for these dates. The next honours board event is then the Langshaw Trophy on 29th August (bank holiday Monday).
Finally Our course is in fantastic condition, please do your bit to keep it at its best by repairing your divot marks, pitch marks and raking the bunkers. Thanks again for everyone’s charity support this last month. As promised there will be less cajoling now that June is over! Cheers, Graham Payne Club Captain gents.captain@apgcmembers.org
A Message from the Lady Captain
June has been a busy golfing month with lots of good scores and fun. We had a very happy day celebrating the Platinum Jubilee and raising £2,188 for the Captain’s Charity, Parkinson’s UK. It was a fancy dress event with plenty of red, white and blue, the Queen
and her corgis. First prizes for fancy dress went to Sue Phillips and Eleanor Trigell, and for golf to Eleanor Brooks and Jennifer Maxwell
Good fun was also had in the Swan Trophy, a Texas scramble won by Elaine Meagher, Margaret Chury and Sue Tant. We celebrated Midsummer with a 9 hole evening competition; thanks to Liz and her bar team for staying late to serve up our baked potatoes.
Gill Lee was winner of the Summer Cup presented by Liz Robinson who donated the cup when she was Captain in 2005. Look at the beautiful garden in the photo, thank you and congratulations Gill.
Well done to the other June winners: In Medals – Pauline Anderson and Jan Cookson.. In Stablefords – Judith Pearson, Helen Van Der Kraan, Jan Southwood, Jacqui Farley, Tricia Wyatt, Debbie Roberts and Margaret Benson. As you have seen, it’s been a good month for the Ladies in the mixed competitions including the Swindle Challenge and the Charity Day in which Dinah Howard was victorious in a field of 100. We’ve done well in matches too, both Scratch and Friendlies. Congratulations everyone. We now look forward to the Ladies’ Club Championship on 13th July and Invitation Day on 27th. If you haven’t joined up, do it now as these are special days. Our Awayday is on
17th August at my home town, Letchworth. This is always a very enjoyable day out and you can sign up in the Locker Room. A reminder about qualifiers, many competitions require 5 qualifiers in the preceding twelve months. Please check that you are eligible before you enter events that require it. It is each golfer’s own responsibility to monitor their own eligibility. Don’t forget to always sign into the PSI on the day of competitions and pay for special events by bank transfer to keep the organiser’s job easy. Welcome to our new treasurer, Tricia Wyatt, to whom we are all very grateful. Now all we need is someone willing to take on the Captaincy in 2023. It’s vital that we get a volunteer soon and we already have plans to reduce the Captain’s burden, so that you can still take your holidays and see the grandchildren. If I can do it, so can you. Thanks to everyone for all your support. The Ladies’ section are a great team. Finally, a special welcome to new member, Janet Ball. Enjoy your golf. Diana Diana Godden Lady Captain
A Message from the Seniors Captain
The good news is that the immediate well being of the Seniors Section is looking far healthier as past captain Mick Beaufoy has kindly volunteered to stand again in 2023 in the absence of any other offers. His offer is dependent on someone agreeing to take on the role of Aldwicks Secretary and the separate role of the match administrator. We now seek volunteers for these roles.
In addition to the foregoing, I am delighted to announce that Mike Tozer has indicated that he is willing to be considered for the role of the Seniors Vice Captain in 2023 with the assumption that he would become the Seniors Captain in 2024. On behalf of the Seniors Section, a sincere ‘Thank you’ to both Mick and Mike for their kind and most welcome offers. During the month there were 2 Aldwicks away matches at Panshangar and Aldenham. Sadly, we lost both these matches, thus maintaining our 100% away record. However, we also had one home fixture against The Hertfordshire which we won continuing our 100% home matches success. On 14 June, we had the Monthly Medal. This was won by Mick Beaufoy; 2nd place Peter VDK and 3rd place Mike Crofts. On 22nd June there were the two Mid-Year Golf Marathon events arranged by the Club Captain, Graham Payne, with assistance from Eric Wyllie. The Club Captain played 4 rounds commencing at 4:30am, with different players joining him on each round. I accompanied him with Diana Godden and Trevor Bull on round number 3. Past Seniors Captain John Harris and Rajesh Panchal used a golf cart and played a number of round commencing at 7am. Eric arranged sustenance for them; arranged the entry forms and was the official photographer throughout the day. The event took place under blue skies and a hot sun. As a follow-up to the Golf Marathons, there was the Club Charity Day on Sat 25th June. Details of the day have been provided by the Gents Section. It was a very busy and successful day and Graham Payne has announced that, taking account of all the donations received including the Ladies Section, around £21,000 has been raised so far this year. All proceeds will be paid into the Parkinson’s UK Charity. The Seniors Section Charity Day is later in the year on 6th October. On 23rd June we had the Honours Board Peter Ashe Prs competition. In 1st place on countback was: Terry Daly and Robert Gold; 2nd place David Phillips and Kate Bull, and 3rd place Alistair Holt-Thomas .
On Tuesday 28th June, there was the Captain’s Away Day at Dunstable Downs G.C. There were 44 players (which included 11 Ladies). An excellent day organised by Jim McGown. We were very well looked after by the bar and catering staff and the course itself was in great condition.
1st team winners were: David Phillips; Chris Woodcock; Bob Bright, and Tricia Wyatt. 2nd team: Keith Greatbanks; Gill Lee; Tom Walters, and Anne Roche. 1st place stableford. Peter Holman (40 points on countback). 2nd place stableford. Andy Wyatt. Nearest 9th Pin. Robin Edwards. Nearest 18th pin in 2 shots. Lee Edwards.
1st Team
1st Stableford
Jim McGowan
Can someone help me find my arm
Mr Nonchalant
It went that way
Just checking
Mr Organiser and the recognisable red bag
Looking ahead to the events in July, they include: 1 July. 3rd round of Crameri Cup (H). A win against Royston G.C. (David Phillips and Tony Phillips - not related!). 5 July. Aldwicks Memorial Trophy. 7 July. Match vs Hartsbourne (H). 12 July. Harpenden Seniors Championships at APGC. 19 July. Aldwicks Captain vs Past Captain. 21 July. Match vs Whitehill (H). 26 July. Monthly Medal. 28 July. Match vs Redbourn (A). On Monday 27th June John Tarbit sadly played his last game as a member of APGC. We wish him well and very much hope that he will call in at the Club from time to time to meet old friends for a chat and reminisce. Wishing you all well and happy golfing. David Phillips Seniors Captain
Course Report
Greens Greens have been performing very well on our main course, with the dry spells at the beginning of June we were busy keeping on top of the moisture levels by hand watering all of the major hot spots. To aid water percolation we also ran 8mm solid tines over the surfaces to a depth of 3 inches which helped to relive the compaction created from foot traffic, cutting and rolling.
Par 3 Manor Course Over the last few months, we have been undertaking a lot of work on our manor course greens, we have double scarified the greens to a depth of 20mm, solid tined them 3 inches deep, run our air2g2 machine down to 12 inches, applied over 10 tons of topdressing and overseeded. I am very pleased with the results as they have come on so far in such a short amount of time. Also, a huge effort by my staff has been made on the par 3 course bunkers, keeping them weed free, raked more regularly is paying dividends. The course in general has come on leaps and bounds over the last few months.
Tees, Approaches, and Fairways I’m really pleased with the overall coverage on the tees and approaches, and the quick recovery on the tees has been outstanding this season so far. Growth on Fairways has started to slow up with the grass starting to burn off, which means they are playing very firm and fast. We have applied a wetting agent to the fairways ahead of incoming rainfall to promote recovery as best as we can, and after the dry period we experienced of 2018 we try to leave fairways alone as much as possible as the grass is under enough stress and goes into a dormant state. Ultimately, we have to work with mother nature as best as possible and just be patient.
Bunkers Several bunkers on the course have become very compacted over the course of the season, during the wash outs we had during the month we used out bunker de compactor to tilth up the sand and get it moved around. Ball washers You may have seen all new ball washers are out on the course, these have been a long time coming and a great investment from the club. We have also replaced all of the sleeper benches around the course as well as tidying up these areas next to the tees.
See you on the course soon. Craig Betts Course Manager
Tip of the Month: Approach Strategy This month I want to focus your attention on a strategy that will help you with your approach shots. Firstly, unless you have a wedge in your hand don’t aim at the flag. For all your other approach shots make the middle of the green your target and use the yardage to the back of the green to determine your club selection. This simple change in the way you plan your shot will help you hit more greens and lower your score. Give it a go the next time you play! Robin Turley Head Professional
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