In this Edition: • GM, Course, Golf Update • Club Captain’s Updates • Upcoming Competitions MEMBER NEWS MONTH 2023 APRIL - MAY 2023
Ian McDowell General Manager
Dear Member,
The Masters is traditionally the starting pistol for the golfing season but sadly the weather seems to have missed the memo, both at home and out in Augusta.
The past weeks have been challenging to say the least; normally by this time the grass will be off and running with rapid growth kicking in and recovery of the winters wear and tear. That being said I must say that the greenkeeping team have done an incredible job to present the course and playing surfaces to the standard we have seen over the past weeks and I would like to thank them all for their hard work and perseverance during a difficult couple of months.
Clutch Pro Tour
In April we welcomed the Clutch Pro Tour to Aldwickbury Park for the first time, hosting the second of their Spring Series events. The Clutch Tour is Europe’s biggest development tour, providing access to both the Challenge and DP World Tour and boasts exciting fields of both established and up and coming tour professionals. It was a fantastic opportunity for the Club, having been approached due to the excellent relationship we had maintained with the Jamega Pro Tour over the years, who sadly ceased trading in 2022.
24 players from the talented field registered scores under par with Mitch Waite, fresh from a season on the Challenge Tour, winning his first event of the year with a score of 63 (-8), 3 shots ahead of runner-up Charlie Thornton who finished with 66 (-5).
The course was widely praised by Professionals and organisers alike with Waite commenting in his winners interview that “the greens were unreal and rolling superbly”.
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GM UPDATE
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GM UPDATE
As a result of this year’s event and hard work of our greenkeeping team to present the golf course in exceptional condition under the circumstances, we are pleased to announce that we have be asked to host next year’s Tier Two season opening event on the tour’s main schedule.
Staff Update
After what feels like a turbulent 6-12 months of change and movement within the team, we are finally in a position where our key fulltime positions are filled. We are pleased to announce the following:
Peter Knight joins the team as Senior Head Chef – Peter has a wealth of experience in the Kitchen having worked at some great venues such as Sopwell House, Luton Hoo and The Grove.
We also welcome Chelcie Lawrie who begins her greenkeeping career with us, having been a keen golfer since learning at Redbourn as a Junior and is now looking to channel that passion into the golf course. We are looking forward to supporting her progression within the industry.
I am also pleased to announce the promotion of Scott Walker to 1st Assistant Greenkeeper in recognition of the fantastic work ethic, ability and attitude he has displayed in his time with us.
Finally we welcome Maddie Richardson to the Sales Team as Sales Executive where she will be assisting with Membership, Golf Day and Event sales. Maddie joins us from the Old Cock Inn, Harpenden where she developed a keen interest and passion for events and Hospitality.
Employee of the Quarter
Congratulations to Lisa Lloyd who has been awarded employee of the first quarter. Lisa has not been with the Club for long, but has been invaluable in keeping the Sales Team going during a period of significant change. It is also with great pleasure that I announce that Lisa has also been promoted to Sales Manager to cover Holly’s maternity leave and while Holly’s are some big shoes to fill (metaphorically), I am sure Lisa will do an excellent job leading the sales team over the next 10 months.
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GM UPDATE
Senior Scratch League
I am pleased to say the newly formed Aldwicks/ Seniors Scratch team Squad, having been accepted into the County Seniors leagues, has had a resounding 3-0 win over Stocks in the County Seniors Foursomes knock out Cup. I wish them all the best in their future matches.
The Squad will welcome additional Players. So should any male Member over 55 years and with a low handicap wish to play Foursomes please contact Keith Greatbanks.
Checking in and Cancellation of Tee Times
Over the past weeks we have found a number of members out on the course that have not checked in prior to play. Please remember that you are required to check in at the Pro Shop prior to every round, irrespective of the time of day or how busy the course is.
Please also remember to cancel any unwanted tee times as soon as you can, particularly at peak times.
2023 Renewal
With our main renewal period on the horizon, I thought it would be helpful to remind members of what to expect over the coming weeks as we lead up to our main renewal on 1st July 2023.
If you pay Annually: Members who pay subscriptions in full each year will receive their renewal letter and invoice via the Elite Live App, a copy will also be sent via email with a link to make payment. Where possible we encourage payment through the app but please feel free to contact the office should you have any questions or issues.
If you are a Flexi Member: Flexi Memberships are treated in the same way as upfront renewals, but please remember that this membership category runs for 12 months from the point of joining –you will only be sent renewal information if your subscriptions are due.
If you pay by Direct Debit: If you pay your membership by direct debit, you will receive notification from DFC of your new payment amount in June. Please remember that your July payment (and the amount stated by DFC) will also include your one-off annual Union Fee of £25 20. From August onwards your monthly payments will reduce by back to your new monthly amount.
I would like to thank Members for your support of the Club over the past 12 months and hope that you plan to join us for another great year ahead at Aldwickbury Park!
See you at the Club soon.
Ian McDowell General Manager
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CLUB UPDATE
Steve Pick Club Captain
Dear Members,
Just a week after the Fletcher we had the Three Clubs and a Putter which was a great fun competition and proved as it always does, that carrying 14 clubs is enormously overrated. More than one player bettered their handicap!
Congratulations to the winning team of James Hillman, David Gott, Dan Gott and Oliver Raimond.
Dear Redbourn
I hope you’re all well and enjoying the warmer weather. It’s been great to be out on the patio a few times watching people navigate the 18th in recent weeks! I spent some time there on Monday 17th April watching the players from the Clutch Tour finish their rounds. It was great to see how golf should be played. There was nothing but compliments about the course which is a huge reward for Craig and his team who have done an incredible job keeping the course playing so well in some challenging weather.
Competitions
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First up was the Copper Cup which is battled out by the top placed finishers from the Winter League. Mike Van Wyk was triumphant and claimed the first honours spot of 2023 with a fantastic round of level par (gross).
The Ping Mixed Betterball is a nationwide competition with the winners of our club contest going through to the next round. Some great scores on the day but the final honours went to Pete Laurence and Elaine Meagher.
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The Fletcher Shield was next and this one is played by all those who won or were runner up in any of the monthly stablefords and medals that took place in the previous 12 months.
Congratulations to Frank Boutureira for taking the honours this time.
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On Good Friday, the annual Ladies V Gents competition took place and I’m delighted that my absence paid off for the Gents who took a narrow 5-4 victory. Many thanks to all those (ladies and gents) who took part.
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CLUB UPDATE
In Other News
I am delighted to announce that James Manfre, who won Graham’s Dubai Trip Raffle from last year, had an incredible time in Dubai. Here is a snap from his trip:
Dear Redbourn
Just a few days later, on bank holiday Monday the Spring Texas Scramble took place which was a very well attended competition. Huge congratulations to the winning team of Cam, Liam, Scott and Elliot with a nett 54.
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Finally, we had a huge field of nearly 100 gents for the Spring Cup on the 15th April. Despite conditions being very pleasant, only one person in the entire field bettered their handicap- very well played Corin Superfine.
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And finally…
I’ve mentioned already, but Craig and his team have done a fantastic job getting the course in the condition it’s in during what has been a very tricky time. Their hard work is not going unnoticed!
As ever, please do let shout if there’s anything you’d like to talk about: gents.captain@apgcmembers.org
Steve Pick Club Captain
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Please keep an eye on the boards and the HDID app for upcoming competitions. A date for your diary is the Charity Cup on 17th June which is a big day for the club and this year’s charity.
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GOLF UPDATE
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Message from the Aldwick’s Captain
Hi,
14th March – Texas Scramble. The Winners were: David Phillips, Mike Childs, Mike Crofts & John Cowie. The runners-up were Nick boardman, Alistair HoltThomas, Andy Wyatt & Norman Kershaw
30th Mar – Tony-Fowler Shoot-out – The Winners were Robin Edwards & Mike Crofts. The Runners-up were Nick Boardman & Ray Crawley.
4th Apr – Fun Day – The Winners were Pat O’Higgins, Mike Crofts, and Mick Beaufoy. The Runners-up were Mike Howells, Alan Taylor and Norman Kershaw.
11th April - April Medal – Division 1 winner Mike Howells, runner-up Alistair Holt-Thomas. Division 2 winner Robert Gold, runner-up Mike Crofts.
Dear Redbourn
It has been a busy couple of months for the Aldwick’s, and the new season is now well under way. We have played three home matches, winning two and drawing the other, whilst we lost the only away match that we have played.
As you now know the Aldwicks’ Scratch Team won their first match in the Herts County League’s Seniors KO. The winning team members were Graham Payne, Lee Edwards, Terry Lansdowne, Andrew Walker, Keith Greatbanks and Tony Phillips. Well done guys – we all wish you good luck in the next round.
Member, Giatinum nobitae eici officipicit ventur, conesequat quatur, quodist ruptat. Ecte verest qui necation natem cori sament officid quiatem facidusam ducid mi, odis eatus autas doluptae exeratium fugia dunt quam vellandit ipis con peligendel etur, odisciis doluptur, eum dolum repra am faccus expel iunt.
I am pleased to announce that we have had a slight improvement from last year in the numbers of people signing up for competitions and matches but we really need at least ten more regulars - I hope that you will all look at your diaries and check out HowDidIDo to find a golf challenge that appeals to you. I particularly hope that many more of you will sign-up for my Captain’s Day on the 23rd of May, which is a fun team competition with generous prizes, followed by a delicious two course lunch prepared by our new Executive Chef, Peter.
20th April Canadian Scramble. The winners were Carl Lawson, Jerry Perritt, Mike Hughes and Mick Beaufoy. The Runners-up were Alistair Holt-Thomas, Sid Sinclair, Tony Hatch and Keith Sheffield.
Upcoming Events and Competitions:
In the next month we have the following events which I hope you will be able to participate in (if you are over 55):
4th May – Senior Men’s Club Championship & Ladies’ Club Championship – organiser Brian Hanks
9th May – Ladies vs Aldwicks Men Pairs Competition –Organisers Sid Sinclair and Jan Cookson.
11th May – Home Match against Mill Green GC.
16th May – May Monthly Medal and Trial Stableford competition.
18th May – Away Match against South Beds GC.
23rd May – Captains’ Day
30th May - Home Match against Whipsnade Park GC.
Recent Aldwicks’ Competition Results:
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2nd February – February Winter Stableford. Div 1 Winner John Harris and the runner-up was Alistair Holt-Thomas. Div 2 Winner Mike Crofts. Runner up Kim Nguyen.
I hope you are enjoying the warmer spring conditions!
Cheers
Mick Beaufoy
Aldwicks’ Captain 2023
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GOLF UPDATE
Ladies Report
The Ladies section has eased itself into golf in 2023 with an emphasis on mainly fun, non-qualifying competitions in January and February. We’ve run a variety of competitions with prizes on the day, which have been ably run by Gill Lee and Pauline Anderson.
Our first serious competition was our Foursomes event on 29th March and 2nd April for both weekday and weekend ladies, which was won by Chris Marsden and Leah Fitzgerald on 38pts with Anne Roche and Annette Bugaighis on 33pts.
Dear Redbourn
Although the section has been lucky enough to attract some excellent new ladies in the last couple of years, including our most recent recruit, Ali Superfine, it is also true that for some years our membership numbers have been on the decline. Burhill have always been very supportive of any efforts we make to get more ladies to join and, to this effect, there is now a renewed initiative in this direction including various new ladies coaching programs open to non-members with Steve. In addition we now have a dedicated team of ladies making it their business to come up with new ideas to bring in lady golfers to our section via Open Days and by reaching out to existing members to bring friends and family along. Any lady interested in joining us will be given a warm welcome!
Finally, we are without a Lady Captain for the first time this year, and are running our section via the Ladies Committee. So far things are working smoothly and we hope that we are continuing to put together a busy program of golf events, matches and social sessions. A bit thank you to those on the committee and all the other volunteers who give their time to make this happen.
Kate Bull
On behalf of the Ladies Committee
Member,
A determined team of ladies also set out on Good Friday to do battle with the Gents in this popular annual derby, but sadly we were pipped 4:5 on the day despite some very close matches. Roll on next year!
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The Ladies play in the Pearson winter singles matchplay league which is hotly contested each year. This year, the Aldwickbury ladies have done amazingly well, winning 4 of their matches, and losing two, narrowly missing out at the 11th hour on a place in the knockout stage of the competition on a points count. We’re sure they’ll have better luck next year –and a big thank you to Helen Greensmith for taking on the team Captaincy and doing such a great job.
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GOLF UPDATE
Pro Tip: Make Chipping Simple
When I talk with players about their short game, I often find that they play all their chip shots with the same club. Whilst I understand that familiarity can lead to a sense of confidence, I also know that these players are making this straight forward shot harder than it needs to be.
Events and Offers:
Dear Redbourn
Member,
My advice is to let the shot pick the club for you. By that I mean visualise the ball landing a few feet on the front of the green and then rolling out to the hole. A good chip shot gives us the control we need because it spends far less time in the air than it does rolling on the ground.
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For example if my ball is 10ft off the front of the green and the pin was cut either at the front, middle or back it would be easier to play the shot with a different club, let’s say a pw, 8 iron and 6 iron. The good news is that you don’t have to change technique with each club.
I recommend turning whichever club you decide upon into the same length and lie angle as your putter, hands slightly ahead of the ball and weight favouring the lead foot. Keep the wrists quiet and swing the club with a combination of arms and shoulders. Trust the loft and aim to keep the ball low.
PING Custom Fitting Day
19th May 2023
10.00 – 14.00
Get custom fit by a PING product specialist and see how the latest technology can lower your scores. Appointment only, book early and don’t miss out on fantastic offers. Please contact the Golf Shop for more information.
May Special Offers
1. Buy any pair of golf shoes and receive £10 off on production of this newsletter.
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Give that ago, I know it will help!
Steve Barker PGA Professional
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2. Buy any two items of clothing and receive £10 off on production of this newsletter. (Excludes hats, gloves, socks, and clothing accessories)
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COURSE UPDATE
Course Report
February was the driest month on record with 7.7mm of rainfall, followed by the wettest March on record with 156mm rain falling. It proved to be a very interesting challenge, and as temperatures slowly started to creep up it was almost like we were seeing a false spring with the daffodils, crocuses and snow drops around the car park and flower beds slowly emerging.
Course
You will have all rejoiced when the post and rope was taken off the course the weekend of the Masters. A huge thank you to all the members who obeyed the post and rope areas - I know it’s a much longer walk around the course and this is frustrating but the damage around the greens and playing areas is minimised.
Greens
The greens renovations were completed in February, before the wet weather arrived. Both the main course and the par 3 course were done.
To those members that carried or used a half set of clubs: I’d like to extend a massive thank you from myself and the green staff.
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COURSE UPDATE
Bunkers
You will have seen we have been able to make some very subtle changes to the greenside bunkers on the 5th with the revetted face. These have been done in-house. The 11th fairway bunkers have had the old sand removed and new sand added, along with the 13th greenside bunker and the 14th Main Course bunkers are now are all in play.
New Equipment
The club have invested heavily in new equipment this year. We have taken delivery of a 2-metrewide heavy duty flail deck. This will be used on our tractor to thin out overgrown areas around the course.
We have also been tackling the par 3 course bunkers with the 1st and 2nd bunkers being cleaned out of contaminated sand. These are still GUR!
We have taken delivery of a new greens iron which has made a big impact on the greens already. It flows better over the contours of our greens, in return giving us a smoother surface to putt on.
A massive thank you to the club and our company for investing in the equipment that the greenkeepers use to help maintain this brilliant course.
Staff
Unfortunately we have had to say Goodbye to my Deputy Course Manager Ross Angelini who has moved to Brickendon Grange Golf Club. Ross was at Aldwickbury for just over a year and a half and helped make big changes to the course and to the team. We have found a replacement Michael Smith who will be joining us in 4 weeks from Moore Park – I look forward to welcoming Michael when the time comes!
See you all at the club very soon.
Craig Betts Course Manager
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you for reading the latest Members News.
feel free to contact us on 01582 760112 ALDWICKBURY PARK GOLF CLUB Piggottshill Ln, Harpenden AL5 1AB
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