Member News
Dear Member, What a difference a month can make. When I wrote last month's newsletter, it was cold and wintery and the golf course reflected this. Thanks to a brief 'false spring' we managed a flush of growth all over the course and we have seen the course improve as a result. Neil and his team continue to work hard on getting the course ready for the playing season and I am looking forward to seeing the progress over the coming weeks. The sight of the striped fairways at this time of the year certainly increases the desire to get out golfing. I recently played my first 18 holes of the year at Cherry Lodge during a regional meeting of the Golf Club Managers Association and I can confirm I need to get out and play more! The 17 points on the front 9 (with several 3 putts) gave me much optimism which was shortly crushed on the back nine with a meagre 12 points. Duncan Anderson, our club captain has kindly shared the photos from the recent captain's putt out & drive in event. I have included a few pictures from the day below to remind everyone of the fun that was had and to highlight the charity they are raising money for this year. This week sees one of my favourite weeks of the year, the start of The Masters. I have a fun 'Masters' challenge for you. Below is a picture from the 2022 Champions Dinner on Tuesday. Can you name all the prior champions in the photo? To help you, the gentleman sat 5th from the left in the front row, is Fred Ridley (Augusta National chairman). There are 31 pictured. If you can name all 31, drop me an email with the answers in row order (left to right, back, middle, front).
Kind Regards Stephen Norton General Manager
Course Report from our Course Manager - Neil Crittenden March seamed to go as quickly as it came, we thought spring had finally come with temperatures reaching 20 degrees. The team were enjoying being out cutting in just shirt sleeves only to be welcomed the next week by snow and minus figures. The grass at the moment doesn’t know if its coming or going. The Greens have recovered well from maintenance week early in the month and look forward to them getting back to their best when the weather finally warms up. The damage on the 5th is healing up slowly and we are doing are best to get this back with regular turf plugs being replaced with top dressing seed and fertiliser being added to encourage as much growth as possible. The photo shows the progress in one month.
As well as the Greens being hollow tined this year, we also managed to get most of the tees done, and by judging on the cores that were taken out its probably the first time they have been done in a long time. This was followed by a complete overseed, top dress and feed being applied. we continue to divot the tees regularly and with your help using the Divot boxes has made a big difference and going into the season will produce better stronger tees.
Overseeding As you will of noticed the post and rope has all but gone for another year and has worked very well in keeping worn areas to a minimum. The worn areas that we do have are being turfed and places that have thinned out during the winter are being overseeded to thicken them up. The overseeder makes small slots into the earth and then drops the seed into these slots at the required depth then rolls the slots shut afterwards, this ensures contact between seed and soil and correct planting depth.
The Grass Seed that we use for Tees and general overseeding (apart from greens) is a special Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass which has been specially bred by the leading grass seed house, Barenbrug. It has a faster establishment rate to other species of grass and is particularly good and thickening the sward and divot repair. This is achieved by producing stolon’s which are auxiliary buds at the base of the plant which enables the grass plant to spread sideways. On top of this it has excellent wear tolerance which will help with future wear and tear around the course. This technology doesn’t come cheap but feel it’s the best for the course going forward.
The Captain Putt Out and Drive In 2022 Each year the Captains at Birchwood Park host an event for the members in which last years captain putts out on the 18th green and the incoming captain tees off on the 10th. Below is a selection of photos from this years event. This years Captains Charity is the Freddie Farmer Foundation, please help by supporting the charity events throughout the year and by donating what you can to the donation boxes around the club. Below: 2022 Captains Duncan Anderson and Vicky Way, joined by 2021 Captains, Sue Ngethe-Hynes and Martyn Dawson.
Martyn (below left) and Sue (below right) putting out on the 18th.
Below, Duncan, Vicky and Senior's Captain Dick Gosling all taking their ceremonial drives
Finally, a quick thank you to Lexus, Sidcup for Sponsoring the event. Thank you also to Stephen Lee, Head Professional, for organising this with Lexus.
MAGIC AT THE MOVIES Friday 10th June
Join us for a night full of magic and illusion whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal, table magic, magic show & disco £40.00 PER ADULT
BOOK WITH THE EVENTS TEAM TODAY
OUR NEW MENU HAS ARRIVED!
BIRCHWOOD SEASONAL MENU
Welcome, we have a great selection of tasty breakfasts for you to choose from. Whether you choose to savour a light bite with a coffee, or tuck in to something more substantial - we look forward to serving you today... TH E C L U B HO US E *
1076 Kcal
£9 . 7 5
D OW NLOAD O UR AP P T O O R DE R N OW
S AND W E D G E 247Kcal £5.2 5
Two rashers of back bacon, Cumberland sausages, hash brown, grilled tomato, two fried eggs, flat mushroom, Heinz baked beans & toast
Bacon 240Kcal or Cumberland sausage 282Kcal
FAIR WAY * (V )
Bacon 240Kcal or Cumberland sausage 282Kcal
8 72Kcal
£8 . 5 0
Vegan sausages, grilled tomato, hash brown, two fried eggs, flat mushroom, crushed avocado, Heinz baked beans & toast
TH E GR EEN * (V E )
723Kcal
Vegan sausages, grilled tomato, hash brown, flat mushroom, crushed avocado, Heinz baked beans with a slice of ciabatta
PAR 5 * 59 8 Kcal £8 . 00 Cumberland sausage, bacon, Heinz baked beans, fried egg, flat mushroom & toast
427Kcal
£8 . 5 0
Oak smoked Scottish salmon with scrambled eggs
EG GS BEN ED ICT *
48 1Kcal
UPGRADE TO CIABATTA BREAD 311Kcal FOR £1.75
T OAS T £4.7 5
£8 . 5 0
S M O K ED SA L M ON & S CR A MBL ED EG G S * ( G F )
FLO URE D B AP 216Kcal £5.2 5
£8 . 00
Toasted muffin, British honey roast ham, poached eggs & Hollandaise sauce
WITH YOUR CHOICE OF ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Heinz baked beans 358Kcal / Flat mushroom 275 Kcal / Crushed avocado 397Kcal / Cheddar cheese 483Kcal / Scrambled egg 379Kcal / Fried egg 427Kcal / Poached egg 379Kcal / British honey roasted ham 282Kcal
T OAS T W IT H JAM (V )
T OAS T E D T E A C AKE (V ) P O RRID G E (V )
We prid e ourselv es in only serv ing free-ran ge eggs in our d ishes
339Kcal
36 1Kcal
£2 .2 5
418 Kcal
£2 .2 5
£4.2 5
Topped with seasonal berries and your choice of honey, golden syrup or maple syrup
T H E C AFÉ
R EGUL A R
L A R GE
Toasted muffin, oak smoked Scottish salmon, poached eggs & Hollandaise sauce
Americano
£2.50 5 Kcal
£2.70 10 Kcal
Cappuccino
£2.90 10 9Kcal £3.30 15 4 Kcal
C RU SHED AVO CA D O & P OAC HED EGG S * ( V ) 7 7 1 Kcal £8 . 5 0
Café Latte
£2.90 10 9Kcal £3.30 15 4 Kcal
Macchiato
£2.90 10 9Kcal £3.30 15 4 Kcal
Espresso
£2.35 5 Kcal
Hot Chocolate
£2.90 2 6 8 Kcal £3.00 30 8 Kcal
English Breakfast Tea
£2.40 0 Kcal
EG GS R O YA L E *
530Kcal
£8 . 25
Poached eggs set on crushed avocado & red onion, served on toasted ciabatta bread
BREA K FA ST EX TRA S £1 . 7 5 ADD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING TO YOUR COOKED BREAKFAST… Cumberland sausage 141Kcal / Back bacon 120Kcal / Hash brown 116Kcal / Eggs (scrambled 66Kcal, poached 66Kcal, or fried 90Kcal) / Grilled tomato 22Kcal / Flat mushroom 17Kcal / Heinz baked beans 111Kcal / Crushed avocado 160Kcal / toast 119Kcal
£2.55 10 Kcal
£3.75 0 Kcal
Herbal Tea £2.70 0 Kcal £3.75 0 Kcal (Earl Grey, Camomile, Peppermint, Green tea, Red bush, Jasmine, Lemongrass & ginger) ADD A TOASTED TEA CAKE (V) 418Kcal TO YOUR HOT DRINK FOR JUST £ 1.95
*ADD A GLASS OF EAGER FRESH JUICE 81Kcal FOR JUST £1.75 WITH EVERY COOKED BREAKFAST PURCHASE. (VARIETY OF FLAVOURS AVAILABLE) All our dishes may contain traces of nuts and other allergens. Please advise your server if you have any allergies. Full written allergy and intolerance information is available. (V) Vegetarian (VE) Vegan (GF) Gluten Free
Welcome, we have a wide range of dishes for you to choose from. So whether you’d like a few bites over a few drinks, or a full on meal - we look forward to serving you today...
D OW NLOAD O UR AP P T O O R DE R N OW
LIGHT BITES NAC HO S (V )
£7 . 2 5
886Kcal
T E MP URA P RAW NS
Topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, soured cream, guacamole & salsa Add beef chilli
298Kcal
667Kcal
Served with bread roll & butter
MIXE D G RE E N S ALAD (V )
£8 . 00
Topped with vegan cheese, jalapeños,
C H IP S (V )
guacamole & salsa Add vegan chilli
37Kcal
£7 .7 5
S O UP O F T H E DAY £6.2 5
for an extra £2.00
V EG A N N ACH O S ( V E )
317Kcal
Served with sweet chilli sauce
433Kcal
101Kcal
£3.7 5
£3.7 5
Plain or topped with rosemary or peri peri salt Add Cheddar cheese 205Kcal or Bacon 120Kcal for an extra £1.75
for an extra £2.00
BU T T ER MILK CH I CK E N G O U J O N S 424Kcal £7 . 25
G ARLIC B RE AD (V )
227Kcal
£4.0 0
Add Cheddar cheese 205Kcal or Bacon 120Kcal for an extra £1.75
Served with BBQ sauce
HOT SANDWICHES All served with Chips
J U MBO F IS H F I N G E RS SA N D WIC H 1114Kcal £1 2 . 7 5 Battered jumbo fish fingers, rocket & tartare sauce in a toasted ciabatta
CL U B S AND W IC H
1090Kcal
£1 2 .7 5
Triple layered sandwich with grilled chicken, bacon, tomato, fried egg, crispy lettuce & mayonnaise
6OZ RUMP S T E AK S AND WI CH 1158 Kcal £1 3.50 Chargrilled rump steak topped with caramelised onions, rocket & balsamic vinegar in a toasted ciabatta Add blue Stilton for an extra £1.75
SANDWICHES OA K SC OTTI S H S M O K E D SA L MO N & CRE A M CH E E S E
582Kcal
Served on malted or white bread with crisps & salad garnish
£8 .2 5
C HIC K EN M AYON N A I S E & B ACON T U NA MAYON N A I S E & CU CU M B E R
658Kcal
P RAW N MARIE RO S E £7 .7 5
690Kcal
£7 .7 5
538Kcal
£7 .7 5
C H E D DAR C H E E S E & C H UT NE Y (V ) AVO C AD O & T O MAT O (V )
593Kcal
599Kcal
£7 .50
£7.25
CLASSICS FI SH & C HIP S
719Kcal
G O LFE R’S B RUNC H
£1 4. 00
S CA MP I & C HIP S
906Kcal
£1 4 . 00
T H RE E E G G O ME LE T T E
Breaded scampi served with chips, peas & tartare sauce
C HIC K EN T IK KA M A S A L A
937Kcal
£1 0. 00
£8 .50
168Kcal
£7 .50
Served with salad garnish & 1 filling of your choice
Served with basmati rice & naan bread 682Kcal
518Kcal
Choose 2 fillings: Cheddar cheese (v) 82Kcal Tomato (v) 11Kcal / Mushrooms (v) 28Kcal / Onion (v) 40Kcal British honey roasted ham 70Kcal
JAC KE T P O TAT O (G F)
C A MBO D IA N V E G E TA B L E C U R R Y (V ) (V E ) 674Kcal £1 0. 00 £1 1 . 00
British honey roasted ham with two fried eggs & chips
£9.50
Served with chips & salad
Served with basmati rice & naan bread
HA M, EGGS & CH I P S
840Kcal
Two rashers of bacon, Heinz baked beans, grilled tomato, Cumberland sausage, fried egg & chips
Hand battered fillet of cod served with chips, peas & tartare sauce
Choose from: Tuna mayonnaise 250Kcal Heinz baked beans (v) 111Kcal / Cheddar cheese (v) 123Kcal Chicken mayonnaise & bacon 452Kcal / Beef chilli 299Kcal Vegan chilli (ve) 37Kcal Add an extra filling £2.00
SALADS C L A SSIC C A ESA R S A L A D S M A L L 210Kcal £7. 25 L A R G E 327Kcal £1 0 .25
TUNA NIC O IS E S ALAD S MALL 281 Kcal £8 .50 L ARGE 357Kcal £1 1 .0 0
S UP E RFO O D S ALAD (V ) SM ALL 329Kcal £7.50 LARGE 576Kcal £10.50
Crispy cos lettuce, croutons, Parmesan shavings, anchovies & Caesar dressing
Grilled fillet of tuna, boiled egg, green beans, olives, tomato, red onion & mixed leaves
Baby spinach, rocket, crushed avocado, goat’s cheese, bean sprouts, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, baby beetroot & lemon dressing
Add Chicken 281Kcal, Prawn 68Kcal or Salmon 205Kcal for £3.00
VEGAN SUP ERFO OD SALAD (VE) AVAI L A B L E SM ALL 229Kcal / LARGE 409Kcal
BURGERS Served with chips & relish BAC O N & C HEE S E B U RG E R 1070Kcal £1 2 . 50
CA J U N C H IC KE N B URG E R £1 2. 5 0
Beef burger in toasted brioche bun with bacon, cheese, crispy lettuce, tomato & gherkin
Cajun chicken breast in a toasted brioche bun with crispy lettuce, tomato & gherkin
921Kcal
V E G AN B URG E R (V ) (V E ) £1 2 .50
923Kcal
Moving Mountain vegan burger in a toasted pretzel bun with vegan cheese, chargrilled red pepper, tomato, red onion & gherkin
ADD A TOPPING TO ANY BURGER FOR £1.75 Choose from: Bacon 120Kcal / Fried egg 90Kcal Crushed avocado (v) 80Kcal / Cheddar cheese (v) 82Kcal
D E S S E R T S £6.00 Please ask for today’s menu
All our dishes may contain traces of nuts and other allergens. Please advise your server if you have any allergies. Full written allergy and intolerance information is available.
(V) Vegetarian (VE) Vegan (GF) Gluten Free