A note from Nick...
There is a real sense of anticipation for the start of the ‘2023 golf season’. The club team and your section and club committees have been working hard to create a comprehensive programme of golf and social events and we feel there is certainly something for everyone as the season gets underway.
Almost all our winter projects have now been completed and we hope you see and feel the differences both on and off the golf courses.
Since our last printed newsletter, we have welcomed in our new captains – Richard Smith, Jane Anderson and James Bould. We have also said a heartfelt and sincere ‘thank you’ to Andrew Crofts, Linzi Anderson and Ben Wilson.
The Club Q&A, held at the end of January, was well received and supported by members who attended. The AGMs were seamless, and, under huge pressure, many members witnessed three cracking shots up the 18th of the New Course for the Captains Drive In.
This year’s Captains Charity is RASASC – a Guildford based charity of which Jane Anderson is a Trustee, that supports both men and women who have been victims of sexual assault. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities to help raise funds for this important cause that affects so many of our families and friends.
In this latest edition of the Club Newsletter, members will read content from Rob Surgey, Darren Wood and Stuart Barr – covering a wide range of topics from recent project and maintenance work, mixed tee handicap calculations, tree pollarding, online food ordering for the halfway houses and much more.
In the meantime, the clocks have now moved to BST, The Masters is around the corner and our Spring Meetings are just a few weeks away.
In this edition:
• A note from Nick...
Nick Moran, General Manager
• Golf Operations Update
Darren Wood, Head of Golf Operations
• Golf Courses Update
Rob Surgey, Senior Course Manager
• Clubhouse Update
Stuart Barr, Head of Clubhouse Operations
I hope you enjoy the read of this bumper new season edition!
Pro Shop
We are delighted with the outcome of the 8-week project to refurbish our Pro Shop. The new shop has 50% more retail space than previously and stocks a range of varied and high quality, often club crested apparel from brands including; Peter Millar, Oscar Jacobson, Green Lamb, Footjoy, Sketchers and J Lindeberg.
personal batteries and not leaving personal belongs on top of lockers. Members who store their own trolley (room 3) will need to clean and collapse their trolley after use.
The former badminton court (current trolley store) will be taken out of action by 1st May 2023 giving members time to move over and remove their belongings.
Bag & Trolley Store
The bag store is almost ready to go with some final work to be completed before it is handed over. We expect to open this great addition in early April.
The former stables have been reimagined having laid empty for more than 30 years. We have taken reasonable steps to secure the buildings, including; monitored security alarm, membership card access, CCTV and an overnight ‘dead lock’.
There are some ‘rules’ that will be published to safeguard the rooms including; not charging
*As demand grows, we have options to increase the number of lockers and the supply of Mottocaddy trolleys.
The Golf Operations team will be maintaining the new store and members wishing to hire a locker, rent a trolley or store their own trolley are advised to consult with Helen Firman or Paul Williams directly.
Please see some before, during and after pictures on the next page!
CCTV
Members may have noticed a number of additional CCTV cameras being installed around the club and grounds. The previous system worked on old technology and the new hightech system will enable us to record images to a DVD or to view images remotely – via a PC or smart phone. The car park will receive some extra coverage, as will the driving range, teaching studios, Pro Shop, buggy, bag, trolley stores and halfway houses.
Reservoir
We are pleased to inform members that our reservoir is currently full to the brim containing 40,000m3 of water ready for the season ahead. To conserve supplies we will be a little more selective with fairway irrigation in the early season and will hold more back for periods of extreme heat later in the summer. Greens, aprons, surrounds, tees and approaches will be a constant focus.
We have completed the paperwork for the second reservoir planning application but have some challenges to overcome around the ‘Reservoir Act’ which seeks greater analysis for large pools of water to protect local areas from the risk of flooding. Once we have completed this work and planning has gone into Elmbridge, we will update members.
Open Play / Tee Booking
To confirm, we will maintain our current approach to tee booking and open play (rock up) golf. As members may be aware, when recently looking at 25 local competitor clubs only three operated ‘open play’ all day, five operated a hybrid model and the vast majority had stayed with, or moved to, ‘tee booking only’.
Checking In, Bag Tags & Member Photos
As a polite reminder can members get into a good rhythm by doing the following:
• Have an up-to-date passport style photo loaded onto the Elite booking/membership system
• Check in at the Pro Shop before each round
• Display a current bag tag
• Ensure all guests pay for their round (and collect a bag tag) prior to play
• Cancel any unwanted times promptly
Bereavements
Members will be saddened to learn about the recent passing of Mr Stephen Basham, Mrs Nan (Agnes) Mercer and Mrs Helen Sage. Stephen joined Burhill GC in 2009 as was the brother of long-standing member David Basham. Nan passed away shortly after her 99th birthday. Nan joined Burhill in 1975 and was our Lady Captain in 1986. Helen also joined in 1975, was a very proactive member and was still playing up until last year. Our condolences go out to their families and friends.
Buggy Compound
In late April we are due to ‘sparkle’ the buggy compound to improve its aesthetics and security. The work should not be too intrusive for members and will include: improved guttering and roofing, removal of ivy/vegetation, new roller shutter doors, fresh paintwork, and new LED lighting.
Range Targets
Later in Q2 we expect to re-design and construct range targets. We also intend to upgrade the internal range lighting to LED, provide a toilet in the range building and improve the flooring and matwells.
Planters
To improve the sense of arrival near Golf Reception and to protect members coming in and out of the new bag and trolley storerooms we will place a few attractive planters along the front.
Overflow Parking/ Field
Members are requested not to use the field behind the former Artisan Clubhouse for practice purposes.
Range & Teaching Bays
Can I please remind members not to use the Teaching Bays (near the Short Game area) for general practice.
Food Pricing
Members will have read media reports (and noticed in their own shopping baskets) that food inflation is still running at over 16% for the year to February. We feel that a club like Burhill GC should not compromise on ingredients and taste, so we elect to support quality local suppliers where possible. After the 10% discount, the cost of our menu represents both choice and value.
Sustainability
I am keen to hear from members who may have ideas to support our sustainability initiatives – that they may have adopted at home, through work or from other organisations. Over the coming months we are planning to change the fluorescent lighting in the greenkeeping sheds, cellar, buggy compound and driving range. And, where possible, to add PIRs to many fittings.
See you on the fairways soon!
Regards,
Nick Moran
Golf Operations Update
Darren Wood, Head of Golf Operations
d.wood@burhillgolf-club.co.uk
New Professional Shop
We were excited to open our doors to members on Wednesday 8th March. Thank you to our Captains, Richard Smith and Jane Anderson, for cutting the ribbon. Our new and expanded shop has allowed us to increase our brand offering which now includes Peter Millar, Green Lamb, Shot Scope, G/Fore and ECCO golf shoes. Please visit the Pro shop to see the latest golf clothing and products.
Members are reminded that they will receive a 5% discount on clothing items when using your MDC card and we will price match authorised retailers for golf clubs, bags and shoes.
Custom Fitting Events
We have hosted three successful fitting events so far this year with Titleist, Ping and TaylorMade.
Our next event will be on 6th April when Yonex visit Burhill with the new I-Tech range of products, between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Please contact the Professional Shop to book.
Mens Roll Up Times
On 24th March, Captain Richard Smith made mention of roll up times that are available to all members in his Friday Newsletter. If you are seeking a game, please meet other members in the bar at the following times (see right).
Understanding Mixed & Multi-Tee Events
How are handicap allowances and any other adjustments applied in an 18-hole mixed/ multi-tee event?
• The WHS facilitates play between golfers of any gender, ability, or age, as players can compete for the same prize in a competition playing from any rated set of tees
• When playing in an 18-hole mixed or multi-tee event, whatever the format of play, the first step is for each player to calculate their own individual course handicap
• Next, the applicable handicap allowance for the format of play is applied to the course handicap, giving the player their playing handicap
• Next, those players playing from a set of tees with a higher course rating add additional strokes to their playing handicap – equal to the difference between the course rating of the tees they are playing from, and the tees being played with the lowest course rating
• In four-ball formats, strokes are only allocated after each player has calculated their individual playing handicap. Strokes are then taken from the player with the lowest playing handicap
• In foursomes, any adjustment for the difference in course ratings would be half of the combined adjustment for each side
When a competition is played from two or more sets of tees – whether that is mixed gender or for those of different abilities –and depending on the format of play “and any difference in course ratings between tees” then extra strokes might need to be added to a playing handicap “for equity purposes”.
Stableford
18-hole rounds: This is done by working out the number of points that are required for all players to ‘play to handicap’, and it needs to be calculated from each ‘appliable’ set of tees.
Rule 6.2b (ii) that reveals that ‘those players requiring the highest number of points to ‘play to handicap’ receive no additional strokes to the standard calculation of their ‘playing handicap’.
So, this time, the strokes are added in this way: Playing handicap = (course handicap x handicap allowance) + difference in number of points required to ‘play to handicap’ (highest to lowest).
9-hole rounds: Remember that we’re comparing the total number of points for the round up against those of every other player, so in this case, Rule 6.2b (iii) reveals that ‘no additional strokes are applied to the standard calculation of the Playing Handicap when the par is different between tees.’
Stroke Play and Match Play Formats –With Results Recorded As Either Gross or Nett Scores
For 18-hole rounds: A player who competes from a set of tees with a higher course rating receives extra strokes for the round, and that’s ‘equal to the difference between the course rating of the tees they are playing and the tees with the lowest course rating’.
Those strokes are added to a Playing Handicap, and the Rule shows that in a formula which is: Playing Handicap = (course allowance x handicap allowances) + difference in course ratings.
For 9-hole rounds: There’s a change here. This time, it is the player competition from tees with a ‘higher par’ that must receive the extra strokes and that’s ‘equal to the difference between the par of the tees they are playing and the tees with the lowest par’. Again, the alternative outlined above can apply here to the par.
Ready Golf & Pace of Play
A number of members have asked me to provide a quick reminder about Ready Golf & Pace of Play. The list below is aimed at stroke play but where match play can adopt some similar general principles to playing more quickly
Ready Golf:
• Play as soon as it is safe to do so
• First to the tee goes first
• Keep your practice routine short and
avoid lots of unnecessary practice swings
• Let the shorter hitters tee off first
• Hit your ball before helping to search for one
• If you think your original ball is lost, play a provisional
• Assess your next shot in good time and don’t delay
• Position your bag/trolley/buggy to allow quick movement off the green
• Putt when you’re ready
• Mark your card at the next tee
Generally, speed of play has been good over the last few months. Please always keep up with the group in front of you and if you do lose ground on the group in front, please let the group behind you pass.
Target Times
Set out below are target times for completing 18 holes in competitions. In general play, groups are expected to be ahead of these target times. (We accept that a 2-ball following 3 or 4 ball groups may not achieve the target time).
Board Competitions, General Play Scores & IG Screen
Members can enter all board competitions if they have a minimum of five scorecards within the last year on their handicap record. Although cards can be entered directly on to the England Golf WHS platform, these cards do not show on Intelligent Golf and therefore we ask that members enter their cards directly on to IG if they intend to play in board competitions.
Entry forms, Competition Rules and Price Points will be available via the club website, or can be printed/collected at reception.
Scorecards can be entered directly on to your IG app or using the IG screen. If you require any assistance, then please speak to one of the team in the shop.
Mens Old Course Stroke Indexes
We are pleased to confirm that the men’s stroke indexes on the Old Course will change from Saturday 1st April. After various debates and many months of analysis at the men’s committee meetings the below stroke indexes were agreed. Thank you to committee member Peter Cummins for all his work looking at various statistics such as hole scoring averages and looking at the R&A guidelines, which helped to complete this work. The new scorecards are now available from the Pro Shop.
visitors are permitted to play at Burhill.
Member guests can now play Monday – Sunday from 10:00am and visitors from 11:00am. Guests will cost £50.00 Monday – Thursday and £60.00 Friday – Sunday.
Members are reminded to respect the rules when bringing guests. Guests are not permitted to play before these times, and you can only bring the same guest up to a maximum of six times per year. These rules allow us to protect your membership, therefore giving you a more enjoyable time when you are using the club.
Two Ball Slots
We have reserved some two ball slots on the following dates through April; From 7:30am (3 times) - Every Tuesday through April
From 7:30am (4 times) - Sunday 2nd April & Sunday 16th April
Our new scorecards will also now feature a QR code making it a lot easier for members to check their playing handicaps.
Member Guests: Pricing & Timing
From 1st April we have slightly amended the times that members can bring guests and when
Tee Time Bookings For Club Competitions
Members can reserve tee times up to two weeks in advance for any knockout competitions. Please contact the Pro Shop to make your arrangements.
Member Bring A Guest Day - Diary Date
Following last year’s success, the club will allow members to ‘bring a complimentary guest’ on Friday 25th August 2023. More details and booking arrangements will be released near the time.
Defribrillator & First Aid Kit Locations
As a useful reminder, the club has several defibrillators and first aid kits located around the club, courses and grounds. All marshals, Pro Shop team, several greenkeepers and other clubhouse/admin staff have received Emergency First Aid at Work training over the winter period. The location of defibs and first aid kits are;
• Halfway house on both courses
• Marshals buggy
• Clubhouse
Health & Safety: WHAT3WORDS
Have you downloaded the free App WHAT3WORDS to your smart phone? The free app is a geocode system that uses 3 unique words to pinpoint any place on earth, accurate to 3 square meters. We use this to identify our dfefibrillator locations, and, in the event of emergency, we can provide a WHAT3WORD reference to the Emergency Services that will promote faster first aid treatment.
Sammy Haywood PGA & The London Marathon
We are pleased to confirm that Sammy Haywood has competed his Level 1 Golf Coaching through the PGA allowing him to now assist our qualified coaches with our junior coaching programs. Sammy is also halfway through the first year of his PGA Foundation Degree and I am sure you will join me in wishing him luck as he nears the end of the first year.
Sammy is also competing in the London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April in aid of the British Heart Foundation. If you would like to sponsor Sammy, please follow this link to his page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ sammy-haywood
Best wishes,
Darren WoodEntry forms, Competition Rules and Price Points will be available via the club website, or can be printed/collected at reception.
Golf Courses Update
Rob
Surgey, Senior Course Manager
r.surgey@burhillgolf-club.co.uk
Old Course Bunker Renovation Programme
We have completed the reconstruction of the bunkers on hole 2 and 16 of the Old Course. This has been completed ahead of schedule and we are waiting for the turf to knit before we add the sand.
All the bunkers have been slighty re-shaped, new drainage added and Bunker Blinder liner installed.
Pollarding
Part of our woodland management strategy has been to use a pollarding technique on several large lime trees behind the 16th green on the Old Course. Over the next 2-3 years we expect the trees to re-grow in more of a manageable lollipop shape.
Woodland Management
Over the past few months we have been clearing the vegatation from under tree lines. The 18th greenside on the Old Course has been cleared along with substanitial clearance in the woods between the 1st and 9th tees. The plan is to keep these areas clear and continue to work our way around the course over the next few winters.
Ditch Removal - 16th New Course
We have recently removed the two ditches to the right of the 16th hole adjacent to the tree on the 16th hole of the New Course. This will allow us to cut the rough closer to the river bank and move the out of bounds further towards the river.
Fairway & Apron Scarification
The fairways and aprons have been scarified and debris collected. This takes out unwanted organic matter and helps keep the sward healthier. We will be fertilizing all the fairways and aprons over the coming weeks when conditions allow.
Irrigation Start Up
The irrigation system on both courses has been started up. Every head is checked on all surfaces and a report submitted so that any issues can be rectified.
Greens Maintenance
The spring maintenance on the greens has taken place on both courses. Over the past few weeks we have double scarified, topdressed and solid tined all the greens. The picture above shows how much organic matter we have taken out of each green. This helps to keep them healthy and enhances their firmness.
Tee Markers
We have begun to sand down and paint up the tee markers. They were in a poor state and the team have been busy during the wet weather to get them ready for the start of the main playing season.
Tee Signage & Mow Over Discs
As Darren mentioned earlier, the new stroke indexes for the Old Course will go live from the 1st of April and we are in the process of updating the course signage. The signage will be made from high quality ‘Proplex’ – made from recycled materials in wood effect to aid longevity.
My team and I hope you all enjoy the improvements made and wish you all ‘good luck’ for a successful start to the season.
Many Thanks
Rob Surgeyprepared a wonderful black pudding scotch egg! Specials will be available on a weekly basis as we try to offer as much choice to members and your guests as possible. I have been asked whether a bacon bap or sausage sandwich can be enjoyed all day or a portion of chips before 11am. We are more than happy to do this if the kitchen is open, feel free to ask one of the team.
The Masters Specials
David Hanlon has been looking at the Champions Dinner Menus, traditionally served on the Tuesday night before the Tournament gets underway. From the 5th April our Masters Fusion Specials will include;
Clubhouse Update
Stuart Barr, Head of Clubhouse Operations
s.barr@burhillgolf-club.co.uk
Welcome to the April edition of the newsletter for the clubhouse. We have been working hard to get the clubhouse ship shape with various maintenance projects including; cleaning of the main building and patio, painting various areas of the club and deep cleaning the halfway huts.
We have just completed two sets of training for our front of house team members to standardise procedures so we can deliver the best service possible to members.
Kasia, Rachid and Daniel have all passed their exam to become Personal Licence holders so I am sure you will join me in congratulating them on their achievements.
I am also delighted to announce that some familiar faces have returned to work at Burhill - Janine and Emily worked with us in 2022 and are now back with us.
New Bar Menu
The new menu has been launched in the bar for the new season, I do hope you are enjoying it. We have added sharing platters, Burhill Golf Club ‘classics’ like the sausage roll and David Hanlon has
• Firecracker Shrimp, Sriracha Mayo Scottie Scheffler 2023
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders A Masters favourite
• Cheeseburger Sliders Scottie Scheffler 2023
• Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich Tiger Woods’ favourite sandwich
• Buttermilk and Cajun Chicken Sandwich Tiger Woods 1998
• Jack Daniels Steak Sandwich, Tabasco Onions and Cheesy Dirty fries (David Hanlon’s twist on Tiger Woods’ Porterhouse steak dish)
• Apple Crumble and Custard Danny Willett 2017
Sunday Carvery
One of the staples of Burhill Golf Club is our traditional Sunday Carvery. This runs from early October and in 2023 will end for the summer after the Kings Coronation Carvery on 7th May. We have recently entertained over 100 members and their guests at the Mother’s Day Carvery and tables are already filling up fast for the Easter Sunday Carvery. I was surprised to find some of our newer members were not aware of the carvery - please come and give it a try!
Guinness 0% & Other Non-Alcholic Options
We have been delighted with the number of members enjoying Guinness 0.0% especially that now we have one-pint cans! This adds to a Heineken 0%, and non-alcoholic white wine on our list in addition to our various soft drinks.
App Ordering For Halfway Houses
I have recently been working to re-instate being able to pre-order food and drink from the halfway houses via the Elite Live app. From Monday 3rd April, a range of food, drink and snacks will be on offer to purchase and will be ready for collection once you have reached the houses.
Best Regards
Stuart BarrDates For The Diary
Other Dates For Your Diary
• Easter Sunday Carvery – Sunday 9th April
• Members Curry Night – Friday 28th April
• Surrey County Card event – Wednesday 3rd May
• The King’s Coronation Carvery – Sunday 7th May
• The Burhill Scratch Open – Wednesday 17th May
• A Night at The Races – Friday 19th May
For more information about forthcoming club events please contact Stacey or Jess in the Sales Office.
