MEMBER NEWS
General Managers Update
Hi everyone! I'm now 3 weeks into being at Hoebridge full time and am really enjoying being here. I'm gradually getting to recognise a few of your faces and look forward to meeting more of you as the weeks go on.
The Management Committee meeting in May, and the Ladies committee meeting at the start of June gave me a chance to introduce myself to the main committee members and start to open up conversations around topics that are important to you. One of the main items of feedback that has been made to me is pace of play and the Golf Course being marshalled into the evening. Myself and the team had also appreciated the need for increasing the hours that our Courses are marshalled. As such we have employed 2 new marshals; Steve and Matt, who started with us at the end of May. With these additional 2 in place we will have marshal coverage from early morning all the way through into the evening. Thereby allowing us to check cards and encourage good pace of play throughout the day. Whilst a strong Marshalling team is vital in helping to keep our Courses moving, we also require your support. Please ensure you are keeping up with the group in front, are playing when you are ready to do so, and are encouraging those within your group to not drop back. Having been out on all 3 Course's with Barry, can I ask for some further support please? I am really happy with the overall condition of the Courses but have noticed on a number of occasions already that bunkers aren't getting raked and pitchmarks aren't being repaired. Whilst we fully appreciate that our Courses are also busy with visitor rounds, from the time of day that we are seeing bunkers unraked we know that our visitors are not the only culprits. We will ensure that we have plenty of rakes in the bunkers, but we need you to help us to help you! If everyone does their bit then together we will notice a difference.
This years Club Championship took place on Saturday 11th June and Sunday 12th June. It was a brilliant weekend, and I hope you agree with me that the Course looked great and was playing really well. The Sun made an appearance across both days which made for an even better weekend. A huge well done to this years Club Champion Rod Gallagher!!! With a Handicap of 6.0 Rod shot a combined score of 158 across the weekend to with the Club Championship by 1 shot! Adrian Stojanovic came in 2nd place with Laks Appalakondiah finishing off the top 3. The Salver Cup was won by Lawrence Long (27 handicap) who shot nett 138 beating Sutan Ganeshalagham (12 handicap) who also shot nett 138 but lost on a count back of the last nine holes. Congratulations to everyone who took part. Back in May I was very fortunate to visit the Winery that produces our Prosecco - Ruggeri.
We spent the day with their team, visiting the vineyards and touring the factory. It was clear the passion that they put into making their prosecco, and this comes through in the taste. Ruggeri is a family run winery based in the Valdobbiadene region of northern Italy. This region is the main prosecco making region of Italy and Ruggeri work with 100's of local farmers all of whom hand pick their grapes during harvest. Based on their long history of producing prosecco within the region, the relationships they have built mean that they are able to pick the best of the best grapes during harvest. We are very lucky to work with suppliers who understand the importance of us as buyers knowing the provenance of what we are selling. All of our wines that we sell at Hoebridge are handpicked for us by our long standing Brand Manager. I can personally recommend our Prosecco, not just for its delicious taste, but the values that Ruggeri produce it by.
Go on, treat yourself to a bottle when you're next in! A reminder that you can get 10% off of all food and drink in our bar and restaurant when using your members card. Simply top your card up with levy at the bar or via the app, and then use this to pay for your items whilst automatically receiving the discount. (So, if prosecco isn't your thing, then there's no excuse for not having a pint or soft drink following your round!!!) Whilst out in Italy, I also enjoyed a round at the beautiful Golf Club Ca' Amata, located about 1 hour from Venice. Despite losing 3 balls to the water, it was a wonderfully sunny round and enjoyed by all. Talking of golf I'm looking forward to joining the committee on their golf away day next month. I will also be out joining you for your Charity Day in July as well as for your Past Captains Day in August. I apologise for my game in advance!!! This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Hoebridge Golf Centre. We'll be celebrating across the Summer and with many of you at the Past Captains Day. I'm very excited to be organising this special event with you all. I'm sure it will be a brilliant day of celebration. In this months newsletter we have an update from Barry (Course Manager), how to repair a pitchmark and information on our emergency 1st aid procedure. As well as a welcome from Tristan (Head Chef), including a very tasty dessert for you to try, and an introduction to our team featuring Desi (Front of House Manager). See you soon. Sarah Blunden General Manager
Course Update Hello all We hope you are all enjoying your golf and the courses. The team have been non stop with standard maintenance of the playing surfaces but also working on the smaller details around the sites. There is still so much to do but I feel we are starting to make some headway.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to smarten the greens up with new hole cups, pins and flags, as we are still waiting on the delivery. They have been on order for a while now and are due any day. When they get here we'll be replacing the flags out on the course as well as putting holes back into the practice putting green. On a similar note we will be upgrading our tee markers to granite blocks later on this summer. Sarah and I have been discussing trying to organise a members fairway divotting party and it would be amazing if we could get enough volunteers, 30-40, to make it a quick process. The idea would be to start from 5.30pm one evening and with a bucket in hand we would walk side by side along each fairway and aim to fill as many divots as possible, a trailer carrying a large load of divot mix would be drive along to allow buckets to be topped up as required. This can be a very social event and the rewards would be some refreshments, nibbles and a warm feeling knowing you are doing your part to improve the course, after all it is your course too. If you are interested in doing your bit and to see if it is viable, we will place some forms on the notice boards for a week or so and if enough interest is shown then we can confirm a date. We are also investigating the logistics of the Divot bag set up, which consist of material bags filled with divot mix and can be positioned on the tee so that golfers can carry it or attach it to their bag/trolley and fill as many divots on that hole as the bag will allow. www.divotbag.co.uk Now for some housekeeping, sorry!! We have invested in more bunker rakes so that the larger bunkers have 3-4 in them, thereby ensuring that a rake is easily accessible to everyone. We would, therefore, ask if golfers can rake their footprints please! Here is a bit of light reading in regard to Bunker consistency and the challenges Greenkeepers face in this pursuit. https://www.usga.org/course-care/forethegolfer/bunker-consistency--can-youhandle-the-truth-.html That's all for now, regards Barry Gardner Course Manager
How to repair a Pitchmark
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Take your ball mark repair tool and insert the prongs into the turf at the edge of the depression. Do not insert the prongs into the depression itself, but rather the rim of the depression.
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Pushing the bottom of the depression upwards only tears the roots and can kill the grass.
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Then push the edge of the ball mark towards the centre, using the ball mark repair tool in a gentle twisting motion.
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Work around the ball mark until its filled in. Then use your putter to lightly tap the area to smooth any remaining marks.
Together we can make a difference.
Thank you!
Defibrillator and 1st Aid Procedure
We all hope that the worst will never happen and that we will never need to use the defibrillator. However, it is vital that should there be a need for it to be used that you are aware of how to contact us and that we are able to get out to the golfer as soon as possible. Hoebridge currently has 2 defibrillators located on site. One in the Pro Shop and one in the Gym. Emergency Procedure when you are on the golf course If you require help whilst on the golf course: 1. Call 999 and provide your location and the emergency 2. Immediately administer first aid if you are able to do so 3. Call the main Hoebridge number on 01483 722611 4. If a Marshal is visible wave the Marshal down 5. Inform the staff team of the nature of the emergency and whether a defibrillator is needed 6. Inform the staff team which hole you are on and whether this is on the Main, Shey or Par 3 Course 7. The staff team will call 999 even if you already have in order to give clear instructions on how to get to the golfer 8. The staff team will be out with you on the golf course as soon as possible
As a staff team, we communicate across departments via walkie talkies. We will therefore very quickly get the support and help needed out to you. We recommend downloading the 'What3Words' app, which will help give a precise location to emergency services if you are unsure where on the course you are www.what3words.com As we head into the summer months make sure you are keeping well hydrated whilst out on the Course and tell your playing partners if you are feeling unwell. We will always happily arrange for a buggy to come and pick you up and bring you back to the clubhouse. Finally, please ensure you save the main clubhouse phone number into your phone in case it is needed in an emergency (01483 722611). The number can also be found on our score cards.
Tristan Green - Head Chef Hello members! Firstly I’d like to introduce myself to you all as the new Head Chef at Hoebridge. I was born and raised on the east coast of Canada, and have lived in England and around this area for the last 13 years. I was drawn into the culinary world when I was volunteering with the Shuswap Indian Band in British Columbia, Canada. Experiencing cooking for hundreds of people and using whole Chinook salmon and Elk brought me into a world I have never left since!
I’m very passionate about ingredients and teaching junior chefs, and spent a lot of time investing into my team. My background is working at top hotels, high end gastro pubs, and even vegan restaurants. I’m new to the golf world but see a lot of potential in increasing our offering at this club and event space. I look forward to the future at Hoebridge and am building a strong team to bring our vision into action here! Tristan Green Head Chef
Recipe of the Month Strawberry & Rosewater Jelly with Tonka Bean Pannacotta
This dessert is a favourite of mine, as it showcases British strawberries at their best with some really complex flavours that will wow any dinner guests!
Strawberry & rosewater jelly, Tonka Bean Pannacotta (serves 4-6) Strawberry & Rosewater Jelly - 8 strawberries, hulled - 80g caster sugar - 500ml water - 2 drops rosewater - 5 gelatine leaves (soaked in cold water) Boil the strawberries, caster sugar and water together until the strawberries turn white, and all the flavour has been extracted into the water, drain into a fresh pan and add rosewater. Add in the bloomed gelatine and stir. Remove from heat, and set in bowls or glasses in the fridge Tonka Bean Pannacotta - 225ml Double Cream - 150mL Whole Milk - 1.75 gelatine leaves (soaked in cold water) - 70g Caster Sugar - 1 Tonka Bean (finely grated, or microplaned) - 4 coffee beans Bring all the ingredients except the gelatine to a simmer and let it brew on a very low heat for 10 minutes. Add in the gelatine and bring to boil quickly. Cool in bowl over iced water, once cooled you can pour on top of the strawberry jellies (Just make sure its cool enough not to melt them!) Let these chill in the fridge for minimum of 4 hours or until set fully, and top with fresh British strawberries and some mint leaves! A luxurious taste of British summer time! Enjoy!
2022 events at hoebridge
MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT
THURSDAY 18th AUG Two-course meal & a night full of mystery at our killer at the Casino theme. £35 per person. 7pm.
CURRY & QUIZ NIGHT
Lorem 1ST ipsum THURSDAY SEP Test your knowledge at our fun quiz night! £14.95 per person. 7pm.
TINA TURNER TRIBUTE FRIDAY 23RD SEP It’s ‘simply the best’ tribute act around and Includes a two-course meal & lots of dancing! £36.95 per person. 7pm.
QUEEN TRIBUTE FRIDAY 21ST OcT ‘We will rock you’ at our Queen tribute night! Delicious buffet & all the hits! £39.95 per person. 7pm.
FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE
FRIDAY 18th nov Enjoy singing along to all the top hits with a two-course meal. £44.95 per person. 7pm.
CURRY & QUIZ NIGHT Tuesday 4th oct Test your knowledge at our fun quiz night! £14.95 per person. 7pm.
CASINO NIGHT SATURDAY 12TH NOV All the fun & excitement of a casino experience brought to YOU! Including canapé & arrival drink. Adults £34.95. 7pm.
ABBA TRIBUTE WEDNESDAY 14TH DEC Fancy being a ‘Super Trouper’ for the night? Including a three-course meal. Adults £49.95. 7pm.
Meet the Team Each month we'll introduce you to our team members who all work hard across their departments to ensure a smooth running of your Golf Club, and provide you with a warm and friendly welcome. This month we are introducing you to Desi, our Front of House Manager. As Desi approaches her 12 month anniversary of working with us, we want to thank her for all her hard work and her never ending smiles and energy. She is a joy to work with, and we hope she brings a smile to your face when you join us for a drink or a bite to eat after your round.
Desi Evlogieva - Front of House Manager Hello everyone, I would like to take the opportunity for you to get to know a little bit more about myself. As you will know my name is Desi and I have been the Front of House Manager for nearly a year now, I’m the big bundle of energy whizzing round the café bar! (I'm the one on the right in this photo!)
I am responsible for the overall running of the Café Bar, Range Bar and Adventure Golf. One of my favourite things, about my job, is looking after all our wonderful members and guests, putting a smile on their face is very rewarding. I love working closely with the F&B team, training and developing them to provide the best service to you, our members. If I’m not behind the bar I’m often out on the course playing, I am a keen golfer and recently received my handicap of 44.9. As a result I am very much looking forward to the playing in some competitions this Summer, in particular Charity Day where we will be entering a F&B team for the first time ever! I thoroughly enjoy the main course although you can often catch me playing the Shey after work, usually rummaging around for my ball amongst the trees on the 6th! I also enjoy playing other sports such as Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball which are all quite popular in my home country of Bulgaria. Although I don’t get as much time to play these sports, I often pick them up when I back visiting home. I am looking forward to a nice busy Summer season here at Hoebridge, working hard to keep everyone upbeat and feeling a part of the Hoebridge family. I want to always keep improving the food, drink and service that we offer, so any feedback is always welcomed, especially positive! See you soon!