AN UPDATE FROM...
Theresa Plimmer General Manager
How have we finished the first quarter of the year already!
2025 has zipped by and the golfing season is right around the corner!
We have a few things to report on so happy reading!
Members appreciation nights are back!
At the Range – Tuesday 15th April. FREE
https://ibookedonline.com/ramsdale-park-golf-centre/ events/trackman-member-range-night
From 6pm-9pm the range is members only where you will get free balls, free hot food and competitions.
It’s a great event and lots of fun. Book on as a singular player and we match you up – or book for a group. Please let us know which members you are booking for.
The competition entry is £5.00 each and gets paid straight back out in shop vouchers to the winners. Not just serious golf competitions – but some fun ones too! Golf pros will be available and a committee member to answer any questions you may have!
Quiz night – FREE FOOD
Friday 25th April£10.00 per team.
Maximum six per team all paid back in prizes!
https:// ibookedonline.com/ ramsdale-park-golf-centre/events/member-quiz-night
Free hot meal for members included. Again, it is just a bit of fun and our lovely lady member Carole will be hosting.
It is worth bringing a couple of quid as there will be impromptu quizzes like stickies etc.
Greens maintenance plans 2025
We will be doing three major maintenance operations at key points during the year and to supplement this, additional minor operations in between.
The timing of the monthly, minor operations shall be decided nearer the time depending on play, competitions, and weather conditions.
January – March, main spring maintenance week (weather & ground conditions permitting) timing to be decided at the time due to unpredictability of ground and weather conditions.
• Deep & shallow aeration
• Heavy sand top dressing
• 9 holes closed per day
• Aeration on tees and aprons as well
March/April
• Deep aeration
• Micro hollow coring/Scarifying/Verti-cutting
• Medium sand top dressing
May
• Shallow aeration
• Verti-cutting
• Light top dressing
June
• Deep aeration
• Light scarification
• Verti-cutting
• Light top dressing
July
• Verti-cutting
• Light top dressing
August, main summer maintenance week. Seely w/c 4th August. Lee w/c 11th / 18th August (date to be finalised).
• Deep aeration
• Deep scarifying
• Overseeding
• Light top dressing
• 9 holes closed per day
• Aeration on tees and aprons as well
September
• Light top dressing
October, main autumn maintenance week – Seely w/c 13th October. Lee w/c 7th October.
• Deep aeration
• Deep hollow coring
• Heavy sand top dressing
• 9 holes closed per day
• Aeration on tees and aprons as well
November
• Deep aeration if possible
• Light sand dressing if possible
December
• Deep aeration if possible
• Light sand dressing if possible
COURSE REPORT
Johnny Evans Course Manager
Dear Members & Guests,
After what has seemed like a long and cold winter we are gradually transitioning to Spring. January was quite wet, so not the best start to the year, however, February and March have been reasonably dry, albeit cold. As I write this, we are still due some early frosts which is holding back growth and recovery from the winter.
The greens maintenance went well during February, although we did have a few delays due to the weather, however, the team worked hard, and we managed to get all the work done. The work involved was micro hollow coring and scarifying down to 20mm to remove some organic matter at that depth. Then deep aeration down to 300mm and some shallow aeration to 125mm. This is to aid drainage and introduce air into the profile. We followed all this with 40 tonnes of top dressing per course.
Due to the cold weather conditions, the greens have not fully recovered yet, but this essential work must be done so we’d rather get it done early in the year, than have to do it in late March/early April when the season kicks in and competitions start, so the lesser of two evils in my opinion.
The winter projects have also gone well with path improvements on the 8th tee and the crossing from 4-5 and along 10, 11 & 12th tee, this however is more for access for us during winter rather than a buggy path. Pond improvement by the 6th tee. Some woodland management included removing some trees from around the 15th pond that were obscuring the fairway from the tee. Practice net installation by the 1st tee, which will be in play soon. We’ve also cleared some scrub areas around the range and on the course that looked unsightly, some of these we’ll be looking to turn into possible wildflower areas over the coming year. Also, plenty of aeration on fairways and semiroughs to alleviate compaction.
Our focus as we approach April will turn to turf maintenance, specifically tee renovation which will include aeration, seeding and sanding to help them recover from the winter play. We will also be seeding and sanding the drain lines, these will remain as G.U.R. until they have fully recovered.
Overall, it was a very productive winter. Thank you to everyone for their patience while we carry out this work. We aim to keep improving Ramsdale wherever we can. A big thank you to my team, who have worked hard this winter on improvements and maintenance during very cold conditions. I think we are all ready for some warmer weather now, so fingers crossed it’s on its way.
Johnny
Our team of highly qualified PGA Professionals are going to run through the year member-specific clinics/group lessons and on-course lessons.
Clinics and group lessons will run in larger groups on specific days/times throughout the year these sessions will be short game/driving range-based (£10 per member)
Upcoming April dates
Putting clinic 17th April 5pm-6pm (max 8 people)
Short game clinics 17th and 22nd - 7pm – 8pm
Driving clinic 28th April - 7pm-8pm
Course lessons will be over 9 holes for 3 members at a time, with one of our PGA Professionals playing alongside for a more course-specific lesson and insight into how to score lower (£50 per member)
April dates
Tuesday 15th April - 3pm with Will Davies
Monday 21st April - 2pm with Jack Stoppard
If the clinics and group lessons are something you are interested in get in touch with the pro shop to book your space
Wednesday competitions are back!
Starting in April our mid-week competition on a Wednesday will resume.
At the AGM one of our members had a great idea about mixing it up a bit and having a couple of slots for people who do not have a regular playing group.
We will have 1 slot in the morning and one slot in the afternoon. To book, you can call the pro shop or email info@ramsdaleparkgc.co.uk. It is for people who would like to meet new members and play with other people.
They will be 08:08 and 11:36 every Wednesday.
Thank you!
For the past few years, I have looked at the top 25 spenders in the club and rewarded them with a levy being added to their card. I have done that now for 2024 – so if you have a little ‘bump’ on your bar card – it’s just a little thank you from me!
Watch out for food and drink offers
I understand that everyone is feeling a little pressure on their wallets with the cost of living. I also have to face the harsh truth that the National Insurance increase and minimum wage increase - price increases are unavoidable. What I can promise is that more discounts and deals will be flying around to ensure my members get the best deals.
Currently, I am thinking ‘Double Discount Wednesdays’ or BOGOF Fridays. I would like to hear from you. What would get you to bring your friends and family for food in the evening? What would make you have lunch after golf?
I would love your ideas – please email them to me!
In case of emergency
We have a new emergency number. This is for emergencies only. 0115 855 0766.
If you need help on the course, please call the above. If you want to grumble about slow play or someone not raking a bunker – please do not call the ICE number, call the pro shop instead.
Do you know anyone who is new to the game?
Our pros have put together a great little fast track to golf. For £100 – they will recieve:
• Taster Session to meet other newbies
• 4 lessons on the basics – 1 hour each on the range
• 3 further range lessons to hone their skills
• 1 course lesson with the pro
• 1-month free membership on the short course
• One social fun comp per week for 4 weeks. Please
The Burhill Golf and Leisure Annual Awards…
We attended the annual award last month and managed to pick up an award or two, presented by our new CEO – Simon Thompson.
Thank you once again for the 4th year running, Ramsdale has picked up the NPS (member survey) award out of the entire group.
I am sure you will all be with me as I congratulate our Green God – Johnny Evans and his team. At our BGL awards, he took away Golf Course Standards of the Year.
Behind the scenes is the lovely Georgie. Georgie is the one that no one ever sees, and the club would be lost without her! From HR, and finance, to processing your member direct debits. More importantly, she adds your competition levy to your cards!
A very well-deserved Employee of the Year 2024. Well done Mrs Robinson!
Thank you everyone for your contributions to our chosen charities this year.
Sunday Carvery - 3 course Sunday special £16.95.
SALES UPDATE
Tom Wilson Sales Manager
Hi everyone,
Just a quick update from me on what we have planned events and membershipwise over the coming months.
Membership
Membership is again in a strong position, mainly down to the quality of both of our courses. We still have a waiting list for all categories apart from 5-day and will continue to operate a one in one out policy with any applicant referred by a member getting priority.
March saw us run the first of this year’s new member days, they are a great way for new members to meet current members, get a handicap card marked, and generally integrate into the club. If anyone wants to get involved and mark a card on the day, your help would be greatly appreciated.
Events
We have some great events planned for this year, our recent Soul & Motown night was a great success and sold-out weeks in advance, we have an 80’s tribute night on the 11th of April along with a fabulous Elvis act booked for the 9th of May. Keep an eye out for the other acts throughout the year, remember Members always get discounted tickets!
Finally, a quick reminder that members get a discount on private function bookings, if you have a significant birthday, anniversary, or wedding, let us know and you will always receive a preferential rate.
This year we are also adding a referral incentive, if a friend or family member gives books a private function with us and gives your membership number upon booking, you will receive £25.00 in bar levy!
I hope you’re all looking forward to the start of the season, see you around the club soon!
Tom
The Birds
Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, Calverton - Kev Hemsley Operations continued at Ramsdale this year. We only made 5 visits due to a combination of weather and other commitments. The small number of visits meant that a full comparison with previous years is again not possible. However, taking the number of birds caught in each visit as a ratio and comparing against previous years it is noticeable that last year’s low numbers of Blackcap has improved this year and the reduction in numbers of Blackbird and absence of Whitethroat is significant. Table 10 shows the number of individuals caught at the site. It was nice to catch another Tree Pipit, as usual this was caught on Autumn passage using sound lures.
No returning warblers were caught this year, this was no doubt due to the reduced number of visits, late date of the first visit and perhaps also habitat succession.
CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Daryl Woolley Club Captain
Dear Members,
Following my inauguration and the passing of the baton at the AGM in February from your excellent past Captain, Dene Parsons, I want to begin by saying what an honour it is to serve as your Club Captain for 2025. I’m incredibly proud to take on the role and genuinely excited for the season ahead.
With the days getting longer and the course beginning to wake up from its winter rest, there’s a real buzz around the club as we look forward to the start of the new season. I know many of you, like me, are itching to get back into the swing of things — and we’ve got some fantastic events lined up to kick things off.
A big part of my captaincy this year is working closely alongside our Senior’s Captain, David Insley, and our Ladies’ Captain, Harriet Soar. Together, we’re focused on building stronger connections between all sections of the club — encouraging participation, fostering camaraderie, and making 2025 a fun and inclusive year for all members.
Captain’s Drive-In – Saturday 19th April
This is always a highlight in the club calendar and a great way to launch the season with the usual fun, shenanigans, and laughter. Most importantly, it’s also a chance to raise money for our two chosen charities: Emmanuel House and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
• Emmanuel House is a Nottingham-based charity that supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They offer hot meals, clothing, showers, housing support, and much more — all delivered with dignity and compassion.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Trust works to improve the lives of those affected by this life-limiting genetic condition by funding research, supporting families, and advocating for better treatment access across the UK.
Supporting these charities will be at the heart of our fundraising efforts throughout the year, and I know the club will get behind them with its usual generosity and spirit.
Captain’s Away Day – Friday 30th May at Thonock Park
This promises to be a fantastic day of golf, good company, and plenty of laughs. If you haven’t already signed up, please do so via the notice board or contact me via the number below — it’s shaping up to be a great way to kick off the season.
Contact Number: 07398 481 556
Captain’s Away Weekend –18th to 20th July at Slaley Hall
This year’s away weekend is shaping up to be something special. We’ll begin with 18 holes at Rockcliffe Hall on the way up to Newcastle, before enjoying two more days of golf and fun at Slaley Hall. I’m looking forward to sharing a great weekend away with many of you — more details to follow soon.
Summer League
The Summer League is due to recommence with our first match at home against Southwell on Tuesday 8th April. If anyone is interested in taking part in matches throughout the summer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.
I’m also delighted to announce that this year’s
Continued on the next page
Summer League is sponsored by Arc Racing and Leisure Group, who have generously donated 12 free tickets to Southwell Races for the winning team — a brilliant prize and a great incentive to get involved!
Additional Events – Dates for the Diary
We’ve also got some fantastic events coming up later in the season:
• Captain’s Day – Saturday 14th June
• Invitation Day – Saturday 28th June
• Charity Day – Saturday 12th July
Further details on each will be announced in due course, but please mark your calendars — they’re shaping up to be real highlights of the summer.
Finally, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helps keep the club running day in and day out. Our greenkeeping staff have been working tirelessly to prepare the course for the season ahead, and it’s looking better by the day.
A big thank you as well to everyone working at the centre — from the clubhouse and catering team to the pro shop and admin staff — for all they do to support members and guests alike. And of course, my gratitude to the club committee, who give up their time and energy behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Your support is invaluable, and greatly appreciated.
Good luck to everyone for the season ahead — may it be full of great golf, great company, and a lot of laughs along the way.
Yours in golf,
Daryl
SENIORS REPORT
Davis Insley
Seniors Captain
Firstly, on behalf of the seniors committee, a big thank you to Terry Crofts for his service and commitment as a valued member of the committee, as Terry has now decided to step down from the committee and concentrate on his position within the Par 3 Club committee.
During his four-year tenure he has served in several roles, not least as our 2023/24 captain; in all, he has always applied his infectious enthusiasm and personal approach to enhance what we have and do in the seniors section.
As a result, the committee welcomes Neil Clark as a co-opted member of the committee.
Seniors 2025 Matches
April 7th sees the start of the 2025 match season with a 12-man lineup visiting College Pines GC; this will be the first of 20 matches scheduled through to September, culminating in the Captain’s Clash on the 16th of October.
It’s not too late to sign up to play; to register, visit the seniors website.
Winter Warmers Series
The winter warmer series has been introduced for a number of reasons, but mainly recognising many comments regarding introducing more team games and also the opportunity to compete in 18-hole competitions during this time of year, where the majority of our competitions are 9 holes only.
These competitions were a late introduction, but despite this, they have been well attended, with up to 40 entrants participating per event. The last one will take place on the 10th of April; details and entry are via the Seniors website.
Any feedback would be appreciated to assist the committee in deciding if similar events should be included in next year’s events schedule.
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Online Team Scorecard
The Seniors Section is currently trialing a system where one person in each team uses their mobile phone to record the team’s score alongside the traditional physical scorecard (by another team member). As each hole score is recorded, it is sent to a central database. The first “live” test of the system was conducted during the March Winter Warmer event (10 teams), and the invaluable feedback from that trial will see some very useful development changes introduced. A massive thank you to all members who have helped by giving it a go.
