GM UPDATE

We are also looking into a new fairway mower for next year as well as a top dresser and utility vehicle to speed up the team getting around the course when needed.

From the feedback being received, it seems like both courses, are in the best condition they have been for a long time. With the addition of newer, and more reliable vehicles, as well as continued investment in the training of our teams, we hope to continue to move it forward in years to come.

Customer Feedback

Currently members feedback scores are the highest they have ever been since we started using our online system, thanks mainly due to course and clubhouse improvements, as well as the overall friendliness and professionalism of the staff. I would like to thank all my team here at Redbourn for delivering such great service to all members and visitors alike.

There are still issues to face though. Main points of discussion currently are:

• Pace of play can at times be slow

• Remaining paths need addressing

• Benches and ball washers at all holes

• Toilets on the 12th

What we are doing:

Unfortunately, we have recently lost a member of our marshal team, so we have now gone from three to two. We are looking at recruiting, but by the time this happens, we may be at the end of the season already. Those marshals we do have, will spend their time between the 1st tee and on the course and trying to close any gaps, or encourage people to let faster groups through. To help us with pace of play as well as your fellow golfer, I encourage all members to consider the following:

• If playing stableford, pick up after blobbing rather than putting out

• Leave your bag on the correct side of the green, that leads to the next tee

• Do not look for your golf ball longer than 3 minutes if searching (rule)

• If you are ready before your playing partner despite being closer, then play your shot (as long as it is safe to do so)

• Mark your card on the next tee when playing partners are teeing off

The remaining paths, I agree still need addressing, and overall the ones done last year were a success. Budget may or may not allow us to get these done this year, as unfortunately we have a lot of new pipework that needs re-laying, which is currently taking priority. Bunkers also ate heavily into our funds, with potentially a few more to come this year. I do completely understand that all problem paths need to be dealt with and they won’t be left too long before fixing.

Ball washers on every hole I agree with, and will try to find the resources for 2024. Benches will be looked at in certain places as long as it doesn’t slow down play.

Toilet on the 12th hole I am afraid is not in any current plans. I would worry about the resources needed to keep it in a good standard as well as the fact that we have already added pin pads on the outside of the changing room doors to allow members after nine to visit the loo quickly.

I hope you all understand that while there are almost an unlimited amount of things we can do to improve the club, there are limitations both in time and resources to what can realistically get done… although I would still love a fountain here.

Robin