Redbourn Member News

Dear Redbourn Member,

Welcome to another edition of the Members’ Newsletter. We are now truly into the wet season, and hopefully with new paths, posts, ropes, a shoe cleaner, and course maintenance, we can keep the course in great shape. Buggies will be off in general but may be permitted if conditions improve for a period and please, if possible, help us to keep the shoe cleaning area tidy. Wrap up warm and enjoy your golf!

Robin Cheng General Manager

2023 Captaincy

Following our most recent management meeting, it was decided by the members that the Captain’s structure will move from ‘Club Captain’ to ‘Men’s Captain’ next year, to narrow the focus and help promote the Men’s section. The Competition & Events Committee will take on the responsibility of running and organising Club Events with representatives from each section and it was agreed that there will be no President elected in 2023.

NPS - Customer Feedback

Thank you to the 59 people who responded to our online feedback survey in October - it was our highest scoring month! Feedback is always welcome, and is the driving force behind lots of changes that have been made at Redbourn in recent months.

To remind you of the scoring system: 9-10 (good scores), 7-8 (passives), 6-1 (problems outweigh the positives). Here’s a summary of the feedback received in October.

Addressing constructive feedback

Costs

Moving into next year we are looking at shifting more of the costs onto non-members to help reduce those felt by members. We’ve also recently introduced a specials menu which is priced lower than the normal menu. In addition, takeaway soup will be available for £2.50 with further members discount through the winter. We’re doing our best to offer value wherever possible.

Pre-booked medal tee times

These not only allow new members to be introduced to the club, but also allow existing members to play with at least one member they don’t know. Historic feedback about atmosphere at the club has been positive and has driven this decision.

The winner, from our 59 respondents, this month is Brian Wedge. Your prize is three complimentary guest passes. Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

COURSE UPDATE

Our greens have recovered well from hollow-coring and sand application, which will increase the firmness and drainage capabilities. Following mild, humid weather conditions the greens have suffered from Fusarium (a fungal disease in sports turf). We are countering this outbreak with a fungicide and fertiliser programme that will aid recovery. We will spray again when conditions allow, so please bear with us as we then cannot cut the grass for 24 hours to ensure the product soaks into the leaf.

Fairways have been slit-tined to help water drain into the surface and stimulate growth, while the tees and approaches will be verti-drained this month to again improve drainage and aid recovery from the dry summer. We’ll be installing posts and ropes to protect certain areas so please keep trolleys and buggies away.

The River Ver

We’ve been working on adjusting the channel width to maximise river flow and habitat. The two focus points are the 13th green and the 10th tee as the river flows downstream towards the 8th tee.

Leaf removal has also commenced from the riverbeds, and future plans include introducing channels into both ponds to help drainage into the river. Our handyman, Ian has also devised a plan to help prevent flooding which often occurs on the approach to the club entrance from the A5.

Thanks for all the supportive comments as you pass by!

Paul Geary

Course / The River Ver

GOLF UPDATE

Fancy a new driver? Then you’re not going to want to miss our latest competition! With new drivers from golf’s biggest names boasting technology, length, and forgiveness, it can be difficult to work out which is best for you. Never fear, as our fitting team are on hand to help you navigate this process with real results.

Steve Hunter Director of Golf

How to enter the competition?

1. Simply book a custom fit session in November. 2. Bring your current driver and unleash your three best shots. 3. Then take the three-shot challenge with the TaylorMade, Titleist, Cobra, PING, and Yonex drivers to find out which is best for you.

We’ll record the biggest distance percentage increase with each club using TrackMan, and the person with the biggest distance percentage gain will win £50 driving range credit and a cabretta leather TrackMan glove

Men’s Match v Chiltern Forest

On 22nd October our team travelled to Chiltern Forest Golf Club for their final match of the season. In a closely contested match, Redbourn unfortunately lost 4-2. Chiltern Forest offered fantastic hospitality and put on a wonderful breakfast before we set out to play. A big thanks to all Redbourn members who have given up their time to play in the matches this year.

Men’s Captain v Vice Captain match for charity

A sizeable field took part in this annual match on a beautiful, warm autumnal day. The final scores were close, with the Vice Captain’s team, led by Ian Rice, winning narrowly. Thanks to all that entered! The money raised on the day will go to Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

Florin Trophy

On Friday 14th October, the Ladies Pearson team took on a Men’s team for the Florin Trophy. A great day was had by all with the Ladies emerging victorious, winning 4-2. Many congratulations!

Competition time! / Results

LADIES CAPTAIN UPDATE

Hello Ladies,

We are now entering the ‘whether you do, whether you don’t’ time of year! We’d encourage you to carry your clubs if possible while you continue to enjoy your golf. However, if you can’t, perhaps try to reduce the number of clubs to lessen the weight of your trolley to help protect the course.

Shirley Deudon Ladies Captain

Competition Results

October Medal – Sunday 2nd

Congratulations to Bernie who won with a net score of 71. In second place was Dee with a net score of 72.

October Stableford – Wednesday 5th

Played over nine holes due to inclement weather. Congratulations again to Bernie Marcus who won the competition. In second place was Lorna Gallagher, followed closely by Di Ritson-Hall in third.

Greensomes Cup –Wednesday 12th October

Congratulations to the winning team, Sheryl Tye and Jean Large

Halloween Spooktacular –Wednesday 26th October

Thanks to all the ladies that participated in this year’s Spooktacular event! Also, to my spooky technicians, Sue Hickman-Jameson, Ali, Sarah Hogben, Graham, and Di Ritson-Hall who got up early to prepare the course with spooky hazards, and Paula Craddock and Linda Hill who decorated the room ready for return.

Nearest

the

pin winners Naomi Zieseniss and Lorraine Hull

Winning team

Paula Craddock, Barbara Smith, Sue HickmanJameson, Sam Daniels

Second place Jean Large, Catherine Kay, Naomi Zieseniss

Academy

Texas Scramble

–Wednesday 19th October

Thank you for the fabulous support for this event. 43 ladies took part and 13 of those ladies were from the academy.

Congratulations to Trish McKern, Maggie Melville, Sue Hickman-Jameson, and academy player, Tricia Gillis.

In second place were Sheryl Tye, Anne Williams, Chris Lewin, and academy player, Astrid.

Best dressed team was… my team! Including June White, Sarah Hogben, Annette Brooks

Best dressed individual Maggie Melville

Flag Day Trophy – Sunday 30th October

Samantha Daniels took the trophy with a winning net score of 71.

Paula Craddock finished second with a net score of 75.

Competition results are continued on the next page...

Competition Results Continued

Pearson Competition

The new season commenced on 18th October with our team visiting Harpenden. Captain, Sheryl Tye, Sue Hickman-Jameson, Debbie Goldthorpe, Anne Williams, Annette Brooks, Bernie Marcus, and Lorraine Hill secured a fantastic 5-2 win!

On Monday 31st October, our team travelled to Knebworth, where we picked up another

Presentation Ceremony

win, 4-3. Congratulations to Annette Brooks, Di Ritson-Hall, Sue Hickman-Jameson, Bernie Marcus, Paula Craddock, and Sheryl Tye.

The final match of this calendar year will be at home against The Hertfordshire on Thursday 24th November.

If you’d like to be considered for future Pearson matches, please reach out to Captain, Sheryl Tye.

As last year, the Ladies Section will be hosting its own Presentation Evening. This will likely follow a 9-hole competition in January and will include afternoon tea. Further details will be shared in due course.

Christmas Celebration

The Ladies Christmas Celebration will be held on Wednesday 14th December. This will include a 9-hole golf competition, followed by a two-course Christmas Lunch (cost of £19.95). There will be charity fundraising activities including a Christmas Bazaar and raffle. Please let me know if you would like to contribute to the Bazaar or raffle. I will be putting together a couple of hampers for the raffle, so any small, suitable donations would be appreciated. Christmas jumpers are more than acceptable attire! The competition will be uploaded to HDID shortly.

The Next Chapter

Congratulations to Sheryl Tye, who will take over as Lady Captain and lead us through the 2023/24 golfing year. Sheryl has been an excellent Treasurer for the past few years and has also led our Pearson team brilliantly to ensure Redbourn Golf Club has been represented in a professional way.

I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing Sheryl every success next year!

The nominations form for the 2023/2024 Ladies Section Committee is now posted on the notice board. If you want to join the Committee, please add your name to the nominations form together with details of a proposer and seconder.

Take our Survey

The survey has been circulated and we have had a good response so far. Ladies, please take this opportunity to have your say. Closing date is Friday 5th November.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Wednesday 23rd November - Turkey Trot 4

Sunday 27th November - Turkey Trot 5

NOVEMBER FRIARS

Joe Deibe joined Redbourn Golf Club in 1976 and was a founding member of The Friars (our Seniors’ Section) in 1981. During his 41 years as a Friar, Joe remained a competitive golfer with his name appearing on 24 trophies.

Only retiring at the start of this season, his contribution to the Friars and the club could not go without being recognised at our annual presentation dinner. Peter Whitlock, outgoing Friars Captain, paid tribute to Joe and presented him with a commemorative plaque.

“Joe was an extremely active member of the club and Friars over his 46 years of membership,” said Whitlock.

“He created competitions, and donated trophies and prizes which continue to raise money for our charities to this day.

“Joe helped initiate and run our early golfing breaks in the UK, and also had a talent for organising luxury trips to Spain, Portugal, and France.

“He was also a very competitive golfer, winning many of our competitions. Having contributed so much from which we have all benefited, it is fitting that we unveil this commemorative plaque. Thank you for

of

Golfer of the Year: Hugh Crawford

Hugh Crawford has made his mark in his first season as a member of the Friars, with a haul of trophies ana number of runner-up prizes. They helped him to the position of Friars’ Golfer of the Year. Well done, Hugh!

Mike Box is the new Captain of the Friars, taking over from Peter Whitlock at the awards evening.

your years

effort, Joe.”

Joe, thanks for your 46 years of golf, fundraising, and energy!

Thank you Joe! / Golfer of the Year