COURSE UPDATE

Routine maintenance has continued, and over the winter we have added some extra paths on-course and carried out some essential tree work.

The greens aeration and renovation program has started, and we have utilised the BGL group Air 2 G 2 air injection equipment. We had started work on the Gold course, before being forced to stop due to the snow – this process will hopefully help avoid any undue disruption to the surfaces themselves.

Dyna coring and sand dressing the greens, along with aeration of the tees with vert-drain, followed by overseeding and dressing on those surfaces will hopefully aid recovery from what has been a tough winter so far. As part of our sustainability pledge and to promote natural habitats, additional bird nesting boxes are being installed around the property.

5th Gold Update

We are aiming to have the 5th Gold open fully for the March Monthly Medal weekend. Thank you so much for your patience during this project and during the recovery period. I’ve attached some pictures of the progress of the project. We carried out all the work in-house, saving thousands of very useful pounds in the process.

A big well done to the team and a big thank you to Les Annett for his time and efforts on the project. We are still carrying out some additional drainage work now the ground has started to settle, but we can’t wait to play the hole - it’s really going to be a test for golfers of all abilities!

General Membership Info

We ended 2022 with a record number of members. We currently have 774 members at The Shropshire, which is fantastic to see! Following the enforced covid closures, golf has seen a real boom, and given the number of members we have in 2023 we have been very selective on the numbers of visitors and society golf that we are taking, to ensure members have access to the golf courses during peak times.

For example, we have not budgeted to take any society golf in January or February, given the amount of daylight, and also to protect the golf course. Members continue to have priority on booking online 10 days prior, whilst visitors remain at 7 days.

Opt-in for names on the booking system

We have been receiving many requests for us to turn back on the “show names” option on the tee time booking screen, however, for this to be remotely successful, we do need you all to opt in. Otherwise, the tee time will still remain booked and blank, and this gives the impression tee times have been block booked when this isn’t the case. Please see the below guide on how to action this:

Via online booking website:

• Go to theshropshire.co.uk

• Book a tee tab – select Member from the drop-down

• Log in using your username and password

• Top left there is a box with three lines

• Select View My Profile

• Make sure all x4 boxes have blue ticks on the available opt ins

• Scroll down and select Update. This saves your selections.

Via the ESP app:

• On your homepage select the head and shoulders icon in the middle of the screen

• Make sure all x4 boxes have blue ticks on the available opt ins

• Scroll down and select Update. This saves your selections.

April 1st Renewals

We are working behind the scenes to create all your renewal documents, and to have them available and ready online or through the app. This will go live in mid-February and should make the process much simpler for those who pay annually. For those on direct debit there is nothing for you to do. The 1st April direct debit will include your yearly EGU/county fees.

Whilst we fully understand that prices on almost everything are at record highs, we maintained our prices throughout 2022 and have ensured that we will remain competitive given the facilities we offer and what our competitors are charging in 2023.

and where we can direct future investment. This is evidenced by the feedback on tee time availability, show names facility and course toilets.

Employee of the Year

Given the overwhelming feedback received through the members survey, and being nominated by his fellow staff members, it gives me great pleasure to announce David Ashton is our 2022 Employee of the Year! David is a clear favourite with members and colleagues alike, and we would all like to offer him our congratulations.

Casual Food offerings from Head Chef Anthony Mason

In 2023 we are introducing our small plates initiative. We have been listening to your feedback and we feel this will hit the right price point along with the option for you to share with your playing partners.

Members Appreciation Day

Again, as a thank you to all the members for their continued support we have scheduled in the annual member appreciation day for Sunday 21st May. Complimentary food and drink plus prizes for the best scores on the day will be on offer.

Nett Promoter Score –Members Survey Results

We finished the year on +72 and in second place in the BGL group. Thank you to everyone for your continued positive feedback and, more importantly, the comments section. These help us shape the business and concentrate on areas where improvements need to be made

The members special of bacon bap, hash brown and coffee will also continue. 2022 has been extremely difficult in terms of staffing the kitchen and whilst we appreciate we don’t always get it right, it’s been a very difficult area to recruit for and we are looking forward to much more consistent opening times in 2023.