Wycombe Newsletter
May 2024
General Manager Update – Jonathan Dove (Interim General Manager)
Although, it may be goodbye from me, it won’t be long until you say an official hello to your new General Manager Mark Woods later in May.
It certainly doesn’t feel like three months since I started at WHGC and, as they say, time flies when you are having fun. It’s been a busy time at the club and hope you have seen improvements to the course and clubhouse during my short spell here
Work has included the redecoration of the clubhouse, completion of this winters’ bunker renovations, installation of astroturf on the range and the new practice bunker. In addition to the physical work on the course, we have also reviewed the local rules for both courses, redefined the OOB markings, and had the short course assessed to allow it to be used for acceptable scores for handicapping. (New scorecards will be in place shortly in a slightly larger format to make it easier to mark).
Whilst I am happy with all that has been achieved, there are still several jobs which will not be finished before I leave. However, don’t worry, we have plans in place to complete several addition jobs in the coming weeks/months.
Short Course Tees:
Work to replace the astroturf hitting mats on nine tee on the short course will start on the week commencing 6th May.
Before:
Proposed:
Additional remedial work will take place around these tees to repair worn out grass and improve the overall appearance and playability of the course.
The hardcore removed as part of this process will be used to improve the path behind the 1st tee on the main course and other paths.
Short Course 18th Green:
For some time golfers have struggled with the slope of the 18th green on the short course, especially during the summer when the greens are running at their optimal speed.
To rectify this, the green will be levelled to reduce the gradient to a more acceptable level. To minimise disruption, work will be completed at the same time as the par 3 tee renovations Unfortunately, as a result, the 18th hole will be closed completely during the week of 6th May, and a temporary green in place for the rest of the month to allow the new putting surface to establish.
The remaining 9 tees will hopefully be completed towards the end of 2024.
We apologise for the disruption however, I am sure you will agree, this work will be a great improvement to the short course
Café Decoration:
Most of the clubhouse and changing rooms have already been decorated. We were unable to complete work in the café this winter but have work scheduled at end of May.
Patio Railing and Entrance Step Handrail.
The delightful British weather has not allowed external decoration to be completed. As soon as the weather improves, we plan to paint the patio railing, together with the handrail next to the steps to the clubhouse.
Japanese Knot Weed:
Unfortunately, despite being treated already, the JKW next to the 8th Tee on the main course continues to establish.
For those who don’t know, Japanese Knot Weed is one of the most invasive species of plants and once established it is extremely difficult to remove.
8th Tee:
In addition to this area there are several more areas on the 7th and 8th hole banks.
Contact with the plant could transfer this onto your shoes and in play areas of the course. If this was to be transferred to the greens this could cause irreparable damage, resulting in the green needing to be replaced at a considerable cost and disruption
To minimise the chance of golfers walking in affected areas, the right on the 7th and 8th Holes will be marked as Out of Bounds (OOB), with players prohibited from entering these areas under any circumstances, even if your new ProV1 is in there
Registering Before Play and Payment of Green Fees:
In recent months we have had several issues with members not signing in before play and on some occasions, members have brought guests to the club and knowingly not paying green fees. Not only does this take up valuable resources from the club, but also adds to the general wear and tear on the course. This also devalues your membership by allowing others get to play the course for free. Therefore, this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated
Any member who is caught taking guests onto the course without paying a fee will, on the 1st occasion receive a 1month ban, 2nd offence a 3-month ban, and 3rd offence will be permanently banned from the club. No refunds on memberships will be given.
While you may not be paying for your guest, it is your responsibility to make sure they have paid prior to teeing off.
In addition, members are reminded that the MUST register at the Pro Shop prior to play and collect a stamped card. The Marshals have been instructed to check cards and ensure payments have been made and will be reporting any member in breach of this rule
I apologies for the tone of this email, but these procedures are to protect the value of your membership, as allowing non-members to play for free could ultimately increase the cost of your subscriptions in the long term.
To help manage the course, the club is looking to recruit additional marshals, if you know anyone who may be interested in the position please speak to Duncan in the Pro Shop.
Renewals:
April 1st is the main renewal date for our memberships. This year, almost 90% of members renewed which is a great achievment. In addition to retaining our loyal members, we have also recruited almost 26 new members.
I am sure you’ll agree, WHGC have a course and club to be proud of. Don’t forget, if you refer a new member you will also get £50 credited to your bar card.
The club is lucky to have a brilliant team working to make the club what it is today. Whilst I am excited for my new role, I am also sad to be leaving the club, staff and members behind.
It has been a pleasure to be a small part of Wycombe Heights Golf Centre’s history and wish the club, its staff, and members a successful season and future.
Regards,
Jonathan Dove Interim General Manager