The Royal Adelaide Golf Club Newsletter - winter 2016
Angus McLachlan Posthumous epistle So skilled was the orchestration of the extension of the building program by five months, that it became possible to the have the project delivered on a Friday to one Captain and opened for business the following Monday under another. This is written on the day of the interregnum, full of admiration for our new Captain’s timing. He brought the operation in with all the design features achieved, quality uncompromised, on budget and with the members seemingly compliant enough to be patient and ultimately delighted at the outcome. Rumours are unfounded that there are less car parks than before the new ladies-upgrade building. There are in fact more, though Precision Parking Practice on Thursdays is yet to begin and unsubtle applications for reserved spaces and Club elevation unlikely to be considered.
Inevitably there were some “observations” and questions along the way, among them from those who had never parked in the greenkeeper’s car park before on our busy days and thus walked two holes worth on the way here and back. Or Cameron’s increasing industrial deafness from the jackhammers, the angle grinders and “helicopters” leveling the new concrete over, not only on this project, but the Administration upgrade as well as the Men’s Locker Room. Are there to be banana lounges placed in the breezeway in the late winter for those who want to get early suntans from the concentrated rays from the elegant glass diamond patterning in the roof? It is certainly wide enough to have installed a lap pool down the centre there - was it considered? CONTENTS
Posthumous Epistle - Angus McLachlan 1 From the Captain - Tim Evans 4 Associates’ News - Edwina Grant 6 Course News - Nathan Bennett 11 China Trip - Patric Kroschel 12 & 13 Membership & Rules - Jim Sweeney 14 From the Chef - Nigel Munzberg 15 Match & Pennant Report - Chris Crocker 16 Junior Development - Michael Jay 19 Competition Winners 20
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indicated the resounding success of the idea. It Angus McLachlan was beautiful to behold a ball on the fourth green Posthumous epistle Cont’d ...... putted from four metres away travelling north Irrespective of these and other previously almost stopping at the hole before changing its inconceivable suggestions from the lunatic fringe, mind and move gently 3 metres to the west. That we now have a completed Stage 5, which is not it was the ball of the setter added to the occasion. only aesthetically striking, but delivering on all its Now, there is a name for our next black tie event. promises of enhanced convenience in a number of The Pin-Setters Ball. Could be hard to get a areas. You’ve heard about this for some time quorum after Saturday. so settle back and enjoy it. No “helpful” correspondence will be entered into. Some of the joys of Captaincy are the “observations” - and then there is the “correspondence”. A hundred members played in the shotgun start stableford competition on the 25th of June, This from the lady captain April 2013 initiating an event that we hope to become a “1) Evidently, there was a tree root (living and significant Royal Adelaide tradition. The players exposing itself) in one of the fairway bunkers on gathered in the Bar for a light breakfast after which the 17th today. It was on the right and towards the President Kym Perks spoke generously about end of the second to last bunker. the outgoing Captain culminating in all toasting 2) Two ladies mentioned today that they had had his health with an adequate dram of Scotch. punctures in their car tyres when parking their He, and the two previous Captains in their red cars in the top car park. jackets, then led incoming Captain Tim Evans, 3) Another lady mentioned that the top car park resplendent in his Red Jacket and club tie to the gets very muddy in the winter and could we do third tee where surrounded by all, Kym invited something about this. Tim to “drive himself in” with hickory shafted 4) On a positive note we love the new grass at the club as, simultaneously, the Cudmore cannon by front gate. the flagpole was fired. 5) Not bad for one Tuesday! Comprehensive bang, much white smoke and a solid drive down the left side of the fairway were all a great way to say goodbye to the old and recognize the new. Vice-Captain Jim Sweeney retrieved the ball, but we have no tradition now or likely to reward him with a gold sovereign as at the R&A. Another precedent was created with the pin positions for the day being set by the outgoing Captain. The flurry of verbal fan mail calling into question the validity of a 1934 marriage certificate
For those who think the ladies’ concerns do not achieve enough airtime….one rebuilt hole, two new car parks, no galoshes needed or punctures reported….and a Taj Mahal (locker room) thrown in while we were at it. There are always capital works on the program that are delayed due to more pressing needs. The last six Captains have found the boundary fence “tired but adequate” and in the short term, unless the Australian Sports Foundation Fund has an influx of tax deductible funds from some generous
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Angus McLachlan Posthumous epistle Cont’d...... benefactors, will remain so; but it is neither keeping the rubbish out, particularly on Tapleys Hill Road, or in some cases keeping balls in. The ninth has often been problematic and there are plans to deal with that ongoing, but when, as happened the summer before last a member put his drive onto Trimmer Parade from the sixth tee, the sensible option is to restrict him to a three wood off that tee. When a member hits his drive from the eleventh tee against the door of the pizza shop on Frederick Road, we can offer only the suggestion he changes to right handed and take out an All Risks Policy. When another puts his drive, albeit rolling gently by then, out through the front gate from the 18th tee, it is time for Cameron or Daniel to stop teaching the “power fade”.
seamless, sequential, transitional structure at the Committee level is one of the reasons that it is such a stable, happy, forward-looking, wellbalanced, suitably equipped golf club to provide for the challenges of the future.Whether as part of the leadership or just a playing or social member, Royal Adelaide continues to exceed expectations of its customers. Thursdays now have become emblematic of the feel of the Club, both men and women sharing the course and particularly the Clubhouse enthusiastically. It was not long ago the case that ladies were not allowed to sit on the verandah outside the bar, let alone be inside it. Splitting a muffin four ways has given way to staying for lunch. It is a vibrant community.
That we are striving now to have as many women full members as possible would be anathema to our forbears – fortunately modern thinking has recognized and embraced the necessity and Even within the course there are examples of benefits of equality. Any takers for a bet on the derring-do that sound somewhat exaggerated. year of our first female Club Captain? No-one who was there will forget the player who was advised that, as he had hit his second on the Next year we are 125 years old. 18th into the car park from the bunker on the In looking at the extraordinary photo in the foyer practice green off the right of the entrance road, of the handsomely dressed people on Opening he needed to play his third from the drop zone Day in 1906, one wonders what they would on the 14th. After consulting the course guide, he make of RA as it has all become (including, but played a six iron directly over the Clubhouse into not restricted to miniskirts, bare arms, shorts the bunker below the putting green. A chip and for men, laser pinseekers, remotely controlled two putts for a six was good enough to win the buggies, GPS controlled carts and Coopers Stout hole, though a five iron was probably the correct on tap. club. A circuitous route, but still he was annoyed he missed the second putt. It is challenging to imagine what we might be in 25 years, let alone another 125. Deposed leaders in their self-justifying valedictory speech unwittingly allude to why they were justifiably replaced. That this Club has such a
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from the captain Tim Evans
Progressive work has not been limited to Clubhouse and Membership. The course has equally prospered with outstanding improvements together with the delivery of our new hole 17A.
The depth of these portfolio of achievements and its smooth delivery, belies the thorough It seemed appropriate to “Tag Team” this understanding and the analysis of the issues and Newsletter, the drafting of which straddled the complexities faced. A job well done Angus, your Captaincies. Club is indebted. I (like you all no doubt) will miss the McLachlan The Club is now in a great position to consolidate style of Newsletter reporting ….quirky, fun, and enjoy whilst we move into our 125th year. entertaining. I did sneak a look at the Epistle above, this could well be his finest work yet! Perhaps we So looking forward …. can invite him back as a guest columnist, a roving Spring weather will firmly establish the new reporter! growth to the latest Slawnick improvements to The McLachlan style of Captaincy has also been all the course (with an opening of hole 17A planned of these, together with … progressive, engaging, in November). collaborative and strong. Our friends in Canberra who have so dominated the headlines in recent times must marvel at the apparent ease with which McLachlan delivered not one but two, 98% results in the two SGM’s that were called under his Captaincy. The first of these delivered the funding model and indeed the confidence with which to embark on the recently completed Stage 5 building programme, and all delivered with no debt….at least during his term in office! The Chairman of Finance, Phil Plummer’s now common refrain ….”it’s a timing thing”…… best explains it, but things like this don’t happen by accident, and McLachlan nailed it.
We are soon to contract some refurbishment works to the now vacated Associates Locker Room at the southern end of the Clubhouse. Should the planets “align” these works should be complete by Christmas and will be available for use during the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open in February and will include a dedicated southern verandah and foyer entry, together with 2 multipurpose rooms and adjacent amenities.
The second will bring our Club in line with modern times, modern values of a gender equal membership, again with support from the whole membership.
The recent Membership Survey has delivered some clear directions to the Committee. Jim Sweeney, Vice-Captain and Chairman of Membership and Rules has chaired both this Sub-Committee and
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from the captain continued.......
A lot of work still to be done, but the drive and enthusiasm for gender equal Membership at our the Membership Working Party who have analysed Club runs across the whole Membership, and the results with much debate over the last few with your support we will meet this goal. months (a summary of which Jim has written for this Newsletter). All Committees are now fully Craig Ball joined the Committee at the June AGM. supportive of the two tier structure that formed Not only is he one of the few members at the Club who can eyeball our GM, Andrew Gay, but also such a large part of the Membership Survey. brings considerable business skills, and has joined At the June Committee Meeting it was the Finance Sub-Committee. unanimously agreed that the Club would now move toward this Membership structure with information to be forwarded to the Membership for consideration prior to any re draft of Rules, which on completion would be brought to an SGM.
Finally it is a privilege to belong to our great Club, a feeling I get whenever I drive through the gate and a tremendous honour to serve the next term as Captain.
RULES QUIZ Q 1. A player’s ball lies just off the putting green and sand lies on the putting green between the ball and the hole. What is the ruling? A- The player must not remove the sand
C- There is no penalty and the ball must be played from its new position.
Q 3. The flow of water in a water hazard carries a ball B- The player may only remove the sand by out of bounds. The ball is still considered to lie in the picking it up or brushing it aside with his hand water hazard for the purpose of taking relief. A- TRUE or a club C- The sand may be removed by any means
B- FALSE
Q 2. On a very windy day, after replacing his ball Q 4. When casual water on the green interferes with on the green, a player grounds his putter behind the the line of putt, the nearest point of relief may be off ball. A short time later the ball moves slightly in the the green. A- TRUE direction the wind is blowing. What is the ruling? A- The player incurs a one stroke penalty and B- FALSE must replace the ball. ANSWERS ON PAGE 18 B- The player incurs a one stroke penalty and must play the ball from its new position.
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associates captain Edwina Grant
Left, Steph Evans (Associates exCaptain), Anne Arnfield (AssociatesVice Captain) and Edwina Grant (Associates Captain) on the balcony at The Grange after an enjoyable day of volunteering.
The 2016 golfing year began for many of our Associates in February when they volunteered at the ISPS HANDA Australian Women’s Open. Held at The Grange in perfect conditions it was a huge success with over 32000 spectators. The Associates and Members of Royal Adelaide are very excited to be hosting this event at our own Club next year from 16th – 19th February, 2017. Many who volunteered at The Grange this year will be keen to do so again. The volunteering website has already opened up. To register your interest please fill out the form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T5BK9SP If you loved your volunteering experience (and who didn’t!) please encourage your friends and fellow golfers to join in the fun and be a part of such a unique and special event. The season proper kicked off on March 1st with a warm 9 hole event for 105 players followed by the Opening Meeting and Morning Tea attended by 140 Associates and our wonderful Patroness, Mrs Lan Le. Since then and despite a warm start, our regular Tuesday golf has been running smoothly.
Morning Tea Attendees: From left, Di Motteram, Chris Reece, Rae Pozza & Fiona Crosbie
Morning Tea Attendees: From left, Barb McLeay, ChrisWaltham, JudyVowles & Lita Singh
The updates to the course over the summer in preparation for the Open next year have been very well received and Nathan and his team are to be commended for getting the course into such fabulous shape. The Associates Committee have a new initiative this year whereby every second week one of them plays later in the field to help the higher handicappers with speed of play issues. Being ready at the ball, marking cards, parking buggies and not playing pass the parcel with the flag at the green have been issues we wanted to focus on. Having said that, the Committee has barely needed to say a word as everyone seems to be doing the right thing. This initiative has been expanded to include coming down a little early to jump in a cart and head around the course backwards so those who play early don’t get away with slow play either!
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ASSOCIATEs’ NEWS continued.......
Heads where two of them were just pipped at the post in the Foursomes Event. In the same week in April we played the Bronze Challenge against Glenelg and the Cudmore Bowl against Kooyonga, both at Royal Adelaide, and had convincing wins. The two Nomads Competitions, both played at home, one against Flagstaff Hill in early June and the other against Blackwood in late June, also saw Royal Adelaide retain the silver in both instances.
Encouraging newer golfers to participate in all that our Women’s golfing calendar has to offer has also been a focus for the Committee. We continue to run Friendly Days and Match Play Days to encourage players to feel confident to enter our events. The Pro Shop support these initiatives by holding clinics one Thursday a month for GA handicaps of 29+ and by running a nine hole competition every day of the week. We have been encouraging newer golfers to consider entering the nine hole competition on Tuesdays with the aim of progressing to 18 holes as their confidence grows.
Lower handicap groups have not been forgotten. The Pro Shop also hold a Thursday Clinic once a month for GA handicaps 0 – 18 and while the Cudmore team: From top left, Jane Nott, MirrieWaters, Edwina Grant, Committee doesn’t host any specific in-club Meegan Osti, Juliet Hugo, Anne Ellis, Pauline Morrison, events for these players we do include as many as Steph Evans, Sophie Hilditch, Anne Arnfield possible in our interclub events. The Cleek Team has been on a winning streak most of the season and finished second on the ladder to play West Lakes in the final at The Grange. Happily, in incredibly unpleasant conditions, the team were successful just as the deluge came down securing a 3/2 win.
Mary Cudmore Bowl Teams: From left, Pauline Morrison, Julie Downer, Mandy MacGillivray, Jane Nott, Cathy McAulliffe, Di Gilkes
Our Interclub Teams have been inordinately successful so far this year. As usual, in the first week of our Season we sent two teams to Naracoorte for the Mary Cudmore Bowl where Jane Nott won the A Grade. Our most recent Captain, Steph Evans, took a team to the Marrum Cup in Barwon
Nomads Team vs Flagstaff Hill: From left Toffee Perkins, Ros Brebner, Di Faull, Claire Sweeney, Di Tallis, Sue Minson
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ASSOCIATEs’ NEWS continued.......
A2 Finalists: From left, Anne Ellis, Julie Michelmore, Sophie Hilditch, Juliet Hugo, Philly Stuart (Team Manager), & Jan van deWorp
The A3s were a little more complicated, there being two pools of teams in the A3 Pennant. Our team finished top of Pool A and played North Adelaide in the semi final (Pool A winners playing Pool B runners-up). In an excruciatingly tight match we were victorious and went on to play Kooyonga in the Final. I am happy to report we had a 4/1 win over Kooyonga to bring home back to back flags in the A3 Pennant. Next year Golf SA Cleek Squad 2016: From left, DebWallman, JudeWilloughby will run an A4 Division instead of two pools in A3 (Manager), Gill Miller, Marie Stacy, Di Cox, Midge Rex (Vice President), AshYounger, Penny Mills and we hope to finally be able to field three teams in the Women’s Pennant which will be wonderful This year Golf SA changed the Women’s Pennant news for those A graders who are keen to play structure and Royal Adelaide fielded teams in the Pennant but have so far been unable to . A2 and A3 Divisions. Again winning most of their matches, they both made the finals. The A2s played The Vines at Glenelg in freezing, windy conditions. Having beaten The Vines just weeks Nomads Team vs Blackwood: From left, Sonia Ferrari, Colleen Hamilton, JudeWilloughby, Reserve: Anthea Magarey, Marg Hall, MaryWalters, Carole Buik (Captain),
From left, Jill McEwin, Edwina Grant, Jane Nott, Pauline Morrison, Steph Evans, Cathy McAuliffe (Team Manager)
From left, Gill Miller, Ali Coventry, Sue Newman, Marie Stacy, AshYounger, Penny Mills, DebWallman,Vicki Bolt and Di Cox (JudeWilloughby -Team Manager - Absent)
earlier the A2 team were under pressure to repeat their performance against this very strong team. Unfortunately they were just one match short of winning the flag this year. I would like to congratulate them all for a wonderful and successful season.
A3 Pennant Team: From left,Cathy McAulliffe (Team Manager), Jill McEwin, Edwina Grant, Jane Nott, Pauline Morrison,Steph Evans, Mirrie Waters
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ASSOCIATEs’ NEWS continued.......
a hole in one by Julia Timbs, which no one saw as her playing partners were busy fishing a buggy out of the bunker by the 6th green!
And now to return to golf at home: The Shylie Rymill Foursomes were held in April with Jane Hogarth and Susie Herzberg very deserving winners with Nett 67.5. In May our Centenary Bowl dinner and golf was almost fully booked. We had the gorgeous Jess Adamson come and speak about life in the media and show us footage of some of the amazing stories she has covered over the last twenty years. It was another very happy and noisy Associates event with the fun golf format of four ball better ball Par bright and early the next morning. The random pairing of Janie Smith and Lizzie Owen were thrilled to win the Bowl with +7. Left, Jess Adamson & Sally Rasmussen at The Centenary Bowl Dinner
Right, Janie Smith and Lizzie Owen with the Centenary Bowl
Our Championships were held in June again this year in mild weather for which we were all thankful. The first qualifying round saw average scores however the second qualifying round in beautiful winter sun saw some terrific scores and
Left, Julia receiving the “Eagles Nest” for her Hole In One on the 6th
The ambience at the club was wonderful. There was a lovely buzz with everyone keen to see how others were going and it was a very supportive atmosphere. The C Grade and the higher handicap match play were played from the green tees this year to encourage more entrants and to make the whole experience more enjoyable. We had 12 entries in the higher handicap match play with many of them playing for the first time which was a wonderful turnout.
From left,Sally Rasmussen, Juliet Hugo,Tricia Davies, Colleen Hamilton, Vicki Thwaites, Sara Bessell
Congratulations to our Club Champion, Juliet Hugo, who played a fantastic match against Pauline Morrison, to Tricia Davies who played a close match against Rosie Newland in the Bronze Championship and to Colleen Hamilton who defeated Heather Jenkins in another great game in the C Grade.
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Our new locker room, bathroom and office have been very well received and the Committee, as ASSOCIATEs’ NEWS you can see from this photo, are thrilled with our continued....... new space. Being so close to the Proshop and our buggies may encourage those of you who still live This time last year Steph was reporting on the out of the back of your car to consider a new locker. imminent start of building works while this year I The card reader in the new breezeway which also am pleased to report that we are in! contains our noticeboard will be in constant use so even if you don’t have a locker please make sure you come in and keep up to date with all the latest news. The “Stop Press” in the bar on Tuesdays has been retired as we assume everyone will be using our new area and there will be no further need to have several spaces reporting Associates news. It has been a fun and eventful first half of the year. With so many events yet to come the next half 2016 Associates’ Committee promises to be equally exciting so stay tuned!
Events for august - december 2016 Club Foursomes Championships - Saturday 30th - Sunday 31st July Club Members Dinner - Friday 5th August Ackland Horman Golf & Presentation Lunch - Saturday 6th August Royal Adelaide Cup, L.M Gordon Bowl (RAGCVardon event) Sunday 7th August Spring Medal (Men’s) - Saturday 3rd September Course renovations - Sunday 11th & Monday 12th September
(Fairway recovery Tuesday 13th to Friday 30th September)
TG Wilson Cup - Saturday 22nd October Club Championships – Qualifying - Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th October
Finals - Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November
New Members Dinner -Wednesday 2nd November Presentation Day - Saturday 26th November Christmas Twilight - Friday 9th December
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Course news Nathan Bennett- Course Superintendent
Winter took a while to appear this year but when it did we sure knew about it, experiencing very mild weather during April gave us false hope that winter wouldn’t be too wet or cold but that soon changed. We had 70mm in May and as I write this letter we had another 25mm in June. It’s not so much the amount of rain that impacts the course it’s more the amount of wet days. Late May and early June didn’t supply many drying days, this impacted our mowing routines. Without the fairways drying out we were not able to cut them, which helps remove the worm castings. Unfortunately the worm castings have returned due to the heavy waterlogged soils that are on the flat holes, these being the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th, 13th & 15th . There is very little we can do to reduce this problem apart from controlling the worms, which, from a soil structure point of view is not the best. To reduce the impact on members we will continue to cut the fairways as often as possible, weather permitting.
couch surround is taking a little longer. The time of year in which we laid the couch didn’t allow for maximum growth so the establishment period has been very slow. As far as the couch surrounds go, growth will be slow until the weather warms up.
As you can see, the path from the old 13th tee to the fairway has been removed and planted out with the same plants that are in the existing wetlands, these plants are very small and juvenile, over time this old path should blend in with the existing wetland.
The ASR wetlands are looking great with the plants and birdlife thriving; conversely over summer we have the continual issue with the remaining water in the wetland evaporating, leaving the remaining water salty. When we have a rain event we have to wait to let the storm water blend with the salty water to reduce the salt before we can inject the water, this may take up to 2 weeks. Over the next 1-2 months we are looking at laying a pipe that will connect the ASR to the salt-marsh/wetlands located at the 13th tee. Pumping the salty water to this area during summer months will encourage The new hole (17a) is taking shape. We are now the salt tolerant plants to thrive, in turn, reducing cutting the green 2-4 times per week and the the weeds and also encouraging birdlife, we bent surface is coming along well; however, the will also be able to inject water more promptly. The growth on the greens has almost completely stopped and the turf surfaces have started to thin out slightly, this is normal here as we try to keep the greens as lean as possible which has an impact on the Poa. Over the past 12 weeks the greens have been needle tyned 4 times, this has helped the greens maintain their firmness and health. There is very little disturbance when we use the 5mm tynes, most golfers wouldn’t even notice they have been done. We will continue this process over the winter months.
2016 International Challenge in China by Patric Kroschel
Current Royal Adelaide Golf Club Champion Patric Kroschel recently travelled to China to represent South Australia and Australia in the annual International Teams Challenge against China. The teams event was held at the Panshan Tianjin Golf Course with
the Australian team featuring Amateurs from each state along with a collection of 7 PGA Professionals. The matchplay format includes a two man ambrose, a 4BBB stroke round and a single stroke round. The event was first held in 2015 with the Australian team hosting
the Chinese at Sanctuary Cove Palms Golf Course. The event is a great opportunity for Australian amateurs and PGA Professionals to participate and compete in an international event. The Australian team consisted of;
NAME
STATE
CLASSIFICATION
NAME
STATE
CLASSIFICATION
Gavin Kirkman Michael Chard Darren Richards Glen Dick Peter Harrington Robert Kennedy Chris Duke Vernon Sexton-Finck
VIC VIC QLD QLD QLD NSW SA WA
PGA Staff PGA Staff PGA Member/Team Captain PGA Member PGA Member PGA Member PGA Member PGA Member
Matthew Docking Cameron Jones Shae Wools-Cobb Greg Longmore William Heffernan Andrew Tharle Patric Kroschel
NSW WA QLD TAS VIC NSW SA
PGA Member Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur
The trip started with the SA, VIC, NSW, ACT and Tasmanian representatives travelling to Melbourne airport to depart for Singapore where we met up with the QLD and WA reps before heading onto Beijing as a whole team. When we arrived in China we were greeted by the Chinese Golf League Association representatives. We were then transported to the Tianjing region of China, The Panshan Golf Course, and our accommodation for the next 4 Day 2 saw myself and Chris teaming up again, nights. this time it was in the 4BBB format. Chris and I The first Day of play was a 2 struggled on day 2 we both hit the ball fairly well ball ambrose with Christopher however when it came to making the important Duke (SA) and myself playing putts we just couldn’t find a way to capitalize on our together. We had a score of 8 opportunities.We went down to the Chinese team under for 17 holes however 4/3 in this match which was a little disappointing this wasn’t enough to beat the Chinese duo who to say the least. Again the Australian boys found didn’t make a bogey the entire round losing 2/1. the going very tough against some good opposition The Australian team struggled as a whole in these from the Chinese team this time going down 4/2 matches and went down 5/1 in the ambrose leaving our chances of claiming the international section. That night we had the opening ceremony challenge title very slim being down 9/3. for the event where there were multiple officials Heading into Day 3 we all knew what the scenario and CEO’s of the major sponsors of the event. needed to be in order for us to claim the title. We
2016 International Challenge in China by Patric Kroschel Cont’d ...... needed a minimum 9 points to retain the trophy or 9 ½ to win out right. I was in the 4th group against Xin Ma who I had previously played in the first day of the competition so I knew what I was up for. The front nine was up and down for my match, I got to 2 up early then a rally from my opponent tilted the match in his favour. I birdied 8 and 9 to make the match all square heading into the back nine. I went 3 under on the back nine with 2 eagles and a bogey, which was enough to see myself win a valuable point 3/1 for the team. However it still wasn’t enough, the team only managing to secure 6 points in the singles out of a possible 12 meaning that Team China won the International Challenge 15/9. Day 4 and 5 in China allowed the team some time for sightseeing. As a team we packed our bags and departed our hotel. First on our sight seeing days was the Great Wall of China. After seeing the wall we ventured into Beijing to go and see the Forbidden City. We were then taken to our hotel
in Beijing to drop off our bags before heading out to the streets to experience the local night life in Beijing and try some more of the local cuisine before we departed for Australia the next day.
Overall the experience in China was one that I know I will cherish for a very long time to come. The friendships I made with the Australian team as well as the Chinese team, I hope will continue into the future. I plan to use this experience to drive myself in the future to continually improve my golf.
Library news Winter Warmer
After an endless summer winter has hit with a vengeance so it is the perfect time to settle in front of a crackling fire with a warming glass of red. A loon is a descriptor for a young boisterous Scottish lad and the same can be said for this young Barossan. The Torbreck ‘Loon’2015 is Marananga shiraz co fermented with Marsanne skins which provides both lift and perfume. This is both refreshing and vibrant, displaying pure juicy fruit appeal in spades, hints of licorice with the oak well and truly taking a back seat. Slippery and slurpable this a good fun red to drink now or over the next few years. Now pouring at the bar.
RAGC has a comprehensive collection of golfing books in its library, both antiquarian and recent publications. All of these books are available for reading in the library, with most of them able to be borrowed and read in the comfort of you own homes if preferred. They are all catalogued both by title, category and by author. We would like to remind all members that we are always pleased to receive additional books to add to our collection. Your donation is acknowledged inside the front cover of the book. Please contact Rob Sangster, Rob Taylor, Jane Hogarth or Deb Smith, in the Club Office, if you would like your donation to be part of our Club history.
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mEMBERSHIP & rULES - Rule Changes Jim Sweeney
Ongoing discussions regarding the survey and membership changes have yet to result in final decisions on all aspects of a membership restructure. Despite finality on all aspects, members may be interested in some of the responses to the survey. The Committee was delighted with the number of members responding to the survey. 709 members completed the survey either electronically or in hard format, a response rate of 48%, which is considered an excellent rate in this type of survey. It is very pleasing that 69 people with more than 50 years membership participated indicating the passion members have for the long-term interests of the Club.
anticipated effective introduction date of 1/02/17 our 125th Anniversary year. 87% of participants indicated that full membership and voting for women would be important in the “near� future indicating that future structural changes should be such that a transition or evolutionary change to a single membership structure over time should be possible. 80% supported having the option of choosing Category 2 at entry which fits our desire to offer some flexibility for new members whilst continuing to be able to offer all new members Category 1. 18% of respondents indicated a possible change of category with a tiered system, 10% higher and 13% lower. Within that group 21 Associates indicated One can always debate what rate reflects a clear an intention to move higher and 22 Ordinary difference in opinion that should influence Members an intention to move lower. decision-making. The current Club Rules require a 75% majority of those voting for a change to the The respondents were equally divided on the Rules and that will be a significant factor in the whether the joining fee should be the same or ongoing deliberations of the Committee regarding remain as a percentage of the full joining fee. This proposed Rule changes. has to be carefully considered and in a competitive market increasing the entrance fee for someone Greater than 70 % supported a tiered membership (male or female) is likely to be counterproductive structure, which by any measure, is a clear result in in attracting new members of either sex. favour of that structure. As such the Committee has asked the Membership and Rules Sub-Committee Voting rights were not considered a high priority to develop changes to the Rules, for subsequent with an average score of 3.3 on a scale of 0-5. presentation to an SGM, to reflect that opinion. Reciprocal rights were considered important with We will refer to these tiers as Category 1 and 2 an average score of 4.2 on a scale of 0-5. The host although these names are not set in stone. This is club determines reciprocal playing rights but this not a simple matter, as many other changes will generally reflects the member’s playing rights at be needed as a consequence of gender neutrality. RAGC. Hopefully we will be in a position to have an SGM later this year, after appropriate member information and explanation sessions, with an
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From the chef - Nigel Munzberg Passionfruit Crème Brûlée served with mango, passionfruit mint & citrus salad & orange crostoli Yields 12 serves
Ingredients 1.5 Cups Caster Sugar 300g Passionfruit Pulp 3 each Eggs Whole 12 each Egg Yolks 1 lt Thickened Cream (35%) Preparation Preheat the oven to 150°C In a saucepan place the thickened cream, passionfruit pulp and half the sugar on the heat and bring to a simmer. In a mixing bowl add the eggs, egg yolks, and the rest of the sugar and whisk together. Pour the warm cream mixture over the egg and sugar mix together well, strain and pour into ramekins.
the inside of the passionfruit and finely slice the mint and add to the salad. Toss with a coating of the bitter orange syrup. Place the salad in the fridge until ready to serve. Crostoli Ingredients 250 g Plain Flour ½ Teaspoon Baking powder 20 g Icing Sugar ½ each Orange (rind finely grated) ½ each Lemon (rind finely grated) 20 g Unsalted Butter ½ nip Brandy 2 each Eggs Icing sugar, to dust
Preparation Place the ramekins into a deep baking Place in a mixing bowl the plain flour, baking tray and pour enough boiling water to powder, icing sugar, orange and lemon zest. come half way up the side of the ramekin. With a paddle attachment rub in the unsalted Bake in pre-heated oven at (150°C) and butter until you reach a crumble stage. Add bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. the eggs and brandy and mix until it comes Take out of the oven and remove from the water bath together into a dough, turn out on the bench and finish and refrigerate until set, preferably overnight is best but working together by hand until you have smooth dough. 4 to 5 hours should be sufficient. Wrap in cling film and let the dough rest for approxiTo serve sprinkle with an even coating of caster sugar mately 30 minutes. and blowtorch the sugar to a golden caramel stage and Cut the dough into manageable sizes and roll through serve. a pasta machine, fold the dough back on itself with a Citrus Salad book fold, run the dough through the machine again, Ingredients repeat this process three times, once you have done this 4 each Orange Segments start to reduce the thickness setting on the machine un2 each Ruby Grapefruit til you reach the desired thickness. Recommendation 2 each Mango is setting 5 but this may vary between pasta machines. e each Passionfruit Lay the crostoli sheet on a floured bench and with 12 leaves Mint (finely sliced, chiffonade) ravioli roller with a crimped edge cut the sheet Preparation into desired shape. Cook in a deep fryer on 180 Peel the oranges, ruby grapefruit and segment, cut the °C (350°F) and cook until golden in colour. Drain cheeks off of the mango and cut into cubes. Scoop out on paper towel dust with icing sugar and serve.
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match & pennant report Chris Crocker the hosting of sporting events at Adelaide Oval Rounds played data as well as the popularity of festivals such as the During the last 18 months we have begun Fringe. capturing in depth rounds played data, which Further to this information we have commenced has not previously been compiled at RAGC. splitting the data recorded in order to better Captured in this information is the number of understand the split between member introduced rounds played by members, reciprocal members, guests and reciprocal member introduced guests. member guests and corporate golf as well as the Going forward this will assist in the assessment origin of visiting players. This data assists with and planning of reciprocal agreements. event planning, budgeting and the scheduling of major course works. It also provides metrics to Member Communication and Engagement ensure the correct balance of member vs visitor Members will have recently noticed an increase in play is achieved. This information also helps us the regularity and content of “Royal Golf Matters”. with benchmarking against facilities of similar The Enews format along with the member standards. website are our key forms of communication with our members. Our aim is to provide regular, up to date and relevant information to keep you informed about events and happenings around the Club. Enews are generally sent once a fortnight and are increasingly being used to avoid individual event emails. The Enews currently has a 64% interaction/open rate with members. Whilst this number is acceptable, we would ideally like to be engaging around 75% of our membership via this means.We ask that members take the time to look over the Enews and keep abreast of all things Club related. We are always excited to hear what our members are up to and where they might have been playing st The above pie chart represents the year 1 March golf or competing in a particular event.Therefore, 2015 – 29th February 2016. Total rounds played if you’ve got a great travel or event story or simply during this period was 35,499 with 86% of these want to share something with the rest of the rounds being played by members. Visitor demand membership then please send it through and we’ll throughout the year has revealed trends around endeavour to add it to the website or Enews.
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match & pennant report continued....... Pennant Golf It’s been an up and down year for our two Men’s Pennant Teams. Whilst our B2 Team is enjoying the spoils of a division victory and promotion back into Bonnar Cup for 2017 our Simpson Cup Team are facing the reality of being relegated to the A2 Division.
The victorious RAGC B2 Men’s Pennant Team L to R – Back row - Paul Reader (Manager), Josh Groom, James Wallman, David Cherry, Chase Ballard. Front row – Ian Rice, Riley Semovic, Adam Kimber
Our B2 Team completed a brilliant roster season recording six wins and one loss to have them win the minor premiership. In the final RAGC had a tough assignment against Regency Park but secured the win after Adam Kimber, Riley Semovic, David Cherry and Ian Rice all won their matches, giving the team the required 4 wins with two matches still out on course. Congratulations to the entire team, a brilliant result that will next year see them back where they belong, vying for the Bonnar Cup. Special mention must go to Royal Adelaide Pennant debutant Riley Semovic whom has completed the entire season including the final undefeated playing between number 3 and 5. A great job! Whilst our Simpson Cup team started the season strong, they were unable to continue this
momentum finishing the bottom of the table. The team will now play in the A2 competition next year. Patric Kroschel playing at number 2 all season recorded 5 wins from 6 starts. A great effort in a particularly tough competition and no doubt some well-earned results. A big thanks to our many caddies and volunteers whom assisted to make this pennant a great success. Our Team Managers Rod Phillips and Paul Reader put in endless hours, coordinating practice sessions and organising the boys to help ensure some great results. Thanks also to our Club Professional Cameron Howell and Teaching Professional Daniel Blackwell for their many hours of coaching and team support.We look forward to 2017 and the prospect of continued improvement and a march towards further flags.
Page 9 Member Events This year has again seen a well-supported string of member events along with the introduction and improvement of some formats. New for 2016 has been the introduction of the Wednesday and Thursday “Players of the Year” awards. An order of merit based system, the players of the year utilises the Fedex Cup points scoring system to allocate points weekly based on the finishing position of players. The award runs from March to October and winners will be presented with a player of the year shirt at the annual presentation day. Designed to add an extra incentive for mid-week players, the Player of the Year is proving a tight contest with several consistent performers. Up to date results can be found on the member’s website throughout the year. Building on the success of the Royal Adelaide Premiership, the competition has this year become part of the Golf Premier League. Retaining
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match & pennant report continued....... the same great teams format, the Golf Premier League has provided us access to an online, automated scoring portal which includes up to date player statistics and conference ladders. This year’s season kicked off with a preseason dinner hosted by the one and only Wayne Phillips. Wayne took the opportunity to interview Team Captains about the season ahead as well as several of the questionable “player trades” that had occurred in the off season. A big part of this season will be the “Best and Fairest” award to be presented at the end of season dinner following the Grand Final. The best and fairest will be a live count not dissimilar to the AFL Brownlow Medal and will no doubt provide plenty of entertainment on the night. Good luck to all the teams and players involved. Mixed and social events have been well supported so far this year. Of note was a bumper field in the Mixed Foursomes with an increase of the field size by 35%. A big thanks to all the members for their ongoing support of our all our Club events. Below, Mixed Matchplay winners Effie & Michael Schapel
In a constant effort to provide more and better golf and social activities for our members, we are currently working on an exciting new concept for the 2016/17 summer period. Further details will
Below,Wendt Trophy winners James & Tim Jordan
be available in the coming months but members can be assured there will be a great new mid-week nine hole twilight competition being launched in October 2016. The twilight competition will be a weekly, social, 9 hole stableford event with some attractive, price point meal options to follow. Keep an eye on the website and Enews for further information. Answers to Rules Quiz (from Page ; A 1: C Explanation: Sand on the putting green is a loose impediment - see the Definition of “loose impediments” - and may be removed by any means. The fact that the ball is not on the putting green is irrelevant. See Rule 23-1. A 2: C Explanation: The weight of evidence would indicate that the player did not cause the movement of the ball.There would be no penalty and the ball must be played from where it now lies. See Decision 18-2/0.5. A 3: B Explanation: Since the ball lies out of bounds, the player must proceed under Rule 271.Water is not an outside agency see Definition of Outside Agency and thus the ball would not be replaced under Rule 18-1. In a situation where it is likely that a ball will be carried out of bounds by the flow of water in a water hazard, it is suggested that a screen be installed to prevent such an occurrence. A 4: A Explanation: See Rule 25-1b.
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JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT REPORT Michael Jay
Membership is the life blood of any Club. Juniors play a particularly important role and although we have some males coming through, females have come to a halt. Neither are anywhere near what Royal Adelaide would like or should have to ensure a healthy number transitioning into more senior ranks. Compare this situation with 50 years ago when we had over 60 for both boys and girls which have provided the Club with a very healthy base throughout this half century. There are many reasons for this decline with time, other recreational interests and money being but a few. The market for this demographic is highly competitive so anything that is
offered needs to be attractive on a number of criteria. Other golf Clubs have been active and this is reflected in team participation and success in the various competitions organized through Golf SA. Royal Adelaide currently has a number of initiatives to address this with our teaching professional Daniel Blackwell playing a pivotal role along with Cameron Howell. A Schools Programme involving St. Peter`s College, The Wilderness School and St. Michaels has been in operation for over 12 months as well as regular Saturday afternoon clinics for Little and Big Hitters.
Membership Category
Subscription
Junior Under 11 Junior Under 16 Junior Under 21
$393.00 $575.00 $756.00
At the most recent AGM a number of rule changes with respect to Juniors were passed which we hope will make golf an appealing option for boys and girls and more particularly membership of the Club. These are summarized in the table below. As you can see joining at a young age has distinct advantages and will eliminate the significant financial burden that current juniors face when transitioning from 21 to 35 years of age. Current members with children or grandchildren might like to consider this when thinking about their future recreational wellbeing and enjoyment that we older members now find so important.
Complimentary ½ hour Golf Lessons per year Nil 4 (value $260) 10 (value $650)
The current entrance fee is $7500 plus GST ($8250). 2016/17 Ordinary Subscription is $3,624.00
Optional Entrance Fee (if paid in advance) $825.00 $1237.50 $1650.00
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Members COMPETITION WINNER(S) AH Magarey Cup Hugh Abbott Black & White Trophy Jamie Botten & Peter Menz Browne Salver Brad Rumbelow Captains Trophy Michael Hawthorn D A L Abbott Cup Owen Watson Hayward Cup Jill Gray and Tom Gray Hew O’Halloran Giles Cup Stephen Couche & Peter Lyall L G Toms Trophy Chris Jamieson & Luke Anderson M G Anderson Summer Cup Ian A McFarlane & Peter Lyall McLachlan Cup Michael Hawthorn McLachlan Putting Salver Josh Groom President’s Trophy Played July 2nd onwards Services Challenge Cup Peter Menz & Glen Benveniste Wellington Cup Jeff Easley Wendt Trophy Tim Jordan & James Jordan Autumn Medal A Grade Gross Ian Rice A Grade Net Peter Lyall B Grade Net Lynn Stewart C Grade Net Prem Singh Winter Medal A Grade Gross Will Arnold B Grade Net Geoff Thompson C Grade Net Mark Coventry Club Mixed Foursomes Gross Holden Salver Winner Andrew Sykes & Anne Sykes Holder Salver Runner-up Jill McEwin & John McEwin Net Angus McLachlan & Mandy MacGillvray People to People Mixed Match Play Michael & Effie Schapel Winners
Associates COMPETITION Shylie Rymill Mother & Daughter Centenary Bowl Club Professional Day Murray Quaich Charity Day Sunday Ladies
WINNERS Jane Hogarth & Susie Herzberg Ros Perks & Simone Perks Janie Smith & Elizabeth Owen Jen Ramsay Ros Brebner Deferred Jan Van de Worp, Sue Newman (x3), Boo Lange, Nicky Greenslade, Oksana Holubowycz (x2), Carolyn Astley (x2), Virginia Angove (x2), Paula Botten, Dieu Le, Toffee Perkins Tuesday Competitions - March/April Silver Mirrie Waters, Vicki Thwaites, Julia Timbs, Ali McCole, Vicki Jordan Bronze Midge Rex, Judy Dawes, Lisa Grant, Sue Minson, Heather Motteram C Grade Simone Perks, Virginia Angove, Ingrid Coats, Karyn Sprod, Sandra Freeman May/June Silver Didy McLaurin, Anne Ellis, Ali McCole, Ros Brebner, Jill McEwin Bronze Marnie Davidson, Jillian Wilson, Deb Wallman, Susie Osborne, Judy Willoughby C Grade Nicky Greenslade, Teena Coppin, Julie Montgomery, Annie Tolley, Colleen Hamilton 9 Holes Sue Hancock, Jill Gray, Mirrie Waters, Mary Watson, Gracie Steele-Scott, Pip Darby, Janine Liston, Chris Reece, Jan Beasley, Honi Hooper, Toni Chaplin Alternate Stableford Sandra Freeman, Cathy McAuliffe, Heather Doolette A2 Pennant Plate Winner
Juliet Hugo
A3 Pennant Plate
Jill McEwin
Associates Club Champion Juliet Hugo Bronze Championship
Trish Davies
C Grade Championship
Colleen Hamilton
A Grade Handicap Plate
Vicki Thwaites
B Grade Handicap Plate
Sally Ramussen
Higher Handicap Plate
Sara Bessell