PIN HI Autumn 2013

PIN HI Autumn 2013

PRESIDENT’S NOTES The Eastern Land The completion of the Clubhouse extension and partial refurbishment means that the Board now focuses on the usage of the eastern land.

The primary objective at present is to rebuild our cash reserves which were depleted by the Clubhouse Upgrade Project. The Club has a policy of no borrowings, which is a very sound approach when considered against a background of golf participation rates, which have fallen for each of the last ten years and continue to do so.

The terms of the Club’s Perpetual Lease govern the range of projects for consideration.

Broadly, the lease permits any activity connected to golf, so other developments are out of the question.

The question of nine holes returning to the Clubhouse has been examined in depth but has been rejected as it would mean a loss of some of the practice facilities and several holes, with fairways so close that Michael Clayton advised against their design as they would be incompatible with his basic course design concept of broad fairways.

Preliminary work on additional drainage lines has already occurred in readiness for further development.

Nine holes can be built on the eastern land, although it might be a par 35 rather than a par 36 configuration, to be operated either by the Club or externally for a period of time. Other ideas being tested are a commercial driving range with say six holes, or a golf academy operated externally but leased from the Club.

It is anticipated that towards the end of the year the range of options will be narrowed to one or two for the consideration of the membership. Even so, it will be several years before any substantial works begin unless it is determined to build one or two holes per year. However, such financing might also transfer funds proposed to be used to maintain and enhance our present layout.

Centenary Year 2020 Planning is underway for this event. A Committee has been established to direct that planning, which will include ideas and concepts from other Clubs’ centenary celebrations, as well something unique, so if you have any ideas to include in our centenary celebrations please send them to the Office.

Russell Muir - Acting General Manager Russell has accepted an acting appointment for six months at which time a decision on a permanent appointment will be made. Russell began work with the Club in 1985, but resigned in 1990 to accept appointment as Assistant General Manager of the Paradise Palms Golf Club in Cairns, where he worked for five years. In 1995 Russell moved to Phuket, Thailand, as General Manager of the Banyan Tree Golf Club until 1999. From 1999 to 2001 he was General Manager of Kamala Beach Estate in Phuket (privately owned villas and apartments, some used privately and some rented for holiday stays). In 2001 Russell was appointed Secretary Manager of the Bribie Island Golf Club for three years, before returning to RQ in 2007 as the Accountant. The Club will benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience in all facets of Golf Club management.

Des Knight INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ● Captain’s Communiqué…P2 ● JDP…P3 ● Associates’ News…P4 ● Course Manager’s Report…P6 ● Heritage and Archives…P9

1.

● Forthcoming Events…P10 ● Tiger’s Drop…P11

COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE CAPTAIN Welcome 2013 Golf Calendar It has been a busy start to the golfing calendar, with several major competitions decided already. Congratulations to the Members below who have triumphed thus far: American Cup Governor’s Trophy Sir Leslie Wilson Cup Father and Son Trophy AIF Cup Returned Servicemen’s Trophy Sir Manuel Hornibrook Memorial Trophy Autumn Cup

Geoff Wallace Maurice Kluge Brad Anderson & Darren Bertwistle Mark & Jake Stanton John Duncan Peter Lauder Jake McLeod Rod Halligan

Weather & Course Finally, the weather seems to settling into a more normal pattern than we have seen of late. Congratulations again to our Greens staff under Marcus Price, who on too many Fridays to count have had the course looking terrific, only to have heavy rains overnight ruin bunker works and the like.

We have now commenced the drainage investigations on the bunkers as was noted earlier in the year, and while this will take some time; the benefits should be readily visible.

The finer weather has allowed a return to the regular dusting programme over the last two months. This important part of our maintenance regime has had an immediate effect on greens health, and this is reflected in the surfaces’ performances.

Pace of Play As many Members will be aware, we have recommenced intermittent marshalling to try and assist the playing times of the day. Currently, it is not uncommon on Wednesdays and Saturdays to regularly have fields in excess of 200 Members, and recently up to 230. In reviewing the round times week to week it only takes five dropped minutes a couple of times through the sheet, and the rear end of the field regularly then has a five hour round and is trying to finish in the dark. If the Marshall approaches you, it would be appreciated if you can make an effort to catch up some of the lost ground and regain touch with the group in front of you. If you see yourself dropping behind, two of you could move to the next tee and tee off and make up a few minutes.

We are all about enjoying our golf in a great environment, but sitting on your buggy while the group in front of you has a hole or more clear is not one of anyone’s favourite pastimes.

New Events on the Calendar A couple of new events have been added to the calendar this year to provide a bit of fun and to add to the great social atmosphere that we have.

The first will be the RQ Putting Championships. This fun event will be open to all Members and Associates. The competition will be run on Fridays 7th and 14th June to determine the 2013 Putting Champion. Details are available on the website and the new balcony might be the place to relax and watch events unfold for those not participating.

The second is the Long Drive Championships. Whilst we had a run at this last year, we have decided to create a couple of categories and a few conditions and again try and make this a fun social occasion, and also see perhaps some amazing long drives. This is scheduled for Friday 19th July at 4pm.

Reversal of the Nines Recently there has been some discussion from Members as to whether we would revert to the original layout of the course. Upon a written request from one of the Members, the Match and Greens Committee revisited the discussion.

Upon research and several discussions with our Course Architect, the layout was endorsed by the Match and Greens Committee and provided to the Board. The Board at its April meeting endorsed the decision of the Match and Greens Committee to play the course as it stands today. Our Course Architect Mike Clayton has no issue with the current order of play, and supported the decision to continue play the course as it is listed 1 through 18.

Trees During the off-season a couple of trees received significant damage due to storms, the first being a fig behind the 4th.

This tree has had one main branch removed and we are currently monitoring its progress to see how it reacts over the next couple of months. The second tree struck by lightning was the Elephant Ear tree on the right hand side of the 5th, opposite the large fairway bunker. We have a replacement tree earmarked and will undertake this replacement later in the year along with other tree works.

2.

COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE CAPTAIN (cont.)

Increase in Handicap Anchor On 14th May Golf Australia increased the Handicap Anchor from 4 to 5. This will only affect those currently sitting on their anchor. At this stage, we are still expecting the implementation of the “Slope” system to be around September this year.

Turf Nursery Work has commenced on our next project now that the Wash Down Bay has been completed and is working above expectations.

A turf nursery is being established alongside the service road to the maintenance area. Two large plots will be grown, being blue couch for fairway repairs, and green couch for greens repairs. The benefits here are twofold.

Firstly, we will not need to use green couch from the spare greens for repairs in the future. Secondly, the turf we will take up from the turf nursery will have been grown using the recycled water. In the past, for any decent sized repair work we have shipped in turf. In many instances we have then struggled with the turf as it has been grown off site and usually watered with very “clean” water and doesn’t handle the sodium content in our recycled water.

In closing I would like wish everyone continued success and enjoyment for the remainder of the 2013 golfing season.

Ralph Heading

RQ ADAM SCOTT JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME We are now well into the swing of the 2013 JDP season and great improvements are being seen in our young golfers. Richard Gompels has taken over the curriculum organiser role and has introduced several exciting innovations, ably assisted by David Cardillo, and Chris Berndt.

On the Range The emphasis in the Bronze group has been the development of core stability and balance necessary to play golf with exercises also to develop hand/eye/ball coordination. A variety of golf type games have been used for this purpose with the aim of keeping the children occupied and entertained while learning.

The Silver group has been involved in a mixture of more advanced stability/balance exercises, together with golf skills coaching, and an introduction to management of the playing of golf, including etiquette, and the basis of scoring. The presence of three Professionals with the Silver group has allowed closer supervision of swing development plus allowed one of the Pros to be out on the course with the Silver group.

Charlie Earp (centre) doing what he does best… passing on his experience

The Gold group has been given more advanced skills development.

On the Course With the Silver group we have been using different sets of tees to suit age/skill level, to allow the short game to have a similar relative importance to the developing golfer. Scores have been kept over the holes played, together with recording the number of putts. The MyGolf packages have been distributed to the Silver group, and over the next few weeks the skills test results will be recorded by the young golfers. These results can be used to tailor the level of instruction to individual development level.

Individual Lessons Parents are encouraged to arrange the individual lessons included in the JDP subscription as this will also give the coaches a better insight into each child’s needs.

Charlie’s Visit This term we had the pleasure of a session with former RQ Pro Charlie Earp. Charlie observed the developing swings of Gold and Silver group participants, who listened intently as Charlie then passed on a number of tips.

Suddy MacKechnie Programme Coordinator 3.

ASSOCIATES’ NEWS The golfing year for 2013 began with a summer of heavy, constant rain, but this was not enough to dampen spirits and our traditional Associates’ Opening Day on Tuesday 12th February saw a record number of 125 attend our Bring and Buy morning, including a field of 86 playing in the 9 Hole competition. Our stalls made an amazing profit of $4400, thanks to the generosity of convenors Jan Gregory, Lindsay Edmiston, and Estelle Bush, and their hard working helpers, fantastic raffles, and the support of donations and purchasing by so many women.

A Gala Clubhouse Opening Dinner on Saturday 9th February saw 195 Members, Associates and partners, in formal attire, share good food and wine and dance the night away. Tim and Mary Nicholls were guests of honour, dedicating a plaque to the newly refurbished Clubhouse. This very successful night was followed by the Mixed Opening Day on Sunday 10th February when golfers enjoyed drinks and canapés on our new Balcony after the competition.

Feedback has been very positive about our newly refurbished Clubhouse, and Associates are enjoying our beautiful Locker Room and settling into the new layout upstairs. Thanks go to Susie Gray and Judy Street for their expertise and style, and to Ian Lynagh for his continuing additions of golfing memorabilia.

We have been extremely fortunate to have received two generous donations this year. Mrs Nancy Murphy, who in her 99th year is the oldest Royal Queensland Associate, has given the Associates a cash gift to enable the purchase of our beautiful mural in the Associates’ Locker Room. The Dubois family has also made a very generous contribution, in memory of Mona, and this has purchased the beautiful bookcase at the entry to our Associates’ Room.

Unfortunately, with the heavy rains at the commencement of the season, the Annual President’s v Captain’s Match had to be abandoned for 2013. Our Jessie McNaught qualifying event also had to be postponed one week due to the inclement weather. Luckily, we had the flexibility in the programme to do this. However, the weather then improved and the Final was played on 27th March between Janelle Woodhall and Penny Thring (the top qualifiers), and Ismay Selby and Di Millar, with the former being victorious 4/3.

Sunday Brunches were trialled in March and have become popular enough to offer weekly from late April, with Members and Associates being encouraged to bring extended families and enjoy the ambience of the Clubhouse.

March and April have been busy months with a Welcome to nine New Associates on Tuesday 12th March. Five played in the field with their Proposers and/or Mentors, and were joined by four more for lunch. Of the five, most now either have their handicaps or have begun the process to obtain them. Some will continue in the 9 Hole competition for some time, and will progress to 18 holes when their confidence and skill level improves. They will continue to be monitored through the mentoring system, which was introduced through Judy Theodoridis and is proving to be most beneficial and successful.

A Mixed Invitation Carvery Dinner was held following golf on 17th March, and on Friday 5th April 60 Members, Associates, and partners joined Andy and Marcia Georges for a sumptuous Friday Feasting on Il Centro's famous Sandcrab Lasagne, combined with an informative Wine Tasting conducted by Andrew Corrigan. Andy Georges regaled those present with amusing insights into the early days of fine dining in Brisbane.

The decision last year by the then Board and Management to not call the field for Members’ and Associates’ competitions resulted in very mixed views, and the Committee felt it necessary to ascertain the majority opinion. With the support of the Board it was decided by the Associates’ Committee to poll the golfing Associates to determine support for or against calling of the field for Tuesday competitions. This was done by an email sent in February to all full and Five Day Associates, asking their preferred option. The results indicated a clear preference for a return to calling of the field, and with this result the Committee made the decision to return to calling the field for the 18 Hole programme on Tuesdays from 5th March. It was not a decision reached lightly, and we are mindful that a number of women favoured the non-calling.

Open Day, held on Thursday 11th April, was a great success, with a field of 94 players on the course. There were 46 players in Div 1 (18 visitors) and 48 players in Div 2/3 (26 visitors). Results are at right:

Open Day Results: Lilian Walsh Trophy Runner Up

Natalie Peachey (McLeod) Lesley Ingram

85 88

RQGC Associates’ Cup Runner Up

Patricia Hatcher Merita Pailthorpe

71 73

Molly Rankin Trophy Runner Up RQGC Associates’ Plate Runner Up

Jacki Arnott (Keperra) Morvine Cox Louise McGovern (Keperra) Suzie Chang

94 100 71 75

4.

ASSOCIATES’ NEWS (cont.)

The winner of the Mary Brown Trophy for 2013 is Nols Pelly with a score of 149.

It was unfortunate that in the qualifying event for the first single match play Honour Board event for this year, the Miriam E. Wippell Trophy, we had only one volunteer qualifier in the Div 2 category. Only 15 ladies in that division (Handicap 27 – 45) actually completed the round. After many phone calls, six more ladies were persuaded to join in, which provided for a viable competition. However, we urge all Associates not to “pick up” on a qualifying round and to volunteer to qualify in the event. Without your support in making a viable competition in these events, they will cease to exist.

Consideration has been given regarding the better use of the four courses which are rated for Women’s use in normal play. We were playing all our golf on the Club Red course, but have three other courses rated for our daily use. In order to better use these courses, a format of course rotation was put in place for setup by the Grounds staff, and rotation commenced on 16th April. A review of the Stroke Index for the courses will be undertaken when sufficient data has been collected from our weekly rounds.

Pennants commenced on Friday 5th April with Merita Pailthorpe and Judy Theodoridis returning as Captains of the Div 2 and Div 3 teams respectively, and Anne Moran as Caddie Master. All ladies selected in the teams were entrusted with upholding the reputation of Royal Queensland and both teams performed admirably, both on and off the golf course. Div 2 team finished in 2nd place, with a commendable 8 points and 23 ½ games, behind Wynnum with 9 points and 24 games. Div 3 team will finish their season on 17th May. Thanks go to the great many Associates who contribute their time during our Pennant season, either as player, caddie, or in one of the myriad weekly, behind the scene activities, necessary for its success. Thanks also to the Pro Shop staff (Richard and Leah), who conducted weekly clinics for the squad over the season.

The Pro Pin has been revised, in consultation with the Pro Shop, to allow for a separate Pro Pin for each Division, as follows: Div 1 Div 2 Div 3

12th Hole 2nd Hole 8th Hole

This change was made after several Associates provided feedback that they felt that they were not competitive against the better players in getting to their allocated green in two shots.

Andrew Kirkman has resigned as General Manager of RQ and we wish him well for the future. Congratulations to Russell Muir, who has been appointed Acting General Manager for a period of six months.

Jan Olsen and Stephanie Cumming

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Congratulations to 19 new Members who have joined RQ in recent months:

Nicholas Barr Noah Castellaro Bruce Charles Kathryn Charles Gary Crosby Ann Davies Kylie Fleming Oscar Higgins Catherine Hudson David Keir Max Kruse James McAfee John McCann

Andrew Morton Anthony Owen Rebecca Thompson Scott Vanderwolf Wilma Walsh Ian Weigh

We hope you will enjoy the wonderful facilities available, and make many new friendships.

5.

COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Maintenance Matters Another wet start to the year has provided some pleasing and frustrating areas in maintenance. Previously drained areas through works programmes have functioned well, with limited closures to the course and limited effects on course conditioning. Year to date at the end of April we reached a rainfall total of 825mm (2012 total end of April was 869mm).

With the seasonal change upon us we are in the process of building reservoirs of nutrients and available nutrient sources. Slower growth during the cooler months will warrant continual monitoring, as we hope to identify wear areas before damage has been done.

Replanting of removed trees will be undertaken over the next month, trees of significant size or positioned for tactical purposes will be replaced with mature specimens, for example:   

“Kauri Pine” RHS Assoc 12th tee “Banksias” RHS 12th green surrounds “Norfolk Island Pine” LHS 4a

The remaining plantings will be made up of tube stock and juvenile plantings. With these we will bulk up screenings at the rear of the practice fairway and around the staff compound. Trees and shrubs are being sought to assist in “planting for biodiversity”, encouraging birdlife by giving a variety of vegetation endemic to the area.

Staff Training Adult Apprenticeships As part of the Club’s commitment to staff development, last year two adult apprentices were nominated by the Club in an effort to further their education and personal development. Both Luke Bonner and Chris Coop have been employed by the Club as groundsmen for over seven years and are now studying a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management, which will enable them to become recognised greenkeepers. Recently Luke and Chris were interviewed by their training organisation and commented: “Achievements obtained through the training are having a greater understanding of the information and skills I have already developed on the job. I find the learning of new and more technical information exhilarating, especially what I’m not exposed to on a day to basis.

The training has given me more confidence in my abilities and knowledge of processes.” (Luke)

Luke preparing to use the whipper snipper

“I am gaining knowledge to perform my job tasks more efficiently and understanding the correct way to implement procedures for best practice.

My confidence, skills, abilities, and knowledge are improving.” (Chris)

Tournament Preparation Experience at Royal Canberra Another form of training has been in the way of sending staff member Kegan Mosely, at the Club’s expense, to the Royal Canberra Golf Club for the Australian Women’s Open this year. Kegan was involved in all aspects of tournament setup, and has “lapped up” the exposure to cool season grasses and differing maintenance techniques. Kegan reports:

Chris preparing to mow greens

“I was given the opportunity by Royal Queensland Golf Club to travel to Canberra on 9th February 2013 for the ISPS HANDA Women's Australian Open. The reason for being invited down was to help the Green staff out with the preparation of course for the upcoming tournament. My experience in the week was fantastic - learning how to prepare and look after cool season turf grass, such as how much water bent grass needs if you have a very hot/dry day. Also learning how much time and preparation it takes to get a course up to tournament condition and looking its best. I would like to give a big THANK YOU to Royal Queensland Golf Club and all Members for giving me this fantastic opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience.” (cont. page 7)

6.

COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT (cont.)

Environmental Training With environmental responsibilities and obligations increasing, the Club has also placed a commitment to the education and training of individuals in this area. By subscribing to the E-par system we are demonstrating our ongoing commitment to both environmental and safety concerns by continual auditing and onsite training so as to achieve “best practices in management”.

Some of the benefits of upskilling staff include not only increasing skill levels, but providing our workplace with a more professional approach to the overall enterprise, eg:    

increase in staff retention more knowledgeable staff who can communicate more effectively with others, including the membership increased productivity fewer concerns with OHS (occupational health and safety) and environmental responsibilities (as they become more aware)

Marcus Price

NOTES FROM THE ACTING GM Members’ Survey The response to the survey of Members has been outstanding, with over 620 received. Thank you to all Members and Associates who took the time to reply. The objective of the survey is to assist the Board in identifying the underlying reasons why our Members joined the Club, and what Members wish to experience at the Club – information we will use to focus our future Membership strategies. The survey is also a vehicle to gauge the satisfaction levels for our existing facilities, and to determine future policies on Visitor usage of the course and facilities. Once the responses are fully collated, a report summarising the results will be circulated to Members.

Heritage Day The annual Heritage Day encompassing the Governor-General’s Trophy for the 4 Ball v Par Medley event, followed by lunch, is set for 11th August.

We have received confirmation that the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley AC, will be attending the luncheon to present the Governor’s Trophy to Maurice Kluge, the winners of the Associates’ Governor’s Medal to be played on 18th June, the Carnegie Clark Hickory Championship on 10th August, and the competition played on the day as mentioned above. As Patron of over 200 organisations in Queensland, The Governor’s schedule is finely tuned, and we are privileged to have confirmation of her attendance again this year.

The history of Patronage of Royal Queensland is interesting reading: from 1923 to 1936, the Prince of Wales, the first in line to the throne, was the Club’s Patron, a Royal Family honour unknown outside the UK. From then on, our State Governors have followed the line of patronage.

US Masters The Annual US Masters Breakfast and Golf Day took on a long awaited dynamic with approximately 80 guests present in the Clubhouse to witness the tremendous result for Adam Scott. The Junior Members present in the Clubhouse courtesy of a “student free day” will no doubt have fond memories of the day for years to come, and serve as an inspiration to longer practice sessions on the driving range.

The Club has recently installed a commemorative photographic record of the victory in the Club Lounge, which is well worth inspecting.

Russell Muir

7.

PRO SHOP PRONOUNCEMENTS As most of you would probably be aware, recently Andrew Marchbank left us to return to Perth to embark on a new challenge. I wish Andrew all the best in his new quest.

I would like to introduce you to our new staff members who you will have already seen in the Pro Shop over the past couple of months - Leah Hart and David Cardillo. Leah is a native of Victoria but now calls Brisbane home.

She has completed a distinguished playing career, having played for Australia as well as playing in three USA Opens and two British Opens and spending five years on the European Tour. Leah studied at Georgia State University and is lucky enough to have played at Augusta National twelve times! David hails from Yeppoon, having been the Club Professional there for 13 years. David has extensive experience in every facet of golf but his passion is teaching Juniors, fitting, and merchandising. With attention to detail, David is here to help you reach your golfing goals and to service your retail needs.

I am restructuring the Pro Shop’s staffing to take the business to a new level and as part of my commitment to improve your overall Pro Shop experience, I am delighted to announce that starting on 1st June, Andrew LaBrooy will be joining our team in a newly created role - Pro Shop Manager. Like Leah, Andrew hails from Victoria and has an impressive playing record, having won the Victoria PGA in 1991 and also representing Australia as an amateur.

Andrew has spent the past seven years in Western Australia, as well as time in Brunei, Terrey Hills, Twin Waters, and Hyatt Coolum, and is looking forward to the new challenges we have offered him.

I am most conscious of the standards that you as Members of Royal Queensland expect when you visit the Pro Shop, and have no doubt that Leah, David, and Andrew, along with our other wonderful team members Richard, Leon, and Chris, will provide you with more than you expect - whether it be to collect your cards, seek advice on your game, enjoy a little retail therapy on the range of product that we stock, or be fitted for a set of clubs.

If you see a new face in the Pro Shop please feel free to introduce yourself. Our very talented team has extensive golfing experience, so please seek them out and ask questions. Our aim is to get you to keep on improving in this wonderful game that we all play.

Leon, a Win-Win! Each year the Queensland PGA hosts an Employer/Employee challenge. In this event the Trainee Professionals play an individual event while playing in the same group as their employer. The main event of the day is where the Trainee and Employer combine their scores. I am very proud to say that Leon Ang won the Trainee event and our combined score won the main event.

USA Trip My trip to the USA last month provided many privileged experiences. The three days with Ping were full of them, including holding the solid gold putter which was cast to commemorate Seve Ballesteros’s 1988 British Open win, for which I was present. There are over 2700 putters in the Ping Putter Vault.

The attention to detail within the Ping organisation is unprecedented. They have their own driving range on the land that houses their headquarters and there are three different areas for club fitting: 1. an indoor range for the consumers 2. a covered outdoor area for consumers and tour players 3. a VIP area that is indoors while hitting out onto the range (pictured right)

Ping VIP Area - real grass is grown on pods that are positioned with a forklift and replaced once worn

On Course Lessons If you need help with your game on the course, Richard Gompels is conducting 9 hole playing lessons on Monday mornings. Areas covered include: course strategy relative to your skill level; playing uneven lies; managing hydration and nutrition; and bunker play. Bookings may be made through the timesheets on the Club website.

Thank You for Your Donations Due to the overwhelming support you have given to the “Growing the Game” programme, we have donated some of the equipment to the Papua New Guinea Golf Association. Phil Frame, an RQ Member, is the Junior Golf Coordinator of the Association and arranged transport of the clubs to PNG. The children send a big “thank you” for your support.

Chris Rutherford 8.

HERITAGE AND ARCHIVES With our Club’s Centenary now just a little over six years away, producing a detailed narrative of its 100 year history is of the essence, for clearly this history will be foremost and centre of any Centenary celebration. Your current Board, recognising this significance, has confirmed its support of the Heritage and Archive Centre by assigning a workable budget, and has appointed our immediate past Captain, John Greenhalgh, to join your Archivist in addressing the task.

The essence of the Heritage and Archive Centre’s brief involves: 

The systematic gathering, documenting and securing the Club’s history and heritage, and fostering an awareness and appreciation of the Club’s journey within the membership, and with other relevant and interested populations

Establishing a comprehensive and accurate body of work detailing the Club’s history and heritage, albeit exciting, is both challenging and painstaking. To undertake this task, planning is now underway by the current Committee of two (Lynagh, Greenhalgh) and we hope we soon will be assisted by many hands, hearts, and voices of willing Members, for we all have facts to report and stories to tell.

The historical material to be gathered broadly consists of two types: 

Archival material – administrative records, documents, reference material, photographs etc – predominantly utilised for research related activities



Memorabilia and artefacts – golf equipment, books, trophies, gifts, personal items etc – predominantly utilised for displays and developing interest

Generally, your Archivist (Lynagh) will attend to the archives, while John will focus on the memorabilia. Together we will document your memoirs through interviews.

As regards operational matters, the cottage will continue to be used as the Committee’s office, meeting place, plus storage of the archives and all heritage items not on display. The Clubhouse, including the Locker Rooms, will continue to be developed as our ‘museum’ with our history on display.

Regular communication updates through printed and electronic media are planned. Members wishing to access the archives and other items housed in the Heritage and Archive Centre may do so at an appropriate time by arrangement with the General Manager in association with the Archivist, or Committee Member John.

Dear Members and Associates, we are well aware of the significance of our onerous task, but equally so we are buoyed by the hope that we can count on your support when called upon for your thoughts, recollections, and assistance, for we are most cognisant that much of the Club’s history resides within you. Thank you.

Ian Lynagh, Club Archivist

Memorabilia on display in the Gentlemen’s Locker Room

9.

LADIES’ COFFEE CLUB CLINICS Join Royal Queensland’s Ladies’ Coffee Club and improve your game in a relaxed and social environment.

Group classes are run by PGA Teaching Professional Leah Hart and will cover long game, short game, and putting, along with mental and tactical aspects of the game.

Classes are at 9.30am -10.45am Wednesdays 22nd May to 26th June inclusive, and will be followed with a coffee and brief Q&A session on golf, rules and etiquette.

Cost: $30 pp. includes coffee.

Please direct expressions of interest to Leah in the Pro Shop.

PGA Teaching Professional Leah Hart will run the Ladies’ Coffee Club Clinics

FORTHCOMING EVENTS    

Invitation Dinner – Curry Night ............................................. Sunday 16th June Wine Tasting Night ......................................................... Friday 12th July Charity Bridge and Golf Day ................................................. Friday 2nd August Heritage Day Golf and Luncheon.......................................... Sunday 11th August

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Madeleine (Maddie) Russell joined the RQ Food and Beverage team as a casual Food and Beverage Attendant in September 2011. Maddie has a busy life combining study, work, and interesting hobbies, and is a most efficient and valued staff member.

What do you enjoy most about working at RQ? The other staff have become good friends and the Members are always kind.

Are you a golfer? No, my Dad has tried to teach me but it never took!

How do you like to spend your leisure time? I enjoy reading literature, seeing movies and modelling part-time.

Best meal you’ve ever eaten? Spaghetti Bolognaise in Venice, Italy.

What type of music do you like? Most Triple J music, 90s, and Indie.

If you could invite three people to play a round of golf, who would they be?

Hunter S. Thompson, Ellen DeGeneres and J.K. Rowling.

Describe your dream holiday?

Christmas time.

New York city at

What is one thing on your ‘bucket list’? To live and work overseas.

Who makes you laugh? My Dad, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Emma Stone and Robert Downey Junior.

One thing people might not know about you? I was once a pro tenpin bowler.

10.

TIGER’S DROP Should Tiger Have Been Disqualified?

During the second round of the US Masters, considerable controversy was raised regarding a drop which Tiger Woods made on the 15th hole after moving into contention with the leaders. Many leading golf personalities, including Nick Faldo and Wayne Grady, and also his former caddie Steve Williams, suggested that the two stroke penalty Woods received was insufficient, and that he should have been disqualified.

The Incident During the second round, Tiger Woods hit his third shot to the par 5 15th hole and the ball struck the flagstick and ricocheted into the water hazard in front of the green.

Rather than hit from the Dropping Zone, which he considered but dismissed as the ground was damp and the grain of the grass not favourable, he elected to take the option allowed in the Rules of “stroke and distance” and hit the next ball (with a one shot penalty) at the spot from where he hit his previous shot. He played this shot, he later confessed in a media interview after the round, from “about two yards further back” so he could play the same shot and avoid hitting the flagstick again. He played the shot to about one metre and sank the putt for a bogey six. A television viewer phoned claiming that Tiger had hit the ball from an incorrect place and should be penalised. The Rules officials at the Masters reviewed the TV footage of the drop and deemed he had not hit the ball from an incorrect place and no penalty should be imposed.

Following Tiger’s interview where he admitted to deliberately hitting the ball from two yards away from the correct place in order to avoid hitting the flagstick again, the Committee reconsidered the incident and imposed a two shot penalty. Many then queried why Tiger should not have been disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard (ie putting down 6 for the hole rather than 8). The official response was that according to Rule 33-7, the Committee have the right to waive a penalty of disqualification in exceptional circumstances, their reason being that they had already ruled in favour of Tiger Woods before the card was signed, and therefore as Woods did not believe he was subject to an extra two stroke penalty when he signed his card, he in true faith had not at that time signed an incorrect card, and therefore a disqualification was not justified.

The Rules When a ball enters a water hazard (with yellow markers), under Rule 26-1 a player has four options: 1.

The player may play the ball as it lies (in the water hazard) without penalty (not an option in this case as the water is quite deep).

In addition, under penalty of one stroke, the player may: 2.

Proceed under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or

3.

Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped; or

4.

When a Dropping Zone is established by the Committee, the player may drop the ball in this area. Appendix 1 of the Rules of Golf suggests establishing special areas on which balls may or must be dropped when it is not feasible or practicable to proceed exactly in conformity of Rule 26-1 (Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards). These are often created in tournament conditions where there are grandstands encroaching on the course which may limit the options of where a player may drop the ball.

Tiger assessed the Ball Drop area and opted to return to the area from which he last played. Under Rule 20-2b – Dropping and Re-Dropping; where to Drop, when a ball is to be dropped as near as possible to a specific spot, it

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TIGER’S DROP (cont.) must be dropped not nearer the hole than that specific spot which, if it is not precisely known to the player, must be estimated.

In this instance, the specific spot was known as there was a divot from the previous stroke. Prior to the completion of the round, the Committee received a phone call from a television viewer who believed Tiger may have played from the wrong place.

Under Rule 20-7c, in stroke play, if a player makes a stroke from a wrong place, he incurs a penalty of two strokes.

He must play out the hole with the ball played from the wrong place, without correcting the error, provided he has not committed a serious breach (ie he has gained a significant advantage as a result of playing from a wrong place).

The penalty is imposed regardless of whether the player plays from the wrong place on purpose or by accident, knowingly or unknowingly. Intent has nothing to do with the outcome.

In response to the phone call, the Committee looked at the footage of the incident and consulted the officials who were on the hole while the ball was dropped. They determined that the ball had been dropped “near enough” to where he had last played and that there was no breach of Rule 20-7. They did not discuss this with Tiger, who signed his card not knowing there had been any issue raised regarding an incorrect drop.

Following the round and after signing his card, during an interview with the media Tiger stated: “Well, I went down to the drop area, that wasn’t going to be a good spot, because obviously it’s into the grain, it’s really grainy there. And it was a little bit wet. So it was muddy and not a good spot to drop. So I went back to where I played from, but I went two yards further back and I took, tried to take two yards off the shot of what I felt I hit. And it should land me short of the flag and not have it either hit the flag or skip over the back. And it did. It worked out perfectly.”

When the Committee became aware of this extra information, this statement indicated that Tiger had not attempted to drop the ball “as near as possible” to the spot where he had last played, which meant that he had played from the wrong place. Although he states that he intended to drop his ball two yards behind the previous spot, it is important to note that this statement does not mean that he intended to drop the ball in a wrong place and intentionally break a Rule. It merely clarified that he had not abided by Rule 26-1a. The next day the Committee confirmed with Tiger his comments from the previous evening and penalised him two strokes for playing from the wrong place.

Rule 6-6d pertaining to recording the wrong score for a hole states that the competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his scorecard. If he returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, he is disqualified.

Why then was Tiger not disqualified for signing an incorrect card? Rule 33-7, Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion allows a penalty of disqualification in exceptional cases to be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted. Any penalty less than disqualification must not be waived or modified.

If the Committee had had the discussion with Tiger before he signed his card and with Tiger providing the same information, he would have received a two stroke penalty for playing from the wrong place. The reason that they waived the penalty of disqualification under Rule 33-7 was because they considered his infraction before he signed his card and incorrectly (as it turned out from subsequent evidence), determined it a non-event. Decision 33-7/4.5 deals with different scenarios regarding the interpretation of this Rule, but in the end it is left to the discretion of the Committee in the implementation of this Rule.

In conclusion, it is important to keep in mind the words found in Rule 34-3, in the absence of a referee, any dispute or doubtful point on the Rules must be referred to the Committee, whose decision is final. It is therefore irrelevant that well known or distinguished former players have alternate views, as the decision of the Committee is always final.

Once again this highlights the importance of all golfers, irrespective of their status in the game, knowing and understanding the Rules of Golf.

Neville Sandford and Peter Monks 12.