Suggestions Book

Darrell Hamonda 20/12/2008 20:48:17

The tree overhanging the 13th green needs to be trimmed back.When in full bloom the tree obscures a lot of the green therefore sometimes spoiling perfectly good golf shots. I think the tree is too close to the green for the amount it overhangs.

Brian Williams Secretary/Manager 22/12/2008 08:56:48

Thanks Darrell. Your comments will be passed to the Greens Committee who will assess the problem.

Gwyn Griffiths 07/01/2009 14:39:41

Using three quarters handicap for a team event where 3 out of 4 score is heavily skewed against higher handicaps, in that 4 good players get to keep 3 of their good scores,whereas a team of 4 weak players can only discard one of their bad scores on each hole, yet are giving away (say) 15 points against their full handicap. If this format is to become a frequent event, then I suggest that prizes should be banded into teams with cumulative handicaps of (say) 25 or less, 26 to 50, and above 75. I would be happy to analyse the cards for this Saturday, 10/01/09 to see if such a proposal could make sense in future, particularly because my absence means I have no vested interest.

Admin 09/01/2009 12:15:07

Terry Smith (Match Captain) replied:- The winter competitions are fun games and not recognised by the R & A. Your alternative approach is interesting but with the limited number of teams competing (27), there would be an imbalance in the numbers in each category. With individual competitions where full handicaps and larger numbers it is feasible to adopt this approach, hence the 3 divisions. With this competition there is a luck element i.e. scoring at the right time. It is quite possible that no member of the team will play to his handicap and still win!.. Conversely, every member could play to his handicap and not figure on the leaderboard. Members can play with whom they like. However as it is a fun game and most members play with their friends and regular playing partners. The format does not favour the lower handicappers automatically despite the smaller reduction in number of shots allowed.

Martyn Joseph 31/03/2009 18:31:29

Would be good to have the box's of seed and sand on the practice areas to supplement returned divots and enable the ground to recover quickly. They were there for a while but seem to have been taken away. Thanks

Wayne Blatchford 14/04/2009 13:50:19

I have heard of an agreement between Newport,Whitchurch and Southerndown golf clubs,which allows visitors between clubs to pay a green fee of £18.I believe it would be good for the club to enter into this reciprical arrangement if possible, to generate revenue and also allow our members to play these local courses at a reduced rate.Could this be pursued?

Admin 20/04/2009 14:24:16

This type of arrangement, if successful, gives members of the Clubs involved an additional benefit. Glamorganshire are presently looking to join two other prestigious Clubs in area to provide a similar arrangement. Details will be posted when known.

Admin 20/04/2009 14:26:24

Seed boxes are put out on the Practice Ground at the end of April every year. They are removed every winter as there is no growth and the seed would not germinate.

Brian Williams - Secretary/Manager 21/04/2009 14:41:41

Seed Boxes on Practice Ground - These are taken in over the winter months as new grass seed will not germinate in cold weather. The boxes will be put out before the end of April

Peter Akers 07/05/2009 19:42:01

For several months many of the 150 yard marker posts have been missing and this does make shots into the green more difficult to judge. I have heard that new "proper" posts are on order, but I suggest that until they are available (and every time one is stolen) a simple piece of wood, even if unpainted, should be used to replace the post. The cost would be minimal, even if they have to be replaced regularly. I think it is unacceptable to go so long without marker posts when such a simple and inexpensive solution is available.

Brian Williams - Secretary/Manager 11/05/2009 11:12:46

We have a problem with minor vandalism and theft of 'course furniture' to include flagsticks and tee markers. The Greens Staff replace all missing 150 yard markers on a daily basis

John Redknap 25/08/2009 21:45:19

For greens-the drainage grill at the top of the steps on the 9th green has become blocked leading to the steps becoming covered with stones. it won't be long before the green is affected with the run-off from the path.

Admin 26/08/2009 08:10:19

Thanks John. This will be attended to by our Greens staff.

Reg Hibbert 17/11/2009 19:12:47

The proposed change to the 10th is stupid and not well thought out. It is potentially danngerous and not well designed as it is only a proposal which will benefit the Big hitters and only adds one additional shot to the score card. i am totally opposed to this change.

Admin 18/11/2009 08:13:20

Reg; Thank you for taking the time to use this Suggestion Book facility and making your views known regarding possible changes to the 10th hole. All members will be given an opportunity to discuss and decide on whether any changes to the 10th should be implemented at an EGM which will be held towards the end of February 2010.

Andrew Kerr-Smith 25/11/2009 09:32:14

Whilst playing in the 1st. half of the snakes & ladders I noticed that a large percentage of the winter mats are not aligned correctly to the fairways or greens in the case of short holes. Most of them are pointing far off to the right of where they should be.

philip brookman 07/12/2009 16:10:56

during the winter would,nt the course benefit if everyone carried if course is even a touch wet trolleys cut the ground up a fair bit maybe only allow the vets if need be

Paul Mantle 23/12/2009 17:44:40

The lower branches of the tall fir trees between the 11th/15th and the 15th/12th fairways are now touching the ground.Could they be taken up a few feet as they look very untidy.This could be carried out during the winter period, when the groundsmen are not so busy.

Peter Akers 12/01/2010 09:16:53

Some time ago I complained about the fact that most 150 yard marker posts were missing. The response was that they were replaced daily. This is clearly not the case. The fact that we now have coloured fairway markers does not invalidate the need for 150 yard marker posts - they are a great aid in finding the elusive fairway markers. I don't know of any course I have played with fairway markers that doesn't also have 150 posts. Can I repeat my suggestion that posts be replaced daily, and also suggest that during this snowy period the ground staff use some of their time to prepare a large set of cheap wooden posts that are no significant financial loss if stolen or vandalised

Peter Akers 12/01/2010 09:21:07

There are a number of winter mat tee positions where the surrounding ground gets very chewed up. Can I suggest that 2nd mat positions are installed to prevent or reduce this. They would also provide the opportunity to have different length options on a hole. We have this on the 4th but I don't think on any other hole. The 16th is the prime example where the ground is very muddy around the box. A 2nd box further back on the left would provide time for ground recovery and give an intermediate length option to the hole in winter.

Peter Akers 12/01/2010 09:24:09

Can I suggest that a bell be installed on the 17th hole well down the fairway. It seems that most times we play the hole someone has to stand on the brow of the hill to see when it is safe to play and then walk back to the tee box.

Admin 13/01/2010 10:45:16

Winter mat alignment is always a problem. Some members prefer them aligned up the middle, some to the right! The Greens Committee will check the mats and arrange to move the mats where necessary.

Admin 13/01/2010 10:48:37

It is Club policy to have 150 yard markers in place at all times. Your comment re missing markers has been noted. Replacing these with temporary markers is not the answer - we have standards to maintain!

Admin 13/01/2010 10:54:06

Whether trolleys can be used or not is decided on a daily basis. In an attempt to keep the course open and allow members to play, trolleys may have been used on a few very wet occasions. However, to allow trolleys for some and not for others would be impracticable - and unfair!

Admin 13/01/2010 11:00:07

Paul - the green staff will trim the branches which touch the ground on the 12th/15th fairways

Admin 13/01/2010 11:02:13

Peter - this has been discussed at Committee many times. A bell has not been added to the 17th as it was thought that golfers leaving the 16th green could easily see whether anyone was on the 17th fairway. However - the Greens Committee will again consider your suggestion.

Admin 13/01/2010 11:09:06

Peter - Good suggestion! The Greens Committee will consider whether secondary mats can be located on some holes.

Wayne Strong 09/02/2010 16:02:27

Could the low over hanging branches to the trees to the left of the 4th fairway be cut back particularly where they touch the ground. The trees run from the corner of the dog leg back towards the 3rd tee. Not only does it look untidy but must make it difficult to find balls that roll into this area.Thanks.

Admin 10/02/2010 14:39:50

Wayne - I will ask the HGK to check the trees in question and trim them where necessary

Peter Akers 18/02/2010 16:51:35

In July I complained that many 150 marker posts were missing. The answer was that greenstaff replace them on a daily basis. In January this year I again complained that none appeared to have been replaced and suggested a large stock of cheap wooden posts so that they can truly be replaced daily. The answer was that it is club policy to have them at all times and to have wooden posts would be wrong because "we have standards to maintain". It is now mid February and there are no holes with a post both sides of the fairway and still no posts at all on, I believe, the 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, or 16th holes. Many clubs have two posts at 200, 150, and 100 as well as fairway discs. We hardly have a post on the course, and that is certainly not maintaining the club's standards. Cheap replaceable wooden posts would represent far higher standards than the current continued absence of any posts on most holes.

Peter Corrigan 23/02/2010 15:28:55

Why doesn't the club revise the handicap limit for the Stoddard Cup from 18 to 28 in accordance with the Congu mandate. We are in clear breach of that mandate at the moment.

Admin 24/02/2010 13:32:02

The missing posts will be replaced. Larger discs on the fairways are also under consideration. Temporary wooden posts will not be used.

Admin 24/02/2010 13:47:05

Peter:- According to the Golf Union of Wales CONGU representative - as the Stoddart Cup is a long established foursomes matchplay competition with a max 18 handicap set on it's introduction, the Club may continue to play the competition in the same format. According to our Club rules, the Committee are not allowed to change the format of any donated trophy competition unless permission is granted by the family who donated the Cup, or at a General Meeting of members. Obviously the first option is not available to us.

Chris Payne 02/03/2010 21:41:11

The new fairway disks need to be larger/raised or the area around them needs to be maintained better as unless you are standing right by them you would not know they were there - As a member you have an idea of distances but I would imagine visitors/socities would have problems. Painting around them regularly could also be a cheaper option as long as it stops raining!

Matt Stroud 28/03/2010 18:09:38

I would like to echo Peter Ackers suggestion of a bell on 17. During yet another slow round (March medal) there were four, yes four, 3 ball matches involved on 17. A 3 ball putting out, my 3 ball waiting on the fairway (obscured from view of the 17th tee), a 3 ball waiting to tee off and a 3 ball which had left the 16th. As a result, the 3 ball behind us teed off innocently assuming the match they could see on the green was my group which resulted in a near miss for myself. A bell might help improve the safety issue but sadly it will not help speed up play. I'll leave that issue for someone else...

chris beer 12/04/2010 11:35:00

Would there be a possibility for the April competitions to be extended on the following Sunday morning ( Maybe for two hours or so)to counter balance the shortage of tee times to the ratio of members wishing to play on the previous day, due to the light at this time of year. Only Myself and friends alike have found it hard to arrange our golf due to this fact?

Steve Hole 10/06/2010 08:38:00

I endorse the recommendations of Peter & Matt regarding installing a bell on 17. It is difficult to know when it safe to tee off especially when playing from the blue tees. A bell might help to alleviate a potentially dangerous situation occurring

Matt Stroud 22/06/2010 12:07:17

Are there any plans to level out the lower 13th mens blue tee area? The rear portion of this tee is is particularly bad. The upper blue tee can be utilised whilst the lower tee is out of action without too much disruption.

sean begley 24/08/2010 15:18:42

being a recent new member has the committee thought of extending saturday comps into sundays.a lot of people work saturdays these days i would like to play in saturday comps but work comitments will not allow this..not only wouid it give members more choice it would also generate more revenue for the club i.e behind the bar,catering,pro shop.

Admin 24/08/2010 16:12:47

Matthew, This has been referred to the Greens Committee and can be added to the Autumn/Winter work schedule.

Admin 24/08/2010 16:15:28

Sean, With the provisions of the Equality Act coming into force shortly some time will have to be found for Ladies to play golf on Saturdays. This could well impact on the number of tee times available for Mens competitions, and playing the competition over 2 days to include Sundays might well be the answer. The Committee will look at this.

Darrell Hamonda 20/12/2008 20:48:17

The tree overhanging the 13th green needs to be trimmed back.When in full bloom the tree obscures a lot of the green therefore sometimes spoiling perfectly good golf shots. I think the tree is too close to the green for the amount it overhangs.

Brian Williams Secretary/Manager 22/12/2008 08:56:48

Thanks Darrell. Your comments will be passed to the Greens Committee who will assess the problem.

Gwyn Griffiths 07/01/2009 14:39:41

Using three quarters handicap for a team event where 3 out of 4 score is heavily skewed against higher handicaps, in that 4 good players get to keep 3 of their good scores,whereas a team of 4 weak players can only discard one of their bad scores on each hole, yet are giving away (say) 15 points against their full handicap. If this format is to become a frequent event, then I suggest that prizes should be banded into teams with cumulative handicaps of (say) 25 or less, 26 to 50, and above 75. I would be happy to analyse the cards for this Saturday, 10/01/09 to see if such a proposal could make sense in future, particularly because my absence means I have no vested interest.

Admin 09/01/2009 12:15:07

Terry Smith (Match Captain) replied:- The winter competitions are fun games and not recognised by the R & A. Your alternative approach is interesting but with the limited number of teams competing (27), there would be an imbalance in the numbers in each category. With individual competitions where full handicaps and larger numbers it is feasible to adopt this approach, hence the 3 divisions. With this competition there is a luck element i.e. scoring at the right time. It is quite possible that no member of the team will play to his handicap and still win!.. Conversely, every member could play to his handicap and not figure on the leaderboard. Members can play with whom they like. However as it is a fun game and most members play with their friends and regular playing partners. The format does not favour the lower handicappers automatically despite the smaller reduction in number of shots allowed.

Martyn Joseph 31/03/2009 18:31:29

Would be good to have the box's of seed and sand on the practice areas to supplement returned divots and enable the ground to recover quickly. They were there for a while but seem to have been taken away. Thanks

Wayne Blatchford 14/04/2009 13:50:19

I have heard of an agreement between Newport,Whitchurch and Southerndown golf clubs,which allows visitors between clubs to pay a green fee of £18.I believe it would be good for the club to enter into this reciprical arrangement if possible, to generate revenue and also allow our members to play these local courses at a reduced rate.Could this be pursued?

Admin 20/04/2009 14:24:16

This type of arrangement, if successful, gives members of the Clubs involved an additional benefit. Glamorganshire are presently looking to join two other prestigious Clubs in area to provide a similar arrangement. Details will be posted when known.

Admin 20/04/2009 14:26:24

Seed boxes are put out on the Practice Ground at the end of April every year. They are removed every winter as there is no growth and the seed would not germinate.

Brian Williams - Secretary/Manager 21/04/2009 14:41:41

Seed Boxes on Practice Ground - These are taken in over the winter months as new grass seed will not germinate in cold weather. The boxes will be put out before the end of April

Peter Akers 07/05/2009 19:42:01

For several months many of the 150 yard marker posts have been missing and this does make shots into the green more difficult to judge. I have heard that new "proper" posts are on order, but I suggest that until they are available (and every time one is stolen) a simple piece of wood, even if unpainted, should be used to replace the post. The cost would be minimal, even if they have to be replaced regularly. I think it is unacceptable to go so long without marker posts when such a simple and inexpensive solution is available.

Brian Williams - Secretary/Manager 11/05/2009 11:12:46

We have a problem with minor vandalism and theft of 'course furniture' to include flagsticks and tee markers. The Greens Staff replace all missing 150 yard markers on a daily basis

John Redknap 25/08/2009 21:45:19

For greens-the drainage grill at the top of the steps on the 9th green has become blocked leading to the steps becoming covered with stones. it won't be long before the green is affected with the run-off from the path.

Admin 26/08/2009 08:10:19

Thanks John. This will be attended to by our Greens staff.

Reg Hibbert 17/11/2009 19:12:47

The proposed change to the 10th is stupid and not well thought out. It is potentially danngerous and not well designed as it is only a proposal which will benefit the Big hitters and only adds one additional shot to the score card. i am totally opposed to this change.

Reg Hibbert 17/11/2009 19:12:47

The proposed change to the 10th is stupid and not well thought out. It is potentially danngerous and not well designed as it is only a proposal which will benefit the Big hitters and only adds one additional shot to the score card. i am totally opposed to this change.

Admin 18/11/2009 08:13:20

Reg; Thank you for taking the time to use this Suggestion Book facility and making your views known regarding possible changes to the 10th hole. All members will be given an opportunity to discuss and decide on whether any changes to the 10th should be implemented at an EGM which will be held towards the end of February 2010.

Andrew Kerr-Smith 25/11/2009 09:32:14

Whilst playing in the 1st. half of the snakes & ladders I noticed that a large percentage of the winter mats are not aligned correctly to the fairways or greens in the case of short holes. Most of them are pointing far off to the right of where they should be.

philip brookman 07/12/2009 16:10:56

during the winter would,nt the course benefit if everyone carried if course is even a touch wet trolleys cut the ground up a fair bit maybe only allow the vets if need be

philip brookman 07/12/2009 16:10:57

during the winter would,nt the course benefit if everyone carried if course is even a touch wet trolleys cut the ground up a fair bit maybe only allow the vets if need be

Paul Mantle 23/12/2009 17:44:40

The lower branches of the tall fir trees between the 11th/15th and the 15th/12th fairways are now touching the ground.Could they be taken up a few feet as they look very untidy.This could be carried out during the winter period, when the groundsmen are not so busy.

Peter Akers 12/01/2010 09:16:53

Some time ago I complained about the fact that most 150 yard marker posts were missing. The response was that they were replaced daily. This is clearly not the case. The fact that we now have coloured fairway markers does not invalidate the need for 150 yard marker posts - they are a great aid in finding the elusive fairway markers. I don't know of any course I have played with fairway markers that doesn't also have 150 posts. Can I repeat my suggestion that posts be replaced daily, and also suggest that during this snowy period the ground staff use some of their time to prepare a large set of cheap wooden posts that are no significant financial loss if stolen or vandalised

Peter Akers 12/01/2010 09:21:07

There are a number of winter mat tee positions where the surrounding ground gets very chewed up. Can I suggest that 2nd mat positions are installed to prevent or reduce this. They would also provide the opportunity to have different length options on a hole. We have this on the 4th but I don't think on any other hole. The 16th is the prime example where the ground is very muddy around the box. A 2nd box further back on the left would provide time for ground recovery and give an intermediate length option to the hole in winter.

Peter Akers 12/01/2010 09:24:09

Can I suggest that a bell be installed on the 17th hole well down the fairway. It seems that most times we play the hole someone has to stand on the brow of the hill to see when it is safe to play and then walk back to the tee box.

Admin 13/01/2010 10:45:16

Winter mat alignment is always a problem. Some members prefer them aligned up the middle, some to the right! The Greens Committee will check the mats and arrange to move the mats where necessary.

Admin 13/01/2010 10:48:37

It is Club policy to have 150 yard markers in place at all times. Your comment re missing markers has been noted. Replacing these with temporary markers is not the answer - we have standards to maintain!

Admin 13/01/2010 10:54:06

Whether trolleys can be used or not is decided on a daily basis. In an attempt to keep the course open and allow members to play, trolleys may have been used on a few very wet occasions. However, to allow trolleys for some and not for others would be impracticable - and unfair!

Admin 13/01/2010 11:00:07

Paul - the green staff will trim the branches which touch the ground on the 12th/15th fairways

Admin 13/01/2010 11:02:13

Peter - this has been discussed at Committee many times. A bell has not been added to the 17th as it was thought that golfers leaving the 16th green could easily see whether anyone was on the 17th fairway. However - the Greens Committee will again consider your suggestion.

Admin 13/01/2010 11:09:06

Peter - Good suggestion! The Greens Committee will consider whether secondary mats can be located on some holes.

Wayne Strong 09/02/2010 16:02:27

Could the low over hanging branches to the trees to the left of the 4th fairway be cut back particularly where they touch the ground. The trees run from the corner of the dog leg back towards the 3rd tee. Not only does it look untidy but must make it difficult to find balls that roll into this area.Thanks.

Admin 10/02/2010 14:39:50

Wayne - I will ask the HGK to check the trees in question and trim them where necessary

Peter Akers 18/02/2010 16:51:35

In July I complained that many 150 marker posts were missing. The answer was that greenstaff replace them on a daily basis. In January this year I again complained that none appeared to have been replaced and suggested a large stock of cheap wooden posts so that they can truly be replaced daily. The answer was that it is club policy to have them at all times and to have wooden posts would be wrong because "we have standards to maintain". It is now mid February and there are no holes with a post both sides of the fairway and still no posts at all on, I believe, the 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, or 16th holes. Many clubs have two posts at 200, 150, and 100 as well as fairway discs. We hardly have a post on the course, and that is certainly not maintaining the club's standards. Cheap replaceable wooden posts would represent far higher standards than the current continued absence of any posts on most holes.

Peter Corrigan 23/02/2010 15:28:55

Why doesn't the club revise the handicap limit for the Stoddard Cup from 18 to 28 in accordance with the Congu mandate. We are in clear breach of that mandate at the moment.

Admin 24/02/2010 13:32:02

The missing posts will be replaced. Larger discs on the fairways are also under consideration. Temporary wooden posts will not be used.

Admin 24/02/2010 13:47:05

Peter:- According to the Golf Union of Wales CONGU representative - as the Stoddart Cup is a long established foursomes matchplay competition with a max 18 handicap set on it's introduction, the Club may continue to play the competition in the same format. According to our Club rules, the Committee are not allowed to change the format of any donated trophy competition unless permission is granted by the family who donated the Cup, or at a General Meeting of members. Obviously the first option is not available to us.

Chris Payne 02/03/2010 21:41:11

The new fairway disks need to be larger/raised or the area around them needs to be maintained better as unless you are standing right by them you would not know they were there - As a member you have an idea of distances but I would imagine visitors/socities would have problems. Painting around them regularly could also be a cheaper option as long as it stops raining!

Matt Stroud 28/03/2010 18:09:38

I would like to echo Peter Ackers suggestion of a bell on 17. During yet another slow round (March medal) there were four, yes four, 3 ball matches involved on 17. A 3 ball putting out, my 3 ball waiting on the fairway (obscured from view of the 17th tee), a 3 ball waiting to tee off and a 3 ball which had left the 16th. As a result, the 3 ball behind us teed off innocently assuming the match they could see on the green was my group which resulted in a near miss for myself. A bell might help improve the safety issue but sadly it will not help speed up play. I'll leave that issue for someone else...

chris beer 12/04/2010 11:35:00

Would there be a possibility for the April competitions to be extended on the following Sunday morning ( Maybe for two hours or so)to counter balance the shortage of tee times to the ratio of members wishing to play on the previous day, due to the light at this time of year. Only Myself and friends alike have found it hard to arrange our golf due to this fact?

chris beer 12/04/2010 11:35:00

Would there be a possibility for the April competitions to be extended on the following Sunday morning ( Maybe for two hours or so)to counter balance the shortage of tee times to the ratio of members wishing to play on the previous day, due to the light at this time of year. Only Myself and friends alike have found it hard to arrange our golf due to this fact?

Steve Hole 10/06/2010 08:38:00

I endorse the recommendations of Peter & Matt regarding installing a bell on 17. It is difficult to know when it safe to tee off especially when playing from the blue tees. A bell might help to alleviate a potentially dangerous situation occurring

Matt Stroud 22/06/2010 12:07:17

Are there any plans to level out the lower 13th mens blue tee area? The rear portion of this tee is is particularly bad. The upper blue tee can be utilised whilst the lower tee is out of action without too much disruption.

sean begley 24/08/2010 15:18:42

being a recent new member has the committee thought of extending saturday comps into sundays.a lot of people work saturdays these days i would like to play in saturday comps but work comitments will not allow this..not only wouid it give members more choice it would also generate more revenue for the club i.e behind the bar,catering,pro shop.

Admin 24/08/2010 16:12:47

Matthew, This has been referred to the Greens Committee and can be added to the Autumn/Winter work schedule.

Admin 24/08/2010 16:15:28

Sean, With the provisions of the Equality Act coming into force shortly some time will have to be found for Ladies to play golf on Saturdays. This could well impact on the number of tee times available for Mens competitions, and playing the competition over 2 days to include Sundays might well be the answer. The Committee will look at this.

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