Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Captains Report



Fellow Members

Summer has definitely gone.
We had extreme heat for a long period but we can all see now that the nights are drawing in, temperatures are dropping and the rain has arrived.

I believe that the course not only has held up well with some torrential rain but improved. Having visited several other clubs and seeing the damage the rain or the heat has caused to their greens I must praise what Dave Willis and staff do to protect our greatest selling point. As members we also have a responsibility to protect our greens by repairing your own pitch marks and not taking your ball out the hole with your putter.

Derek Thomas has also been working hard with Dave Willis to set up a winter programme which includes the ground under repair next to the 10th green. The 11th green fringe surrounding the drainage covers. ground under repair in front of the 12th green bunker .Tee box repairs to various mens’ and ladies tees and the clubhouse surroundings.

An update on our junior members. We currently have 26 boys and 4 girls so Dennise will be organising to get their own board put up and reserving certain weekend tee times to encourage their continued participation in this club, please encourage them yourselves.

A random draw was made for the presidents prize and hearing everyone’s views, the committee have agreed that next year comps 1-6 will be random divisional draws and all club majors including pairs will be completely random.

Congratulations in comp day 5 winners
Danny Mcevoy 64,Tom Manneh 65,Johnny Jones 65

Congratulations go to comp 6 winners
 Peter Miles  43 points,Ian Smallman  39 points,Colin Turner 39 points

I would like to say a personal congratulations to the Presidents prize winner John Parke 40 points. A true gentleman and favourite of most members including mine. Hard year but someone’s looking down on you my friend.

Mitcham hosted the return fixture of North Downs and trailing 3.5 to 0.5 it was an uphill task but Keith Lewis who took my captaincy for the day and rallied his troops to a 4-1 victory and retaining the trophy.

Mitcham also hosted the return fixture of Farleigh court and taking a lead of 4.5 to 1.5 into this fixture we had great hopes. We didn’t disappoint and although the result was 3-3 we won overall and can proudly keep a new trophy for this year at least.

Ladies results included Mitcham taking a draw at home against Tilgate. Richmond Park unfortunately beat Mitcham at home and Addington Court was a draw at their course.
Congratulations to Judith Grigg on winning the Presidents prize with 41 points.

A note of importance. All golfers should abide by the dress code on the course but occasionally that lapses. Being rude to members or guests about this is not acceptable but making them aware is important, so if there are concerns please let the pro know or a member of the committee.

Jim Lawrence has sadly resigned from his position of Chairman and committee member. Since taking on this role Jim’s work has been commendable so wish him well in concentrating on just playing golf with no hassle. A replacement will not be chosen until the right candidate with equally great attributes has been found with the position open to all applicants.

Your Captain

Greens Report


To the Mitcham Golf Club members


Greens winter programme
The following winter course works have now been discussed and agreed by the Committee and Trustees:

A) GUR area next to 10th green
Dig out the whole area, line base creating new shallow bunker and lay new turfs to damaged surrounds.

B) 11th green fringe- top
Build up the damaged fringe area surrounding the drainage covers with                     soil and new turfs.

C) GUR area in front of 12th green bunker
Dig out stones, lay new drainage for sprinkler, new base soil and re-turf the whole area. Carry out repair work to back of bunker.

D) Tee box repairs
Extensive rest and repair to various men’s & ladies tee boxes.

E) Clubhouse and surrounding areas
Carry out repairs to path from 18th tee to green. Lay paving to new trolley entrance to course. Double seal manhole cover to cesspit tank outside ladies entrance.
We hope to undertake all of the above works, subject to weather, and would appreciate your patience during this time. I’ll always be happy to discuss any issues you may have with the above or additional work you think may benefit the course.
Derek Thomas