Mens Minutes

Minutes of Men’s Section Committee Meeting

5 April 2008

Orchardleigh Golf Club

Present: Nigel Hall, Wilf Harper, Peter Baxter, Dave Wye, Martin Smith

1        Apologies.        Received from Colin Drew

2        Minutes from previous meeting (16/2/08)          Minutes from previous meeting were not available.  MS informed they will be made available on website.

3        Duties of treasurer for the Men’s section.          Dave Wye was unanimously voted in as Treasurer to the Men’s section.  The following points were agreed:

1. DW to liaise with Julia concerning the banking arrangements for all monies connected to the Men’s section.  It was suggested that Julia should continue to pay funds into the bank and DW report back to the committee concerning the value of these funds.
2. All monies raised from various social events organised by the Men’s section should be paid into a separate account (Men’s Social Account).  These monies would be used for the specific benefit of the members.  All spending to be approved by the General Committee.

4        Competitions.  

1. NH presented a letter of complaint from a member who had been unable to play in a recent competition because his playing partners had failed to attend.  It was also noted that there had been several recent “no-shows”, where the members concerned had failed to provide adequate notice of their intention not to play.  It was agreed by the committee that this behaviour was unacceptable, as it created severe problems for all concerned.  It was decided that measures should be put in place to encourage members to attend competitions that they had entered, or notify the club that are unable to attend as soon as possible.  Various suggestions were discussed, and the committee agreed on the following:

                                                               i.      A 3 match ban will be applied to all members who enter a competition by signing up on an entry sheet, and then subsequently fail to turn up for their Tee-Time, without giving adequate notice.  This ban will cover all major competitions i.e. monthly medals, monthly stablefords, Bank Holiday competitions, and other official competitions.  However, the ban will exclude midweek stablefords, and Pro-stableford competitions.

                                                             ii.      A notice will be put up on the Men’s Section notice board, and a notice will be placed on the newsletter.

                                                            iii.      It was mentioned that there have been occasions where members have been entered by a third party, without their knowledge.  The committee voted unanimously that in these circumstances the ban will stand.

1. The problem of “4-Ball” groups going out in “3-Ball” competitions was raised.  It was felt that this slowed up play for other members and delayed the completion of competitions.  It was suggested that the desk try to hold members back to make up three ball groups where possible.  However, it was agreed that this can be difficult for the desk staff to organise.  The situation will be monitored to assess the seriousness of the problem, and to see if the “no-show” ban improves the situation.
2. The Men’s Open on 7 June was discussed, as was the feedback from last year’s event.

                                                               i.      In order to ensure that the tournament is successful and paints the club in the best possible light, all committee members agreed to make themselves available throughout the day to ensure the smooth running of the day.  Jobs included signing-in competitors, taking entrance fees, providing help and advice as required.

                                                             ii.      Feedback from last year included the lack of a drinks buggy.  NH will speak to Ian Ridsdale to see if he wanted to staff the buggy.  If not the Men’s committee will agree to run a buggy during the day.

                                                            iii.      Geoff Stringer will be approached to see if he is available as starter.

                                                           iv.      NH will speak to the ladies’ Captian to see if the ladies would be willing to provide ball spotters for the event.

                                                             v.      The committee felt that coffee should be available on arrival.  NH to speak to Tony.  It was mentioned that the kitchen should be open to provide food for competitors arriving.  Last year early starters were unable to buy breakfast before their round, it is hoped that this will not happen this year.

                                                           vi.      NH will also ask David Nelson (DN) to check that there are no other functions on 7 June.

                                                          vii.      It was also suggested that all visitors be given a “marketing pack” to advertise the club and encourage repeat visits.  NH to discuss with DN.

                                                        viii.      A meeting of the Men’s committee has been scheduled for 24/5/08, to discuss final arrangements

5        Handicaps.       It was agreed that scorecards will be kept and entered onto a spreadsheet by MS.  These will then be made available at the annual review.

6        Honour Boards.            The honour boards are in progress and it is hoped that they will begin to appear in the next couple of weeks.

7        Halfway Hut.    The provision of a halfway hut by the Men’s section had been discussed at a previous meeting, but agreement had not, as yet, been reached with DN or the General Committee.  NH would speak to DN re: whether it was possible to put down the base, and where it should be sited.

1. The General Committee to write to the Greens committee to state the case for moving the starter’s hut from its current position.  NH, DW & DN to meet to discuss possible sites.
2. Members of the Men’s committee will continue to look for suitable designs as it was felt that the original design did not fit in with the desired image of the club.

8        Any other business.       No issues raised

9        Date of next meeting.    This was set for 24 May 2008.  To be held at Orchardleigh Golf Club.