NEW YEAR GM UPDATE

Happy New Year to all of our members. I hope you had a great Christmas and New Year.

I just wanted to start the year with some key updates and keep you all informed of whats going on at the Club.

Please see updates by department below:

GOLF COURSE

I wanted to provide you with an update on the current state of our course, given the recent challenging weather conditions.

Late December and early January brought an unprecedented amount of rainfall, leading to the consecutive closure of the course. We understand the frustration this may cause, both for our valued members and our dedicated greenstaff. However, please rest assured that our primary concern is the protection of the course and the health and safety of all members.

On a positive note, despite the closure, the course is in wonderful condition for this time of year. Looking ahead, I am optimistic that we can leverage this advantage as we head into the upcoming season. This early attention to the course's condition promises a longer and more enjoyable season for all of us.

I truly appreciate your patience during this period of inclement weather. Your understanding and cooperation contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our golf course. I am confident that the wait will prove worthwhile, and we will soon be able to enjoy an exceptional golfing experience together.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to welcoming you back to the course in optimal conditions.

INDOOR ACADEMY

Regarding the progress of our indoor academy we are in the process of finalising the plans and obtaining quotes for the necessary work. The indoor space is set to accommodate a twin simulator setup and will be furnished to enhance the spectator experience.

Our target is to have the academy open by April, barring any unforeseen issues. To ensure a smooth transition, we plan to give everyone a generous 3-week notice before the commencement of the building works. This will allow those with trolley storage to make suitable arrangements for the removal of their equipment.

We are genuinely excited about the opportunities the indoor academy will bring, particularly during inclement weather. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to making this exciting addition a reality. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support.

UNDERCOVER WARM UP PRACTICE FACILITY

Great news to share! The 5 bay frame, mats, and nets for the undercover practice area are officially on order. Anticipating a 4-week lead time, we aim to have these installed and the facility ready for use by mid-February. Your patience has been greatly appreciated as we worked towards achieving a more stable financial position, enabling us to bring this project to completion. We can't wait to unveil the enhanced facility for your enjoyment. Thank you for your understanding and support throughout this process.

NEW MEMBERS

I am delighted to share some fantastic news with you all. Over the months of November and December, we welcomed 16 new members into our golfing family, bringing the total to an impressive 120 new members in this golfing year alone. This remarkable achievement reflects not only the outstanding condition of our course but also the commendable efforts of various club departments, including the bar and catering contractor who have consistently delivered exceptional service.

This accomplishment is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of our entire team, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. As we step into 2024, this collaborative effort will undoubtedly continue to elevate our club to new heights.

For those of you active on Facebook, you may have noticed our ongoing ad campaign reaching out to Barry and the surrounding areas. Your support in sharing these posts on your personal pages is invaluable. By doing so, we can amplify our reach and introduce the unparalleled experience of our golf club to an even wider audience, all at minimal cost.

Thank you for being an integral part of our thriving community, and here's to a year filled with more achievements and shared successes.

CAR PARK / COURSE LEAK

I wanted to update you on a recent challenge we faced on the golf course. A major leak was detected in the top area between the 1st winter tee and the patio. The leak has been successfully addressed by plugging and capping it off. Unfortunately, this had repercussions on water access to the greenkeepers' shed and impacted the course irrigation system.

To rectify this, we had to take the necessary step of laying a new pipe from the mains at the entrance of the car park. This essential measure ensures that water supply to the shed is restored, and we can guarantee the optimal functioning of the irrigation system for the upcoming summer season. The incurred cost for this operation amounted to £12,000 + VAT, which, understandably, is a disappointing outcome as we could have allocated these funds elsewhere.

However, I bring you positive news. We explored the possibility of an insurance claim as we have underground services cover. Following a meeting with the insurance assessor, we are pleased to announce that they have agreed to cover the entire cost, with only a £500 excess. This is a relief as it allows us to implement a viable solution at almost no cost to the club.

AGM

We are working on a date for the AGM making sure key personell are all available. We are announcing this date soon which will be some time in March and I look forward to seeing you then.

BAR

I am pleased to provide you with an update on recent discussions we've had with both Heineken and Coors regarding our club's supplier. Having had Coors as our trusted supplier for over 15 years, we carefully considered the possibility of transitioning to Heineken based on a compelling commercial proposition.

While Heineken presented a favorable proposal, out of courtesy and respect for our longstanding relationship with Coors, we extended an opportunity for them to match the offer. After thorough deliberation in several meetings, we have collectively decided to continue our partnership with Coors for various compelling reasons.

One significant factor was the impressive rate of sale on Coors' brands, surpassing that of Heineken. Additionally, we are excited to share that a complete new cellar refit is on the horizon, equipped with a state-of-the-art technology operating system. As an added bonus, Coors has generously contributed a £15,000 listing fee to support upcoming renovations in our bar and lounge areas.

This news is indeed a cause for celebration, and we are eager to work on plans to elevate the standards of our bar and lounge areas. Sam Pascoe, our Head of House, and Bar Manager Barrie will be spearheading these efforts to improve the bar and lounge area. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to enjoying the benefits of this decision together.

WAKES

I wanted to share an update regarding the increasing number of room hire requests, particularly for Wakes, that we've been receiving in January. It's likely that this trend may continue into February and March. I appreciate your understanding as our clubhouse becomes busier during these times.

In some instances, we've even had two bookings on the same day in separate rooms of the club, which underscores the demand for our facilities. I want to express my gratitude to all members for your patience and support during these periods.

We are actively working on future enhancements across the club, including the bar, lounge, and other areas, to make our facilities even more appealing for room hire. This not only benefits those looking to host events but also contributes to increased revenue for the club. The additional funds generated will be allocated towards further improvements to our golf course.

Your understanding and cooperation during these functions are truly appreciated. Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting our ongoing efforts to enhance the overall experience at our club.

GRANTS

Regarding our grant applications I have no further updates at this time. We are still awaiting feedback and I will update in due course.

WIN A MEMBERSHIP

Our annual win a membership draw is still open. Please support this buy buying a ticket at the bar. Draw to take place at the end of February.