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Week 7 Update

(21/11/08)

of the 13th Hole Development Project!

This week the club has received 190mm of rain that has saturated the entire course and resulted in the flooding of some fairways.  Whilst the course is open for play today (Friday 21st), no work has been done on the 13th hole the entire week.  Substantial sunshine for a lengthy period of time is needed to dry out the hole to allow work to recommence.  Best case scenario is that some work MAY start next Monday 24th November should we enjoy no rain over the weekend. 

 

Unfortunately the WETTEST NOVEMBER IN 27 YEARS has resulted in the 13th hole project falling over 2 weeks behind schedule and the chance of achieving our goal of finishing all works by Christmas Eve is looking very challenging!

 

 

As you can see though, the new turf that has been planted around the green collar, green surrounds and the last 120 metres of the fairway is thoroughly enjoying the rain!

 

 


Week 6 Update

of the 13th Hole Development Project!

After a site inspection earlier today (Friday 14th November) there is unfortunately very little progress to report for the 13th hole development project.  This week the continuous rain has softened the ground to the stage where the construction machinery cannot operate and this has stopped the majority of work, the result being we are just over one week behind schedule.  The positive effect of the rain has been on the succcessful planting of the turf for the last third of the hole.

 

This week we have:

Successfully completed the turfing of the green collar, greens surrounds area and the last 120 metres of the fairway; removed the excess soil that has been excavated out of the new right fairway pond to the driving range area; completed the preliminary shaping of the middle 150 metre section of the hole; completed the installation of the main drainage line leading from the start of the new right pond back up the right side of the fairway towards the tee; started the installation of some drainage pits down the right side of the first 200 metres of the fairway; and completed the installation of the main irrigation supply line for the last 200 metres of the hole.

 

Over the next week we will:

Spend half a day finalising the re-spreading of the top soil over the middle section of the hole; then the irrigation for the middle 150 metres of the hole can be installed and when this is completed the drainage for this landing area can be commenced.  The shaping of the first 150 metres of the fairway will also be completed this week.  All of the above obviously depends on a week of no rain.

 

Lastly, on Saturday of the past week we did close the driving range to transport excess fill to continue the construction of the new second tier of the driving range tee and we thank all members patience throughout this inconvenience.  Let's all hope for a week of fine weather so that members can enjoy some golf and so that work on the 13th hole can re-commence!


2008/2009 Board of Directors

The Annual General Meeting of The Southport Golf Club was held on Monday 3rd November 2008 at 7:00pm.   Congratulations to the following members who were elected to the Board of Directors:

 

President            Don Phelan               Elected unopposed

Vice President   Phil Ratcliff                 Elected by majority vote

Captain               James Townley         Elected unopposed

Vice Captain      Robert Sayers            Elected unopposed

Treasurer           Ken Window               Elected unopposed

Director               Brad Dowling             Elected by majority vote

Director               Doug Henderson      Elected by majority vote

Director               Graham Roberts       Elected by majority vote

Director               Norman Thomson    Elected by majority vote


Phelan and Thomson fire in Nine & Dine!

Defending champion Norm Thomson fired 21 points and ever improving Trish Phelan shot a fantastic 20 points on Friday 7th October to win the men's and ladies' sections of the November Nine and Dine. 

See you on Friday 5th December at 4:00pm to enjoy the next event.


Week 5 Update

of the 13th Hole Development Project!

The Course Steering Committee met this afternoon Friday 7th November to assess the progress of the 13th hole development project.  After a very interrupted week of work due to the rain on Wednesday we have fallen approximately 2 days behind schedule.  Overall though we are certainly on target to have the entire project completed prior to Christmas.

 

This week we have:

Completed the preparation of the green collar and greens surrounds area for turfing; installed the main irrigation line down the last 150 metres of the hole; refilled over the irrigation and drainage trenches and completed the shaping of the last 150 metres of the hole in preparation for turfing; completed the excavation of the new right fairway pond; started the installation of the main drainage line leading from the start of the new right pond back up the right side of the fairway towards the tee.

 

Over the next week we will:

Turf the green collar extension, green surrounds and the last 150 metres of the fairway; Continue the installation of the main irrigation supply line for the last 300 metres of the hole; remove the excess soil that has been excavated out of the new right fairway pond; complete the preliminary shaping of the the middle 150 metre section of the hole; possibly start the installation of the irrigation for the middle 150 metres of the fairway; continue the installation of the main drainage line down the right side of the first 200 metres of the fairway.

 

On Tuesday of the past week we did close the driving range to transport excess fill to continue the construction of the new second tier of the driving range tee.  Whilst the driving range WILL REMAIN OPEN over the majority of the next few weeks, there will unfortunately be some occasions when additional fill will be transported here.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.


MELBOURNE CUP CLASS!

A fantastic crowd of just under 100 members and their guests enjoyed a day of glitz and glamour on Tuesday 4th November for the Melbourne Cup! 

Four stars - John Anning, Nick Geros, Peter Mahoney and Tony Baker won the 4 person ambrose with a fantastic score of 53 3/4.

But there was no doubt that the ladies stole the show with Wendy Townley, Penny McGovern and Pat Ratcliff (pictured right) three of the stunning models entertaining the crowd.


Greens Recovery

Greens were lowered to 3mm today, Friday 17th October.  The greens were being cut at 4mm prior to renovations and have now reached their "summer height" just over three weeks after the renovations were completed. 


Week 3 Update

of the 13th Hole Development Project!

The Course Steering Committee met this afternoon Friday 24th October to assess the progress of the 13th hole development project.  Overall we are happy with the progress to this point in time.

 

This week we have:

Completed the installation of the new irrigation from the pumps to the 13th green; installed the new irrigation to the green surrounds area; turf cut the old turf from the green surrounds area in preparation for removal; completed the solid drainage to the last 150 metres of the hole; completed 50% of the new irrigation for the last 150 metres of the hole; undertaken substantial earthworks to the shaping of the first 150 metres of the hole; and today started the digging out of the new pond/lake on the right hand side of the fairway; 

 

Next week we will:

Complete the irirgation install on the last 150 metres of the hole which will then enable us to complete the subsurface drainage on the last 150 metres of the hole; start to prepare the green collar and surrounds area for turfing; commence construction of the newly shaped pond and rock retaining wall on the left hand side of the fairway; continue with the excavation of the new right side pond.

 

This week we have lost one full day of work to weather, as we have the past two weeks. 

 


COURTNEY WINS SOUTHPORT AMATEUR OPEN

 

Courtney Massey yesterday won the prestigious Southport Amateur Open by 7 shots. Courtney carded 72 on Wednesday and a brilliant 68 yesterday for a total 140.  Runner-up was Joyce Xu from Lakelands with 147. The Southport Amateur Open which is a Queensland ranked event, was first played at Souhport in 1959 and has had many winners who have gone on to represent Australia and/or had successful careers as a professional.  Well done Courtney on a great win!


Handicap Changes

Golf Australia has increased Mens handicaps to a maximum of 36. Those changes came into effect on the 1st of September 2008. Changes to the scorecard have also been implemented. The stroke index has been changed, the scorecard now indicates the stroke index from 1-18, any additional shots to be taken from index 1. Please check with Golf Shop staff if you need assistance.


'Courtney Massey - Champion of Champions!

Courtney Massey, representing Southport, yesterday won the Gold Coast District Champion of Champions. The event was played at Gold Coast Burleigh Golf Club and Courtney had gross score of 73 (Par) in very tough conditions.  Well done!


Classic Score in Classic!

It took a classic score to win this years Southport Classic. Mr Kay Lee from The Colonial shot an impressive 2 over par 73. Kay playing of a 6 handicap and studying golf through the PGA IGI was delighted with his win as it was his first time to Southport. Congratulations also go to new Staff Member Lance Nelson who was runner up with a 76, well Done Lance!!!


Record win in E.F.Doyle Memorial!
Saturday the 23rd August the E.F.Doyle was played and the results sent administrators looking throught the record books. The winners seen above from left; Tony Irvine, Steve Cook, Ralph McNally and Graham Tickle had an impressive nett aggragate score of 274. Ralph led the way with a nett 65 who also took out the best nett for the day. The event has been played for the past 25 years and it may take another 25 years till that record is broken. Well Done guys!!!!

Paul Wins Intra Club Matchplay!

It took a par round from Paul Bunyan to win the final of the Intra Club Matchplay. Paul a 5 Handicapper seen on the right  gettting congratulated from Runner up Alex Mojsish. Alex was going well after 9 but Paul's experience and a few good putts held off Alex. Congratulations Paul!!


Les Wilson wins $3,000!

Long standing member and previous club professional Les Wilson won the $3,000 in the member's draw - Les comes to the club every Friday night and it was great to see a strong supporter have a win!  As you can see Les was very happy to get the win and Club President Don Phelan was VERY surprised to be giving away another fistful of cash!

 

 


LEE TOO LETHAL!!!

The Gold Coast Open was played at the club on the weekend with former club champion and state player Lee Manning proving to strong for the rest of the field.   Two Par rounds was enough to secure the win over younger and more competitive players. Lee praised all involved in making the 50th staging of the event very memorable. Congratulations Lee!!

 


SGC DOMINATE GCDGA    INTERCLUB PENNANTS!!!

On Sunday 17th August the A Grade and B Grade Interclub Pennant Teams BOTH won their respective finals to be crowned champions for 2008!  Many beverages were shared by the two teams as they celebrated this historic win that is the first time since 1982 that Southport Golf Club has won an Interclub Pennant flag, let alone TWO! 



New Staff Members Join Golf Shop Team

 You may have noticed new Staff members in the Golf Shop. Lance Nelson has started as a full time employee. Lance comes from Lakeside Country Golf Club. Cameron Braid has started on the range/shop, he has moved from Sydney to study Golf at Griffith University. Mitch Wilson is from Arundel, he is on the range/shop, while promising junior Joel Lawson has just started working on the range- Welcome guys!!!


Junior News!

The Junior Development Committee are currently developing a number of innovations to assist the development of our Juniors with the $1,000 of funds raised from the recent Sportsperson's Luncheon. 

In addition, the Board of Directors have agreed to assist junior members of the Club with tournament entry fees.  So if you are a junior of the Club and considering representing Southport Golf Club in a Junior Event, please feel welcome to forward an application to the General Manager to have the Club assist in the payment of your tournament fees. 


Sportsman Real Sports!!!

The Sportspersons dinner held on Friday night was a huge success!! Former Rugby Union Stars, Jockeys and Australian Cricketers were there to help raise funds for the Junior development; which raised over $1000.

A big thanks goes to Former Wallaby Greg Cornelsen for helping promote the night as well as ex Australian Cricketer Ian Healy, who as we can see was clearly bowled over by the ladies!!.

 


 


 

COURTNEY WINS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

Courtney Massey being congratulated by the Ladies President Del Herse

The most significant event for the ladies, the Club Championships, was held over the last two weeks. Courtney Massey the club's most prominent lady golfer has blitzed the field winning by a massive 32 shots!!. The 19 year old who is a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), and ranked 7th in Australia said she was "Delighted" with her win as it was her first Stroke Play Club Championship Title. Courtney's next event is the Queensland Amateur Championships held in July, All the Best and well Done!!!.

Congratulations also go to Jill Millhouse who won BRONZE 1 by 3 shots,

and Robin Williams who won BRONZE 2  by 5 shots.

Click here for Matchplay and Nett Results 

 
 
The most significant event for the ladies, the Club Championships, was held over the last two weeks. Courtney Massey the club's most prominent lady golfer has blitzed the field winning by a massive 32 shots!!. The 19 year old who is a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), and ranked 7th in Australia said she was "Delighted" with her win as it was her first Stroke Play Club Championship Title. Courtney's next event is the Queensland Amateur Championships held in July, All the Best and well Done!!!.
Congratulations also go to Jill Millhouse who won BRONZE 1 by 3 shots,
and Robin Williams who won BRONZE 2  by 5 shots.
Click here for Matchplay and Nett Results

Member Ailsa Morrison-Galt shouts the Bar!

After enjoying a game on Friday afternoon member of 16 years Ailsa Morrison-Galt won the Friday night Member's Draw of $4,200!  And Ailsa immediately won the friendship of all when she shouted a drink to every one of the 120 members in the Clubhouse at the time!  Members couldn't remember the last time the big prize went off with the records suggesting 2006 was the last time. 

We look forward to seeing you all at your Club this Friday night when the member's draw will be on offer again for a lucky member to take home $2,000!


Courtney Massey wins 2008 South Pacific Ladies Open

A strong international field have spent this week contesting the 2008 South Pacific Ladies Open at Surfers Paradise Golf Club.  Southport GC star Courtney Massey has just been crowned as the 2008 Champion after chipping in from 30 metres on the 54th hole of the Championship, to beat fellow SGC member Ellie Na by one shot!  Congratulations to Courtney on a fabulous performance.


Cart Storage Sheds

To improve the security of all Member's Motorised Carts the Cart Sheds are now LOCKED each night at approximately 5:45pm and members are not able to access them.  Please ensure you return your motorised cart to the storage shed straight after your game. 


Storage Available for Members' Golf Clubs

Would you like to store your golf bag in the golf shop and have your clubs cleaned each week?

 

We have reorganized the Golf Shop storage area & there are a number of spots now available for only $150 per year.  This not only includes storage of your golf club but weekly cleaning of your clubs as well!

 

Please see the Golf Shop or Admin staff to take up this limited offer.


BRETT PARTRIDGE WINS 2008 MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP!

Congratulations to Brett Partridge who beat Jack Fox 4 & 2 in the 36 hole final of the 2008 Matchplay Championship.  Jack was 6 down after the first 18 holes and fought back valiantly to take the match to the fourth nine of the day.  But seasoned pennant player Partridge was too experienced and closed out a great victory. 

Meanwhile long term member Alan Puchase took Derek I'Anson to the 36th hole in the 2008 Handicap Matchplay Championship with Derek winning on the final hole!  Both players performed outstandingly and are now under consideration for the upcoming IntraClub and InterClub Pennant Competitions.  Congratulation to Derek on his first major victory at the Southport Golf Club.


NATHAN BAKER WINS MAIDEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

22 year old star Nathan Baker won his first Club Championship by making birdie on the fourth playoff hole and the 76th hole of the Championship!  Nathan and defending Champion Corey Taylor were tied after 72 holes and proceeded to battle out an enthralling match over holes 1,2, 18 and 1. 

 

 

The 2008 B Grade Winner was Graham Tickle on 347 and Ray Jago won C Grade.  Congratulations to all who competed and congrats to the members that have now qualified for the Matchplay and Handicap Matchplay Events.

  


WINNERS ARE GRINNERS!

 

Ruth White and Pam Harse won Division 2 of the 2008 Wiliza Park Masters Trophy on Wednesday 30th April with a masterful score of 92 points over the two rounds of the 4BBB Stableford event.  And as you can see they were obviously pretty happy about their big win!  Over 150 ladies enjoyed the event with a complimentary champagne from Sponsor Elizabeth Fraser after the game.  Simone Crowther and Leanne Cowley won Division 1 with a great score of 85 points.


Norm Thomson wins 2008 Ted Smith Memorial!

The heavy going from the overnight rain did not stop A Grader Mr Norm Thomson from firing a great round of 43 points to win the Ted Smith Memorial. The event is a Single Stableford which has been played since 1995 and is named after a past devoted club member Mr Ted Smith. Norm's 43 pts breaks his 9 handicap down to 7! He may have a stern word with the handicapper!


 Joel Lawson wins the 2008 Easter Classic! 

 

Up and coming junior Joel Lawson had a phenomenal weekend shooting 43 and 41 points to win a brand new pair of Oakley sunglasses and a new pair of Footjoy shoes as the Easter Classic Champion!  His handicap dropped from 19 to 16 over Easter!

 

The strong weekend fields contained members from 14 different clubs from throughout South-East Queensland and NSW who shared in the $3,500 worth of prizes for the event.  Member John Pietzner secured 2nd place with two great rounds of 41points, whilst Sarah Morgan from Royal Qld won the Ladies Easter Classic with a two day score of 80 points, with local Jenny Stanton finishing second. 

 


India Matthews wins the 2008 Queensland Indigenous Championships

In what turned out to be an amazing climax to this year's Queensland Indigenous Championships at Murgon Golf Club, India Matthews came from 8 shots behind to force a playoff in the Women's Championship.  In the final round India fired a course record 73 (+1) and then won a three way playoff at the first extra hole to become the 2008 Queensland Women's Indigenous Champion.   Matthews is just 13 years of age and showed maturity way beyond her years to close the gap in the final round and remain focused on each shot. In fact it was her father Greg, who was caddying for her that had kept the scores in his head and after she putted out on the 18th let her know that she had made it into a playoff.

The playoff, featuring last year's champion, Kimberley Crawley (Horton Park) and Addi Butorac (Paradise Palms) was a tense affair, however all three girls thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. There had to be one winner however, and it was fitting that Matthews took out the Championship after her unbelievable final round.


Congratulations to Chris Renouf

 

On Tuesday night 11th March the Annual Queensland Golf Industry Awards Night was held and congratulations to Chris Renouf who was formally accreditated as a full member of the Australian Proffessional Golfers Association.   Chris is currently recovering from a knee operation and aiming to return to tournament golf later in 2008.  Best of luck and congrats Chris!


Course Report - As at Friday 7th March

Course Superintendent Stuart Moore reports that for the first time in 2008 we have had one week of constant course maintenance completed (as we have had very little rain!).  Over the past 3 months we have received OVER 700 millimetres of rain!!! 

The first stage of a major weed eradication program has been completed successfuly with all tees and the newer fairways (holes 3, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17) all being treated with a herbicide.  Members will notice the brief change in colour of the grass in these areas for the remainder of the month.  This is a regular part of our overall maintenance program that we have only just been able to undertake due to the excessive rain this year. 

 

The greens have required a little extra TLC and are currenlty being cut at 4mm.  Once again, as a result of the excessive and frequent rain over the past 3 months the greens have been allowed to sit at 4mm (instead of 3mm or 3.5mm) over the past month.  Should the sunshine remain the speed of the greens will improve next week.  Although, looking at Rodger Keelan's net 62 to win yesterday's competition, some members (such as Rodger) argue that they are perfect as they are!   


 

RALPH McNALLY WINS $1,000!

 

Drinks are on Ralph after he won the $1,000 member's giveaway at the Club on Friday night.  President Don Phelan continued his run of drawing out member's names that are not present at the Club when the $5,000 draw did not go off as member Beth Bates who has been an Associate Member of the Club for 28 years was not present in the Club to claim her $5,000 prize.  So the secondary draw was held for the large crowd of members that had come to the Club and Ralph McNally was the lucky member whose name was drawn.  Ralph was last seen heading out to celebrate his big win and obviously did so in style as he missed his 8:00am tee time the next morning! 



Teaching Professional David McKean

As General Manager of the Southport Golf Club I am pleased to announce that current Teaching Professional David McKean has agreed to a new 3 year agreement as Teaching Professional of the Southport Golf Club.  As of 1st March 2008 David's tuition fees will be increasing for the first time in 3 years by $5 per half hour lesson.  David will also contribute 10% commission of all tuition fees to the Southport Golf Club.  Please join me in congratulating David.


Ball Scavenging is not permitted at Southport Golf Club

All members please be aware that the Club has an agreement with a private contractor for the "EXCLUSIVE" rights to search for and retrieve lost golf balls.  All members should abide by the direction of page 12 of the current Fixture Book that states that members are only permitted to search for your own balls (and obviously your playing partners).



CALLAWAY ARRIVES AT SOUTHPORT!

Members can now purchase a range of golf clubs from their own Golf Shop at Southport Golf Club! And this new innovation was marked by our first major Demo Day on Friday 7th December. There were over 350 of the latest Men's and Ladies golf clubs on offer for members to try including CALLAWAY, TITLEIST, KING COBRA, WILSON & HENRY GRIFFITTS. So if you are thinking of getting a new driver, set of irons or a rescue wood, see Daniel Barclay in the Golf Shop.


Rule of the Month

So how good is your knowledge of the Rules?  Are you sure?

 

Situation 1:  You tee off on the 5th hole at Southport Golf Club.  You hit it right and think it is out of bounds.  You play a "provisional ball" from the tee and hit it onto the fairway.  You go and look for your first tee shot and find it!  You hit your original ball, but after doing so realise it was out of bounds.  Therefore, you must go and play your provisional ball to play out the hole.

 

What number shot are you hitting from the fairway then with your provisional ball?

 

ANSWER: Go to the very bottom of this page and look for "RULES ANSWER".


 

 


RULES ANSWER:

You are playing your 6th shot from the fairway!

Explanation: 1st from the tee; 2nd shot is a penalty for hitting the ball out of bounds; 3rd shot is the shot with the original ball from the out of bounds position; 4th shot is a penalty for hitting a ball that was out of bounds; 5th shot is the provisional from the tee; therefore the 6th shot is from the fairway with your provisional ball.