December 2020 Newsletter, Issue 001
This is the first, of what will hopefully be a regular series of articles aimed at keeping you informed with the latest updates from Golf South Ayrshire.
Winter Renovations
You may have noticed while out on the course that the winter renovation programme is well underway.
As well as the routine verti-draining and slitting works to alleviate ground compaction, improve turf condition and assist drainage, we are undertaking a number of bunker renovations throughout the courses.
We will also be undertaking a number of drainage projects to improve areas which are prone to flooding and working on the paths to improve their overall condition.
Finally, we are also in discussions with a number of contractors to undertake some work on Darley Golf Course with the aim of drastically improving the playability of a number of holes.
Winter Play
As the number of rounds played over the winter show no signs of slowing down, it may be necessary to utilise temporary tees in order to protect the teeing grounds ahead of the next playing season.
We always endeavour to play the course at its full length when conditions permit, however it is sometimes unavoidable that we will have to use temporary greens from time to time.
Please assist us by not playing from the temporary greens. Local Rules permit a free lift and drop from a temporary green.
Pitch Marks and Divots
It is important at all times to repair your pitch marks and replace your divots when playing, however it is even more important when the greens are softer and there is slower natural recovery. Repairing pitch marks and replacing divots is not only good for the course condition, it is good for your fellow members too.
Tee time booking
We are all acutely aware that tee times are difficult to obtain at this time. This is due to a number of factors, but mainly people are playing much more golf than normal.
A number of people have commented that Golf South Ayrshire have accepted too many members. Whilst the total number of registered users is up, ‘Traditional membership’ is down by over 600 people. The increase reported is due to FLEXI-Members, this equates to just over 2000 people.
We have been asked to increase the number of tee times by reducing the tee time intervals from 10 to 7 minutes. This has been considered, however we have decided not to take this step for the following reasons;
- This is a COVID-19 control measure to create a buffer zone and avoid people congregating around the clubhouse, carpark and first tee prior to play.
- With the current levels of play the courses are beginning to show signs of excessive wear and will have a detrimental effect on course quality heading into the next season.
It is therefore very important if you have a tee time booked and are no longer able to play, that you remove your name from the booking as early as possible.
During November alone, we recorded 685 no shows across the 8 courses. We have subsequently emailed over 40 season ticket holders advising that they may have their booking rights suspended if they fail to cancel their booking in future.
Using the Tee Booking software online or via the app makes it easier than ever to cancel a time or your slot within a time and we urge everyone to do so at the earliest possible opportunity to give others the chance to use it.
To everyone who is struggling to get a time, please do check the tee sheet regularly as it is subject to change on a daily basis. Additionally, if you contact the golf booking line, a member of staff will try and fit you into the booking sheet at a time close to your preference.
Club Priority booking
At this time of high demand, we again urge club members to only use their priority booking to play organised club competitions. This will give all season ticket holders a fair opportunity to book a tee time on non-competition days.
Season Ticket Survey
We are inviting all members to take part in a short online survey which will help us provide you with the best service we can. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be found here;
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SURVEY
The survey closes at 12 noon, Friday 4 December.
And finally…
Christmas and New Year Closures
The courses and clubhouse facilities will be closed on 25, 26 December and 1, 2 January.
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