the newsletter for mid kent gc members march 2017 print... · the newsletter for mid kent gc...

1 The Shrimper - March 2017 Editor : [email protected] www.mkgc.co.uk

The Shrimper THE NEWSLETTE R FOR MID KENT GC MEMBERS

March

2017

Off to a cracking,slapping start!

MK‘s year was off to a flying start in January & February, full houses at all social functions like the Oompah

Night pictured above, Valentines & Music Quiz pictured inside, Ladies‘ Supper, Fine Dining Evening and at

Club functions like February‘s Forum. All full houses so Members are recommended to book quickly for

March‘s functions such as Fine Dining on 10th March, Paddy‘s Night on 18th March, Mother‘s Day Sunday

Lunch with brilliant jazz pianist Imre Varga on 26th March. But hurry, they’re selling fast!

2017


Captain’s Charity Open Week Monday 3rd July – Sunday 9th July 2017

Monday 3rd July - Betterball Pairs Open Stableford. Open to Members & non Members. Maximum handicap 24 Men, 30 Ladies. Limited to 78 pairs. Prizes for best front 9 , best back 9 &

overall. Separate prizes for visitors & members.

Entry £40 per pair visitors\£10 per pair members.

Tuesday 4th July - Singles Open Stableford. Open to Members & Non Members. Maximum handicap 24 Men, 30 Ladies. Limit of 156 Players Prizes for best front nine, best back nine & over-

all. Separate prizes for visitors & members.

Entry £20 per visitor\£5 per member.

Wednesday 5th July Rose Cup and 10 Hole

competition, Members Only.

Thursday 6th July Lady Captain‘s Day,

Members Only.

Friday 7th July Past Captains Invitation, Team Event. Open to Mid Kent Past Captains & Past Captains of affiliated Clubs. Teams of 3, Best 2 scores to count on each hole. 1st tee from 13:00 3 course dinner in the evening, Captains‘ Jacket

& Tie for dinner please.

Entry £75 per team. To including golf, dinner &

prizes.

Saturday 8th July - Outdoor Concert, Open to

Members and Guests.

Sunday 9th July – Music Aftenoon ‗Jazz on the

Patio‘ and Prize Presentation.

Entry Forms are on the website or available from the Office and should be returned with entry fee to Barry Plumb, Martin Smith or Mid Kent Office.

Closing date for entries is 5th June 2017

No entries or refunds can be made after this date.

Food available to purchase on the day.

MK Locker Room - Captain‘s Letter

Captain’s Week 2017– Captain Steve Barrow writes

‗‘This year is flying by and has been eventful so far. I am

looking forward to the rest of the year in both golfing and

social terms. I will endeavour to maintain the traditional

events at the Golf Club but also introduce some new ones

that I hope members will enjoy‘‘.

To further improve both the golfing and social calendar,

Steve is introducing a full week of events during Captain‘s

Week. As well as the normal competitions for members, he is

planning to have a pairs & singles open event, which

members are welcome to enter along with a Past Captains‘

Invitation. Such events are arranged at many other clubs,

which some of our members attend, so he‘d like to bring

them into our calendar.

To help organise the week, Barry Plumb & Martin Smith have

offered their services and are thanked in advance for their

help. To bring the Captain‘s week to a close, there is one of

our famous ―Open Air Concerts‖. It will feature Uptown

Showdown, a great 8 piece band as well as DJ sessions.

Please see the notice board for more information on the

concert. If anyone would like to sponsor the event by taking

Gazebo space or by advertising around the car park, then

please contact Barry, Martin or Steve.

They are planning a printed programme for the week‘s

events. If you would like to advertise in the programme,

please speak to Barry, Martin or Steve.

Steve‘s selected Charity is ―The Royal Marsden Hospital

Cancer Charity‖ .Members‘ generosity to date and hopefully

for the rest of Steve‘s year will benefit them immensely. Their

research & treatment that they provide is incredible and is

something that Steve‘s family has witnessed first hand.

Wednesday 10 Hole It's amazing, the clocks go back on 26th March

when Summer Time begins. This means on the 29th of March 'The

Wednesday Evening 10 Hole Competition' restarts. It's fun, it's social and it

can be rewarding if your score is good enough! Play when you want

through the day by registering in the Pro Shop. The kitchen offers a special

golfers menu, which varies each week and is available until late. Alan

Thomas and Nick Gaskill will once again be overseeing proceedings for

which the entry fee is maintained at £3.00.


Forum 2017 - Course Q&A

Question 1 - has consideration been given for a

bunker short left of 16 & 17?

Answer to 1 - there are no plans to put a bunker short left of 16 as the hole is only 200 yards. DOG and Course Manager will review hole (once foliage is on trees) to see if further trees need to

be planted.

Question 2 - with removal of the four conifers on

13th hole are there plans to remove the bunkers?

Answer to 2 - the course manager and DOG are reviewing this and if any balls leave the course they will consider making the bunkers deeper.

There are no plans to remove these bunkers.

Question 3 – related to state of bunkers.

Answer to 3 - course manager & his team have renovated a large number of bunkers and have placed new sand in these. These need to settle and the raking of the bunkers in the correct fashion by members is essential to achieve a

good playing surface.

Driving Range

MK General Manager Steve Armstrong spoke on

driving range & appointment of course marshall

Free use of range in 2017 for all members.—

1 bucket per day

New range mat for the entire length of the

range teeing area

New Buggy and ball collection attachments.

Additional new balls & baskets.

No white flags to reduce shot distances.

New rules for range usage

Course Marshall Alan Mitchell

Has been appointed as of 1st April 2017 to

supervise and manage -

Dress Code

Speed of play

Etiquette

Practicing on Course

Driving Range

Societies

Please respect the role of the Course Marshall

MK Locker Room - 2 : Forum

Forum 2017- took place on 24th February covering

course update, the driving range and mens‘ competitions.

The Director of Greens reported on progress since his

last news letter (covered in December 2016‘s Shrimper).

18th tee development delayed until after Finals Day

due to weather & other priority course work. Back Tee

on 18th is only for competitions knockouts and not

casual play.

17th & 18th New bunkers - a JCB digger is booked

for 14th & 15th March. Due to the work over these two

days, the 18th hole will be a temporary par 3.

Practicing on the Course not allowed. Recent

damage on fairways indicate a member hitting

multiple balls onto greens with evidence of multiple

pitch marks. Any member found teeing off the 18th

back tee not in a competition or practicing on course

will be the subject of formal disciplinary proceedings.

Pest Control has been successful and the next

planned stage involving closure of the course -

including chipping & putting greens and driving range

- will be from 14:45 on Thursday 30th March 2017.

Tree felling – Members will be aware via Newsletters

of the commencement of our tree programme. The

planting of 6 trees on the 8th indicates the Board‘s

commitment to plant as well as to remove trees. Not

all members may agree but many of the conifers are

getting to the end of their lifespan. Tree removal and

planting will be carried out within a 5 -7 year

programme. No more trees will be removed during

this playing season unless made essential for reasons

of safety or as a result of storm damage such as tree

RHS of 5th which lost two major brances in recent

storm..

Bunker short left of 17th green is being dug (see

above) when we are adding the new bunkers on the

18th. More trees (number to be reviewed with the

addition of the new bunker) will be planted.

Drone - a member has offered to film the course with

a drone. This may be taken up for use on the website.


Men’s Team Captains 2017

Director of Competitions, Paul James is pleased to announce the appointments of team captains

for the men‘s inter club competitions in 2017 -

South East Association Knockouts

Perman Shield (0) Bruce Galbraith Sundridge Park Trophy (5+) Adam Clarke Wilding Cole Trophy (8+) Barry Plumb West Kent CupTrophy (11+) Brian Peirce Royal Blackheath Trophy (14+) Dave Jackson Gray Trophy (18+) Peter Lake

Kent Golf League

‗A’ Team Neil Pattison ‗B’ Team Nick Ralph Medway Trophy Shaun Barker 36-hole Foursome Stableford with three pairs from each Club (A, B and C pairings). Maximum handicap allowance 12. Winners will be the Club with the highest aggregate number of points. In the event that one or more Clubs finish the competition with the same number of points, the result will be based on the best 18-holes p.m. score, or if necessary, the best 9-holes pm. score.

Pat Quadling Cup Shaun Barker

Kent Golf Union

Amateur Foursomes Bruce Galbraith

Top Club Dave Challis Each club has a team of four players, all four with handicaps between 6 and 28. On the same day, at the same time if possible, a team of two players from each club will play four-ball better ball match play over 18 holes at the ―Home‖ Club, and a team comprising the other two players from each club will play four-ball better ball over 18 holes at the ―Away‖ Club. Each game will be played off handicap over the full 18 holes, to determine a result based on the total number of holes up after the 18th hole. The handicap allowance will be 90% (nine tenths) of the difference taken from the lowest player at each venue. If both players in a team have to withdraw partway through a match the remaining holes will be awarded to the opponents. At no time during play should players be phoning or texting their other match. The winning Club will be the side which, at the end of the rounds, is the most holes up taking the aggregate of the two matches (i.e. counting the

scores from both ―Home‖ & ―Away‖ Club.

Daily Mail Four somes knockout Paul James

MK Locker Room : 3 - Forum

Director of Competitions Paul James presented new

procedures for booking into Mens‘ competitions -

Competitive (c) handicap needed to enter any knockout

or qualifying competition, or to be selected to play in a

Mid Kent team.

Pro shop will have a till where you can top up your card

(or spend money via your card).

All winnings will be put on Bar Card.

Booking system to remain for Men‘s competitions.

Four Drawn Competitions (Majors)

- Club Championship (by H/Cap)

- Directors Cup (Randomly)

- Founders Cup (Randomly)

- Lindsay Masters * (Randomly)

Drawn by ClubV1 system after members complete booking-

in process. * No booking required for this event.

Booking usually 1 week in advance for all competitions

(inc. Monthly Medals) via:

- The PSI from 7am (every slot) &

- How Did I Do (HDID) from 6.30am (every other slot).

Some competitions will have entry money taken from

members‘ accounts in advance of the comp date.

Memorial Cup starting in 2017, commemorating all

MKGC members who are no longer with us.

Supported Charity will be on a rotational basis - this

releases a couple of dates back to the MKGC diary.

Please, please, look at the On-Line Diary not the paper

for event dates.

Photos & Honours Boards—the Board is looking at

alternative ways displaying past competition winners and

Past Captains‘ photos.


Membership Cards Director of Finance, Chris Waghorne writes - ‗‘From the 1st April 2017 we are introducing two major changes relating to the use of your membership cards.

Use of your membership card in the ProShop - the first change is that you will now be able to top up your card in the ProShop as it will soon have a till linked to the Club system. Please remember that there is sometimes a short delay between adding funds to your card and the credit actually showing on your balance. Therefore Members are advised to keep a certain amount of credit on their cards in order to always be able to sign into competitions on the PSI. Competition prize money from 1 April 2017 will also be added to your cards and you will be able to use your card to purchase goods in the Pro shop as well as purchase food, drink and social event tickets. Mark will still manage the '2s' fund and any funds still held on your pro shop account as at 31st March 2017. Loyalty Bonus - the second change is that, the

Club is introducing a loyalty card system.

At the recent Forum, the Board was asked to consider higher discounts for those members who use the Club facilities on a more regular basis than other members. The Board of Directors have agreed that we shall add £50 to the account of those Members who spend more than £2,000 on their card and £100 to those who spend more than £4,000 in a financial year.

The spend total will however exclude any

amounts for goods purchased in the Pro shop.

The Board hopes that these changes will

make the use of the card system easier and

more attractive for Members.

MK Locker Room : 4

Director of House, Steve Davies writes ‘’Bad Behaviour -

does this apply to you?’’

Members of your Board have been receiving more

complaints about the behaviour of Members in respect of the

use of bad language and poor behaviour.

The Board are mainly concerned with the use of bad

language and also the standard of behaviour when

presentations or other events are being announced over the

microphone system. Bad language is not acceptable as a

general everyday occurrence in the Clubhouse or indeed on

certain parts of the Course.

Whilst the language of today is much more liberal in its use

of expletives - and is often acceptable in the presence of

ones acquaintances - it may not be acceptable to the person

sitting or standing close by. Please have some thought as to

when and where you use such language.

Turning to presentations etc. the Board has noticed an

increase in the poor behaviour of Members when

announcements are being made. Some Members are even

going beyond just talking but making unwelcome comments

which reflect poorly on the Member and the Club.

The Board does not want to curtail anyone‘s enjoyment of

their time at the Club all that is asked is that you give some

thought for the Members and staff that might be offended by

your actions.

We have a great Club with a fantastic reputation for its

Social side - let’s keep it that way.

Modernising the Rules of Golf - the R&A are proposing

some key changes to the Rules of Golf from 2019.

Their Rules Modernisation initiative has been underway for a

few years now and this is the next stage in that process. The

aim is to not only make the Rules easier to understand, but

also to address some of the game's current problems, such

as speed of play, and ensure they fit the needs of today's

game.

The best place to read about what is being considered is on

the R&A‘s website which you‘ll find at -

http://www.randa.org/


SHRIMPERS SHIRT 2017

The original Shrimpers shirt has served us well. However, with other clubs having a similar colour we have agreed a change to something a little

more relevant to MKGC in a royal blue.

Due to a bulk purchase our professional Mark Foreman is able to offer these to the Shrimpers at a price of £19.99p. An order form can be found on

the Vets notice board.

To assist in your order, this ―GREG NORMAN‖ shirt can be viewed and tried for size in the pro-

shop

This initial purchase closes Wednesday 1st March 2017. However, arrangements will be sought to keep a limited supply possible during

the year.

Please be aware that you are committing to buy when placing your order and you will be advised

when to collect.

Shrimpers‘ Net

Costin putter standings - ( played October 2016 to

September 2017), the top 5 standings after 6 rounds are

Costin Update after 6 rounds

Danny Stevenson 224

Tony Brown 210

Peter Hooker 210

Mark Williams 206

Tony Byers 194

Shrimpers February Medal on 6th February 2017 was won

by Alan Robertson with 43 points which included 1 birdie and

6 pars, beating Peter Hooker by 1 point.

Both receive a boost to their bar card. John Hobbs was

unlucky on this occasion, coming third with 42 points but for

the dreaded count back.

Alan Robertson 43 Peter E Hooker 42 John Hobbs 42

Alan Robertson

Winner February Medal

Stop Press! Shrimpers March Medal Results - Eddie Durkin

won with 1 birdie and 9 pars beating Edmund Holt by 1 shot.

1. Eddie Durkin 42; 2. Edmund Holt 41; 3. Brian Burns 39

The Shrimpers Open will be held on Tuesday May 23rd 2017

with Clubs from all over Kent attending. Applications have

almost reached maximum numbers already.

We expect 32 visiting teams and all will require a Mid Kent

host. We hope that the Shrimpers will support the day by

placing their name along side their preferred team.

Our photo shows MK Assistant Pro, modelling the

new Shrimpers shirt - Callum could be wishing the

years away and dreaming of the year 2054 when he

can join the Shrimpers section ! ! !


MK Ladies

Ladies Supper 3rd March - a great turn out of 74 playing & social

lady members assembled for this annual event, timed for the early

part of the year to get the season off on a high note.

Trophies, presented on the evening by Lady Captain Chris Galbraith

(see rigt her new, most fetching hair style) went to -

Dawn Halson - Par Trophy

Julia Ridley - 4 Best Medals

Carol Murray & Tracey Hunt - Lukes Goblets Winter Fousomes.

The course dinner, prepared by the Wild Garlic team of Paige &

James, served by Charlotte & her girls and drinks with a smile from

Kevin & his ‘gang‘ was excellent and everyone seemed to enjoy the

evening!

Ladies Open Day 25th March - as part of our drive for recruiting lady

members, another of MK‘s popular Open Days with free 9 holes, free

golf lessons & free MK professional advice and a free drink after the

round will take place.

A leaflet promoting the day is available from the club lobby. Why not

pass on a copy to friends & family who may be keen to ‗‘try before

they buy‘‘ MK‘s cracking offer of a 50% reduction in fees for the first

year.

Early booking via the Office is recommended for this always popular

event.

Dawn Halson Julia Ridley Tracey Hunt & Carol Murray

Lady Captain - before & after


MK Dress Code Acceptable

Caps Worn Peak Forward

on Course

Collared Shirts

Smart Casual Trousers

Or Tailored Shorts

White Socks Any Length

On course

Smart Sandals

(Clubhouse Only)

Unacceptable

No Caps in Clubhouse

Tee Shirts, Collarless Vests,

Football Shirts or Shirts

worn outside of trousers or

shorts

Cargo/Multi Pocketed shorts

on course or in clubhouse &

blue denim jeans

No Socks

No Trainers, Flip Flops or

MK has a smart casual dress policy with Members responsible for their own and their guests’ attire at all times. At some

functions, gentlemen should wear jackets and ties within the Clubhouse and the dining room - otherwise “smart casual” ap-

plies. If in any doubt about dress code for a function, please check with the organiser prior to the event. The Ladies Commit-

tee are responsible for Ladies’ dress code in the clubhouse and on the course which will be in keeping with the general code

of the club.

The wearing of track suits, trainers, collarless vests or tee-shirts and flip-flops are not permitted within the clubhouse or on

the terrace. Smart sandals, without socks, are permitted. However, bare feet or stockinged feet are not permitted anywhere

except in the changing rooms. Blue Denim Jeans are not permitted either in the clubhouse (except at private functions), or

on the course. Members will be notified of the dress rules for each Club function in advance.

If shorts are worn on the course or in the clubhouse, they should be tailored. Shirts must be tucked into trousers or shorts at

all times, both in the clubhouse and on the course. Caps and other headgear must not be worn in the clubhouse; on the

course they must be worn with peak facing forward.

Coats and Jackets must be hung in the appropriate area and not on the back of chairs. The Club will not be responsible for

the security of any clothes or valuables left unattended.

Proper golf clothing and golf shoes must be worn on the course. Clothing worn on the course must be clean, smart and tidy

if it is to also be worn in the Clubhouse. However no jeans are allowed to be worn on the course. When on the course tai-

lored shorts of a reasonable length and style are required. Industrial shorts with numerous patch pockets or combat types

are not permitted. Socks (in white only) of any length that are worn with shorts are permitted. Trousers should not be

tucked into socks.

Prams and pushchairs are not permitted in the lounge or dining room unless approved by the Club House Manager. Chil-

dren under the age of 10 years are not allowed in the clubhouse after 20.00 unless accompanied by an adult. In the normal

course of events, children under the age of 16 years will not be permitted to remain at the club once any scheduled enter-

tainment commences unless the Social Committee have agreed otherwise.

To avoid annoying fellow members, mobile phones must not be used in the lounge, dining room, Robertson bar, or on the

course during play, unless there is an emergency – they must be switched off.

Whilst Managers & Staff have discretion on the above based upon any religious or medical grounds, they may also refuse

entry to those who are not suitably attired. The above regulations are for all members to adhere to and to ensure are upheld.


MK Social Scene 2

The 7th Mid Kent Problematic Music Quiz was held

on Saturday 28th January and once again a sell out with 21 teams

competing. Ken, Debbie & Jim donate their time in organsing and

running the quizzes to raise money for the Canterbury Oast Trust

Canterbury Oast Trust (COT). This is a charitable trust set up in

the mid-1980s by a pioneering group of parents that supports

adults with learning disabilities across Kent and East Sussex to live

independently and take control of their lives. For more information

on the charity and their Rare Breeds centre, their websites are

www.c-o-t.org.uk and www.rarebreeds.org.uk

MK has received this letter from Emily Rust of COT -

‘’I am writing on behalf of everyone at Canterbury Oast Trust

to say thank you so much for your fabulous donation of £593

from your 7th Problematic Pop Quiz at Mid Kent Golf Club

with Ken and Debbie Chappell and Jim Graham.

Opening the envelope with your cheque inside was such a

lovely way to start my week and to find out that even more

had been given directly to Ken and Debbie was brilliant.

We know how much time and effort goes in to organising

such a successful event so may I thank you for your hard

work, 21 teams and 120 people, that’s a lot of organising!

All your members, family and friends have always been so

generous, they sound like a fantastic group and I hear it was

another fun evening with lots of banter too. How lovely that

on a cold January evening, once again they all bothered to

venture out to support us and then went on to raise a record

amount too.

We truly appreciate every donation that we receive as they are

so important to us, so please pass on our thank to everyone

who contributed.

Many thanks once again for your care and kindness.

1st MUD – Mark Foreman, John, Margaret & Sarah Rice with the

Vidler Brothers! 143.5 points. They choose the name Mud as they

knew if they won again that’s what their name would be!!

2nd LORD FLASHHEARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY – Adam

& Nicola Clarke, Wendy & Colin Knight, Sonia & Stephen Lord

136.5 points

3rd - a mystery. Let the Shrimper know who you are, please!

21st Team QUAD BIKES, Pat, Margaret, Brian, Jean, Brendan

and Louise 96 points


MK Social Scene - What‘s On

Forthcoming Social Events

Friday 10th March,

Fine Dining. Pre booking essential,

contact the caterers on 01474 568035

ext 1

Saturday 18th March,

St Patrick‘s Night. Tickets on sale

behind the bar, £5 or £10 with food

.

Saturday 25th March,

Captain‘s Charity Quiz in aid of The

Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

£5 per person, teams of 8, sign-up in

the lobby

Sunday 26th March,

Mothering Sunday lunch with Jazz Pi-

anist Imre Varga from 2pm Advance

booking for lunch essential.

Wednesday 12th April,

Easter Bingo, 7pm for 7.30pm. £6 for

8 games

Saturday 22nd April,

Quadrophenia Night – including a 6

piece live band, more details to follow

Another fine

example of how

well the lounge

looks on a MK

social function -

this time the Val-

entine‘s Supper in

February.

Well done

Beverley.


Dingbats - courtesy of John O‘Toole

Red Venetian

Ever

Ever

Ever

Ever

DRUNK

DNA 2b or 3b

WHEN

DRO PED

P

ONE MIGRAINE

NONEO

CUPB ARD

D D WEST WEST Today

This Months Dingbats

Answers in next

Months Shrimper

Be careful the toes you tread

on

on your way up.

They may belong to the feet

that you have to kiss on your

way down

Last Months Answers

1. Colour Blind

2. West Indies

3. Now and forever

4. Drunk and disorderly

5. To be or not to be

6. When the penny

dropped

7. One big headache

8. One in the know

9. Cupboard love

END

READ

L D

L A

I L

H E

GONE

GONE

GONE

GONE

ILLINNESS

HEANDALTH

TOCHEFMES

ST OP

campanology

BERINGLL

1 - 0

1 - 2

2 - 0

EC

_______________

I

the newsletter for mid kent gc members march 2017 print... · the newsletter for mid kent gc...

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