CAPTAIN’S NEWSLETTER - 2nd August 2011
Dear Members,
The time has flown by since I was fortunate enough to be elected Captain of Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club. It is hard to believe that we are now into August and that the Club Championship has now been played. Karen and I are both honoured to have been given the post of Captain and Lady Captain and we are thoroughly enjoying the year to date.
It was my hope for the year to carry on the great work that has been done my previous Captains and their respective committees in improving the golf club, to the extent that we have, in my biased opinion, one the finest courses in terms of condition throughout Scotland, never mind Ayrshire.
I have an excellent Council in place which has made my job so much easier and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work to date. Unfortunately Craig Holland was forced to step down due to work commitments and my thanks go to Craig for his time and energy over the last year or so, and hopefully he will be able to return to the Council at some future date. In the meantime Bill McClellan has agreed to come on the Council and my thanks go to him.
It is great to report that the course is currently in superb condition and at its best in the time I have been a member. As ever Richard and his staff are to be complimented. We have been fortunate to secure the services of another fully qualified greenkeeper, David Breingan, from Rowallan to complement the team further. All visitors to the course comment on the great condition.
Members will hopefully have noticed a few aesthetic improvements around the course and clubhouse over the last couple of months. Much of this has been made possible by the success of the Members’ Lottery, which continues to be run by Peter McColm. Several improvements are a result of a continuation of several ideas that were put in place during Past Captain Billy Gibson's year in office.
The success of the Lottery has allowed the following to be purchased/funded:
• 2 new electric buggies (to assist members with their golf, and which will also bring in additional revenue)
• New signage at the entrance to the Club and on the exterior front wall
• New ball cleaners installed on the course
• The patio area at the side door
The patio has been completed to a high standard and will prove to be an asset to the Club. I would encourage all members to make use of it when the weather permits. Contrary to some opinion, this is not designed as purely a smoking area and is to be enjoyed by all.
The Council are always looking for additional ideas as to how the Lottery revenue can be utilised. The suggestion book still sits in the bar and this can also be used and I would encourage members to utilise this resource.
Plans are currently being prepared to carry out some major refurbishment works to the clubhouse but, given the costs involved it is likely to be a long term programme. However I feel it may be necessary to continue the progress of the club.
The position of Club Starter has recently been filled Past Captain John Kirk. There are a good number of visiting parties booked for the remainder of the year which will bring in much needed revenue. Such income is a welcome necessity for the running of the Club and also does much to enhance the reputation not only of the course but the friendliness of the members. The Council will at all times seek to ensure that members are not inconvenienced too much in terms of the tee being reserved. Notice of parties who have booked are posted in the clubhouse and on the website.
The support for Saturday functions has been excellent so far this year with many new faces frequently attending. Such nights are vital to the Club both in terms of income and the social aspect. George Grierson has booked a number of excellent bands for the months ahead. I would urge as many members as possible to support these evenings and if you have not been to one in a while then give it a try. It would be good to see an increase in the number of members utilising the facilities upstairs. In addition to the usual functions, a kids Christmas party will be held in December, more details to follow.
The Club Championship week this year was blessed with excellent weather, with Finals night no exception. The number of members watching out on the course and then attending the prize-giving was great to see. My congratulations to the winners who are listed below.
Club Championship Robert Steele
Seniors Championship David Rorison
Second Class Ronnie Doig
Intermediate Trophy Jamie Houston
Ladies Silver Jennifer Hill
Ladies Bronze Rosa Maxwell
Thoughts are now beginning to turn to 2013 when we will celebrate 50 years on the site of the current course. A series of events will be put in place to commemorate the occasion with more details to follow nearer the time.
To conclude I would thank the members for the opportunity to be Captain of this great Club.
Graeme McGartland
