Captain's Update from Rick Wiles
18th April 2012
Firstly can I just personally thank each and every one of the members who have renewed their membership for the 2012/2013 season.
Unfortunately we are still waiting the final heads of agreement from the Duchy, on the new land. All be it a formality it is still not complete yet. Obviously as soon as it is the news will be published.
Golf Details
The Scratch teams first match took place on Saturday 14th April against Peterborough Milton unfortunately we lost 7-1. Congratulations to Simon Cox for his win in his match, against a very strong Peterborough team. The Scratch team are at home again this Saturday 21st against Staverton. Any support you can give on Saturday I am sure will be most appreciated
The B Team have a match against Wellingborough away on Thursday 19th April and the Seniors have match against Overstone away on the Wednesday 25th April - all the very best to all teams in their matches.
Myself and Adrian Clifford have started the pro/am matches on occasional Thursday nights. Our first one was against Scott Miller and Giuliano Catalano and we lost 3 and 1, the good thing was the monies went to my charity which is now standing at £1,100.
This week we take on the Vice Captain, Tony Johnson and Pete Cullum.
The Course
I appreciate your comments and concerns over the condition of the greens and parts of the course. The Chairman, Steve York, Ian Dickenson and the greens staff are collectively trying to make improvements to the course.
Members should see a detailed list of work that is to being carried out by the greens staff and volunteers on the notice board and in the greens book in the not too distant future.
Social
Rob Price finished his final leg of running to every Golf Club in the county on Saturday. A number of members young and old together with Rob's wife Tracey joined him to run from John Whites to Rushden Golf Club. This was all part of Rob's training for the London marathon which he runs in this Sunday. I am sure you will join me in whishing him the best of luck.
Thank you for your support so far for the St George's Night. For the traditional, there will be jellied eels and cockles available at the evening as well as the meal.
The number of members showing interest in the presentation Dinner Dance in November is very encouraging. The next big hurdle is that your past captain Mick Adams will start collecting
money from you for your tickets.
The final numbers are in for the captain's weekend away in September at Botley Park. At this present moment there will be 52 of us going. For those who wish to play on the Thursday 6th September, Steve York has arranged a round of golf at Stoneham Golf Club at a cost of £49. I will put a list up on the notice board just to confirm the numbers.
Additionally, I will put the details up for my Captains away day, which is at Belton Woods. On Friday 8th June.
13th March 2012
On behalf of the all members and staff, I would like to send condolences to the family of Peter Miles who passed away last week. Peter was Captain of Rushden Golf Club in 1972. A lot of members had fond memories of Peter and he will be sadly missed.
I would like to thank all the members and guests that attended the Quiz Night and the Whisky Tasting evening. Thank you for making these social events so successful and for supporting me. They were good fun and very informative and the whisky seemed to improve my game no end on the Saturday. The next social event is the Race Night on 30th March at 7.00pm.
We are planning to have our presentation evening / dinner dance, this year, at the Snooks in Raunds. This will be on Saturday 17th November –to give us some idea of the likely numbers could you please indicate whether you would be interested in attending – details are in the clubhouse.
Captain's charity is now at £906.80
We are now moving closely towards the start of the main golfing season, with the Scratch Team, Handicap League, Hollingsworth, Cecil Leitch, Junior League, many mixed and club events all about to start. I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all good luck in the competitions and a really successful 2012 season.
March Stableford Results
Roger Lovesay 43 points
Steve Sizer 42 points
Jez Smith 42 points
Rick Wiles 41 points
Course Work
A lot of work has been taking place behind the 12th green, making way for the new fairway on the new course. Volunteers and our green staff have carried out a lot of this work.
Thank you for all your hard work and effort.
Also we had volunteers carrying out some work on the ninth green, once again thank you.
Captain v Vice Captain
This weekend is the Captain v Vice Captain Competition. I am hoping I can retain the trophy. Good luck also to our Ladies Captain, Margaret, who is playing her Captain v Vice next Wednesday.
Meet a Member
Name: |
|
Stuart Carvell |
 |
How long have you been a member: |
1st Year |
||
What is your most memorable shot: |
Paring the 18th to win £45.00 off my brother. |
||
If you could play a round of golf anywhere, where would it be: |
Playing with Matt Le Tissier at Remedy Oak Hampshire |
||
Have you ever had a hole in one: |
Yes, over the ramp and through the windmill |
||
Why did you join Rushden Golf Club: |
Friendly and only five minutes from home |
30th January 2012
Hopefully you have all seen the great news published in the January
newsletter. This is a very exciting time for the club and also myself in
my Captain's year with the new nine-hole development set to go.
This has got to be a positive for the future of the club and will meet a lot
of expectations of our newer members.
With success has come the complication of too many members and not enough start times whilst in the winter period at the club.
We are still experiencing members not turning up on a Saturday without any prior communication with the club to cancel their tee time position. Can you please show some consideration to other members by advising the secretary or make contact with the club or your playing partner for that day to advise that you are unable play.
Golf News
The winter league finished this weekend and the - the results will be posted this weekend.
Apparently this is the first time in a number of years we have actually completed all seven rounds of the winter league. Let's hope this weather continues to allow us to play every week.
The result of the optional stableford for this Saturday 28/1/12:
1st Adrian Gell 38 points
2nd Rick Wiles 36 points
3rd Roger Lovesay 35 Points
4th Roger Heritage 35 points
Congratulations and well played.
The first of the team competitions took place this weekend on Sunday 29/1/12 - The Sunday Mail 5 man team competition. We were drawn at home against Beds and County Golf Club and managed a win of 3 and 2. I was fortunate enough to be asked to play in the team alongside Jez Smith, Nick Hercock, Nick Statham and Brian Chadbon.
Social
Burns Night was a great success and enjoyed by all. There were some superb speeches by Andrew Wager, Kevin Barclay, Nigel Richards and Sharon Johnson controlled by MC Martin Cox.
I would just like to thank you all for your efforts for making Burns Nights thoroughly enjoyable.
On that note, I would like to thank Bernie Francis for donating the raffle prize, which was a round of golf at the Belfry. This raised £158 for the Captain's Charity. A guest of Kevin Barclay was the winner.
The draw for the reserved car parking space, drawn by the piper on Burns Night also raised £84 for the Captain's Charity. Graham Kitchener was the winner.
We now have a running total of £816.80 for the Captains Club Charity We have a Sunday lunch on this Sunday - excellent value at only £8 for a main and dessert.
The next social is a Quiz Night on Friday 17th February at this moment in time it is full and I thank you all for your support.
The works are ongoing in the clubhouse with the painting now well under way. The cabling around the building has now all been concealed - thanks to all those carrying out this work.
Meet A Member
Name: |
|
Chris Roughton |
 |
How long have you been a member: |
16 months |
||
What is your most memorable shot: |
At Priors Hall a large undulating green, and my partner on that day corrected my aim for an exceedingly long putt which I needed to get for my 2 points for the hole, I was elated when the weight of the shot potted the ball on this 15 foot putt. |
||
If you could play a round of golf anywhere, where would it be: |
As I only gained my handicap in the spring of last year, I can count the courses I have played on one hand? So any of the famous courses in the UK would be fine. |
||
Have you ever had a hole in one: |
Not yet but ever hopeful |
||
Why did you join Rushden Golf Club: |
My husband was a member here then and the ladies play on a Wednesday which is my day off. I hadn't picked up a golf club until I took a course of lessons with Adrian in the spring of 2010, as I thought I would not see my husband when I retire if I wasn't able to play, so it was very much a case of if you can't beat them, join them. I have found the club very welcoming and the ladies have been especially encouraging and friendly. |
||
10th January 2012
May I first of all start by wishing you all a Happy New Year and enjoyable golf throughout the year.
This Saturday saw the return of the winter league and the alternative Stableford competition. An excellent attendance for both morning and afternoon sessions.
I would just like to thank the members for their support and generosity over the Christmas and New Year free days for there contributions to the Club Charity. The running total is now £451.35
Golf Details
Saturday 7th Jan Results
1st Adrian Gell 42 points
2nd Darren Quincey 39 points
3rd Bernie Francis 38 points
4th Malcolm Kendall 36 points
Congratulations well played.
As you would have noticed around the course at the moment the Greens Staff have highlighted certain areas for us to try and avoid and walk around to try to protect the affected areas, if you could adhere to the signs this would be a great help.
One particular area is, where we come off the 13th Green and make our way to the 15th tee, if we could avoid going over the 14th tee especially with trolleys this would help.
Already the debate of the use of Trolleys on the course for the winter months has arisen.
The Greens Chairman has said he would like to keep trolleys on at all times were ever possible but obviously during extreme weather conditions it would be preferable if we carry. If you cannot carry then please use common sense if the conditions on the course are bad and you feel you must use your trolley.
If you are unsure on the day, if trolleys are on or off please just ask.
On the subject of a trolley ban. Kevin Roberts would have wished for it to be in place on Saturday, this would have saved his trolley being reversed over in the car park entrance by Gary Knight. No one was hurt except for one wheel on the trolley.
Next Social Event
Burns Night is on the Friday 27th January.
Thank you those who have already entered your names on the list, just a reminder that the monies for Burns needs to be given to Carina on or before Saturday 21st please.
For those who haven't put your names down there is still spaces available the cost is £10 per head. The food options are Haggis or a savoury mince or a vegetarian option.
Kilts are not a requirement but if you want you can join myself and my Vice Captain who will by in tradition wear for the evening.
You will find the list on the notice board in the club house.
Parking Space Draw
The reserved car parking space for a member will be drawn on Burns Night.
The details are on the bar £1 per go as many goes as you like, if chosen the space is yours for one year, all monies going to the club charity.
Captains Weekend
Thank you for those of you who are joining me for my weekend, you will receive an email or letter in the post shortly with more details. I will also update you with information during the coming weeks.
Anyone who has not seen the list for the weekend and would like some details please contact me or speak to Ellie or Tony Johnson.
Meet a Member
Name: |
|
Paul Barron |
 |
How long have you been a member: |
16 months |
||
What is your most memorable shot: |
Probably whilst playing the 14th (a 548yd, Par 5, yellow tees) at the Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden. After two good shots, I had left myself about 110 - 120 yds to the pin. I then chipped onto the green and watched excitedly as my ball rolled into the hole for an eagle. Not just a memorable shot but a memorable hole as well. |
||
If you could play a round of golf anywhere, where would it be: |
Augusta National |
||
Have you ever had a hole in one: |
Not yet ! But I have the insurance just in case. |
||
Why did you join Rushden Golf Club (in no more 20 words ): |
I was playing society golf, which was becoming more expensive and was not value for money. Also I was not needed as the kids taxi driver so often now that they are getting older, this has allowed me to have a little more spare time. I am enjoying every aspect of being a member and have made lots of new friends, so thank you to all the members and staff for making me feel very welcome at the club. |
||
20th December 2011
Just a quick note to thank everyone who attended the Uncle Tom Cobley Night and Yuletide Carol Singing.
The Friday night was excellent entertainment for all and a big thank you goes to Carina and the team especially Kim who managed to serve 80 plus steaks to all of us under a lot of pressure to make sure they were edible.
They same goes for Yuletide, thanks for your great support on my first Yuletide and still staying after my solo .
Once again a big thanks goes to Rosie , Kim and the team for all their hard work to organise the Christmas meal, thank you.
Golf Details
On a personnel note, could I please ask that if you find that you are unable to play, for whatever reason, having entered your name on the start sheet, please contact the club or a another member a.s.a.p. This will allow another person on the reserve list to be notified and will avoid groups of golfers being short for a team or pairs competition. Thank you.
On Saturday in the Turkey Trot I had the pleasure of the company of Scott West and Malcolm Kendall . Malcolm must have thought he was in training for the London marathon the amount of exercise he got on Saturday.
Turkey Trot Results
1st Bob Taylor and Adrian Gell 44 Points
2nd Paul Newell and Ted Waller 40 Points
3rd Dave Patrick and Dave Chisholm 39 Points
4th John Pipes and Duncan Bush 39 Points
5th Darren Redgate and Steve Sizer 39 Points
On Sunday the Yuletide Cup was played, this was the first time in three years that the event had taken place due to poor weather conditions.
Consequently, Dave Bird had to pass the trophy over at long last.
My playing partners on Sunday were the current lady captain Margaret Linnett and Dave and Mavis Newell - their company was very enjoyable. I would like to thank Dave Newell for arranging the prizes for the competition.
Yuletide Results
Overall Winner Den Hadley 20Points
1st Gent Doug Kenmore 20 Points
2nd Lady Margaret Bird 19 Points
2nd Gent Rick Wiles 19 Points
3rd Lady Jane Houghton 18 Points
3rd Gent Pete Hadley 19 Points
Next Social Event
Burns Night on the 27th January 2012, details on the Club notice board.
From the proceeds of the weekend's events, the Captains Charity for the Club is now standing at £386
That is all for 2011, I would just like to say Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year.
12th December 2011
Golf and Scores
The Captain's Drive In raised £165. (I drove 191 yards.)
Chris Adams correctly guessed the Area the ball would land. Mike Quincey guessed 192 yards and Bryan Barwick guessed 190 yards. All three members kindly donated their winnings to my Charity this year which is the Rusden Golf Club.
Results of the Christmas Cup :-
1st Josh Smith 38 points
2nd Mick Adams 38 points
3rd Giles Smart 37 points
4th Steve York 36 points
Matt Templeton thought he had secured his own private parking space in the new car park. Unfortunately he had blocked Mark Kerr's vehicle in. Mark being a first class builder who always carries his tools with him decided to redesign the 'In & Out' of the new car park so that he could get out. Matt Templeton donated a sum of money to cover the cost of the redesign.
Social
Many thanks to the Lady Captain, Margaret Linnitt, Mollie Hulatt and the Ladies Committee (not forgetting Santa, who put in an appearance) for the Christmas Party arranged for our young up & coming members on Monday evening, another great success with a lot of happy faces. Well done.
Friday 16th December is our next social event.This is a steak night with entertainment provided by the Uncle Tom Cobley band.
General Information
I would like to welcome Nigel Richards and Kevin Kiernan to the Management Committee and hope they enjoy the experience.
I would also like to thank the members for supporting this year's drive in and for the warm welcome my Vice Captain and I received from both the morning & afternoon members as we start our year. Thank you all.
Get To Know A Member
This will be a regular feature in my updates , so look out you could be you next !!
Name: |
|
Dave Chisholm |
 |
How long have you been a member: |
8 months - joined April 2011 |
||
What is your most memorable shot: |
15 foot putt to birdie the 15th - 26/06/11 |
||
If you could play a round of golf anywhere, where would it be: |
Royal Melbourne or Royal Portrush |
||
Have you ever had a hole in one: |
No - not yet |
||
Why did you join Rushden Golf Club (in no more 20 words ): |
Rushden members have made me feel most welcome from day one, also the club has a clear view of its future & has plans to achieve it. |
||