Welcome to the Captain's Blog
In this regularly-updated feature, Club Captain for 2010, Howard Lockhart, will give us a unique insight into his 'Big Year'
July 2010
SUBMITTED BY HOWARD LOCKHART on 20 JULY 2010
Well, the season is now forging ahead and, for once, the weather has been consistently good. Of course, I am writing this after a torrential downpour which resulted in the July medal being cancelled and also after a wet, wet period, but overall we have had a very good run. As a result of this warm dry spell the course has recovered remarkably well from the long winter and is now in excellent condition overall.
I also have great pleasure in congratulating the 2010 Bonnyton Glancy Team. Despite a great many call offs and rejections, this team, consisting of - Bernard Solomon, Richard Green, David Edelman, Jonny Bennett, Tony Beach, Tony Goldberg, Jamie Goldberg & Gideon Kingsley – performed extremely well and were of great credit to Bonnyton. Of these 8 players, the last 5 were all making their Glancy debuts and they acquitted themselves extremely well. In extremely windy conditions and on a course suffering from a long dry spell (interpret this yourselves) this team were in the running on the last day for 4/5 prizes. Unfortunately, as is usually the case, the last games coming in pipped us. It was nevertheless, a terrific performance, and I as Captain, was extremely proud of their efforts. A special mention must go to Gideon Kingsley, whose nett scores over the 2 days left him in a trophy winning first place position until the last game in (no prize for 2nd.) Never mind Gideon, hopefully next time.
Thanks must also go to my Vice-Captain, Russell Cohen, whose support and generosity over the weekend was very much appreciated.
On a lighter note. Probably the widest off-line tee shot I have ever witnessed. A nameless member , (Ian Love) hit his tee shot from the 15th tee to the right side of the 16th fairway almost green high to the 15th. Way to go Ian. Supposed to keep it straight.
On a more serious note. There is a degree of concern regarding the amount of litter being dumped around the course and also the amount of liquor related debris. This is your course. Please respect it and your fellow members. If you must drink alcohol when playing, then please take all the leftovers with you. Do not throw it into the bushes, toss bottle caps onto the fairways or leave glass bottles in the bins. We do not want this type of litter anywhere on the course. It reflects badly with visitors. TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU AND DISPOSE OF IT THERE. If there is a continued failure by the membership to show respect to the Course, then the Board will take stronger action.
Howard Lockhart
May 2010
SUBMITTED BY HOWARD LOCKHART on 2 MAY 2010
I do not have a great deal to say on this Blog as I went on a 1 week golf holiday which turned into a 2 week break thanks to that wonderful Icelandic volcano. However we are now back and golf goes on.
The season is now under way and although it is Spring, it still does not feel much warmer. However, with a bit of luck the better weather will soon be with us.
The bad weather at the season start had delayed the normal course development but it is finally starting to show its true potential. Please remember to replace divots and repair pitch marks. Unfortunately we are already seeing signs of inconsiderate behaviour.
The draws for all the comps. have been made and are now on the noticeboards. Please do the Comps. Sec. ( David Smith ) a big favour and play your ties before the set dates. Also, as promised, we have looked at the sign-in requirements for the medals and players now have alternative means of logging in to record their scores.
Our opening match of the 2010 Newton Shield takes place at Bonnyton on Thursday 6th. May at 5.30pm. Spectators are more than welcome, so come along and support your club.
The sheet for the Captain and Pro Challenge should be up soon and David and I are looking forward to meeting our challengers.
Finally, the 'Brain of Bonnyton' quiz is on Sunday 9th. at 7.30pm. Teams of 4, so get it together and enter a Team for a fun evening.
Enjoy your golf, one and all.
Howard Lockhart
March 2010
SUBMITTED BY HOWARD LOCKHART on 7 MARCH 2010
Greetings to one and all and welcome to Season 2010 and my 1st. Blog as Captain of Bonnyton.
After a long, cold and horrendous wintry spell we finally have our course back - and it is in amazingly good condition. Once again, the methods used by our greens staff prove to be of the highest standard as the course recovery and bounce back would indicate. From chatting with my friends who are members of other courses in the area we appear to have re-opened earlier, dried out faster and been able to be back on the Greens a lot quicker. Despite the weather, Ross and his team have kept busy and signs of brashing and course clearing/tidying are obvious. The 16th. Green re-build is also well under way and looking good. Let’s hope that it is now a bit more forgiving. Well done guys and keep up the good work.
In the Pro shop, David and Colin are eagerly looking forward to the new season. Winter at Bonnyton is never easy for the Pro, but this year it has been even more trying with even fewer members making it up to the club. There are always bargains to be had, - David and Colin both enjoy a bit of haggling - and personal experience and price checking has shown me that the shop prices are competitive with all other pro shops and even/especially the “discount” stores. Please support your Pro and use the shop. If it is not in stock they can and do order it in for you. You really cannot ask for more.
Billy and Maria were in the same position with the weather, and they are also gearing up for the forthcoming season. Keep your eyes open for their specials evenings.
The Captains drive in took place on the 31st. Jan. in cold weather but with sunshine. The Ladies Capt. successfully cleared the Pond by cleverly using the ice. I, on the other hand snap hooked it into the trees. Ah well, there had to be a first time. Unfortunately it was today.
Some quick reminders :- David and I will be continuing with the Captain and Pro challenge and a dates sheet will be put on the notice board. The proceeds go to Charity, so your involvement is appreciated.
Comp. entries have to be in by the 31st. March. You can enter the comps. without a current h/cap so long as you have one by your 1st. game. Check with Joe Mullen, our H/cap Sec. who will keep you right with what you need to submit to get your h/cap. So, enter and make new friends or renew old battles.
The 1st. Medal of the 2010 season is on Sunday 28th. March and the Optionals start on Tuesday 30th. Please remember your swipe card. Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to enter your scores as the club rules require. Leave it in your locker and save yourself the possibility of being suspended.
Team matches start at the beginning of May. You are more than welcome to come and support/spectate. Watch the notice board for confirmation.
Well, that is it for my 1st. Blog. I look forward to seeing you all at some stage over the golfing season and have a great year one and all.
Howard Lockhart
Well, that was the Blog I wrote before the website re-vamp. Unfortunately, since then we have had yet more snow and now, on the 7th. March we are still under app. 6” snow. Hopefully we will have the course back for the March Medal but it could well be without any of us having a game on the Course beforehand.