January 8, 2010

 

To all Shoreline Seniors Golf Club members

 

Happy New year to all of you! As we begin this new year of golf, I would like to take just a few moments to make a few comments on our club.

 

We have had a slow shrinking of our membership over the last several years. It would appear that we lost about 10 members this year. I know there are any numbers of reasons for this including probably the economy, natural attrition, some who are discouraged by the challenges of winter conditions on the course, etc. I have spoken to a number of members all of whom are feeling very favorable about the improvements the city is making to the course this year and who likewise find it in probably the best condition it has been in for January in a number of years. I am encouraging you all to help recruit new members to our club to increase our competitive and social status this year.

 

We are unfortunately experiencing an increase in slow play right now. While cart path only days certainly slow things down, we have had a number of “normal play” days recently with some groups finishing in 5 hours plus. We will be re-implementing the clock on the 18^th hole so we will ask each group to ensure that at least one score card reflects the time that they exit the green as a reminder of the importance of pace of play. Remember our target is to have no group finish in greater that 4 ½ hours. A couple of reminders of ways to increase the pace of play are below:

 

• Plan your shots on the way to your ball and while others are playing.
• Line up your putts while others are putting and be ready when it is your turn
• Walk directly to your golf ball unless helping an other with a search
• If riding, take several clubs to your ball to give you options without having to return to the cart
• Be efficient with your pre-shot routine. One or two practice swings should be sufficient…save the others for the range.
• Play a provisional ball if you think your ball may be lost in a hazard or out of bounds to avoid having to return to the tee.
• Leave clubs on the exit side of the green towards the next tee.
• Exit the green area quickly after putting out. Record your score at the next tee.
• Save the jokes for walking or riding up the fairway, not standing around on the tee or green.

 

Have your group follow these guidelines by reminding each other and we will all have more enjoyable and efficient rounds.

 

Your Board of Directors is interested in your comments and suggestions regarding the club and our activities. Please feel free to pass them on to any of us on the board.

 

As a final note, I saw the following quotation in the Jan 2010 Golf Magazine attributed to Arnold Palmer and thought that those who didn’t see it would appreciate the reminder of why many of us play golf:

 

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated….it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented”

 

Good golfing to you all,

 

John Gannon

President 2010, SSGC

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