Hello golfers,
Head Green-keepers report - 3rd July 2016
Well, what a (somewhat) crazy month or so we have experienced on the course this year with the changing weather conditions. First of all extremely dry, which required a lot of man hours just to keep the playing surfaces moist; then following the dry spell, the conditions changed to be completely opposite. Ironically the irrigation system is now up and running again following the installation of the new control unit, and what a state of the art piece of equipment it is! I am sure the benefits of the update will be fully felt when we experience the next dry spell.
The Pro-am proved to be a huge challenge for the greens staff, due to the wet weather prior to the day. Luckily the rain kept away on the day itself. However I was of the opinion that some of the greens were not really fit for play! The following day I felt devastated by the condition of the greens and following further rain I was left with the tough decision to close the course to allow a little recovery time. I am aware this did not go down too well with some members but the decision was taken with the best intentions for the course and members alike as my aim is to return the course to its recent high standard as quickly as possible, again for the benefit of the members over the weeks and months ahead.
The chipping and practice green is proving to be a good investment which is being well used. But please do not take divots off the green surrounds!
I hope that most members have had the opportunity to read the recent report produced by STRI senior agronomist Allister Beggs following his course inspection on 10th June 2016, when he was accompanied by myself, Frank Colclough and John Cooper. The report is now displayed on the Club`s new Web Site. Members' comments are welcome and will receive consideration followed by a response ASAP.
I would like to thank Lindsay Allen for once again supplying the new Flags as well as the entire membership for their continued support and positive feedback.
Let us all hope for a few months of settled weather to enable the greens team to provide a consistently good course for the rest of the year.
Finally my own and the greenkeepers` thanks go to Frank and the greens` sub-committee for their ongoing support.
John Turner
Head Green-keeper
Leek Golf Club on Tour - Arthur Doherty
How many people can say they have played two Pro/Am competitions in ten days? The first game I had was on Wednesday 22nd of June in Boston Ma USA, the other was on Friday 1st July at Leek.
I was fortunate to be invited to CISCO SYSTEMS PRO/AM event held at the PGA National Golf Course, The Hamptons, Long Island, New York. My nephew who works for Cisco had arranged the day so was able to get me in (it's who you know!) On arrival we entered the old colonial golf club and we were treated to a Boston breakfast. From there we were invited to the FootJoy marquee where every competitor was fitted with a free pair of golf shoes (off to a good start). We then moved to the practice area where we were given unlimited golf balls to hit and where we waited to be introduced to our playing professional.
I was beginning to feel like a professional myself as my caddie and I were introduced to a player I had not heard of but will never forget. The player, who had drawn the short straw and had me as a partner, was a young man by the name of Bryson Dechambeu and this is his first year as a pro`. I could go on all day about this tall, athletic young man who has irons all the same length; has shoes made by Puma from a mould taken from his feet; who gets a new pair every time he plays in a PGA competition. I was about to ask him what he did with his old ones but did not pursue this when he informed me he was a size twelve and I`m a nine.
I will probably tell many stories at the bar about my game and those who know me will know I`m not a name dropper!!! However on the Friday, David Smith, Ralph Harrison and I played with Ross Ward from Branston in the Leek Pro-Am. I kept him entertained with facts concerning Bryson Dechambeu and Ralph kept him right about his golf with David continually apologizing for us both.
Arthur Doherty
Presidents Day for Men - Sunday 10th July
Presidents Prize - Cobra Cart Bag - Mick Wainwright 42 Points
1st Place - Taylormade Stand Bag
Division 1 - Lee Bowers 41 Points
Division 2 - Dom Green 39 Points
Division 3 - Ian Barlow 40 Points
Division 4 - Phil Sheldon 35 Points
2nd Place - Glenbrae Club Crested Sweater
Division 1 - Rob Furmston 35 Points
Division 2 - Mark Rushton 38 Points
Division 3 - Geoff Foden 38 Points
Division 4 - Mick Jones 34 Points
3rd Place - Galvin Green Shirt
Division 1 - Andy Leese 34 Points
Division 2 - Chris French 37 Points
Division 3 - Dave Brindley 35 Points
Division 4 - Alan Harrison 30 Points
July Extra Stableford - Thursday 14th July 2016
1st Division - Zarak Curley 34 Points
2nd Division - Peter Robinson 33 Points
3rd Division - Charles Holland 34 Points
4th Division - Rob Hurst 36 Points
Club Cleaning Service
All next week Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm there will be a club cleaning service available from the pro-shop. The price will £2 per set and £1 for shoes.