Covid-19 – Ball retrieval device
Video by Gavin to demonstrate the way to retrieve your ball from the hole without touching the flag, with thanks to Paddy Chambers for the equipment supply.
Newsletter March 2020
Corona Virus
The MC had planned a nice general update for members on Club issues in a Newsletter. Then corona virus happened and everything changed. So the first thing today is to keep things in perspective and approach everything from a health, and not a golf, viewpoint. There will be plenty of time for golf later on in the year.
Our first thoughts go to any members who may be feeling unwell or have anybody close to them in that situation. We are also thinking of our many members who are on the front line response to this pandemic. We have members who are nurses, health care assistants, ambulance drivers and firemen and others who will find themselves facing dangerous situations and who are looking after the whole population. Please take care of yourselves and thank you on all our behalf.
Temporary closure of the clubhouse and golf course
At a recent meeting the MC took the decision to close the course and the clubhouse. In coming to that decision the MC relied on the recommendation of the GUI and ILGU:
*** the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020. The message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19***
The MC is continuing to meet on a weekly basis to manage the effects of this temporary closure. (MC members have been introduced to the delights of ZOOM and meetings occur without the necessity of physical attendance in one place). The situation continues to change on a daily basis and the MC will continue to manage this new situation and keep the members informed by email as appropriate.
The impact of the club closure
Clearly the new situation will impact on the Club finances. As a general rule income during the months of November and December is relatively low, then members will remember that January and February were very wet with a number of days when the course was closed for play. And then in March corona virus arrived.
So at this stage of the year the club is well behind its financial targets. As a result of this the MC has taken a number of decisions as follows:
- all proposed capital spending has been put on hold
- a number of staff have been temporarily laid off and are being supported by government schemes
- one course staff member has taken voluntary leave
- the remaining course staff members are working strictly to approved health related distancing procedures
- the clubhouse has been placed in temporary “lock down” mode with utilities turned off and perishable goods removed
The MC is examining whether or not it is eligible for further government support schemes and will apply for such support if and when appropriate.
Important updates
There are two big issues that remain in the background for the Club.
It is clearly not possible to reconvene the 2019 AGM and conclude its business in the current circumstances but the MC is ready to do this as soon as large group meetings are permitted.
On the club main loan situation (see more below) the discussions with LINK have progressed as has discussions with financial institutions (not AIB) with a view to obtaining support for the Club. However these two strands have yet to be joined up into a comprehensive package for agreement. Work in this regard is continuing and the MC remains positive about a satisfactory outcome in the not too distant future.
What can I do to help?
Everybody is anxious to help but clearly, for the moment, care of oneself and ones family is of paramount importance as is complying with social distancing and staying at home except for necessary trips outside.
Stay in touch …..watch the website for updates …… open Facebook …..
The office in the Club is now closed until further notice. If a members needs to contact the Club for any reason they should use the email of secretary.beaverstowngc@gmail.com If necessary, our Club Pro Gavin can still be contacted through his usual contact numbers.
From the perspective of the Club, notwithstanding the financial pressures on everyone, maintaining income is really important. Society, green fee and competition income has ground to a halt. This income will not be recoverable even when the situation improves. Competitions cannot be rerun, societies will have other scheduled dates in other clubs later in the year and lost green fees are just lost.
This means that subscription income is critical to maintaining a cash flow necessary for the club to function even in shut down mode. Members who have been put into difficult financial positions that impact on their ability to pay their subs are asked to make contact with the club to discuss the situation. The subscription from other members therefore assumes even greater importance.
Once the situation eases members are asked to support our Club Pro Gavin Byrne and our Club caterer John Wynne as much as possible.
Welcome to Captain and Lady Captain
The members are delighted to welcome Captain Declan McCarthy and Lady Captain Rosemary Buckley and to wish them both a happy and successful golfing year for 2020. Both Declan and Rosemary have been members for many years and they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their new roles. They are supported by very strong committees and the Club can look forward to a well organised and interesting golfing year ahead.
You really had to be there ….
Unfortunately the Captain and Lady Captain were unable to attend the traditional drive-in on 1st January and their place was taken by a couple of well known imposters who had mysteriously found their way to Beaverstown. In keeping with its great tradition the members gave the imposters, who appeared to have lost their way and didn’t say very much, a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
A number of the older Club members recognised the visitors as back from the future and they were immediately offered a new Introductory Members package.
Welcome aboard Laurel and Hardy ……..hope to see you again during the year!
Beaverstown installs a new Swing Room
The Club recently added a new swing room to help members improve their golf skills. Members can book a tee time through the Pro shop and rates have been kept deliberately low to encourage all members to have a go.
The facility is managed by Club Pro Gavin. Lessons can be booked and the facility facilitates members who wish to have driving lessons from our Club Pro Gavin.
Let’s watch handicaps tumbling in the coming months!
Committee Members in 2020
The Club welcomes Jim Hender as the new Club secretary and he joins Evan Buckley (Chair), Padraic Fallon (Business Development), Aidan Smith (Facilities) and Liam Kelly (Financial Officer) on the management committee.
In the mens section the captain is Declan McCarthy and Tony O’Hare is the incoming Vice-Captain. Dave Kavanagh is the new hon secretary , Ken Breen is in charge of handicaps and John Quinn has responsibility for competitions. Aidan O’Kennedy, Kieran Argue and Sean Browne are committee members and last year’s Captain Pat Ward completes the team in the role as ex-officio.
In the Ladies section Rosemary Buckley is the Ladies Captain with Joan Halpin as incoming Ladies Vice-Captain. Siobhan Prout Dunleavy is the ladies secretary, Sheila Dowling is handicap secretary with Niamh Duggan in charge of competitions. Adrienne Gallagher is a committee member and last year’s Lady Captain, Alice O’Connor, completes the team in the role of ex-officio.
The Club Trustees going into 2020 are John Walshe, Paul Martin, Padraic Melvin and Tom Kirrane.
Some information from the Club AGM
A large and healthy attendance was present for the Club AGM in early December. Some of the key points from the chairpersons presentation included:
A presentation of the financial picture of the Club indicated that the progress of 2018 was continued into 2019 with a reported surplus of €18k in the accounts.
The membership profile showed a net increase of 30 in 2019 made up of 57 new members while, for a variety of different reasons, 27 had given up their membership
A full update on the status of the club mortgage loan transfer.
The plans, priorities and challenges for 2020.
Update on the Club mortgage Loan Transfer
Members will be aware that there are ongoing significant changes happening in relation to the Club loan. The loan was sold by AIB to a company called Everyday Finance and Beaverstown is in negotiation with Everyday Finance with a view to buying back that loan.
The discussions are at a critical and sensitive stage and all parties are anxious for a satisfactory conclusion. Additional discussions are underway with two major national banks who may provide assistance to the Club in this regard.
Members will know that at the AGM a number of decisions were postponed in order to facilitate those ongoing discussions. Once the outcome of the discussions has become clear the AGM will be reconvened and full information will be given to the members. It is difficult to predict an actual date but at this time it looks like it will be April at the earliest
Motions and Elections from the Club AGM
Three motions were presented for consideration by the AGM
- The motion to change the number of Trustees from 5 to 4 was passed unanimously 2. the motion to revise the fee structure for Intermediate members was passed unanimously
- The motion to apply a 2% increase to membership subscriptions across the board was also passed.
There was only one candidate for each vacancy that was available at the AGM. Consequently Jim Hender was elected as Club Secretary, Aidan Smith was elected as Facilities Officer and Tom Kirrane was elected as a new Trustee.
The chairperson thanked outgoing Trustees Jim Caulfield and Pat McCallion and he also thanked outgoing club Secretary Jim Flanagan for their enormous contribution to the Club over many years.
IMPORTANT:- COVID-19 INFORMATION
25th June 2020
The GUI and ILGU have published details of how golf will operate from June 29th should the government confirm this week that Phase 3 can commence under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business,
Golf ‘s Protocol, in Phase 3, has been relaxed considerably to permit clubs to include four-balls on their timesheets at 10-minute intervals. Competitions are now permitted, both closed and open with visitors allowed to pay green fees and compete in open competitions.
These measures were approved this week by the Return to Sport Expert Group.
Restaurants and bars (operating as restaurants) may also re-open under strict guidelines. Guidance from Failte Ireland is available below pertaining to Restaurants/Cafes and Bars:
- Restaurants and Cafes: https://failtecdn.
azureedge.net/failteireland/ Guidelines-for-Re-opening- Restaurants-and-Cafes.pdf - Bars: https://failtecdn.
azureedge.net/failteireland/ Guidelines-for-Re-opening- Pubs.pdf
The Protocol sets out the basis on which golf can be played in a safe manner, during Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap. Golfers are expected to observe the underlying public health guidance, set out at: www.hse.ie/coronavirus/
Ladies Get into Golf 2020
Swing Room FAQ
A new Swing Room will be installed in the month of January to allow Gavin to offer a leading swing training service and the opportunity for Members to ‘play’ some of the worlds leading courses.
1. What are the opening times of the Swing Room?
The Swing room will be available for booking by members from 09.00 to 20.00. The opening times may be extended later on in the year to earlier in the morning.
2. What is available in the Swing Room?
The Swing Room can be set up in one of two modes.
The Swing Room can be set up for a practice session. This format allows the player to practice driving, short game and putting. Technical information and analysis is automatically provided for the player that can help improve technique.
The Swing Room can also be set up to allow a player play a virtual golf course e.g. Pebble Beach or St Andrews.
3. What will it cost to play?
For a practice session the cost is €5 per half hour
For a virtual course the cost is €20 per hour.
4. Does it matter how many play at one time?
No. If a player books a one-hour time slot he or she may play alone or with up to 3 other players during that hour. The total cost for the 4 players is still €20 and the players can decide to split the cost between themselves.
5. How do I book a slot?
A time slot may be booked through the Pro shop at any time on 01-8436439 Payment will be taken at the time of booking using the members GUI/ILGU card which must be in credit at the time of booking. No refunds will be made. In the event that the Pro shop is closed e.g. in the evening time, then a time slot can be booked in the bar.
6. Can I get lessons in the Swing Room?
Yes. Club Professional Gavin will be delighted to give lessons in the Swing Room to members. Lessons should be booked directly with Gavin. The Swing Room offers all members the opportunity to avail of driving lessons.
7. Are there any restriction on what I can book?
The Swing Room can only be booked for 30 minute slots on Saturday and Sunday morning for practice sessions to allow the maximum number of “warm-up” opportunities for members.
8. How long does it take to play a virtual course?
For one player a time slot of about two hours might be required. But if four players were playing the course then a longer time slot will be needed. The booking system is based on booking time slots.
Restaurant Menu & Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Monday ,Tuesday 11 am to 6.30 pm .Wednesday 10 am to 7 pm. Thursday 11 am to 6.30 pm. Friday 11 am to 6.30 pm . Saturday and Sunday 10am to 7 pm . Closing times are flexible if four or more wish to avail of our restaurant facilities please contact John 0879303602 and you will be well catered for by John and his staff.
#challenginggreens
2019 rule changes you may not be aware of.
By now, most Members will have adapted to the new rules and the new terminology introduced on January 1st – dropping from knee height, putting with the flagstick in the hole, removing cones, twigs, etc from a bunker without penalty, the 3-minute search time, touching the sand in the bunker without penalty.
Well, there are some relatively unknown rules changes that may help you during a round and perhaps save a couple of shots.
Teeing area:
1. If you have a fresh air, while it still counts as a stroke, you are now allowed re-tee anywhere else within the teeing area, playing two. Likewise, if the “swish” generated by the club passing the ball causes it to fall off the tee, you may replace the ball on the tee without penalty – your next stroke being your second.
General Area:
Formally referred to as “through the green”, it comprises the entire area of the course except (1) the teeing area of the hole being played, (2) all bunkers, (3) all penalty areas, and (4) the green of the hole being played.
1. There is no longer a penalty if you accidentally have a double-hit, it counts as one stroke only and no penalty is incurred. This also applies on the putting green for those with the “yips”.
2. There is no longer a penalty if your ball accidentally hits you, your caddie, partner, opponent and their equipment after a stroke. The ball is played as it lies.
3. There is no longer a penalty if, during a fair search, you accidentally move your ball. However, it must be replaced in exactly the same position, recreating the lie even underneath leaves, grass, etc.
Caution! if your ball comes to rest short of where you believe it is and you kick it while striding forward to where you believe it to be, there is a (one-stroke) penalty for causing your ball to move as it’s not considered a search!. It must be replaced as above, with a one-stroke penalty.
4. When you drop a ball under relief within the one/two club-lengths required, it must remain within the relief area. It is no longer allowed to roll a further two further club-lengths. If it doesn’t remain with the relief area after two drops, it is placed where the second drop hits the ground.
5. Free relief for an embedded ball is allowed anywhere in the General Area except when embedded in sand. In taking relief, you drop within one club-length behind the spot, no nearer the hole.
6. There is no longer a reference to burrowing animals in the rules. You have one club-length free relief from all animal holes – rabbits, dogs, hares, birds, etc. – except worms and insects which are treated as loose impediments.
Penalty Areas:
1. Formally known as hazards, the new rules provide the same basic relief options that existed under the old rules with one exception. The option to drop on the far side of a red penalty area is no longer available except by local rule. In Beaverstown, the lake at the back of the 15th green is the only PA where a drop on the far side is allowed under local rule.
2. Under the new rules, you may now ground your club, take a practice swing and touch the water with your hand or club without penalty. There is also no penalty if you remove any loose impediment from a penalty area as long as you don’t cause the ball to move.
Bunkers:
1. You may now remove twigs, leaves, stones and any natural objects without penalty as long as you don’t cause the ball to move. While you may casually touch the sand, you cannot test the sand or touch it immediately in front of or behind the ball, take a practice stroke or touch the sand on your back swing.
Putting Green:
1. You can now repair almost any damage on the green – spike marks, indentations, animal damage, hole plugs, except aeration holes and natural imperfections.
2. There is no longer a penalty for touching your line of putt, e.g. by your caddie pointing out your line of putt.
3. If your ball ends up wedged between the flagstick and the rim of the hole, even after a putt, it is considered “holed” once any part of the ball is below the surface of the green. It doesn’t have to fall to the bottom of the hole.
4. If you accidentally move your ball (on the green only), e.g. in making a practice putt, replace the ball without penalty.
5. In windy conditions or on sloping greens, it is advisable to mark your ball without delay. If your ball moves before you get to it, it is played from its new position. If it moves after it has been marked, you replace it. Needless to say, if it may move closer to the hole, there is no penalty for not marking it as long as you don’t delay play.
Summary:
I hope this article has helped. There is no substitute for reading the little rule book to familiarise yourself with the new rules, particularly the Definitions starting on page 136.
Paul Kennedy.