Please find below a link to the Forum Notes
PRGC Members Forum Notes 16.10.26
The summary is as follows:
PRGC Members Forum – Key Outcomes & Actions
16 October 2026
Competition Boards & Club History
Outcome
Members agreed that the current competition boards are unsustainable due to limited space and inconsistent presentation. Modern alternatives, including acrylic/PVC/digital solutions, were acknowledged. The Men's Competition Fund currently holds approximately £5,250, with circa £1,000 already earmarked for recent engraving requirements.
Actions
- Pause further board engraving until a long-term solution is agreed.
- Establish a task-and-finish group to evaluate replacement options.
- Explore a co-funded approach using competition funds and management support for installation and decoration.
CBL, Matches & Intra-Club Golf
Outcome
Members recognised growing challenges facing CBL competitions, including travel requirements, costs, competitiveness and difficulties fielding teams. There was support (/ reservations) for exploring an internal summer match-play league to increase participation and competitive opportunities within the club.
Actions
- Greenkeeping Team and CBL leaders to discuss greater use of White Tees for match players.
- Task-and-finish group to investigate an intra-club summer league format
Tees Strategy
Outcome
The forum praised the condition of greens, fairways, surrounds and bunkers. The Greenkeeping Team acknowledged that tee maintenance had suffered due to resource pressures and weather conditions but confirmed a recovery plan was in place. Strong support was expressed for winter mat (/already measured) gold mats to mains solution - a long winter course to match the current shorter mats to mains course
Actions
- Provide members with a written tee recovery plan.
- Implement short-term tee position adjustments requested by ladies.
- Incorporate winter mat and tee improvements into the longer-term tee strategy.
- Investigate the use of robotic mowers to improve maintenance efficiency.
Winter Golf
Outcome
There was some support for an inclusive winter competition open to all members. Members were receptive to a "Mats to Mains" format based on players' best winter scores - like the old eclectic. The concept of longer winter practice opportunities through artificial turf facilities also received support.
Actions
- Explore a winter mats to mains competition that works with the timings people currently play
- Investigate artificial turf winter Gold tee option as part of the future tee strategy.
Ladies Participation & Club Culture
Outcome
The first attendance of ladies at a members' forum was warmly welcomed. Members supported further integration of ladies into wider club competitions and activities. The concept of a genuinely open board competition where men and women compete directly together received some support.
Actions
- Develop an action plan for an Open Board Competition.
- Continue exploring greater female participation in matches and competitive golf across the club
Competitions, Handicaps & Data
Outcome
Members supported the current local-knowledge approach to handicap administration. There was recognition that England Golf data must be handled appropriately while continuing to support volunteers. Card submission levels will continue to be monitored.
Actions
- Review volunteer data requirements and reporting processes.
- Continue monitoring handicap card submission levels.
- Review administration arrangements for competition funds and prize distribution for weekend comps.
Members' Funds & End-of-Season Event
Outcome
Members welcomed discussion on how competition-generated funds might be used beyond boards and trophies. There was positive support for reinstating an End-of-Season celebration, recognising that similar events ceased during the Covid period.
Actions
- Gather and evaluate proposals for use of competition funds.
- Establish a small working group for this years End-of-Season Celebration on December 4th
- Al Bowyer, Phil Sloan and Sue Pomeroy agreed to promote the event within their groups.
Greenkeeper & Player Harmony
Outcome
Members generally felt interruptions caused by course maintenance were uncommon but avoidable when they occurred. There was strong support for improving communication and understanding between players and greenkeepers.
Actions
- Encourage members to report issues promptly via WhatsApp.
- Use feedback to improve greenkeeping operations.
- Ensure additional care around competitions and matches.
- Continue promoting mutual respect and understanding between players and the Greenkeeping Team.
Future Forums
Outcome
Members raised no objections to continuing with a regular programme of member forums.
Actions
- Hold forums pre-season, mid-season and post-season.
- Schedule the next forum for early March 2027 (pre-season) unless circumstances required an earlier meeting.
Overall Conclusion
The forum was constructive and well attended, with broad support for modernising competition boards, increasing competitive opportunities, improving tees, enhancing ladies' participation, restarting social events, and strengthening communication between members, volunteers and staff. The focus throughout remained on practical improvements that benefit the whole club.
The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance.