It's hard to believe that we have put January behind us already but here we are in the first week of February. Our playing schedule in January was disrupted by frozen greens and even when we weren't on temporaries it was seldom truly enjoyable to be out on the course. Hopefully now it won't be too long before the weather improves as the days lengthen.
During January we welcomed a new lady member to our fold and many of you will have met Anna Antonie already. Anna is playing her three cards to achieve her handicap and is keen to be taking part in our competitions as soon as possible. If you see Anna please do take a few minutes to introduce yourself - I'm sure we can all remember how daunting it is when you are trying to put names to faces.
Our programme for February has been adjusted so please do take a moment to check your diaries against the following and read through to the end of this message for more information.
All Mondays in February
Ladies Roll Up
Depending on weather conditions the Monday roll-up will continue throughout the month. In principle players will go out in arrival order, playing 9, 14 or 18 holes as mutually agreed. It can be disappointing if you happen to be the one who turns up when there's no one else around, so it's worth remembering that most ladies choose to go out about 09.00 during the winter months, a little earlier in spring/summer. And if the weather does turn against us some ladies still pop into the club mid-late morning for a coffee (or hot chocolate!) and a chat.
Wednesday 8 February
Ladies Informal Morning (note this is a change from our original schedule)
The informal game this day will be an Irons Only competition. Tee times from 08.45 onwards with ladies going out in arrival order in threes where possible. This is a good opportunity to practise with your irons so get to the back of that garage and find the 5 or 6 iron that isn't usually in your golf bag and you'll be sailing down the fairway.
A gentle reminder for our informal mornings - please hand your card into the clubhouse with your playing fee as soon as you clear the 18th green . This helps our organiser, Foxy, to tally up the results and will hopefully mean that we can most often announce winners before the early birds head off.
Wednesday 15 February
Ladies Informal Morning
The format for the game this day will be announced on 8 February.
Saturday 18 February
Alternative day for the February Stableford (note this is a change from our original schedule)
If you're planning to play on this day please remember that it's off the yellows and that you will need to book a tee time at Reception.
Wednesday 22 February
February Stableford (note this is a change from our original schedule)
The sign-up sheet has been posted on the noticeboard in the Locker Room so don't forget to sign up soon.
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD
Saturday 18 March
Distinguishables v Incorruptibles. This is a match between a 'captains' team and a 'management' team. If you have a current handicap and you'd like to take part watch out for posters and sign-up sheets over the next couple of weeks. This is a shot-gun start and there's no need to have a partner - we will be sorting out playing order etc.
OTHER INFORMATION
It looks as if all the first round Winter Pairs matches will have been completed by 5 February - well done ladies. There are now seven weeks before the semi finals must be played but please don't leave it until the middle of March to find a date and if possible please avoid playing these matches on a Wednesday.
With the approach of Spring it's a great time to think about brushing up your game. Our pro, Bruce Loome, will be running group coaching sessions in the sequence of putting/chipping/pitching/driving and this is an excellent way to eliminate those bad habits that have crept in over the winter months. Bruce has put up lists in the Ladies Locker Room - do consider joining the group, or if you'd prefer to have individual lessons then I know that Bruce would be delighted to hear from you.
This is the time of year when the Handicap Committee meets. Some of you will have heard from Jill about changes - both up and down. This is a reminder that those of us with existing handicaps must submit three cards each year if we wish to retain a competitive handicap meaning that we can take part in any competition. There is no rush as our year runs until December but I have been asked by Jill to say that it is advisable to avoid N/R (nil return) cards, particularly if you are in a position where you hope the Handicap Committee will review your handicap. Reviews can only be based on the evidence of submitted cards.
Some of you were at the Club a couple of Wednesdays ago when the new website was launched. I hope that you'll like the fresh style that has been adopted and find it a really useful resource. To be sure that you get to the
new website use this address:
www.princesrisboroughgolfclub.co.uk.
The up to date members calendar can be found here
Finally, you will already have received an up-dated telephone list from Beryl - please make sure your records are up-to-date.
That's all of the news for now ladies. I hope that I've covered everything, but please don't hesitate to get back to me if you've got any questions (or ideas!).
See you all at the Club very soon
Best regard
Sue
