Dear Members, following feedback over recent weeks in relation to the pace of play (in particular during Saturday comp) the Club’s Board has endorsed a Match committee request to conduct a trial of a Course Ranger on course for a 6 week period at this stage on Saturdays only. For the trial period of 6 weeks, the Course Ranger will be employed by the Club. The Club will consider the outcomes of the trial prior to making any further decisions on the Course ranger role. For the initial trial, member Mick Newell will be the Course Ranger. Mick is a highly experienced and competent golfer (& former VGC Captain) who will be able to interpret the many challenges the wonderful game provides in the performance of the role in assessing pace of play issues.
Obviously the key role of the Course Ranger will be to encourage members to do what is necessary to keep up with the group in front such we are able to improve pace of play for the enjoyment of all members.
Members are asked to work co-operatively with this initiative and to take the necessary steps voluntarily to support the pace of play, for example, be at the opening tee at least 10 minutes before your nominated time ready to play, playing ready golf, shorter hitters hit first, placing buggies at convenient exits from greens to the next tee, when behind, player/s who have putted out, immediately move to the next tee and hit off whilst others putt out, avoid unnecessary practice swings (2 should be enough), mark the card after hitting off on the next hole, all the things we know helps pace of play.
Whilst the Course Ranger trial is to support member enjoyment through improved pace of play, those members and/or groups which fall behind and who are requested to try to catch up should make a discernible effort to do so. Given a reasonable period of time to catch-up and where no/little discernible effort is made after the request, the Course Ranger may provide a directive to improve the groups position on the course to which members are expected to respond and use their best endeavours to catch-up. Failure to show effort will result in the group and or member being reported to the Club’s Match committee for further consideration.
The Ranger will also, as applicable, provide advice or direction on observed inappropriate use of golf carts and general etiquette on course (of bunker raking, divot repair etc.).
Member should also please note that whilst Course Ranger initiative is about trying to improve all member’s playing experience, but also that adverse member behaviour or abuse directed towards the Ranger will not be tolerated and will result in the Member being reported to the Club’s Board for consideration & possible sanction.
Greg Seaborn – President of Behalf of Directors
