How things change and how quickly does it happen.

I suppose we should have expected that somewhere along the way the Covid would strike again and it would be the bad one.

For now, we are going to have to pause on some of the work we want to do – pathways, trees, tees – so as to ensure we have enough funds to pay wages, maintain the course adequately and make the second payment of debentures. Fortunately, we have made the first debenture payment and nearly finished the water main and Clubhouse toilets, and paid for them. And we still have money in the bank.

If we move to Level 1 across NZ by the end of September, and stay there without interruptions until the end of the year, we will very likely be OK. We probably won’t be able to count on trans-Tasman visitors for some time; 6 months? 12 months? Impossible to tell. But a domestic market that can’t travel abroad is good for us.

What we have learned is that we will need to build reserves, as we did last year, and be prudent with all our expenditures.

Annual General Meeting

Hopefully, members will be able to attend the AGM on the 15^th September. We need 20 Full Playing Members to make a quorum. We look forward to seeing you there.

Aside from the annual setting of subscriptions, there are two further motions on the table. First is the proposal to increase the number of board members elected at the AGM from 4 to 5. Second, is the proposal to add an under-35 category of membership. Both these motions are changes to the Rules of the Club and therefore need a 2/3 majority. The exact wording of the motions will be circulated to members this week.

July 2021 results

While we booked what is in effect $35k of donations by way of waived interest and principal on debentures, we also recorded increased wages and unbudgeted refurbishment expense on the improved upstairs toilets. The full year’s insurance premiums were paid in July.

August will be a very poor month. Revenue ceased from 18^th August and will not resume until level 2 is reached, maybe 8^th September. That said, domestic bookings are good – let’s hope they can get here to play.

Financial results for July 2021 and the 1st month of the financial year to 30 June 2022

Good golfing.

Athol Stephens - Chairperson

Well, - what can I say - - - August has been and gone and sadly golf has not featured too highly throughout the month. With the weather against us, no carts available and now Lockdown returning to our lives, golf hasn’t really had a chance. The highlight for the month was the completion of our Beryl Stephens Matchplay. Congratulations to our winners for 2021, Sally Hicks-Beach and Katie Oh. A fine effort girls!! Thanks to everyone who entered the competition. There was some amazing golf on show.

Meals on Wheels: Thanks to everyone who helped with this community service over the three weeks in August and special thanks to Diane Bermingham who did a great job ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Transport Cup: We have completed one qualifying round for this competition. At this stage it is not clear how or whether we can run this competition and have it completed in time for the end of the year. A decision will be made as soon as we have more clarity.

Otatara Challenge: This is being played at Otatara this year and is set for Tuesday 14^th September. Again, nothing can be decided at this stage.

Alma Jack: Our competition with Arrowtown to decide the holder of the Alma Jack trophy is set to be played at Arrowtown on Thursday 30^th September - more information as we get nearer the time.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Below is a list of the nearby tournaments that have been planned for September. Arrangements for these tournaments may change.

Tarras – 9^th Sept. 4BBB $25

Gore Ladies Tournament - 20 Sept. 4BBB $20 p. person

Alexandra Spring Tournament – 30 Sept 4BBB $20 p. person

Arrowtown Lakes District Championship - 7^th October - $25 – Food available for purchase.

Our programme for September - (fingers crossed)

As I look out the window, there is blossom on the trees - a wonderful sign of Spring and new beginnings. I do hope that you and your families throughout New Zealand are keeping safe and managing as well as you can in our changed world. Let’s hope we are all able to get out and enjoy some Spring golfing before too long.

Thinking of you all

Janet Latham - Women's Club Captain

Unfortunately Covid has reared it’s head again and it may be some time before we can return to normal club days. This means that the Single Knockout, Spence Plate, Veterans Club Champs and 4BBB will be postponed until we return to some normality.

Later in September we have several teams in the pennants play offs – good luck to all those participating.

We recently had a team play in the Otago Champion of Champions event at the North Otago Golf Club which drew a field of 23 teams from around Otago. Our team of James Sowerby, Darren Hill and Paul Beer represented the Club well and finished 2^nd in the Gross, and 4^th in the Nett, Competitions.

I continually hear comments from members frustrated by the public not giving way on the 5^th. Above is an aerial shot that shows our boundary line in red. As the public has more right to the path than we golfers your patience and understanding is essential.