Old Holts Golf Society
OHGS EGM Meeting 17/08/18 Childwall Golf Club
Attendee's
Steve Munn, Tony Bold, Graham Peel, Gary Bowden, Ray Tennant, Steve Taylor, Dave Bold, Jay Rodgers, Tommy Davies, Gary Dyson, Andy Tremarco, Danny Peacock, Barry McDermott, Joe Stanton, Brian Stoddart and Tony Loveletter
Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence was received from Steve Jones, Billy Russell, Mick Cain, Rob Lowe, Lee Gough and Mark Huthart.
Introduction
SM explained that the Extraordinary General meeting was called to enable the society to hold its AGM at a more relevant time of year, when it is thought members would have more issues to raise. GD questioned the timing, what with members away on holiday but this was countered by the lack of attendee's at the last meeting. SM then mentioned how the society had not had much luck with the scheduled society days, what with the weather and vandalised buggies, but hoped the remaining dates would go off without any further mishaps.
1. Spain 2019
i) FLIGHTS: RT stated that although concerns had been raised over last years flights (the customs debacle at Manchester airport) that all attempts would be made to fly out of and back into Liverpool airport. RT did put a caveat on this that if flights were significantly cheaper to fly from Gibraltar to Manchester then that would be the route that would be booked.
ii) DATES: RT confirmed the dates for 2019 as the 12th to the 16th June 2019.
iii) THE PACKAGE: RT stated that the cost of the golf trip is a package based on 26 to 28 golfers playing three rounds of golf with buggies and transfers to an from the courses. This means that if a member wishes to only play two rounds of golf then the cost is still the same as those playing three rounds of golf.
iv) ACCOMMODATION: RT stated that he can't guarantee specific rooms due to the apartments being privately owned and it depends on there availability. RT stated he would make specific requests to Neil to try to keep all society members happy.
v) NOMINATED 4 BALLS: RT stated that he was happy for members, for the first round of golf, to request who they want to play with in their 4 balls. BM stated that this was fine but the opportunity also had to be available for members to go out first. RT stated that this was fine but stressed that he needed to back in earlier to sort out room allocation and keys.
vi) EARLY START: RT stated that members had complained about the length of time spent at the courses due to how late we were getting back to Duquesa to eat. RT stated the option would be to play an hour earlier meaning we would be picked up at 10:00 am and for the coach to pick us up earlier from the courses. Most were happy with this provided the last group had the opportunity to at least have a couple of drinks. It was also raised about the possibility of half the group starting on the 1st tee and half on the 10th tee which would mean finishing earlier. RT stated he would check with Neil about the feasibility of this at least on the last day. RT also stated that he will be looking for the final course to be near to Duquesa due to the added time for the presentations.
vii) AOB: SJ stated the society only records the 2nd round for the club competition yet adjusts the handicaps for all three rounds, is there a lack of consistency. Does this format mean performances in rounds one and two carry an advantage/disadvantage over later performances. It could also make ST's life easier not having to work out handicaps for each of the three rounds. ST stated that the only advantage gained would be to the winner on day one who will not lose any shots, gaining an advantage for the next round.
RL wanted to know if Texas scramble could be introduced to the last day. This was quickly rejected by most members present.
BR requested that we fly out and in to Liverpool airport (see above).
The pre-committee meeting agreed that the number of members travelling to Spain should be capped at 28 due to various reasons. Although this was agreed no one could establish how it would be determined if we had more than the 28 member wishing to attend. It was felt we would make that decision if and when this happened.
2. Finances
GB confirmed current funds stand at £411.31 with a further £250 in deposits still to be returned.
3. Handicap Adjustment
SM raised the issue over members handicaps and the possibility of raising the upper limit to 36 for certain members. This was successfully agreed, and it was also believed it could encourage previous members to return.
4. Penalties for Lost Balls or O/B
SM raised the issue over lost ball/OB. GB stated that Steve Jones had emailed providing details on a new ruling from 2019 which stated 'Balls Lost or Out of Bounds: Alternative to Stroke and Distance: A new Local Rule will now be available in January 2019, permitting committees to allow golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite level competitions. (Key change: this is a new addition to support pace of play) ' . This was agreed and the new rule would be introduced with immediate effect. It was also agreed that it would be the responsibility of each 4 ball to ensure the rule was complied with.
5. Ball Markings
SM raised the issue over ball markings. It was agreed that members must mark their balls and declare what ball (make, number) is being used before each round within their 4 ball. BM stated that the ball should really be marked at the start of each round and when a new ball is being used in front of the other members, but this was felt to be to extreme when we are meant to be playing for fun.
6. £5 Hole in One
GB stated that most members had paid their £5's for the hole in one fund but some had yet pay. BM stated it was just insurance to cover the bar bill and it would be advisable for all members to pay. DP asked if we had looked into actually taking out a proper insurance policy but it was agreed that this was not worthwhile. It was also agreed that there will be a £200 cap on what will be paid out if a hole in one is achieved. It was also agreed that if more than one hole in one is achieved, in any given round, then the £200 would be split between those that do it.
7. Buggies
SM raised the issue over buggies or the lack of them at certain courses which may restrict members from playing. It was agreed that going forward it is more likely that more members are likely to require buggies what with age and injuries, so the courses we book need to have an adequate number of buggies.
8. AOB
See Spain section.
Meeting ended 8:45 pm