Captains Newsletter: September

The truncated golf season is now complete. The finals of the knockout competitions took place over the weekend of 19/20 September. Can I thank Paul our competition secretary, Irwin, Maureen, Don, Josh, Andy and Hayley for their respective contributions to the of success of the weekend. A special thanks to Mark and his greenkeepers for ensuring the course was presented in such an excellent condition. Just don’t mention the pin positions! I personally witnessed some good golf played in a great spirit. Well done to all the finalists. The winners this year were: Tryfan Prosser:-Aber Shield,  Paul Lloyd-Clays Challenge, Paul Lloyd-Scratch Cup and Ellie Price-Ladies champion. In other board competitions held this month the winners included: Damian Atkin- Seniors St. David Day Trophy with a shocking score of 44pts, beating your Captain into second place, and Tony Jackson-Tommy Davies Cup. Also results from the ladies’ section that cover the season Fan Jones Trophy-Roz Carman, Ladies Challenge Bowl-Shan Stapley, Welsh Dragon Brooch- Pam Griffiths and Powells Jewellers Trophy-Bev Hood. The Ladies team won the Ladies Border Clubs Challenge beating Mile End and Henlle at Henlle.  A great team. performance with some great individual results. Well done to all those who entered the all the above competitions.

Marian Williams, looking remarkably fresh, completed her half marathon in support of the Captains charity, The Alzheimer’s Society on Sunday 13th September. Thanks to those members who have sponsored Marian. If any member would like to make a donation to acknowledge Marion’s efforts, this can be made directly into the Clays Golf Club bank account number: 42557584, sort code:40-47-26, reference: Marian.

While on the subject of Captains charity activities. Can I remind members that we will be seeking donations to the British Heart Foundation (Wales) “Restart a Heart” campaign during October. Details of the charity element of competitions will be communicated via a BRS message. Collection tins will be located in the bar and reception areas. Also, a limited number of heart shaped Welsh flag lapel badges can be purchased. from golf reception, for £1 each: support the cause and country, obviously welsh members only! All contributions gratefully received.

Just a quick mention of How Did I Do (HDID). It has probably not escaped your attention that there are some issues with the software. A glitch was discovered that resulted in a significant amount of effort from Peter, our handicap secretary working in conjunction with HDID helpline, to manage. Unfortunately, the software glitch resulted in competition results being issued on a number of occasions. Thanks for your patience while this issue is resolved.

Finally, once again can I remind all members the implementation of the World Handicapping System (WHS) will happen on 2nd November 2020. Our club has received notification of the course slope rating along with associated information from Wales Golf. The club council is seeking clarification from WG on some points before communicating all the relevant information to members. Also, an explainer page will be added to the members section of our club website in the next couple of weeks. Remember, members can download resources explaining all the changers to player handicaps and course rating etc. from the Wales Golf website: https://www.walesgolf.org/world-handicap-system-home/. What is the course slope rating I hear you ask? Men yellow tee-111, men white tee-112, ladies red tee-120, ladies yellow tee-125. Can I also remind members that your new WHS handicap will be calculated and allocated by WG. Therefore, should you not be pleased with your allocated handicap you know who to contact?

Enjoy your golf and stay safe.

Dave Palferman

Captain 2020/21

[email protected]