The Virginian

Newsletter of the Virginia Club Brisbane, Queensland IssueIssue 67 72- November May 2016 2014

From The President’s Desk Queensland, I have travelled around the state and visited clubs that don’t have a single employee. The mowing of the course and the operation of the bar is all handled by members giving up their time. I’ve even seen an “honour box” next to the first tee where you pay your Matt Toomey daily green fees. President As volunteers are so critical to the success of a golf club, I’d like to acknowledge all of those who help out at Virginia. I won’t list all of the Appointment of Secretary Manager names (for fear of leaving someone out) but we have members who serve on the Board, serve on Committees, assist the greens staff, help As you will hopefully be aware, the Board has appointed Michael with junior development, drive the drinks cart, run raffles, prepare the Crough as the Club’s new full-time Secretary Manager. newsletter, assist with pennant fundraising, assist with the pro-am, For the past 4 years, Michael has been the Secretary Manager of help organise golf and social events, and offer discounted services Gisborne Golf Club in . Gisborne is of similar size to Virginia through their business. We also have members who provide (in terms of membership and revenue) and was recently ranked one of sponsorship and others who bring visitors to the Club at any the top 100 public access courses in the country by Golf opportunity. Magazine. Prior to that, Michael spent 6 years with the Western All of the invaluable work performed by our volunteers makes this Bulldogs Football Club and was responsible for corporate match day Club a better place and so I’d like to offer them my deepest thanks. hospitality for more than 800 clients. Michael is originally from Queensland and graduated from Griffith Matt Toomey Club President University in 1984. Before moving down south, he worked at Gympie Golf Club from 1997 to 2002 and was a manager at Kedron Wavell Services Club from 2002 to 2003. Michael is incredibly personable and so make sure you say hello if you see him around the Club. We look forward to utilising his expertise in helping implement the Club’s strategic plan. Volunteers Whether we like it or not, is a business and they are all competing against each other. In mid-2015, the AFL signed a new television rights deal that is worth $418 million per year. A significant portion of that money goes into club development and junior programs. Their goal is to ensure that AFL is taught in every school in Australia. In comparison, the golf generates no revenue for Golf Australia. It’s an event held once a year (in contrast to 9 AFL matches played each week) and the TV ratings are largely dependent on a big name being in contention over the closing holes. Golf Australia’s total annual budget is around $12 million and they rely heavily on capitation fees, donations, sponsorships and government grants. My point is that golf is a sport that must rely heavily on the work of sponsors and volunteers. In my role as a Board member of Golf

1 Around The Greens · Planting of trees / shrubs around the course, eg. the practice fairway and sand bins. · On-going weed eradication program on fairways, tees and John Perkins green surrounds. Greens Director · De-grassing of sprinkler heads on all fairways. · Brush cutting around trees Since the last edition of The Virginian was published in February, · Identification of distance markers on sprinkler heads that are the Greens Committee has obtained a new member – Di Baxter. It’s missing with a view to replacing them. great to have a lady member on the committee and Di has already been The ladies gardening group continues to work hard around the making a contribution. course which also contributes to the positive appearance. We will begin by mentioning some of the more significant work around the course that has been completed since the committee’s last Greens Report report: · The 14�� bunker will be back in play on Saturday 7 May. · The reshaping of the rear bunker on the 13�� green to provide easier access has brought a number of positive comments. 70 · The 20�� bunker has had its sand replaced with completely new sq m of turf was used on this project. sand and is back in play. · The filling and grassing of the rear left bunker on the 1�� tee · The next bunker to be attended to will be the front left of the looks great and hopefully members are appreciating the 13�� green with the replacement of the old sand as it has gravel improved layout. 140 sq m of turf was used covering this area. in it. · Repairs to bare patches on the 5�� fairway have been · The drinking fountain behind the 16�� tee will be back in use completed. A total of 240 sq m of turf was used. with a new water metre installed by council and a new 50m pipeline which doesn’t run across private property like the old · The left bunker on the 14�� green has been reshaped and one did. totally rebuilt. This required new drainage, sand and irrigation with 310 sq m of turf being used to complete this project. This · Mulch behind the 9�� and 11�� tees will form another habitat bunker is now a similar size to the one on the right side. area and no mow zone. Over winter, the planting of trees and shrubs will commence along with the installation of water · No doubt members have noticed the improvement in the pipes as needed for this project. greens over the last few weeks. Barry and his team worked hard to eradicate the disease which slowed recovery after the · The tees on the 22ⁿ � hole are being rebuilt with the front one recent renovations. being completed first, which will be doubled in size. The back tee will be completed later in the year. · Grass and weeds along the fence on the practice fairway adjacent to Blitzinger Road have been cleared and lillypilly · Irrigation on sections of the Heritage Nine fairways will start trees have been planted along the fence line. As these trees over the next few months. grow they should improve the aesthetic appearance of that · Tee markers are being remodelled by putting a slope on the part of the course from Blizinger Road. front of the marker in an endeavour to make them safer. 24 · Lillypillies were also planted behind the sand bins near the 5�� markers have been replaced so far with the new version and tee which should similarly improve the appearance of the area work is continuing on old ones to reshape, repaint and as they grow. restamp them. This will be an ongoing project until all the old markers are updated. · The “fairway of the week” program has been re-introduced following an increase in the number of unfilled divots around In conclusion, if any club member wishes to raise any issues the course. regarding the course, please feel free to contact a member of the greens committee to discuss the matter. The creek banks in front of the 14�� and 15�� tees have been cleaned up and large shrubs and weeds removed by volunteers during the April John Perkins Greens Director working bee. It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the significant contributions of the small band of members who volunteer 3 hours of their time each month to participate in the working bees. If you would A Word From the Secretary Manager like to know more about the working bees, please contact the office and give your email address. I am pleased to have been offered the position of Secretary / A new wheeled weed trimmer was recently purchased which is Manager and I look forward to meeting all of our members in the near saving significant labour time in cleaning up areas otherwise difficult to future. access. To date, this machine has mainly been used by volunteers and I appreciate the warm welcome I have received in the first few this obviously saves time for the greens staff and allows them to weeks, and the friendly nature of our members and staff. concentrate on projects requiring specific training and skills. Large Clubs exist for the benefit of their members, and Virginia Golf Club amounts of weeds along the creek banks of the 2ⁿ� fairway, and creek is no different. Working with the Board of Directors and staff, our aim is banks through the Heritage Nine, have been cleared using this machine. to provide the best possible course and facilities for our members whilst Mention has been made in previous articles in The Virginian of the building the long term viability of the Club. responsibilities undertaken by individual members of the greens Please feel free to contact any of the staff if we can be of assistance committee. These members regularly give of their time to work around in any way. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. the course, many on a weekly basis, which allows greens staff to I would like to welcome Leanne Gray to the team. Leanne will be concentrate on other more complex tasks. responsible for the day to day operation of the Kitchen and comes with a Some of the ongoing projects currently being undertaken by wealth of experience. committee members include: From Wednesday 4 May the Kitchen will be open from Wednesday · Mowing of creek banks and other areas using the wheeled to Sunday, with some hot food and snacks available on Monday and weed trimmer. Tuesday. Michael Crough · Maintaining the plant nursery. Secretary / Manager

2 Good Oil From The Golf Shop

Shayn Barnham Club Professional Due to the great weather, things have been busy in terms of player numbers for the first four months of the year. We are averaging over 150 players on the course every day – that’s right, every day. Given that amount of traffic and the small number of greens staff we Wedges and How to Use Them have, the course is looking pretty good leading into winter. We have On the topic of wedges, Bob Vokey, who designs the Titleist Vokey been getting positive feedback from our visiting players and it is a wedges, has always maintained that “Bounce is your friend.” The more testament to the hard work of Barry and his greens staff. Not to be bounce a wedge has, the better it performs from normal to soft turf forgotten are the army of volunteers who put in hours of their time on conditions and bunkers. Many people put a wedge down on the carpet, the course and around the clubhouse. A big thank you to all of them as see the leading edge sitting up off the ground and comment “I’d thin my the better the experience is for our members and visitors, the more often chip shots with that,” however there aren’t many times you play a chip they return. shot off a rock hard surface (and if you do, you need a lesson on your iron play!) Ladies Beginner Clinics and Lessons Bounce helps push the clubhead through the turf or sand. Without Don’t forget that we have our Ladies Beginner Clinics on the first enough bounce, you might find you have a tendency to hit your chip shots Friday of every month. These are open to anyone wanting to give golf a a little fat, and in bunkers, you may find you dig in too deep and take too try or for those girls who have been away from the game for a while. The much sand. If you are having problems with the consistency of your short cost is $20 for the hour clinic and we can provide any equipment needed, game around the greens, bring your wedge into The Golf Shop so we can which is no extra charge. This is also a great way for a beginner lady to help you – whether it be giving you something with different loft or get some idea on what sort of equipment would best suit her before bounce to go and try or simply some advice on your technique. spending any money. To book in, give The Golf Shop a call on 3267 7057 One drill which can definitely help your short game is the one or an email at [email protected] handed chip shot. If your timing and strike on those little chip shots around the green isn’t great, it leads to the ball performing differently New Stuff each time it lands. A poorly struck chip shot won’t fly as you would like it Some of the latest gear to hit the shop floor has been – to either. To time those chips a little better and start to get a little more control around the greens, try the following – Footjoy Freestyle Shoes In the back yard or on the chipping green or driving range, put a bucket 8 to 10 metres away. Grab your most lofted chipping club and for A very contemporary shoe – in lace or right handed players, grip the club toward the top of the grip with your boa – with sneaker like comfort and two right hand and try to chip balls into the bucket one handed. The first few year waterproof warranty might be very ordinary but after a while you should start to see improved results. What this drill is doing (hopefully without you thinking about it!) is it starts to get your wrists working. Good chipping technique needs correct wrist hinge and without that, your short game will be very hit and miss. Once your wrists start working correctly, which the one handed drill Callaway Irons will do for you, you will start to get better contact off the club, more consistent height and flight with your chips and they will start to spin more once they land. A good short game relies on the player knowing how the ball will react every time a chip shot hits the green.

The standard XR iron has been working wonders for a variety of Good Golfing, players of varying abilities – now the new oversize model has arrived Shayn and The Golf Shop Team which is the ultimate in terms of a forgiving golf club. Our price in steel shaft is $145 and $160 in graphite

Titleist Spin Milled 6 Wedges

The latest version of the popular Vokey wedge is here, with plenty of demos available for clubfits. Always a classic design, there are over 50 combinations to choose from in both right and left hand, different lofts, bounces and three different finishes.

Cleveland RTX Wedge Promotion

Srixon/Cleveland are running a promotion until 30 May where by purchasing any Cleveland RTX 2.0 wedge, you receive a Pitch Pack at no charge. The pack consists of a dozen Q star balls, a Srixon hat clip and ball Don’t forget our Ping Demo Day marker and a Srixon shoe bag. Seeing as the RTX is a great range of wedges and the price - $159 – is now $70 cheaper than some of the other Friday May 13th from 1pm brands, this represents good buying on a quality product.

3 Thank you to Rhonda Nutter for your flower arrangements. They From The Lady President certainly made our Ladies Lounge smell and look beautiful. Thank you to everyone who donated raffle prizes, especially Betty Low and Val Mullens for the fruit trays. Thank you to my Committee for your hard Nancy Allen work and enthusiasm. It is a pleasure to work with you all. A great team Ladies President effort with a fantastic result. Nancy Allen Ladies President The golfing year is just beginning and already we are organising our Open Days and Pennant Competitions. In February and March our Lady Members who are playing Pennants this year attended various coaching clinics kindly given by our Golf Professional Brett Maxwell. Thank you Brett for refining the Ladies golfing skills. Good luck Ladies, play well Thursday Club News and enjoy your Pennant season. When is the cooler golfing weather going to come? We have constantly played in hot and humid weather testing our Lady Golfers. In Tony Sutton early February the Lady Members played a 2 Ball Ambrose in extremely Thursday Club President hot conditions. Congratulations to all the Ladies who played, you are true champion golfers, tackling not only the heat but the cored greens. As we move towards the middle of the year, things continue to go The kitchen has been closed during week days since our Opening well for the members of the Thursday Club. The weather has generally Day and the Lady Members are either bringing their own lunch or been kind to us, (with a couple of notable exceptions), the course has purchasing the sandwiches that have been sourced from outside the club been good and our numbers continue at a high level. There have been house. The majority of the Lady Members are not happy with the plenty of good scores, which I’m sure our esteemed Handicapper Jimmy situation. Many of the Ladies are choosing not to stay for presentations Hicks has taken note of, and the race for the Club Champion is very or to socialise with their follow golfers This is unfortunate as the social interesting to say the least. side of the Lady Members golfing day is equally as important as their golfing competition. The Lady Members appreciated Alan Wright talking In an attempt to boost our numbers (and finances) members are to them individually about the kitchen situation in February. The year is encouraged to bring along any of their friends and acquaintances and let starting to look brighter for the Monday and Wednesday Ladies with the them see just how enjoyable a day with the Thursday Club can be. The appointment of a Cook for the kitchen. To celebrate the Ladies will be more the better. In line with this our highly regarded Treasurer, Sir enjoying a Mother's Day High Tea with delicious treats and champagne. Rodney, would like to remind one and all that membership of the The Monday Ladies Club had their first major competition of the Thursday Club closes on the 31�� of August and fees must be paid by year on the 21st March, The Margaret Lally Memorial Day, which was then for members to be eligible for our gala days and also any major well attended by thirty Lady Golfers. The day was not without drama prizes. though as Linda Canning spotted a snake on the 1st fairway crossing in front of her fellow golfers. Narelle Elliot decided to chase the snake A few of you may have noticed the sporadic appearances of myself towards the trees hoping it would climb a tree and be out of harms way. over the last couple of months. I assure members that ny absence has But unfortunately it was not a tree snake. The moral of this story is: been involuntary and that I should be back on deck full time as soon as a "don't judge a book by its cover". couple of minor and annoying “bugs” disappear. Congratulations to Marie MacDonald for winning the Margaret Lally Memorial Trophy with a score of 37 points. Our Saturday Ladies have had two of their Monthly Medal Competitions this year with Narelle Ward winning in March with a score of 73 and Karen Barton winning in April You will have noticed in the Lady with a score of 74. Christine Small and Natalie Wilson were given a jar of President’s report preceding this Paddington Bee Honey for the 'Most use of the course' award. The article a mention of coordinated Saturday Ladies loved the idea of this prize and are all keen to win the dressing. The photo at left is shown in prize sometime this year. In April Ivoni Maguire took out the Professional an attempt to show just what can be Trophy with an impressive score of +2 . Congratulations Ladies. achieved in this area if members put I must give a mention to Di Baxter's co-coordinated Saturday their mind to it. Well done Mike and golfing attire. It was a very impressive colour co­coordinated outfit from Jim. the matching white brim hat with black trim, which matched her white golf shoes with black stripes. The bright orange collared shirt matched I hear there is a special on these her socks and golf balls, not forgetting the orange stripe in her tailored shirts At Lowes!!!! shorts. My pick for fashion on the golfing green. When one of the strongest tropical cyclones in the South Pacific history, TC Winston, hit Fiji, Liz Elliott, asked the Lady Members if they Hope you all continue to enjoy our great club and the good golfing could assist the people of Fiji by donating clothing, shoes etc. The and companionship that goes with it response by the Lady Members was amazing. Liz was overwhelmed and thrilled with the mountain of donations that covered the Ladies locker Tony Sutton Thursday Club President area. In March the Lady Members held their first Open Day for the year. Thank you to Torben Knudsen of Knudsen Betta Home & Living for being our sponsor and donating our winners prizes.

Congratulations to our Div 1 winners, Vera O'Donovan & Naomi Sunrise on the 13th Schaper and Div 2 winners, Gayle Inkster & Diane Meiers. Our Open Day attracted Ladies from Redcliffe, Ashgrove, Headland,Wynnum, Rose Bay, Royal Queensland, Pacific, St Lucia, Sanctuary Cove and Beerwah who enjoyed a lovely social day of golf.

4 Captain’s Corner Membership Matters

Mick Newell Alan Wright - Membership Director Matt Warner Four somes Championships Sunday the 17�� April 2016 saw the men’s 36 hole foursomes kick off. I am pleased to report that membership has continued to grow We had a strong field this year with 72 players. It was a perfect day for steadily during the year. scoring. The worthy winners of the honour board event with a score of 2 I would like to take this opportunity to thank a select group within under par total for the day were Captain Michael Newell and former the membership personnel. These are the volunteers. These "unsung Junior Pennant player Jaryd Grant. They certainly put on a display for heroes" do a huge amount of work around the club with little or no their playing partners, as they were 6 under at one stage during their final thanks. 18 holes. The runners up were Zach Maxwell and Zac Sheehan, who finished 6 shots off the pace. Well done to all who competed. I mention volunteers because in recent times (and I am sure in times past) volunteers have contributed greatly to our club. Without them VGC Pennant Fundraising would be a poorer place. The groups mentioned below are not in any The Saturday morning Barbeque has been a big success in particular order of merit. fundraising for this year’s squad. Each Saturday you will see a group of Volunteers cooking up a storm on the terrace for the members and social Thanks to the ladies group who do a fantastic job in maintaining the players that day. We also ran a betting hole in the recent Professional’s gardens around the course, and in particular the clubhouse vicinity. I have Trophy Day. The generosity of the members for both of these initiatives is been a member for many years and cannot remember when the outward great to see and shows the great support we have as a club. appearance of the clubhouse gardens has looked so good. I am certain that visitors are suitably impressed. 2016 Pennant Squad Thanks to the Greens committee of oncourse helpers (Dads Army). This year’s pennant squad has been announced. Congratulations to This dedicated group does a lot of the work around the course. Works all those who made the team. It was tough to pick the final squad and they carry out on a regular basis are, the removal of rubbish, chopping commiserations to those who missed out, an opportunity will surely off loose or dangerous branches, keeping the sprinkler heads clear from present itself down the track. being overgrown, returfing some areas and a multitude of other tasks. This allows the fulltime course maintenance workers to spend more time on their core jobs. Opens Seniors The drinks cart in recent times has been a burden on the club's Brian Adams Dean Birch finances. In an attempt to reduce these losses a small group of people Josh Brumm Jim Chiles have stocked, driven the drinks cart and reconciled the finances. This Beau Caldwell Curt Mathews cannot be sustained in the long term, but we all owe a debt of gratitude Justin Cooke Paul Mullins to this small band for the service provided and the cost savings to the Jordan Daley Stephen Pryor club. Ben Garland Greg Seaborn Jaryd Grant Dave Trappett There is one “stand alone” volunteer who, for the last five or six Cory Harmer Bob Watson years, has taken it upon himself to maintain the hedges around the Adam Kasa Ron Mann course. The most visible well maintained hedge is on the left of the Travis Laws entrance as we drive in. Thank you Noel McLean. Justin Maker Juniors There are four sub-committees, the Ladies, the Match, the Greens Nathan McGrath-Burgess Pawan Deo and the Membership. All these committees consist of members who are Paul Nutter Zach Maxwell prepared to give their time ensuring the governance of the club, as spelt Mark Shaw Brock McLean out in the VGC Constitution. Their efforts are not as obvious as some of Steve Sinclair Connor Pocock the hands-on volunteers mentioned previously, but nevertheless they are Matt Toomey Caleb Purdy recognised and appreciated. Zac Sheehan Harry Stevenson Thanks to the handful of volunteers who run the Saturday morning Revon Quidim BBQs. The cash raised from this enterprise finances the various Pennants Our first match is an away game teams. This obviously reduces the financial burden to the club. against Royal Queensland on the 17�� July 2016. It would be great to see a lot of support from our members out Thanks to the Thursday club committee. Even though this is a social there, so if you have nothing planned for that Sunday come on down and group it is an important part of the VGC and it certainly helps the coffers follow the sea of yellow and navy. of the club. Thanks to the personnel involved in reintroducing the Friday night Thanks - and happy golfing. draw and the associated benefits that flow on to the club from this activity. Michael Newell – Captain Matthew Warner – Vice Captain Thanks to the small committee who manage the "aged challenged" members, otherwise known as the Virginia Seniors. Observant members will notice that weeds are being selectively The Bistro Is Now Open killed on various parts of the course. Thanks to all involved. As of the 4�� of May the Bistro will be open from Wednesday to Saturday. If I have forgotten to mentioned anyone, either past or present, please accept my apology. Keep an eye out for the weekly specials!! Alan Wright Membership Director

5 The Lady Captain’s Report time where some of the subcommittee had personal commitment and a few were away but thank you Nancy Allen, Narelle Fraser, Barbara Thomas and their helpers for the outstanding communications and it was very pleasing to know that all the players and visitors were happy with the results Ivoni Maguire of the competition on our Open Day. Ladies Captain The weekly Wednesday & Saturday competition results are posted on the board on the breezeway for your information. This year’s major competitions have started and many more are to follow. The Weekend My Captains report starts with some incredible news. Two of our junior Professional Trophy was won by Ivoni Maguire. Thank you Shayn Barnham girls, Zoe Maxwell and Andrea Szerszen have been selected in the Brisbane for sponsoring this competition. The Lady Member’s Foursome & District team to contest the Junior Jug at Gatton Golf Club in August this Championship was held on Wednesday 13�� April. Twenty (20) pairs year. Having one junior represent the Brisbane district is huge news, but participated in the 36 Holes and 7 pairs on the 18 Holes Foursome having two from the one club is simply incredible. Good luck to the girls competitions. The results were: 36 Holes Ladies Foursome Championships and hope they play well. Congratulations to the juniors Pennant team for won by Helen Mildege and Ivoni Maguire (176 Gross), Runner up Kea being Runner Up to Wynnum this year. Thank you to Mel Maxwell for Schwarz and Linda Canning (188 Gross), 36 Holes Nett Winner: Bev O’Malley looking after the team and also for the support from the parents and & Gloria Proberts (146): 18 Holes AM Nett Winners: Sylvia Boudreaux & caddies. The team was made up of the girls from Virginia/Keperra/Nudgee. Nola George ( 70 Nett), 18 Holes PM Nett Winners were Margaret Manning and Rhonda Nutter (71 Nett). 18 Holes Foursomes started on the 10�� Tee and were won by Kathy Madden and Cecily Turnbull (74.5 Nett). Congratulations to all the winners. Monthly Medals Winners: Monthly Medals competitions start in March every year. For March 2016 Winners: Wednesday Div. 1 Jackie Dowling; Div. 2 Margaret Male; Div. 3 Celese McKenzie. Weekend winner was Narelle Ward. April Medal Wednesday winners were Div. 1 Linda Canning; Div. Nancy Allen; Div. 3 Helen Masterton. Weekend Ladies Karen Barton. Congratulations and well deserved winners. Junior Team (L to R) Hazel Martin, B&DLGA juniors selected to Upcoming Major Competitions: Andrea Szerszen, Zoe Maxwell, Keeley compete in the junior jug. Zoe Junior Championships 1�� round 7�� May and final round on the 14�� ���.. Purdy Maxwell & Andrea Szersern Weekend Ladies (Flo Buck) 1�� round on 21�� May and Final round on 28�� May 2016. 2016 PENNANT Virginia Cup Match Play 1�� round 11��, semi-final 18�� and final round on Congratulations to the Junior Pennant team for being Runner Up to 25��. Wynnum this year. Please note that nomination dates for all the above competitions appeared Thank you Mel Maxwell for looking after the team and also for the on the 2016 Fixture Book. support from the parent and caddies. The team was made up of the girls from Virginia / Keperra / Nudgee. Good golfing girls and we wish you all the “All In” competitions: the numbers were down but 31 keen ladies were best on your future games or matches. willing to give it a go this year. The All In competition consists of:(1) Golf Pennant season is underway for Div. 4, 5 on Fridays started 1 April 2016 Queensland competition which consists of: (a) International Bowl (Stroke and Div. 2 Weekend ladies on Sunday 3�� of April, 2016. Our ladies team Games) played in June-July (3 Divisions) Nett event and the winners receives had practiced hard for this Pennant season and had our team clinics lessons an International Bowl Brooch. (b) Golf Qld Brooch 2016. Aggregate of the from club professional Brad Maxwell which was well attended. Thank you best three (3) Nett scores of six (6) Stroke rounds only of 18 holes. Three Brad for the tips and help for all the Pennant ladies. It is all very much divisions winners and winners receive a golf Qld Brooch purchased by the appreciated. club. (c) Gertrude McLeod Comp has no entry fee required and is played 1 Div. 4 players are nurtured by Dorothy Piper (captain) and the team March to 31 August. The winner of each division is determined by calculating was Noelene Stoney, Fiona Watson, Narelle Fraser, Vera O’Donovan, which player has returned the best three net scores over the period. (2) Margaret Manning, Ivoni Maguire and Dorothy Piper. Four rounds have VGC competitions which are: (a) Fenner Shield (Putting Competitions) (b) already been played. The first 3 we were a bit scratchy, but the match at Eclectic a stroke event 1//3/16-30/9/16. (3) B&DLGA competition McLeod was a beauty. We won 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 and surprised the Indooroopilly Team. The Team spirit of our girls is great. We're on the up! BBQ ON SATURDAYS: Ladies, you can assist Mel Maxwell and her helpers Div. 5 captained by Barbara Thomas with a few helpers on hand while by just popping in and buying a roll with bacon, egg and onion or a choice Barbara is recovering from a heart operation. Thanks to Julie Dempster who of filling if you wish in the morning. Proceeds will go towards all the steered the team one week and Ann Squires the next. The team was Julie Pennants players’ expenses both men & women for this year. Dempster, Ann Squires, Mel Maxwell, Toni Pyers, Emma Luscombe, Naomi OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS: The Match committee agreed to continue Schaper & Jenny Hancock. Div. 5 had 3 amazing wins and only 1 loss. to hold a weekend junior girls championship regardless of the number of Congratulations on the wonderful results. entries. A junior girl can win both the weekend and junior championships Div. 2 Weekend ladies were captained by Karen Barton and the team was which are both honour board events. A new honour board event (also Hazel Martin, Rose Pullinger, Jackie Dowling, Narelle Ward, Nin Pearce, named the President’s Cup) was donated by the President of the Club Angie Gibson, Anita Bradford & Karen Barton. Div. 2 teams do have potential Matthew Toomey. Thanks for the support Matt. to do well and are still trying for their first wins. It was pretty close onSunday 17�� April when we lost to Nudgee 2/3. Good luck for the rest of the matches Ivoni Maguire Ladies Captain for this season. Ladies thank you for wanting to play pennant and represent Virginia Golf Club in 2016 Pennant Season. Thank you to all our caddies for Thought For The Day all your support. 1. What was the greatest thing before sliced bread? COMPETITIONS UPDATES: The numbers of players in this quarter so far has been pretty good. 2. There are no atheists in pot bunkers. The weather was very hot at times but comfortable and the ladies playing each week average 50 to 60. On the Open Day we had 87 players which 3. Strokes always accumulate faster than they can be forgotten. was very pleasing due to the sub-committee’s excellent and brilliant advertising through the emails and by word of mouth to friends. It was a 4. Your straightest iron shot on the day will always be one club short.

6 Wendy’s Words of Wisdom Tuesday Seniors Chat

Wendy Warskitt Charlie Hayman Sales & Marketing Manager

Due to illness I was unable to submit a Christmas Tuesday Firstly, I’d like to welcome our new GM, Michael Crough. I’m Seniors Chat. However in my absence several things took place. The sure most of you have already had the opportunity to meet Michael committee was re-elected for another 12 months, with an extra and will agree it is great to have him on board. member joining us. Rod Steer has taken up the position of Assistant Captain and is filling in for Tony Rollins. I’d like to also welcome Leanne Gray our new Bistro Manager. The Bistro will open from The boys went to Woodford Golf Club on Monday 7th March Wednesday to Sunday commencing 16 for the first trip away for 2016. There was an excellent field of Wednesday 4 May with a special Ladies 38 who made the journey. The Woodford course was in excellent Mother’s Day High Tea. condition and the staff put on an excellent lunch for us. Leanne will be introducing a new menu along with running weekly specials this will The club is donating $500 towards the cost of installing a Hand commence Thursday, 5 May 2016. Dryer in the toilets at the 5th tee .The Fountain at the back of the I will be working closely with Leanne to 16th tee will eventually be connected for use within the next 2-3 make sure the member’s expectations are met weeks for all members. along with growing our functions and corporate golf events.

Our membership over the past four months has seen a ` We have a few other things happening around the Clubhouse. considerable increase with an average field of 40- 46 players each 0ur Friday night raffles, BBQ & members draw have been doing week. The committee is delighted to see this increase. well. Members draw increases by $50 each week so be in the Clubhouse for your chance to win! It seems that with 7 nearest to the Pin holes, having 3 trips away each year and together with various other functions Don’t forget Mother’s Day! Our Buffet Breakfast is on again. throughout the year -our members are enjoying it all immensely. Please book your table as soon as possible.

Before I close we must pass on our Seniors members appreciation to our Ground Staff led by Barry Lemke. The work they have put in over the past 4 months r On the fairways & greens is excellent. Well done boys. Rockabilly dance band ‘A Band Called TWANG’ Keep those feet moving. will be performing in the Members Bar on Friday, Regards, 27�� May 2016. If you like Charlie Hayman Tuesday President. to ‘Trip the light fantastic’ don’t miss this popular act.

This will also be our ‘New Members Introductory Evening’, a chance to get to know our new members and welcome them to Virginia.

Wendy Warskitt Sales and Marketing

All the services the Club provides are only as far away as the phone or Internet.

For enquiries, bookings or The Golf Shop and Club the starter’s box: Professional Shayn Barnham: Ph: (07) 3267 6333 Ph (07) 3267 7057 Email: Website: [email protected] www.virginiagolf.com.au

7 Sponsorships You will have noticed the Tee Sponsorship signs being installed on the course. Wherever possible I urge you to support the businesses that are supporting Virginia Golf Club.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

If you would like to take advantage of an opportunity to advertise your business along with supporting our fantastic Club give me a call or email [email protected]

Again, there are limited spots available so be quick!

As mentioned by Membership Director, Alan Wright, Virginia Golf Club appreciates the generous support of all our Members who give up their valuable time to volunteer in numerous ways around the Club. If you would like to get involved in the volunteer program please contact Peter Thomas, Director 0401 417 733

Wendy Warskitt Marketing & Sales Manager

8