Beaconsfield Golf Club
Seer Green, Beaconsfield
Bucks, HP9 2UR
01494 676545
From the Captain |
The Course
As I write this, the club has reached the unwelcome milestone of having received over 1 metre of rain this calendar year! It seems that regardless of the weather forecast, it just keeps raining and it’s remarkable how well the greens have held up.
So, all the pleas I made last month about carrying your bag, fewer clubs, not using a trolley, don’t walk through the blue stakes, etc…..all remain current.
Congratulations to Carl Banner
Of course, the best way to avoid our British winter is to fly to Australia and play in the sunshine. This is exactly what our 1st Team Captain & current Club Champion, Carl Banner did and promptly won the first tournament he entered after stepping off the plane. Carl’s 5 shot canter to victory in the prestigious The Dunes Medal , in Victoria, (past champions include Minjee Lee & Jason Day) not only left countless upset Ozzies’ trailing in his wake, it also qualified him to mix it with the professionals in the Victoria Open in early February.
Furthermore, Carl has now been invited to play in The Australian Master of Amateurs Championship (catchy title) in January……the golfing anoraks amongst us will immediately know that the current holder of this title is our very own John Gough. Those Australians must think that Beaconsfield Golf Club is an uber academy of golfing excellence…..the equivalent of ‘La Masia’ at FC Barcelona who produced Messi, Guardiola, Chavi and Iniesta.
50 years and counting
Congratulations to yet another member of the Bartlett family dynasty, Heather Jackson, who celebrates her 50th anniversary as a member of the club in December. Also celebrating his 50th anniversary is Nick Fitrzyk, who recently reminded us that his first-year subscription to the club in 1973 was £5.00 plus VAT!
On a sadder note, Ranald Paterson passed away on 5th December, the very month that he also reached his 50th anniversary as a member of the club.
Christmas
Over 700 members and guests will be dining in the clubhouse in the Christmas period at various events, keeping the kitchen and clubhouse team very busy.
The ever-popular Turkey Trot on 2nd December was played in suitably North Pole temperatures, the freezing weather no doubt contributing to a relatively low score of 79 points filling the first 3 places. On countback, the winning 4 ball contained everyone’s pantomime villain, Jimmy Mulvoy, aided by Philip Crompton, Nick Theakstone & Steve Booth.
A reminder that if you have yet to donate to the annual Staff Christmas Fund there is still time to do so and I do hope members will show their usual generosity in recognising the wonderful contribution the staff make to our club.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a 3-putt free 2024.
Michael Lawson
From the Ladies Captain |
December has flown by with so many events taking place. Three new members, Ann Fowler, Virginia Hanberry and Kiran Grewal, and committee members, decorated the clubhouse ready for Christmas on Friday the 1st. Special thanks go to Maureen Murphy and Carol Isaac for their hard work creating the wonderful arrangements on the mantles and making the table centres.
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas, both in the clubhouse and on the golf course, with a thick layer of frost when we played the Turkey Trot on Saturday 2nd, with some interesting bounces as the balls hit the frozen greens. Di Bovey won the prize for best lady’s Christmas jumper which was accessorised with Christmas baubles for earrings.
Organised by Linda Cornwell and Beverley Collins, the ladies’ roll-up had their Christmas lunch on Monday 4th. Unfortunately, due to a miserable day, they cancelled the competition and many of the ladies played bridge instead, although a few ladies did brave the rain to play a few holes, before enjoying a delicious buffet.
Two days later 28 ladies enjoyed a glass of prosecco whilst demonstrating their cupcake decorating skills.
The children’s Christmas party was great fun and with some of the new Social Committee members, Ken Rumens, Paul Finch, and Claire Taylor, doing a sterling job preparing the food. I don’t think Ken was expecting to make 60 rounds of sandwiches as part of his role on the Committee, but he did a great job. The children were once again entertained by Mr Marvel, had their faces painted by Elaine and Katie and then had a visit from Santa on his golf buggy.
We enjoyed a delicious traditional Christmas lunch on Sunday 10th which, was described as a little raucous, with some tables competing for who could sing The Twelve Days of Christmas the loudest.
Mike Lawson, his wife Susan, and I were very kindly invited to the Jordans and District Rotary Club Christmas dinner on Monday 11th presided over by Ken Rumens, where I enjoyed another Turkey dinner.
The Ladies Christmas Foursomes on Thursday 14th was a busy day with 103 ladies playing in an array of Christmas jumpers and hats, followed by yet another delicious Christmas lunch. (Yes, turkey number three for me).
Heather Jackson has been a member of BGC for 50 years and after lunch, was presented with a Beaconsfield brooch. She is part of a BGC family dynasty, with both her brother Jerome and John also receiving their 50 year tie. Both her parents were members and her mother, Mary is a past Ladies’ Captain and was a member of the club until 2021.
Nina Croft and Di Bovey are celebrating milestone birthdays this month and they were both presented with flowers and the ladies sang happy birthday to them both. Di, very kindly, treated all the ladies to a glass of fizz to help celebrate.
The afternoon was rounded up by carols accompanied by Gill Thomas on the piano. I’d like to thank Ladies’ Secretary, Gill Cunningham for all the work she did, including helping with the table plan and juggling tee times.
Eight ladies joined me for one last turkey lunch on Sunday 17th. We did our best to out sing other tables and I think we did a reasonable job. In eight days, I have eaten four turkey meals at the golf club. They have all been delicious and the staff have done a wonderful job looking after us all. I am however, looking forward to a turkey free week ahead until the next one on Christmas day.
Congratulations to Jackie Thompson, who was awarded County Colours last month.
There are lots of photos of all these events on the ladies’ section of the website, so please take a look.
I would like to wish everybody a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2024, playing some great golf with good friends.
Sue Goodliffe
Christmas At The Club |
If you are fed up of cooking over the Christmas period or fancy something other than turkey and left overs, our fridge will be fully stocked and we will be ready to serve our full menu between the hours listed below.
SUN 24 DEC 2023
Bar open until 3.00 p.m.
Clubhouse closes at 3.30 p.m.
Catering available 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
MON 25 DEC 2023 - CHRISTMAS DAY
Clubhouse & Pro Shop closed
TUE 26 DEC 2023 - BOXING DAY
Clubhouse & Pro Shop closed
WED 27 DEC 2023, THU 28 DEC 2023, FRI 29 DEC 2023
Bar open until 4.00 p.m.
Clubhouse closes at 4.30 p.m.
Catering available 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
SAT 30 DEC 2023, SUN 31 DEC 2023
Bar open until 3.00 p.m.
Clubhouse closes at 3.30 p.m.
Catering available 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
MON 1 JAN 2024 - NEW YEAR’S DAY
Clubhouse opens at 7.30 a.m. and closes at 3.30 p.m.
Bar open until 3.00 p.m.
Catering available 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
TUE 2 JAN 2024
Back to normal!
We look forward to seeing you in the clubhouse.
Katie Free
Club Secretary
Course Update & Rainfall |
As we approach the end of the year one of the things that should be highlighted is the fact that by the 12th of December the course had had over 1 meter of rainfall during 2023. This is 10 inches above the 100-year average. Taking this into consideration continuing praise must go to Stuart and his team for maintaining the condition of the course and protecting it as we head into the teeth of the winter months. We as members should continue to carry bags, and given the continuing soft ground, ensure we repair pitch marks, replace divots, and follow course direction to help maintain the condition of the course.
The projects that have been undertaken this year, namely the bunker work on the 3rd and 11th, have been carried out with the minimum of disruption for members and this would be expected to continue with the work that forms part of the five-year plan.
Finally, for those of you who haven’t made it out on the course over the last week or so the collapse of the large horse chestnut on the 15th highlights the importance of Stuart and the teams continued woodland management work to thin out trees and bushes which are beyond their best and could present a danger to golfers in the future. There is a lot of unseen work in this area but believe us when we say there is always a good reason for removing trees from the course. Replanting to replace trees that have been removed is a key part of managing our woodlands.
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year and a return to normal levels of rainfall in advance of another great year on the course.
Garrett Cotter
Green Committee
Project Du Pré |
I hope as many people as possible have been able to look at the Design Board in the Main bar which shows the plans for the new terrace and examples of some of the furniture chosen.
As you will see, we think the designers have found a really good balance between increasing the overall seating capacity whilst keeping the terrace in proportion and sympathetic to the building and coping with the expansion limitations set by the drainage system for the putting green. Work is due to commence in mid-Jan and although there will be some disruption, it should only be for two or three weeks (weather allowing).
With regard the Clubhouse redevelopment, the recommended designs are agreed and we are planning to hold member presentations through the first half of February and will announce the proposed dates in early January.
Richard Cottrell
Chairman of House Committee
Social Events |
Turkey Trot – Saturday 2 December – 9am shotgun start. There was a full turnout for the Turkey Trot this year with a warming glass of mulled wine served from the 11th. The proceeds from the raffle (ably supported by our very own Elves, Dan Hucker, Katie and Susan, the Captain’s wife, at the halfway hut and Elaine in the clubhouse) and mulled wine raised £891.00 for the Captains’ charity Carers Bucks.
Children’s Christmas Party – Saturday 9 December – 56 children attended the party and enjoyed Mr Marvel’s Magical Fun Show, face-painting and party food and a visit from Father Christmas who arrived on a golf buggy by special permission! They weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the day with parents and grandparents seen dancing along with the Cha Cha slide, conga and enjoying the TV theme music quiz.
Current events open for entry are:
Bingo night – Friday 2 February 2024 – This will be a fun occasion with crisps and nibbles and the tickets are £15 each for 12 games with prizes for the winners. Tickets are now available to be booked through the diary online.
Future events scheduled for your diary are:
Valentines Themed Dinner Dance – Friday 16 February 2024 – Following the success of this year’s event we will be holding another dinner dance to the tunes of the Barry Owen Band next February. Full details will follow shortly!
The 2024 Quiz Night – Saturday 9 March 2024 – entry will open in January.
Summer Sizzler – Saturday 13 July 2024 - We’re planning a BBQ/hog roast to follow for all the family to join in the festivities so even if you aren’t planning on playing, please consider joining us afterwards.
The Social Committee
Chris' Corner |
Firstly I would like to wish you all a fabulous Christmas and New year. Looking back it has been a great year for us in the shop, and I hope you feel the same both on and off the golf course.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for the support this year, it is very much appreciated!
There are still a few days to grab those last minute gifts for the golfers in your life, and also a few more days to get your entry into the Christmas draw, entry is £5 per square.
We are still running our Christmas voucher promotion for lessons, please contact who you would like lessons with to get them arranged, the studio is a great place to start during the colder months.
See you soon, Merry Christmas!
Chris, Adam and Tom
Clubhouse News |
Judging from the positive feedback from members and guests…. the team can enjoy a very well-earned rest after serving over 700 Christmas meals this month on top of all the normal catering. Especially after having to peel over 90 kgs of brussel sprouts!!!
A fabulous effort from everybody involved and I’m sure you will want to join me in thanking the whole Catering and Hospitality team for a tremendous effort…. well done and thank you!
Over the holidays, the kitchen will remain open with a full menu, so we hope to see more members enjoying the food and the facilities.
Looking forward into next year, we are working on some exciting plans to launch a new menu in the Spring so watch this space and we will keep you informed.
Richard Cottrell
Chairman of the House Committee
Tom's Top Tips |
A Note From Golf And Comps |
A question was asked at the AGM regarding the Artisans Club, raising some valid issues for consideration by the Board. This was reviewed at the November meeting and as a result, Mike Lawson and I met with the secretary and treasurer of The Artisans to discuss this.
The Board continues to support the Artisans and have agreed the following changes which we believe will address the concerns that were raised:
1. From January 1st, the Sunday winter starting time for The Artisans will move permanently from 11.30am to 12.15pm. This will give members more tee time during the popular morning session and will alleviate some of the Bloomfield and other 1st tee queues on winter Sundays.
2. The Artisans will undertake additional divoting sessions in May and July, meaning they will be divoting monthly from April through to September. These additional sessions during the most popular playing time of the year will see a marked difference in the condition of the fairways as a result.
David Booker
Chairman of the Golf and Competitions Committee
In The Golf Bag.....Free relief from temporary water |
I know I did an article about general winter golf a couple of months ago, but with all the rain we have had over the last month I thought I would remind everyone of when and how you take free relief from temporary water.
Definition of Temporary Water
Temporary water is any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground that can be seen before or after you take a stance. If the area is merely muddy, or the water can only be seen momentarily when you step onto the ground, this is NOT temporary water.
You may take free relief from temporary water if your ball is in the temporary water, or it affects your stance or the areas of your intended swing. You do not get free relief from temporary water if your ball is in a penalty area.
How To Take Relief
I would strongly recommend NOT lifting the ball before you work out where you will be dropping – it may be a worse spot so it may be better just to play the ball as it lies. If you lift the ball and then decide not to take relief, you get a one shot penalty for lifting the ball and have to replace it where it was.
Firstly, find the nearest place of complete relief (NPOCR), not nearer the hole, where your stance and swing is not affected by the temporary water. Remember that you are not guaranteed a better lie, so this could be behind a tree, or in a muddy area in the rough. It is a good idea to put a tee peg in to mark the NPOCR.
Drop a ball in a relief area one club length from the NPOCR, no nearer the hole than the NPOCR and such that you will not be standing in the water after the drop. You do not need to measure, so I would suggest that, unless you are planning to drop at the extremity of the club length or are playing in a prestigious event, you save time by not measuring. Once the ball has been dropped, if it is doubtful that the ball is still within the one club length, then you should measure.
You are allowed to clean the ball or even use a different ball. You are also allowed to move any loose impediments (such as leaves, twigs, stones) in the relief area before dropping, but you cannot move anything growing or repair a divot.
Once the ball is dropped and has come to rest in the relief area, it is in play and you cannot redrop if it is in a bad lie.
If the ball rolls out of the relief area, then you redrop, and if it rolls out of the relief area a second time, then you replace the ball where it hit the ground on the second drop.
Bunkers
If your ball is in a bunker then free relief from temporary water is available but the ball must be dropped in the bunker. If there is nowhere in the bunker where you can get complete relief, you can use the point where you get maximum relief, so you are allowed to be standing or even playing from the water.
You have another option when there is temporary water in a bunker, which is to take a one shot penalty and drop back on line outside the bunker, keeping the location of the ball in the bunker between you and the hole.
If the bunker is marked as GUR, then you get free relief outside the bunker under the normal procedure for taking relief from GUR.
On the Green
If your ball is on the green, in addition to relief for temporary water affecting your ball, swing or stance, you also get relief for temporary water on your line of play.
On the green you take relief by placing a ball at the nearest point of complete relief, which may not be on the green. If there is no point of complete relief, you can take relief using the point of maximum relief.
Janet Beal
Trophy Roll Of Honour |
Click here to see all the Winners for the Trophy Competitions