Werneth Wedge

Proposal To Give A New Look To The Gully.

A makeover plan for the club’s notorious gully – the ruination of many a fine round - is to be submitted to the council by member Danny Jacewicz as part of his final year studies for a BA Hons. degree in Garden and Landscape Design at Myerscough College, near Preston.

He was given the go-ahead after pointing out that the club would receive, free of charge, a professional report and design proposals which would cost up to £10,000 if drawn up by a landscape architect.

The 16-handicapper already has other qualifications in horticulture, landscape practice, and garden design.

One of the course modules asks for a "design/drawing project" which looks into the background of a given site, its functions, and any projected improvements.

In his letter to the council, Danny says: "I think the project would be mutually beneficial to both parties – the club would receive valuable information and design ideas for the future and, hopefully, I will get my degree."

And he makes it clear that all he requires is access to survey the course on a regular basis, with no disruption to play whatsoever, a few meetings with greens staff and committee members, and some background information on the course itself.

His aim is to look at the ecology of the gully – which players have to cross seven times in the course of a round – weigh up the pros and cons for the golfer, and decide how the area could be improved in all aspects and in the interests of all concerned.

In granting permission for Danny to undertake the project, council made no commitment as to its response when his plan is finally submitted.

The traditional nature of the course, and the cost of any improvements he recommends, will have to be taken into account.

Werneth Tougher Than Birkdale!

If the Captain’s experience is anything to go by, our tight little course is a tougher test than Royal Birkdale’s widespread acres.

Playing a courtesy round with Oldham Captain David Beech on a course which regularly hosts the Open Championship, he carded a respectable gross 92 (net 76).

But the very next day, it took him 94 shots to get round his home course in a Saturday medal competition.

Incidentally, should you wish to pay a green fee at Birkdale it will set you back £140 for a single round.

Vice-captain Wins Again.

Vice-Captain Kevin Roberts, who has been in a rich vein of form throughout the season, won the first division of the November monthly medal with a sub-par score of 67-4-63.

Runner up was Steve Britt (76-12-64).

The second division title went to Neil Pickering, who celebrated his birthday gift of an Odyssey putter with a round of 82-19-63.

Second was council member Alan Milligan (82-17-65).

Paul Walker’s Turkey Trot.

Paul Walker almost gobbled up the first and second prizes when the club staged its annual turkey competition over a weekend.

Players could take part in the fourball Stableford event on both Saturday and Sunday as long as they had different partners.

Partnered by Joe Cassidy, Paul took first prize with a score of 45pts.

And, paired with Paul Higgins, he just missed out on the second prize to Mark Routledge and young Michael Farrimond, whose 44pts included a greater number of points on the back nine.

Amendment To Dress Code.

Council has agreed that collar-attached fashion shirts, designed to be worn outside the trousers, will now be acceptable in the clubhouse at times when informal dress is currently permitted – but NOT on the golf course.

Another Major Win For Jane Fletcher.

Course record holder Jane Fletcher was in blistering form in the final of the Spencer Challenge Cup, winning at the fourteenth against Vivienne Leaver.

Brenda Jarvis won the ladies’ annual turkey competition.

Invalids On The Mend.

Lady Captain Isobel Wright, wrapped up against the chill wind, was warmly welcomed back to the club earlier this month after a long absence following a serious operation.

Meanwhile, former Captain David Bielby and fellow senior Vic Chester are making satisfactory progress after their operations.

Another Post For Secretary.

Secretary John Barlow has been elected Chairman of the Oldham and District Golf Society – an organisation made up of golf clubs in the area which discusses matters of mutual interest.

Course Records Not At Risk.

Some members have expressed concern that course record scores could be invalid unless all medal competitions are played off the back markers.

Secretary John Barlow has made it clear that, under handicapping rules, all such scores are valid as long as the length of the course is not reduced by more than 100 yards – never a problem at Werneth.

Santa’s On His Way!

Father Christmas has been contacted and asked to make sure he does not miss the club’s annual children’s party on Sunday, December 13.

Members’ children and grandchildren aged 10 and under are eligible to join in the fun .

Names should be added to the list in the lounge – but HURRY, no more than sixty can be accommodated.

The price is £5 per child.

As well as a gift from Santa the children will enjoy a disco, games, and a buffet.

Proposed Increase In Subscriptions.

Members will be asked to approve an increase of 6.5% in subscriptions when a Special General Meeting is held in the clubhouse at 8pm on Wednesday, December 3.

Council believes the inflation-plus rise is necessary to balance the books next season.

Among the changes: - Gents full £488 (+£30); Gents over 65 with 10 years full membership £341 (+£21); Gents over 65 five-day membership £224 (+14); Gents over 60 five-day membership £324 (+£20); Ladies full £341(+£21); Ladies over 60 with 10 years full membership £224 (+£14); Ladies over 60 five day membership £149 (+£9).

A levy of £20 per annum over two years is also proposed for all but juniors, social members, and country members. Members will be asked to decide whether the money should be spent on additional fencing or to provide water on the tees.

Seniors.

Batley League Fixtures.

Local rivals Saddleworth and Blackley will be among our opponents when the Lawrence Batley League tees off in the Spring.

The fixtures in full:

April 16 – West Bradford (H).
April 30 - South Bradford (H).
May 7 - Blackley (A).
May 14 - Bradley Hall (A).
May 21 - Saddleworth (H).
June 4 - Hebden Bridge (H).
June 18 - West Bradford (A).
June 25 - Branshaw, Keighley (A).
July 2 - Blackley (H).
July 9 - South Bradford (A).
July 16 - Bradley Hall (H).
July 23 - Saddleworth (A).
Aug. 6 - Hebden Bridge (A).
Aug. 13 - Branshaw (H).