No. 52 Captain: Kevin Roberts. January 2005

FOUR’S A CROWD IN SINGLE STABLEFORD COMPS

A members’ suggestion that fourballs should be permissable in single Stableford competitions during the winter months (November-February), led to a lively debate at the first council meeting of the New Year.

It was agreed that in non-club events, organised by the Professional, Roy Penney, he should have the right to decide the format for the day.

But there was a clear division of opinion over the issue of official competitions.

The general rule has been that members should go out in threeballs whenever possible, but that pairs were acceptable if a third player could not be found after a reasonable waiting time had elapsed.
It was pointed out at the meeting that, recently, two players waiting on the putting green to be made up were passed by a fourball on their way to the first tee when it was plainly obvious that the six could be split into two threeballs.

To make matters worse, this occurred a second time.

The problem, of course, is that fourballs take longer to complete a hole than threeballs, and that they are often unwilling to wave through those being held up.

After a lengthy debate, the council was split down the middle but a decision was finally agreed in favour of the status quo – threeballs to be the norm with pairs acceptable only if a third player is unavailable.

BRENDA JARVIS FOXED ON 13TH.

Brenda Jarvis encountered a new hazard when playing the long 13th recently – her approach shot to the gully was pounced upon by a fox, which then disappeared down the slope.

Fortunately, it abandoned the ball near the stream and Brenda was permitted a free drop.

Life can certainly be interesting when partnering Brenda. In the last edition of the Wedge, it was reported that she and Pauline Day were prevented from playing their shots to the fifth green when a car appeared from behind the trees on their right and came to a rest on the roadway across the fairway.

The driver explained he had failed to take a bend on Coalpit Lane, crashed on to the course, and was seeking advice on how to get off.

IT’S A DOUBLE FOR THE WATERHOUSES.
Sheila Waterhouse has become the club’s Lady Captain only seven years after taking up the game – a remarkable achievement.

And her appointment marks a notable double for the Waterhouses because husband Bill was the club Captain in 2001-02.

Employed by Oldham Metropolitan Borough for 11 years before transferring to work for the Home Office at Oldham Magistrates Courts for a further 21 years, Sheila was the Borough Licensing Officer controlling more than 700 licensed premises.

In addition, she held the post of office manager responsible for 18 staff.

Sheila took early retirement in 1994 and, after three years of being a golf widow, joined the club in 1997.

She is a tireless worker for the ladies’ committee and, in particular, the social committee.

Her Vice-Captain is Pat Redmond.

The new Lady Secretary is Nadine McNamara, following the resignation from the club of Fiona Dooley.

BAR OPENING HOURS EXTENDED.
Many members have often complained that the bar at other clubs is open far longer than our own.

Council has responded by agreeing – with the willing co-operation of Carol – to extend lunchtime opening hours, for an unspecified trial period, until 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

If you want to ensure the extension becomes a permanent feature you know what to do.