Dear Members,

Well, already we’re in to the throws of the Winter Cup and have moved on to the winter tees and temporary greens as the weather dictates. I must say, the new tees are very impressive, thanks to all those who have helped create them. Let’s hope the winter isn’t too harsh and that we are able to dust the clubs off most weeks throughout the coming months.

Membership Fees - 2012

You will by now have received your letters advising you of next year’s green fees, which will be an absolute bargain at £495 for adults and a maximum of £60 for junior’s who join without a family member depending on their age. If you are intending to renew your membership in 2012, which I most certainly hope you are, can I encourage you to help the Club’s cash flow, by paying your membership fee as early in the calendar year as possible and by the end of February 2012 at the absolute latest. Maybe not everyone is aware that it is possible to pay your membership fee by instalments, if you would like more information on this please contact Chris Shaw, who I’m sure will be happy to provide you with the necessary details.

Fixtures – 2012

You should also be aware that the fixtures list for 2012 is almost complete, as soon as it has been printed copies will be available in the clubhouse, so please pick up your own copy once it’s available. On it you’ll notice some changes this year, as we’ve moved some of the dates around a little to try and spread the major competitions out a little more. We’ve also moved the Bank Holiday and mixed pairs competitions from afternoon to morning starts in an attempt to generate more interest.

New in 2012

We’ve also introduced 8 ‘Fun’ competitions, all of which will be ‘9 hole’ events held mainly on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday’s of the month from May to August these will start from 4.00pm.

Whilst not exactly ‘Opens’ these events will be open to gents, ladies & junior members and non-members alike, so if you’ve got a friend who plays golf elsewhere, why not bring them along to join in the fun. Each event will be played to a different format, some will be individual events & some will be pair’s events. The cost will be £2 for members and £5 for non-members.

An example of some of the intriguing names of these events, are:

A ‘Cha Cha’ Pairs Competition;

A ‘No Alibi’ Individual Competition &

A ‘whack & Hack’ 3 or 4 player Team Competition.

Opens – 2012

The dates (& days) of most of the 5 Stanedge ‘Opens‘ have also been changed to try and ensure we don’t clash with similar events being held at neighbouring clubs.

They are all being held in July & August and the dates are as follows:

Gents Senior Open – Thursday 5th July (£20 per pair)

Ladies Open – Friday 20th July (£20 per pair)

Junior/Adult Open – Thursday 2nd August (£15 per pair)

Gents Open – Sunday 5th August (£20 per pair)

Mixed Open Friday 31st August (£20 per pair).

As an added incentive, any couple signing up to play in one (or more) of the above, before 30th April 2012 (with the exception of the Junior/Adult Open) will receive a £5 reduction in the entry fee.

Friendly Matches – 2012

Once again, both the Gents and Ladies sections will be playing a number of friendly matches against some of our neighbouring clubs, some matches will be at home & some away. Can I encourage you to please support your respective Captain’s and the Club by putting your names forward to express your interest in playing in some, or all, of these matches. Entry lists will be displayed in the respective changing rooms several weeks in advance. If you’ve not put yourself forward to play in these matches in the past, I can assure you they are a good way of getting to know other club members & members from other clubs, as well as playing Stanedge & neighbouring clubs in a competitive yet friendly Four Ball Better Ball match play format.

Another Race Night

Following the success of the ‘Race Night’ held by our Captain in the summer, I believe it is planned to hold another ‘Race Night’ sometime in February, so watch out for the notices detailing this, both in the clubhouse and on the club’s website and put your names down for another ‘fun’ night – who knows, you might even win something!

And Finally …

May I take this opportunity to wish all members of Stanedge Golf Club (and anyone reading this Blog) a Very Merry Christmas and an Extremely Happy New Year!

Who knows what 2012 will hold in store for any of us, let’s just hope whatever it is, it’s good rather than bad!

On that note, Cheers!

There will be more from me in 2012.

Andy Hesketh

Club Chairman