Captain’s Blog No 4 (12.05.2020)
As with previous blogs I must start by hoping that all members and their families are well and managing to keep busy and positive during this very strange and worrying period. Isabelle and I have settled into something of a routine, taking things slowly, daily walks (we’ve been so lucky with the weather!) and eating plenty of cake! Despite shortages of key ingredients resulting in one or two ‘very interesting experiments’,
Isabelle has excelled on the baking front. Her latest masterpiece was a wonderful coffee and walnut birthday cake for me yesterday. Just for the record I was 66 yesterday and this birthday was certainly different.
Apart from eating birthday cake, the last 24 hours have been dominated by news that the course is reopening on Wednesday. Isabelle and I are booked to play at 10.20! The golf club WhatsApp groups have been in meltdown. Clearly there is a huge pent up demand, I understand all tee times are booked on Wednesday with the rest of the week filling fast. So, while many of us are exciting about being able to play golf, a word of caution. In the current circumstances there have to be very many restrictions and changes to the normal protocols associated with golf. The club has issued, to all members, a ‘play safe, stay safe procedure’. It is absolutely vital that before going to the club everyone is clear about the new rules and when at the club follow them to the letter. Please avoid any actions that could put yourself or others at increased risk.
While the government’s outline map for moving out of lockdown provides some light at the end of the tunnel we are clearly not out of the woods yet (sorry about the mixed metaphors!) and in many ways as restrictions are relaxed we are entering potentially the most dangerous phase. In such circumstances many of you may feel that it is not appropriate to restart playing golf. Of course, everyone must make their own decision, particularly reflecting their own circumstances. I know everyone associated with the club will fully respect those who decide now is not the time.
The pandemic has totally decimated the normal golfing schedule and the initial return is purely for social golf. However, the 3 competition committees at the club (Gents, Ladies and Seniors) are keen to restart some competitive golf when appropriate. We are meeting with Richard (via Zoom) on Thursday to discuss things and hopeful put together some tentative plans. We will keep everyone informed of the outcome.
As Captain I am keen that as soon as circumstances allow we try to organise some of the usual charity and other Captain’s events. I know Karen is keen to organise events for the Lady’s section. Unfortunately, events that involve shotgun starts and post golf social interactions are likely to off the agenda for some time. Despite these restrictions if competitive golf, even in a limited form, can be restarted I hope to organise some Captain’s events as soon as practically possible. Watch this space!
Sadly, one event that I can confirmed has been postponed, is the Captain’s away trip to Patshull Park. This was scheduled for 28/29th June. Patshull confirmed this week that this will have to be postponed. I am hopeful that this can be rearranged, maybe in September. Over 30 members have paid a £25 deposit, and a few have paid the full £125. While I can carry these payments over, if anyone would like a refund please send your bank details to me at davehughes1954@btinternet.com
It’s likely that the next couple of weeks will see not only the return of some action on the course but also increasing clarity about the future activities at the club. So hopefully, in the next blog I will be able to report on these. Until then, I look forward to waving to on the course. Stay safe.
Dave