RBGC President June Blog

As the end of the financial year upon us, we can reflect on what I would consider to be a successful year under the circumstances.
 
We are fortunate to have avoided the losses some of our neighbouring Clubs have incurred due to the wet weather.
 
After losing over $70,000 in green and competition fees due to wet weather and a similar amount from abnormal payouts on gaming, the Club is expected to finish with a profit for the year,a situation that appeared unlikely around Christmas.
 
This is mainly due to the excellent work our Manager, Aaron Muirhead, with the support of the Board, has done in attracting weddings and functions and organising members and visitors promotions.
In addition, the Club has continued to improve our dining experience with menu variations and dining promotions was has attracted increased clubhouse dining patronage. It would also be remiss of me not to thank our chef, Peter Thomas, for his delivery of quality meals for inhouse dining and catered functions and weddings.
 
The Board is continuing to be proactive in management of both the Golfing and Clubhouse activities. We continue to try new activities or functions. Some will work, some don't.
 
We strive to continually improve our facilities (both on course and clubhouse) in order to offer our members and visitors excellent facilities and quality service.
 
Peter Tucker
 
President

RBGC July Sponsors Blog - MTA Travel

Welcome to our newest club sponsor, Bev Dewar from MTA Travel. Bev can assist you with all your travel needs and she can be contacted on the numbers listed below. Please support the businesses that support this fantastic club.

RBGC Coming events in July 2011

To view the Coming Events at RBGC in July, click on the following link:

http://redlandbaygolf.blogspot.com/2011/06/july-calendar-of-events.html

RBGC Patron June Blog

This is a message from the very passionate and proud Patron of the Redland Bay Golf Club - "Jewel in the Crown" of SEQ. We are truely a great club, great course and great members and should be proud of the direction that the club is heading!

To Max & his staff, you have all done an outstanding job keeping our course playable over the extreme wet of the past few months. Members are saying that they have never seen the course in such good condition and I agree.

Don Kidd - Club Patron

RBGC Champions

GOLF RESULTS

Congratulations to the following Champions:

Ladies Foursomes - Pam Jansons & Marie Aaskov (apologies for the mistake made in the previous email reporting this result)
Mens Foursomes - Gross Winners - Col Truswell & David McHugh
Mens Foursomes Net Winners - Andrew Eastes & Wayne Clarke
Vets Club Champion - Peter Cook
Vets A Grade - Col Brown
Vets B Grade - Sam Thompson
Vets C Grade - Max Robertson
Vets Ladies - Linda Truswell
Vets 4BBB Champs 1st Rnd Leaders - Kerry Cooper & Cecil O'Brien

Frank Sinatra Tribute Show - 7 October 2011

FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE SHOW

Due to the huge popularity of these shows, a "Frank Sinatra" tribute show & buffet has been booked for the club on Friday, 7 October 2011. If you have missed out on "Johnny Cash" please book your seats early as I envisage that this one will also sell out quickly.

STEAK SPECIAL TONIGHT - Friday, 24 June 2011

STEAK SPECIAL TONIGHT - Friday, 24 June 2011

Tonight, there is a fantastic steak special on offer to RBGC members. .

250g Kilcoy MSA Eye Fillet wrapped in bacon and cooked to your liking, served with beer battered fries and a fresh garden salad. You will also have a choice of sauces including gravy, pepper, mushroom & dianne.

$17.90

Bookings recommended on (07) 3206 7011!

Due to the relationships that the club has forged with some of our suppliers, discounted products come available and we ensure that these savings are passed onto our valuable members. When offering these specials, we ensure that the quality that members have come to expect is maintained! 

Welcome to "Bay Golf"

A joint initiative between Bribie Island Golf Club, Nudgee Golf Club, Redland Bay Golf Club and Wynnum Golf Club has been forged to provide a value add to your current membership here at the Redland Bay Golf Club.

Each club has agree to offer golfing opportunities at their venues for members of the other participating clubs by way of “Bay Golf Invitational” events on selected days as shown below. The fee for you to attend and play at these clubs will be the host clubs daily competition fee only (No green fee).

To check the available dates at these clubs, I recommend that you click on the “Bay Golf” icon on the home page of http://www.redlandbaygolf.com.au/ To view the other Club websites and any possible changes to coming events, go to:-

www.bribieislandgolfclub.com.au  

www.nudgeegolf.com.au 

www.wynnumgolf.com.au 

The proposed “Bay Golf” events each month at the clubs are:

Redland Bay Golf Club

·         1^st Friday – Rydges Oasis Black Marker Challenge

·         3^rd Wednesday

Nudgee Golf Club

·         1^st Wednesday

·         3^rd Friday

·         4^th Sunday

Wynnum Golf Club

·         2^nd Friday

·         3^rd Sunday

Bribie Island Golf Club

·         Last Friday – Blue/Red Tee Challenge

·         Wednesday Men’s Open Mid Week Challenge (Check the website for details of coming events)

 Please check the websites for any changes to the above scheduled days. We hope you all enjoy this new initiative.

Rydges Oasis Black Marker Challenge - 8 July 2011

Rydges Oasis Sunshie Coast Black Marker Challenge - Friday, 8 July 2011

 

"Test your game from the Black Markers"

 

ü Single stroke event open to members & visitors

ü    In excess of $1600.00 in prizes for each event

ü   Win 2 nights accommodation at Rydges Oasis Sunshine Coast

ü   $15 RBGC members; $25 non members

(Price includes golf, drink & a mixed platter for your group of 4)

ü RBGC Members can book online, visitors please phone (07) 3206 7011

 

NEXT BLACK MARKER EVENTS:

• Friday, 8 July 2011
• Friday, 5 August 2011

The Tee sheet for July is now open for bookings

Is your life complicated?

"Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst." William Penn

Everywhere you look, life is getting more and more complicated.  While on the surface technology may appear to simplify your life there are always tradeoffs.  There are many factors that seem to be moving our lives faster and making them more complicated. 

I recently read a survey that said (I am always suspect of surveys but here it is anyway) 70% of the population (USA) wanted more than anything else to simplify their lives. Yet these same very people keep buying more toys and faster computers.  Interesting paradox.  We have been led to believe that more makes it easier.  Faster makes it easier.  I don’t think so.  Only when you determine in what areas you are guilty of complicating your life can you change it if you decide to.

Question for the week

What complicates your life and what can you do about it?

Tim Connor, CSP World renowned Speaker, Trainer and best selling author of over 80 titles.  Box 397,  Davidson, N.C. 28036 USA,  704-895-1230 (voice)  tim@timconnor.com (email) - www.timconnor.com (Website)

Dining Specials Tonight

Tonight (Wednesday night, 22 June 2011), we have 2 fantastic specials for RBGC members.

300g 1824 MSA Rump served with beer battered fries and a fresh garden salad - $10.90
&
Crumbed Coral Trout served with beer battered fries and a fresh garden salad - $10.90

While you are here on Wednesday, you can also play along in the comedy trivia hosted by the hilarious Mike Van Acker. Trivia commences at approx. 6.30pm.

The RBGC Kids Club also has a Bowling night activity for the kids to participate in while you enjoy your meals and trivia!

Hope to see you at the club!

GOLF has turned up a new contender for world's wackiest sports stars

Forget the "spiderman" antics of Colombian Camilo Villegas, or the gaudy duds of John Daly, put a 35-year-old balding American known more for his slow play than his quick wit at the top of the list when it comes to personality.
His name is Ben Crane, world No.44, and in his 10 seasons on the US PGA Tour he has won three tournaments.
Until last year he was one of the quiet plodders on tour, rarely seen on TV coverage until fiery South African Rory Sabbatini became so frustrated at his painful routine that he played out of turn a breach of etiquette in any competition.
But last year Crane unleashed his other side, launching his own website and posting a mock fitness instructional video.
Dressed in a tight red bodysuit and a black helmet, he is shown struggling with inflatable fit balls, belting foam sticks and offering pearls of wisdom.
In follow-up videos he has tackled his battles with slow play, his pre-round warm-ups and a penchant for dancing.
But his latest post takes the cake - it's a music video boy-band parody with fellow PGA pros Ricky Fowler, Bubba Watson and Hunter Mahan.
Click on the link to view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM2NocuEihw&feature=player_embedded

Golf Putting Lesson

Gole Professional, Denis Pugh has some excellent advice and techniques to share with you regarding your putting. Click on the link below to see his video. Hope this helps bring your score down!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSRvvOx0l4Y&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=SL

RBGC Kids Club Bowling Competition

Managers Blog June 2011

All clubs in SEQ are still going through this inconsistant weather patern but the Redland Bay Golf Club is still holding strong. As detailed in the Finance Directors Blog, even though we have lost approximately 4 months of golf due to the rain periods, we are still trading well into positive territory. I would like to congratulate the greens staff on the excellent efforts that have put into getting the course back into great shape. Hopefully, although it is a bit unconfortable for some, I hope that this cold weather stays around for a bit as it may keep the rain away!

Members Birthdays
This month, we held our first Birthday Dinner for members that have their birthday in June. This was a very successful night and I hope all that attended enjoyed the night. A huge thank you to those members that supported this event!

Golf

Over the next few weeks, I should have taken delivery of our "Bay Golf Cards". These cards will enable our members to play in nominated competition events at Nudgee, Wynnum and Bribie Golf Clubs by only paying the competition fee. Similarly, members of these other participating clubs will be able to participate in nominated competitions here at the Redland Bay Golf Club. A letter detailing the usage opportunities will accompany the card. This relationship formed should provide more participation between our clubs.

The next "Battle of the Bay" event is approaching, Friday, 14 October 2011 to be held at the Redland Bay Golf Club. The recent event held at Carbrook GC was very successful, unfortunately, Carbrook won the day! Thanks to Carbrook GC for hosting the RBGC members and all the RBGC members that participated in the last event and I hope more come out on the next event to win the trophy back from Carbrook.

Qld PGA Seniors Championship is also getting closer, 11 & 12 August 2011. Play with these legends of the game on Thursday, 11 August for $40. To book your spot, phone 32067011.

I am also in the process of designing an overnight trip to Ballina with golf at Ballina GC & Murwillumbah GC toward the end of September 2011. This should be a good trip and once the package is confirmed, we will have 24 spots available for members. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Membership Giveaway

Don't forget about your chance to Win a Full (7 day) Golf Membership at the 2010 Qld PGA Metropolitan Golf Club of the Year. Simply make a purchase from the bistro to the value of $10.00 or more OR make a $10.00 purchase at the bar or more and receive a ticket to go into the draw. Tickets can also be purchased at reception for $5.00. Total prize pool $3365.00. Drawn from 6.30pm on Friday, 9 September 2011. Ask staff for more details! 

Entertainment

We also have some excellent entertainment in stall for members and guests in coming months that has been mentioned in previous blogs. Unfortunatley, the "Johnny Cash" tribute show & buffet is now SOLD OUT, but due to the huge popularity of these events, I have booked the "Frank Sinatra" tribute show & buffet on Friday, 7 October 2011. If you have missed out on "Johnny Cash" please book your seats early as I envisage that this one will also sell out quickly.Friday, 18 November is a new event to be held here at the club - Xmas Comedy & Magic Show. The event will feature the hilarious Mike Van Acker along with the brilliant Tony Laffan who will amaze you with his magic comedy show.

Club Dining

This coming Wednesday night, we are doing 2 fantastic kitchen specials for RBGC members.

300g 1824 MSA Rump served with beer battered fries and a fresh garden salad - $10.90
&
Crumbed Coral Trout served with beer battered fries and a fresh garden salad - $10.90

While you are here on Wednesday, you can also play along in the comedy trivia hosted by the hilarious Mike Van Acker. Trivia commences at approx. 6.30pm.

Aaron

Sponsor Blog - Good Guys Capalaba

Thanks to all of our club sponsors. This month, the Good Guys have asked to feature the following flyer. Please support the businesses that support your club.

July Calendar of Events

Coming events at RBGC

There are some fantastic events and entertainment lined up for the members and guests of the Redland Bay Golf Club:

17 June - Comedy night featuring Steve Allison & Lindsay Webb
15 July - "Johnny Cash" tribute show & buffet SOLD OUT
August - QLD Seniors PGA Championship
9 September - 7 day membership draw and movie night
October - "Frank Sinatra" tribute show & buffet
November - Xmas Comedy & Magic Show

Hope to see you at the club!

RBGC On Course Bunker Report

Currently, the green staff are getting around the course and topping up the bunkers with sand. The cost of this repair & maintenance job is approximately $5000 plus wages. Some members believe that the club should reconstruct the bunkers on course. I would like to give you an idea of the coats associated with this type of program:

Materials required:

• Sand
• Bunker mats and pins
• Gravel and pipes
• Removal of old sand
• Labour

Based on a bunker that is 10m x 5m in size, it would cost $4500 per bunker.

The Redland Bay Golf Club has 56 bunkers on course and to rebuild these would incur a total cost of approximately $252,000.00.

Max

String Line Putting Drill

Snowing at RBGC?

What would Redland Bay Golf Club look like if covered in snow? Thanks to member, Jim Barnes, these photo's taken with an infra red camera give a fairly good idea! Great photo's thanks Jim!

Hole 7

Hole 16

Hole 13

RBGC Newsletter June 2011

The official newsletter of the Redland Bay Golf Club for May "The Bunker" is now available and can be viewed by clicking on
http://www.redlandbaygolf.com.au/uploads/thebunker/The%20Bunker%20JUNE%202011.pdf

US Open (Congressional Country Club) Fact Sheet

  U.S. Open Maintenance at Congressional Country Club
With the 2011 U.S. Open scheduled for Congressional Country Club June 16-19, the competitors are preparing themselves for a stiff competition to identify the best player at the championship. Golf course superintendents across the country are preparing in a different way as they brace themselves for the usual battery of questions from golfers about how the golf course is presented and maintained. To be sure you have the latest information, here are several facts and figures about how the golf course has been prepared.

W

While watching the U.S. Open on television may make many golfers envious of championship playing conditions, this work involves many extra volunteers who help the maintenance staff accomplish the countless tasks to put the course in shape. Thanks to the support from equipment companies and highly-qualified volunteer labor, maintenance tasks can be performed daily, and often many times per day. Every area the golf course is maintained to provide the best possible playing quality, but these conditions are just temporary. This level of conditioning cannot be sustained week-in and week-out without such tremendous support.

Congressional Country Club

Course Fact Sheet

Fairways:

              Width:  Ranges from 18 to 35 yards, averaging 25 yards wide in the primary landing zones.

Grass Type: Predominantly Penncross creeping bentgrass along with other

varieties interseeded over the years.

Mowing Height: 0.345 inch

Tees:

Grass Type: Penncross creeping bentgrass

Mowing Height: 0.345 inch

Greens:

Grass Type: Greens were rebuilt in 2009 to  USGA Guidelines for Putting Green Construction and established with a blend of Penn A-1 and A-4 creeping bentgrass.

Mowing Height: 0.10 inch

Mowing Height for collars and approaches: 0.310 inch

Target Stimpmeter Reading: 14-14.5 feet

Irrigation Practices: Only hand-watering on the greens. The goal is to achieve firmness without compromising the health of the grass. Soil moisture levels are constantly monitored with hand-held testers and in-ground sensors. Fairways and tees are irrigated on an as-needed basis. Wetting agents have been applied due to sand topdressing of both fairways and tees. The goal is to achieve even wetting when irrigation is applied.

Roughs:

   Grass Type:

o intermediate rough – primarily perennial ryegrass

o primary rough – predominantly turf-type tall fescue.

   On each side of the fairway, a 6-foot wide swath of intermediate rough running the length of each hole will be mowed at 0.875 inch. The same mowing height is used for the bunker tie-ins.

   On greens with a primary rough, the mowing height is 3 inches.

For the sixth consecutive year, the USGA will use graduated primary rough. This setup creates a tougher and more challenging recovery shot for those who hit their drives farther off-line.

   The first cut of primary rough is 6 yards wide and mowed between 2.75-3.25 inches, depending on the length of the hole.

   The second cut of rough is mowed to 4 inches, depending on the turf growth rate. This height extends to and beyond the gallery rope lines.

Bunkers:

Maintenance: New sand has been added to all bunkers. All bunkers are hand- raked.

Maintenance Crew:

Congressional C.C. crew size: 55

Number of mechanics on staff during the Open: 3

Number of volunteers: 120. Most are experienced golf course superintendents and assistant superintendents who volunteer their time for the week.

Where the volunteers are housed: Nearby in housing at American University.

How the maintenance crew and volunteers are fed: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by the Congressional C.C. chef for the entire maintenance staff and volunteers.

Typical hours worked during the championship: Morning shift 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Afternoon shift 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Staff is on property throughout the day in case of rain.

Miscellaneous Maintenance Points:

Amount of extra equipment on hand: Six walking greens mowers, four walking collar mowers, eight turf rollers, four walking tee mowers, 19 five-plex fairway mowers, three rotary rough units with 9-foot cutting width, two rotary rough units with 6-foot cutting width, one reel rough unit with 6-foot cutting width, two mechanical bunker rakes, 22 maintenance carts and 36 squeegees.

Typical mowing schedule during the championship: All principal in-play areas will be mowed every day. Greens, tees and fairways are mowed twice a day.

Soil moisture: Monitored by in-ground soil sensors and hand-held soil moisture meters. The greens are also equipped with an underground water evacuation system.

Soil Firmness: The firmness of the greens will be measured each day (morning and evening) using the  USGA TruFirm system to monitor soil firmness. A relative range has been determined for each green to gauge the receptiveness of the green in holding an approach shot.