| | 1 FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 7
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THE GOOD LIFE
| | On the Course | Off the Course | MEMBERS AND GUESTS
It is important to keep members and guests informed as we see the second wave of Covid-19 cases rising and impacting on all households and businesses. The Club has not been unaffected as we have received numerous reports from members about positive cases, after self-isolating. We have also seen positive cases amongst the staff during this last period, which was dealt with, as per the Covid-19 regulations, and Club policy. The Club will continue to put all measures in place to sanitize the Club, but we need each and every member, guest and staff member to do their part. Please wear masks at all times when walking through the Club, especially in halfway house before you dish up. Masks may only be removed once you are seated or on the tee.
Dear Member,
THE CLUB
Thank you to each and every member for your continued support of the Club’s Unity Fund by taking part in the Raffle Draw. Congratulations to Tony Quirk who was the lucky winner of a 1 night stay for two in a Luxury Room (incl. breakfast,) plus 2 x 60-minute massage treatments at The Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort.
We are extremely proud to announce that Firethorn attained a personal best ranking of No 21 in South Africa’s Top 100 Courses rankings. A rise of three places takes Firethorn past its previous best position of No 22 in 2002. Firethorn did exceptionally well in the Conditioning ratings, No 9 in Greens in South Africa and No 3 in Greens in Gauteng, with an average score of 8.3/10. Overall conditioning of Firethorn ranked 14th in the country.
Bushwillow dropped a few places to No 63 as we saw a few peer clubs rising in the ranks compared to previous years. A lot of work has gone into our two courses in recent years, with a lot more to be done, but we must stop and celebrate along the way. Well done to the green keeping team for their commitment over the years. A job well done.
Click here for more information on the ranking criteria.
We had a very wet weekend on the courses, and according to the weather forecast, we are expecting more rain to fall within the next week. Our courses are still in very good condition and the rain has not caused water logged areas. Our driving range however, has been under a lot of pressure with the amount of rain and it is making it very difficult to collect balls with our ball collector on a regular basis. Our team on the range will try their best to ensure we collect balls as best we can, and also ensure the balls are disinfected and cleaned before every use.
With the steady rain over the last week, it is very important to be prepared for the wet conditions. Here are some tips to ensure you and your equipment stay dry in an event of rain:
• Have a few extra gloves in your bag. A good all-weather glove is a must in rainy conditions.
• Ensure you have an extra dry towel – this will help keep your hands and grips dry during your round.
• Pack your rain gear – it doesn’t weigh a lot and doesn’t take up much space in your bag.
• Always have a working umbrella on your bag – not only does this keep you dry on a rainy day, but can also provide extra protection on a hot and sunny day.
• An extra hat … yes this might sound simple, but it does help a lot during play.
• Keep your clubs or bag covered with your rain cover at all times. A little bit of water in your bag could mean that all your grips will get wet and slippery.
• Always try and keep dry and warm during and after your round.
A few tips when playing in wet conditions:
• The ball will not travel as far as in normal conditions – rather take one club extra and trust your swing.
• Greens will be a little bit slower due to the extra water on the surface.
• Swing a little bit easier.
• Don’t grip your club too hard – tension on your grip is never good.
• Your ball will react differently off the club face especially when chipping.
• A wet clubface will reduce spin on the ball by at least 20% - always remember this when you are chipping and pitching.
• Try to stay dry as best you can.
RULE OF THE WEEK
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be focusing on the red and yellow penalty areas on the courses. We have identified some areas that need attention and we will remark the areas if required. A good example, that was brought to our attention, is the red penalty area on the 8th hole Firethorn. The red stakes will be extended from the bridge all the way past the front of the ladies’ tee boxes into the bird sanctuary on the right-hand side. If a player’s ball ends up on the right-hand side of the river, the player has the following options:
• If the ball is found, play it where it lies;
• Stroke in distance relief (one stroke penalty);
• or lateral relief from where the ball last crossed the penalty area. (One stroke penalty)
• Back in line relief
• All relief must be taken under rule 17 of The R&A rules of Golf for 2019 – for the full rule please click here. SUBMITTING OF SCORECARDS
As per the level 3 regulations, players are encouraged to only hand in one scorecard when playing in a club competition. Players must ensure that the scorecard is filled in correctly at all times.
The following must be on the scorecard:
• Date
• Format
• Tee off Time
• Name and Surname – most important
• Membership number or if a guest is playing their affiliated club
Failing to submit a correct scorecard can lead to disqualification – so please ensure your scorecard is filled in correctly.
The 2021 SA Stroke Play Championship got underway this morning and Roger and his team were out there bright and early to ensure players enjoy championship conditions.
Congratulations to our winners of the Longest Drive Competition.
WINNER - MEN:
Andrej Skrbinsek - 357m
WINNER - LADIES:
Caitlyn Lombard - 287m
Congratulations to the winner of the lucky draw – Lowe Devon - 288m
Please contact Leanne on 011 215 8600 or clubevents@randpark.co.za to collect your prize.
Join us on Friday, 12th February for the first Odyssey sponsored Putting Competition of the year. The format is a Round Robin, Individual Knockout with the winner receiving a sponsored prize. The top two players of each event will get to battle it out in the final event in December. You can enter with Greg and Bax in the Golf Shop. See you on the putting green.
We’ve planned the perfect oh-so-romantic VALENTINE'S DAY for you, with amazing options to choose from:
An unforgettable BREAKFAST experience outside on our Terrace from 07:30 – 12:30:
Harvest Breakfast
OR
V-Day Breakfast
A delectable FOUR-COURSE VALENTINE'S LUNCH/DINNER to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.
You have a choice of either having your meal outside on our Terrace from 13:00 – 19:00, where you can enjoy our non-alcoholic gin, beer, wine or sparkling wine with your meal
Or as a romantic meal at home (home meals will be available for collection from 12:00).
Pre-paid bookings are essential.
Contact Leanne on 011 215 8600 or clubevents@randpark.co.za
Bookings close Friday, 12 February at 2pm
Click here for more menu information
Have a great week
Stay Safe, Healthy & Happy!
The Randpark Team
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