Regent Park Golf Club
Captains Report
(The opening shot!)
Welcome to the first issue of my Captains Report which I hope you find occasionally useful and informative. These first few weeks as Captain have included attending the Captains Society AGM at Hindley Hall GC, the BGA AGM at Chorley GC, a golf day and dinner at Deane GC where I met all the other club Captains (a motley bunch at first impressions!), a BGA dinner at Dunscar GC and my first official meeting with Mr Robin Day.
My year started with our own AGM in February. I was embarrassed at the low turnout of members that could be bothered to attend this important annual event. It is your opportunity as members of Regent Park Golf Club to become involved in the future of our golf club. We are all aware that many golf clubs in the BGA and across the country are facing financial difficulties in 2011. If we are to continue and grow as a club then more members should be taking an active role in how your club is run and the AGM is one of the forums open to everyone of you. I certainly look forward to more of you attending this years AGM in February.
'Hello and Goodbye'.... firstly welcome to our new Vice Captain, Glen Morgan. I look forward to working together with Glen this year and wish him lots of success in his new role. You will all have the opportunity to talk to him sooner rather than later as I have asked him to update all of our members details, especially phone numbers and email addresses. Your support is appreciated.
Goodbye to Rob Walsh and Carl Blackshaw who have both stepped down from this years committee. Their support, time, effort and commitment to Regent Park GC over the years has been superb and I look forward to their continued support as members. Rob has also stepped down as Team Captain and leading the team to the BGA Club Championship was one of many memorable highlights. Replacing Rob as Team Captain will be Norman Guy supported ably by Mark Latham. The team has already started well beating both BrackleyGC and Ashton-in-Makerfield GC in the Mail on Sunday. I am confident that the team will continue to perform well. All of the team competition venues and dates can be found on our website regentparkgolfclub.co.uk and your support is always welcome.
The Captains Drive in this year is on Saturday 19th March at 10am and if any of you would like to witness me cane a drive 180 yds down the 8th fairway your company is most welcome.
There is a carvery meal at the end of the days play and presentation of prizes to the winners of this winters competitions. I hope that most of you will be able to attend.
Help 4 Heroes is my charity for this year and I look forward to raising a healthy sum throughout the year. The 18th green will again play a leading part of the fund raising with all 3 putts resulting in a £1 donation. Maurice Simpson was the leading contributor in 2009 and judging by his putting this winter he could well be hard to beat again this summer!
Blackpool Away Day...
I have organised for a day trip to Blackpool North Shore Golf Club on Friday 29th April. This is the wedding day of Prince William to Kate Middleton and the government has created an extra Bank Holiday. I have ordered plenty of sunshine and the day starts at 10am with bacon sandwiches, 18 holes of golf from 11am and a three course meal to follow. Total cost is £32.50 per person and I have reserved 16 tee times. Please put your name on the list on the notice board and provide a £10 deposit to the girls behind the bar. Thanks for your support.
The Club Trip 2011....
The club trip this year will be to Hellidon Lakes in Northamptonshire on the 9th, 10th and 11th September. This stunning venue boasts 3 stunning golf courses, 4 star accommodation with pool, spa, tenpin bowling and fishing. Dinner, bed and breakfast with three rounds of golf is £195. Please add your name to the list by the notice board. A savings scheme is available with the girls behind the bar.
Captains gripe...
Can members please sign in at the pro shop at least 10 minutes before their tee time. Too many members are leaving it to the last minute to arrive at the course, get ready and sign in and this can cause delays on the tee. My charity box awaits persistent offenders!
Please do not deposit golf clubs and bags in the club house at any time. Please use the changing rooms only. A £5 fine in the charity box to those members that forget!
And Finally....
Congratulations to John McKenna who will become President of the BGA in 2012. It has been 36 years since Regent Park Golf Club last boasted this prestigious position and on behalf of all the members we wish him every success in this demanding role.
Peter Smith
Captain 2011