What's Happening week of 9 February...........

Given the hectic pace of the long weekend it is good to be able to draw breath and take stock over the next wee while. Golfing wise the next event is qualifying for the Godby Trophy on Saturday 14 where the top 32 on stroke net qualify to play off in match play. Outside of the club champs this is one of the more prestigious competitions so give consideration to putting your name down. Please note the first round of matchplay is scheduled for the 28 February so if you are unavailable for that date mark your card n/a to avoid first round scratchings. After the first round matches are by arrangement prior to the specified date.

Presidents and Metro advance their competitions on Sunday both home at Shirley. Hopefully we will be able to record two good wins again. Spare a thought for the Metro Manager (me) where we are required to have a slope index of 80 or greater. For our first match we made the total of 82.4 this week the same players total only 78.3 so we are going to have to rearrange our players to meet the criteria (ie someone is going to be replaced!!!).

I think everyone is agreed that 2009 will bring forth a number of new challenges for the Christchurch Golf Club and as a club we will have to be innovative in meeting these changed demands. The success of the club depends upon interpreting and managing a number of different and sometimes competing interests which may result in at times unpopular decisions. To establish a clear direction for this and subsequent years for the first time the club is convening a "think tank" involving the Board , the men's & women's committees, the pro shop, the caterers , the greens staff and the office. A wide ranging discussion is planned on such diverse topics as finance , membership & communication , course development , twilight golf , mixed events and social get-togethers.

I view this as a positive step by the club in addressing issues before they become pressing and taking the lead in ensuring that we remain the pre-eminent golf club not only within Christchurch and the South Island but the whole of New Zealand. I look forward to actively discussing these and other matters with you as the year unfolds. This Wednesday the Board also has its regular monthly meeting and the outcomes of the think tank are likely to be further debated.

Until next time good golfing.............