Editorial Rant...........

Every now and again I think a bit of controversy and lateral thinking is healthy in fostering a dynamic and forward thinking mindset. So after nearly 9 months I may be brave enough every now and then to throw something out there and gauge the reaction. So here goes........

Is it time that we finally faced up to the fact that we need to be able to use two starting holes as a regular feature and moved from the traditional layout to the Alternate Course permanently? As I pen this heresy I hear departed members turning in their graves and the older membership checking for the next AGM but let's have a constructive debate around the issue. The opening proposition I say is "When we have finished the fairway renovations lets re-launch Shirley Links with two separate nines".

I know the arguments against of which there are four - It's a longer walk (well we are partly doing it for the exercise so what's the problem and you can always use a cart), the nines are unbalanced in terms of difficulty(let's rate the holes 1 to 18 irrespective of where they fall on the card), you have to cross the road twice (we do need to consider the traffic implications and look at creating walkways and safer crossing sites), and there are health and safety issues in moving from greens to tees (this is within our control so why don't we have a look at it and see where we can improve it's only on a few holes after all).

To maximise the use of the course, provide a more attractive option for new members, and "cash in" on the movement to 9 hole golf in my mind the answer is a foregone conclusion but what do you the members think I am interested to hear?? Please note these are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Board and/or its committees.