News or Event

22 March 2012
Captain’s Log Issue 3 – Dunning Date, Opening Day 2012

As a result, of the unseasonably mild weather we’ve probably seen more winter golfers down at Rollo Park than most people can ever recall – even players in shorts have been seen. Madness! However, for those of you who have remained in hibernation for the last few months, you will emerge from your winter nap to see a number of changes inside the clubhouse and, for certain, out on the course. Here’s another DRIVE (“for show and dough”) update of what‘s been happening:

Dunning Golf Club offers a welcoming environment which attracts new members and visitors alike – both Ladies and Gents

At the last Committee meeting we were advised that over 60 new members had joined over the course of the winter. Sure, we have (sadly) lost a few, but the overall trend is very positive. Membership fees are, by far, our main method of raising revenue. Our aim is to boost the overall numbers to the region of 480...and then keep them there. We are still quite a way short of this number so the campaign for new members will continue, ever mindful that a small 9 hole course like Dunning can get “too busy”. For now, I extend a special welcome to all our new members for 2012.

The Ladies tour party thoroughly enjoyed their traditional March trip to Tenerife where day time temperatures would only have been marginally ahead of those in Dunning!

Anyone who has entered the Clubhouse in search of a coffee.... or seeking one of Hugh’s famous bacon rolls..... or just wanting to sit down after a strenuous 18 holes....will have noticed the arrival of a new trophy cabinet. Somewhere to show off that trophy you finally win this season!

Run a thriving Junior section

The Juniors have been meeting regularly on Sunday evenings throughout the winter and, like the Adult section, membership numbers are very encouraging for the new season. Attention will soon turn to the serious business of real golf with a new Junior Coaching slot being established on Sunday afternoons. This will, hopefully, encourage increased attendance as it should create less transport problems for parents. Help from the Adult membership for supervision is always welcome. We don’t expect you to give up every Sunday. If you can manage one or two during the year it would be a big help to Kevin Graham and David Taylor. So please give them a call.

Income generation and careful management of costs in order that we can hold Membership fees at the same level for the next two years

We’ve had to keep a watchful eye on funds over the course of the last few years, slightly unsure of exactly how much we might have to contribute to the building of the Pavilion and what the running costs might be. This has now been resolved. Treasurer Kirsty has concluded a thorough analysis of our current financial status and we have now been able to deposit a substantial sum in a fixed rate, higher interest rate account.

The drive to raise additional revenue will continue, as it should. To this end, thanks go to new Committee member Gordon Small who has taken on the “chairmanship” of a small but very select fundraising group consisting of Kevin Riddell, John Dow, Ellen Lawrence and Shona Curr. Even if you are not in this group, you can help by encouraging visitors to play Dunning and spending a few £’s a week on tea, coffee, snacks. If each member spent an additional £1 a week throughout the year, we would raise £20,000. Just a thought!

Variety of competitions to play in throughout the week and at weekends plus four top class Opens.

Opening Day kicks off our season with the traditional Mixed Texas Scramble on Saturday 24^th March. This event will be followed by a new Captain v Lady Captain competition on 31^st. Having run four new Invitational Events last season, with increasing success, we will be running five this year. This provides all our members with the opportunity to bring a guest and have them play off the Medal tees in a variety of stroke play formats. Every guest who plays in an Invitational this season will receive a “2 for 1” voucher to encourage them to return at a later date.

Notices have been placed around the Pavilion, and an e mail has been sent out, reminding all members of the etiquette around slow play and adherence to the procedure for using our on line booking season. Please take note and be considerate towards your fellow members. Thank you.

Excellent golfing conditions on a course which will remain the envy of all around and where minor year on year alterations create interest and challenge for our members

The full glory of the two additional bunkers at the first has finally been revealed. I wouldn’t like to say they are deep but we did consider installing a chair lift to help members get in and out. Eventually we settled for the more conventional steps. Sandy and Donald – great job! These new bunkers even made the sports pages of the PA where the article proudly sat alongside the multi-million £ investment programme on the Ryder Cup course at Gleneagles. But they didn’t have the benefit of the two male models who turned up to feature in the photo of the first green at Dunning.

Part of the Course Development Fund has been used to purchase brand new tee signage which will add a real touch of class and colour to the tee areas. This will all be in place by mid April. There will also be course planners available soon – the essential guide for members and visitors alike.... and guaranteed to take 5 shots off your score. I don’t think so but please buy one (or more) anyway.

One final message - please enjoy your 2012 summer golf at Dunning.

Alan Hill

Club Captain

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