Captain Hugh's Opening Day Newsletter
On the Course
The new season is almost upon us and we are ready for the big tee-off. The course is starting to look the part after all the work that has been going on over the winter months. We have been very lucky with the weather this winter and very few competitive days have been lost. Full marks to everyone who braved the cold frosty mornings to take part.
On the course we have seen many improvements over the winter, with tree pruning around the tees and fairways, the rebuilding of the dam in the pond next to the 7th tee, turf being re-laid where needed, and the main greens being cut with a hand mower to give a much improved appearance. The replacing of the old (and very worn out) wooden bridge adjacent to the 5th green is now in progress. It is scheduled to be completed by Opening Day and will further add to the overall look of Stunning Dunning!
Saturday 21st March sees the opening of the season with our usual 9 hole Mixed Texas Scramble teeing off at 11.00 am. Please arrive by 10.30am latest to register and grab an early morning tipple.
In the Pavilion
The provision of quality catering has been a “long running sore” for the Golf Club in recent years. However, the committee have been working tirelessly to get the kitchen up and running for the new season. We are pleased to announce that we have obtained the services of the owners of Oswald Villa B&B, Erin and Lisa Lafferty- Monro. They will work in partnership with the Golf Club and operate the kitchen on a franchise basis. From here on in it will be known as the Tee Room (like it!). Erin and Lisa will be opening up for business on Opening Day with a full menu that will cover hot and cold filled rolls, sandwiches, a full cooked breakfast and cooked meals at lunchtime. If that is not enough to tempt you into the lounge, there will also be a range of home baked scones and cakes on offer! The Club’s coffee machine will still be in situ, especially to cover those hours when Erin and Lisa are not on duty, but pots of tea and fresh coffee will be available when the Tee Room is open.
A full range of all menus (with prices) will soon be displayed on the Club website and in the lounge. Whilst we know that you will all give the Tee Room your full support, the facility will also be available to non-golfers. Erin and Lisa are looking to make the Tee Room a regular haunt for all Dunning residents, dog walkers, cyclists and general tourists. It will be good for the Golf Club and a great asset to the village. Let’s all ensure we give it or full support. Good luck to Erin and Lisa, we’re right with you.
Get Better With Bentley
For a wee golf club, we certainly have a lot going on right now. The first of our Spring Coaching sessions took place last Sunday (8th March). The first ten “pupils” had an educating and enjoyable 2+ hours under the watchful eye of Dunning resident PGA professional Andrew Bentley. Don’t take my word for it, take the word of Norrie Stewart:
“I thoroughly enjoyed Sunday’s session - I picked up many tips and am looking forward to trying to put them into practice. The coaching was made all the more enjoyable by Andrew’s pleasant manner and helpful way of explaining things. I’m now determined to get a handicap this season!”
Wise words, Norrie. He was one of many who gave very positive feedback. Session 2 is this week and we have one spare place for Session 4 on 29th March as our Membership Secretary, Alistair Robinson, has injured himself banking all those 2015 membership fees (allegedly). If you want to take this slot, please contact Match Secretary Alan Hill (alanhill58@btinternet.com) asap.
And Finally
The 21st and final round of the Hamish Watt Winter League takes place this weekend. Kevin Graham looks to have sewn up the title but there are 3 or 4 who are still in contention for the Ian Riddell Eclectic League. And even if you’re not a contender for either title, there is a £52 rollover for the Magic 2’s.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Opening Day.
Hugh Laing,
Captain, Dunning Golf Club.
