One of the experts we are consulting with regard to the current condition of the fairways is Mark Hunt from Headland Amenity.  Headland have a simple philosophy which is based on understanding the customers needs and requirements and building a structured plan of action to help to improve turf quality.  Their website is excellent and has a particularly good weather forecast; follow this link if you wish to explore further   Headland

It will come as little surprise that there has been further delay with planned changes for the A17.  Following a request for work details an email received from the Nottinghamshire Highways on the 17th January has indicated that the work will not now commence until April due to BT cables which must be moved......watch this space !!

Follow this link to the Members Forum for a discussion on Weekend Winter Tee Times

The County Highways have been unable to obtain land to allow for a right turn into the Golf Club but have now agreed on Plan B.  We are expecting work to commence in February to introduce a no overtaking system.  This will involve a series of central barriers, every 100 yards or so, from the Coddington roundabout up to the Barnby turn off.   We have been told there will be a reduction in the speed limit but at this stage the limit has not been confirmed.  We have also been told that the lit queuing sign, which has not worked since it went in, will be hard wired; the current system has been unable to sustain battery power.  As there is no appropriate diversion it is likely that there will be delays getting in and out of the golf club.

You can reserve your place for the Annual Dinner Dance by speaking to Phil in the Clubhouse or if it is easier send me an email.  For full details link into the website  Annual Dinner Dance.   The Social Committee have booked the same duo as last year, who were excellent, the Captain tells me the speeches will be kept to an absolute minimum and the menu is superb as usual.

The Christmas Draw sheets will be going up shortly (only 9 weeks to Chrismas) and once again there will be some excellent prizes and Christmas style entertainment on Draw night, which is Friday 16th December.

The Company AGM will take place on Thursday 3rd November at 7.30pm in the Clubhouse, when formal dress is required.  If you are unable to attend and wish to vote on the resolutions your proxy form must be into the office 48 hours prior to the meeting.  The Company Accounts and Directors Reports are available from the office or you can see them on our website in the Members Area.

The Proposed Merger document between the EGU and the EWGA can be seen on the EGU Website .  A Special General Meeting of the NUGC Executive Committee has been convened for Thursday 22nd September at which our Voting Member, Malcolm Smith, will be in attendance.  The Board are currently reviewing their decision prior to the Board Meeting on 14th September; if any member wishes to express a view they should speak to a Director prior to the 14th September.  More information can be seen in Golf Union News  EGU

HowDidiDo have come up with an interesting national Order of Merit competition.  Click here for more details.  Order of Merit.

The Chairman, Lewis White, and myself met with Nottinghamshire County Council representatives again on the 28th July.

On this occasion some good progress seemed to have been made.  Plans have been drawn up to introduce a right turn central lane into the golf club, along with other safety measures.  There are still issues to be resolved, both financial and land related, so we are by no means home and dry; but they do recognise the seriousness of the situation.  In the meantime the advice is the same; signal early, approach the junction slowly and continue to take great care.  Watch out particularly for overtaking traffic from behind.

Solar Panels are currently being fitted onto the Clubhouse Roof which will provide slightly cheaper electricity over the next 20 years.  There is no outlay from the Golf Club's point of view; the suppliers are currently fitting 45 panels which will be serviced and maintained by them over the period.  Their return is from current government subsidies and the sale of electricity to the grid. 
The panels will not be seen as they are being fitted on a flat roof behind the apex/gable.

We have added an interesting 'gadget' to the Course Scorecard and Map . By selecting the Distance Indicator button you can go on to the Google Map and measure the distance between any two points anywhere on the golf course.  Unfortunately the Google Map is out of date so the course changes are not shown at the moment; hopefully google will be updating soon.  This is a quote from their website:

Google Maps uses the same satellite data as Google Earth. Google Earth acquires the best imagery available, most of which is approximately one to three years old.

We strive to update our data regularly. Unfortunately, we're not able to provide detailed information about when a specific area will be updated. Also, we don't offer high resolution data by order, as this information is added as it becomes available from our data providers

The EGU Boys County ChampionshipMidland Qualifying was held very successfully here at Newark on 1st June.  Many compliments were received throughout the day from everyone concerned; officials, players and supporters.  Terry Arnold, Secretary of the Midland Golf Union has written to say "The course was in excellent condition and the catering was of the highest standard.  Our thanks to all the staff who looked after us so well and to Newark Golf Club for hosting the event."  Lincolnshire will represent the Midland Group in the EGU Boys County Championship at Luffenham Heath on the 23rd to 25th August.  if you would like to see the results follow this link  Midland Boys Team Event      Midland Boys Individual      NewJunior Course record.

Les Burlison, father of Robert Burlison who now holds the Junior Course Record writes:
"Rob had a great time at Newark Golf Club this week.  The course was in great shape despite the dry spring with the greens in particularly good condition.  Rob and I came across for a practice round the week before.  Tom was on duty in the shop and could not have been more helpful.  He showed us your new swing analysis studio and allowed Rob to hit a few shots with his driver.  Tom checked Rob's stats and pointed out that his shaft was producing too much spin.  We worked on improving this on the course that day. By the day of the eventRob felt much better about his game.  Thanks Tom !!
The greens were the best Rob has putted on all year and his putting saw the benefit with 28 and 27 putts for the consecutive rounds.  Rob is on the England U16 squad but has never produced two 67's in one day.
All of your staff and officials showed all of the visitors to Newark great hospitality.  We had a really good time.  Please pass on our thanks to your committee, members and staff.  Kind Regards, Les Burlison
Les is the PGA Professional at Oxley Park in Staffordshire.  Follow this link to see a photograph of Robert with the President of the EGU and Captain of Newark Golf Club.  Photo

At a formal dinner in Scotland in May 2011, Group Captain Walter Hughes, who was Chairman of Newark Golf Club between,  was asked to make a speech and give a presentation on behalf of The Royal Air Force Golfing Society to his friend Air Chief Marshal Sir Patrick Hine, the President of the Society, to commemorate Sir Patrick’s year as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.   
It is interesting to note that Frederick Bond, who was Captain of Newark Golf Club in 1964 and subsequently served the club both as President and as Chairman of the Board of Directors, was the uncle of Lady Jill Hine.  Frederick married the sister of Lady Hine’s mother and lived in Newark for many years.   Walter has given Sir Patrick and Lady Hine a copy of the Newark Golf Club Centenary book which records Frederick Bond’s involvement with Newark Golf Club. 
For more information please follow this link  Walter F Hughes

The show was held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May and as a Golf Club we attended for the first time.  The aim initially was to introduce Newark Golf Club to local people and introduce new people to the game of golf.  This worked very well and Robert, our PGA Professional, supported by other Professionals arranged through the County Golf Partnership, were kept extremely busy with some instant coaching sessions in the two inflatable bays provided by the English Golf Union.  On the plus side we also received many enquiries about club membership and the "Get into Golf" taster sessions currently being organised.

It was a very worth while exercise for the Golf Club over those two days but could not have been achieved without the help of both members of staff and several club members.  Thanks go to Simon Collingwood, Robert Ellis and Jason Wood who  worked hard to make our presence felt (despite the wind and rain);  and to Peter Smith, Ken and Viv Gibson and George Bower.

Following my report on the 28th September our worst fears have been realised because today, Monday 28th March, a man who was involved in a three vehicle crash at the entrance to the Golf Club has died of his injuries.  The man was airlifted to Lincoln Hospital with multiple injuries after he was cut free by firefighters after his car collided with a lorry.  The incident happened at about 7.50am. Both vehicles ended up in a ditch.  Another car was also involved in the crash. The other two drivers suffered minor injuries

The man, aged 59 and from Lowestoft, Suffolk, was freed from his vehicle by firefighters and taken to hospital by air ambulance where he later died.  The road was closed until 1pm.  Two crews from Newark fire station and specialist rescue units from Newark and Highfields fire stations were called to the scene and left at about 10.50am. 

As I explained in my previous report the Chairman and I have held meetings with Mr C Charnley, Head of Services NCC Highways North and Councillor Dobson.  With the support of Patrick Mercer OBE MP some minor improvements were introduced but we feared they would not be sufficient.  I have contacted Mr Charnley again today, along with the Newark Advertiser, who I hope will add weight to our strong case for improvements.  We have requested a right hand filter but equally important a greatly reduced speed limit and clear no overtaking signs, along with an automatic lit "queuing" sign.  In the meantime please take care.

Follow this link to read the Newark Advertiser article and leave your comments.

There are a small number of Golf Club Memberships available from 1st April 2011.  

The benefits of being a member of Newark Golf Club are:  Unlimited Golf, Organised Competitions, Inter Club Matches, Excellent Practice and Coaching facilities, Member Discounts and Special Rates, Golf Shop and Swing Studio, Clubhouse, Bar, Dining Room and Organised Social Events.

There are many reasons why people join a golf club.  For most, membership of a club will offer a chance to play on a regular basis and enjoy the company of fellow golfers.  Some look forward to the challenge of playing regular competitions and others want to establish a handicap to monitor their improvement and be evenly matched against their friends.  

For more information on becoming a member of Newark Golf Club follow this link. 

Contact the Club Manager for more details.

Having completed work on the fabric of the Swing Studio on Friday 10th December, Simon Collingwood, Robert Ellis and Malcolm Smith travelled down to Proshot Sports in Surrey to see the latest hi tech GPS Golf Simulation Software.  The systems are recognised as being the world's most advanced Indoor Golf Simulator, revolutionising golf practice and instruction. 

The Swing Studio will not only be the state of the art simulator but provide the facility to precisely fit all equipment.  When incorporated with the video anaylsis and bespoke putting anaylsis systems this will provide members with the most comprehensive coaching experience you can imagine. The facility will be available to provide detailed analysis of individual coaching and practice session and  keep you in the swing when you don't fancy the weather, or want to try a different course.

For a more detailed look at the simulator and it's capabilities just click on this link:  Swing Studio  

Further detailed information will be published as soon as we have it; in the meantime it is certainly something to look forward to !!

The Charity Am Am in 2011 will be in aid of the Nottinghamshire Kidney Units Appeal Group.  The entry fee is £25 per head (£100 for a team of 4) and includes a 2 course meal.  Last year we were able to raise £2693 for The Southwell Project and previously have raised similar amounts for Beaumond House; St John Ambulance; the Unique Coffee Bar; Newark Mind; Home Start; Emmaus Trust; Newark Crusader; Barnados and the Notts/Lincs Air Ambulance.

The Nottinghamshire Kidney Units Appeal Group aims to improve care and support for local kidney patients.  Formed in 2002, they are a small but energetic group of volunteers who raise money to directly benefit the renal units at Nottingham City and Mansfield Kings Mill Hospitals, as well as support Kidney Research UK to fund research to save lives.  Why not visit their website for more details:  www.nkuaweb.org.uk

A big thank you goes to Noel Maguire who has retired this year having organised the Charity Am Am so successfully for many years. 

All our Open Competition entry forms are available to be downloaded from our website,  Open Competitions along with the start sheets.  The competitions are excellent value for money at £25 per person.   This is much less than the price of a green fee, includes a two course meal and a superb prize table and are enjoyed by visitors and members alike.

 Thank you to everyone who has supported the events in the past and we do hope you are able to continue to do so in the future.

Former Chairman, Walter Hughes,  proposed a formal vote of thanks to the current Chairman, Colin Horner, who this year retired from the Board of Directors following ten successful years firstly as Captain, Green Chairman and Club Chairman .

The Vice Chairman, Lewis White, said he wished to add his thanks and acknowledge Colin’s many achievements during the last decade.  He said Colin had joined the Board in his Captain’s year; the Club’s Centenary Year.  He said he had been heavily involved in many developments such as the Woodland Strategy, the new Irrigation System and the Course Improvements.  He said as Chairman Colin had overseen the development of the new Shop, Office and Boardroom and more recently the employment of a new Professional.  He said he had conducted himself at all times with commitment, enthusiasm and good humour and wished him well in the future.  A presentation was made recognising Colin’s work for the golf club.

Follow this link if you wish to see the construction of one of the new bunkers on the right of the 12th   Wayne at work

Many members still have not registered for the Members Area where we try and keep you up to date with general concerns etc. Keeping in touch here may well answer any queries you may have from time to time.  Follow this link if you wish to register.  Members Area

One of the issues of great concern to both members and visitors to the Golf Club is the number of accidents which frequently occur at the main entrance to the Golf Club from the A17.  For some time now (a number of years) we have been corresponding with Nottinghamshire County Council and the head of Nottinghamshire Highways.  We did have a little success with the introduction of some better signage and road markings but these have not resulted in a reduction of the reported numbers of incidents.
More recently we enlisted the help of Patrick Mercer OBE MP and as a result of this and some active work by the Club Chairman, Mr Colin Horner,  I recently had a site meeting with our Vice Chairman, Mr Lewis White, Councillor Dobson and Mr C Charnley, Head of Services NCC Highways North.  I will update you on the details of that meeting. 

All parties agreed how dangerous the junction is and that a right turn would be the ideal solution.  Unfortunately Mr Charnley indicated that there would be no funding available for this in the foreseeable future.  We asked for a reduction in the speed limit and the introduction of a speed camera, double white lines and no overtaking signs. He said there was no funding available for a speed camera and  indicated that double white lines and no overtaking signs could not be introduced.  A reduction in the statutory speed limit could not be considered either until a review had been completed by a cabinet member at some point in the future.
He has agreed that hedge growth which currently part conceals the current signage will be removed, that road markings will be renewed and further signage indicating queuing will be introduced.

We hope these measures will result in a safer access to the Golf Club but we fear they may not.  We will be closely monitoring the situation over the coming months.   I would ask all members to report any incidents which take place in order for me to keep up the pressure for change.  Mr Patrick Mercer has been informed of the details of the meeting and has been asked to continue to press our case before a very serious accident occurs.

This year Clyde Scothern is organising the event and has drawn up a program for our visitors.  They arrive in Newark on Monday 20th September and there will be a welcome breakfast at the Club on Tuesday 21st.  That afternoon Clyde has organised an afternoon of mixed golf at Rufford Park.  Wednesday 22nd is a free day when our guests will be playing a practice round at Newark, the tee is reserved from 9am to 11am, prior to dinner at the golf club.  Thursday is the first competition day, the tee is reserved again from 9am to 11am, and Friday from 9am to 11.30am for the singles.  Friday evening will see the prize presentation followed by a barbecue.  This is an important occasion for Newark Golf Club and I'm sure all members will make our visitors feel welcome.

Once again, London Pride, the official beer of the EGU, is sponsoring this flagship event to find England's handicap Golfer of the year.  The Hambling Trophy on Sunday 2nd May has been nominated as our qualifying competition.  The winning card will be submitted to the EGU and the best scores will qualify for the 81 places in the Final to be played on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa 0n August 14th and 15th.
All 81 finalists will receive the following: 3 rounds of golf over the Hotchkin Course **  Cocktail party and welcome dinner ** 2 nights hotel accomodation ** Finalists Gold Medal ** Case of London Pride.  The overall winner also receives a weekend break at a Fullers London Hotel and a year's supply of London Pride (age conditions apply).
All Club winners will receive a Club Winners Medal and a case of London Pride.

Entry to the NUGC Centenary Quaich is only open to Nottinghamshire Clubs who have reached their Centenary year.  The 2010 event will be held at Retford Golf Club on Saturday 24th July.  Each qualifing club sends a team of 2 players.  Our qualifying medal is the Saturday Medal on the 19th June.  The leading handicap player and the leading scratch player form the team.  The winners of the Centenary Quaich Competition will be determined by taking the lowest aggregate scratch score and handicap score of the two nominated players.
This year the Ladies have also been invited to submit a team consisting of one lady from the Silver Division and one lady from the Bronze Division.  On the day each lady will play off respective handicaps and the lowest aggregate handicap score will win.

The cards are now available in the office for anyone who would like one; priced at £10.  There are now 29 Counties taking part in tyhe scheme and a total of 1004 Golf Clubs.

We have now registered all members, Ladies and Gents, with the EGU Central Handicapping Database.  Each member with a handicap, active or inactive, has been allocated a unique number.  Unless you are entering County Tournaments, or leaving Newark Golf Club to join a different golf club, you will not need to know the number but it is available to you from the Golf Shop or Office.  If you would like to know more about it follow this link   Central Handicaps

2010 sees the introduction by the EGU and EWGU of Active anfd Inactive handicaps.  If you did not return 3 qualifying scores during 2009 your handicap will be Inactive.  This means that  you will be unable to play in Open Competitions and are prevented from winning a prize in Club Competitions (Medals excluded).   If you find yourself in this position what can you do?  Participation in qualifying competitions, even though you cannot win a prize, will count towards re-activating your handicap.  Competition Rules of Entry.
(Members with inactive handicaps may enter club competitions but cannot win a prize.  In qualifying competitions participation will count towards the required number of qualifying competitions to return the handicap to active.  In non-qualifying competitions participation will not count towards the required number of qualifying competitions to return the handicap to active.  Any team which includes a player with an inactive handicap cannot win a prize.) 
Also, supplementary cards will come to your rescue (except for category 1 players); follow the Supplementary Scores Rules, submit the number of cards you require and restore your handicap to Active.  If you've got any queries call into the Golf Shop or follow the links for more information.  Questions and Answers.

Inter County Cards will be available to members again from the 1st April 2010; if members wish to purchase a card you can let me know by email or call into the office.  Cheshire have now joined the scheme with an additional 85 clubs, including Royal Liverpool; this brings the total number to 823.  Hampshire have also agreed to mcome into the scheme and their details will be received shortly.  The price of the card will remain the same - £15 reduced to £10 it 20 or more members apply.  If you would like more information or see a list of participating clubs follow this link to the NUGC

It seems very likely that for the first time for many years we will be able to take in a small number of new members in 2010, as and when they apply.  All prospective members currently on the waiting list have been contacted; those who wish to join the club in April of next year will almost certainly be able to do so, those who have put off joining have been asked to apply again when they are ready.  The waiting list may well re-establish but for the time being a window of opportunity has opened and I'm confident we will have a small number of vacancies in 2010. 
Members may well have friends, colleagues or relatives who are considering applying for membership; please follow the link for more detials.  Membership.