Your update on what's happening at Cooroy Golf club
October 2020 Issue
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We want you to be engaged so Chip In. If you have interesting or funny, or not so funny, experiences or stories, not necessarily about golf, please let us know by responding to this email. Let us know if there are particular topics you would like to see included.
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- 2020 AGM
- Gemlife - Cooroy Golf Club
- The Vets
- Finances
- From The Shed
- Seeing The Light
- 2019 Golf Participation Report
- Membership
- Wildlife and Environment
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Cooroy Golf Club AGM
The 2020 AGM is set down for Tuesday, 10th November 2020, at the clubhouse. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm sharp.
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James Brownsworth, representing GemLife, will provide an update on the development application before Noosa Council and answer questions.
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You can download the Agenda by clicking the button below.
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COVID-SAFE Practices and restrictions must be observed in the clubhouse.
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GEMLIFE - COOROY GOLF CLUB
Innovative Planning Solutions (representing GemLife) are currently working through technical and procedural issues with Noosa Council in relation to the GemLife Cooroy development application.
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GemLife remains extremely enthusiastic to provide this unique opportunity of upgrades and improvements for the Cooroy Golf Club. GemLife appreciate the continued, active support of Cooroy Golf Club members to ensure a seamless transition to progress the application and ultimate delivery of the development.
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In terms of timeline, GemLife expect a decision by Council in December.
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GemLife are committed to starting construction as soon as practically possible after Council approval is obtained.
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FINANCES
Full year ending 30/6/20 financial audit has now been completed and the Club achieved a record Net Profit of $263K before depreciation. A full commentary on the results will be provided for the 2020 AGM but in short, after adjusting for multi-year subscriptions, we achieved an actual cash-flow result of circa $110K for the year compared to a previous year loss of $30K.
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For the first two months of this financial year we achieved a positive cash-flow result of $42K after taking into account all financial commitments. Our bank balance stands at a very strong $315K with no out-standings.
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FROM THE GREEN-KEEPERS SHED
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THE VETS
The Vets have experienced something of a mini-boom since resumption of competition golf after a shutdown due to COVID-19. Wednesday fields averaged 94 in September and 89 since June, a record for Cooroy Vets.
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Unfortunately, due to the shortened season we have not been able to stage the 'Jim Penman Single Match Play Championships', and the lack of Host Days played has meant that there will be no 'Jim Penman Host Day Trophy' winner this year. The interrupted season also resulted in the 'Stableford Player of the Year' being cancelled. Hopefully, these prestigious events will be back in 2021.
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27 new members joined Cooroy Vets in 2020 with most playing regularly. Age only matters to the Vets if it's wine or cheese so, it’s not surprising that the majority of our membership of 139 play at least fortnightly and more than half regularly walk the course, which is probably why we are such a fit bunch - mostly, well some.
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55 to 69 (The Young Guns)
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Once again, member sponsors made a major contribution to our success in an exceptional year, contributing $4,500.00. Member cash donations in the seven years to 30th September 2020 total $25,058, an impressive figure, given our small membership and this doesn't include non cash, 'in kind' donations.
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Most of our member sponsors form a team and come up with an appropriate name. New member, Andrew Moon (6ft 9in and yes, he played in the line-out for a Sydney rugby union side), recently joined the ‘We Stand Tall’ team (aka Ray Glover 5ft nothing, Dave Lyons 5ft something) suggesting a name change to ‘We Stand Taller’ is appropriate.
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The most important objectives of a golf course are framed around the player experience and playability of the course. The great work by Todd, greens staff, volunteers and the Greens Sub Committee, is being recognised through the very positive feedback from members and visitors.
A boom in social players is seeing more first time visitors experience the course and importantly, returning and telling others. Green fee income is at record levels.
The work continues:
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- The surrounds of the pond on the right of the ninth have been pegged to measure the foot print of the surface to determine storage volume so that we can factor water availability into our forward planning.
- A rock watercourse (picture) has been installed on the right side of 6th fairway to move water from the fairway into the creek. The final stage of this project involves building a bridge at the lower end of the rock water course.
- Work on replacement of grass and improvement of drainage in front of 4th green by replanting with grass from the turf nursery is complete.
- Rebuilding the ladies tee on the 16th is complete with new gardens added to improve the esthetics and it looks great (pictures). Shade tolerant grass has been used.
- Creation of a flower garden (picture) at the rear of the men’s 16th tee.
- A Stihl HTA Cordless Pruning Pole Saw donated by the Vets is being put to good use. Todd will shortly take delivery of a Toro Workman Tipping Utility vehicle, also donated by the Vets. Both items provide great support to grounds staff and volunteers as they work on course improvements.
- Todd is also expecting arrival of other new turf equipment in the next couple of weeks to support work on course maintenance and improvements.
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SEEING THE LIGHT
(Acknowledgement - reproduced from an article appearing in Australian Turfgrass Management)
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Light, water, air, mineral nutrients, soil and temperature are six essential requirements to grow grass. On the golf course, we can manipulate and manage five of these requirements to varying degrees.
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For example, irrigation systems supplement the lack of natural rainfall and fertiliser applications help maintain optimal levels of soil nutrients. Putting greens and tees can be constructed with sand-based root zones to enhance drainage and compaction resistance. Various cultivation techniques can be utilised to ensure oxygen reaches the roots.
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Unfortunately, golf course managers have little opportunity to increase natural sunlight. There are only so many hours of daylight, which varies considerably throughout different times of the year, and you can't wish clouds away.
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Adequate sunlight is an absolute necessity for maintaining high quality turf. However, shade remains one of the most overlooked factors that limits the quality of a golf course's most important playing surfaces.
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Ultimately, weather and the time of the year, determine how much sunlight can possibly reach the turf. To complicate matters, nearly all golf courses have significant amounts of turf affected by tree shade that limits the amount of light energy that reaches the grass.
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Grasses require the energy provided by sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen (the process of photosynthesis). Carbohydrates (sugars) are the food plants use to grow. The minerals in fertiliser provide essential building blocks required during photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates.
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Despite creative marketing calling many fertilisers 'plant foods', these products do not directly supply the energy plants need to grow. Granted, a lack of essential minerals in the soil can limit turf growth. However, liquid sunshine, doesn't exist and fertiliser is never a substitute for adequate light if you desire healthy turf.
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Trees are by far the most common cause of shade problems on a golf course, particularly when we are talking about the closely mowed turf on tees and putting greens. Increasing the light reaching key playing surfaces through selective tree removal can pay huge dividends in turf health and playing quality throughout the season.
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Trees and turfgrass are like brothers. Give them ample space to grow and they get along just fine. Put them together in a small bedroom and the bigger one is going to dominate. Just like finding a proper distance between brothers is the key to harmony, trees and turf must have adequate space too.
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There is some truth in the old adage that turf doesn't do anything quickly, except die. However, an exception may be how fast weak shaded turf responds to more sunlight.
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GOLF AUSTRALIA - 2019 GOLF PARTICIPATION REPORT
The report highlights that whilst overall participation is falling, the frequency mix is shifting, with at least fortnightly participation now reflecting two thirds of all participants, up from 58% in 2016.
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The average age of club members across Australia is 56.3 years. In terms of gender, the average age of male members (54.7) is nine years younger than females (63.9).
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The report finds that 52% of new members were under the age of 50 compared to 28% across all members.
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10.534 million competition rounds were played across Australia in 2019, a 2% increase over 2018. Average annual rounds played on a per member basis increased in 2019 from 26.9 rounds to 27.5 rounds.
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It seems the main motivating factor for playing golf continues to be fun and enjoyment followed by the social nature of the sport i.e. group participation before, during and after. No doubt the ability to socialise (albeit at distance), get out in the fresh air and exercise during COVID restrictions has contributed to the increase in the numbers playing golf in 2020.
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MEMBERSHIP
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Around 50 members did not renew, a little better than the expected attrition rate. However, this is offset by 74 new members with total membership standing at 375, up from 352 last year.
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With the introduction of Pay-as-you-Play and Business Membership we now offer a broad range of membership categories with the flexibility and payment options to fit individual needs.
The average age of male members at Cooroy is 64.3 and females 67.3 with an average age of 64 across all members.
A third of new Cooroy members are under the age of 50 compared to 14% for all members. The average age of our new members is 54.9.
Nearly half our members have been with the club less than 5 years. A little under a quarter have been with the club 5 - 9 years and almost a third more than 10 years. Our longest serving members are approaching 40 years with the club.
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It is likely that the main reasons for joining a golf club, and a players initial expectations, are related to the main motivating factors for playing golf; fun and enjoyment followed by the social nature of the sport.
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The early years of membership are the key to retaining members for the long term as new members accumulate experiences, hopefully positive. The more satisfied the member the greater the likelihood of staying with the club for the longer term. Positive experiences include social integration, a friendly atmosphere and a sense of involvement and engagement. Social integration and engagement are particularly important.
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VOLUNTEERS
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Not much to report due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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Congratulations to The Storm Troopers for full attendance at the Safety Briefing which covered safe use of tools, equipment and materials used on course.
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For those who don't know them, The Storm Troopers are a group of volunteers, mostly Vets, who, regularly collect and remove branches, sticks, leaves and other debris from the course freeing up greens staff to carry out other course work. The name came about after a group of volunteers quickly sprung into action to clean up debris and damage to the course after a particularly wild storm. These gentlemen (they know who they are) deserve our support and thanks. You can see the results of their efforts:
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- Course playability – fewer lost balls, less slow play and fewer frustrated golfers.
- Visual aesthetics – course presentation, contributing to the playing experience.
- Reduced mowing problems – sticks, branches and other debris damage and restrict mowers.
- Reduced risks associated with washouts – damage to equipment, machinery and injury to players.
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We have held a few Divot Repair Days. More days are planned in the coming weeks. If you can attend please turn up - it only takes about an hour of your time and makes a noticeable difference to our golf course while sand buckets are out of use. Carts are provided. Members are encouraged to bring their own sand buckets while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
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WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENT
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Earlier this year the club embarked on several wildlife and environmental initiatives to improve the health of the creeks and surrounds and create a desirable aquatic and terrestrial habitat for native wildlife.
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Nest boxes installed around the course are attracting wildlife. A kookaburra, camouflaged in the stump regrowth, (picture) checks out the ‘deluxe’ nest boxes near the creek crossing between the 3rd and 4th holes. Lorikeets frequent nest boxes placed higher up in trees. Robins and wrens enjoy the long grasses outside the fence along the 11th fairway and reptiles inhabit all areas of the course.
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The butcher bird pictured below spends so much time around the clubhouse it should be considered for honorary membership!
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We are considering adding a dedicated ‘Wildlife/Environmental’ photo gallery on the website to display photos of wildlife, not just on the golf course but across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Hinterland.
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We need interest from budding wildlife photographers or anyone with an interest in wildlife so that we have an ongoing supply of pictures. David Tink has kicked things off with some great photos but, we need more before creating the gallery.
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If you are interested in contributing please reply to this email address. All it involves is sending us a picture from time to time, preferably with a caption.
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We have a large environmental footprint - a healthy, diverse wildlife population means a healthy environment.
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All Abilities Golf: Fundraiser - Saturday, 14th November 2020
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Cooroy Golf Club: 2020 AGM Agenda
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click to download Cooroy Golf Club 2020 AGM AGENDA
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WOMEN (Tuesday Club): Results for 03/11/2020
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EVENT DATE:03/11/2020 GAME TYPE:Stableford COURSE:Front 9 FIELD:26 WINNER:Susie Thompson 20 RUNNER UP:Kate Sawrey C/B 19 RUNDOWN:Kaye Gilmour C/B 19, Jenny Webster 18, Julie Collis 18, Joyce McKay 18, Juanita Langford C/B 17, Terry Cairns C/B 17 APPROACHES0-15 Sandy Viney, 16-23 Kaye Gilmour LONGEST PUTTTerry Cairns GOBBLERSJulie Collis, Joyce McKay, Kate Sawrey GAME DAY WRAP:Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers for …
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MEN (Saturday): Results for 31/10/2020
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EVENT DATE:31/10/2020 EVENTSew Direct 3 Person Mixed Ambrose GAME TYPE:3 Person Ambrose FIELD:17 SPONSOR/PRIZE DONOR/sSew Direct - G & K Hall WINNERSW Patston, K Brittain,T Cairns 2nd PLACEA Morton, D Tink, R Gibson RUNDOWN TO:25 TEAMS in Rundown:N/A NTP - 4th HoleP Crosby NTP - 6th HoleW Hastie NTP - 7th HoleTBA NTP - 10th Hole SUPER-PINTBA NTP - 12th …
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VETS: 2020 AGM Minutes & Report Package
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click to view 2020 AGM Minutes & Report Package Summary of Key Decisions: 7. Resolutions to Motions: (a) Annual Membership Subscription Fee for 2021 Resolved that the Annual Membership Subscription Fee for 2021 is $10.00 per Ordinary Member and $5.00 per Restricted Member. 8. Election of Office Bearers and Committee: There being no opposing nominations the following were declared elected …
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WOMEN Thursday: Results for 29/10/2020
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GAME DAYThursday EVENT DATE:29/10/2020 GAME TYPE:Stableford FIELD:25 SPONSOR/PRIZE DONOR/sJuliet Hall WINNERChris Michael 35 RUNNER UPWeang Brown 34 C/B RUNDOWN TO:33 PLAYERS in Rundown:Helen Doughty 34, Lee Williams 33, Margie Lucas 33, Tina Thomas 33 NTP - 12th Hole Weang Brown 1st shot NTP - 15th HoleAileen Morton 2nd shot Birdie BoxN/A APPROACHESN/A LONGEST PUTTChris Michael GAME DAY WRAPAfter the storms …
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VETS (Wednesday): Results for 28/10/2020
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EVENT DATE:28/10/2020 GAME:Monthly Medal MONTH:2020 11 FIELD:79 SPONSOR/PRIZE DONOR/sJohn Madill Toyota A GRADE WinnerPeter Piggott 67 Runner UpPeter Buchbach 69 c/b 3rd PlaceGary Menyweather 69 B GRADE WinnerRon Blount 69 Runner UpDarryl Ayers 71 3rd PlaceDave Lyons 72 c/b C GRADE WinnerAndrew Aves 66 Runner UpJim Henderson 71 c/b 3rd PlaceMatt Saunders 71 RUNDOWN TO:73 RUNDOWN:Tony Bernhagen, Peter Jeucken, Jeff …
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WOMEN: Tee Off for Breast Cancer Trials Research
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22 October 2020 proved to be a very successful day for fund raising for Breast Cancer Research at Cooroy Golf Club. 50 eager women set out in a blaze of pink to master the novelty course. The winning team consisted of Tina Thomas, Juliet Hall, Joyce McKay and Kaye Gilmour, with Chris Michael, Sarah Brogden, Amanda Tie and Margit Cruise …
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Affordable golf in a friendly, relaxed hinterland village setting
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