Winter Competitions

It is with regret, due to the extended closure of the course, that the Gents Committee has taken a decision to cancel the winter knockout competitions for this season. However, given the number of players that have already submitted cards for the winter league, the committee also decided to continue this competition, albeit with a smaller number of counting cards. Accordingly, given that the course should be open for play this weekend, the winter league resumes with effect from Sunday 27th February. We have also consulted with the greenkeepers and winter greens will remain in play for the next few weeks. This allows us to extend the winter season, for the purposes of the winter league only, until close of play on Saturday 19th March. Assuming that the course remains open for play from now on, this reduces the winter season to 7 weeks, therefore the winter league will be decided on the best 6 counting cards submitted.

Should play again be interrupted by the weather, the number of counting cards for the winter league will be one less that the number of full weeks that the course has been open and available for play.

Course Update

I have just spoken to David Norman and the centre will have 18 holes open tomorrow, almost certainly with summer greens in operation.
They have been pumping tens of thousands of gallons of water off the 11th Fairway which is now clear.
So a good golfing weekend in prospect.

Strathmore G.C versus Caird Park G.C. Mail on Sunday Classic 2011 2nd Round - 5th March

We require a team of five for this match. It is at home, all being well. There is a sign up sheet on the match board or alternatively phone me on 07778 003958 if you wish to play. This is open to all full members especially those who have swung a club in anger since November but there is a maximum handicap limit of 18.
Sorry Alan, Rory et al, over 18years old as of the 1st January 2011 on this one (competition rules).

Course Conditions

The Rannaleroch is still not playable all the way round but many holes are possible to play. With situation changing daily it is best to check with the Centre.

The Leitfie is Open....Rannaleroch is Closed

Spoke with David Norman this morning who reported the Leitfie is fully open for play today.
The main course has only four holes playable none of which are accesible so no play possible on the course today.

Mail on Sunday National Golf Classic 2011

Strathmore Golf Club have been drawn at Home versus Caird Park Golf Club in the second round of this competition with the tie to be played by the 7th March. At this stage a date has not been fixed but will be within the week. A sign up sheet shall be put up on the Match board shortly. Please remember this is open to all full members of the Gents section and we would like to encourage everybody to take part.

New Members Night Moved to 17th March at 7pm

We are absolutely delighted to welcome all the new members to the club and look forward to the new members night scheduled for March. Due to various outside commitments the welcome night shall now take place on the 17th March (not the 10th as per fixture book) with a 7pm kick off.

This is an informal chance to familiarise yourselves with all aspects, opportunities etc, at Strathmore Golf Club.

Course Conditions

Obviously the course has been closed yesterday and today, we will try to update you as best we can. The centre will let us know the situation moving towards the weekend.

More Holes Available To Play

There are now a few more holes open for play on the Rannaleroch. Playing now to winter greens are nine holes in a row, 10th to 17th and then up the 9th. Stunning winters day today.
Holes 2,3,4 and 8 are also playable but not very practical to get to and from, will keep you updated as best we can.
The Leitfie is entirely open and a good option too. So opportunities at last for some decent golf in this part of Perthshire.

6 Holes open for play at Strathmore on The Rannaleroch

There are now six holes open for play on the Rannaleroch at Strathmore holes 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and the 9th to be played in that order to winter greens. Also available on the Leitfie are holes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 9.
Care needs to be taken on the course as it is icy in places but at least we can get out and swing a club.

Winter Competitions

The extended closure of the course due to snow has brought all winter competitions to a halt and it is not yet known when the course will re-open. The gents committee met earlier this week to review the situation but until the course becomes available for play it is difficult to identify the most appropriate solution. At this time the intention is to run the winter league in its current format although it may be necessary to reduce the number of counting cards. The number of cards will be decided towards the end of the winter season and will be related to the number of weeks that the course has been available for play. Once the course re-opens it may be possible to give an estimate of the relevant number of counting cards but that estimate will be based on there being no further extended closures of the course. The number of counting cards will not exceed the number of full weeks (Sunday to Saturday) that the course has been available for play.

The knockout competitions require some further thought. While it is hoped that sufficient playing time will be available for members to arrange ties, it may be necessary to alter the format of the latter stages of these competitions. While no final decisions have been made, one suggestion currently being considered is to play the competitions to the quarter final stage and thereafter all qualifiers will take part in a one round competition (format to be decided) to decide the winners. This might not be necessary for all competitions and the most likely competition where an amended format might prove necessary is the singles given the number of entries. As the situation is very fluid at the moment, once the course re-opens please do not play any quarter final ties in knockout competitions without first consulting a committee member.

The committee will keep members updated and suitable notices will be posted in the clubhouse.

Reduced green fees at Montrose

Montrose Golf Links have extended their East Coast Concession rates to Strathmore members for the remainder of the winter season. Strathmore members can now play on the Medal Course for £20 on any day of the week (usual green fee £25) or pay £70 for a four ball (usual green fee £90). Alternatively, play the Broomfield Course for £8, Monday to Friday, or £12 at the weekend (usually £10 and £15 respectively). No fairway mats and full greens normally available on both courses throughout the winter. Lower green fees apply if winter greens are in operation. Further details can be found on the Montrose Golf Courses website here

2011 Mens Mail On Sunday National Competition

The draw for the first round of the 2011 Mens Mail On Sunday National Golf Club Classic has been completed and Strathmore Golf Club have been given a bye through to the second round.
The first round matches are due to be played by Monday 7th February and details of the second round draw will be made shortly after that.
A sheet shall be put up on the Matches Board for those of you who are feeling that they are in good form or at least can remember how to swing a golf club.

Christmas Greetings

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members and staff.

Eric G Gray
Captain

Winter League Week 4 - Results

The leading scores recorded this week were as follows:

1st Alan Morrison 40pts
2nd Frankie Moran 38pts
3rd Jerry Wood 37pts (better last 3)
4th Eric Gray 37pts

The sweep money was collected by those in 1st, 3rd and 4th places.

Twos were recorded by:

Ray Michie @ 6th (Wed)
Jerry Wood @ 17th (Wed).

Handicaps have been adjusted and are posted in the clubhouse although looking out the window at 8 inches of snow on the 18th green, I don't think there will be any changes required this week.

Winter League Week 3 Results

The leading scores recorded this week were:

1st Frank Moran 43pts (after countback)
2nd Mike Bell 43pts (after countback)
3rd Stephen McDiarmid 42pts (after countback)
4th Jim Ireland 42pts (after countback)
5th Frank Moran 41pts

The sweep was collected by those in 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.

Three 2s were recorded this week with Ray Michie grabbing two of them at the 3rd on Monday and again on Wednesday - well done Ray. Jerry Wood picked up the other, at the 6th on Saturday.

Handicaps have been adjusted and are posted in the clubhouse.

AGM & PRIZEGIVING

Friday evening saw a large turnout of members for the Clubs AGM and Prizegiving. A Buffet was provided courtesy of Strathmore Golf Centre. A picture below shows the Gents Prizewinners for season 2010. Congratulations to them all. There are Monthly Medals to be uplifted for those who could not attend on Friday. Please contact the Competition Secretary if you think you may have won a medal.

Gents Prizewinners 2010 with Gents Captain Eric Gray

Winter League - Week 2 Results (amended)

The leading scores recorded this week were as follows:

1st Keith Ewan 42pts
2nd Craig McDonald 39pts
3rd Andy Ramsay 38pts (after countback)
4th Eric Gray 38pts (after countback)
5th Mike Shepherd 38pts (after countback)

The sweep money was picked up by those in 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.

Twos were recorded by the following players:

A Donaldson @4th (Wed)
J Dunnett @4th (Wed)
K Ewan @15th (Sun) & @17th (Sat)
I Ryan @4th (Sun)
B Sievewright @6th (Sat)

Handicaps have been amended and are posted in the clubhouse.

Please remember the winter handicap applies all week whether one or two cards are submitted and is only adjusted, where necessary, after close of play every Saturday. As the winter league is a stableford competition please ensure stableford points are included on the scorecard.

Beat the green fee increase

It was announced at the club AGM on Friday evening that there will be a small rise in green fee subscriptions next year, amounting on average to approximately 3%. The increase is due to rising costs and the forthcoming increase in VAT from 4 January 2011. However as an incentive for early renewal, any member who pays their 2011 subscription before 31 December will be able to do so at the 2010 rates. Please contact David Norman if you wish to take advantage of this offer.

Winter League Week 1 Results

The leadings scores recorded this week, taking the sweep money, were:

1st R Michie - 43pts
2nd T Bennet - 42pts
3rd P Crockart - 40pts (countback)

Twos were recorded by the following players

P Johnstone @ 4th (Wed) & 13th (Sat)
B Johnston @ 4th (Sat)
J Dunnett @ 13th (Fri)
D Findlay @ 13th (Sat)

Handicaps have been adjusted and are posted in the clubhouse.