Club Email

From the Course

What a turn in the weather, as we have had some beautiful Autumn weather with sunny clear days and cool clear nights. The Couch is responding to this weather by slowing its growth down and starting to brown off in areas of rough. The team had the Tees, Fairways and Green Surrounds mowers out this week and we are hoping that this will be the last cut until Spring. Looking at the course, I have never seen as much growth or density in the Couch for this time of year as what we have now. This is great as we head into Winter, but has proved challenging the last few weeks as our work schedule has still been based around cutting turf instead of focusing on other projects that we don't get to do during the warmer months.

This week has seen the 2nd application of pre-emergent applied to Couch areas which is part of our Poa management strategy. This application is time consuming and will take until the end of next week to complete. We also continue to apply post-emergent, which we are starting to see some good results with. The team also continue to hand weed Poa, especially in the immediate green surround where chemical applications prove difficult.

New course furniture has begun to be installed, which will mirror what we have done on the 13^th tee. This will mean more opportunities around the course to recycle with the new dual bins being installed, and we ask all members to please use the appropriate bin. As part of our environmental awareness, we are working extremely hard in our rubbish collection and removal offsite. We have included a large recycling skip bin to our maintenance compound as well as the design of these dual general waste/recycling bins so that we can properly recycle our plastic waste.

The work on the 10^th tee and green paths has progressed well this last week with the form work and steel going up the last 2 days. The concrete truck is booked in for Monday next week and we are hoping to have both paths poured by Wednesday. These paths will remain closed for approximately 7 days after this pour to help the concrete cure.

The carpark retaining wall has been stalled the last 2 weeks with the bricklayers struggling to get through their work schedule after the rain events back in the start of this month. We did have them onsite today though and we are hoping to have this wall built by the end of this week. There is still plenty more work to do after this as we have to then backfill the garden and fix some electrical faults that were exposed during the demolition. We are possibly still looking at another 2 weeks of works to complete. We thank members for their continued support and understanding when it comes to these projects as the inconvenience of hole closures and carpark disruption can be challenging.

We also continue the work on the clubhouse gardens and will begin planting out the 13^th tee side of the clubhouse. Last week saw the excavation of this garden and the repair and repainting of the clubhouse wall. Once planted and mulched, this will be a much more attractive area.

Our Club President, Graeme Houston has been busy working with the SES and using our golf course as a training site for their volunteers. This is a great initiative where we have a great site with live examples of what the SES do every day and to offer this up for skills training is of great benefit to the wider community. Find below a note from Graeme about this work

Eleven members of the Ku ring Gai SES unit completed cross cut chain saw training course last weekend at Avondale. The team took advantage of a number of dead trees of the left-hand side of the ninth hole to practice a variety of cuts that they normally expect to encounter when they are called out. The Ku ring Gai LGA is not very large but it is one of the busiest in NSW due to its significant tree cover. Avondale's constantly evolving bushland provides that perfect opportunity to practice and no truer than when a large Angofra came crashing down during the interclub competition on Sunday morning providing the ideal location for the afternoons assessment. Previously volunteers have had to travel to the Blue Mountains or the Hunter for training over several weekends to achieve the certification.

It was a great example of Avondale supporting an essential community service.
Poa hole of the week
6th Hole
Robert Biddle
Course Superintendent

From Golf Operations

Upcoming Fixtures:

Saturday 25th May - Final Foursomes Championship & Plate
·         1st Tee Reserved 7am - 7:09am Foursomes Final Fixtures
·         Roll Up From 7:16am (1 Tee Start)
·         1st Tee Reserved 10:29am - 10:45am for 2nd 18 holes (Foursomes Championship)
·         Full 5 Individual Stableford
·         Optional 12 Hole Competition from 1pm - 2:30pm
·         Optional Social Play from 1pm

Final Foursomes Championship & Plate Fixtures:
· 7:00am - Scott Gresham + Jason Jeffress v Craig McWilliams + Richard Wallace
· 7:09am - Nicholas Deeks + Nick England v Ross Fazzolari + Mick Doughan

Sunday 26th May - 2nd & Final Round Junior Championships
·         Roll Up From 7am
·         1st Tee Reserved from 12:04pm - 12:20pm Junior Championships
·         Medley Individual Stableford & 2 Ball Team
·         Optional 12 Hole Competition from 1pm - 2:30pm
·         Optional Social Play from 1pm

Junior Championship Round 1 Leaders:
·         Junior Girls - Rachel Lee (-2, 70)
·         Junior Boys - William Eldridge (+5, 76)

Wednesday 29th May - Course and Practice Facilities Closed Until 11am
·         Roll Up from 11am
·         Optional 18 Hole Medley Competition from 11am - 12:30pm
·         Optional 12 Hole Medley Competition from 11am - 2pm
·         Optional Social Play from 11am

Cadet Programme Expression of Interests
Members, please note that expressions of interest are open for semester 2 of the Cadet Programme. Expression of interest forms can be sought by emailing golfops@avondalegolfclub.com.au. Expressions of Interest will close on Sunday,16th of June.

Junior Development Raffle - CLOSING ON FRIDAY 31ST MAY AT 5PM
Members are reminded that the Junior Development Fundraising Raffle will be drawn at next Friday's Surf & Turf BBQ. Tickets are still available for purchase in the Proshop, Bar and Office for any last minute entries. All proceeds go to our Junior Development Fund and we thank all Members for their generosity.

PRIZES:
1st Prize: Custom fitted PING G430 Golf Clubs - RRP $5,918

2nd Prize: Tickets to the final three days of the Australian Open in Victoria, with a meet & greet with Grace Kim. This includes return flights, three nights accommodation and car hire - RRP $2,400

3rd Prize: A round of golf for four players at Elanora Country Club with cart hire and lunch - RRP $1,580

4th Prize: Callaway Chev Stand Bag - RRP $329

Hole in One - Sam Druce & Caroline Craig:
In what has been a quiet period at the Club for hole in ones, we have had 2 aces, both on the 11th holes in the past week. On Saturday it was Sam Druce who holes out on the 11th from 158 metres with his 8 iron. Following on from Saturday, Caroline Craig, our Women's Captain, achieved the same feat, with her own hole in one on the 11th hole in the Tuesday competition. Congratulations Sam & Caroline!

Interclub Fixture Result:
Round 2 of the men's Interclub season played out at Avondale on Sunday, with Avondale taking on Oatlands and Terrey Hills taking on Manly.

Three of the eight matches went down the 18^th, reflecting the closeness of the battle. Ultimately, we walked away with a 4-4 draw, being a disappointing result on our home track but of course better than a loss. Individual results were as follows:

1.      Jason Jeffress - won 6&5
2.      Adam Fitzsimmons - all square
3.      Tim Webber - lost 3&2
4.      Ben Leach - lost 5&3
5.      Chris Lemon - all square
6.      John Cordingley - lost 2 down
7.      Zahid Arain - won 2&1
8.      Dean Maher - won 4&2

The team takes on Terrey Hills at Terrey Hills on Sunday, needing at least a draw to progress through to the section final the following week. On another note, our visiting teams on Sunday were extremely complimentary about our course and, in particularly, the quality of the greens. Our thanks to the greens staff for the efforts.

Open Timesheets / Entry Sheets + Closing Soon Timesheets:
June Medley Shotgun - 5/6/24 - Open for Booking
Kings Birthday Public Holiday - 10/6/24 - Open for Booking
Women's Presidents v Captains Entry Sheet - 11/6/24 - Open for Booking

Men's Major Series 2^nd Round Result - Valhalla GC - USPGA:
The 2^nd round of the major's series was held on Monday the 20^th of May, which coincided with the US PGA final round at Valhalla Golf Club. Winner of the USPGA leg goes to the best men's Stableford score in the competition field. Congratulations to Ken Devenish, winner of the USPGA leg of the majors series with a Stableford score of 38 points. Well done Ken!

David Balcomb & Lawrence Day
Golf Operations Team

From the Clubhouse

2024 Avondale Trivia Night - Saturday 20th July
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition at our much-anticipated Avondale Trivia Night! Whether you're a trivia buff, a casual quizzer, or simply looking for a fantastic night out, this event is perfect for you.

The evening begins with a fabulous dinner featuring a three-course menu expertly crafted by our executive chefs, with wine provided on each table.

The trivia madness will again be hosted by our wonderful Member, Tim Shorter of Fame Trivia, who has been the coordinator of our Trivia Night for many years.

Throughout the night, we'll have exciting lucky door prizes, with additional prizes for the winning team and the runners-up.

Reservations are now available! Assemble your team and click here to book your table.

Surf & Turf - 31st May 2024
A reminder that bookings are open for our member-favorite Surf & Turf on Friday, 31st May 2024. Please Click Here to make your reservation.

Save the Date:
Friday, 28th June 2024 | Friday Night Carvery

7th Hut Facility| SMART Fridge
We are pleased to announce that the new Smart Fridge that has been set up at the 7th Hut is now fully operational, with drinks, snacks and fresh sandwiches available for purchase via Eftpos.

Mia Galloway
It is with regret that we announce the resignation of Mia Galloway, our Clubhouse Coordinator, from Avondale Golf Club. Her last day will be tomorrow, May 23rd. Mia has been a vital member of our thriving Food & Beverage team, and working with her as she advanced through different roles within the business has been a true pleasure. In June, Mia will start a three-month tour of Europe & we wish her a safe journey and all the very best in her future endeavors.

Please join us in farewelling Mia tomorrow on her last day at Avondale.

Hamish Gilmour
Clubhouse Manager

From the Women's Committee

Tuesday 21^st May Individual Stableford:

Yesterday we held an Individual Stableford Round - congratulations to our winners below:
Division 1: Lisa Chen 37 points
Division 2: Cheryl Knight 37 Points
Division 3: Vanessa Culbert 35 points

There was great excitement around the Club yesterday afternoon when we learned that Caroline Craig celebrated her first Hole in One on the 11^th hole - by all reports, a fantastic shot with her trusty 5 wood. Congratulations on your Ace Caroline!

Pennant News

Silver Shield: A great result for Silver Shield coming in with a victory against Wakehurst at Bayview last week. This Friday Avondale will be hosting Silver Shield Pennants, so enjoy the week off team!

Bronze I: Congratulations on another solid win at Roseville against Pennant Hills last week! This Friday's matches are at Concord vs Cromer and the team will remain the same. Good luck to Vanessa Denny, Jenny Tasker, Sue Mooney, Sue Carr, Linda Payne and Florence Sun (Reserve).

Bronze III: Wow, what a great day out the Bronze III team had last Friday against Pennant Hills at Killara - bringing home a decisive 5-0 win. This week they will be playing North Ryde at Pennant Hills - best of luck to the team Deborah Fox, Jenny Jones, Orla Whatmaugh, Sue Byrne, Sarah Whatmaugh and Melissa Oppenheim (Reserve).

Silver II: A tough opening round for our Silver II girls last week, going down to Pymble at Wakehurst in very challenging and boggy conditions. This week the team will be taking on Asquith at Pymble - wishing lots of luck to Ally Gladen, Lisa Chen, Alison Traill, Caz Forbes, Lou Bloxham and (Reserve) Jeni Locke.

Upcoming Events

2^nd Round Di Bitcon Trophy Tuesday 28^th May

Presidents v Captains Day Tuesday 11th June:
The Entry Sheet for this event is open. To play for the President's team (wear blue!) put your name down on the left side of the sheet, and for the Captain's (wear pink!), on the right.

Foursomes Championships 9^th and 12^th July
The Entry Sheet for this event opens Tuesday 11^th June at 6pm - please find your partner, put your names down and note the following dates for your diary:

1st Qualifying Round: Tuesday 9^th July
2^nd Qualifying Round: Friday 12^th July
Quarter Finals: Tuesday 16^th July
Semi Finals: Friday 19^th July
Finals: Friday 28^th July

Kind Regards,
Women's Committee

From the Proshop

CLEARANCE SALE!
Grab a pair of adidas shoes under the price of $100 (stock only) which retail up to $289!

All stock is currently stored in the previous battery room in the Proshop. As shown in the photo below all shoes are in size order with the Women's being on the left side and Men's being on the right side.

Sizes range from 5US - 10US in the Women's and 7 ½ - 11 in the Men's.

This exclusive sale will last for 2 weeks prior to additional work scheduled in the storage area so don't miss this chance!

A reminder that the Golf Pride team will be here on Thursday, 23rd May so come down and get a free grip on your club of choice!

Proshop tip of the week: Chipping | The Bump and Run Chip Shot

Most of the strokes you take in a round of golf are from around the greens. So, it stands to reason that most of your practice time should be spent in the short-game area. One shot in particular that can save you a bunch of strokes is one often overlooked by amateur golfers - the bump and run. For some reason, a lot of golfers have it engrained in them that the closer they are to the green, the shorter/more lofted club they should be playing.

Here's how to do the bump & run:

1. Take your 8-iron through pitching wedge to the short game area.
With those three clubs, you've got yourself three options that will allow the ball to roll out and have some pop to it after it hits the ground.

2. Pay attention to what the ball does when it hits the ground.
The ball is going to react differently to the turf on every shot you hit. The longer the club, the harder the ball will skip forward when it hits the ground. The shorter the club, the more spin and the less roll out. Know what each club does.

3. Remember to use your regular chipping motion.
The only difference between a bump and run and a chip with a sand-wedge is you're keeping it lower to the ground. There's no need to change your set up. Hit a regular chip, but instead of the hole being your target, have an intermediate target in between -- the target, or patch of grass, you want to hit before the green where you want the ball to start rolling.

4. For a longer pitch shot/bump and run, it's OK to use your lofted clubs.
If you want to try a bump and run from, say 40-50 yards out, that's the perfect spot to do so with a pitching wedge or gap wedge. From that distance, you're creating acceleration and speed through your shot that just can't be generated from just off the green. A lower shot with a lofted club from that far out will still bounce and skip forward, but also provide that little bit of "stick" you want to deaden the shot.

This is especially true when you've short-sided yourself and don't have a whole lot of green to work with. In that situation -- to get close -- you need to execute the perfect flop shot. In most cases, however, that shot is still going to run out and leave you a long putt coming back if the ball even holds the green.

Your Proshop Team
Ben, Mark, Nelson, Gus, Will & Linus

EDITION 658

22 May 2024

From the Course

From Golf Operations

From the Clubhouse

From the Women's Committee

From the Proshop