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"Bowral Golf Club’s greatest strengths are the traditions, ambience and atmosphere of the club together with the excellent presentation of the course." That is an extract from the strategic plan that was published to members in the last blog I did. We aim to be much more than a golf course with a clubhouse - more of a great club - a great club with an excellent golf course. Everything we can do is to improve our members experiences. Our aim is to increase the what is available to members - things that members want and would use - for example to extend the days and times when our restaurant is available. We want to have a complete club - definitely more than a golf course with a clubhouse.
![]() This year - if all continues to go well with the weather, we are heading towards our 4th cash profit in a row. The result this year should be considerably better than last year. It is pleasing to see much clubhouse activity too, The addition of First-Friday-Theme-Nights, all of which have been sellouts, jazz twice a month, the monthly Sunday Roast and the increasing use of the clubhouse for functions all contribute. Some costs are high for example insurance at $40,000, energy costs per year costs $49,000 but we budget for these costs. Over the last few years we have reduced lease costs from $70,000 per year down to less than $400 per month (for the office printer) and we have retired over $250,000 worth of debt leaving the normal current trade creditors. The surplus we make per year goes back into replacements and improvements to the clubhouse and course as well as building our modest reserves (hence the happy piggy) We have been fortunate in having some very generous members with donations going towards the car park resurfacing (Barrie Iredale) and the extensions to the 4th and 12th fairways (Jim Dickson and Chris Chiu). The next project is a short game practice area where the croquet field is - it will comprise a chipping and putting area with a practice bunker where players can hone their skills. The budget for the project is $15,000 - we are seeking donations, we have already received 3 pledges of $1000. We are always aiming for continuous improvement. Should you be interested in donating please contact the office ![]() Last Friday we had one of our biannual complimentary member drinks evening which was very well attended. The evening provides an opportunity for members, both old and new, to introduce themselves around and get to know the other members. Most of the directors were there - nothing to do with the free drinks of course. The following is on the club's website - on the home page and also on the 'Our Club page. Its keep up to date weekly and the icons (a computer word for little drawings) provide a quick indication of what's on offer. | ![]() Membership Our club continues to attract many new members and it is pleasing to see that this pleasing trend includes many younger members. The competition field have been very good with the women's comp field of over 30 and last Wednesdays mens comp field was 74 - that was excellent. When comparing ourselves to other regional clubs we, at Bowral Golf Club, are doing quite well with membership increasing. The graph alongside shows state metrics from the 2017 Golf Australia Report. ![]() Every year Christmas decorations come into the stores seemingly earlier and earlier so I've followed that trend. Keep the date free please - the reason for the early warning is that the night for our complementary christmas drinks and nibbles. ![]() Registration required to view handicaps Golfing members will be aware that from the 4th of September uses will have to login before accessing handicap information. Stephen Pitt, Golf Australia . CEO stated in his introduction letter " It will also be used to communicate important information and updates, and to develop innovative ways to improve the golf experience of individual players." How to register. The first time you use the handicapping service on www.golf.org.au from Tuesday 4 September you will automatically be presented with a short on-line form that you will need to enter a few details into (including your email address). Who can register. There will be no restrictions on who can register to use the handicapping service on www.golf.org.au. all the very best to you all Kevin Burke - President |