We chose a ‘pink theme’ for the day and the ladies all dressed in a fantastic array of styles and shades of pink! Our photographer captured some amazing photos out on the golf course!

The auditorium too was resplendent in pink for our lunch, presentations and raffle draws.  Also joining us for lunch were Vera Fuller, Joan Donaldson, Barbara Murray, andRuthPotts. Wendy Gallardwas the ecstatic winner of the $200.00 voucher to dine at the famous 2 hatted Pilu at Freshwater Restaurant.

Appropriately, it was the official opening of our Pink Course.

A fantastic day of fun was enjoyed by all with the ladies raising a staggering amount of over $2000.00 towards our Charity.  Congratulations ladies on such a tremendous achievement.

Best dressed group on the day was awarded to :

Jill McPherson, Cathy Kapp, Danni Elford and Roz Evatt.  Congratulations girls!

• Ben Woodham  42 points (off 13 Hcap) on 21/4/12
• Kieran Jones  + 4 par event (off 22 Hcap) on 24/4/12
• Josh Ciechanowicz  39 points (off 20 Hcap) on 28/4/12
• Kieran Jones  42 points (off 21 Hcap) on 28/4/12.

• Sam Rochester  40 points (off 13 Hcap) on Sat 7/4/12
• Jack Milne 38 points (off 25 Hcap) on Thurs 12/4/12
• Jack Milne Nett 68 (off 25 Hcap) on Sun 15/4/12
• Shaun Brownlow 40 points & a N.T.P. (off 10 Hcap) on Tues 17/4/12
• Ben Woodham 39 points (off 13 Hcap) on Tues 17/4/12
• Josh Ciechanowicz 44 points (off 20 Hcap) on Thurs 19/4/12

Keep up the great work guys!

Shelly Beach Golf Club announces the opening of our NEW 9^th Hole

After months of hard work and weather delays, SBGC has finally completed constructions of the 9^th hole.

As an added bonus to our members, Ken Ryan and Bob Wonnacott of Coast and Country Insurance have put up a grand total of $1000 being $500 for  the 1^st male and 1^st female who achieve a hole in one on the new 9^th.

Happy Golfing and we hope you enjoy the challenge of our new 9^th hole.

Check out our picture gallery for all the pics from start to finish in the making of our new 9th hole…

 Photo Gallery

‘From Left to Right:  Mark Brownlow (Team Manager), Shaun Brownlow, Josh Ceichanowicz, Ben Saunders (Team Captain), Sam Rochester & Luke Atherton’

This year’s team had some new members with a few of the boys getting a late call up for our very successful Encourage Shield Team.  Our boy’s ages ranged from 14 to 16 years and handicaps varied from 4 to 21. Junior Pennant Games are all Match Play games with no handicap so our boys were sometimes playing against opponents with handicap 10 shots or more, better than theirs.  Despite this, our team always put up a good fight and won some very close matches.

Our first match was against Gosford at Everglades and was probably a match we should have won.  Shaun won 7/6 (7 holes up with 6 holes to play) and Ben S. won 5/4.  It was 2 games all and the last match went down to 18th hole, so they don’t get much closer.  Unfortunately we lost the last match so lost 3/2 (3 games to 2) overall.

We then had a bye and our 2nd match was against Everglades at Toukley.  Shaun won 5/4 in another convincing win.  Ben W. won 2/1 but we lost 2 other matches so we were in for another grandstand finish and needed a “Captains knock” from Ben Saunders.  On the 18th hole, Ben played a beautiful chip shot that almost went in, but left him with a “gimme” put (the opponent “gives me” the put).  His opponent then 3 putted under the immense pressure of trying to sink his very long first putt, to give us our first team win 3/2.

Next match was against Wyong at Everglades.  Wyong and Toukley were the standout favourite teams for 2012 so our tactics against Wyong were to have fun, crack a few jokes along the way, but never give up.  This match was close all the way and at one stage we were 3 games to 2 up and the Wyong boys appeared to be getting a little nervous.  To their credit though, the Wyong Team finished stronger, beating us 4/1, one of these lost games going to the 19th (playoff) hole.

Our next match was against Morisset at Mangrove Mountain.  Ben S. won 9/7 in a very convincing manner.  Luke won his match 4/3, Ben W. won 6/4 and George won 4/3.  Our team won 4/1 in a very convincing manner.

Our 5th match was against Toukley at Morisset.  Toukley’s top 3 players are all under 3 handicap, so we knew we were in for a big fight.  Ben S. won his match 3/1 but unfortunately we lost the other 4 matches, losing 4/1 to a very strong team.

Our last match was against Terrigal at Kooindah Waters.  Our Captain wasn’t present and we knew we couldn’t make the final but we were determined to get into 3rd spot on the ladder.  Sam won 8/7 winning the first 7 holes in a row.  Luke won 2/1, Ben W. won 2/1 and Shaun and Josh’s matches went to playoff holes.  Shaun won on the 19th and Josh won on the 20th hole giving us our first 5/0 win and a great way to finish the competition as we build towards a future Junior Pennant winning Team.

Overall our team won 3 of 6 matches and 16 of the 30 individual games, the 3rd highest in the competition.  Wyong, a team we came very close to beating, went on to win the Pennant against Toukley in the final.

Ben Saunders won 4 of his 5 matches.  Ben was calm, composed and consistent throughout nearly every match.
Ben Woodham won 4 of his 5 matches.  Ben was great under pressure and showed tonnes of golfing and match play potential.
Shaun Brownlow won 3 of his 4 matches.  Shaun is almost unbeatable when in the lead and would never give up when behind.
Luke Atherton won 2 of his 4 matches, one loss in a playoff.  Luke showed great improvement throughout the tournament and will develop into a great Match Play golfer.
George Crowder won 1 of his 4 matches, one loss on the 18th.  George plays off 13 and I was very impressed with his never say die fight against a Toukley opponent off a 2 handicap.
Sam Rochester won 1 of his 4 matches.  Sam played some tough opponents this year but improved throughout and finished on a very high note.
Josh Ciechanowicz (“Josh C”) won 1 of his 4 matches.  Josh’s Match Play game improved throughout the year and his win on the 20th in our last match was fantastic.

Many thanks to the boys for all their efforts, to the Club for the use of the Courtesy Bus and to Paul Ciechanowicz for all his help and driving whilst I was recovering and hopping around on crutches.  If you see the boys, please be sure to encourage them and help continue to make them proud to represent our great Golf Club.

Mark Brownlow

Team Manager

0-44 Division

1^st Corey Jones – 21pts cb

2^nd Riley Catanzariti – 21pts

3^rd Liam Gocher – 20pts, reduced hcp to 39 congratulations

45hcp

1^st Eden Roberts – 14pts

2^nd Jordan Wasley – 12pts

3^rd Nate Farry – 9pts.

NPIN 10TH 

0-44: Riley Catanzariti

45hcp: nil

NPIN 13TH

0-44: Riley Catanzariti

45hcp: Eden Roberts

LONG DRIVE

0-44: Corey Jones

45hcp: Nate Farry.

No Competition –MOTHERS DAY

Next comp 20th May.

May 2012

Junior Classic 15.4.12

13 Cadets played in the Junior Classic – 11 of these were from our Club 2 visitors from The Coast and Cumberland.

Results as follows:

Winner: James Counihan 22pts.

R/up:  Nathan Tunks from Cumberland 20pts.

NPin

4th – James Counihan

9th – Cooper Hetherington.

All thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thanks to Mark Brownlow & Tony White for cooking the BBQ.

3 Day Clinic 17.18.19th April, 2012

16 players attended the Clinic and our hats off to all of them. The weather was terrible for the first 2 days. Jas, Peter & Keiren took turns in coaching – and it was great to see two girls attending.

The players were:

Corey & Keiren Jones, James Counihan, Jack Ratcliffe, Riley Catanzariti, Kelly Desem, Liam Gocher, Cooper Hetherington, Keiren Jones, Mathew Marsden, Tom Riley, Eden Roberts, Jack Speirings, Matty Goldsmith, Chelsea Ellis, Maddy Lachmund & Mason Beeby.

There was no competition on the first 2 days, the players went out just for a practice.  On the third day the weather changed and a competition was organised.

A Sausage sizzle followed on the final day and certificates were give out.

The winners of the comp were:

Winner: Ritely Catanzariti with 21pts

R/up: Kelly Densem with 17pts

NPin: Corey Jones.

All Players received a certificate of achievement. Most Improved certificate went to Liam Gocher, most consistent certificate went to Corey Jones and the encouragement award went to Eden Roberts.

We look forward to seeing great improvement in their golf after the constant 3 days of coaching.

All thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we thank Peter, Jas & Keiren for their coaching over the 3 days, and of course our resident bbqer Neil for doing the sausage sizzle.

On Saturday 21st April, the opening of the 9th hole & our Junior Gala Day our Juniors shone this time in both the winning and the r/up teams in the afternoon session.

Keiren Jones had a great round scoring 45 pts and James Milne scored 40pts. James was in the winning team with Sam Rochester, Neil & Myself.

Keiren Jones was in the r/up team with Josh Ceichanowicz, Noreen & Cheryl.

Needless to say Nor, Neil & I were very proud of our boys, and it was great considering it was the Junior Gala Day.

Josh also received a prize for selling the most tickets.

Next Cadet Day is 6th May hitting off at 11am.

Judy Swanson

CADET CO-ORDINATOR

April 22^nd Results

Sub Juniors

1^st Tom Riley – 18pts

2^nd Dakota Dib – 17pts

3^rd Kelly Densem – 17pts

Cadets

1st Jordan Denniss – 20 pts, reduced his handicap to 43 – CONGRATULATIONS!

2nd Liam Gocher – 19pts

3rd Cooper Hetherington – 18pts.

Npin 10th

0-44 – Corey Jones

45hcp – Jack Speirings

Npin 13th

0-44 – Tom Riley

45hcp – Jackpot

Welcome to Mat Goldsmith who had his first game with us today.

April 1st Results

Sub Juniors

1^st Eden Farry – 22pts, reduced to 34hcp

2^nd Kelly Densem – 21pts, reduced to 34hcp

3^rd Corey Jones – 18pts

0-44hcp

1^st Cooper Hetherington – 21pts, reduced to 39hcp

2nd Liam Gocher – 17pts cb

3rd Mat Marsden – 17pts

45hcp

1st Alex Sheridan – 20pts, reduced to 44hcp

2nd Eden Roberts – 18pts

3rd  Jordan Denniss – 15pts

Npin 9th

0-44hcp: Keiren Jones

45hcp: Jessica Lamara

Npin 12th

0-44hcp: Keiren Jones

45hcp: Jackpot

Long Drive

0-44hcp: Jack Milne

45hcp: Jordan Denniss

REMINDER: Next Cadet Competition is on 15th April Junior Classic AND 3 Day Clinic 17-19th April $110 all inclusive – book in at proshop and pay money

April 2012

Cadets are well and truly in the swing of things now – Over the last few weeks we have had new players who have finished their introduction clinic with Peter. We welcome these players to our Club, Jessica Lamaro (hooray!! a girl), who started with us a couple of weeks ago, Jack Speirings, transferred from Gosford and Eden Roberts had his first game with us on 18th March, Eden is a mate of Cooper Hetherington so we didn’t have to worry about him settling in as Coop really watched over him for his first game.

Since coming back from the Christmas Break the boys have been playing really well and handicap reductions are very popular.

On our first day back Rhys Cartwright reduced his handicap to 44, Cooper Hetherington to 41, and Eden Farry to 39. The Jones boys are still very competitive with each other Corey on 29 and Keiren on 27. We had two very excited boys last Sunday 18th March, Mat Marsden broke to 44 and Liam Gocher  broke to 43.  Eden Farry has been promoted to Sub Juniors and is now playing off 35.

Jack Milne has transferred to Juniors but still plays with us on a Sunday to help out with the other players. Keiren Jones is waiting for his Junior Membership to come through as well.

We have 9 Sub Juniors in our ranks at the moment. These boys are allowed to play in the Junior Trophy held once a month, and with the way they are playing they will be giving some stiff competition to the Juniors.

Over the past 6 weeks we have run a stroke competition for the Sub Juniors, choosing the best 3 rounds out of 6. The winner was Keiren Jones with scores of 49, 46 & 42 = total of 137. Congratulations to Keiren, he has won a cap autographed by Greg Chalmers.

Dates to remember in April:
15^th: SBGC Junior Classic
17^th – 19^th: 3 day clinic, cost as last year $95 which includes coaching, lunch, 9 hole competition each day, sausage sizzle & a presentation on the final day.

Enter for both events in the Pro Shop and of course pay the entry fee.

Judy Swanson

CADET CO-ORDINATOR

March 25th Results

0-44

1st Corey Jones – 22pts, reduced to 27 hcp

2nd James Counihan – 20pts, reduced to 41 hcp

3rd Eden Farry – 17pts

45hcp

1^st Jordan Denniss – 13pts

2^nd Jessica Lamaro – 10pts

3^rd Nate Farry – 8pts

NPin 9^th

0-44 hcp: Corey Jones

45 hcp: Jessica Lamaro

Npin 12^th

0-44 hcp: Eden Farry

45 hcp: Jordan Denniss

Long Drive

0-44 hcp: Eden Farry

45 hcp: Nate Farry.

Welcome to Maddy Lachmund, Chelsea Ellis & Jordan Denniss 3 new members, started with us today.

March 18th Results

Sub Juniors

1st Keiren Jones – 25pts, congratulations reduced to 27

2nd Tom Riley – 24pts, congratulations reduced to 35

3rd Eden Farry – 20pts, congratulations reduced to 35

Cadets

1st Liam Gocher – 25pts, congratulations reduced to 43

2nd Mat Marsden – 21pts, congratulations reduced to 44

3rd Cooper Hetherington – 18pts.

NPin 9th

0-44: Tie – Jack Milne & Tom Riley

45hcp: Nate Farry

Npin 12^th

0-44: Jack Milne

45hcp: Jackpot

Welcome to a new player Eden Roberts.

March 4th Results

1^st Riley Catanzariti 19pts cb.- Congratulations reduced to 39hcp

2^nd Jack Milne 19pts

3^rd Cooper Hetherington 16pts

Npin 9^th

0-44: Kelly Densem

45hcp: Jessica Lamaro

Npin 12^th

0-44: Jackpot

45hcp: Jackpot

Long Drive

0-44: Cooper Hetherington

45hcp: Jessica Lamaro

March 11th Results

0-44

1st Eden Far 25pts – congratulations reduced to 36hcp and now a Sub-Junior.

2nd Corey Jones 18pts

3rd Jack Milne 17pts

45hcp

1st Aaron Devries Chambers 14pts

2nd Mathew Marsden 9pts

3rd Ethan Devries Chambers 6pts

Npin 9^th

0-44: Jack Milne

45hcp: Aaron Devries Chambers

Npin 12^th

0-44: Dakota Dib

45hcp: Jackpot

Long Drive

0-44: James Counihan

45hcp: Jackpot

Welcome to a new Player Jack Spierings.

Sunday 18th will be a Clinic starting from 10.30am – all players to be at the course 20 minutes before please.

Reminder that the 3 day clinic is getting close, dates are 17th – 19th of April – also Junior Classic will be played on the 15th of April.

March 2012

After so much rain during the week we were delighted to play the Cadet Open Day on the 5th of February. Cadets invited family members to play an Ambrose and enjoy a sausage sizzle on completion for a meet and greet.

Winners were:

Gross:

Liam Gocher, his Dad and Sam Rochester with 34 off the stick

Nett:

1st: James Counihans team 27 1/2 nett

2nd Keiren & Corey Jones team 27 7/8 nett

3rd: Eden & Nat Farrys team 28 1/4 nett

We were lucky to con Sam Rochester & Ben Saunders in to play to make up a couple of teams, these boys are always there to help out the Cadets and we can’t thank them enough.

NPin 4th

45hcp: Liam Gochers Team

0-44hcp: Scott Hekkings team

NPin 9th

45hcp: Alex Sheridans team

0-44hcp: James Counihan Team.

All thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was great to get a good roll up.

Sunday 12th was our first Competition Day – winners were:

SUB JUNIORS:

1st Jack Milne 26pts

2nd Keiren Jones 25pts

3rd Corey Jones 23pts.

Congratulations to Keiren for reducing his handicap to 31, also Keiren’s older brother Corey proved he could match his brother by also reducing his handicap to 31.

CADETS:

1st Eden Farry 25pts

2nd Rhys Cartwright 19pts

3rd Cooper Hetherington 15pts.

Congratulations to Eden for reducing his handicap by 39 and to Rhys for reducing his to 44

NPin 9th

45 hcp: Ethan Devries-Chambers

0-44: Corey Jones

NPin12th

45hcp: Jackpot

0-44: Corey Jones.

 L/Drive

0-44: Jack Milne

45hcp: Rhys Cartwright.

Two new members played; Jessica Lamaro and Jordan Wasley – welcome to both of them.

Jack Milne has stepped up to Juniors – I am sure he will enjoy the added competition.

Our first clinic was on Sunday the 19th of February and after such a long break I am sure the cadets were looking forward to it.

Judy Swanson

CADET CO-ORDINATOR

CADETS RESULTS Sunday 12th February:

SUB JUNIORS

1st  Jack Milne          26pts

2nd Kieren Jones       25pts

3rd Corey Jones        23pts

CADETS

Eden Farry                  25pts

Rhys Cartwright         19pts

Cooper Hetherington 15pts

NPin 9 0-44 hcp      Ethan Devries-Chambers

Npin 9th 45hcp      Corey Jones

Npin 12th 0-44       Corey Jones

Npin 12 45hcp       Jackpot

LDrive 0-44           Jack Milne

LDrive 45hcp         Rhys Cartwright

We welcomed two new members: Jessica Lamaro and Jarrod Wasley

NOTE: alteration to programme

Due to Mothers Day 13th May- NO CADETS ON THIS DAY- Clinic  changed to 20.5.12

17th June Clinic Changed to 11am Comp to start 12pm from 1st Tee

24th June Competition to start 12pm from 1st Tee

Congratulations!

Cadets Open Day 5th February 9 hole ambrose

Gross Winners: Liam Gocher, Greg Gocher, & Sam Rochester   34 gross

Nett Winners

1st   - James Counihans Team                   27 1/2 nett

2nd –  Jones Boys Team                              27 7/8 nett

3rd –  Farry Boys Team                              28 1/4 nett

4th  - Scott Hekkings Team                       28 1/2 nett

5th – Rhys Cartwrights Team                    30 1/4 nett

NPin 9th 0-45 hcp Liam Gochers Team

NPin 9th 0-44 hcp Scott Hekkings Team

NPin 4th 45 hcp Alex Sheridans Team

NPin 4th 0-44 hcp James Counihan Team

January 2012

Cadets final day for 2011 was held on 11th December, cadets invited a family member to join them in playing an ambrose. 43 players participated, although some were caught in the rain, but all credit to them they completed the 9 holes.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the game and the sausage sizzle before the presentations of annual Trophies.

GALA DAY RESULTS:

Gross Winners: Rhys Cartwrights team of brother Daniel, Mat Jessup and Daniel Riley 34gross

Nett Winners: Cooper Hetheringtons Team of Nan Maree, Michael Lamara & daughter Jess 26 7/8n

2nd Mathew Marsdens Team of Dad John, Mum Julie and

Zane Norris 28 1/8

3rd Keiren Jones Team of brother Corey, Tony White &

Sam Rochester 28 1/4

4th Shaun Brownlows Team of sister Carly & grandfather

Barry 30 2/3

5th Jack Milnes team of Dad Shaun, Scott & Mick 31 1/8

6th James Counihans team of Dad Geof, Mum Tracey &

sister Jacinda 31 1/4

Npin 4th 0-44 Corey Jones

Npin 4th 45 Carly Brownlow

Npin 9th 0-44 Carly Brownlow

Npin 9th Liam Gocher

LD 0-44 Keiren Jones

45hcp Liam Gocher

All thoroughly enjoyed their day and with the inclusion of Lucky Cards all who played received a trophy.

ANNUAL PRESENTATION:

Sub Juniors:

Attendance

1st Jack Milne 16pts

2nd Sam Hatfield 15pts

3rd Josh Ciechanowicz 14pts

Competition

1st Sam Hatfield 23pts cb

2nd Jack Milne 23pts

3rd Shaun Brownlow 18pts

Stableford Competition

1st Shaun Brownlow 201pts

2nd Sam Hatfield 181pts

Cadets Attendance

1st Rhys Cartwright 12pts

2nd Cooper Hetherington 9pts cb

3rd Ethan Devries Chambers 9pts

Competition

1st James Counihan 11pts

2nd Zane Norris 6pts cb

3rd Keegan Kolts 6pts

Stableford Competition

1st James Counihan 77pts

2nd Cooper Hetherington 64pts

Neatest Card: Keiren Jones

Encouragement Award: Aaron Devries Chambers

Lyn Downes Memorial Trophy – most improved player over the year – (Donated by the Club): Sam Hatfield, who lost 15 shots

Players who transferred to Juniors were presented with a farewell gift they are:

Shaun Brownlow, Josh Ciecharchicz, Sam Hatfield and Jack Ratcliffe.

We are sure these boys will enjoy the added competition in the Junior ranks and look forward to seeing them feature in the results lists.

Opening Day for Cadets will be 5th February, with an invitational ambrose and sausage sizzle. We will be hoping for fine weather for this day.

The Cadets, Nor, Neil & I wish you all good golfing in 2012.

Judy Swanson

CADET CO-ORDINATOR

Course management – How important ‘Decision Making’ is on the golf course?

With the Masters this week on TV, we can see how important it is to our scores, to make the right decisions on the golf course. Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickleson would testify to that. Course management isn’t just about club selection and factoring in the slope and the wind. It’s about damage limitation when things are looking bleak. So what can you do to help when the chips are down?

Be rule smart – know the rules. Know what options you have and decide which one will give you the best chance of the lowest score on the hole you are on. Look at Phil Mickleson’s decision on the 4th in the final round at the masters. He should have went back to the tee in hindsight and hit 3 from the tee, a tough ask from a touring professional, but it was the best option, especially after his 2 right handed swipes left him shy of the bunker with a difficult shot in front of him still.

Take your time and assess the Smart play – rushed decisions, whether they be in golf or in life are rarely the best option. Look at Henrik Stensons decisions on the 18th at Augusta. He rushed through a number of shots with little consultation from his caddie or forethought of yardages to leave or positions on the fairway/rough to leave himself his best scoring opportunity.

Most amateurs who find their ball in a bad situation tend to let the situation of circumstance cloud the decision making process. You may find yourself behind trees and pull out your seven iron, grumble and chip out to the side (possibly hitting it to hard and ending up in the rough on the opposite side of the fairway). If you took the time to assess your surroundings, the best outcome of a “layup” shot and what distance you are consistently good at hitting into the green. A negative situation suddenly turns into a positive outlook with correct and precise decisions.

It’s the old adage of turning a frown upside down. Alternatively though you could take a leaf out of Bubba Watson’s book and just learn how to hit an arsenal of recovery shots to have at your disposal. I would suggest the first option is the best though. To play your best golf, you have to play smart golf.

April 2012

What is ‘Clubhead Lag’ & how can it improve your golf?

Lag definition is “to stay behind”.

In the golf swing, lag is that ability that allows the golfer’s hands to stay ahead of the clubhead before striking the golf ball.

In other words, the hands are ALWAYS leading while the clubhead is trailing behind.

Lag creation and sustainment is the most important fundamental in the golf swing. Without lag, the fundamentals of the golf swing like grip, stance, etc. don’t really matter and you can forget playing golf at your best level.

No matter how different or unorthodox, all effective swings have one position in common: At impact, the skilled golfer’s leading wrist is effectively flat or bowed facing the target, the trailing wrist is bent backwards, the shaft is stressed and presses hard on the right forefinger.

How does the highly skilled golfer reach this position so consistently?

The answer is Lag: His golf swing produces and sustains lag in the downswing.

All the swing positions of professional tour players we see analysed in the golf magazines and that many teachers told us to reproduce (this is known as “position golf”) are the result of, not the cause of, this Lag fundamental.

When you have Lag in your swing, it generates most and coordinates all of these actions and positions to produce a consistent solid ball striking downswing.

March 2012

What’s more important in successful putting: Speed or break? Well, it’s best to be great at judging both, of course, but almost all the great putters say that speed is the more important of the two.
If your speed is right, then there’s always a chance the ball will find the hole. And with good speed control, you should at least be left with a manageable second putt if the first one doesn’t drop. But if your speed if off, you’ll be leaving it short and balls left short never go in the hole (it’s true!) – or risk running the ball way past the hole.
Another way of putting it: More bad things can happen if you can’t control your speed on the greens; fewer bad things can happen when you improve your distance control.

String It Out Lag Putting Drill

1. Cut multiple pieces of string, each about three feet long.

2. Lay the string out on a putting green, evenly spaced, each string about three feet apart, across your chosen putting line.

3. Start about 10 feet behind the first string. Now putt a ball and try to roll it just over the first string. Putt a second ball and try to roll it just over the second string, and so on. When you reach the last string, start working your way back to the first string.

4. Once you become good at stopping balls in-between the string, start varying the distances – put to the first string, then the fifth, then the third, then the last, and so on, varying your distances.

This drill takes your mind off the line (and also off a target) and allows you to focus on speed and feel.

Putt Distance Drill

When golfers talk about lag putting, we mean that while we hope to make every putt we also want to make sure that if we miss we are left with a short, easy putt. Good lag putting means never 3-putting. This drill forces you to control your speed in order to guarantee a 2-putt.

1. Set up 30 feet from the hole.

2. Putt five balls at a time. Then walk to the cup and knock the balls in.

3. Make 50 consecutive 2-putts. If you 3-putt, start over.

This drill not only teaches lag putting, it also gets you into pressure situations. Imagine making 48 2-putts in a row. Putts 49 and 50 are really going to test your nerves.

If you have too much trouble making 50 2-putts in a row from 30 feet, then start from a shorter distance. Try 20 feet, and move out to 30 once 2-putting from 20 is comfortable.

February 2012

Short game honing drill

Take 11 balls to the short game practice area and use them to determine your strengths and weaknesses around the green. First, find one type of shot that you’re good with; say, the pitch from a fluffy lie from five steps off the green. Hit all 11 balls from that situation toward the practice green cup.

January 2012

Longer Tee-shots

Like most golfers, you probably want to hit the ball farther. Seems no matter how far we crush it, there’s always room to hit it a few more yards down the fairway. And why? Well, longer drives tend to result in shorter, easier approach shots, which, as you know, make it a lot easier to shoot lower scores. The problem most golfers have is, they don’t really know all the ingredients that’ll maximize their distance. Clubhead speed, for instance, is a major component of more yardage. But increasing your clubhead speed isn’t something you can just do overnight. You have to optimize your golf swing for more speed, as well as train your body to react faster during your swing—both in order to ramp up your clubhead speed.

Another way many golfers try to increase their clubhead speed is to swing longer and lighter drivers, since the longer the club, the greater the centrifugal force it has as it swings in an arc around your body. And while that’s true, and longer clubs can boost your swing speed, what happens to your consistency? What happens to the moment of impact with the ball and the clubface?

I’m a big believer that the most effective way to add distance to your tee shots is to hone in on your impact. In other words, make it more efficient. For instance, hitting the ball just toward the heel and low on the face can lower your launch angle about 4 degrees, costing you at least 5 mph of ball speed. It also can increase your spin by about 700 rpm, resulting in a distance loss as high as 20% and a decrease in accuracy by up to 30 yards offline!

So what can you do to make sure you’re making solid contact? Obviously, get your driver fitted for your swing, and factor in loft, shaft length and even lie angle to the equation. You may find that a longer driver can actually help you hit more solid shots. Second, when working with your instructor and clubfitter, determine the optimal impact point on the clubface that’s best for your game. Better players, who tend to have higher swing speeds may benefit from hitting their tee shots just above the center of the face, resulting in a slightly lower ball speed but a higher launch angle with less spin. Higher-handicappers, on the other hand, may benefit from hitting their tee shots more toward the center or even just below the center of the clubface, resulting in shots that have a higher ball speed and added spin for greater loft. The best way to start checking your optimal impact point is to use masking or electrical tape (even sticky tape works). It’s easy to use, peels off clean and work wonders not only in helping you see where you’re making contact with the ball, but also in helping you make the swing and club adjustments necessary to start hitting longer and straighter tee shots. It just might be the best $2.00 you ever spent!

]]> http://www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au/?feed=rss2&p=1825 1 http://www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au/?p=1822 http://www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au/?p=1822#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:00:38 +0000 Kristina http://www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au/?p=1822 April 2012

Renovations
The greens were renovated in the month of March using a number of techniques. A soil analysis was obtained prior, to provide the levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur, boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc and sodium. With these levels deficiencies can be identified, and with other measurements such as Organic Matter, Cation Exchange Capacity, pH, and Electrical Conductivity, amendment plans can be developed and implemented.

pH - The pH  is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on the concentration of the hydrogen ion. The pH of a soil is important because it determines the availability of nutrients to the plant. An optimum level for soil pH in a turf grass situation is between 6.0 and 7.0, at this level all of the nutrients that the plant requires are available. Most of the greens tested were between this range except for greens, the 2^nd and 6^th which were slightly higher. Acidifying fertilizers will be applied over the next few months to rectify this issue.

Nutrient analysis - The nutrient analysis results showed that the majority of Anions and Elements were in the ideal range.

Electrical conductivity - Electrical conductivity is a measure of soils salinity. This measurement can be used to determine the thresholds for damage to plants from high soluble salt (nutrient) content in the soil. All results were at the ideal level.

Cation Exchange Capacity - The Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of a soil is its ability to absorb and retain nutrients in the profile that the plant can use for feeding. When in the root zone nutrient Cations are positively attached to organic and mineral colloids, where they then stay until they are taken up by plant roots in a soluble form, or they are leached out of the profile. With a low CEC there is a lack of exchange sites for nutrients so many are flushed through the profile. All readings were in the ideal range except for the 6^th green which was slightly higher.

Sodium- The levels of Sodium ranged from the ideal to high. Calcium was applied to rectify this issue.    

Trace Elements-The trace elements that were on the low scale range were Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Boron. These trace elements will be raised over the next few months.  

The greens were topdressed with sand, Verti-drained with 19mm tynes and then amendments added which was calcium in the form of gypsum and organic fertilizer. The sand was rubbed into the holes and then watered. The greens were rubbed in twice and rolled once before a synthetic fertilizer was applied that was high in the element Potassium.

Construction site
New Hole- Due the recent wet weather, the opening of the 9^th has been delayed several times. There has been severe wash out areas that has moved tonnes of sand from behind the green into the creek bed. The turf in this area has been lifted on 4 separate occasions so the sand can be excavated out of the creek bed area and placed back in its original position. Once we have dry weather for a period, the grass roots will hold this sand in its place and the water will run of the surface into the wetland area.

On the 27^th of March, the last of the turf in the playing and traffic areas was layed. If the weather is suitable (no heavy rain) the hole should be open at the end of April or start of May 2012.

Note: The new 9^th hole is a construction site, so please keep out at all times unless permission has been obtained by Board of Directors or Management.

The work still to be completed after the new 9^th hole is completed is the areas surrounding the pond on the 6^th hole and open trench on the current 15^th hole.

February 2012

Volunteers

The gardens around the course and clubhouse have started to be rejuvenated by the help of volunteers under the guidance of my horticulturist. If you are interested in joining this group, they meet at 8am on Monday mornings at the maintenance facility in the carpark. On Monday the 16th of January, the volunteers cut up a number of fallen trees and then removed the dead wood off the golf course proper. On inspection of this “motley crue” over that day, it seemed like they were enjoying the task at hand and by the end of the day they achieved a great result.

I would like to thank every volunteer that helps with course maintenance; the staff does appreciate your input.

Construction site

New Hole – The new opening date for play is scheduled for Saturday the 3rd of March 2012. The opening has been delayed due to the wet weather that we have been experiencing right from the beginning of this project. In fact, the calendar year of 2011 recorded 1761.5mm which was the fourth wettest year since records have been kept by the Bureau of Meteorology at the Eloora St, The Entrance weather station. The year 1950 recorded the highest rainfall with 2219.3mm, 1949 with 2165.6mm, 1963 with 1792.7mm, 2011 with 1761mm and the lowest was in 1980 with 660.9mm.

The delays associated with the wet weather has extended the construction period into the growing season which has had a major impact in allocating resources. Capital projects are scheduled over the winter months as grass growth slows, pest and diseases pressure is low which in turn reduces maintenance hours compared to the summer months. Due to the construction work still being carried out at this time of the year, some areas on the course are not up to the normal standard we have been accustomed too, but on completion of the 9th hole these areas will be scheduled for maintenance.

Work still to be carried out;

• Plant native grasses and shrubs around tee complex, tee carry and wetland feature behind green.
• Turfing of transport path on the eastern side of the hole and behind the rear bunker.
• Finish drainage creek behind green.

The areas surrounding the pond on the 6th hole and open trench on the current 15th hole will be repaired once the 9th hole has been completed.
Note- The new 9th hole is a construction site, so please keep out at all times unless permission has been obtained by Board of Directors or Management.

Andrew Banning
Course Superintendent

January 2012

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy new year and hope that Santa was kind this past Christmas.

In this edition of the newsletter I will discuss the construction of the 9th hole, wedding area and what is required to drain the wet areas on holes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 18.

Construction site

New Hole: The green surface is growing well and is currently being rolled and cut at 3mm. The cool weather we’ve experienced at the start of Summer means that the warm season Couch grass on the entire new hole except for the green has been a little slower to mature, due to the lower soil temperatures. The warm season grass is healthy, but I was expecting warmer conditions which would have the surface in better condition and the joins of turf less noticeable. The opening date for this hole will be determined by the weather over the next few weeks.

Work still to be carried out;

•Plant native grasses and shrubs around tee complex and tee carry.

•Turfing of fairway track, green surround and rough on the left hand side of the hole.

•Finish drainage creek behind green.

Note- The new 9th hole is a construction site, so please keep off it at all times unless permission has been obtained by Board of Directors or Management.

Wedding/Function area: The turfed area is maturing slowly, due to the cooler weather conditions which have slowed the establishment of the warm season grass. This area will be planted with appropriate shrubs in the coming weeks and weddings will then be scheduled for the middle to end of the month.

Volunteers- I will be asking for assistance from volunteers to help plant the native grasses and shrubs nearing or at the end of the month on the 9th hole and wedding area.

Drainage

The wet areas during and after rainfall on holes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 18 have a major impact on the playability and the use of motorized vehicles on the golf course, which then has an effect on the bottom line of the clubs financials.

I have been instructed by past and present General Managers and Board of Directors to investigate the problem and submit the relevant information on this issue.

In 2005 and 2008 I obtained a number of quotations on the cost to drain part of these holes.

The issues are:

1. In which order should projects be carried out. The irrigation system needs upgrading as well as the drainage installed. The irrigation mainline pipe would be installed in the rough and lateral pipes into the fairways, exactly the same as the drainage pipes. The irrigation needs to be installed before the drainage for a few reasons. The first reason is the spacing of the sprinkler heads needs to be exact, too have a uniform coverage of water delivery. The second reason is the irrigation pipes could be installed at a greater depth than the drainage lines. If the drainage was installed first, you would have to cut through the drainage lines to install the irrigation. This would contaminate the drainage sand and then repairs would have to be made to the new drainage pipe. This would then affect the performance of the drainage rate of water. The third reason is the drainage would be installed at 3 metre intervals starting at a designated area as not to interfere with the irrigation. The drainage trenches could be cut higher than the irrigation pipe so there would be minimal repairs needed to the irrigation pipe in this scenario.

2.The cost to install the irrigation. The irrigation dam located at the 4th hole needs some cosmetic work to be carried out. The pump shed would be moved to a less visible location and upgrades of pumps would need to be carried out, as well as a dosage pump would be added to treat the effluent water before it is applied to the soil. The irrigation pipes would be upgraded from the pump shed out into the field with the southern paddock across Shelly Beach Rd done last. The irrigation could be done in stages, with the first stage being the pump shed and the holes that need draining; this is estimated at $500k.

The cost and works associated with draining part of these 5 holes are as follows:

Mains are connected to existing sumps that transports water to 4th dam.

•Type A. 150mm. diameter agricultural pipe is laid on a pvc. Membrane at the base of a 200mm wide trench excavated along the edge of the fairway using laser controlled equipment. The trench is back-filled with washed river gravel and coarse drainage sand.

•Type B. 100mm. diameter agricultural pipe is laid on a pvc. Membrane at the base of a 125mm wide trench excavated along the edge of the fairway using laser controlled equipment. The trench is back-filled with washed river gravel and coarse drainage sand.

Slit Drains

70mm. wide slit trenches are excavated across the fairways, 3 metres apart, laser graded to drain to the main lines. A 50mm. diameter agricultural pipe is laid on a pvc membrane at the base of the trenches. The pipes are then connected to the main lines using special snap connectors and back-filled with washed river gravel and drainage sand.

 1st Fairway

Main Type A- Total 78 metres.

Slit drains- Total 520 metres.

Connections to main- Total 26

 2nd Fairway

Main Type A- Total 155 metres

Slit drains- Total 1071 metres

Connections to main- Total 51.

 3rd Fairway

Main Type A- Total 180 metres

Slit drains- Total 1200 metres.

Connections to main- Total 60

 5th Fairway

Main Type A- Total 50 metres

Slit drains- Total 880 metres

Connections to main- Total 32.

 18th Fairway

Main Type B- Total 25 metres.

Slit drain- Total 144 metres.

Connections to main- Total 16.

The total cost to drain these holes with an estimate of the increases in products and services from the last quotes in 2008 would be $70k.

In the coming editions of the newsletter, I will be discussing topics like bunkers, 5th hole extension, pathways and dam construction on the 4th, 6th and 16th holes.

Andrew Banning

Course Superintendent