Post by Paul Mclauchlin on Oct 25, 2011 10:20:17 GMT
As we all know, the course boundaries (where they meet the housing estates) is a contensious topic and other than the poor condition of the bunkers and the ball tube situation, it's possibly the most talked about issue.
Before I go on I'll say that I appreciate the club has an obligation to make every effort necessary to address the number of balls which land in the surrounding gardens - Not an enviable task by any stretch!!
As it stands, I think the introductions which have been put in place so far have really impacted the play of the course, and not sure if this has been to any benefit of the residents?... and dare I say it make the course very unattractive to a visitor or potential / existing member.
SO, what can be done about it...? I'm sure the club, the members and the residents would love to listen to any suggestions geared towards rectifying the issues. With regards to the previous post about improvements for 2011/2012, I think this should be the primary focus as it would have the most impact in attracting visitors, new members (and retaining existing ones) - all resulting in financial benefit!
Rest assured, we're not alone... Here's an article from the Chronicle regarding the angry residents surrounding Washington GC - www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/08/03/washington-golf-club-hits-back-on-ball-claim-72703-29169413/
Before I go on I'll say that I appreciate the club has an obligation to make every effort necessary to address the number of balls which land in the surrounding gardens - Not an enviable task by any stretch!!
- 7th Hole - This has been an issue for as long as I can remember and numerous steps have been taken to prevent balls hitting the houses. The introduction of the net (however poor some may think it is), the movement of the tee box closer to the fence, and the introduction of the new astro-turfed boxes... Have any of them worked?
- 12th Hole- Again, always been an issue. I've seen and hit plenty balls into the gardens lining this hole, and also witnessed a few making it onto Milldene Drive!!! In my opinion, moving the OOB was simply pointless (other than a perception to residents that something is being done)... As mentioned by Disco in a previous post, a bad shot is a bad shot. I'm pretty sure people playing the course don't intentionally hit bad shots, and moving the steaks isn't going to fix this.
- 13th Hole - Possibly the worst inclusion of a 'preventative measure' I've seen on the course to date. There's a fine balance between looking to be doing something, making balanced improvements, and just plain ruining the play of a hole... As mentioned in a previous post, making people aim at the 14th makes it very dangerous!
As it stands, I think the introductions which have been put in place so far have really impacted the play of the course, and not sure if this has been to any benefit of the residents?... and dare I say it make the course very unattractive to a visitor or potential / existing member.
SO, what can be done about it...? I'm sure the club, the members and the residents would love to listen to any suggestions geared towards rectifying the issues. With regards to the previous post about improvements for 2011/2012, I think this should be the primary focus as it would have the most impact in attracting visitors, new members (and retaining existing ones) - all resulting in financial benefit!
Rest assured, we're not alone... Here's an article from the Chronicle regarding the angry residents surrounding Washington GC - www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/08/03/washington-golf-club-hits-back-on-ball-claim-72703-29169413/
