Whispering Pines

February 2008

Contributions and suggestions for Whispering Pines are most welcome - please contact whisper@thaxtedparkgolfclub.com.au

In this issue:

Diary Dates:

February

March

Thaxted Park Golf Club - A short history

Thaxted Park Golf Club, situated at Woodcroft, South Australia, was officially opened in 1964. The course layout takes advantage of the rolling hills, offering views to the sea and many of the tree-lined fairways are interwoven with the creeks and dams which attract an abundance of wildlife.

Thaxted Park Golf Club is now 'Adelaide's best kept golfing secret'. A true golfer's golf course that has a lay out comprising predominantly Santa Anna irrigated fairways and greens that are the envy of most Clubs. The following is typical of feedback received at the Club.

'Thank you for a great day last Sunday, the course is a real challenge and the facilities excellent. Each hole seemed to have a new story and it kept up your interest as you took on the wow factor that greats you as you move around the course. Thank you once again and I will certainly be back.'

The Club is the most successful Club away from the sand-belt, having won the Simpson Cup on four occasions and has proven to be a successful breeding ground for Professional Golfers, including Glen Joyner, Adrian Percey, Justin Cooper, Nathan Kent and more recently Adam Bland, a former Junior Champion.

In 2007, Thaxted Park Golf Club once again competed for the Simpson Cup, having won the A2 Championship in 2006.

Throughout the years, Thaxted Park Golf Club has maintained and enhanced its enviable reputation as a friendly, affordable and sociable place where members can relax in company overlooking a course that is a credit to the dedicated Staff, Committees and Members alike. Thaxted Park Golf Club's continued growth in membership can be attributed to the quality of the Course and the affordable price of its membership.

2007 saw the introduction of an innovative program of Junior Development through the local schools designed to enable all children irrespective of their socio-economic background the opportunity to experience the recreational benefits of playing golf.

Do yourself a favour, see what everyone else is talking about, Thaxted Park Golf Club, really is "Adelaide's best kept golfing secret."

Memberships are currently available in all Categories, with No Joining Fee or Waiting Period at present.

From the Prez!

As most of you know by now Andy Blacker our previous superintendent has moved on after 20 years at Thaxted Park, but you may have noticed a new face on the greens staff his name is Mike Bosley. Mike hails from the U.K. and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has settled in very quickly and now is a very valued member of our team. I ask all members to please make him feel welcome.

Gold Pass Golf - Mt Lofty, Mt Barker & Gawler (Sandy Creek) Golf Clubs are all part of our initiative to provide better deals for our members, our full members can play 5 times per year at these courses just by getting a card from our Manager Adam Hays or our Pro Jay Fuss and booking at the club of choice.

Unfortunately we could not secure some of the southern courses as they rely on green fees more than membership; however we have secured full reciprocal rights with Blue Lakes Golf Club at Mt Gambier.

Snakes & Rakes - the black snakes made from old irrigation hose are an attempt to keep the bloody cockies away from the greens and surrounds, so please leave them as they are unless your ball is close.

If anything gets up my nose it is bunker rakes not being replaced correctly ! Our bunkers are not the best due to drainage, wind and in some cases design; however, rakes must be placed back in the bunker. This means on the flat area and in the direction of play after raking; bunker edges are to be smooth not raked up the sides where you walk in, consider the players behind you - read the labels on most of our rakes!

The kiwi & the Galah and a bit of help from a Pom.
The Queens Birthday holiday (07) our very alert Sharon heard the cry of help from one of our feathered friends who managed to get itself stuck in the kitchen exhaust fan. The Galah was sitting on the fan blades above the deep fryer - lucky both were not turned on.

To the rescue Peter &Troy Sherratt who climbed onto the clubhouse roof and dismantled the large exhaust flue that required the muscle power of Peter Berry to lift from its housing.

The Galah took off unharmed and soon attracted its mate and several friends who hung around long enough to see the boys reassemble the flue.

Thanks guys for giving up part of your day.

Gordon Sykes, President

Captain's Corner

New Members

Slow Play

The position on the Course is to KEEP UP with the group in front not keep in front of the group behind.

There are a number of KEEP UP strategies. Ask the pro-shop if you're not sure.

If your Group is taking more than 4 hours, you and your group need to improve your pace of play by practicing KEEP UP tactics, so that you can be part of the solution not part of the problem.

Remember your place in the field is behind the group in front NOT in front of the group behind! If your group does fall a hole behind,

"ALWAYS LET THE GROUP BEHIND THROUGH!"

Please Share the Course.

Good Golfing

Introducing - Adam Hays - Club Manager

I thought I would take the opportunity to introduce myself and give a brief rundown on my background

Born in England, in the early eighties my parents migrated to New Zealand to take up the steward's position at Hamilton Golf Club in the central North Island. Growing up on a golf course, I quickly fell in love with the sport and as most young golfers do, had aspirations of becoming a professional golfer. I represented New Zealand in the 1991 Secondary Schools World Championships at St. Andrews (which was a highlight). Upon returning, I started as an apprentice with my club Professional Brian Boys and the NZPGA.

After two years of frustration, due to limited playing opportunities, I reverted back to amateur status.

I joined the team at Hamilton's first full size Driving Range and ran the retail side of the business before a member of my golf club approached me about a pub he was building in the city centre.

From then on it was all hospitality and very little golf. Having spent two years at the Four Oaks Tavern I went to London and joined Bass Charrington running various Pubs and Venues in the London CBD for 8 years.

Meeting my South Australian wife Jacqui in London, we moved to Adelaide to start a new life together. We have two children Corban and Neve.

I am very excited about joining the team at Thaxted Park. The people I've met so far have been friendly and helpful as I familiarise myself with the club. The passion and pride for the club has been noticeable in my first months here and I look forward to working with you all towards making Thaxted Park a prosperous club. (Come on the All Blacks).

"Around the Grounds"

Happy hitting everyone have fun out there and here's to a wet and cold winter.

From the Ladies' "Prez"

I would also like to thank Adam, the bar and kitchen staff and office volunteers for a job well done. Also, the Ground Staff and the course volunteers for continuing to present us with a great golf course.

To the Ladies committee, a special thank you for the amount of work and support you have given me in helping 2007 be a very successful year and here's to a fantastic year of golf in 2008.

Lastly, good luck to all the Ladies representing the Club in the Cleek and Pennant sides during the months ahead.

Patricia Hogg

RULE ROUND-UP

"are we playing fast enough?"

RULES OF GOLF 2008 EDITION
ETIQUETTE
PACE OF PLAY

PLAY AT A GOOD PACE AND KEEP UP

Bereavement Notices

RETIREMENT OF JEFF STRUGNEL

What is a bequest?

A bequest is a gift made in your will. You can make bequests to individuals, companies, associations or charities. A bequest to the Thaxted Park Golf Club is an investment for life. Making a bequest may be as simple as adding a Codicil to your existing will, but seek the advice of your solicitor.

General Information

Bequests to Thaxted Park Golf Club may be made in the form of cash, securities, real estate or other property. You should specify that Thaxted Park Golf Club is to receive a certain amount or percentage of your estate, particular assets, or the remainder of your estate after providing for heirs. If you or your solicitors would like to discuss making a bequest to Thaxted Park Golf Club, please contact us.

In any case, if you elect to include Thaxted Park Golf Club in a provision of your will, it would be very helpful to Thaxted Park Golf Club if you could let us know. It would also allow us to express our gratitude for any bequest you may make.

Types of Bequests

Following are some examples of various types of bequests:

Specific bequests are used to make a gift of a specific dollar amount or specific assets, such as securities, real estate or personal property.

Residuary bequests are used to give all or a portion of the rest, residue and remainder of your estate after payment of expenses and any specific amounts designated to other beneficiaries.

Contingent bequests will result in a gift to Thaxted Park Golf Club only in the event of the death of other beneficiaries or the fulfillment of certain conditions described in your estate plans.

ALL BEQUESTS WOULD BE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED

CAPITAL WORKS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Committee

 The Committees 2008