Greetings from Erinvale 30 October 2015

CAPTAIN'S CHAT

In recent weeks I’ve been asked two questions on numerous occasions by concerned members. The first question: Why is the men’s course from the white markers playing so long? The second question: Why do members returning from their golf clubs overseas have to record their scores on the South African Handicap Network?

Let me first deal with the length of the golf course from the white markers.

Photo of the week by Johan Mostert

Golf Course Setup
Over the years, the golf course setup has crept forwards and shorter. In fact we ended up playing a course substantially shorter than indicated on the score card. Course Standard Ratings in South Africa are computed almost entirely on length, although there is a move afoot by the South African Golf Association to go towards the Slope Rating system used by the USGA. Unfortunately, only the Western Province Golf Union has made any progress in rating courses and the conclusion of this process seems to be years away.

There was also some concern over the shorter course at Erinvale affecting the competitiveness of members’ handicaps against handicaps from other clubs. The Harry Solomon league is a typical example. Therefore the white men’s course is now playing its correct length and the stipulated distance between the white and forward (blue) markers is strictly maintained.

There also seemed to be some doubt whether the men and ladies stroke index should be the same on respective holes at Erinvale. Traditionally, men and ladies had different stroke indexes.

The Membership & Tournaments Committee has undertaken to investigate the stroke index for all the holes. This is an extensive statistical exercise involving a large number of individual rounds - the more, the better. It was decided to enter scores into a statistical model from all individual stroke play competitions until March, 2016. These scores can only be a true reflection of the difficulty of each hole if the tees are setup so that the hole plays the distance indicated on the score card. This is, and will be, reflected in the course set up. My appreciation to Gavin Woodroffe, Erinvale’s Director of Golf and Willem van der Merwe, Committee Member for their input and time with this project.

Let’s address the second question.

SAGA Handicap Rule
The South African Golf Association (SAGA) does not allow any player to have two handicaps. For example, a handicap for when you play overseas and a handicap for when you play in South Africa. Rule 11.8 of the South African Golf Handicap System – www.handicaps.co.za
This is a SAGA rule, not just an Erinvale rule.

Let me outline the following scenario. If a golfer leaves South Africa in April on a handicap of 18, plays a lot of good golf overseas during the northern hemisphere summer, gets his/her handicap cut to 15, he/she is obliged to enter those scores onto the SAGA handicap system. Failure to do so, and returning to South Africa to resume playing off an 18 handicap, is, in my opinion, a form of cheating. In the past it has led to an unlevel playing field and unnatural discrepancies in club competitions.

Erinvale’s Pro Shop staff have been instructed to implement the SAGA ruling, they have a system in place to implement the ruling and failure to do so will result in a handicap been frozen and therefore ineligible for competitions. The rationale behind this rule is that a players’ handicap must reflect his/her recent scores.

Member and Visitor Feedback
It’s always gratifying to receive positive feedback from our members and visitors about their experiences at Erinvale. I’d like to share some of the feedback with you.

Julian Shaw, Head Professional, Hermanus GC wrote: “Last week I had the privilege of playing at Erinvale with the Nomads, it really was a beautiful day, sunny and little wind. One of the reasons I play Nomads is to have a look at other golf clubs and shops and see if I can improve my operation and maybe suggest one or two things at club meetings. I must say I was blown away, the condition of the course, the green speed, the helpful staff, whatever they are doing they are doing it right! What a pleasure, in fact I will go so far as to say next to Augusta, this was one of the best presented and run courses I have EVER been to! Congratulations to Erinvale, great day.”

Seamus Fyfe from Northern Ireland wrote: “Playing Erinvale was such an enjoyable experience on a superb golf course. I have played Royal Portrush, Royal Co Down and quite few other beautiful course but Erinvale at least matched and indeed I think bettered any of them.”

Steph du Plessis, one of the ladies organising the Erinvale Ladies League Team, wrote: “I would like to thank you and your staff for a wonderful, organised day at Erinvale for our ladies league. Everyone just did a great job, from the time of tee off – Neil, welcomed everyone, Greg (our course was so pristine) to the end of day, Rufus, Primrose, Odwell, Janine and Nasser for the speedy service to the lovely food! The ladies were full of praise for Erinvale and said the food was delicious and they did not want to go home. It warmed my heart to be part of such a lovely club! And we won!”

Ton and Rea Houben sent the following message to Gavin Woodroffe re his weekly newsletters: “Just to compliment you on the speedy and interesting updates and special events during the last couple of months ! Very much appreciated! It really keeps us in touch with what’s going on at Erinvale and still feel connected : just great!”

Fanie Lategan celebrated a special occasion recently and wrote: “I would like to thank you (Gavin) and your staff for a fantastic evening. Janine, Nasser, Primrose and the rest of the Erinvale staff who contributed to our function did a fantastic job. The setting, timing and service were impeccable and very professional. I have thanked them in person already but it would be good if you could do so as well.”

Detlew Eitz played Erinvale while on a golf tour of the Western Cape, he wrote: “Just a short note to thank you VERY VERY much for accommodating our golf group. I must tell you that playing golf at Erinvale was the highlight of our “tour”. The course is in outstanding condition, but the service from all the staff, from the pro shop to the halfway house to the bar area was 10 star!! They were all wearing their Springbok shirts, and VERY VERY friendly and professional I can’t wait to visit you guys again in December.”

Amanda Carstens, organiser of the Christian Literature Fund golf day, said: “Everything was just so well prepared and ready and our players all just love the course and were impressed with the service and food! And so are we – we thank you for all your effort and your patience with our last minute arrangements! Especially the guys in the pro shop for helping us with the prizegiving and explaining the format! In fact, the players enjoyed the course and everything so much, they’ve asked us if we could possibly host the event at Erinvale again next year!”

Frank Mc Donogh
Captain


DIRECTOR'S REPORT


Arbor Day Winners

Arbor Day 

Congratulations to the winners of the Annual Arbor Day: Jackie Laurie, Guido Dingemans, Steph du Plessis & Vito Polo with Lynn Brews presenting the handmade trophy Harry Brews made many years back for Arbor Day.

Picture of the Week
We have another photo this week that shows off the incredible beauty of our course and the Helderberg Basin.

This week's photo (featured above in the Captain's Chat) was taken by Johan Mostert and it shows just how beautiful Erinvale is.

Click here to send in your photos of the course.

Home Channel
Our Member Michael Pashley has been on the Home Channel recently and for those that would like to watch the show, which was shot at Erinvale and makes mention to both Somerset West and Erinvale.

Please see here for the poster with the dates of the shows.
Click to enlarge




Click to enlarge A new way of reading the greens.

For those that have watched golf this year on the PGA tour you would have noticed a different way Adam Scott in particualr has been reading the greens and this style was created by a teaching pro by the name of Jamie Donaldson (not the Ryder Cup Player), and he has offered to come to Erinvale to host a course for our members from the 3rd – 9th December 2015.

If you are interested please book your spot with Rae Hast and the costs for the course is £100 (about R2100) a person with 15% discount if you bring your spouse along.

Click here to see the poster and get more details.

ECHO 2016
They say time flies when you’re having fun and to think we are about to launch the ECHO Golf Day 2016, is remarkable.

This year we have changed the process a bit. This year the Golf Shop will be taking the bookings, which are now open, and as things go every year it is a very popular event so please don’t leave it too late to enter.

Click on the poster for more details.

Click to enlarge


UPCOMING EVENTS


Click to enlarge Night Golf

20th November 2015
Join us this November for our night golf event! Members cost is R295 and visitors cost is R395.
This fee includes:
- competition fee
- welcome cocktail
- braai afterwards

Great Gatsby New Year's Eve
Join us on December 31st to see the new year in in style!
We're hosting a Great Gatsby themed party.
See the poster for more details.

Click to enlarge

Regards,

Gavin