McLeans Island Golf Club
Newsletter - June 2025

President's Report

With white capped mountains to the west we have moved a step closer to winter. A good down pour of rain overnight saw almost 20mm in the rain gauge but we had clear skies for over 40 hardy golfers who turned up to play our Thursday tournament this week. The odd wet area but in general the course is in great playing condition and the greens are excellent.  Given the forecast, the cool day and clear blue skies, it was enjoyable weather for golf. Remember, it’s only two weeks until the shortest day of the year.

Irrigation update

Our irrigation project is progressing extremely well. Some great weather for the first four weeks has allowed more than eight holes to be completed. Work continues today on #1 which should be completed by the weekend then they will move on to #3 fairway and tee block. You can keep up to date with the progress on the map in the clubroom.

Please remember to check in with the Pro Shop/Starters on arrival before you go out on course when you will be updated on what areas are out of play.

The Contractors and Jared have made the closed in trenching areas as tidy as they can with back filling and a heavy roller. These areas will be left to settle over the next two months, heavy rolled as required as we allow the ground to settle. As we head into spring early September the ground will be leveled off, top soil and grass seed applied etc. Please keep off these areas as best you can and we have revised local rules “GUR” which allows for you to drop off to grass areas to play your shot.

A reminder to all members and players is the requirement to carry sand buckets and to use them to repair any damaged ground.

2025 Annual General Meeting

We have our AGM on June 28^th, the notice board has been out in the Clubhouse for the last three weeks for nominations of roles for the Executive and other committees. Nominations close Friday 6^th June. If you are interested in helping out with the operation of the Club and you wish to know a bit about how it operates please talk to me, or any of the current Executive members.

Information will be emailed out on Friday 6^th June regarding the AGM Agenda and Special Resolutions to be voted on at the AGM. The main one being our new Constitution to ensure McLeans Island Golf Club Incorporated can maintain its incorporated status, your club must re-register on the Incorporated Societies Register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (Inc Soc Act) by April 2026 with a constitution that complies with the Act and the Incorporated Societies Regulations 2023 (Inc Soc Regulations). The other special resolution is regarding the Executive seeking permission from members to spend over the $50,000 asset spending cap for the proposed purchase of a replacement mower. I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM and presenting the end of year account and updates.

While it’s fine and frosty, get out and enjoy your golf.

Chris Collins, President

Hole 18 is now completed and back open

Captain's Comment

Hello and welcome to June, the Month with the shortest daylight hours, although perhaps not the coldest temps.

Thursday and Saturday match numbers are down a bit lately, not unheard of at this time of year, although the weather has been pretty decent so far, and if people are worried about disruption from the earthworks, they really needn't be, the progress is good and the effect on golfers is minimal, thanks to the tidy work from Mark, Jared and the boys. Last weekend we played all 18 holes, Thursday this week only one was out and this weekend it is likely all 18 will be in play again. Remember to take free relief from the earthworks and that includes track marks in the rough. One club length placing in Fairways for the rest of the Winter.

Club champs are settled, Congratulations to Senior, Eugene Hay beating Brent Mackey, Intermediate, Thomas Bishell over Steve Lamb, Junior A Lance Pasco beat Martin Pryde and Junior B Derek Black was the victor over Neville Wright. Brent, Thomas and Lance are representing our club in the Champion of Champions at Bottle Lake on Sunday, go well men.

There is a lot happening with Saturday golf this Month. This week is not only top dog, but qualifying for the HEAD SHIELD. This is one of the bigger trophies.

Open to all full member Men, no handicap limits or divisions, however all matches are off Blues. After Saturday's golf the top 16 Nett scores will go through to the Matchplay format, where handicap shots are given. Round 1 Sat 14th, Rnd 2 Sat 12 July, Rnd 3 Sat 19 July and the Final on the second of August. If you can't make all of those dates, please ask Monty to leave you out, so as to not mess up the draw. Also important to note, the first three rounds will be played over the holes open that particular day. Any closed hole/s go down as a half, whether shots are given or not. Remember each match must yield a winner so if you are tied after coming off the 18th green, you will need to play on. The Final will be a full 18 hole match, I will remind the competitors nearer the time.

Saturday 21st is an Irish Stableford and the 28th is the AGM. Golf on that day is best 3 out of 4 team Stableford and it is one of two times a year the Captain draws the teams. Please still put your name on the booking sheet and teams will be arranged late Friday evening.

Dress warmly for tomorrow and I'll see you out there

Warren

Reminder to all players

Divot Repair: Why and How

Taking divots is a normal part of any round of golf. Making our best effort to repair our divots should also be a routine part of the game. Spending a little time to properly repair our divots makes a big difference in how a course plays and sets a positive example for others. Although repairing divots may seem simple, it is important to recognize that not all divots are the same. Using the right repair technique at the right time is critical for success

Why Repair Divots?

Properly repairing divots helps the turf recover as quickly as possible and helps to restore a smooth playing surface. An unrepaired divot can take months to heal, and it may never fully recover. Repairing divots maintains good playability for your fellow golfers and sets a positive example of caring for the course.

Fixing divots allows turf to heal properly.

How to Replace a Divot

If the divot is intact and there is soil still attached, simply replace it in the correct orientation and firmly press the divot into the ground with your foot. Pressing down is important because this establishes good contact between turf roots and the soil, which helps the divot heal. Pressing down also creates a firm, smooth surface that provides better playability if someone's ball ends up on the divot while it is healing. If there are any significant gaps between the divot and the surrounding turf, fill them with sand and smooth it with your foot. This will help the turf knit back together.

How to Fill a Divot

If a divot does not have any soil attached, or if it has shattered into small pieces, it cannot be replaced and expected to heal properly. Sprinkle the divot with sand is the best option in these situations. Regardless of the ground conditions the way to properly fill a divot is the same: Add sand to cover the exposed grass roots to protect them from drying out or being exposed to frost and the grass will grow in 10 – 14 days, do not overfill the divot. It’s worth taking a few extra seconds to get the level just right. Too much sand creates playability issues and can block grass growth.

Making our best effort to repair divots is an easy way to care for the course and help others enjoy their round. Knowing the correct technique is an important first step. On the course, take pride in your divot repair. Who knows, the divot you repair today could give you a better lie the next time around.