This is an important message for those members with a handicap. And for those playing in this year's knockout competitions.
If you played on the first day of the re-opening of golf, you may have seen the delegation from EnglandGolf on our course. I was wondering what they were doing and briefly spoke to them. They said they had been called out by one proactive member of one of the clubs. They were re-assessing the difficulty of some holes after our green keepers had tidied up a number of areas. Today, I received their feedback, which has a big impact on our handicaps.
In fact, all our handicap indices will be adjusted 4.7 points down because of the changes on the course, which makes it so much easier to play. The decision is not arbitrary, but based on the guidance of the WHS system how to assess course ratings. Your new handicap will show on Masterscoreboard in a few days and be effective from Monday onwards. I just wanted to give you a heads up so you are not taken by surprise. Away members' handicap indices will also be adjusted, but only proportional to the number of rounds they have played at home and at SBGC, as common sense would suggest.
For the Knockout draws, please consult the next paragraph.
This, dear members and friends, is my last newsletter. From now on, you will receive updates from Rishi Sidhu, our new secretary. I wish Rishi as much enjoyment as this task has given me and a good hand in doing so!
Stay safe, and I very much hope to see you soon!
Lars
Knockouts!
Tonight, a trio of committee members, generally known as the Eades and Lars, convened virtually and virtuously in order to produce the draw for this year's knockout competitions.
While Lars drew the lots and held them up in front of his webcam, but only showing the back side, the Eades called out the position in the grid where this name should go. They would then be shown the front side and know who they have just positioned. This way it was possible to create a purely random draw.
Remember the rules for contacting opponents: The first name(s) have the obligation and must contact the second name(s) within a week from the start of the round, suggesting at least 3 dates to play, of which one must be on a weekend and one must be a weekday. If after a week no such suggestion was received, the obligation moves to the second name(s), who now in turn have a week to suggest dates. Any party not meeting their obligation or not responding within a week to suggestions received, cannot claim to move up if the match is not played.
Important 1: A round starts as soon as the pairing is determined, i.e. the opponents are known. This can be much earlier than the deadline for the previous round!
Important 2: Please do not use any of the pre-booked club tee times for your match. Book your own tee time instead.
Important 3: Read Important 1 and Important 2 out loud to yourself. Do it now. This drastically increases the chance you will remember them.
That said, here are the deadlines for the rounds of the 5 knockout competitions:
The biggest pressure is on the Men's Singles. As you all have signed up for it, I hope you are keen enough to create a flying start!
Here are the draws. You will also find them on Masterscoreboard very shortly.
