Dear Members, Good morning to you all, well, Autumn has definitely moved in with the weather becoming colder, rainier and much windier. There doesn’t seem like there will be much change in that as we move swiftly towards November. Those playing this week please be aware of the possibility of high winds. Last week I attended the GCMA Autumn Business meeting held at The Burstead Golf Club near Southend. An interesting day where GCMA partners and various industry professionals introduced some new systems for Clubs. Although I personally didn’t feel that there would be anything that could immediately benefit us, I did come away with a few new ideas to enhance your member experience and communication. I hope to look at getting these introduced over the coming months in preparation for the new 2027 season. **Catering Corner** Caitlin has been under Emma’s tutelage for a few days since her return. Caitlin is keen and enthusiastic and really starting to fit really well in to the Team. I did mention last week that we are now in a much better position going forward, we have a new full Team in place, and we hope to get back to the standard of service you expect and the standard we want to deliver. Emma is in today (Monday 26th), Wednesday 28th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st. Caitlin will cover Tuesday 27th and Sunday 1st November. The only day we do not have FULL catering is Thursday 29th, although sandwiches and bar snacks should be available. **Competition Corner** **Monday 26th** – Mixed Match v Gog Magog **Tuesday 27th** – No Scheduled event. **Wednesday 28th** – Past Captains match 1000hrs, no general play restrictions. **Thursday 29th** – No Scheduled event **Friday 30th** – No Scheduled event **Saturday 31st**– No Scheduled event. AGM 1800hs in the clubhouse. **Sunday 1st Nov**– 18 Hole-Mixed Medal **Rules Corner** **Last Week’s Question** A player makes a practice swing on the fairway and accidentally moves their ball. What is the ruling? a. There is no penalty but the player must replace the ball b. The player gets one penalty stroke and must replace the ball c. There is no penalty, but the practice swing counts as a stroke and the ball must be played as it lies **Last Week’s Answer** b. The player gets one penalty stroke and must replace the ball. (Rule 9.4) If you fail to replace the ball you would get an additional penalty stroke! **This Week’s Question** A player takes relief on the fairway under preferred lies and places the ball correctly within 6 inches not nearer the hole and it comes to rest. Before they play their shot, the ball rolls a short distance into a new position but still within the original relief area. Are they allowed to place the ball a second time? a. Yes b. No c. Only if the lie is improved **Temporary fairway Mats** Like them or loathe them, they are very important part of playing winter golf and protecting the course. Using the mats during the winter will assist the greens staff in presenting the course at its best when we move into spring and the new season. We will be definitely moving to everyone having to use the mats when playing the ball from the fairway, with effect from 1st December until further notice. Please be aware that this may be bought forward depending on the weather. **Removal of Green Tee Markers** In addition to the use of mats, the green tee markers will also be removed, this is mainly to allow the area of the green tees a chance to have as much recovery time as possible. The timing for the removal will work in conjunction with the introduction of the mats. All matches, competitions etc will have the necessary handicap adjustments set to take these changes into account. Happy golfing Mark Coltman Club Manager