Galway Golf Weekly In Association With Host Club to the 2020 & 2021 Irish Amateur Open Championship

Celebrating 125 Years in 2020 Friday December 6th, 2019 Dear Member, Welcome to Galway Golf Weekly brought to you in association with INTUITY TECHNOLOGIES.

Club Lotto The winning numbers from the lotto draw on Friday Nov 29th were. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,075. There were no match 3 winners – well done to Ger Hession who won the Lucky Dip €50.00. To date we have had over 65 Match 3 Winners who have come close to claiming the top prize! Be in with your chance to claim the jackpot by playing online (single week, 10 weeks, 25 weeks & annual options available) or by using the envelopes in the bar and dining room.

This week’s Jackpot will be €8,100!!

Dates for your Diary 2019 AGM’s – See below. All relevant notifications are posted on the club noticeboards, are available from the Member Only “Weekly Newsletter” section of the Club Website and have been emailed out to members. For your convenience copies of each are available for collection from the Club Office.

Dining Room Credit Members are reminded that the dining room credit on their GUI Swipe cards must be used by the end of December or will be lost. The dining room staff can check the credit left on your card at any time by request. Last date for using 2019 credit is Sunday Jan 11th. Subscription Membership Payment Plan / Premium Credit Members who WISH TO AVAIL OF OR RENEW the 10 month easy payment plan for the 2020 Subscription fees are asked to contact Olivia in the office, as soon as possible.

Members Moving from Jnr. to Student / Renewing Student Membership Please note that to avail of Student Membership for 2020 you must be registered as a full- time student at any Second or Third level Educational Institution and proof of college

registration is required IN THE FORM OF A LETTER ON COLLEGE HEADED PAPER DATED AND STAMPED. We regret that we are unable to accept Student Identification Card or Proof of Fees Paid. The Subscription Fee cannot be taken by office staff without the above letter so to avoid embarrassment please do not ask to have it accepted pending letters arrival. No Exceptions to this Rule can be allowed.

Afternoon with The President The Wednesday morning bridge club have been invited to join President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins for Afternoon Tea on Tuesday 10th December next from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Enjoy your afternoon ladies.

Ladies Presentation & Mince Pie Night Please see below.

Ladies Club AGM Well done to the ladies on the smooth running of their AGM last Sunday evening. Congratulations to the newly elected Lady Captain Orla Purdy and all her officers, committee and volunteers.

2019 Club AGM Please see below the list of motions, rule changes & nominations for the Club AGM next Sunday night. These have been previously notified in accordance with the relevant rules of the club constitution. As per the original notification of nominees there will be an election for the role of Club Hon. Secretary.

The nominees are current Club Hon. Secretary Declan Kennedy & Ger O’ Farrell Voting for same will take place, by secret ballot, in the club bar on the day of the

AGM Sunday December 8th next between the hours of 10am & 7.00pm. Voting is open to ordinary male and female members including those on the senior

and long service subs. Please see relevant club constitution rules 4A, 4G, 4F, 14L & 33 in relation to same.

http://www.galwaygolf.com/uploadedfiles/pagepics/Updated%20Constitution%20of%20Galway%20GC%20as%20at%20Dec%2010th%202018.pdf

As one nominee for a non-officer position on Club Council has withdrawn there will not now be an election for non-officer positions.

Reading Club Continues next Monday in the bar @ 2.30pm.

Required H&S Works to Stairs A re-build of the main stairwell leading to the first floor will be undertaken next week. These works have been necessitated by 2 serious falls in July 2018 & December 2018. The above falls were very serious in nature and resulted in fractures to and the hospitalisation of those involved. As a result of the above, and other more minor related incidents the club was required to engage the services of

consultant engineers to survey the stairs – this was completed in January 2019. The main findings of the survey vs the relevant building regulations were as follows: Part K Part K of the building Regulations requires that all flights of stairs are uniform and consistent. This requires that all steps have the same going and rise i.e. be uniform and consistent. The requirements for a public building like this under Part K are that: The max rise of any step should be no greater than 180mm and no less than 150mm The minimum going on any step should be no less than 280mm and ideally 300mm The main stairs is not compliant with Part K. Part M Where the stairs is the main accessible stairs to a building it is required to comply with Part M. The basis of compliance for this when the building was constructed was TGD M 1997. This required that a landing be provided at every 1.8m. This also required that the riser (R) should not be greater than 175mm and that 2R+G should not be greater than 630mm. TGD M 2000 required the following: (a) the rise of a flight between landings should not exceed 1.8 m; and (b) the rise and going of each step should be uniform, with the rise not greater than 175 mm and the going not less than 250 mm. The main stairs is not compliant with Part M 1997 or Part M 2000. Part B The width of the stairs has to be able to cater for the maximum occupancy in the event one of the stairs is unavailable. This requires a minimum width of 1500mm based on the previous FSC. The main stairs has sufficient width however Part B requires that where a section of stairs is greater than 1800mm a central handrail is provided. This is not the case. The main stairs is not compliant with Part M 1997 or Part M 2000. There were also 2 issues identified with the external balcony stairs which require addressing separately. Having undergone a process of receiving tenders for the required works plans were submitted to Galway City Council in May 2019 for their approval and certification. The above plans submitted address all of the compliance issues identified and approval for same was received in writing on July 26th 2019. At their September meeting Club Council approved the expenditure for the works. At that time they were advised by myself that should approval not be forthcoming insurance cover may be withdrawn by our insurers for further claims (they already having conducted their own, separate survey, of the stairs on foot of the 2nd fall above). The required works are due to commence next week and will take approximately 3 days to complete. During this time access to the 1st floor bar and dining room will be facilitated by lift and / or the external staircase. The required works will result in a reconstructed wooden stairwell that shall be in compliance with the above building regulations. The re-design has been minimised in so far as is possible both from a

cost and visual point of view but as there are 12 separate issues identified the new stairs will, by necessity, be of a fairly substantial change. Thank you in advance for your patience with these works. It should be noted we had another fall on the stairs as recently as Wednesday of this week.

Celebrations to mark 125th Year Anniversary A sub-committee of the following members has been working on a plan to help the club celebrate its 125 years anniversary next year. The members joined the committee following on from requests made in the weekly email for members to get involved. The members sitting on the sub-committee are: Stan Porter 2020 Captain; Orla Purdy 2020 Lady Captain; Caitriona Hartmann 2020 Club President; Donal Leonard; Ann O’ Donoghue; Marquerite Fallon; Sarah Kelly & Hon. Treasurer Pat Holland. They following plan has now been agreed and signed off by Club Council at their September meeting: 1st Quarter Commemorative members gift to be given upon renewal of fees 2nd Quarter Themed Captains Drive In & Members & Guest Weekend 3rd Quarter Celebration Golf Event / Pro-Am & 125 Years Silver Medals Competitions 4th Quarter Joint Captains Dinner in the Salthill Hotel – Saturday November 14th, 2020. It

is hoped to have some very special guests in attendance at same. In addition to the above:

- The Pro Shop will carry a range of specially commissioned clothing & golf accessories marking the 125 years.

- 125 Years Club Flags to be in operation for the year. - A Galway GC branded 125 Years Special Edition Gin will be available from the club

bar. - One ladies & one gent’s competition in the year will be designated as the 125 Medal

Event and the Winners will receive a commemorative silver medal. - The Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the June Bank Holiday weekend will see the club

run a special Members & Guests weekend, in which members will be able to be enter invited guests to come and play in the event at a reduced fee. Social evenings will also be planned around these events.

- The milestone will be suitably marked in our around the clubhouse / course. In order to partially fund the above events it was agreed by Council at their September meeting to include in this years Club AGM motions a mandatory “125 Years Celebrations Contribution” applicable to all Ordinary & Long Service members of €13p/p. In return each of the above members shall be entered into a number of draws to take place in January 2020 with prizes including amongst others:

Advance access to ladies competition timesheets for the year *

Advance access to gents competition timesheets for the year * - T&C’s apply.

Letter from the Captains Re Recent SGM

News from The Pro Shop New Arrivals: SuperSpeed Golf Speed Sticks now back in stock - Golf's #1 speed training system.Limited number available. Bushnell Tour V4 rangefinder now back in stock Lots of stocking fillers now in store. Free Cart Bag with PowaKaddy Purchase any PowaKaddy Lithium Electric Trolly and get a Powakaddy golf bag FREE worth up to €269.99* Promotion ends 24th December. TrackMan 4 - coming soon to the Swing room. Keep an eye on the weekly e-mails for more updates.

General Managers End of Year Revenue & Course Usage Report, 2019 Please see below.

From the Archive / History of the Club As we head toward the 125th year of the clubs existence I will include periodically an excerpt from the book produced to mark the clubs 100th year in 1995. Please see below for page 11 of same and the origins of the club at Renmore Barracks. The cup referred to in this piece is still in the clubs possession and sits in the trophy cabinet.

Rules Queries – Club Competitions Please see below from the GUI.

Change to Ladies Terms of Competition Entry Please note that following the ladies club AGM last Sunday the cut off time for removing your competition tee time booking on BRS is now 10.00pm on the day prior to play, rather than 6.00pm on the day prior to play.

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Cost: €250 for two people – reduced to €187.50 for GUI members. Use GUIMEMBER discount code to save 25% - that’s a saving of over €60 - See

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ALL GIFT VOUCHERS ARE VALID FOR A MINIMUM OF FIVE YEARS

4Thoughts by Nick Edmund Please see below.

Got News? I am happy to carry any news that will be pertinent to the club or its members so please feel free to contact me with anything you would like to see included. Kind regards,

Dave Kelly General Manager

General Managers End of Year Report, 2019

Members, Please see below a summary of matters dealt with over and above the general day to day running of the club over the course of the last financial year.

Matters Dealt With / Improvements Outside of Day to Day Operations

- 28 New Members Introduced to the Club - Legionella Risk Assessment Completed & Preventative Regime Put in Place - New additional Gents Lockers Installed - Cardiac 1st Responders Training Completed x 7 Staff - GDPR Gap Analysis Completed - Online LOA application process introduced - Laser Finders added to Course Flags - EPA Water Abstraction Registration Completed - Information Security Policy Agreed & Introduced - Competition Entry Software & Handicapping Software being upgraded Dec ‘19 - Membership Administration Software being upgraded Feb 20 - Website reviewed and upgraded - Trophy Register Completed - Clubs Assets Register Completed - Review of Insurance Levels Completed - Revised Entry for Ladies Locker Room Introduced - Club Financial Procedures Policy Introduced - Course Topographical Survey Completed - Dept. of Agriculture Inspection Completed - Environmental Health Officer Inspection Completed - CMAE Management Development Programme Module 1 Completed - Governance Review Sub Committee Established & will commence work in 2020 - Landscaping Works between 9th green & 18th the green - Irish Girls Close successfully hosted - Volunteer Stewarding at DDF Irish Open in Lahinch organised

Revenue Increases Achieved

- New Sponsorship Agreed with Aviva Galway - New Sponsorship Agreed with Callanan Hotels - New Sponsorship Agreed with Classic Tiles - New Sponsorship Agreed with C Quinn BMW - New Sponsorship Agreed with Home-instead Senior Care

Maintenance Completed Outside of Day to Day

- Replacement Heating & Cooling Unit for Club Bar and Dining Room Installed - Dining Room & Bar Painted - New Blinds Fitted to Dining Room & Bar - New Carpets Fitted to Dining Room & Bar - PAT Testing completed - Roof Works to Clubhouse & Buggy Shed Completed

- Refurb of 5 Course Buggies - Phased Replacement of Fire Detection Units

Upcoming Works

- Required H&S Works to Internal Stairs - Required H&S Works to exterior stairs - Further Phased Replacement of Fire Detection Units - Installation of New Competition Administration, Handicapping & Membership Systems

commencing mid-Dec

Reports Attaching

- Please see attached reports which cover the areas of : Club Revenue 2009-2019, Membership No’s by Male, Female, Student & LOA 2009-2019, Profit & Loss Summary 2009-2019, Course Usage,

Dates, Venues & Times for 2019 AGM’s 124th AGM of the Club - Sunday December 8th @ 7.30pm in the Clubhouse

** Important Dates ** Nominations for Club Council must be received in writing to the GM by Sat 30th November.

See Rules 4C, 4D and 4E of the Club Constitution, Term of Office and Election of the Club Council.

Notices of Motion must be received in writing to the GM by Sunday 24th November.

See Rule 29C of the Club Constitution, General Meeting.

Notice of any Proposed Rule Change must be received in writing to the GM by Sunday 10th November. See Rules 34A & 34B of the Club Constitution, General Meeting.

AGM of the Men’s Club - Friday December 6th @ 7.30pm in the Clubhouse ** Important Dates **

Nominations for Men’s Committee must be received in writing to the GM by Thurs 28th November. See Rules 3C, 3D and 3E of the Club Constitution, Part 2 Men’s Club.

Notices of Motion must be received in writing to the GM by Friday 22nd November.

See Rule 13 of the Club Constitution, Part 2 Men’s Club.

Notice of any Proposed Rule Change must be received in writing to the GM by Friday 8th November. See Rules 18A and 18B of the Club Constitution, Part 2 Men’s Club.

Please Note: - In in order to ensure accurate and timely distribution of the above it is recommended all

Nominations, Notices of Motions or Proposed Rule Changes be Received by the GM, in writing, not later than 5.00pm on the Friday preceding all of the above dates if the dates fall on a Sat or Sun.

- All Motions that are proposed (in respect of the addition, repeal or amendment of Rules of the Club) must be in Compliance with the relevant rules of the Club Constitution. As notices of such motions

must be displayed in the club 28 days from the date of the AGM it is advised that they are presented in good time to allow the club review the motion and engage with Proposer & Seconder.

Health & Safety for Golfers Remember Your Responsibilities please.

Use the bell on the 15th hole to indicate when it’s safe to play.

Follow all Course Safety Signage.

Ensure proposed landing areas are clear of fellow golfers

before playing your shots, especially on holes 7, 12, 15 & 17

Stand a safe distance from the person swinging the club.

Yell “Fore” to warn fellow golfers of errant shots whether hit

by you or not.

Do not play under the influence of an intoxicant.

Be aware of your surrounding at all times.

Take care near all water hazards.

Exercise caution around all moving vehicles on the course and

in the carpark

Pace of Play Our agreed “Time Par” in Fourball Play is; 4 Hrs & 15 Min’s for 18 Holes 2 Hrs & 10 Min’s for 9 Holes This is not a Target – It is the Maximum Time Allowed

Suggestions for Improved Pace of Play

Allow Faster Groups to Play Through in Good Time

Be Ready to Play when it is your Turn

Agree with your Playing Partners a “Ready to Play” System

i.e. If you are Ready & it is Safe then Play! i.e. No “Honour” (except in Match play) – the 1st Player ready Plays i.e. Players should play their own ball before helping to look for a lost ball i.e. When not playing your shot you should be preparing to play your shot

Position Bags & Carts Correctly for a Quick Exit from Hole

Mark Scorecards between Holes as you Walk

If in Doubt Play a Provisional Ball

Watch the flight of the Ball Carefully

If each player in a fourball takes an average of just 5 seconds less to play each shot and if

each players shoots +10 (80)