President's Report

TIMES ARE CHANGING
The last few months have presented some challenges for the Club. The decision to make a call of $100.00 was not an easy or popular one but the Committee remains determined to avoid long term debt and an increase in the overdraft. A number of members have still to pay the levy and it would be helpful if this could be done prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year in April 2002. Members should be aware that no increase in fees is planned for the coming financial year.

We have also implemented some further cost savings in the Office which have been achieved without impacting services to the Members. Glenis's absence for several weeks was of course inconvenient and I thank those members who gave their time to run the office over the summer period.

Throughout Australia the golf market is changing. Just as many people are playing the game but the tendency is for younger men and women to play on public courses as and when they wish to do so. Membership of private clubs is suffering as a result of these trends. This can be a consequence of the perceived stuffiness of some private clubs as well as outdated dress rules. We need to understand these trends and respond to them intelligently in our marketing of Mount Lofty.

Hugh Wynter, one of our longer standing members, has been working for months on a strategic plan for the Club which we hope to provide to members as a discussion document prior to the AGM. This entails an assessment of the trading performance of various Hills Clubs and some discussion on the opportunities and challenges that we face in a market where supply currently exceeds demand.

At the AGM on 27th June some changes to the Committee will take place. Having served on the Committee for 3 years I plan to step down as will Tim Siebert, our Treasurer and Jan Seedsman. In the absence of a full time Secretary/Manager Ross Deans has been a tower of strength but we do need capable and energetic members to stand for various Committee positions. It's a demanding but rewarding experience and I invite interested members to pick up a form at the Office or call me.

Anyway we've had a cool summer and the Course is in good shape. I spent last Sunday watching some of the best amateurs in SA playing in a Vardon event at Mount Lofty on a glorious summer's day. Fine golfers- a splendid setting and everyone having fun. That's what makes it all worthwhile.

Jack Mc Kean, President

Captain's Report/Course Report

First, welcome to all new members. I hope you are enjoying your golf and our beautiful course and facilities.

Work on the dam at the 10th is almost completed. The seed has been sown and the path should soon be laid. Steve and his team must be congratulated for the work done here and at the creek at the 8th.

The next project, to do with the Government Grant, will be the tee at the 2nd. For Insurance purposes, this tee must be lowered to help prevent golf balls crashing into cars in the car park. Also people could cop it as well.

The course is in great shape and we are all enjoying summer golf for which Mount Lofty is renowned. I would like to sincerely thank all volunteers who give their valuable time to the upkeep of our golf course.

Stevie's Wonders (ex Andy's Army) continue to benefit the Club with their fortnightly working bees by clearing woody weeds and litter from various areas around the course, as they have done since 1994. Players would have seen their recent efforts beside the 1st and left of the 11th path. They do this for the sake of the environment, for appearance and to help golfers find their ball thus speeding play.

Try this on the 10th!

Now we should salute Ted Barry who, after 7 years of hard labour, has had to concede that at 83 he is too old to toil as he would like and too frail to recover afterwards. Ted has been a wonderful example of dedication and enthusiasm and his efforts and company will be missed. We should be grateful to Ted for improvements he has helped make and we hope he enjoys his future playing days look with pride at jobs well done.

Stevie's Wonders now meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday in each month, 9.00 am at Tom's shed - all welcome.

I would also like to thank Steve Berridge for the work he has been doing on a Monday. It's great to see a younger member giving his spare time to the Club.

Would all members please remember to carry sand buckets to repair divots and also repair plug marks on the greens (even if they are not yours). Every member should be aware that they are quite within their rights to re-port any members who consistently fail to repair their damage to the course.

Enjoy your golf. See you in the Clubhouse.

Darryl Mckee, Club Captain/Chairman Course Committee