Hi all
What a wintery week it’s been with the elements throwing everything at us, including snow and hail showers. This led to the course having to close for a couple of days, during which Jim Gilchrist kindly took some snowy photos which can be seen on Facebook at
Jim has also posted a couple of job adverts on Facebook this week, one being for a Qualified Greenkeeper and one for an apprentice. Should you want any more details please check out the adverts or contact Jim directly by email on harborneCM@yahoo.co.uk.harborneCM@yahoo.co.ukharborneCM@yahoo.co.uk
With the course closed, it has meant the golf simulator has come into its own and has been pretty busy for most of the week. Even Darren, the new General Manager on a quick visit, took five minutes out to have ago. Time allocations are being given on the hour in half hour sessions unless you want more time and it is recommended you phone and book first to save any disappointment. There are also plenty of bargains to be had still in the Pro Shop with Stuart offering 50% discount off all clothing, bags and shoes. The shop is slowly emptying but more needs to go before the new spring stock arrives so don’t wait too long before visiting to bag a bargain.
Club Night this week was slightly busier. We could have done with a few extra bodies though to help warm up the lounge as it was a little chilly under certain air vents for some reason but our members kept smiling, just! It wouldn’t have been cold in the back of the Pro Shop though as there was a steady stream of members wanting to take part in the ‘nearest the pin’ competition which this week was the 2nd hole at Schaumburg in Illnois. Try saying that after a couple of drinks!
Paul Cross discovered this interesting hole a couple of days ago and basically all there is between the tee and the green is 145 yards of water. It makes for interesting play and even Stuart thought it was difficult although he did eventually hit 1’ 9” short of the pin. The winner on the night was funnily enough Paul Cross with 3’ 7” and for his endeavour he won £60.
By 7.30 everyone was back in the Club House for the draw which this week was for £200 and, yeah, we had a winner! John Rollason was in the room and the news was welcomed with cheers by everyone. Another popular member won the raffle prize of £207, Kath Terry. She’s the first lady winner since the beginning of November. Well done to both you.
Only one of the snooker matches in the Noel McKeown Memorial Snooker Trophy took place and that was between Dave (Blizz) Blizzard who beat Dave Faulkner who I heard has just become a dad for the second time. Commiserations on the game, but many congratulations on the baby. Dave goes through to the next round, well done to you.
Next week set to play are Steve Ferguson v Nick Garrod; Aled Morgan v Steve Elli; Bill Flanagan v Don Carter; Phil Clarke v Paddy Gill (who is currently trekking around South America).
The Club Night menu for next week is as follows
STARTERS
Egg Mayonnaise
Brie Wedges
Soup of the Day
MAINS
HGC’s famous Quiche & Salad with New Potatoes
Beef Bourguignon & Dumplings
Scampi, Chips & Peas
DESSERTS
Various scrummy puds to choose from
Book with Pat. £8.50 for two courses & £11 for three.
One thing to watch out for - one member this week has had their mail account hacked and as a result has had emails flying out to everyone in their address book asking for help by saying he’s stranded on holiday due to having his passport gone missing and he needs £2,700 sending over. Please don’t be fooled and if you receive anything similar please do not open the email. To be on the safe side just delete it, unlike this email which is safe as houses.
The HGC diary for next week is again very quiet. I’m taking this is the lull before the storm when the golf takes over in the spring. Let’s keep fingers crossed spring comes quickly and we don’t have too much more of this cold weather because it’s playing havoc with my golf!
Wrap up warm this week.
Best wishes
Jennie Rattlidge