Chairman's Report - May 2022

Fellow Members,

Hopefully you are all enjoying the dry weather and the course is looking and playing better as every week goes by.  Having played a couple of other courses in the area recently I think ours compares very favourably (especially our greens) and I have received similar feedback from other members.  We recently hosted our Northern Order of Merit competition “The Rosebowl” and the response from the players (who come from all over the North West) was very positive and it really felt like PGC was back where it belongs.  The support of many members meant the event ran like clockwork and the presentation was well attended by players, members and officials, making it a special occasion.  It was fantastic to see our very own Chris Parkinson winning the event (the first time a PGC player has won the Rosebowl since 1986).  Chris is also currently leading the Northern Order of Merit after three events (finishing in the Top 3 on each occasion).  Good luck for the rest of the season Chris!!

Steve and the team continue to do an excellent job of preparing the course and have recently taken delivery of a new spiking machine which will be used on the fairways to reduce the impact of thatch and give any rainfall improved access to the drainage system below.  This is another element of our ongoing plan to improve the playability of the course during inclement times and once we have got on top of the thatch we can see what further work can be done improve our ability to get water off the course.

As members have returned to work (and to the office etc.) we have noticed a reduction in the course utilisation (particularly during the week), which will help to keep the course in quality condition.  During the pandemic we became accustomed to using the BRS system to book every round (as it was a legal obligation during the restrictions).  We relaxed this over the winter months to allow more fluid utilisation and said we would further review this for the summer season.  I have canvassed the opinion of many members as well as the Management Board and club staff and have concluded that this is our own mini version of Brexit.  Some members love BRS and the certainty it gives, while others prefer the added flexibility of members times and I recognise the impacts this can have on the many ‘chuck-in’ groups which play throughout the week.  If we were to hold a vote it would undoubtedly be close, so the Board has decided to implement a hybrid system which gives the flexibility to Rob and Alex to book visitors, retain our busy calendar of competitions and keep some times free for member only play.  We hope this option gives something for everyone and doesn’t leave a large group of members dissatisfied with a more rigid approach.

While the clubhouse operation has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, there is still a number of members who are reluctant to participate in group activities and we haven’t returned to a normal programme of social events (apart from the very successful quizzes and Masters shotgun).  We are pleased to be part of “Penwortham Live” again on 13th & 14th May, so keep your eyes open for more news on who is appearing at the club and other venues around Penwortham.  Clearly the catering position and ongoing uncertainty about future provision has restricted our plans, but are pleased to announce that we now have a replacement caterer who will join us from 14th May and we will announce further details, menu options, opening hours etc. in a bespoke communication next week.  Divisive though the tenure of The Mill was, I must thank them for everything they have done for us over the last 18 months.  With the benefit of hindsight we tried to run before we could walk and this put them on the back foot from the start.  Throughout this very difficult period they have continued to work with us and conducted themselves with professionalism and dignity.  While this didn’t work out as we’d like I’m pleased that we have been able to conclude our relationship on good terms and they will continue to fulfil any pre-booked obligations until our new caterers take up the position.

While there continue to be impacts on some of the club’s revenue streams (bar revenue, social events, functions, visitors etc.) we are much nearer business as usual income levels. We have retained full membership at the 7-Day category and still have a waiting list, so our membership remains one of the key strengths of the club and we continue to attract new golfers to the club.  Like everybody, the club will have to bear the strain of increased costs across most areas (particularly energy).  The swift action of Rob and our finance team enabled us to secure a fantastic capped rate energy deal which mitigates the risk of further increases later in the year (and for the next 6 years).  We have not yet had to increase bar prices, but you will probably have noticed increases in most other venues and it is unlikely we will be able to maintain the current prices for too much longer I’m afraid.  The fact that we have purchased two significant items of greens equipment while rebating members to the tune of £47k shows that we are still in a strong financial position, but need to remain vigilant to the impact of the current global uncertainty and inflationary pressures.   

Thanks to all members who have responded to the request for course marshals at Hillside for the Cazoo Championship in late July.  Rob will be coming out with further information next week on what you need to do next to formally register yourself on the Marshals App.  Peter Todhunter will be our Hole Controller for this event and will liaise further with you all once we have more information from Hillside.

There has been a lot happening across the club over the last couple of years and (2 AGMs aside) we haven’t really had the opportunity to speak to you as a Board face to face.  As a result we are proposing to hold an Open Forum in the Main Lounge on Thursday 14th July from 7pm.  Further information about this event will be communicated nearer the time but we wanted to give you an early heads-up so you can put it in your diary.

This has been a longer update than usual (back to the old pandemic days) but I thought it was important to inform you of a number of issues and initiatives as we move into the main body of the golf season.  Thanks again for your continued support and fingers crossed for a warm, dry, issue free 2022!!

Dave Brookes

Club Chairman