MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
As I write this newsletter the state is in the middle of another deluge, and while it continues to inconvenience our pennant players hoping to complete state finals, there are many Tasmanians who have lost all possessions and some, their lives. The thoughts of the golfing community are with all those affected by the floods.
The Board wishes to welcome Ian Clarke as our sixth Director. Ian's portfolio is Tournament, Rules and Ratings, and all Board members are delighted to now have this direct liaison with Tournament, Rules and Ratings and look forward to working with Ian.
During the last three months Simon Weston, Golf Tasmania Development Officier, has gained the support of the majority of PGA Professioanls to offer their junior programs under the MyGolf program. These PGA members are also supporting Swing FIt which is the nationally recognised women's Program. To view Simon's report please CLICK HERE.
At the recent interstate series played in Brisbane our teams put in very creditable performances and in some cases performed above and beyond our expectations. Golf Tasmania congratulates the Captains Mark Shulze and Sarah Johnstone on excellent performances. Thanks also to our Coaches Nick White and Zak Rollins and Managers Gary Purdon and Zibeth Daubenton for their significant contributions. In Peter Bond’s absence John Milbourne supported our players and reported highlights and very competitive matches. To view john's report please CLICK HERE.
Thanks to Stuart Eaton for his ongoing efforts with the state team’s administration. Stuart's summary of the Golf Tasmania tournaments played over the last few months is part of this newsletter as usual.
There have recently been queries as to the decision making protocol of our Tournament, Rules and Ratings Committee. The Tournament, Rules and Ratings Committee consider aspects of Tasmanian golf suggested by various members of the golfing community including the Board, and make recommendations to the Board based on their consideration. The Board then either endorse these decisions or ask for reconsideration. In regard to women’s pennant conditions for example, the Board has decided to institute a state-wide review. This is in order that all possibilities that may increase participation can be considered prior to making recommendations to the board for implementation in 2017. Information about the review has been sent to all districts and clubs and can be found on the website by CLICKING HERE.
Following 40mm of rain on the Thursday prior to the state finals the decision was made to postpone indefinitely and obviously there were then expressions of support for, and criticisms of the decision. TR and R felt that as heavy frosts were predicted following the rain and as there was little likelihood of greens being mown, coupled with the distance relief would have needed to be taken from landing areas on fairways due to water, and bunkers full of water, meant that postponement was the better option. READ MORE
Board considerations during this quarter:
- Development of a new course compensation proforma to ensure host clubs of Golf Tasmania events are not out of pocket;
- Ensuring volunteers and Golf Tasmania representatives are aware of our member protection policy following some examples of poor behaviour;
- Making decisions on the use of government funding to assist clubs, ie Golf Month subsidy;
- Review of women's pennant conditions;
- Preparation of Policy Register to formalise Golf Tasmania policies;
- Upgrading of the Golf Tasmania website to make it more up to date and user friendly;
- Reinstating “Hole-In-One” functions to be held regionally within local golf clubhouses, format yet to be decided upon;
- AGM timelines;
- Constitutional change resolutions written to send to committee members prior to AGM;
- Received the OneGolf Service Agreement for deliberation.
Following the recent Carts FORE a Cause venture supporting “Beyondblue” raising funds and awareness of depression, anxiety and mental health issues of men and women in our golfing community, Golf Tasmania is considering a project to develop “Community Hubs” built around our golf clubs. The intention is to develop an environment that destigmatises and builds awareness of mental health issues suffered by large numbers of people within our communities.
Finally, please place October 23rd in your calendars for the AGM, it doesn’t clash with any tournaments this year. Please make yourself available as a club delegate if your club doesn’t have one as we need as many clubs represented and voting as possible.
Tony Bush
CHAIR