Golf Shop Renovation

The final details of our upcoming Golf Shop Renovation are now being completed. Building and renovation works will commence in mid-May and are expected to be completed before opening in mid-July. The major work will include the removal of internal walls, replacing fixtures and fittings throughout the entire Golf Shop, improving merchandising and F&B facilities for members and guests and creating a productive traffic flow in and out of the Golf Shop. Once complete, the operational benefits members and guests will notice include:  

• An expanded and more functional layout to support daily operations and create a more enjoyable member experience.
• Improved storage and dedicated staff facilities to enhance efficiency and working conditions.
• A redesigned entry and internal flow to ease congestion and provide a more welcoming arrival experience
• Modern fittings, furniture, and displays that align with the high standard set in the Clubhouse.
• Better ventilation and air conditioning for a more comfortable environment for both staff and members.
• Upgraded repair and fitting facilities to deliver a more professional and efficient service.

In the coming weeks, we will have a display area in the club of the Golf Shop renovation for all members to view. The Men's and Ladies' Changerooms will be inaccessible during the renovation period.

Finance Director Update

Our March Quarterly Financial Report is now available here. It is expected to be endorsed at our upcoming Board Meeting and then displayed on the Members' Notice Board.

Our administration team is currently planning next year's budget, this is an extremely thorough process and will be scrutinised by our Finance Committee and Board of Directors. We do have some serious concerns with upcoming expenditure. For your information we have noted some high-level expenses below that will increase: 

• New Toro Course Machinery Fleet - increase of $125k annually
• Rental Increase from Crown Lands (the golf course) - Increase of $56k
• Insurance forecast to increase 15% - Increase of approx. $30k
• Golf Course R&M (Fertiliser, sand/soil, etc) - Increase of approx. $25k
• Clubhouse R&M has doubled in the last 2 years (nearing 10 years old) - Increase of approx. $40k and expected to continue
• We do expect other expense-related lines to also increase. This will be finalised during our budget process.  

 The above-noted expenses are essential if we are to continue offering services similar to those currently provided for our members and guests. Our challenge is that our key revenue lines are not growing at a rate equivalent to (or better) than our expenses. In the coming months, we will commence member information sessions that will provide an opportunity for members to understand the Club's financial position. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact me or David Lulham gm@nelsonbaygolf.com.au

 John Elsworth - Finance Director

Greens Nursery

The area on the right-hand side of the 11^th tee has now been treated for weeds and foreign grasses. It will now be levelled and oversown with bent grass. Once complete, this nursery will also be able to be used by members as a chipping/practice green. We will communicate when it is ready.

Cart path on 7^th and 8^th

Our next major project through winter is to rebuild the cart paths around the 7^th green and 8^th tee. This will include rerouting the path to the right-hand side of the 7^th green and around the green, linking up to the 8^th tee.

Tree Pruning and Stump Removal

During May, a significant program will commence to remove several tree stumps throughout the entire course. We estimate there are over 200 stumps that need to be ground out. These areas will leave a mess of wood chips, and the major areas will be re-turfed. In addition, we will commence pruning and under-scrubbing trees through the winter months. This will target areas where we need to encourage airflow and light for turf growth. At times, there may be debris on the ground, but we will do our best to manage golfers around these areas.

The draw is out for the Ovarian Cancer Day on MiTournament. It will be a small field, so get in early. It should be a fun day.

The Bronze Pennant team has finished their season. Well done to all the new and old players.

The next medal round on 29 April will be Stableford for just the C Grade to see if we can get bigger fields. Also, it is the Women's Goodwill Plate Golf NSW. It will be a $2 per person donation charity chosen by the HNLGA  to be paid at the Pro Shop; the winning score will be sent to the District.

Time to get your partners for the mixed and ladies' foursomes that are coming up.

Gail Murray - Ladies Captain

From April, we will explore some ideas that should assist with some "Slow Play" issues. Our members' average age is 78, so jogging between shots will not be mandatory! But starting groups of 4 players in motorised carts at the start of the field will be an option worth trialling.

From a recent survey, our members are seeking a wider variety of competitions, including team events. This will see an expansion to our regular Stableford and odd Stroke competitions. Other events such as Ambrose 4-person, Ambrose 2-person, 4-ball stableford (best score), 4-Ball Aggregate stableford (combined scores), Canadian Foursomes, American Foursomes, and even the dreaded Par Event will be considered.

We are attempting to organise a mixed Ambrose 9-hole event with the Monday morning ladies on Monday, 19 April 2025. I am told these annual mixed Ambrose events were very popular and much enjoyed, before COVID came along uninvited.

New members and visitors are welcome to make enquiries with our committee members - contact details are listed at nbvets.org/Home/About