Hi everyone,
For once it seems that Summer has decided to stay a little longer than usual. Having just returned from my latest freebie to Vilamoura (I can hear people saying is there any such thing?), I now find that we are experiencing the same glorious sunshine and temperatures at Chestfield. The course is still looking pretty dry and burnt out which is actually in contrast to the courses in Portugal that get heavily watered. This week saw the start of our Autumn maintenance which we do have to endure but it is thanks to this that we are consistently experiencing such good greens. As we all know they will settle quickly, especially if we get some rain, which must surely be coming soon.
We have our Autumn gear arriving which means that we now have a sale on many of our Summer items. Nike's shirts are now up to 50% OFF as are our shorts from various brands. There is also up to 25% OFF Summer shoes (that means those with 'casual' soles).
As many of you will be aware, we are asking you to use the money on your shop accounts by the end of the year and I would like to underline that here. You don't have to use it all today or in the next week but it does need to be cleared by the end of 2016.
There are two reasons for this:
My stay as Head Professional is coming to an end sometime in the near future so obviously we do need to tidy up things like account money
My situation has made both the club and I look at the accounts situation and this is something that will now be put in place every year. That means to say that you will have to use any winnings on your account by the end of the year or lose it, from now on. The reason for this is, in fact, to safeguard you and your money. You would be pretty shocked if you knew how much money had built up over the time I've been here. So in future you will have vouchers that you can spend in the shop and 2's and raffle money will go on account but will have to be spent by the end of the year.
Once again please be assured this is to protect you and your money. The world of golf clubs is changing and it's only right that, when possible, problems are noticed that solutions are put in place and this is one of them. I hope this has explained everything nice and clearly. So there's no need to panic - there is new stock arriving for Autumn and you can use account money on that so hopefully we'll be seeing you all very soon.
There are two upcoming dates for you all to remember:
Firstly, our Guildford Trophy team will take on Littlestone at Littlestone on the 24th of this month. I hope you will all wish them the best of luck. It is a great achievement just to get to the final and although Littlestone will be clear favourites, you never know what can happen - particularly if we get off to a good start. Sadly it isn't being televised but what starts on the flowing Friday most certainly is.
The Ryder Cup will be, as ever, one of the great sporting events of the year and as it's coming to us from Hazeltine we will get to watch most of it during the evenings. I personally can't wait.