Beginning Golfers

The Beginning Golfer Program ended in April with moderate success. There were 6 students enrolled. The program was at least partly responsible for signing up a few new members. Any of you who loaned clubs or training aids to the Club for the program may pick up the items at your convenience. Thank you for the loan.

The DVD training videos used for the program are now located in the Pro Shop Learning Center bookcase. There are 5 double sided DVDs. Each side has approximately 2 hours of video instruction. If you want to improve your game, check out one of the DVDs and watch it for the part of your game which needs work. The neat thing about the DVDs is that you can go directly to the section you want to view. When you are back at the Club, buy a bucket of balls, go to the driving range and practice what you have learned. This is a great way to improve your game.

Thanks to Ron Beard for leading this effort to enlist new golfers and for getting the learning center set up for all of us to use! Len Ahrnsbrak, Jackie Hoff, Lynn Jones and Rita Nichols were helpful assistants during the program. Thanks to all.

Committee Notes

Two new doors have arrived for cart barns. Ron Capetty with help from Bob Hampton plan to start the installation on Monday, May 15th. Soon ladies will be able to open and close them easily! Thanks in advance for the help guys.

The kitchen for the upstairs apartment is nearing completion. The electricity and plumbing has been done, cabinets installed, with new range and refrigerator ready to go. It looks like two or three more days of installation and clean-up will have the job done.

Review Process

In last month's Newsletter you were informed that a thorough review of our Membership, Golf Course, and House Rules would be undertaken. That process is long overdue and is now underway. A market analysis of golf courses in South Central Missouri is underway so we can adequately compete with courses in our area.

Be assured that you will be informed of the process as we go along. The committee wants you to know that changes, if any, will occur at the beginning of next year. We will "go with what we have" until then.

Here are some items for your consideration:

There has been no price change in membership dues for the past several years (although $15.00 annually was added to cart storage fees this year).

The general nature of the wording for the Associate Member category has led to a decrease in Family and Individual Memberships and an increase in Associate Memberships.

Originally, when the course was purchased and restored by the previous owner, there was an Initiation Fee charged all members. There has been no Initiation Fee charged new members since the Club was purchased from him in 1995. Many courses with whom we compete are municipally owned and have services, budgets and/or facilities provided them by the city or county in which they are located.
Originally, the course had one paid staff member, the Course Superintendent. All Pro Shop attendants were volunteers. Over the years our labor costs have increased accordingly since the staff are now all paid personnel.
We absolutely depend upon volunteers for the "extra" things that are done, like hanging doors, building decks, pouring cart paths, aerating greens and a host of other tasks. Without such volunteer help, we would be "dead in the water." Those of you reading this are encouraged to "step up to the plate" when we ask your help in these important events.
Lastly, you need to know that the above partial list is not to be considered as whining, griping or as an appeal to sympathy. It is provided simply as information so you are aware of some of the issues your Committee faces throughout the year. Your support, suggestions and encouragement are welcomed and appreciated.

"Freebies"

In the spirit of continuing to provide incentives for members, the Management Committee agreed to provide opportunity for members to bring guests for a free round of golf again this year. Enclosed are certificates, two for Family Memberships, one for Individual Memberships, that will allow you to bring a guest, complements of the Club.
You are encouraged to use these as an aid in recruiting new members as much as possible.

Zoysia Patch

From now through June you will notice some brownish-yellow patches in the zoysia fairways. This is a fungus that spreads when the course is moist. It is mistaken often as grub worm infestation.
As the weather heats up, the spots will begin to decrease as the zoysia spreads back into the affected area. Matt and Mr. Clien, our Agra Turf supplier, are keeping an eye on the problem. A fall and next spring spraying should eliminate the fungus.

Golf Etiquette

With the introduction of new members and new golfers, you are encouraged to brush up on the finer points of the game.
New golfers will look at how we behave on the course and will tend to think what they see is how it is to be done. Let's not disappoint them.
Current policy allows the public to play on Mondays and Wednesdays by paying greens fees.
The maximum number in any group is five during open play. (During tournaments and when an uneven pairing occurs during league play the tournament/league director may make an exception).

You are requested to start play on #1 hole. If there is more than one group waiting for the tee box, the Pro Shop Attendant may direct you to an open hole to begin your play. Be mindful of those ready to tee off if you are directed to an open hole by the attendant.

Enjoy your time at the course. Bring a friend, recruit a member and add to the success of Theodosia Country Club!