All Members
You will be aware that there is no income stream for the Ainslie Group at the moment. The club is shut and the golf course does not have patrons. At present the Greens-keeping staff have been cut back to two days per week to reduce costs while ensuring that the course can be protected, with essential maintenance works being undertaken. Essential maintenance such as this is consistent with ACT Government directions and the staff needing to socially distance which includes working split shifts – a Monday/Tuesday crew and a Thursday/Friday crew.
There’s been some chatter on Facebook on a couple of subjects: about potentially doing Greens renovations in August to take advantage of the closed course during lockdown and a possible adjustment to fees.
In relation to the Greens and possible renovation work, Gold Creek and Federal do appear to be doing some renovation works, however, we understand that this work is limited and involves tasks such as doing a verti-drain run and some top-dressing. This said we are not fully across the works they are doing but we have done similar work recently ourselves. Shane Dawson, our Superintendent, has provided his professional advice that a renovation program in August is not appropriate for our course, mainly due to the soil temperature still being too low for effective germination and growth. This position is supported by our Greens Committee generally, Ben Hedges (Shane’s 2IC) and Mark Hynes who is Chair of the Greens Committee. Shane Ben and Mark are all fully qualified Greens-keepers. This does not mean that our renovations will not be moved, and it also does not mean that they may not be cancelled altogether. Planning and execution of Greens renovations are difficult under normal circumstances, and are even more difficult when the goal posts get constantly moved. The Golf Club Committee will continue to keep members informed of developments in relation to the course, as they become more certain. Remember, everything at the present is being driven by Government direction and will be heavily influenced by any extension of restrictions that are imposed.
In relation to the 2021/22 fees, we are in the process of finalising the arrangements with Ainslie and I will soon outline what the arrangements are for the coming golfing year. As noted earlier in this update, Ainslie currently have no revenue stream, so now is not the time for us to be talking with them about fee reductions. However, what we are hoping for, is that next year’s fees will take account of the difficulties COVID 19 has presented and the impacts we have experienced on our ability to use the course. More specific information will be posted in the near future.
Hang in there and stay well.
Richard Oliver/President