Through the Green
December 2022
In this month's edition
- A message from your Captain
- On Course
- Around The Club
- From the Pro Shop
- Events in December
- Looking Ahead
- Junior News
- Getting to Know You
A Message From Your Captain
It's been a whirlwind two weeks since becoming Captain. Many of you have taken the opportunity to introduce yourselves to me, in and around the club house, and I thank you. It’s great to meet more members.
I’m delighted to introduce the first monthly edition of our Through The Green newsletter. Each month we plan to bring you news on what’s happening on our courses and around the club, as well as flagging upcoming events.
A highlight last weekend was the Richard Launder mixed Canadian foursomes Board event. Congratulations to winners Cherryl Houben and Vinnie Squatriti. The field comprised an impressive 26 pairs, which is a great sign that members are keen to reconnect.
As we move into summer, and hopefully some improved weather, I’m looking forward to seeing many more people at the club, enjoying the festivities and our great facilities.
I wish you and your families a safe and joyous holiday season.
Best wishes,
Meredith
Club Captain
Meredith Ramadan
On Course
It was great to welcome back our much-loved Tournament Week which hosted both the Tribal Challenge and the Champagne Open. Read below for further highlights from the past month.
L.A Browne Foursomes
Champagne Open
Congratulations to Tony Mann and Mark Pratt on their win in the 2022 L.A. Browne Foursomes Board event. In the wet weather we had 73 pairs that took part in our 36 hole event.
The Champagne Open was played across the Gunnamatta and Old Courses. A strong field of 40 teams produced some excellent scores, with the format of the day being a four person ambrose from the green tees.
Richard Launder Trophy
Congratulations to Vincent Squatriti and Cherryl Houben for winning this prestigious event with a winning score of 132.625 Nett.
Named in honour of Life Patron, Richard Launder, a long-serving Board member and former Deputy Chairman of National Golf Holdings Ltd. Richard began his golfing journey as an 8 year old, from which point a lifelong passion for the sport evolved.
Richard was involved in The National from inception and played a profound role in the development of the Club from those earliest days. In 1987, demand for membership was drying up, to the point where the building of a clubhouse and the completion of the project at Cape Schanck looked uncertain. Richard, together with his brother, David, took the lead and they were able to salvage the situation by raising $1.6 million, securing the financial viability of The National in the process.
Richard served as a Director from 1989 – 2002 and as the Deputy Chairman from 1992 – 2002. During that time, and in the years following, he contributed invaluably to the vision, strategy and values of the Club, and was a driving force behind the success of the Club.
So much of what we enjoy today is a direct result of Richard’s vision and tireless efforts.
F.D Haward Trophy
Tribal Challenge
A notable event on the National calendar, the F.D Haward matchplay final was played on The Old course. Congratulations to Simon and Lisa Woolmer, who were victorious winning 7&6 against Mark and Melissa Glenn.
Tournament Week for 2022 kicked off with the ever popular Tribal Challenge being played on all three Cape Schanck Courses. A strong field of 288 players (24 tribes of 12) revelled in the tribal warfare. The format is a combined singles and fourball matchplay giving many players the opportunity to experience a matchplay format in a team environment.
Holes-in-One
Congratulations to the following members on achieving an ace over the past month.
- Jan Higgs - 5th hole - Gunnamatta
- Pam Fitz Gibbon - 16th hole - Gunnamatta
- Glenn Anderson - 9th hole - Long Island
- Tony Mann - 3rd AND 9th hole - Long Island
According to Golf Digest, Tonys' feat of double aces in a single round are a 1 in 162,562,500 chance of occurring. Ironically, Tony and his playing partner Mark Pratt, won the L.A Browne by a single stroke.
If you didn't get the chance to watch Tony feature on the Sunday evening news - you can catch it here
Around the club
Additional Car-Parking at Cape Schanck
The Board has approved an expansion of car-parking at Cape Schanck which will add more than 30 new spaces, effectively increasing available parking at that location by 10%. These works are scheduled for mid-2023 and constitute the first step towards delivering a solution that addresses the current issue of scarcity. To achieve a safer flow of traffic through the car-park, the two main entry/exit points to the car-parking area will be converted to one-way flow.
In noting that we still have the peak traffic period of January-February 2023 to overcome, a number of mitigations will be put in place in an effort to minimise the overflow of parking onto Cups Drive. A number of additional (organic) spaces will be created in the car-parking area, and just off the circular driveway area, by way of our course staff clearing existing vegetation and trimming overhanging limbs in the early weeks of December. A number of staff parks will be reallocated to the area just to the right of the Clubhouse as you look out to the links courses. Reserved parks inside the car-park, including those which are currently allocated for EV charging, can also be freed up to maximise the available number of designated parking spots available.
Modification of Moonah 17th Green
Further to a review of The Moonah course by course architect Bob Harrison earlier this year, the Board has approved a modification to the 17th green on Moonah. That project will be undertaken next year, but no earlier than the date of the The National Tournament in late March-early April, the season-ender for the 2023 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
Harrison Golf has submitted a preliminary sketch of the proposed modifications to a small section on the front right of the green and, more extensively, to the surrounds in the adjacent hollow. These works would reduce the extent to which balls are prone to rolling off the green to the right. It’s contemplated that the works will also require amendment to the level of the right bunker, and some additional remodelling of the green to accommodate a back right pin position.
Gunnamatta 18th tee saftey
The Club remains in discussion with Tom Doak and Renaissance Golf Design seeking to address the current issue of safety for players on the 18th tee of Gunnamatta from those teeing off on the previous hole. Brian Slawnik (Renaissance) has visited the site, and a design solution is expected shortly. Based on a preliminary discussion, that design is likely to leave the 17th hole unchanged and focus, instead, on shifting the 1st green left (towards the boundary) and relocating the teeing ground for the 18th hole.
Member-Exclusive Instagram Page
Members are encouraged to follow the new member-exclusive Instagram page.
Through this platform, we will share information on all things that are happening here at The National, including; events, the latest gear in the pro shop and success stories from around the club.
Search @ngcmembers or this link to follow.
Once you have requested to follow, please send a direct message to the ‘ngcmembers’ account and confirm your name and member number
The National Tournament
The National Golf Club takes pleasure in announcing that it will host the season-ending tournament of the 2022-23 PGA Tour of Australasia on the Moonah Course at Cape Schanck.
Earlier this year, The National was approached to host a tournament in the wake of the cancellation of scheduled events in New Zealand, due to Covid restrictions. A team of almost 70 volunteers, drawn from the ranks of our membership, played an integral role in supporting the various operational aspects of that event. Subsequent talks with the PGA have resulted in the two parties entering into a 3 year partnership, commencing with The National Tournament next year, commencing on March 30.
This fully-sanctioned event is likely to play a role in determining the Order of Merit for the 2022-23 season, including exemptions for future tour play. The weekend coverage of The National will comprise of 8 hours’ coverage across each of the Foxtel, Kayo and Spark NZ platforms, with full coverage of the final group on Sunday.
The Committee believes that there is an opportunity for The National to continue to develop the role that it plays on the PGA tour, with a view to establishing one of the pre-eminent events on the national calendar. This event presents a unique opportunity to share the magic of the Cape Schanck courses with a broader audience than would normally have that opportunity.
More information regarding involvement in the Pro-Am, the impact upon course access, hospitality packages, and opportunities to sponsor or volunteer will be released in the coming weeks.
Bump & Run
Golf Cart Fleet
Long Island Irrigation Design
Members are advised that all issues relating to the GPS in the cart fleet at Cape Schanck, have now been resolved.
Additionally, the club is replacing all batteries within carts that have shown faults over recent months.
The irrigation design has been finalised for Long Island and has gone out to tender.
The design has two separate pumping stations, one for the greens and one for the couch surfaces. This will allow us to irrigate the greens with either potable water or bore water.
The fairways irrigation is a hard edge design, this means no water will be applied to the roughs . This will provide definition and avoid water wastage.
A copy of the plans can be found here.
Long Island Practice Fairway
Please note the current change to the practice range at Long Island.
The driving range will be closed on Monday mornings, to allow staff to collect all range balls and mow. The range will reopen by midday each Monday.
Additionally, the targets have been moved to the left, to avoid balls travelling over the boundary on the right-hand-side of the practice range.
2023 Programme
The 2023 Programme will be released in the next fortnight.
Please keep an eye on the website for when this is released
The irrigation design has been finalised for Long Island and will go out to tender in the next couple of weeks
The design has two separate pumping stations, one for the greens and one for the couch surfaces . This will allow us to irrigate the greens with either potable water or bore water . The fairways irrigation is a hard edge design, this means no water will be applied to the roughs . This will provide definition and avoid water wastage
A copy of the plans can be found here
From the Pro Shop
Greyson Launch
The National's retail team is excited to announce that it has become a stockist of exclusive, fashion-forward brand Greyson.
Merging fashion with sport, Greyson’s mission is to create products that are suitable for a modern lifestyle.
Members are invited to view the men’s apparel range at a launch party being held at the Club on Saturday 10 December.
The afternoon will include drinks, canapés, door prizes, and the opportunity to purchase some special gifts in time for Christmas, or just because you love the range.
Ping G430 - Fitting Day
Treat yourself to an early Christmas present by booking in for the Ping G430 Fitting Day on Wednesday Dec 14 between 9am - 3pm.
Limited places available - appointments can be made through the pro shop.
Customised Jones Trouper R Stand Bags
The National Golf Club is delighted to offer members Jones Trouper R Stand Bags in a range of colours.
The bags come customised with The National logo proudly displayed on the side pocket and there is also the option of having a name or initials embroidered on the front pocket.
These R-series bags feature a recycled, ripstop material, woven from 100% PET single-use plastic bottles, making it a more sustainable choice.
To order, simply download an order form, and when completed, please email it to retail@nationalgolf.com.au or hand it in at the pro shop.
Events in December
Monthly Medal
Saturday Dec 3
Christmas Ambrose
Sunday Dec 4
Family Christmas Lunch
Sunday Dec 4
54 Hole Challenge
Tuesday Dec 6
Christmas Day - Course and Clubhouse Closed
Saturday Dec 25
New Years Eve Nine & Dine - Cape Schanck
Saturday Dec 31
Looking Ahead
Hangover Cup
Sunday Jan 1 - Cape Schanck
The National Junior Classic
Wednesday Jan 18 - Long Island
Australia Day Ambrose
Thursday Jan 26 - Cape Schanck
Junior News
Junior Club Championships
Our Junior Club Championships are just around the corner. The two round event is open to all National members under 23 years of age as at the commencement of the Championships (4th December). The event will crown both a Scratch (Gross) and Handicap Champion.
The two rounds will be played as follows:
- 1st Round - Sunday 4th December – Long Island (from 12:30pm)
- 2nd Round - Sunday 11th December - Gunnamatta (from 12:30pm)
School Holiday Clinics
School holiday clinics are back again this summer holidays!! Commencing in the second week of January, our clinics have always been a hit with juniors at The National and they cater for all, even if you've never picked up a club before.
Specific details about dates and times will be posted on the website shortly.
The Dunes Medal
We have 5 members representing The National at The Dunes Medal at the time of publishing.
Good luck to Chloe Wilson, Matt Lever. Cody Brenner and Sam Bakes in the Junior Division. Whilst 19 year old, Nathan Page is competing in the men's division.
You can keep up to date with results by following this link
Getting to know you...
Introducing - Simon Olsen
Each month, we you will get to learn a little bit more about some of the faces you see around The National.
In this months edition, we meet Simon who is a member of our course maintenance team, and visiting us from Canada for the next 6 months. Simon's based out of Long Island, but has recently been assisting at Cape Schanck with the course renovations.
If you're interested in course maintenance and beautiful photography, you might like to give him a follow on Instagram @froyonom.
Tell us about where you have come from and what brings you to The National?
I’m from Victoria, British Columbia. I first heard about going to work in Australia from my superintendent, so I decided on a whim to take this amazing opportunity! I applied to The National because I loved the different styles of design through each of the courses and The National is a club whose courses are held in high regard.
What are the highlights of your job?
Highlights of my job are the breathtaking views, the ability to work on multiple courses, the diverse wildlife on courses and the crew have been a huge help in taking me in and treating me like their own.
What is your favourite hole at The National?
My favourite hole on the Long Island course has to be the 15th hole. The two large Gum Trees at the back of the green give it some character, along with the bunkers and native plants between them.
Where is the coolest place you have travelled?
My pick for the coolest place I’ve travelled to has to be Japan. The architecture of their shrines/temples is incredible. The cities are incredible with all of the people and large buildings on every block. I can’t stop going back there! All of Japan is very picturesque.
What's on your bucket list?
Some items on my bucket list include travelling to Iceland to drive around the Ring Road to see all of the beautiful views. I'd love to go skydiving. Last, but not least, fly in a hot air balloon!
Tell us one thing that instantly makes your day better:
One thing that instantly makes my day better is a compliment!
Images from top to bottom from Simons' Instagram page.
Victoria Golf Club in British Columbia - the oldest 18-hole course in Canada
A sneak-peek through the native vegetation at Long Island
A beautiful sunrise to start the day at Long Island
