Around the Club

Long Island Update

The recent Captain’s Update spoke to the work that is going on behind the scenes to finalise our permit for the Long Island renovation and move towards breaking soil. The earliest date for any works commencing is still at least a fortnight away. We are continuing our discussions with Council about green replacements at the southern end of the course that don’t impact any of the planning ‘triggers’. Members will continue to be kept informed of progress.

Introduction of initiatives identified to support members through the interruption of the next couple of years will be closely aligned with the commencement of works. A primary concern raised by frequent Long Island players, who might otherwise be prepared to play at Cape Schanck during the renovation, is the challenge of navigating the more difficult terrain of the Cape Schanck courses. With Cape Schanck bookings already routinely skewed towards morning play, the Club is also conscious that any solution should seek to limit the risk of further congestion in the morning timeslots.

A number of ‘tee-time swap’ arrangements have been put in place with Rossdale, Settlers Run, Yarra Yarra and Commonwealth – the latter will only commence after ongoing works at that club have been completed – which will predominantly be scheduled into off-peak times. We anticipate that one or two more clubs may be added to that list. The Club is asking members who play the majority of their golf at Cape Schanck to consider allowing those spots to go to our more impacted members.

Additionally, once works commence there will be no charge for motorised cart access for all members aged 75 or over, or those able to produce a relevant medical certificate, in the afternoons on designated Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Cape Schanck. We intend to to extend this arrangement throughout the duration of the OCM project, however, circumstances may warrant review or adjustment. The offer will not be available in some of the cooler/wetter months or during periods of peak member play (eg January, Tournament Week). Further details will follow.

Billeting of Northern Hemisphere Workers

A primary opportunity to assist the personal development of our Course team is to explore opportunities with peer clubs in the northern hemisphere for routine staff exchanges. In either direction, that staff movement would follow the warmer months. The key criterion is the ability of the Club to provide sound accommodation within reasonable proximity to the course(s). With that box ticked, the other elements can fairly easily fall into place.

We therefore welcome any offers of accommodation support, noting that requesting accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula across summer is not a small ask. Staff exchanges are an important way we can continue to develop and refine the level at which our courses are maintained, in addition to creating opportunities for our staff which position us as an employer of choice. For further information please contact ben.hall@nationalgolf.com.au

Cape Schanck Car Parking Expansion

Any member who plays at Cape Schanck on Saturdays or over the summer holiday period is familiar with the parking issues created at peak times, causing a parking spillover onto The Cups Drive.

Works are currently underway on an upgrade of the external car park, the design of which incorporates an increase of more than 30 car-parking spaces and the introduction of one-way flow through the two main arterials. Plans for the carpark have been prepared by Thomas Anderson Design and One Mile Grid, both of which have significant experience with such projects. The solution is faithful to, and consistent with, the design principles which guided the original car-park construction.

The interruption to members at peak times is not expected to be substantial. Weather permitting, it’s anticipated that the project will be complete by mid-September. The changes will place the Club in much better stead to cope with the influx of traffic which accompanies the Christmas-New Year rush.

Community Support - genU

To support member access to the courses, the Club generally restricts non-member access. The handful of current exceptions mainly relate to long-standing events such as the Ronald McDonald fundraiser and the annual MCC golf day. In those instances, the Club quarantines the green fees it receives from those groups and directs them to a ‘charity nest’. The Committee then identifies causes worthy of funding support.

One cause already identified is genU, a disability support provider which, until recently, has operated a service centre out of the lawn bowls clubhouse at Long Island. Jo Forssman, the Inclusion Manager at genU, advised that the $25,000 contribution by the Club will be used to "build a kitchen at our new Langwarrin site. The kitchen will be used by clients for cooking classes that will provide important life skills for them. We also see the potential for these cooking classes to lead to supported employment for clients as these classes would be a first step in learning basic cooking skills, with the potential to transition to supported employment with our Season’s Gourmet Kitchen in Rosebud”.

Gin Bar - Opening September 2

We are excited to announce a new activation within the restaurant and bar space that kicks off Saturday 2 September.

Teaming up with local gin suppliers and Fever-Tree mixers, we will have a pop-up Gin Bar set up every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 2 September until Sunday 1 October.

Members and their guests will be able to purchase some of the finest local gin, as well as purchase directly from the pop-up bar to take home and enjoy.

Future plans for this space include further activations, with the month of October already locked in for a cocktail bar.

In The Know

From time to time, we will touch on important and timely rules that all members should be aware of whilst playing our courses. We encourage members to download the R&A app on your phone for easy rule reference - click here to download

Lost Ball & Unplayable Ball

These are the two rules we should all understand thoroughly- what happens when you can’t find your ball, and what happens when you find your ball, and you can’t play it.

The following gives a brief version of both scenarios, but further clarification can be made by contacting our Golf Operations Team or referring to the R&A app on your phone.

Lost ball – If a ball is lost, the player must (under the penalty of one shot) return to where the last shot was played and put another ball in play from that point. If the ball was lost from the tee, the player would then be playing their third shot from the tee under stroke and distance penalty. Note – there is no option for relief by dropping a ball near where you think the ball might be lost! Unfortunately, there are still reports of instances whereby some members believe this is an option. If you play a shot and you think it may be lost, you should play a provisional ball, which would then become the ball in play (under stroke and distance penalty) should the original ball be lost. Note - you must announce your intention to play a provisional ball otherwise that ball will become the ball in play whether or not the original ball is found.

Unplayable Ball – A player may take relief for an unplayable ball at any time except in a penalty area. There are three options and all incur one penalty shot. (1) Stroke and distance relief (same as lost ball). (2) Back on the line relief (back in line with the hole as far as you like), or (3) Lateral relief (within two club-lengths – no nearer the hole).

On Course Paths

Relief from cart paths and other paths and tracks are covered under the rules of golf. Any artificially surfaced roads and paths are classified as obstructions, and relief may be taken under rule 16.1. An artificial surface would include crushed rock type toppings found on our Moonah and Gunnamatta cart paths. A dirt walking path does not have an artificial surface, and therefore free relief is not permitted.

Relief In A Bunker

19.3b - Extra Relief Option (Two Penalty Strokes) As an extra relief option when a player’s ball is in a bunker, for a total of two penalty strokes, the player may take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker under Rule 19.2b.

Additionally, if ground staff are working on a bunker the bunker is still in play unless the area is defined GUR .

Boundary Fences

The post and rail fences of Gunnamatta 1st, 2nd & 6th holes are boundary fences.

If your ball lies past any part of the post lines it is out of bounds. Refer to the following rule for further information.

GUR

Relief for GUR at The National may be taken rather than must be taken, unless specified otherwise in the local rule. An example of this would be the no play zones in relation to trees and shrubs noted in the local rules on MiScore. Relief must be taken in this instance in the interests of protecting young trees.

Preferred Lies - Old Course

Areas of the 2nd and 3rd fairways on the Old Course are cut at a longer height due to severe slope and to prevent balls rolling into collection areas. These areas, although cut longer, are still considered to be fairway height, and as such, the preferred lies currently in play would still apply.

Bump & Run

Cape Schanck Driving Range

Please note – In the interest of the health and safety of fellow members, please ensure practice on the driving range at Cape Schanck is from the grass area or mats, as directed by signage. There have been recent instances where members have moved back onto the mats when the grass tee is in play, which has placed others in danger.

Corporate Shareholders and Nominees - Guest Bookings

A Corporate Nominee may introduce up to four guests unaccompanied on any course and time not designated as 'members only'. Any number of guests greater than four will require the approval of the Golf Manager or their delegate and will be only permitted outside times of peak member demand.

MiScore App

The MiScore app on your phone has features that you may not be aware of and is well worth exploring if you have not done so already. Click on the Menu item in the top right corner of the screen and explore settings to see the different features as part of your MiScore subscription. Of particular interest are the 'local rules', which is the eighth item on the menu - these would typically have been found on the back of the old scorecards.

The self-submission process has recently changed - to view further details about this, please see the recent website article.

Medal Markers

Commencing in September, play will be permitted on Medal day in the competition of the day from any tee markers.

However to be eligible to win the Medal, members must play from the designated Medal tee marker.

Caddies - Asia Pacific Amateur Championship

Golf Australia are looking for help with caddies for the upcoming Asia Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Melbourne (23-29 October).

It is a week-long commitment, a bit shorter if your player doesn't make the cut, but an opportunity to caddy for a world-class golfer.

Caddies don’t have to carry the bag as pull buggies are allowed.

Those interested in volunteering should log onto the Rosterfy system, https://australiangolf.rosterfy.com.au/login create a profile (if they don’t already have one), login and then scroll down to the Asia Pac Amateur Championship banner and click on "express interest".

The National Golf Club invites you to our Girls Fun Day on Sunday 24 September.

Get involved in this FREE FUN DAY for Girls which includes fantastic activities and prizes.

All ages are welcome and we encourage you to invite along any of your children's friends who may also like to GIVE GOLF A GO!

No equipment required - simply bring your runners, your smile and your friends for a morning of fun!

To register your place, please book using the following link.

Any questions should be directed to our Junior Golf Coordinator, Ben Hall - ben.hall@nationalgolf.com.au

Dream 18

We encourage members to get involved in our current social media campaign, where we are asking people to vote for their Dream 18 at The National.

To cast your vote for your favourite holes, view The National Facebook or Instagram pages.

On Course

O'Shea Brothers 4BBB

On Saturday 22 July Long Island hosted the final of the 2023 O’Shea Brothers 4BBB.

Russell Davies & Nick Currie won 4/3 over Paula Gompertz & Jann Higgs. Congratulations to Russell and Nick, who were deserving winners as they also qualified as the #1 seed.

George Munn Trophy

The 2023 George Munn Trophy Final was played on The Old Course between Vincent Squatriti and Simon Cummins.

Vincent Squatriti defeated Simon Cummins 2 Up.

Well done to both Vince and Simon for making the final.

Claret Jug

Congratulations to Luke Bexley who captured the prestigious Claret Jug after posting an impressive nett 67 on the Gunnamatta course.

As a result of Luke’s great golf he is crowned the Claret Jug Champion and will be the second to have his name engraved on the Claret Jug.

William's Brothers 4BBB

The 2023 Williams Brothers 4 Ball Aggregate Pairs was played at the Long Island course on Saturday 19 August. Congratulations to Shane Gourley and John Kerr on winning the event with a combined score of +3. The runners-up were Nic Brian and Dominic Bolton with a combined score of +5.

Winter Mixed Teams Challenge

The Winter Mixed Teams Challenge was played on Sunday 13th August on The Gunnamatta Course.

The format was American Foursomes where both players play tee shots at each hole and then play a second stroke with their partner’s ball. One ball is then selected and play proceeds as in foursomes.

A great day was enjoyed by all 112 players.

The runners-up were Wayne and Eileen Crewes with a nett score of 67.125.

Congratulations to Priya Khanna and Dan Cousins (pictured below) who were the winners of the day with a nett score of 67.0. The pair had an excellent gross score of 67 (6 under par!)

Holes-in-One

Congratulations to the following members for achieving an ace over the past month.

• Michael Chung
  
• Tom Limon
• Bernie Ritzer
• Tristan O’Shannessy

Long Island Women's Celebration

A women’s celebration of the Long Island Course was held on Wednesday 16 August.

Aside from a rather chilly start, the weather was perfect for the field which was competing in a two-ball Ambrose competition, followed by a spectacular buffet lunch.

Congratulations to all involved, with special mention to Di Otter & Georgina Leigh who scored 66.25 to be crowned the winners. To access the photos from on course, please follow this link.

Course News

Moonah 17th Green

All design changes have been implemented under the guidance of Bob Harrison. The 17th green now has more possible pin positions on the right side and the mound on the right edge of the green has been raised in height to assist with balls remaining on the green edge.

The green has been mown twice at 6mm and will be top-dressed with sand to assist with smoothing the surface and lowering of the cutting height. The surrounds have been turfed with fescue from our nursery and will provide a fantastic surface for playing a variety of shots. The rear bunker has been completely rebuilt and the surrounds of the bunker have been hydro-seeded with fescue seed to make sure the bunker blends in with the other bunkers around the 17th green.

When the green opens in early September it will be slower than the other greens because of the extra fertilizer required to strengthen the grass, however by the start of the summer, there should be very little difference between this and the other greens on the Moonah course.

Moonah Course Fairway Renovations

To improve the Moonah course fescue fairways, in early September all fairways will be verti-drained to relieve compaction and provide the perfect space for the fescue roots to grow deep in the subsurface profile.

After the verti-draining has been completed the Verado over-seeding machine will plant new and stronger varieties of fescue seeds into the fairway surface. Introducing new fescue varieties into the existing fairways will compete against the poa and repair the divot collection areas and, most importantly, provide improved playing surfaces year-round.

4th Hole - The Old

The 4th upgrades are now complete. The works around the lake have settled in nicely and the lake has been filled with bore water. The lower fourth blue tee has been turfed with Santa Ana and will be opened for play in mid-October.

Long Island - Pipe Delivery

Members who have played at Long Island over the past week may have noticed that the pipe delivery has commenced in preparation for the upcoming OCM works. A large quantity of pipe is being stored beside the 10th tees and there will be numerous packs of pipe stored out of play around the course.

Divots

September is when the couch awakes from dormancy and this is also when we experience the strong, dry spring winter winds that blow sand out of divots.

If members can assist with topping up the sand levels of the divots, this will greatly improve the divot recovery.

New Boxes For Broken Tees

Broken wooden tees not only look unsightly they also cause damage to the cutting blades on the mowers. Like many courses around the world, we have recently installed new bins throughout the courses. These boxes are not rubbish bins and should only be used for broken tees. Please place rubbish in the bins provided.

Norm and Bessie with their latest addition - personalised number plates. Keep an eye out for them at Long Island.

Golf Ops

Ping G Le3 - Women's Range

With women’s golf participation at an all-time high, PING has introduced the G Le3 family, continuing its industry-leading commitment to bringing women golfers lightweight, score-lowering technology engineered and custom-made exclusively for their games.

The complete line of clubs is available for custom fittings and pre-order.

See Golf Ops for details.

Upcoming Demo & Fitting Days

The following club-fitting opportunities are available for our members.

• TaylorMade - Friday 8 September
  
• Callaway - Friday 22 September

Bookings can be made via the Club website or app

Any questions should be directed to our friendly Golf Operations team

Tip of the Month

with Nick O'Hern

We are back again with a fantastic tip from former European and PGA Tour player Nick O'Hern.

This months tip focuses on hitting out of a firm bunker, that we can often find ourselves in this time of year after heavy rain and strong winds.

Looking ahead

Monthly Medal

Saturday 2 September

Fathers Day Ambrose & Lunch

Sunday 3 Septmeber

Bookings close Saturday 26 August

Sandra McCaw Qualifier

Wednesday 6 September

Bill Britten Qualifying

Thursday 7 September

Doris Chambers Foursomes

Saturday 9 August

Mixed Foursomes Championship

Sunday 10 September

Len Jewson Trophy

Saturday 16 September

New Members Welcome Day

Sunday 24 September

Grand Final Public Holiday

Friday 29 September

To view the 2023 Programme - please click here

Join us on

Father's Day - Sunday 3 September

Grand Final Eve - Friday 29 September

Bookings via online timesheets

The Journal

The Ultimate Day at The National

We encourage members to take a look at the latest piece in The Journal.

What does your ‘ultimate day’ at The National Golf Club look like? Golf writer and photographer Will Watt teams up with three buddies to live out the perfect day.

Read his entertaining account by following this link.

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