Many of the photos throughout this edition are courtesy of member, Robin Yong.

Around the Club

Long Island Update

The OCM renovation of Long Island officially commenced on Monday 18 September. The planning process for a project of this nature is unavoidably complex. Council has approved initial works that sit outside any of the main permit triggers relating to vegetation, floodplains and/or tree protection zones.

On the ground, works are progressing well to the greens and surrounds on holes 6, 7, 8 and 9. The team removed the layers of thatch on the greens and following this, the greenside bunkers and greens were shaped. More recently, drainage on the 6th green has commenced in readiness for the new sand profile. In the coming weeks, we will see further drainage installed and greens beginning to look more like the planned designs. We encourage members to follow @thenationalocm on Instagram for weekly updates from the team on the ground.

Final planning documents are currently under review by Melbourne Water and DEECA. The Club will continue to provide updates on the progress of the works and any issues arising that might affect member experience.

As has been communicated from the outset, playing access at Long Island will remain under constant review. Recent playing numbers have highlighted that there is some flexibility and availability with guest access at certain times and as a result, members are able to bring one guest during the following times:

• Monday (all day)
  
• Wednesday (PM)
  
• Friday (all day)
  
• Sunday (PM)
  

Green fees will be at a reduced price of $70 for 18 holes or $40 for 9 holes.

Please note that this will remain under constant review and is subject to change.

Members are reminded as per the By-Laws, that the same person may not be introduced as a guest of the Club to play golf on more than six occasions in any one financial year.

Metropolitan Tee Times

Metropolitan Golf Club will be undertaking course works in the coming months. The National will provide a number of off-peak tee-times for their members.

Monday 4 December until Friday 23 December:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoon (after 1pm)

3 x groups of 4

NO TIMES FROM 24 DECEMBER UNTIL 14 JANUARY

Monday 15 January until Sunday 29 January:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoon (after 1pm)

3 x groups of 4

Monday 30 January until Monday 26 February:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoon (after 1pm)

3 x groups of 4

NOTE: Excludes Tournament Week.

The offer will be reciprocated once the 18 holes at Metropolitan are back open. We anticipate this access will be between Feb - Nov 2024 which will be confirmed as their project progresses.

Cape Schanck Car Parking Expansion

The works to the external car park at Cape Schanck are now complete, bringing the total number of parking spaces to 383. The upgrade is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on parking during the busier months.

The Club has also decided to introduce member-only access to the underground parking area. Signage to that effect will be put in place shortly. The Club asks all members to advise their guests of this change once signage is in place.

Please note that members were previously advised that there would be changed traffic flow as a result of this upgrade, however the flow will remain unchanged at present. The Club will continue to monitor this moving forward.

Inclusive Golf

Golf is a sport that transcends age, gender, and physical abilities. It is a game of skill, strategy, and camaraderie that should be enjoyed by all. We understand that life presents unique challenges, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy and fulfilment that comes from a round of golf.

In our continued effort to make golf accessible to everyone, we are excited to extend a warm invitation to members who may be facing challenges related to age or disabilities to join a group of like-minded individuals.

The idea behind this group is to provide an opportunity for these members to connect and play at an off-peak time, without the pressure of the pace of play often associated with our busier times.

Our newly formed golf group is designed to break down barriers and create an environment where every member feels welcome and supported. We are planning on running these events on a monthly basis, with our first event in November.

If you would like to learn more about this initiative or to be involved, please reach out to Ben Hall - ben.hall@nationalgolf.com.au

Bump & Run

Competition Prizes

No Smoking

Other than for a couple of designated outside spaces near the clubhouse, Cape Schanck is a non-smoking premises. The need for that policy specifically considers our proximity to national parks and the risk that smoking presents to that environment. All members have an obligation to observe this policy and to self-regulate within individual groups. The onset of warmer weather, and the approaching summer season, make this a timely reminder.

Snake Safety

Please be aware that as the warmer weather approaches, snakes are becoming increasingly active across all of our courses. Players should think carefully before venturing into rough looking for their ball.

Should you encounter a snake on course, please keep well clear and it will go on its way.

If a player in your group is bitten, call 000 immediately, followed by Golf Operations on 5988 6777 (Cape Schanck) or 9707 9907 (Long Island). A copy of the Snake Bite Action Plan is available at the counter of Golf Operations, so please ensure you familiarise yourself with it.

A copy of the St Johns Ambulance snake bite first aid can be found by following this link

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 their phone for easy rule reference - click here to download

Local Rules - Using The MiScore App

As part of a broader review of signage, both in the clubhouse and on the courses, one important change is currently being introduced via the MiScore App. In future, all Local Rules will be communicated via the MiScore App, making it possible to reference that information on the course when the need arises (e.g. confirmation of whether preferred lies are in play).

Members are advised that signage highlighting any temporary local rules will be removed in the next fortnight.

We encourage all players to make it a habit to check the app for any updates before commencing their round.

Back-on-the-Line Relief

This relief procedure, often used for penalty area and unplayable ball relief, has been simplified so the ball is now dropped on the line, and may roll up to one club-length in any direction without a re-drop being required. This change simplifies what had become a complex procedure that was regularly breached by golfers without them realising they had done so. It represents a return to the essence of the easy-to-apply, pre-2019 process, which was almost entirely free of inaccurate application by golfers at any level of the game.

Relief From Rakes in Bunkers

We remind members that once they are finished raking the bunker the rake should be placed in the base of the bunker near the lowest entry point and facing in the direction of play.

If your ball comes to rest against the rake (moveable obstruction), you should follow these steps as per Rule 15.2a

(1) Removal of Movable Obstruction. Without penalty, a player may remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way.

If a player’s ball moves while they are removing a movable obstruction:

• There is no penalty, and
  
• The ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
  

(2) Relief When Ball Is in or on Movable Obstruction Anywhere on Course Except on Putting Green. The player may take free relief by lifting the ball, removing the movable obstruction and dropping the original ball or another ball in this relief area (see Rule 14.3):

• Reference Point: The estimated point right under where the ball was at rest in or on the movable obstruction.
  
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but with these limits:
  
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
  
• Must be in the same area of the course as the reference point, and
  
• Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point.
  

We encourage members to view the specifics of rule 15.2 by following this link

Get Social!!!

Don't forget to tag @ngcmembers when out on course, so that we can share what's happening around the Club.

If you haven't done so already, members are encouraged to follow the member-exclusive Instagram page.

Search @ngcmembers or click on this link to follow.

Melbourne

Cup Day

Tuesday 7 November

Join us for a fun-filled day this Melbourne Cup day at The National.

Celebrate Cup Day in style, with 18 holes of golf, followed by an afternoon of festivities including a delicious buffet lunch, a range of sweeps and all the action on the big screen TV's

Golf

Additional Lunch Bookings

4 person Ambrose on the Gunnamatta course

8am registration, including a light breakfast for a 9am shotgun tee-off.

$90 includes comp fee, light breakfast & a delicious buffet lunch.

Golf bookings are for members only and should be done via the online timesheets.

$85 for adults which includes a delicious buffet from 1.30pm.

For additional bookings, or to advise of any dietary requirements, please contact Lynda on 5988 2734 or via email to functions@nationalgolf.com.au

On Course

As we are in the middle of a number of major events, including the F.D. Haward, Seniors and Veterans Championships, our 'On Course' section is a little more light-on than usual. There have however been a few individual moments of brilliance as well as the wonderful Women's Charity Day, which are captured below.

Three in a Row for Sue Wooster

For the third year in a row, Sue Wooster has captured the Arizona Senior Women's Amateur Championship. Sue took the solo lead with a Round 2 score of 67 (-5) - the best score of the tournament and won convincingly by six strokes.

Sue has been in great form since heading abroad in June, with six top-10 finishes from her 10 starts.

Girls Shine in NSW

Congratulations to The National Golf Club’s very own Fuyu Yang and Molly McLean who have both performed spectacularly at the Jack Newton International, which attracts the best junior golfers from across Australia and the world.

Competing in the 17-year-old event, @molly.mclean_ finished T3 with a score of +7.

@fuyu_28_yang was once again crowned the champion in her division, taking out the 11-years championship with a score of +8 across her four rounds.

Senior Pennant

Senior Pennant is underway, with round 3 taking place this Friday. The team has started strongly and sits atop the table after the first two rounds with wins against Southern and Keysborough.

To keep up to date with the Senior Pennant team, including their weekly match reports, please click here.

Holes-in-One

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

• Stephen Allanson
  
• Stephen Frost
• Ian McWha

Women's Charity Day

The National Golf Club’s annual Women’s Charity Day was held on Wednesday, 4 October, supporting Canteen Australia. Our teams looked fantastic, wearing their coloured bandannas and matching outfits. The event raised $5,468, which included a contribution from the Club.

Canteen Australia is providing life-changing support to young Australians impacted by cancer, and the Club encourages you to support this initiative. Colourful bandannas are available for sale at Golf Ops, Cape Schanck for $5 each. Simply pick your bandanna, scan the QR code, and pay. All money goes directly to Canteen Australia.

Our aim is to sell bandannas up to the 27 October, which is National Bandanna Day. Every little bit helps!

Little Nash

Little Nash returned once again, this time over the Grand Final weekend, with timesheets almost at capacity.

It was fantastic to see families, young and old testing their skills on the short course.

We look forward to hosting it again over the summer break!

Twilight

Nine

Join us at Long Island for 9 holes &

a special Twilight BBQ on the following dates.

Wednesday 15 November

Wednesday 13 December

$23 includes stableford competition and a delicious BBQ

before or after your round.

Tee times from 4pm - 5.30pm

BBQ from 3pm - 6pm

Bar open until 7.30pm

Book your place via the online timesheet today

Course News

Gunnamatta - 11th

The Red and Green forward tees on the 11th hole have been constructed, which includes the installation of irrigation and winter green couch laid on the tees. The new tees are on track to open in early November.

The distance of the green tee will remain at 123m and the new red tee will be 148m.

New Grader

Recently the Course Maintenance team purchased a new grader that will assist with ongoing maintenance of the vast network of gravel cart paths on the Moonah and Gunnamatta courses. It will provide us with the opportunity to install cambers to the paths, allowing water to escape off the path rather than running down the middle and causing ruts to appear.

The Old - 9th

Work has taken place on the 9th hole of The Old course to improve accessibility, with a new walk-in created on the bunker as you approach the green.

Using the new walk-in will lead to reduced erosion and improved playing conditions.

Divots in Greens

We have noticed a number of divots that have been taken out of the greens in close proximity to the hole. This is normally done through the frustration of a missed putt. This is inexcusable and we ask fellow playing partners to report these incidents to the Golf Operations staff.

Long Island Renovation - Instagram Page

The Club will keep members up to date regularly with the ongoing renovation at Long Island, via the website, members Instagram page and email. However, for those of you who would like more regular content from our ground staff, we encourage you to follow their Instagram page - @thenationalocm

Golf Ops

24 Days of Giveaways

It's a very Merry Christmas to everyone with a huge giveaway throughout December.

The deal is simple. Spend $150 in the pro-shop (excluding food and beverages) and you will go into the draw to win daily prizes throughout December.

With more than $11,000 in prizes, get your hands on a full set of Callaways, a Ping putter, FootJoy and Ecco shoes, golf lessons, Adidas & Callaway Golf Bags, Travis Mathew clothing, plus heaps more.

Keep an eye on the website and members Instagram page or ask the friendly Golf Operations team for further details.

Upcoming Fitting Day

The following club-fitting opportunity is available for our members:

• Titleist - Thursday 9 November - Long Island

Bookings can be made via the Club website or app

Any questions should be directed to the 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 looks at some tips for when we are in a bunker - incorporate this into your next practice session!

Looking ahead

Senior's Championship

Saturday 28 October - Quarter Final - Play on date

Sunday 5 November - Semi Final - Play on date

Saturday 11 November - Final - Play on date

F.D. Haward

Sunday 29 October - Semi Final - Play on or before

Sunday 12 November - Final - Play on date

Composite Course Challenge

Tuesday 31 October

Bill Britten Qualifying

Thursday 2 November

Women's Muster

Friday 3 November

Monthly Medal

Saturday 4 November

Melbourne Cup Day - Golf & Lunch

Tuesday 7 November

Sandra McCaw Qualifier

Wednesday 8 November

CaNine & Dine

Sunday 12 November

National Goblet

Monday 13 November

Richard Launder Trophy

Saturday 18 November - Round 1

Sunday 19 November - Round 2

Annual General Meetings

Sunday 19 November

Guest Day

Thursday 23 November

Len Jewson Trophy

Saturday 25 Novermber at Cape Schanck

To view the 2023 Programme, which highlights each of these events, including the format - please click here

Please note the change to the Programme where the Nine & Dine has been removed on New Years Eve

The Longest Day

Members are invited to take part in “The Longest Day” in support of the Cancer Council. There are multiple options to get involved, whether it be through playing 36, 54 or completing the ultimate challenge of 72 holes.

Date: Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Course: Gunnamatta

Bookings: Entry sheet opens for members on Monday 23 October at 7pm

Guest bookings open one hour later at 8pm, one guest per member.

Cost: $40 includes comp fee, lunch, packed snacks and water – with hut service throughout the day

Other info:

• Carts made available for all players all day at no cost – mandatory use.
  
• Stableford competition ($5 entry)
  
• Players mark cards physically for the first 3 rounds, the use of MiScore for the last round.
  
• Discouragement of practice swings
  
• Alternatives: Long (36 Holes), Longer (54 Holes), Longest Day (72 Holes)
  

To register your team – https://www.longestday.org.au/join/TheNationalGolfClub and complete your details

Young Guns

Junior Club Championships

The Junior Club Championships are fast approaching, with Round 1 set to take place on the Moonah course on Sunday 3 December and Round 2 on Sunday 10 December.

The event is open to all National members under 21 years of age as at the commencement of the championships (3rd December) who hold a current GA Handicap.

The “Junior Champion” will be the player with the lowest Scratch (Gross) score over the 36 holes, whilst the “Junior Handicap Champion” will be the player with the highest Stableford score over the 36 holes.

The Competition format will be as follows:

• Stroke (Players with G.A. handicaps up to 10.0)
• Stableford (Players with G.A. handicaps 10.1 and over)

Note: Stroke players’ scores will be converted to Stableford for the Nett event.

We encourage all Juniors with a handicap to get involved - further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Junior Pennant

Junior Pennant season has begun and the two National teams are off to a flyer! The Eagle Flyers sit atop the table, undefeated in their two outings this season, whilst the Pin Seekers are in 3rd position after one win and one loss.

To keep an eye on the weekly results and the upcoming draw, please head to the Junior Pennant section of the Club website.

State Representatives

Congratulations to Fuyu Yang, Jack Wilson and Louis Inifer who have all qualified for the 12 years and under Victorian golf team.

The team will compete in November in the national championships in Western Australia.

We wish the trio the very best of luck.

Girls Fun Day

We recently held a Girls Fun Day at Long Island which almost 30 girls attended, many for their very first taste of golf.

The girls went through a range of fun and engaging golf activities at different stations. We thank the parents, grandparents and guardians for their support in what will hopefully be the starting point for a love of golf for these girls.

For further information regarding Junior Clinics, including opportunities for girls, please contact our Junior Golf Coordinator Ben Hall - ben.hall@nationalgolf.com.au

Celebrate New Year's Eve In Style

The National Golf Club is delighted to re-introduce our Gala New Year’s Eve Event!

Guests will enjoy a spectacular three-course dinner set amongst beautifully themed décor at the Cape Schanck Clubhouse. Dress to impress as we dance the night away to live music from Baker Boys Band. The night will begin at 7:30pm and tickets are $145 per adult.

We invite you to put together a table of ten or more, or for smaller groups we will put together tables of ten.

To help with your festive season planning, assistance can be provided with securing local accommodation for the night.

To welcome 2024 in style, book early by emailing our Functions Coordinator Lynda at functions@nationalgolf.com.au.

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