Welcome to the Summer edition of our newsletter and three months of sunshine and warmer weather – we remain hopeful after a good 9 months of unseasonal wet weather.
Last month we said goodbye to Ellis Wilson (Junior), our Deputy Course Manager, Reece Samson, one of our Assistant Pro Golfers and Pro Shop Assistant, and Karen Smith from our kitchen. I would like to thank them all their service to Bondhay Golf Club and wish them well for the future. I would like to welcome Anthony and Lewis to our Greenkeeping team and Tony to our Pro Shop team. Mark has now joined Amanda in the Kitchen, so a warm welcome to him also.
Captain Roy Cullis
I think most people are aware that our Club Captain Roy suffered a stroke in April. I am pleased to say that Roy is home and recovering well. I want to wish him and his Wife well and I look forward to seeing them both very soon. Mark Highfield (Vice Captain) will step in as Captain until Roy is well enough to make a return.
Refurbishment and Renovation
We are continuing to refurbish and renovate the Clubhouse and Course in 2024. During April and May we have had the roof of the Clubhouse repaired, replaced the cooling system in the bar cellar, repaired the air conditioning units in the Function Suite and had the men’s toilets renovated.
We have replaced the old urinal and pipework and had the toilets and corridor painted. The toilets still require some work which includes replacing the red flooring. We hope to have this finished in the next week or so at the time of writing. Thank you for your patience while we carry out this work.
In June/July we intend to upgrade the flooring in our kitchen and to upgrade the main doors leading into the main foyer and Clubhouse.
Horsebox – Half Way House
Last Wednesday we took possession of our new converted horsebox which has been done by Westwood Conversions. The horsebox will serve as our Halfway House and will be situated between the 9th and 10th tee.
This will be staffed on our busier days during the week and at the weekend. We will be selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bacon and sausage cobs, chips, sausage rolls and pasties, confectionary and crisps, coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc. We will be purchasing some tables and chairs in the near future plus some planters to add a more welcome appearance.
Our intention is to offer the horsebox for rent by businesses or individuals in the future. The beauty of the horsebox is that it can be moved quite easily and adapted where necessary i.e. in August we will be serving waffles and pizza for an event that is already booked into our calendar. I’m sure Josh will touch on this in his update.
I would like to thank Westwood Conversions for the Horsebox. It is beautiful. Please take a look at their work on Facebook.
Flexible Memberships
We have now decided to allow our 7 day and 5-day members the option to purchase their membership, interest free, over a three-month period by direct debit. This spreads the cost of selected memberships without the need to apply for finance or to obtain other credit that will charge you a monthly or annual APR rate. This makes our membership more affordable.
I have recently received some data from Golf Now/BRS about the average costs of membership across the country. The average 7 day membership is now £1187.46 with 33% of clubs having a joining fee of £1016. We charge £1190 for our 7-day membership and do not charge a joining fee. You also get free access to our Par 3 course with this membership.
They listed the following average for green fees:
I think this shows that we are reasonably priced compared to some of our competitors.
First Aid and Defibrillators
We have a number of first aid kits in and around the Clubhouse plus a defibrillator in the office. We have now put a couple of first aid kits on the vehicles that are used day to day by our green staff.
We are currently looking to invest a defibrillator to put on one of the greenkeepers’ utility vehicles. The course measures somewhere around 2 miles squared so the vehicle in question is likely to be the first to get to you if you need any emergency care on the course. I would love to hear from anyone who may have access to a defibrilator they can give us or someone who would like to supply one for the course.
In June, our staff will be attending a first aid training day. This will equip them with the skills that they will need to perform emergency first aid (or refresh the knowledge of those already trained).
Course & Equipment
A couple of months ago we purchased new rakes for the bunkers. The new rakes have been placed out on the course however some of the rakes and rake heads have gone missing. Please do not take the rakes, the rake heads or any course furniture off the course. Please treat the course with the respect it deserves. New rakes and rake heads are an additional cost that could have been invested elsewhere.
I have noticed an increase in the number of dog walkers on the course. Please do not walk your dog on the fairways or greens. Stick to the paths please and pick up any faeces. Please do not walk your dog through the orchard in the vicinity of the 9th green. We do not take any responsibility for any injury caused to you or your dog whilst on the course. Please do not allow your dog to go in the ponds/lakes. There is a great unused space accessible from the back of the car park that we are more than happy for people to walk their dogs in if required. However, access to Whitwell Woods should be gained from elsewhere.
I have also been informed that a small group of members have been hitting golf balls from the beer garden onto the 18th green. I do not think that I need to explain why this is unacceptable and should not happen again.
And finally, we have applied for planning permission for my Dad and I to continue living in the static caravans (see my previous newsletter updates for more information). The planning application has cost just short of £4000 of my personal funds. We are now waiting for a decision as to whether we can continue to live here or not. I have received the results of my Dad’s latest scan and all that I will say at the moment is that his condition has deteriorated and that he is believed to have a second degenerative disease as well as a tumour. It is now more important than ever that we get planning permission for the lodges so that I can continue to care for him. I am a big believer in fate. Lets hope the person that took the time to report us to the council (and I know who you are) can sleep soundly in their bed.
Lisa Hardisty - Managing Director
The golf season is now truly upon us and it’s certainly been a busy start to the schedule. The club majors are well underway and we had an excellent turnout for the Alfra Trophy at start of June. Thank you to Ian Smith for providing such a fantastic prize table.
The Roy Cullis event was also extremely successful and well attended by all categories. I would like to personally thank all the members and guests who contributed and played in this event. This was Bondhay Golf Club at its best.
Bondhay gents teams have certainly kicked off in style this year. Below is an update for each:
Notts Alliance Team
Congratulations to the squad for winning the Shield yet again, that’s 3 years on the bounce and this has never happened before in the Shield’s history. The events are held across 12 different Nottinghamshire courses with 25 plus clubs competing for the prestigious Shield. Our brilliant Professional Tom Slattery clinched the Professional Order of Merit and a commendable 3rd for Mark Highfield in the amateur OOM competition.
Scratch Team
A good start by the Bondhay team in division 5 sees the squad currently sitting mid table with an opportunity to push towards the top two promotional places.
6-18 League
Once again a solid start by the squad sitting comfortable in division 2 of the Sheffield Union Golf League. Division one is certainly the target so we can expect a big push as the season progresses.
Taskers Trophy over 5O’s
Captained by the Welsh wizard Mick Yeend, the team have now progressed into the 3rd round. The format is individual match play for the seven man team so always a tense affair!
Other news in brief:
Mark Highfield - Vice Captain
I would just like to Welcome Anthony and Lewis to the greenkeeping team. Hopefully they will enjoy the experience of greenkeeping and seeing a different side to Golf.
Placing/Preffered Lies are now off. Please repair all divots.
I think we can all agree that Autumn and Winter was a wet one and getting some of our winter projects completed was impossible without creating lots of extra work and mess. The aim was to start grinding tree stumps as soon as the ground was firm enough but with spring starting off wet it was set back again, so now it will be fit into our summer work inbetween other more pressing taks. My apologies for the delay. Normally spring starts off cold and dry making recovery slow going, but I had a feeling it would be the opposite and I was right. With hardly any frost and plenty of moisture in the soil, plus soil temperatures rising, the grass is growing quick than we can cut it. So priority at the moment is trying to keep on top of the semi-rough and then we will hopefully complete the winter projects as rate of growth slows down.
Bunkers have been topped up with sand and we will continue through the season. Please rake bunkers after use. We are spending a lot of hours working on them to come in the next day and see people aren’t ranking their foot prints. This is not fair on the people playing after you.
Greens Maintenance
We will do our best to try and work this not only around the weather but also around competitions etc. The work unfortunately has to be done in the playing season but it will also benefit us out of season and we will try to get these processes done as quickly as possible.
Any questions regarding the course please get in contact with me through the office.
Ellis Wilson - Course Manager
Firstly I’d like to welcome our new addition to the Pro Shop team, Tony Henson. Tony is a member of Coxmoor Golf Club and plays off a handicap index of 7 (so a very good golfer). I’m sure that you will all give him a warm Bondhay welcome when you see him in the Shop.
After a long winter period, our golfing season is now in full flow and we have a full calendar of competitions to play. Our club opens are filling up quickly: we have a few places left for the 15th of June Men’s Open, as well as for both the 6th of July All Sections Open and the 17th of August Men’s Open.
A well-attended Alfra Trophy saw the highest turn out so far with a fantastic prize table so a big thankyou to Mr Ian Smith.
Our professional shop is fully stocked with the latest selection of clothing from Druids, Island Green and hardware from TaylorMade and Ping. Our golf ball selection this year comes from Titleist, TaylorMade and Srixon, as well all your accessories such as tees, gloves and pitchforks.
Myself and Tom are available for lessons on either the Trackman range or on the course so feel free to get in touch with us.
Thank you for your continued support and all the best for the rest of the season.
Barry Hurt - Head PGA Pro
I want to start this update by thanking every member of our team and all of our members and customers for making the achievement of ‘Golf Club of the Year’ possible. This is the second year in a row that the Yorkshire Prestige Awards have recognised our achievements, growth and commitment over the last twelve months, which is incredibly humbling.
Now that the summer months are well and truly underway, the calendar is looking more dense and the events are coming thick and fast. June started with the ALFRA Trophy shotgun event which again proved to be a huge success. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to Ian Smith for putting together another great day.
For those that are new to the Club or may not be aware, Bondhay’s previous Managing Director, Alan Hardisty, sadly had to step back due to ill health a couple of years ago. Alan is also my grandfather so June’s Alan Hardisty Trophy sits very close to my heart. We’re looking forward to it taking place for the second year on Saturday 22 June following the inaugural competition in September of last year. The competition will take the form of a shotgun start at 8am, following a Single Stableford format. A presentation will follow with a range of fantastic prizes up for grabs. All sections are welcome, so I hope you will be able to get involved. Further details and entry can be found on our website or in the Pro Shop.
At the time of writing, the first Men’s Open of the year is approaching. The bragging rights are up for grabs on Saturday 15 June with tee times starting at 7am and available throughout the day. The All Sections Open is on Saturday 06 July with tee times also starting from 7am onwards.
The Trackman Range continues to grow month on month with plenty of new faces discovering what the technology has to offer. As the foul weather of the winter didn’t allow us to host a proper launch party, I’m pleased that we’re hosting a Trackman Open Day on Friday 14 June 2024. Starting at 3pm and running through until 8pm, balls will be on the house and there will be a chance to learn from the Trackman Team and our Professionals. The Club will be putting on some snacks and refreshments, or you can order a selection of other items from the ‘Drive Thru’ kiosk.
As Lisa has spoken about earlier in this newsletter, we took delivery of a custom converted horsebox in May that will serve as a Halfway House on suitable busy days, primarily weekends and has already seen a couple of days in action at the time of writing. We will be serving up a selection of breakfast sandwiches, chips, confectionery, snacks, and hot and cold drinks including beers and ciders. I’ll try to not drink us out of San Pellegrino every week! Cash and card is accepted and I’m hopeful that we can implement online ordering so you can have items ready to go as you arrive. The trailer may be used up at the Clubhouse as an additional bar or to offer alternative catering on occasion. As soon as we’ve firmed up the offerings, the trailer will be available for private hire for customers of the club and our function suite, plus for external events.
The gents toilets underwent a renovation in May and are now back in use following a temporary closure. The area has undergone some plastering work, fresh paint, three new urinals, new mirrors, electric soap dispensers and general cosmetic work. There are a number of aspects that we believe still need improvement and final touches, but I’m sure that you will agree they are far more pleasant than before. Renovations will continue throughout the clubhouse this year as and when it is possible.
I’m incredibly excited to have formed a new partnership with Milestone Entertainment to host a number of events at Bondhay. International clairvoyant Joanne Gregory was announced a couple of months ago for June, followed up by the announcements of an ABBA Tribute night in October, a Murder Mystery evening in November and two festive party nights in December titled Dancing Through The Decades. Information for all events can be found on our website with tickets available directly from Milestone Entertainment.
A number of advertising opportunities are now available to local and national businesses through a series of sponsorship packages. Brands can now sponsor our upcoming Men’s Open or Alan Hardisty Trophy events for as little as £30 (Associate Sponsor) or go bolder with a hole or primary sponsorship. The opportunity to reach hundreds of people from a range of backgrounds is one not to be missed. Packages for general Club Sponsorship and other events will be published in the near future. For any further information or to sign up, contact me directly on 01909 723608 or email marketing@bondhaygolfclub.com.
Those of you who have frequented our Clubhouse bar and restaurant over the years will know that the opening hours have been dictated by whether it is busy or not and a number of other factors. This has been in place for as long as I can remember. After much consideration as to whether we should have set opening times, we have decided on some ‘guide times’ for opening. From Monday 10th June 2024, the bar will have a weekday opening time of 09:00 to 18:00 and weekends 07:00 to 19:00. Busy days may see these times extended. This will remain in place until the end of August after which it will be reviewed.
I’ll end by thanking our Greens team for their recent extra hard work and dedication in getting the course back up to scratch following endless bad weather. The fairways are in good shape and the greens are running well, with feedback from members and visitors overwhelmingly positive of late.
Josh Clarke - Marketing Director