Thoughts on Captain's Day "issue"

[Bratty]

Hi all,

So for my Captain's Day next year, I wanted to resolve the issue of those who tee off first not hanging around for 3 hours or so for the prizes. They get in, have a drink, have a meal (rolling buffet) and then disappear, and I can't say I blame them.

So I asked the GM his thoughts on a shotgun start. It's mid July. Plenty of daylight. Hopefully good and sunny. He said he could only do 07.30, as he didn't want to close the course for too long, as members who don't play in Captain's Day would be annoyed at not being able to play until the afternoon. Also, they wouldn't really want to miss out on greenfees (he didn't say that bit, but they ALWAYS look to get greenfees on as early as possible).

Disappointed as I was, I could see his argument and so told him I'd ask around and see if 07.30 was too early for people, as I'd rather people left the day early than didn't come! Most have said they'd do it, but were surprised that I couldn't get 08.30 or 9am, as it is only one day in the year, and at the height of summer, so those members could get out later and still get 18 holes in, plus it's their Captain so should want to play in it or accept they have to play later.

I then get an email yesterday about this year's Turkey Trot. On a Sunday in Dec. When it's dark by 4pm. SHOTGUN START AT 9AM!!! :angry:

So let me see if I understand this. You'll close the course from opening until 1.30 - 2pm, and then people who aren't playing in the Turkey Trot can play for 2 or so hours. For a competition where you can win meat and stuff. But you won't close it for half the day for the ******* Captain, on his day, when people could get another 18, maybe even 27 holes in before it's dark?! Disgraceful! I feel this proves the arguments he gave me are now flawed (or just nonsense).

Really, really pee'd off about this and will be having another meeting to discuss with the GM. Any thoughts on best approach (I'm planning rational and calm obviously) or have you experienced similar issues and how did you resolve them?

 

[Birchy]

Captains day is surely a major event at the club and should come first on that day/weekend?. Our course is closed to anybody who doesnt play in it all the weekend that its on. Putting green fees ahead of one of the main events for members is a joke imo.

 

[Twire]

Captains day is surely a major event at the club and should come first on that day/weekend?. Our course is closed to anybody who doesnt play in it all the weekend that its on. Putting green fees ahead of one of the main events for members is a joke imo.

Same as ours. Captains day takes priority.

 

[Dodger]

I cannot see why the club can't grant you a 2.15 to 2.30pm shotgun start?

The only reason would be that they are likely to make a good amount of greenfees in that afternoon.

A 2.15 to 2.30pm start frees members to play early if they so wish and visitors to tee off by 9.30am and get them all in before your tee time (surely).

Also starting at that time would surely capture folk hanging around into the evening for a session and bolster the bar takings no?

 

[Phil2511]

Sounds a lot like how my place is. £ notes are priority. They don't expect to get much cash at this time of year so make exceptions that they hope look like they care about membership but in reality it's because they know they will not be losing anything. Whereas in July they can bring in big cash on a Saturday. Having helped out in our pro shop for a couple of weeks while my mate was on holidays I seen the difference in green fees once the clocks changed was a 50% drop from 1 Saturday to the next. But in mid July that difference could be 500%. In the summer our green fees for a normal Saturdsy (non bank holiday) would be more than a busy month over winter.

 

[Hobbit]

I think that's the difference between a proprietary club and a member's club. However, as for the T Trot, surprised he's not got them starting at 8:00am, maybe he is looking to sell a lot of twilght tickets...?

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

What type of club is it, proprietary or private members? If it's a members club, the GM shouldn't have the final say, ask the committee to support you on your chosen option.

 

[Bratty]

Thanks to all so far!

It's absolutely a proprietary club, and so the £ speaks volumes. I may still raise this with the committee though.

Dodger, not a bad idea to do an afternoon, although most of our lot would rather play mornings. No visitors on weekends before 12, so they'd still lose green fees. But I don't really care about that for 1 day of the year - might be a good compromise though.

Good to see (thus far) I wasn't being unreasonable. Just waiting to see what Scottjd thinks!

 

[JezzE]

I believe Westerham is still one of the courses owned by Mr Ron Noades of Crystal Palace fame. Is that right, Bratty?

 

[Dodger]

Thanks to all so far!

It's absolutely a proprietary club, and so the £ speaks volumes. I may still raise this with the committee though.

Dodger, not a bad idea to do an afternoon, although most of our lot would rather play mornings. No visitors on weekends before 12, so they'd still lose green fees. But I don't really care about that for 1 day of the year - might be a good compromise though.

Good to see (thus far) I wasn't being unreasonable. Just waiting to see what Scottjd thinks!

Surely for that 1 day they can make an exception and let visitors on early. Win win in my eyes,I would certainly do it.

 

[Bratty]

I believe Westerham is still one of the courses owned by Mr Ron Noades of Crystal Palace fame. Is that right, Bratty?

Yes indeed, Jezz. Just don't tell him about this post!

His group owns Westerham, The Addington, Woldingham, Surrey National and Godstone.

 

[User20205]

I've just booked a society day there, Louise was very helpful.

You could mention to the GM that one of the reasons I chose Westerham is because i hear the captain is a top bloke (with a touch of tourettes admittedly)

The £1500 quid on May 31st should make up for a couple of lost green fees in July !!

 

[rickg]

Any thoughts on best approach (I'm planning rational and calm obviously)

Who are you and what have you done with Bratty? :rofl:

 

[Bratty]

I've just booked a society day there, Louise was very helpful.

You could mention to the GM that one of the reasons I chose Westerham is because i hear the captain is a top bloke (with a touch of tourettes admittedly)

The £1500 quid on May 31st should make up for a couple of lost green fees in July !!

Louise is great! I'll be sure to mention you booked becuase of me - that won't make any difference, but at least if they hear about a negative post, it's offset! :rofl:

£1500!!! How many people you got going?

 

[User20205]

25 ish, it's 36 holes brekkie and lunch for £69, don't take the day off work & try and squeeze in a cheeky round, we won't wave you through, captain or not!!:whoo:

 

[Phil2511]

The most my place would do is allow people out 30 mins early at 7:30 instead of 8:00.

But no shotgun starts even though the 10th is less than 100yds from car park(1st tee is about 1000yds from car park)

They refuse to allow 10th tee starting from anyone at anytime except of course the owner herself.

 

[Bratty]

25 ish, it's 36 holes brekkie and lunch for £69, don't take the day off work & try and squeeze in a cheeky round, we won't wave you through, captain or not!!:whoo:

I wouldn't dream of it. Although I may turn up with a buggy and drive around shouting at you to repair pitchmarks and rake bunkers! Blooming societies!

 

[Scottjd1]

I think it's more a reflection on you than the actual day..

 

[richart]

I would refuse to play a course that has a Captain like you Bratty. Just no standards these days.

 

[TXL]

Here is a thought you could take to the GM....

• Buffet breakfast at 7:30
• Shotgun start at 9am
• Prize giving can be done soon after everyone is in.
• Evening bash with disco/band/?? and some kind of meal (BBQ/roast hog/etc)

Club can open the course at 2pm to anyone.

The cost may be a bit higher than you had in mind, but the club would get good revenue (folks at my place have been known to have a bottle of bubbly or two with their breakfast! Especially if the competition is a fun team event).