Month: November 2017

New Officers for 2018

by

With the new year, we have changes in officers.  The following changes were approved by the Board of Directors for the 2018 Season.

Rick Hines has completed his term as Past President and on the Executive Committee.  He is continuing as VP for Division 5.

Bob Zaruba has completed his term as President and moves to Past President and continues on the Executive Committee.

Dave Wicks, as of January 1 will be the President and will continue on the Executive Committee.

Larry Roth, currently a Director for Division 1, has been confirmed as First Vice-President and will begin serving on the Executive Committee.

Don Skitt is stepping down from the Secretary position.  Craig Carothers has been confirmed by the Board as our new Secretary.

As previously announced, Denis Carter is now our Treasurer, replacing Ed Gautier.

Finally as a special recognition, Herb Walker has stepped down from responsibilities on the Board after 18 consecutive years of service.

Please be sure to express your thanks to these folks.  They have kept this organization healthy, fun and vital for many years.

2018 Rule and Operation Changes

by

2018 Rule and Operations Changes

As of November 2017 Board Meeting we  will be implementing the following changes for 2018 Rules and Regulations and Policies and Procedures.

LAST REGISTRATION – 1 Hour After Start Tee Times

The biggest change is reducing the registration cut-off time to one (1) hour after the official Start Time.  Example – the last group registration will be 7:30 AM (for a 6:30 AM first tee start).

For many outings starters are waiting 20 to 30 minutes for no registrations.  We occasionally had a 20 to 30 minute starting gap for the late groups.   A very few groups will have to show up a few minutes earlier for registration.

See all the current revisions below:

Download (PDF, 69KB)

Pace of Play Ideas

Here is a link to a video from USGA about ideas on Pace of Play.  CLICK HERE

Ideas on faster play at the Greens – CLICK HERE

How to Use Rules for Faster Play and Better Scores = CLICK HERE

 

 

New Scorecard Developments – 2018 and Beyond

by

CLICK HERE  to try out test scorecard (web page based)

Our Smartphone Survey showed that most members have smartphones and know how to use them with APP and websites.

We will be exploring Mobile Data Entry to get our weekly tournament scores in faster, more accurately, with less time, and less cost.  This would eventually replace the green Universal Scorecard.  Each tee group would complete the electronic scorecard AFTER their round just like we do with the green card on an available smartphone.  Once completed, the form would be sent electronically to OurGolfStats.

Completing the electronic scorecard will take 3 to 5 minutes if you have all your player hole scores from you course scorecard.  (THE ELECTRONIC SCORECARD 0IS NOT TO BE USED FOR SCORES ON THE COURSE!)

While on the course, use course scorecards, announce all players hole score at the end of a hole and write these down.  Use these agreed hole scores for the electronic scorecard.

We will still use “course” scorecards as a backup until we have a better backup alternative.

Web Page Test Scorecard

We have a sample scorecard form for all to try out.  This version is web page based.  Anyone can open the scorecard, input data and submit to a storage on our server.

Simply click on the link, enter the information and “submit”.  No IDs, no Passwords, no sign-ups required.

Most of the form is point and click.  Easy, fast and accurate.  Nine and eighteen scores are totaled automatically.  Form in test includes only Division 1 names and numbers, but all 2018 courses and tee locations are installed.

This is a work in progress so you comments and feedback are needed.

CLICK HERE  to try out test scorecard.

APP Version for Android Smartphones

This same scorecard is also available as a APP for Android smartphones.  You must install the ODK (Open Data Kit) app from the Google Play Store.   Then I can provide the needed links to get the Scorecard Form loaded.  The form has the required information to submit the data.

If you want to try this out, please contact me – Dave Wicks, david.l.wicks@gmail.com.

 

2017 Pace of Play Results – Full Season

by

The 2017 season is finished.  The Pace of Play data is analyzed.

2017 RESULTS
Overall Pace of Play (POP) for 2017 was GREAT! And a huge IMPROVEMENT. Our gross averages for all tee groups across all Divisions and courses was under 4:30, a 15 to 20 minute improvement as compared to 2016.

Although there were several complaints when we started, during the year we have received many positive comments about members appreciating the faster play. In discussions with courses for 2018 schedules, many acknowledged that they saw improvements.

The detailed data now shows that an overwhelming majority of our members can and do play at pace between 4 and 4:30. All ages and physical and golf abilities have been playing quickly. This reinforces that being ready to play and staying aware are far more important than skill, age or physical capabilities in pace of play.

 

2018 and Beyond

Focus on pace will continue.  We can still improve.  Every year new members will need to understand and practice.

Reverse Shotgun starts were clearly identified as a problem for pace.  No Reverse Shotgun starts are on the 2018 schedule (and probably not into the future).

Split Tee starts are the fastest.  We have more Split Tee starts for 2018.

Improved pace can also be a source of new membership as our reputation for fair, competitive, and speedy play grows.

We are not seniors who play golf.

We are good golfers who happen to be seniors. 

For 2017 details – see below.

Download (PDF, 145KB)

2017 Year End General Membership Meeting – Tuesday Nov 14

by

Members are encouraged to attend the General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.  The meeting will start at 1:00 PM at the Kirkwood Community Center on Geyer Road.

Come to meet, thank and confirm your leadership (officers and committee members).  In addition:

  • Visit with Golf Buddies
  • Renew your membership (in person or use online registration)
  • Bring a new member for sign up
  • Find out about the 2018 Schedule
    • Weekly Tournaments
    • Special Events.
  • Rule Changes – All Flights can Chose Forward or Back Tees
  • Sign up for Starter / Scorers for 2018
  • Volunteer for Committee or possible Board / Officer Positions