14 April 2008The new Head Greenkeeper at the Hirsel Golf Club is Scott Poole. Many of the members will know Scott from Duns Golf Club were he was previously employed. Scott has many fresh ideas for the course so watch out for the changes. 18th February 2008The new President of the Hirsel Golf Club is Graham Ford. 26th November 2007Tickets for the Hogmanay Dance will go on sale on Saturday 1st December from 1.00pm. Tickets are £17 and are limited to 4 tickets per person. At the Freedom of the Fairways annual meeting, held on Thursday at the Buccleuch Hotel St Boswells, the Hirsel Golf Club was voted winner in the "Most Visitor Friendly Golf Club Competition". Congratulations to all the staff for all their hard work. 24 October 2007There are still tickets available for this years Dinner Dance. Entertainment this year will be provided by Fahrenheit. If you would like a ticket they can be purchased from the Clubhouse Bar. Remember you don't have to be a trophy winner to attend the Dinner Dance. Would you like to be more involved in the Club? Then why not put your name foward for one of the two vacant positions on the Management Committee. The nomination sheet is displayed on the main Clubhouse noticeboard or if you would like to discuss what being on the Committee involved pop in and see me in the Secretary's office. Watch this space for the date tickets will go on sale for the Hogmanay Party. 11th October 2007Dinner Dance tickets will go on sale at 12 noon on Saturday 13th October at a cost of £15 per person. Maximum number of tickets per person is 4. 4 October 2007Dinner Dance tickets will go on sale at the Clubhouse on Saturday 13th October check the noticeboards for the times and cost. Paul Campbell has announced that he will be standing down as Match Secretary for 2008, 2 nominations have been received for the vacant position. A vote will take place at the AGM on Wednesday 12th December 2007. Our new Assistant Greenkeeper, Stuart Harker, started on Monday. Stuart is a keen golfer. 28 August 2007Notes for your diary Re-scheduled dates Ladies Open will now be played on Sunday 16th September 2007 Robin Lees will now be played on Sunday 7th October. If you had already booked a time for the cancelled competition please contact the Secretary or the Starter and let them know if you still wish to play or if a refund is required, if you had paid previously. 24 August 2007Tills The Club is about to procure electronic tills for the Jimmy Gardner Lounge and for the shop. After assessing our business needs, benchmarking with other Clubs that have the electronic tills, our managment information needs on who visits/uses the club facilities and the future financing of the Club. This new venture will be implemented in the Autumn/Winter. There will be no major changes for the Members other than having to produce a Membership Card when purchasing goods at the bar or shop. There are several benefits for the Members and for the Club which will be fully explained through notices and at the AGM. Golf Course The Committee hopes that Members are satisfied with the state of the course despite the inclement weather. Certainly the vast majority of comments, from Members and Visitors, are very good with the greens especially being in first class 'nick'. For the members if you have any comments about the club in general these should be made to the Secretary. Greenkeeper Roger Oxtoby has decided to stand down from greenkeeping duties and that is why Members will see an advertisement in the Press. We wish Roger all the best, as he has been a very good greenkeeper. Trees Members will appreciate that we have 'shaved' some of the unnecessarily onerous trees on the course e.g. right hand side first fairway but we have plans, along with the Estate Management, to cut down further trees that are unnecessary. Whilst we hoped to start culling earlier in the year, this was not possible and we will be taking another view in the closed season. A full report will be given at the AGM. Earl of Home The Earl, our Honorary President, visited the Club last month to present the prestigious Douglas Home Trophy and told Captain Colin Virtue and Gerald Tait, President, that he was very encouraged with the state of the Club and wished us all the best for the future. Club news and snippets, and up to date match reports, will be posted on the website each week. Any Member wishing to post some new should relay it to the Secretary. We also encourage new ideas and wait your comments. 20 August 2007Dates for your diary for 2007 Annual Dinner Dance and Presentation of Prizes will be held on Friday 2nd November. The entertainment will be provided by High Tide. They provided the entertainment at last year's Hogmanay Party and were very well received. Watch this space for details of when the Dinner Dance tickets will be on sale. Annual General meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th December, 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. Keep an eye on the noticeboard for details of any nominations required for the Management and Captains' Committees. After the success of last year's Hogmanay Party it was agreed that we should continue with one for this year. Entertainment is being finalised as we speak. Hope to be able to confirm the details in my next report.
25/02/071. Spanking Clean Clubhouse |
Hirsel Golf Club Course Newsletter No 1 - February 2007Welcome to the first edition of this newsletter - my intention is to keep you informed of our plans for the course and to provide regular updates on the main work in progress items. I’m also pleased to have this opportunity as Greens Convener for I believe ‘The Hirsel’ has the potential to become recognised not only as a friendly club - but as the best club and course in the area. There is ‘catch up’ work to do but I’m confident that together with Jeff and his team - plus your support, we’ll be able to work towards reaching this goal. Our main objectives this year are to continue to improve the overall presentation of the course and also to work on improving the playing characteristics of a few holes. Proposals for this have been agreed with the Management Committee and I am working with Jeff to integrate these into his existing programme. Improving the presentation of the course doesn’t need radical changes - only a change in emphasis. We intend to focus more attention on the important playing areas and less on those that are ‘not in play’. You will see some areas of rough starting to extend – but this will not affect normal play. I believe that this, coupled to reshaping some fairways, will help to improve the definition of the course. The approach we’re taking is first to minimise damage to
the tees, greens and fringe areas – hence the roped off areas.
The benefits of this will be obvious in the Spring. We also need
your help throughout the year to keep bags and trolleys well clear
The biggest change you will see this year is to our ‘much loved’ Leylandi. We have agreement with the Hirsel Estate to have their agents ‘Woodlands Management’ remove these and replace them with a mixture of standard trees. We’ve identified the main trees which interfere with play andJeff and I will work with them to plan and tackle this progressively with the least disruption to the course. Some priority trees will be removed as soon as convenient this year – but the total replacement programme will extend over the next decade. Meantime, we’ll continue to cut back the lower branches on the other problem trees similar to the examples you can see on the course now. I hope you will agree that this is a big step forward already! Other items getting attention are: Hamish Ritchie, Greens Convener. |
10/02/07There are some lockers available for members. Anybody who would like one should contact the Secretary, Diane Nichol, on 01890 882678. The cost of a locker is £15 per annum. |
14/01/07The Management Committee decided last week to dispense with the
Annual Newsletter, thus cutting costs, and producing an in-house
newsletter, twice a year. The Committee wants to be as 'newsy' as
possible, therefore keeping the Membership fully informed, and this
latest decision hopefully helps with maintaining news but also cutting
costs. |
28/10/061. AULD YEAR'S NICHT The Club is hosting a supper/dance for members and signed in guests with live music to bring in the New Year with a flourish. Tickets are £15 each and include good grub, good surroundings and dancing the night away. Please contact the Secretary as soon as possible as we expect a run on these tickets. 2. NEW CONSTITUTION Our current constitution is outdated and is being updated to reflect modern times. We have passed it by a solicitor chappie of the Association of Golf Club Secretaries and he seems happy with it, subject to certain tweaks. We will be presenting the constitution to the AGM on 6 December but will place it on the notice board well before then, for consultation. There are no changes affecting Members, it's more an exercise in ensuring our legalities are right. 3. BUSINESS RISKS Remember this week the Chief Executive of Enron got a jail sentence for insider dealing etc. Well the ripple effect ensures that even little HGC has to tighten up on its control. We need to know exactly what our key business risks are and, where money is concerned, have overt financial control procedures, within reason. We are beginning to satisfying our Accountants with this. 4. GREENS CONVENOR While at this time of the year it is not vital that we have a Greens
Convenor, following the resignation of the hard-working Phil Costello,
we plan to have suggestions for the AGM. However, any Member wishing
to do this worthwhile job is welcome to come forward. |
15/10/06Tickets for the dinner dance (10 November) will go on sale at 12 o'clock in the Clubhouse on Saturday 28 October. |
27/07/061. WEATHER The Coldstream weather continues to be as hot as a Kanagaroo's jockstrap, not that we see many of these in Berwickshire, and the green staff are doing a marvellous job in watering them greens, all 18 of them. And of course the Members and Visitors get well watered on the 19th. 2. COMMITTEE MEETINGS Joint Committee (Management and Captain) Monday 21 August - as well as the frivolities and wind ups surrounding these meetings the Joint Committee will also get down to some serious business. The agenda will mainly deal with where the club is now and where we want to be in the medium term. Reports on the current and future financial position, course and clubhouse development and sponsorship will be tabled as will the latest health and safety issues and a new constitution. This should create a 'whole club' and consensual (sounds sexy doesn't it?) approach to the club affairs. Management Committee 29 August - those responsible for the Oval Office, the motley crew of Gerald, Diane, Phil, Graham, Calum, John and Henry will sit down, hopefully on chairs, and take stock of the club affairs. This will be John Spells's debut meeting as a high heid yin. Reports suggests he is taking this limelight position completely in his stride. Colin Virtue also makes his debut as we ease next years Captain into the business cycle. Approved Minutes of both meetings are of course available to any Member. Apprentice Green Keeper - the Club will not be advertising for another Apprentice until the turn of the year. This does not affect the grant availability. Ted Moralee - good to see that the farming, cricketing and golfing warhorse Ted Moralee is back in swing after a late tackle from a very offensive wasp. Ted has cancelled his season ticket with Alloa Athletic. Jim MacFarlane and Mary Murray - while the green, bar and catering staff all deserve the plaudits for yesterdays Seniors Pairs Open the 'forgotten' two deserve much credit too. The handsome, charming and infinitely wise Jim is gratefully thanked for his good organisation of yesterdays proceedings and the shy and bashful Mary Murray for her dedication to the scorecards. Thank you both!. Well that's the news for now. If you have any news, views, gossip (of the good kind) see the Secretary, Diane. |
16/07/06Due to work commitments Iain Mailer has had to resign from the Management Committee. This is regrettable since Iain added valuable financial, organisational and golfing experience to the Committee and we are sorry to see him go. For the remainder of the financial year John R. Spells has been coopted onto the Management Committee. |
9/07/061. PAUL FORD and NATASHA (Vanessa) Classy golfer Paul Ford ties the knot next Saturday with the lovely Natasha, sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'Vanessa' by the Club President. Club officials and Club Members pass on their sincere wishes to the blushing couple and wish them all the very best for the future. Cutting the wedding cake into 500 slices, a piece for every Club Member, is going to be an interesting spectacle. According the Club vice captain, Colin Virtue, he will be the 'best' man at the wedding. A sample poll of Club members indicates the opposite. Anyway Colin, good luck with the speech and remember to compliment the bridesmaids, as well as yourself. 2. JOHN CRAWFORD The Club welcomes John to the Greens staff. John replaces Rory Laidlaw who has moved on to pastures new (good pun eh?). 3. IRRIGATION If the Chinese and the Egyptians can do it, as well as those specialising in colonic irrigation, so can the Hirsel GC. Members will notice the valiant efforts of the Greens staff in watering the greens just now. What we need really is a full blown system which could pump water to all parts of the course from the natural spring under the first fairway. In knocking together a long term plan for course improvements, and labour saving achievements, Greens Convenor Phil Costello and President Gerald Tait are considering the availability of external grants, with a view to presenting an outline business case to the Club Members at the AGM. A previous application for grant in 2004 to Sport Scotland failed but there must be financial assistance out there somewhere? Any Member or Visitor with insider knowledge of external grants should make themselves known to the two club officials above. Watch this space for weekly news snippets and 'gossip'. This news
flash is posted on the Club notice board too. |
2/07/061. The Hirsel GC is truly justifying just now its 'Augusta of the Borders' title as the course is receiving rave reports from Club Members and visitors alike. The fairways are defined, the greens are true and the course is giving golfers a good test. Praise must be given to Greens Convenor, Phil Costello, for his wise counsel and hands on approach. Also we must praise Head Greenkeeper, Jeff Logan, and his staff for their excellent work. Keep it going boys!. 2. Club champions Peter Moffat and Philippa Costello are still on cloud nine after their scintillating finals against 'Rocket' Rutherford and Elspeth Bell who gave their opponents a real battle. 3. The Club cellar project has recently been completed and gives the Bar Manager plenty room to move. We are also in compliance with the Health and Safety Act. Thanks to Ally Bell, the Contractor, and his sub contractors John Abercrombie and Robert Bell. 4. Club Members and Visitors are given the half yearly reminder of their responsibilities under the Club's Health and Safety Policy. While the Club has explicit responsibility for H&S golfers using the course are expected not to take risks that would jeopardise their, and other players', safety. 5. The Club is to update its Constititution over the summer to make it more modern. Watch out for a proposal at the AGM. 6. Well done Henry Wallis and Sheila Leifer, our 2006 Captains, for upholding the good traditions of the Club 7, Scott Hopewell won the prestigious Spa Well Competition for Gents, played over the Haddington Course. John Evans was runner up. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR WEEKLY UPDATES!!! ENJOY YOUR GOLF |
26/05/06 Congratulations go to the dream team of Phil Costello, Paul Smoth, Steve Lynch, Richard Holmes and Michael Palmer in their good progress in the Daily Mail Competition. They have accounted for Gifford and Selkirk in previous rounds. The Club now has an Apprentice Greenkeeper, Jordan Lauder, who made it through from a fairly strong short list. His post is mainly funded from grants and the Club does not require a ‘Summer Relief’ Greenkeeper Rory Laidlaw has left the club after several years service. Rory is thanked for his efforts on behalf of the club and the Club wishes him well. Rory will be replaced shortly. Bruce Lunn is very pleased with the turn out of Juniors on Friday nights, a very healthy situation for the Club. |
2/04/06Members will have noticed the magnificent trophy cabinet in the Jimmy Gardner Lounge. This is in memory of 1988 Gents Captain, Iain B. Mackay, and has been donated by Iain's good lady, Sylvia. The cabinet is to hold the Ladies Trophies and is another wonderful piece of furniture in the Lounge, made by Club Member, Paul Smith. Placing the cabinet beside the existing cabinet gives the Club the opportunity to resite the Captains' and Champions' Boards. |
5/03/061. Richard Holmes is now the Club's intrepid Newshound! After a
rigorous selection process, including training at altitude and seeing
if he could spell, Richard will now provide the weekly match reports
for the 'Berwickshire News'. Previous scribe Gerald Tait has accepted
a lucrative contract to write Broadway Musicals and has therefore
to relinquish the news chasing within the Club. Richard has revealed
undoubted brilliance in his trial reports that Members should see
a seamless change. |
5/02/06.1. The Club has Building Warrant Approval for the extension to the cellar, which is one of the proactive Health and Safety improvements in the pipeline. Club Members will notice a builder on site, probably in March. 2. The 'No Smoking' legislation affects the Club from 26 March. Members and Visitors are urged to comply with the legislation and suitable notices will be displayed in key parts of the clubhouse. Club officials are making arrangements for smokers to enjoy their cigarette on the balcony, where appropriate ash trays will be placed. Also cigarettes will continue to be sold from the vending machine in the Jimmy Gardner Lounge |
21.01.061. Club Members were sad to learn last week of the death of 1992
Club Captain, Bob Pringle BEM, after a long illness bravely borne.
Bob is fondly remembered in the Club as a man of action, an excellent
captain and great company. A Member of the highly respected Morebattle
Golf Club, many of whose members are also Hirsel members, Bob's
contribution to the Club will not be forgotten. Nor will his community
role in his beloved Morebattle, where he and wife Mary were real
stalwarts. A huge gathering at Morebattle Kirk last Friday, including
several Club officials and Members, gave Bob an appropriate send-off. |
10.01.06There are spare Lockers in case any Member wishes the convenience
of overnight storage for their clubs etc. Locker prices have not
been increased for some time and are £15. Please see the Secretary,
Diane Nichol, who will allocate you a locker. |
4.01.06Members wishing a number in the 200 Club are encouraged to see the Secretary or the Finance Convenor (Gerald Tait). The subscription is £12 per annum, payable in April by the time of the Cheese and Wine Evening. Draws are made monthly and the normal prize money distributed can be seen on the Club notice board' |