Hello once again from the one and only CMGC, as I write this the inevitable has happened…. We have had to close the course for three days, with the next inspection due Thursday morning. Obviously we pride ourselves on staying open for longer than most with the ability to spread play across our 27 holes. However after the wettest December on record and a shocking start to January the course needs a rest. We have always had the attitude of, that's what the course is like if you wish to play it's your choice and with it being such a mild winter the grass was still growing which aided the recovery period. 

Tom (scratch team captain) and myself Dave (pro) have kept a close eye on the course from a golfers perspective to make sure its fully playable. However after a couple of holes late on Sunday and a walk around with the greenkeepers Monday morning we all agreed a short rest is needed. Special praise must go to the greenkeepers who have worked hard in getting the course to the standard it was. The greens never went to temporaries and tees have been fantastic and even 80% of fairways have held up really well. However with cold temperatures forecasted we feel 3 days rest will benefit the course in the long term.

Once the course is back open we will also have to implement a trolley ban for a short period to give the walk ways and high traffic areas time to fully dry out. Anyone looking for updates on the course please check the blog and latest news which is on the club website home page. This gets up dated at least 5 times a week with club goings on. 

We thank you for your continued support and hope for more days like Friday when this picture was taken..



 

Yellowball Results 

With rain storms forecast in the afternoon the Cleobury members knew an early tee time would be the key to success in the yellowball competition. 

This team of four competition is contested with the best two scores on each hole counting, but the yellowball counts as double points. 

Dan Giles, Rob Winnall, Adam Winnall and Ross Moorecroft posted a very impressive 122 points which was enough to give them second place. 

The day however belonged to Matt Fairman, Lewis Hodges, Ash Cook and Adam Cook. The four lads who won the last yellowball have really found form in team competitions. They posted 128 which was enough to see them take top spot. 

Ash Cook had this to say 'we all contributed but Matt really used the yellowball well when he had two shots on a hole, it is a format that really suits our mix of handicaps'.

 

Staff Development - Cameron and Antony 

A big congratulations to Antony and Cameron who have recently passed their NVQ levels 2 (Cameron) and level 3 (Antony) in sports turf management. 

Cameron started level 2 in April 2013 and passed his final exam in October 2015. Areas covered on the course included health and safety at work, machinery maintenance, course maintenance jobs and the overall preparation of the golf course. Cameron had this to say: 

 'I am delighted to get my level 2 out of the way, it has really opened my eyes to how a golf course is ran and maintained. I am now looking to following in Anthony and Adam's footsteps and take on level 3'. 

Antony started level 3 in April 2013 and finished in December 2015. NVQ level 3 is the highest level they offer before heading onto a level 4 foundation degree. Areas covered in level 3 were pest and diseases, fertilizer regulations, grass identifications plus much more. 

Antony added 'Level 3 was a challenge but I really enjoyed it, my overall skills set have massively improved which I hope is reflected in the fantastic condition of the golf course over the last two years'. 

The greens staff here at CMGC are some of the most qualified within the West Midlands. CMGC has a long history of staff training and we will continue this in the future. 

Big congratulations to the lads.

 

Jack Receives Prize 

Jack Severn received his new King Cobra Ltd driver this week. This was the nearest the pin prize he won at the British Masters last year. 

Big thanks to Austria Golf for sponsoring the challenge and making Jack a very happy lad.

£50 Business card draw sponsored by NFU Mutual. 

Many of our members will be aware that our business insurers NFU Mutual have been great supporters of CMGC for many years. Those of you who have been skilful enough or luckily enough to score a hole in one in a club match or competition have been able to claim through this insurance to pay for the traditional round of celebratory drinks in the bar. 

Well our friends at the NFU Ludlow office have now donated a £50 CMGC voucher as a prize in a business card draw. The draw is open to anyone playing at CMGC over the next couple of months and will be drawn at the Easter Open. 

Simply drop your business card in the box on the bar and keep your fingers crossed. 

You can be assured the NFU will not bombard you with junk mail and we can thoroughly recommend their services if you need them.

Pictured here is Evie and Julia of NFU Ludlow and CMGC proprietor Graham Pain.

Teme Leisure 

With it essentially being the golf off season it is now the perfect time to hit the gym and get ready for the season. Dave and Tom have been hitting the Cleobury gym a minimum of four times a week and are really starting to notice changes. 

We have looked into what we eat and what we need to improve on from a golf point of view. We have been working on our core strength to help our back and also create more power at impact with shoulder work, finishing off with some cardio training to keep our energy levels at a maximum when playing golf. 

Remember as a member of Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club you get discount on your Teme Leisure membership who have sites at: Cleobury, Ludlow, Church Stretton and Bishops Castle. 

We couldn't recommend it highly enough and look forward to seeing you in there.

Charity Day Confirmed For 2016. 

A big thank you to Guy and Bev Taylor who have been at the forefront in organising the 2016 RSPCA golf charity day which was previously held at Kidderminster. After meeting with Guy and Bev they were at the forefront of getting the day to CMGC. 

It will take place on Friday 10th June 2016 and cost £140 per team of four including food, prizes and halfway bar. Further details will be released shortly but we are delighted to secure it and look forward to supporting it.

 

Thanks To Titleist 

I am delighted to confirm that Titleist have once again offered myself (Dave) their backing and support for the forth coming 2016 golf season with a ball and glove players deal. 

Pictured here are the balls I will be using… Soon to be scattered across golf courses in the West Midlands! It is great to have a deal in place with the number one ball in golf. 

Thanks to Ben Fisher of Titleist for arranging the whole thing.

Rickie's Fashion

Rickie Fowler was once again at it this past week pushing the latest fashion range from Puma. High top golf shoes and almost jogger like trousers, not traditional at all but he didn't half look cool. 

The way he was dressed and the way people dress when practicing got us all at CMGC chatting and we feel there could well be a change of the guard when it comes to golf fashion.