Member News - Week of

January 10, 2020

Please note that submissions are welcome and the email address has changed to chuck.dandy@aol.com As we come to the end of what is a unique year and the hopeful start of a new year, we can reflect on how much golf has functioned to normalize our lives. I have heard innumerable comments indicating that playing golf has provided a significant slice of sanity during an unbalanced time. These comments have been made by members and green fee players so the membership and staff of Cowichan should be proud to have provided a recreational resource for the community. Accompanying our pride is an obligation to care for our assets, not just the course where we need to replace divots, repair ball marks, repair ball marks and repair ball marks but also our staff and the club. The success of the club has been dependent on the cooperation and efforts of our greens crew and pro shop staff. Although it may seem small, hopefully they realize that our thanks is heartfelt. Operating a service business has been more of a challenge than a reward this year, in particular the food and beverage business has confronted changing rules and regulations resulting in extreme difficulty in continuing operation. The ownership and staff of Warmland Hospitality deserve congratulations for their successful negotiation of a very trying situation. One asset that is often overlooked is our structure as a non-profit society. Our society has been active in the support of charity and education of young people. Even though our ability to host charity events has been significantly reduced this year we did manage to provide a facility for a Provincial juvenile tournament with a full complement of volunteers. Volunteering is alive and well at Cowichan whether it is serving as a member of the board, tending a garden or spotting for a tournament it makes a difference to everyone’s enjoyment. In closing this special year we hope that the New Year will prove happy, successful and normal.

Roof Fund

If you find that someone is forcing money on you (like the government) and you don’t want it cluttering up your account. The roof fund is still open for donations.

Sunday Competition

On December 13 the first set of matches were played with the following results: • Ian Mcmahon/Dave Conconi 2 Pts. Vs Jim Nicholson/Rick Goodwin 1Pt. • Rob King/Shane Sparks 0 Pts. Vs Mel Lachance/Hank Pakos 3 Pts. • Jack Hain/Ryan Little 3 Pts. Vs Gary Barker/Brian Stott 0 Pts. • Chuck Dandy/Steve Legear 3 Pts.vs Richard Waterfield/Gary Ouellette(Odo Spared) 0 Pts • George Nielsen/Harold Wallace 0 Pts vs Peter Sydenham/Al Cronkhite 3 Pts • Al Ottosen/Rob MacDonald 0 Pts vs Eric Moen/Russel Harder 3 Pts. • Janet Harder/Peter Weinkam 2 Pts. Vs Mike Dion/ Susan Bellows 1 Pt. • Mike Arscott/Josh Mccann 0 Pts vs Tom Slater and Dennis Dyck 3 Pts. • Steve Brooks/Barry Hazard ½ Pt. vs Michael Moore/Melinda Spoor 2 ½ Pts The expectation is to play 5 more matches in this round with the final match on 28 February. At that point we will reset and adjust based on the success(+/-) of this experiment.

Captain’s Notes

For many people this is the first experience they have had with team match play and it can be a little intimidating because it is different than most competitions. In this team match play completion only one score counts for your team so there is no need to keep struggling when your partner has you covered. As an example if you hit your tee shot out of bounds on 13, there is no shame in turning to your partner and saying “your hole”, particularly if your partner has already put it on the green. There is an element of kindness that available as well, if your opponent has a three footer left and two putts to win “that’s good” will save a lot of stress and keep the match friendly. Remember that your opponent cannot take a short putt if you don’t give it, so unless it is critical kindness is yours to grant. When recording scores the protocol is to take the most likely outcome. If you are on the green in two on 14 and both opponents have managed to find the elusive woods on the left and concede your 20 foot putt, you score a 4. A conceded putt for score entry into the handicap system is not necessarily counted as 1, our good judgment and integrity always come into play when handicaps are involved. Remember that a team match play competition can involve freedom, mercy and kindness. Now you can have more fun!

Golf Shop News

Pricing for range balls for the members this season will be as follows: • Small Bucket $3 • Large Bucket $6 • Seasons Pass (unlimited use) $350 We will be putting new range balls out in spring to enhance our practice experience. A note of thanks to all of you for following our COVID protocols and a friendly reminder to be as diligent as possible to keep us all safe in practicing social distancing and washing our hands.

Restaurant Hours

The restaurant is now closed until further notice.

Congratulations

Mary-Lynn Boxem her first hole-in-one scored on January 10, 2021 on hole #6 playing with her son Tyler.

Message from your President -

Members' Update

On behalf of the Board of Directors and all our lady members, I would like to thank Adele Yates for her dedication as our Ladies' Club Captain as she steps away from the role. Your commitment to the club and continued support set a great example for others to follow! As current Vice Captain, Val Grainger will be assuming the role of Captain. Val will be recruiting individuals for Vice and 2nd Vice Captains. Please contact Val or speak to Norm in the Pro Shop for more information. I would also like to thank Glen Ridgway for his commitment in supporting our club as a Board member and his role of secretary for the past 6 years. Glen is stepping away as he reaches his term expiration. On behalf of our entire membership, your efforts have been greatly appreciated! "Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe" Play your Best, Jon Rose

Members’ Area