Bennett Valley Golf Club

Meeting 12/02/06

 

 

Present: Steve Pasadis, John Christenson, Gary Davis, Jim Gordon, Ralph Thomas, Mike Duggan, Tony Conrardy, Jeff Goering, Bob Andrews& Wayne Thompson

 

Absent: George Elbert, Vic Shellenberg & Dave Marquez

 

Call to Order: 7:05 AM by Steve

 

Minutes: Were amended in the Treasurer’s Report to read: “…we increase the prizes for the Turkey and Ham Shoots to $40 from the present $25...”

 

Treasurer’s Report: In George’s absence, Gary reported that we have $3,502.30 in the CD and $37,994.88 in the checking account for a total of $41,497.18.

 

Publicity: Steve reported that the Grand Prix has been finalized and posted on the web site and that Eric Lutz claimed the 1st place.

It was also reported by several members of the Board that our publicity efforts have reaped unintended results. Golfers from out of the area have been contacting the Board, asking for tee times, etc. The hope is that, once the clubhouse is completed, the course will launch their own website.

 

NCGA: Bob has been in contact with the NCGA, trying to resolve the latest episode of the failure of qualifiers to be notified of their upcoming tournaments. Bob was informed by the NCGA that all the information needed by qualifiers is now located on the NCGA website (www.ncga.org) and, if the qualifier’s e-mail address is listed with the NCGA, they will be notified electronically. This was news to the Board, since the NCGA seemingly made this change from written to electronic communication without notifying the Club. Shame on them. In the future, the members will be made aware of the changes in notification. Should the qualifiers be off line, Gary will contact them via snail mail.

At this point, Steve introduced Johnnie Walker, a member who had several issues he wanted to discuss with the Board. First, he wanted to know why he was not refunded the greens fees for the Club Championship, even though he notified the course and Board 8 days prior to the tournament that he wouldn’t be competing. It was explained to him that, with both the Club Championship and the Shotgun tournaments, the teen times are locked in by the pro shop and any cancellation affects their income. However, since this policy had not been made clear to the membership, it was voted upon unanimously to refund Johnnie’s $23 green fees and to publish a disclaimer stating that fees for those two tournaments are nonrefundable.

Johnnie’s second issue concerned pace of play. He expressed frustration over this, since his foursome finished their last tournament using flashlights to putt. He offered several suggestions, all of which had been tried by the Board in the past with varying degrees of success. This issue continues to be a source of discussion with very little chance of satisfactory resolution, given the constraints under which the Board operates. The efforts to streamline play will continue, but the membership needs to self-police to a certain extent. As noted above, no real resolution was made. 

 

Membership: We have 500 members signed up for the current year. Ralph expects this number to remain fairly constant over the winter.

 

Tournaments: The Ham Shoot has 16 foursomes and 1 twosome signed up. Gary asked for volunteers to run the Skins Game in January. Mike and Jim stepped up. Gary also notified the Board that the assignments for the next year’s tournaments will be made at the next meeting.

Bob moved that the temporary par three on the 3rd hole be included with the other par 3’s into the hole in one prize. This was passed unanimously.

 

Old Business: Tony asked abut the genesis of the home and away tournament format with other Clubs. After some discussion, it was decided to perhaps lay the groundwork for this type of tournament during 2007 with an eye toward implementation in 2008, when the clubhouse is operational.

 

New Business: Steve brought up the subject of the Boards procedures as they have evolved over the past several years. His interest had to do with whether or not the Board wished to tighten things up a bit, vis-à-vis adherence to our published regulations. There followed a discussion on haw we have met challenges in the past (sandbaggers, improper score cards, the ever popular pace of play, etc.). The general consensus of the Board at this time was that yes, we could be a little more strict in our operations. The issue was tabled for further discussion at a later time.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:50

 

Respectfully Submitted,

John Christenson, Secretary