Well, we have survived the worst December winter for decades, so we thought it would be a good idea to share with you our plans for the new golfing season.

Membership Fees

We are sure all members will be delighted to hear again that there is no increase to Green fees, this year. If you are quick you can pay your Green fees on or before 23^rd January 2011 and you can save up to £30, depending on the type of your membership. We will again be giving members the opportunity to pay their Green Fees by Direct Debit. Please ask at the Golfshop for DD forms, basically the DD payments start in February and go through until October, nine payments.

Play other courses for FREE!

Sounds too good to be true? Not if you’re a member of Purley Chase Golf Club it isn’t!! Starting from April 1^st Purley Chase is joining the Golf Club Network, this is group of 26 clubs throughout the Midlands and the South. Provided you are member of one of the Golf Club Network Clubs you can pre-book Monday to Friday and play for free. If you wish to play during a weekend you can pay at the host clubs member’s guest rate. Some typical clubs are Henley in Arden, Cleobury Mortimer, Whittlebury Park, Cold Ashby, and Greetham Valley. So fancy a day out at another quality club for free in the summer?..., start planning now. Full details of all the participating clubs will be given to you, in good time for the start of the 2011 golfing season.

New handicap computer

We have updated our handicap computer which is going to give us many benefits. Many members have already signed up for www.howdidido.com. Simply enter all your details on the host site and you can then receive up to date competition results by email or text. You can also print off your own authorised handicap certificate at home. No longer having to wait to see how you got on.. as soon as the results are entered in to the computer you will get them sent direct to you.

To try and simplify questions and queries, regarding anything to do with handicaps or general rule questions we have set up our own handicap email address. This will go straight to our handicap Secretary which is currently Andy Moon. Simply email Andy on pchandicap@hotmail.co.uk

We have just completed our annual handicap review and a few will be going up and some down, those affected will be receiving a letter in the next couple of weeks.

Course

I am sure that you will agree that the course has so far stood up well to the severe weather conditions; Head Greenkeeper Pat Mannion is actively working out a course improvement plan that will be implemented in the year ahead. Full details will be given as soon as everything is agreed .. some things that you will quickly notice are new waste bins. A question that we have never worked out is.. why can golfers carry a full bottle but not empties?

Social Events

Please note that the planned Race Night for 19^th February has been postponed we will advise the rescheduled date shortly. We will now be holding on of Andy Moons quiz nights on FRIDAY 18^th February 2011. See notice board for full details but basically its £6.00 per head which includes hot supper and cash prizes!!!

At last we will be saying Farewell to Lawson Evans!!! Make a note in your dairy now the Captains Farewell is on Saturday 9^th April and the Drive-in will be Sunday 10^th April. Seriously, Lawson is only the second Captain to carry out the role two years running, we are sure you would like to thank him and see him off in style. You can also introduce yourselves to new incoming Captain Paul Crump, Senior Captain Mike Stocking and Lady Captain Kelly Naylor.

Team competitions

Hopefully all members are aware of the team events available, you are all are welcome to play in these. These matches include Senior, Scratch League, Avon League, B Team and last but not least Mixed Matches. Please see the main notice board for all details once all the fixture dates have been confirmed.

Introduce New Members

If you introduce a new member, who has not had a membership of Purley Chase Golf Club before, we will credit your club card £50. Introduce five new members and we will credit you £250!!

Buggies

The club has arranged for eight new buggies to be available for hire from 1^st March.