a.g.m minutesThe Bunkers Golf Society Annual General Meeting was held at The Junction Pub in Rainford on Tuesday 10th November 2015
It was a busy meeting with lots of key decisions made and information given. You can read all about it below... |
attending:
1. Welcome by Steve Evans (Society Captain)
Steve Evans thanked those who had attended the meeting and apologies were offered for several guests who had notified in advance that they could not be present. Steve pointed out that it had been another successful year for the society and that he had felt that things had continued to get better through the hard work of The Chairman and the committee, and the commitment of the members.
The terms of the meeting were set out and apologies offered.
Apologies: Phil Williams, Tony King, Steve Bradshaw, Rob Botterill, Allan Gunn, Peter Woolley, Kev Givnan, John Standley, Lee Carroll, Scott Seddon, Tom Davies.
The terms of the meeting were set out and apologies offered.
Apologies: Phil Williams, Tony King, Steve Bradshaw, Rob Botterill, Allan Gunn, Peter Woolley, Kev Givnan, John Standley, Lee Carroll, Scott Seddon, Tom Davies.
2. agenda set out by dave ashley [society president]
Dave Ashley read out the agenda for the meeting and the areas of the society that would be covered. It was explained that there would be opportunities to vote and make suggestions at the conclusion of each presentation that was made by various members of the committee.
3. Review of the 2015 Season by Andy Roper (Chairman)
The Chairman opened by confirming that 2015 had indeed been a very successful year and that evidence would be presented throughout the AGM which would surprise people as to just how big it had become.
- The season consisted of 16 events - 4 were weekday and 12 were weekend. Of these 16 events, 10 were Stableford, 4 Pairs and 1 Medal and the end of season event.
- The average price paid in 2015 was as follows:
MAJORS £46.50 PER PERSON
STANDARD WEEKEND £37.87 PER PERSON
STANARD WEEKDAY £31.75 PER PERSON
STANDARD WEEKEND £37.87 PER PERSON
STANARD WEEKDAY £31.75 PER PERSON
- The average prize pot for 2014 has been £131.64, which is up from £119.77 in 2014.
- The average number of players attending over the 16 events of the season was 20 players. [Weekday average was 18 players and the weekend average was 21]
- The highest turnout was 25 at Dunham. Lowest was 15 at Didsbury
It was explained by The Chairman that this is a HUGE blow on a number of levels.
- Teeofftimes provided Bunkers with cashback on bookings made through them. This had provided £919 back to the society over the course of the season, which is a huge amount of money to suddenly be short on.
- Teeofftimes had been used to book 12 of our 16 events in 2015 and therefore all the admin and logistics of finding clubs, taking deposits, organising food and confirming numbers and final payments had been primarily conducted by them. This responsibility now fell back on the society to call clubs, find prices and deals and then organise everything from start to finish.
- The impact this would have on the society, aside from financially and in terms of added workload, is that Teeofftimes often negotiated reduced deposit requirements from clubs with many taking between £50-£100 deposit instead of the usual £5-£10 per head. Thus, the deposit requirements for the 2016 season would be much higher than previous years and greater importance will have to be placed on prompt payment.
- The society has 100% full control of all bookings.
- The society is not limited primarily to the clubs affiliated to Teeofftimes.
- It would aid the society in building lasting partnerships with favoured clubs.
The Chairman stated that solid partnerships had been built upon, and new ones formed with a number of sponsors/partners. Clarkes Golf and Teeuplo have supported the society since Day One and would continue to do so. Barry Taylor, GolfBreaks4U, RS Golf and Lee Park had all started with Bunkers in 2015 and had provided an extra positive element to what we do and they had seen benefits for both the companies and the society.
The Chairman pointed out a couple of Key issues from his perspective as 'organiser in chief' for the society:
- The issue surrounding payments and the non-responses from people who then turn out to be playing when chased up. People failing to meet deadline dates and a surprising number of people who get added to the booking in the final 3-5 days before an event. The Chairman pointed out that the turnover in the society now, is that of a small business and as such requires greater work. He asked for members to take responsibility for their own golf and pointed out the numerous ways that people are kept informed [web/email/phone calendar/social media] It was made clear that this was more important than ever in 2016 given the Teeofftimes news.
- It was pointed out that members need to be flexible and realistic with their expectations of our events. We are asking for the best courses, on the busiest days of the week at peak times and asking that they fall within certain price brackets. This isn’t always going to be the case and usually one, or more of these things have to be sacrificed to get the other expectations.
- It was pointed out that the reviews left on Teeuplo by members had fallen as the season progressed and this was unacceptable if members wanted the committee to negotiate sponsorship with partners if they didn’t uphold their end of the bargain.
All Points noted and agreed. Members themselves pointed out that payment deadlines need to be more rigorously enforced by the committee. Payment issues reflected badly on the society and those who have paid on time and members do not want this to occur at the detriment of the society. Point taken by the committee.
Members state that midweek courses offered great value and quality and should be kept [or even built on] in 2016. Noted by the committee.
It was advised most issues would be covered in other parts of the A.G.M and we would move on.
4. Finances and Payments by ste holmes (treasurer)
Money is always one of the most talked about areas of the society, and provides lots of suggestions and ideas - this year was no different. It was reported that the Society finances are currently quite healthy with a closing season balance of £925.88. The turnover through the society accounts has almost doubled in 2015 and The Treasurer pointed to account data that showed £28,755.47 had been paid in to the society bank account this year and £28,975.77 had gone out - a turnover of close to £60,000 - which for a group of 35 lads is a phenomenal responsibility.
Some key facts from the 2015 season were presented:
The Treasurer pointed out that the start of the year is very demanding financially – with the deposits for the seasons event taking out more than we actually recoup from members. Add to this the golf insurance, membership packs and any extra items and it’s a tough balancing act. This was going to be even more apparent now with the Teeofftimes money stopping.
The Treasurer made the point that from 2016 we are booking with clubs directly and not via Teeoffitmes – who ordinarily act as a buffer between us and the clubs and therefore when we are late with balances or have issues, they have traditionally taken the brunt of that. Now, with us having to deal with clubs direct, it will look bad on the society and possibly effect return visits if we are not doing things on time and correctly.
Key Issues that The Trasurer will address/change in 2016:
Some key facts from the 2015 season were presented:
- Membership Fees received in 2015 [35 players at £50 each] = £1,750
- Money paid out to clubs for deposits in 2015 = £1,860
- Prize spending in 2015 = £2,238 - at an average of £131.64 per event. This was up from just over £119 per event the previous year.
- Of that prize spending, £1,563.97 were vouchers from Clarkes [70% of total spend]
- Money earned from Teeofftimes in 2015 = £919 [Average £60.25 per event]
The Treasurer pointed out that the start of the year is very demanding financially – with the deposits for the seasons event taking out more than we actually recoup from members. Add to this the golf insurance, membership packs and any extra items and it’s a tough balancing act. This was going to be even more apparent now with the Teeofftimes money stopping.
The Treasurer made the point that from 2016 we are booking with clubs directly and not via Teeoffitmes – who ordinarily act as a buffer between us and the clubs and therefore when we are late with balances or have issues, they have traditionally taken the brunt of that. Now, with us having to deal with clubs direct, it will look bad on the society and possibly effect return visits if we are not doing things on time and correctly.
Key Issues that The Trasurer will address/change in 2016:
- The £5 late payment fine will be enforced – without question – in 2016. If money is NOT in the account on the due date [3 weeks before play] it will incur penalty and people will not be added to bookings without having paid it. The only exceptions will be if prior contact is made with The Treasurer or Chairman in advance to agree late payment.
- Late payers are NOT guaranteed to be able to play. It will depend on club availability.
- ALL members MUST contact The Treasurer out of courtesy to state if they are playing or not at a given event. It transpires that simply not replying is not working, as people then contact late and expect to play.
- Members will get a written diary of dates at the start of the year, the website clearly shows event dates, the calendar can be added to phones, social media [Facebook & Twitter] are used to advertise and The Treasurer himself will email all members 4 weeks prior to play – giving members 1 weeks final notice to make their payments. Nothing additional will be done. Texts/Calls to chase people up will be stopped unless people make it clear the The Treasurer at the start of the year that they prefer to be contacted this way.
The Treasurer showed members a table of data collected from members who had spent money in Clarkes Golf Shop during 2015.
It was pointed out that this figure was phenomenal and way beyond what was expected when members were asked to provide information. It was noted that the table contained 16 of our 35 members [and a couple had been omitted in error when producing the table]. Also, that the figure never included range balls or lessons. Therefore, it would be considerably higher than that shown. You can CLICK ON THE TABLE [right] to enlarge. |
Moving onto the society accounts. It was explained that we would not go over finer detail other than the key points above and that they are available - in full - for members to look through at their own leisure if they wished.
Thanks given to Chris Berry for his work doing the accounts. Chris kindly offers his time and expertise as an accountant for free to verify and check the accounts and he has provided comprehensive workings that you can see below.
THE FULL ACCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE BELOW TO BE DOWNLOADED AND READ AT YOUR OWN LEISURE.
Thanks given to Chris Berry for his work doing the accounts. Chris kindly offers his time and expertise as an accountant for free to verify and check the accounts and he has provided comprehensive workings that you can see below.
THE FULL ACCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE BELOW TO BE DOWNLOADED AND READ AT YOUR OWN LEISURE.
BELOW IS A MICROSOFT EXCEL FILE OF OUR 2015 ACCOUNTS PRODUCED BY CHRIS BERRY.
Click on "Download File" to view. When it opens, you can see an overview.
Or across the bottom of the pages there is a separate tab so you can view individual months.
Click on "Download File" to view. When it opens, you can see an overview.
Or across the bottom of the pages there is a separate tab so you can view individual months.
2015_accounts.xlsx | |
File Size: | 154 kb |
File Type: | xlsx |
The Treasurer advised that a savings account has been open for over 12 months and is being used successfully by several members and this is open to all. Members need to contact The Chairman to arrange this facility.
SEVERAL IMPORTANT MOTIONS WERE PUT FORWARDED & VOTED:
MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR 2016
OTHER ACCOUNT MATTERS 2016
SEVERAL IMPORTANT MOTIONS WERE PUT FORWARDED & VOTED:
MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR 2016
- £50 membership and then a weekly standing order of £X per week was suggested by Paul Davies SNR to run the society. MOTION DECLINED BY MAJORITY OF MEMBERS.
- £X Membership fee and then £2 per event paid by ALL members whether event played or not suggested by Chris Parrish. MOTION DECLINED BY MAJORITY OF MEMBERS
- Membership to go to £100 for 2016. This is to ensure there is sufficient money in the account at the start of the year to pay for all the deposits required. Any money left at the end of the season is returned to members, or taken off the end of season trip. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%.
- Membership fees to be paid by 15th January 2016. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%.
OTHER ACCOUNT MATTERS 2016
- Allan Gannon led a number of members in suggesting the £5 penalty for late payment is enforced. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%
- Bunkers Betting to be done at every event to raise funds. Also look into "Spot the Ball" or "Bonus Ball" or similar fund raising ideas for 2016. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%. Craig Evans will oversee Betting.
- Book events for 24 people maximum [bearing in mind our season average was 20 and maximum was 25] and work it on a first come first serve basis. Those who pay on time, or at least contact The Treasurer are given first refusal. MOTION DECLINED BY SLIM MAJORITY OF MEMBERS. Where possible, members who pay on time should be able to play regardless. Only instances where this may not apply is where clubs cannot accommodate greater numbers
5. society handicaps by craig evans [handicap secretary]
The Handicap Secretary a.k.a The Grim Reaper set about explaining how the society standards have improved generally across the board. A couple of tables were produced and shown to members to show how handicaps have changed in 2015, and also what handicaps and scores won and lost at our events during the season. These can be seen below and you can CLICK ON THE IMAGES to enlarge.
The Handicap Secretary advised members how he calculates the handicaps and uses standard scratch to ensure they fairly reflect the difficulty of the courses we play, and the consideration that we are often playing unfamiliar venues. The calculations used as based on CONGU workings and it is felt that they fairly reflect players abilities.
It was pointed out that a winning average of 37.7 showed that the handicaps were pretty much spot on as a winner should be shooting around their handicap to win an event.
The table also showed that a range of handicaps win and lose Bunkers events, which is what we want. Everyone should be in with a chance of victory and the handicapping system used by Craig allows for that.
It was also pointed out that scorecards had improved in 2015 and work would be done with members to keep this standard or improve it going forward.
It was pointed out that a winning average of 37.7 showed that the handicaps were pretty much spot on as a winner should be shooting around their handicap to win an event.
The table also showed that a range of handicaps win and lose Bunkers events, which is what we want. Everyone should be in with a chance of victory and the handicapping system used by Craig allows for that.
It was also pointed out that scorecards had improved in 2015 and work would be done with members to keep this standard or improve it going forward.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTED:
- A ballot box will be used for all events from now on. Cards will be signed and submitted to the box post round. The only people who should know a players score is the player himself and the marker. The group may know how well a player has performed, but not the score. It should NOT be discussed post round and this will make presentations more interesting. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%
- A minimum handicap for new joiners of the society was discussed. Suggestion made that a players handicap/golfing standard needs to be vouched for by a member of the society [Players finding us via the internet would need to play with a member of the committee] We don't want to exclude any handicap, but basic golfing ability and etiquette is a must. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%
- Players should play a minimum number of events a season or be removed from the society. MOTION DECLINED. It is felt that if someone wants to pay £100 and do nothing, then it is down to them and the society should accept that money willingly.
- Members must play in 3 individual scoring events during the season to maintain their society handicap. Failure to do so will see them start the following year [if they choose to stay] off a handicap of 3/4. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%
- All members present agreed that Craig has the handicaps about spot on and agree with the system and workings used.
6. LAST MAN STANDING BY ANDY ROPER [CHAIRMAN]
Overview of the competition and why it was set up. LMS is supposed to be Bunkers marquee event and sets us apart from other societies and this is what appeals to the clubs we contact. However, the format relies on members committing to the competition and this is the key selling point when approaching prospective host clubs.
This year’s competition was subscribed to by 20 out of our 35 members.
During the group stages 40 matches were there to be played (40 x 2 players x £15 = £1200)
Of these 40 possible games just 27 matches were actually played with 13 being forfeited. Giving us an amount contributed of £810 to Lee Park. Some £390 short of what was planned.
It was pointed out that once the competition 'got under way' that games generally got played, and the knockout phase was never an issue as players took it more seriously. However, in 2015, the first game wasn't played until 23rd May, when the competition actually opened on 1st April - and so it caused fixture congestion.
Key points from the survey were noted:
This year’s competition was subscribed to by 20 out of our 35 members.
During the group stages 40 matches were there to be played (40 x 2 players x £15 = £1200)
Of these 40 possible games just 27 matches were actually played with 13 being forfeited. Giving us an amount contributed of £810 to Lee Park. Some £390 short of what was planned.
It was pointed out that once the competition 'got under way' that games generally got played, and the knockout phase was never an issue as players took it more seriously. However, in 2015, the first game wasn't played until 23rd May, when the competition actually opened on 1st April - and so it caused fixture congestion.
Key points from the survey were noted:
- The consensus is that members generally like the format of LMS and agree that £15 green fee is fair, have liked the course (Lee Park) and enjoy playing 1 on 1. So in effect there should be no problems at all.
- When asked if members liked the format of LMS, 26 out of 28 agreed they did.
- Other feedback suggested that ALL LMS matches should be Matchplay and not involve a group phase. The problem with this is that the number of matches would be massively reduced and the bargaining power with clubs would be all but gone.
- Paul Davies, and several other members, brought up that the scoring system needs review. You can win a group by losing games but scoring well and therefore gaining the 'bonus points'. It was explained that this was an early idea for the competition and was to encourage players to give full effort for all 18 holes. However, it was conceded that it was a dated system. Suggestion to reward the victory more than the points scored. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%
last man standing 2016
The Chairman was delighted to announce that LMS 2016 will be held at Grange Park Golf Club in St Helens - www.grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk which is a superb local course scoring 9 out of 10 on Teeuplo reviews.
He went on to explain that the club were his 1st choice venue given its reputation as a friendly, family club with superb greens and an interesting layout. The Chairman explained that a proposal was sent to the club, who replied with a number of hours to show their interest in hosting the competition in 2016 - which showed the weight that LMS can hold as a business proposal and its unique idea in golfing circles.
The President pointed out that the club brought the Head Greenskeeper, Manager and Secretary into a meeting with himself and The Chairman in July - which showed their total commitment and desire to host the event.
Grange Park are fully supportive of Bunkers and a fixed green fee has been agreed in line with previous years. This is a club who can still command a £1000 joining fee and £40 per round during a midweek. Further evidence that this is a superb opportunity to play one of the best private member courses in our area.
It was confirmed that LMS will be available to play through the midweek and weekend and so all members can be included within the competition with limited restrictions.
Full details and information will be sent to members in the new year.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTES:
He went on to explain that the club were his 1st choice venue given its reputation as a friendly, family club with superb greens and an interesting layout. The Chairman explained that a proposal was sent to the club, who replied with a number of hours to show their interest in hosting the competition in 2016 - which showed the weight that LMS can hold as a business proposal and its unique idea in golfing circles.
The President pointed out that the club brought the Head Greenskeeper, Manager and Secretary into a meeting with himself and The Chairman in July - which showed their total commitment and desire to host the event.
Grange Park are fully supportive of Bunkers and a fixed green fee has been agreed in line with previous years. This is a club who can still command a £1000 joining fee and £40 per round during a midweek. Further evidence that this is a superb opportunity to play one of the best private member courses in our area.
It was confirmed that LMS will be available to play through the midweek and weekend and so all members can be included within the competition with limited restrictions.
Full details and information will be sent to members in the new year.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTES:
- To show commitment to the competition and club, we need to ensure we honour the deal we propose. Therefore, it was submitted that members will pay for all their group games in advance. LMS will ALWAYS be 4 groups of X amount of players. Therefore, as an example, if 20 people enter that will mean 4 group games per person. This total payment will need to be made by 1st March 2016 so it can be submitted to the club and tokens received back. MOTION APPROVED AND AGREED 100%
- The final will be played on 11th September 2016 with a FULL Bunkers society event at Grange Park. MOTION APPROVED AND AGREED 100%
- Group Matches to run from 1st April until 15h July [3.5 months]. The knockout phase will be 16th July until 4th September [1.5 months] - MOTION APPROVED AND AGREED 100%.
- It was universally agreed that the society should do all it can to keep and promote LMS. Its what makes us different and unique and builds partnerships with great local clubs.
7. captain v's president by steve evans [captain]
The Captain suggested that his role title as Captain should be open for a different person to fulfil every season and members should vote on who would be future captain each year - similar to the running of a normal club or society. Steve was given the title of Captain as a way of getting him on the society when we were formed, so that his experience could be utilised. However, it was pointed out that his role is now fixed and the title should be applied as is standard in the golfing world.
The Captain spoke about how he personally enjoyed the Captain v President competition in 2015, but that it was a late idea by the committee to add an extra element to our events and he found that as the season went on, it kind of drifted by as it was quite lob sided - with the Presidents team winning at one event all year.
Several proposals were put forward from ideas on the survey and from members present at the AGM.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTES:
The Captain spoke about how he personally enjoyed the Captain v President competition in 2015, but that it was a late idea by the committee to add an extra element to our events and he found that as the season went on, it kind of drifted by as it was quite lob sided - with the Presidents team winning at one event all year.
Several proposals were put forward from ideas on the survey and from members present at the AGM.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTES:
- A vote to be case to pick a Vice-Captain for 2016. This person will understudy Steve Evans for next season and then will assume the role of Captain in 2017. This process will then continue each season moving forward. The Captain is placed on the committee for his season, but the Vice Captain is not. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100% - The voting will be done in the next few weeks.
- £1 per person playing on the day to go into a separate jar to be saved over the season with the winning team taking the pot at the end of the year. MOTION DECLINED BY MAJORITY as it was felt with the membership fee moving to £100 sufficient financial commitment had been made already without asking for more.
- The competition should score the top 3 players from each team as opposed to the top 5. It was shown over the season that this would have seen the scores much tighter at events. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%
- Motion suggested to pick the teams based on the Order of Merit finish. A coin should be tossed and the winner takes the top player and then alternate players from there. MOTION PASSED AND AGREED 100%. Coin tossed and The Captain won, so he gets top spot and The President gets 2nd place and then alternate from there.
- Sponsorship to be sought for the competition, or at least to part fund towards a winning team amount.
8. the survey & plans for 2016 by andy roper [chairman]
Brief resume of the online survey to which 28 responses were received from 35 members.
It was confirmed that 30 of the 35 members will rejoin in 2016, with the following members choosing to leave/non reply for various reasons - and we thank them all and wish them the best.
Members Leaving: Tony King, Keiran Murphy, Chris Smith, Paul Scally & John Gaskell
COURSES & COST
1 - The Average Price members want to pay on average at a Major is £46
2 - The Average Price members want to pay on average at a Standard Event is £37
3 - The Average Price members want to pay on average at a Midweek Event is £33
It was confirmed that 30 of the 35 members will rejoin in 2016, with the following members choosing to leave/non reply for various reasons - and we thank them all and wish them the best.
Members Leaving: Tony King, Keiran Murphy, Chris Smith, Paul Scally & John Gaskell
COURSES & COST
1 - The Average Price members want to pay on average at a Major is £46
2 - The Average Price members want to pay on average at a Standard Event is £37
3 - The Average Price members want to pay on average at a Midweek Event is £33
THINGS TO KEEP
GAME & FORMATS
- 96% want to keep the food at events
- 96% are happy with the balls for Nearest the Pins
- 100% are happy with the prize pots in 2015
GAME & FORMATS
- 96% of members want Stableford with the odd variation thrown into the mix.
- The next popular format was Pairs Betterball and then Matchplay with Strokeplay last.
MOTIONS AND VOTES TO THIS POINT:
SPONSORS
COURSES FOR 2016
The Chairman advised that as a society, we have always strived to get on the best courses we can - within our set budgets. We will continue not to exclude people on the basis of price and if courses quote outside of our parameters then we will refused to play there. Examples of this were £90 for West Lancs and Hillside Golf Clubs.
The Chairman pointed out that where possible, food will be kept at events. Generally a snack [depending on the time of the day] and will aim to keep a sit down meal for after the Majors. However, it was pointed out that this is very much price dependant going forward.
Andy Roper said that the society was going to look to move away from courses they have visited for 3 years in a row - such as Didsbury, Lee Park, Carden Park and Worsley Park, and that top local courses probably offered more value that the large hotel complexes.
The Chairman said that the committee had 18 potential dates picked for the 2016 season - and not all of which would be filled. These were primarily Sunday, with the odd Saturday and then averaging one midweek event during the Months of May, June, July and August [as they were very well received in 2015]
The Chairman also confirmed that 4 courses are booked already but would not go into detail as he wishes to keep them a surprise for 2016. However, he was able to confirm that the society will visit one of the UK's finest courses at Fomby Golf Club on Sunday 27th March 2016 as their season opener!!! - this was received with a round of applause from members.
The Chairman read out a list of new clubs, in addition to the favourites from 2015, to which the committee are currently in negotiations with for quotes during 2016. These are below:
- Do we increase our membership ceiling from 35 to 40? MOTION DECLINED BY MAJORITY - We will remain at 35 as it promotes a society where everyone knows each other well.
- We will aim to keep the Top voted courses from 2015 [price permitting]
- Leasowe was acknowledged as a surprise choice in the least enjoyed category and it was acknowledged they always 'looked after us' and was a good choice of course for early or late in the season.
SPONSORS
- Clarkes have agreed to sponsor the society in 2016 and work is being finalise to negotiate other items with them for 2016 and this will be announced in the new year.
- Teeuplo will continue to sponsor the society in 2016 and will take one of our Majors.
- GolfBreaks4U will continue in 2016 and will also take one of our Majors
- RS Golf [NTP Golf Ball Company] will sponsor a Major in 2016 and will be new to the society,
- Barry Taylor PGA will continue to provide discounted lessons to members and will work with Clarkes on a sponsorship package for 2016.
- Lee Park will continue to work with Bunkers and are looking to provide a fixed green fee for the society members.
COURSES FOR 2016
The Chairman advised that as a society, we have always strived to get on the best courses we can - within our set budgets. We will continue not to exclude people on the basis of price and if courses quote outside of our parameters then we will refused to play there. Examples of this were £90 for West Lancs and Hillside Golf Clubs.
The Chairman pointed out that where possible, food will be kept at events. Generally a snack [depending on the time of the day] and will aim to keep a sit down meal for after the Majors. However, it was pointed out that this is very much price dependant going forward.
Andy Roper said that the society was going to look to move away from courses they have visited for 3 years in a row - such as Didsbury, Lee Park, Carden Park and Worsley Park, and that top local courses probably offered more value that the large hotel complexes.
The Chairman said that the committee had 18 potential dates picked for the 2016 season - and not all of which would be filled. These were primarily Sunday, with the odd Saturday and then averaging one midweek event during the Months of May, June, July and August [as they were very well received in 2015]
The Chairman also confirmed that 4 courses are booked already but would not go into detail as he wishes to keep them a surprise for 2016. However, he was able to confirm that the society will visit one of the UK's finest courses at Fomby Golf Club on Sunday 27th March 2016 as their season opener!!! - this was received with a round of applause from members.
The Chairman read out a list of new clubs, in addition to the favourites from 2015, to which the committee are currently in negotiations with for quotes during 2016. These are below:
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTED
END OF SEASON TRIP
The Chairman advised that this will be booked in January or February of 2016 and requested suggestions for places to visit. A couple suggested going abroad, a couple suggested The Belfry or Celtic Manor and a few suggested heading North to Dumfries & Galloway area to play links golf.
The committee will look into all suggestions and submit ideas to members at the start of 2016
TRIP ABROAD
70% of members said they would be interested in going abroad on the survey. However, The Chairman suggested that with the extra workload in 2016 [due to the loss of Teeofftimes] it may not be possible to entertain the notion until it is clear just how much extra work is involved.
If the society are to go away, it may be best if it is done informally. Therefore, the committee organise a deal on a hotel and green fees and it would be down to members to book onto the trip independently and arrange their own flights etc - as opposed to the society organising everything.
- Prices will be kept within the following boundaries where possible: Midweek £25 to £35, Standard Weekend £30 to £45 and Majors £40 to £60. MOTION AGREED AND ACCEPTED 100%
- Drop Hotel courses from the fixture list where possible. MOTION AGREED AND ACCEPTED 100%
- If a standout course can be booked, would members be willing to pay that little bit more outside of the above price boundaries [but not exceeding £60 for any event] - MOTION AGREED AND ACCEPTED 100%
- Membership Packs - Insurance, Free Range balls - MOTION AGREED AND ACCEPTED 100%
- A new Bunkers branded shirt for the 2016 season. This will be sponsored by Clarkes & Barry Taylor and subsidised by them. It will hold their logo's plus our own and will be a brand shirt. MOTION AGREED AND ACCEPTED 100%
- Bunkers Shirts to be worn at ALL society events. The new shirt at Majors and ANY Bunkers shirt at all other events. MOTION AGREED AND ACCEPTED 100%
- Asked for suggested courses to obtain quotes from: Ellesmere, Wallasey, Sale, Hesketh
END OF SEASON TRIP
The Chairman advised that this will be booked in January or February of 2016 and requested suggestions for places to visit. A couple suggested going abroad, a couple suggested The Belfry or Celtic Manor and a few suggested heading North to Dumfries & Galloway area to play links golf.
The committee will look into all suggestions and submit ideas to members at the start of 2016
TRIP ABROAD
70% of members said they would be interested in going abroad on the survey. However, The Chairman suggested that with the extra workload in 2016 [due to the loss of Teeofftimes] it may not be possible to entertain the notion until it is clear just how much extra work is involved.
If the society are to go away, it may be best if it is done informally. Therefore, the committee organise a deal on a hotel and green fees and it would be down to members to book onto the trip independently and arrange their own flights etc - as opposed to the society organising everything.
9. order of merit by dave ashley [president]
The President spoke about the Order of Merit and how it is probably misunderstood by many, and overlooked by other but that the competition should reward the most consistent players over the course of a season.
It was agreed that the format needs looking at and needs to be agreed with members so that it is understood better and works more efficiently.
Members spoke about it being overcomplicated and the points system is not balanced well enough - so that attendance is rewarded to highly.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTED:
It was agreed that the format needs looking at and needs to be agreed with members so that it is understood better and works more efficiently.
Members spoke about it being overcomplicated and the points system is not balanced well enough - so that attendance is rewarded to highly.
MOTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTED:
- A members 8 best rounds over the course of the year should go towards the order of merit. This would cancel the need for attendance points. MOTION ACCEPTED AND AGREED BY MAJORITY
- The points scoring system should work like the PGA. Top place would earn 10 points and 10th place would earn 1 point. If two people were joint position, instead of working on a count back they would both take the points for that spot. So for example, If 3 people finished on 36 points in first place then all 3 would get 10 points bonus. The next person would then get 7 points and it would continue downwards like that. MOTION ACCEPTED AND AGREED BY MAJORITY
IN CLOSING...
It just leaves me to sincerely thank all members for their positive attitude towards the society and their commitment to all the things we do. Without that, we simply wouldn't exist in the manner we do.
Special thanks to the members who attended the AGM and played a key part in making all of the above decisions. It was a long and detailed meeting but enthusiasm for the ideas were great.
I would also like to extend special thanks to the committee lads who do a lot of work behind the scenes and are often put under pressure by me to answer calls, texts and emails. Their dedication to make this society the best it possibly can be is one of the reasons we have such positive feedback from people looking in from the outside.
The season may have stopped but the hard work of organising 2016 has only just begun.
Here's hoping we continue to go from strength to strength.
Thank you.
Special thanks to the members who attended the AGM and played a key part in making all of the above decisions. It was a long and detailed meeting but enthusiasm for the ideas were great.
I would also like to extend special thanks to the committee lads who do a lot of work behind the scenes and are often put under pressure by me to answer calls, texts and emails. Their dedication to make this society the best it possibly can be is one of the reasons we have such positive feedback from people looking in from the outside.
The season may have stopped but the hard work of organising 2016 has only just begun.
Here's hoping we continue to go from strength to strength.
Thank you.