Reconstruction of Red Tee at 12th Hole

As part of an on going process to level the teeing surfaces throughout our site we decided to undertake the re levelling of the Red tee on hole 12. Over the years the tee has lost its surface levels, especially the left hand section which had become severely uneven.  As a result, tee marker positions were limited and inconsistent golfer stance was evident.

In mid February, the work got underway by lifting the old turf which was used to turf any worn pathways around the course. The surface was then rotovated and levelled before new turf was laid. The tee has been topdressed to help the turf knit together and will be introduced back into play at the Start of the 2020 season.

We also enlisted the services of club handyman Charlie Duffy to construct a small set of steps after we were asked at the AGM to introduce steps to the left hand side of the tee.

 

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Reconstruction of Right hand Greenside Bunker on Hole 8

This bunker face had been deteriorating throughout 2019 and the decision was taken to reconstruct the revetted face. We also reduced the height of the rear of the bunker which will provide golfers with a shallow entrance/exit point. The surrounding area has been re turfed and will remain as G.U.R until the turf has knitted together before we add fresh sand in Spring 2020.

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Staff Training – 5th BIGGA CPD Milestone Member Certificate

 On 1st February 2020 Course Manager Richard Johnstone was awarded with a 5th BIGGA CPD Milestone member Certificate in recognition of his continued education and training in 2019.

The BIGGA CPD Scheme is made up of members who are looking to improve their professional knowledge and competence within the industry while developing skills and personal qualities necessary for the execution of technical duties throughout their working life.

Continuing Professional Development Credits types have been divided into four categories to provide a greater range of CPD activities. The four categories are Education, Professional, Personal Learning and Networking. All BIGGA CPD credits are recorded in a lifetime transcript which is a list of all the CPD you have carried out, since registering on the CPD programme.

“No professional should stand still – we’re all learning, all the time. CPD asks you to think about and record what you’re doing, and plan and structure the most appropriate next steps.”

Staff Training – CMAE MDP Part One – Club Operations

Course Manager Richard Johnstone recently attended the Club Managers Association of Europe MDP part 1 from 27th-31st January held at the Marriot Victoria and Albert hotel in Manchester.

In late 2019 Richard was announced as one of the recipients of the Joe Perdue bursary award which fund a Manager’s attendance at one of the CMAE MDP courses each year. The curriculum and learning outcomes were provided by the Club Managers Association of Europe and the training course was endorsed by the Club Managers Association of America as part of the educational pathway to the Certified Club Manager qualification.

Private Club Governance

The structure, the process and the politics. You will explore best practice in this area and discover the common traits of the most effective volunteer committees.

Marketing in Private Clubs

Gone are the days when a club could afford to ignore the opportunities presented by effective marketing campaigns. Whether your club is aiming to recruit members or attract visitors, this course will give you the basics of that plan, considering current trends, modern social media and the use of demographic tools.

Statutory Compliance & Risk Management

To help you sleep peacefully at night you need to know that you have all the basics covered with regard to Health & Safety, Employment Law and many other legal hurdles facing your club. Experts, familiar with private clubs in each of these areas of law, will be on hand to give you the knowledge that will help keep you and your Club out of court.

Food & Beverage Basics

Whether your operation is in house or outsourced, there is far more Member focus on this area of the business than ever before. Gaining knowledge of stock control, menu construction, bar set up and industry standards will enable you as a modern manager to balance the conflicting demands of delivering great food and beverage with achievable financial results.

Introduction to Club Accounting and Budgeting

Financial Management is the most common competency area to trip up a Club Manager. This session will begin to build your knowledge, credibility and most importantly confidence so that you are better prepared to handle financial statements such as the profit & loss, balance sheet and budgets.

The Importance of Service in Private Clubs

In this competitive environment there is always a competitor willing to look after your customers. You will learn how to guide your staff so that they react correctly to the many opportunities they have to impress a customer each year, and to remind members why they should renew their subscription for the following year.

Management & Delegation

There is only one of you, so how can you create a supportive environment to help manage change in your club? You will learn what are the do’s and don’ts of effective delegation in a club.

Effective Staff Management in a Club

Managing staff in a club environment is especially challenging but is the key to high performance & member satisfaction. You will learn sound HR principles and management skills to support you in this goal.

The Basics of Strategic Planning

Without a plan your club can spend many hours and many pounds heading in the wrong direction. This course will help you start the process of plotting the best way forward for your club so that your management team and committee are pulling in the same direction.

Facility Maintenance

Often overlooked until it is too late, your facilities need to reflect the short and long term aspirations of your club, taking into account customer demand, safety, legal requirements, financial restraints and many other factors. Learn to plan for the future through a combination of maintenance and capital investment programmes.

Effective Member Communications

Members demand up to date, well written and appropriate communication, which will consume much of the club managers daily life. You will be given techniques to best manage this part of your job in the context of a modern club utilising modern technology.

Reconstruction of Red Tee at 7th Hole

As part of an on going process to level the teeing surfaces throughout our site we decided to undertake the re levelling of the Red tee on hole 7. Over the years the tee has lost its surface levels, especially the front right section which had become severely uneven.  As a result, tee marker positions were limited and inconsistent golfer stance was evident.

In late January, the work got underway by lifting the old turf which was used to turf any worn pathways around the course. The surface was then rotovated and levelled before new turf was laid. The tee has been topdressed to help the turf knit together and will be introduced back into play at the Start of the 2020 season.

Staff Training – Safe Manual Handling Certificate

On 29 January Apprentice Greenkeeper Ryan Knox recently passed his Safe Handling of objects certificate while attending Emwood College as he works towards his SVQ Qualification in Sportsturf.

The manual handling course is aimed at employees at all levels who may undertake manual handling operations, including the transporting of a load of items by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, manoeuvring, steadying or transporting thereof by hand or by bodily force.

 

Staff Training – Intensive First Aid Qualification

On the 14-15th January Assistant Greenkeeper Michael McInnes recently attended a 2-day intensive first aid re-qualification course at The Moray Firth Training Group, Inverness

Having a first aid qualification will not only benefit Nairn Dunbar , but will also add to Michael’s continued personal development. With 6 employees operating heavy machinery on a daily basis, chemicals or hazardous materials it presents a greater chance of injury and is deemed a high risk environment, so it is essential we have staff fully trained to administer first aid is needed. First aid training is an essential part of any workplace that should not be overlooked. Not only does it ensure that any emergencies will be handled with care, but it is a legal requirement that can be costly if neglected and it is important to instil confidence in employees that they are well looked after.

This covers most of the topics covered on the initial 3 day FAW Certificate Course and the skills and knowledge gained will allow Michael to be able to deal with:

Action at an emergency…
Poisoning
Burns and scalds
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)
Record keeping
Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Wounds and Bleeding
Anaphylactic shock
Neck and Back injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Unconscious casualties
Poisoning
Eye injuries
Treatment of Shock
Recognise Major illness including Heart Attack, Stroke, Diabetes, epilepsy, asthma etc.
Head injuries
HSE Legislation and requirements record keeping etc