First of all we, the Board of Directors, like to thank all members whom have taken the trouble of participating in this survey. We are well aware of our shortcomings and that at times not all members concerns are addressed. This is the first of many surveys we intent to hold. It is with the members’ participation that we can make this Club better.
The survey matters raised are not in order of importance. We have tried to address all concerns.
Where is the $2 extra comp fees going?
We are endeavouring to direct the additional $2 competition fee to course upgrades.
Can we have the green holes put in flat?
When the holes are cut they are put in flat. During the setting process (i.e. putting the cup in), pressure is applied to the surrounds of the hole using a setting plate to level it out. What does happen is that during the course of a competition, repeated footsteps near the holes compresses the turf around the hole. This creates what is sometimes called the “volcano” effect and results in under-hit puts veering off line near the hole. This phenomenon is accentuated towards the end of the competition day or during summer when the greens are watered more and are softer.
Paths need permanent works?
Improvements to access paths are constrained by the clubs financial capacity to fund works around the course. The Board has submitted a grant application for the construction of concrete paths.
There are areas of the course that require maintenance and have so for too long.
The current direction of the Board is to improve the course. In the past, financial restrains have prevented us from doing anything outside what was absolutely necessary. The green staff has our full support and with the continued application for grants and proper budgeting this will be a thing of the past.
Club house rooms need a rethink with décor, new carpet and paint. Curtains in sunset & Magnolia room need cleaning?
The Board is aware of the need to undertake improvements within the clubhouse and has approved the replacement carpet for areas within the club house. The cleaning of the curtains is acknowledged and will be addressed in the next budget.
Some holes need a revamp.
We are aware that some holes need to be revamped. We have had a consultant from GolfNSW to advise us on what would be the best financial sound options. We are at present exploring these options.
Toilets need upgrading.
The upstairs toilets have recently been painted. Whilst we acknowledge that that may not be enough it was within budget for the current year. We have just submitted a grant application to upgrade not only the upstairs toilet facilities but the downstairs facilities as well. A plumbing contractor is currently looking at an interim solution.
There is no reward for loyalty, new members receive the same benefit
The Board acknowledges that there is an ageing membership and it is essential we attract and retain members, however equality of membership benefits are a necessary part of this strategy. With the lowering of the fees three years ago it has improved our membership base. This has left us with little option to give extra benefits.
Members should be advised of each Director heading up committees.
In our program of events, which is available in booklet form through the office and online, the directors’ responsibilities are listed.
Professional street front signage.
Improved electronic ELD signage has been considered and is an important strategy to attract patrons to our facility. We are currently adding this to our budget for the 2018-2019 financial year.
Survey should have been better promoted.
Regular surveys are planned with wider participation of members. We are fully aware that this survey has not been advertised as well as we would have hoped. We are looking at an improved methods to survey all members.
Develop formal relationship with hospital and their staff social club.
This is a great suggestion. Not only should we develop better and formal relationships with the hospital, we need to be looking at all stakeholders in the area. We are currently looking at ways to give benefits to all stakeholders and become more attractive to the people in our area.
What is the talk about a developer?
We have been engaged in talks with parties whom have shown an interest in developing the Gosford Golf Club. This is in a very embryotic stage. The way forward for our Club requires outside funds which do not impact on the viability of our Club. Rest assured that all members will be consulted when we are at a more concrete stage.
Develop a 5 year plan and stick to it
The Board of Directors are currently undertaking a process to develop a strategic plan. A Course Plan of Management has been developed and is currently in place.
Ramp to top tee on 10th need steps access.
The need for steps to the 10 the tee has been identified in the Course Plan of Management.
Relocate notice board.
The need to relocate the member’s notice board will be reviewed considering the current method that members access the clubhouse.
Members bar & lounge downstairs to encourage members to stay after golf.
What a great idea. We would love to have a member’s area downstairs. The cost involved with this setup at this stage is too great to be contemplated. At this juncture we feel that the course improvements are our priorities.
Shelters around course in the event of a storm.
A storm shelter area is being constructed by F Troop adjacent to the 5th Green.
Disabled parking often occupied by vehicles without authorised permits.
The Club has identified members whom are parking within the designated disabled Parking spaces and informed the offending members that they are parking illegally. The Club relies on members adhering to parking regulations and will continue to highlight these infringements as they occur.
It should be known that persons parking in disabled parking areas without the recognised ticket holder in the vehicle are liable to a $549.00 fine loss of one demerit point and could cause the cancelation of the permit.
It is not only dumb it is extremely selfish.
Dissatisfied with the lack of parking.
We are fully aware that at times there are not enough parking spots for the golfers. The Club has put measures in place to alleviate this problem. We negotiated a deal with LendLease, the builders of the hospital and instituted a $5.00 levy for all other parkers. We employ a parking attendant from 6am till 10am Monday-Tuesday- Thursday and Friday and from 6am till 10am on Wednesday. Short of constructing boom gates this problem will continue to haunt us.
Green staff not properly managed rarely see anybody working consider contract green keeping services.
Green staff generally work a roster of 5am to 1pm except for Wednesday and Saturday where they are usually finished by 8am. This roster is designed to allow greens to be mown and cups placed ahead of the competition fields and to minimise the impact of greens staff on golfers, especially during the busiest competition days of Wednesday and Saturday. An early start is even more important when shotgun start type events are held. We are fortunate that we can get our greens staff out early ahead of the field as some clubs are in residential areas and cannot commence operations prior to 7am.
Current green staff numbers are 6 which reduces to approximately 5.4 when taking into account annual leave etc. These are not excessive numbers for an 18 holes golf course. The work that goes into maintaining a golf course is significant and a lot of it doesn’t have a tangible appearance e.g. fertilising, application of herbicides and machinery maintenance. The amount of work that is carried out on the course could not be achieved unless it is properly managed which in our view it is
Contract course maintenance has its advantages and disadvantages but is not a consideration at this time.
More water storage so we can water fairways, greens and tees.
The Board of Directors is considering options to improve water storage. Any solution will require development approval and possible grant funding which is being pursued.
Can we get grey water from Council?
Grey water is not available. However the Board has met with senior Council staff regarding our water issues and they have advised that their bore water facilities are, after testing, not suitable for usage on the course. The saline content is far outside the norm for course watering.
Too many trees that leave sticks and leaves all over the course and take water from the fairways.
A course management plan has been developed which has identified removal of a number of tree species that create increased maintenance throughout the course. The planned removal and replacement of trees is a priority and we are currently engaged in the management of trees on the course.
We have conducted a further survey analysis with indicated the following results.
1=Extremely Dissatisfied 6= Extremely Satisfied
Overall level of satisfaction of membership: 68.3%
Overall satisfaction with the golf course: 54.2%
Overall satisfaction with the clubhouse: 54.8%
Overall satisfaction with the food & beverage service: 54.8%
Overall satisfaction with the club‘s communication: 54.2%
The Board of Directors of the Gosford Golf Club would, again, like to thank all those whom have participated in the survey. We acknowledge the large number of Lady Members gave their time to fill in the survey form in order to improve the Club as a whole. Whilst the overall number of members contributing was minimal we will take all comments on board and use them to improve the Club and Course. Over the past three years we as a Board have been concentrating on getting the Club to a financial stable position. This at times has come at the detriment of course improvements. We never intended to put course improvements on the backburner, however we at times were forced to put fiscal governance before golf. Whilst that has caused dissatisfaction amongst some of our members, it was at times unavoidable.
We are now in a more stable situation which allows us to budget in a more progressive rather than defensive manner. This will reflect a more optimistic outlook and a beneficial result for all members.
We look with optimism towards the future.
Board of Directors