May 2005

Message from Sue Carroll

I would like to thank everybody who was involved with my Lady Captain's Day. It was a resounding success - partly due to the great weather we had. Waking up to rain in what felt like the early hours of the morning I was very dubious about the outcome, however we were all pleasantly surprised when the temperature soared, jackets came off and the sun beat down. It was excellent meeting everyone on the 10th hole for the halfway house, even the juniors entered into the spirit of things and had a little bubbly. There were some great scores and to cap it all Geoff Jones had a hole in one on the 17th. Very well done to him.

My Vice Captains were tremendous, they worked tirelessly. Thanks Carol and Anne for being such good friends. Thank you so much for the wonderful gift from the Ladies Section - a lovely recovery club - now will it improve my golf? Only time will tell!

Friendly Matches

The first away match of the year took place at Haste Hill on 20th April. We were made very welcome. The match was very close and resulted in a draw with two games each. We look forward to welcoming the ladies back to Wexham later in the year. The second away match was played away against Bird Hills on Thursday 5th May. The sun shone, we received a wonderful welcome but unfortunately we lost by 1½ -2½. All matches were very close with one being lost on the last putt on the 18th. We will have to wait until September to even the score.

These matches are a great opportunity to play at different courses and represent Wexham Park. If you would like to compete in future matches please add your name to the entry sheets when they are posted on the notice board in the ladies changing room.

This Month's Question of Rules

WATER HAZARDS
If a ball is hit into a water hazard or lateral water hazard what should you do?
Answer at the end of the page.

Away Days

For information on away days please see either Hilary Linton or Maureen Bailey.All places for the away day to Aylesbury Park are now taken. If anyone has not done so already, please pay the outstanding balance to Hilary or Maureen. If you are not on the list to play but would like to, please add your name as a reserve in case anybody has to drop out at the last minute.The next away day is to Ritchings Park, if you would like to take part please add your name to the list in the ladies cloakroom.

Competition Draws

If anyone is interested in how draws are made for the individual competitions you are more than welcome to see the draws as they are made - usually on a Monday by Carol Grant, Anne Leach and/or Sue Carroll or a nominated member - just have a word with us about timings. Depending on the particular competition, they are drawn in high/medium/low handicap order. The only exceptions during the draw will be for those players who must be back in the clubhouse in readiness for checking cards/preparing scoreboard/collating monies etc.

Tips from the Pros - The Chip with Julie Inkster

When Julie hits a chip shot, she tries to get the ball to land about three feet on the green and roll to the hole like a putt, as it's much easier to hit a target close to you. Practice hitting chip shots with a variety of clubs to get a feel for different trajectories. Julie uses anything from a 7 iron to a lob wedge. Remember the swing stays the same, whichever club you use. You don't need to help the ball into the air.

Articles for Future Newsletters

This is YOUR newsletter. If you have anything that you would like included in future newsletters please contact the editor, (I'm often found trying to improve my game on the practice facilities, although it doesn't seem to be having much effect at the moment!)

Answer to rules question:

Ball in water hazard - play the ball as it lies or, under penalty of one stroke

1. Drop any distance behind the water hazard keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball crossed the margin of the water hazard and spot on which the ball is dropped
2. Play again from as close as possible to where you hit the ball into the hazard.

Ball in lateral water hazard - in addition to the options for a ball in a water hazard (see above), under penalty of one stroke, you may drop within two club-lengths of (but not nearer the hole)

1. the point where the ball crossed the margin of the hazard or
2. a point on the opposite side of the hazard equidistant from the hole.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULES: Match play - loss of hole. Stroke play - 2 strokes.
See rule 26, page 97, Rules of Golf