Mobile Scoring Input via HowDidIDo App

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As intimated in our last newsletter, we have been exploring the use of MSi. This is now ready for use via a HowDidiDo app that can be downloaded on to your mobile. It allows a player remotely to sign into a competition and subsequently to enter their score post round – it obviates the need to sign in and enter a score via the PSI terminal in the foyer. The user instructions are as follows:

• Download the HowDidiDo app on to your mobile.
• The app should recognise your email address and your BRS password (i.e. the password you use to book a tee time via the PGC website).
• Once the app is downloaded on your mobile and is showing on your main screen as a separate icon, you should be able to access it automatically (i.e. without the need to enter a password).
• Once in the app, press the “Menu” icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen (depicted by three horizontal lines).
• From the main menu, select “Today’s Golf”. This will take you to the competition of the day, where you should select “Sign In”. Once accepted, you are now ready to play.
• You should record one of your playing partner’s score on a scorecard, whilst making a note of your own. One of your playing partners will also be marking your score on a scorecard. You should verify each other’s score regularly and particularly after 9 and then 18 holes.
• As before, you should then access the HowDidiDo app selecting the “Score Entry” icon that is adjacent to the “Sign In” icon. You need to enter a score for each hole verifying the 9 hole and 18 hole totals with your playing partner. Once the score has been agreed, it should be submitted via the app.

This form of scoring has been approved by Scottish Golf, and we would encourage as many members as possible to adopt this method of scoring. At this time, the main advantage of using this scoring method is that it will ease congestion around the PSI terminal in the foyer.

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Vice-Captain Announcement – Welcome Chris Patterson

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I am writing to you with an update to our Board and Committee with the announcement that we have a new Vice-Captain and delighted to welcome Chris Patterson to that role.

You may recall that Les Biscomb accepted the role of Vice Captain at our AGM, on the understanding that he was filling a void and would willingly step aside when the eventual long-term candidate was identified.

In the short time since Les was appointed, he has done an incredible job as Convenor of the Sponsorship Sub-Committee. Les was the driving force behind the Members Appeal Fund which has raised £11,600 for club funds, while he has also helped secure several new sponsorship deals which, given the current economic climate, is a significant achievement in bringing additional finance into the club.

Les has also led the work on the Social Sub-Committee, who have been working diligently in the background, preparing for the end of lockdown restrictions with an exciting and varied programme of club social events. I am sure that this hard work will bear fruit when we can re-open the clubhouse and enjoy the company of others in a social context. I would like to extend a personal thanks to Les for his significant contribution and dedication over the past few months and look forward to his continued support on the two sub-committees going forward.

Please now allow me to introduce Chris Patterson, our new Vice Captain.

Chris is a Chartered Civil Engineer who works for Jacobs in Edinburgh where he leads the company’s UK Ports and Maritime team.

Chris has a long association with Peebles Golf Club having been a club member for 36 years since joining as a junior in the mid-1980s. Chris also previously served on the committee for a number of years during which time he held the role of Competitions Convenor. Out with golf, some of you may also know Chris from his involvement in various other activities in the town including the Highland Games where he has chaired the organising committee for several years.

Chris is married to Kellie and they have two young boys, Callum and Harris. Although helping to raise his family has reduced the amount of golf that Chris has been able to play over the last few years, he has still managed to maintain a handicap of 6. With his son, Callum, having recently joined the junior section, Chris intends to spend a lot more time on the golf course again in the years ahead.

I am personally delighted to announce Chris’s appointment as he is embedded in our club traditions and history and also brings a significant skillset to the board and committee. When I invited Chris to be our Vice Captain, his first reaction was to say: “…he was very honoured and proud to be asked”. This made his decision fairly easy and I am very much looking forward to working with Chris, the board of directors and general committee as we take Peebles Golf Club onwards and upwards.

In closing, I would like to thank every member for their fantastic support during these challenging times and wish you continued enjoyment of the course in the months ahead.

Gavin Carruthers, Club Captain

Return to Golf: Club Guidelines

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Following the announcement last week that golf would benefit from the initial lifting of lockdown measures, we have now received definitive guidance from Scottish Golf (“SG”) for the safe return of our beloved game.  Subject to final confirmation by the First Minister on Thursday, our course will reopen from Friday 29 May.

The key thrust of the guidelines, is to minimise the risk of transmission, through effective social distancing via an end to end process – i.e. from arrival, playing and exiting the course. You can download a copy of the SG guidelines and FAQs below:

> Scottish Golf: Return to Golf Guidelines 220520

> Scottish Golf: Frequently Asked Questions

New Guidelines for Peebles Golf Club Members

Except for Steve Johnston’s Pro Shop, the clubhouse will remain closed (including access to toilets and locker rooms).  Steve will act as the club’s principal point of contact for registration and starting responsibilities including the hiring of buggies.  Entry to his shop is on a “one in, one out” basis and appropriate social distancing and hand cleansing measures have been put in place in the main foyer and in the shop itself. 

As Steve is working on his own, he will be on site from 0800 to 1700 Fri to Sun (and then Wed to Sun thereafter).  From 1st June a member of the office staff will be on site from 0900 to 1400 Mon and Tues.  We would ask members to minimise personal interaction with the office staff, who will provide service via the glass hatch. Specific points to note are as follows:

Pre-Golf Information

  1. An online tee booking system with times at 10-minute intervals will be implemented and MUST be adhered to.  The tee booking system will open at 0900 on Wednesday 27th May with a 5-day window for advance bookings (see point 7 below). This will be reviewed after the initial period of return.

  2. Members should book their tee time via the website (BRS system). If members require a reminder of username/BRS number, then this should be requested in advance by e-mail as access to the club’s tee booking system is essential.  Registration for the tee booking system is simple and can be accessed <here>. Please note that due to a system update by BRS, you will need to manually input your username/BRS number and password on the first time you make a booking.  If you cannot remember your password, there is a 'Forgot Password?' option that will appear on the login screen.

  3. Members must input the names of all players in their group when booking a tee time. Initially members cannot bring paying guests to the club, nor will visiting groups be permitted.  There will be no option to 'roll up' as that would potentially contravene social distancing guidance;

  4. Members without access to a computer should call the Pro Shop to have a tee time booked - please note that the telephony service will not be in operation until the 29th May, so booking online should always be used if possible;

  5. Initially, to give all members an opportunity to get back out on the course as soon as possible, advance booking will be restricted to one booking per day of 9 holes only.  Members can book in advance to play the front or back nine and BRS has been set up accordingly.  

  6. Tee times will commence from the 1st tee at 0730 through to 2030 and from the 10th tee at 0925 through to 2025.  This staggered approach will help the greenkeeping staff by allowing them to work around the course ahead of the golfersBooking an additional 9 holes of golf on the day of play itself (i.e. not an advanced booking) will be permitted. 

  7. Tee times will be restricted to:

    • Individuals playing on their own;

    • Two ball games, from two different households;

    • Two ball games, from the same household;

    • Three or fourball games subject to only mixing with one other household group.  For example, a couple and daughter (all living in the same household) could play as a three ball.  Similarly, a couple from one household could play as a fourball with a couple from another household. Please note that BRS will only accept a maximum of two names on the booking sheet.

    • Where spaces are available next to single players and you are a single player, please utilise this to maximise availability – it is also a good way of meeting other members.

  8. As soon as demand subsides, we will return to 18-hole bookings.  Adopting a reduced booking window of three days provides us with the agility to move quickly in line with course usage; 

  9. The putting green will be open for those members about to tee off.  The range will remain closed initially, but we will look to reopen this facility in due course.

  10. Buggies will be available for hire but can only be used by one person or two people from the same household.  Buggy availability is subject to those buggies available being suitably sterilised before use/re-use;

  11. Members requiring access to the locker room to collect clubs should do so within the 15-minute period before they are due to play.  Clubs collected must then be taken home and kept there until clubhouse restrictions are relaxed;

  12. Caddy store access is via the secure keypad.  Entry is on a “one in, one out” basis and a hand cleansing station is located inside.  Once collected and used, caddies should be taken home and kept there until clubhouse restrictions are relaxed.  Access to external battery boxes is not impacted.

On Arrival at the Course

  1. Players should arrive at the car park no more than 15 minutes before their tee time and ready to play golf; players should get changed in their car at their car, observing social distancing;

  2. Golfers should follow the signage and make their way to the 1st or 10th tee via the green rubber path;

  3. Golfers should not enter the first teeing area (and subsequent ones) until all members of the group in front have played their tee- shots and exited the teeing area.  

On the Golf Course

  1. Flags must not be removed/touched.  As an alternative during social golf, we recommend players use 'gimmies' (e.g. concessions within one foot);

  2. The insertion of a foam tube at the base of the pin ensures that the ball can easily be retrieved without touching the flag;

  3. Do not swap scorecards or share equipment;

  4. There will be no rakes in bunkers - please rake the bunkers with your foot or a club;

  5. In a bunker, if a ball comes to rest in a footprint, preferred lies should be taken; a player may place a ball in the bunker within one club-length of the original spot and not nearer to the hole than that spot;

  6. Ball washers, benches and the water fountain will not be in use;

  7. Do not leave litter lying and pick up your broken tees.

  8. Players must stay more than 2 metres apart when walking to the ball, searching for a ball and playing shots.

  9. Players must not touch or pick up stray golf balls.

Post Golf Guidance

  1. Please follow the signage by exiting the course via the red blaze path to the car park.

  2. Players must not 'linger' and instead leave the course then car park as soon as possible.

Membership Renewals & New Members

In phase 1, play is strictly for members only and guests are not permitted. If you have not yet paid your 2020/21 season membership fees you will not be able to play, so please get in touch with the office or refer to the <Membership Renewals> section of the website with instructions on renewal payments. Additionally, if you know friends or family who would like to join Peebles Golf Club in order to play golf, please encourage them to get in touch or refer them to the <Join Us> section of the website. While other sports remain on lockdown, we have a fantastic opportunity to promote golf as a safe, healthy, active, and accessible sport.

Please Respect the Guidelines!

The golf community has been extended the opportunity to be an early sporting recipient that benefits from the relaxed restrictions.  We urge everyone to be respectful of the preliminary guidelines and to apply good individual judgement, to ensure that in time we can move to a fully phased reintroduction of the game as we all know and love it.

Thank you for your continued support of Peebles Golf Club – your loyalty and patience are hugely appreciated during these challenging times.

Enjoy your golf and stay safe!



 

A Tribute to Tom Litster

The Club is deeply saddened to learn that one of our most active and popular members, Tom Litster, died suddenly yesterday morning, aged 74. The news comes as a huge shock to everyone who knew Tom, both in the club and across the wider community.

Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Tom’s wife Alison and his two daughters, Andrea and Jennifer, as well as the wider family and his close friends.

One of the most prolific winners on the seniors’ circuit, Tom was one of the most recognised faces in the club and certainly made the golf course his second home following his retirement in the late 1990s. A talented junior golfer, he won the Boys Championship in the early 1960s but put his golfing career on hold to work in the family business, Litster Photography, after leaving Peebles High School, where he’d been a class-mate of former club secretary Hugh Gilmore.

Taking up the game again in 1997, he looked like he had never been away. His long flowing swing helped him quickly get his handicap down to low single figures, topping the leaderboard on numerous occasions, collecting prize vouchers for fun and regularly qualifying for the Club Championship, even into his 70s. He had a spell as Match & Handicap Convenor and served on the competitions sub-committee, taking a keen interest in all things Peebles Golf Club.

One of his recent highlights was his 2015 victory in the prestigious Captains & Vice-Captain’s knock-out trophy, winning it for a second time remarkably 53 years after his first victory as a 16-year-old! In the same season, he achieved another incredible feat, firing two holes-in-one during the same round in a Seniors club match against St Boswells at the 7th and 12th holes (a 1 in 64,000,000 feat!). Indeed, over the course of his career, he had no fewer than 13 aces – nine of which were in competitions – with our Club Pro Steve Johnston suggesting that Tom should enter the ones sweep instead of the twos.

Throughout his retirement years, he lived and breathed golf, playing in almost every club competition each season and travelling the country with his group of friends to compete in Open Competitions and Club Matches. He was an avid watcher of the European Tour on Sky Sports, read Bunkered magazine from cover to cover, followed every inch of Martin Dempster’s golf coverage in the Scotsman and was never slow in coming forward with his views on the latest debates in the game, or what Scottish Golf was up to!

He was great company on the golf course and despite his competitive nature and talent, he never appeared to take the game too seriously, telling stories to his player partners of his latest foreign travels or recalling recent travails in a far-off Seniors Open. He certainly enjoyed the clubhouse camaraderie with the Tuesday and Thursday morning coffee crew, entertaining the staff with his cheeky charm and devilish wit…as well as the odd suggestion or two to improve things at the club. And although he was very much missing his golf during the lockdown period, he’d been enjoying his daily walks “without going up 0.1 every day!”

His fellow seniors were in awe of his length of the tee and he continued to be a great ball striker to this day, constantly toying with the latest club technology, in his words “to keep within 50 yards of Jamie Morris…”. His self-deprecating humour was legendary at the club and he used to joke that anyone who was paired with him in a competition should sign the book so that they did not have to play with him again.

Tom, we are all so glad we did get the opportunity to play with you. You will be sadly missed my friend.

A gentleman, a great companion and a champion. Rest in Peace.


We received the following message from Willie Clark, a regular visitor to the Peebles Open:

To the family and friends of Tom

I’m so sad to hear the very sad news of Tom’s passing, I played with Tom more than once in the Peebles Open! Needless to say, he scored better than me! Every year we came to the Peebles open he always made a point of coming to say hello to myself and the rest of the Gifford boys!

He was always fishing for our thoughts on the course and greens were playing, Tom played with a few of the Gifford lads over the years. The ones that did play with him always commented on how competitive he was, and he seemed to enjoy it if he was hitting it farther than any of the younger ones!

But he always made us feel welcome and appreciated for making our annual trip to your open, he was a wonderful ambassador for Peebles Golf Club. So, on behalf of the (Peebles Open) Traveling Gifford Boys I would like to pass on our thoughts to Tom’s wife family and all the members at Peebles Golf Club. RIP Tom

Sincerely Willie Clark (Gifford Golf Club)

 

Members Update: Q&A with our Finance Convenor Grant Foster

As part of our ongoing communications to keep members up-to-date with the club during the current lockdown, Grant Foster, the Club’s Finance Convenor provides a cautious but optimistic outlook for the Club’s future in our special Q&A.  As a volunteer, Grant is serving in his fourth year as Finance Convenor having moved back to Peebles with his family in 2016.  A Chartered Accountant and the Chief Risk Officer of a large global insurance company, Grant has plenty of experience trying to protect Company Balance Sheets!

1.       How do you broadly reflect on the current pandemic?

It’s been a dreadful time of course and while I’m here to address questions about the Club’s finances, frankly that feels less relevant than other things right now, not least the health and well-being of all our family and friends.  Notwithstanding that, as the current stewards of the Golf Club, it’s our responsibility as the Board of Directors to manage the Club through this situation in an orderly and transparent way.

2.       Will the Golf Club survive the impact of Covid-19?

Yes, we’re much more optimistic than we were a few weeks ago when this all started.  Our member renewal rates have come through better than expected and we’ve also been able to access various forms of funding / support which has improved our overall outlook.  That said, we’re not out of the woods yet and there remains a relatively high level of uncertainty about the ultimate outcome including the timeline for suppressing the virus itself. 

3.       How is membership income looking compared to last year?

Our budget for this year was to achieve membership income of £250,000, consistent with last season.  At the time of writing, we are sitting at around £200k, or 80% of target.   Given the circumstances I think that’s pretty good and so credit to all the members that have been able to support us so far.  Nevertheless, we’re still £50,000 short of budget and that flows directly to our bottom line for the year. 

4.       In order to raise further fees, will the Club be offering a discount to those members looking to renew when the lock-down is over?

No, that would be unfair to those many members who, in good faith, have paid their full fees already.  However, we still hope to attract back as many existing (and new) members as possible by making the most of the season that is left.  We are planning to pack in as many competitions and social events as possible and our Junior Coaches are also looking at options to extend the Junior Coaching Programme into the early winter. 

For those members who aren’t comfortable paying the full fee, we do have alternative membership options available including the new Flexible Membership Category which we introduced at the beginning of 2020 through “Play-More-Golf”.

5.       What other income streams have been impacted by Covid-19?

Our second largest contributor to net income is visitor income and we expect that to be significantly impacted by the pandemic.  We were budgeting around £80k of visitor income this year, inclusive of buggy rentals and net bar spend.  At this point we expect that income to reduce by around two-thirds, and even that might be a little optimistic.  Even if government restrictions are fully lifted by June or July there may be less appetite among some of our regular and larger visiting parties to travel this year.  

6.       To what extent do we rely on bar income within our budgeted income?

In recent years the return from the bar hasn’t been significant and the Board was looking to address that under-utilisation in 2020 by encouraging more events and functions within the Clubhouse.  Last year we also opened our restaurant to the public, and after several years of stop-start catering, we were (and still are) hopeful that Harry’s View will get us closer to the success that Jazz enjoyed for many years previously.

In terms of numbers, on the assumption of increased bar activity this year, we originally budgeted an uplift in our net bar from £17,000 in 2019 to £25,000 in 2020.  However, with the bar being shut during the current lock-down and for an indefinite period thereafter, we expect the bar margin this year to be at least £10,000 below our original forecast. 

7.       What forms of support have been available to the Club to help offset the reduction in income?

The Club has received various forms of assistance which I’ll describe in turn.

First, and most significantly, we received a £25,000 Business Support Grant from the Scottish Government which went into our bank account this week. 

Second, the Government will reimburse the Club for all wage costs during the shut-down (up to the 80% limit which we are paying those staff).  The only employee not in furlough is Steve Borthwick, our Head Greenkeeper, who is doing an incredible job keeping the course maintained for when we return. 

Third, the Common Good Fund has agreed to a waiver of next quarters rental payment of £3,925 and will review the position on a quarter to quarter basis thereafter.

Finally, we’ve received a 3-month holiday on our main leasing contract, and although this isn’t a permanent saving it does improve our cash flow position for this year.

8.       Have we been able to reduce any of our expenses?

Yes, there are several costs which have naturally reduced during the lock-down including the cost of utilities, cleaning and other general upkeep and maintenance costs.  We also cancelled our subscription to Sky and BT Sport which will save us around £6,000 for the rest of the year.  Additionally, with the Pro Shop currently closed, we’ve suspended our monthly retainer to Steve Johnston but are hopeful that Steve will be able to reclaim a large part of that through the Government’s scheme for the self-employed.

9.       Is there any other cost cutting we can achieve this year, for example wages?

Wages are certainly our largest cost item and so let me break that down by each area of the Club.

First, in terms of greenkeeping costs, it’s our priority to protect that budget and so we will continue to work with Steve Borthwick through the rest of this year to ensure he has all the resources that he needs.  

Second, in terms of office wages, we replaced our administration team last year which provides us with an annual saving of around £6,000.  Additionally, we’ve brought some of the day-to-day accountancy work in-house which will save us around £4,000 annually in professional fees. With Bill Jacobs now retired, we’re now at the point where we’re running a very lean back-office with our Secretary and two office staff all working on a part-time basis. It would be very difficult to reduce those costs further without impacting service delivery and regulatory compliance. 

Finally, in terms of the bar, those wage costs are substantially correlated to bar activity and therefore are expected to reduce in line with the annual fall in bar income discussed earlier.

10.    Are you aware of the Members Fundraising and how important will those funds be to the Club?

Yes, I understand we’ve raised more than £7,500 in donations which is incredible and thank you to all the members and non-members that have been kind enough to donate their hard-earned cash.  Those funds will contribute significantly to our overall financial position this year.

11.    Taking everything into consideration, what’s your best estimate of the total loss for the year?

The budget approved by our members at the AGM in February forecast a loss this year of around £30,000.  Our current best estimate is for that loss to increase by approximately £20,000 to £50,000.  As I’ve tried to highlight in the commentary, there are a lot of moving parts in that £20,000 variance, and it includes the benefit of several non-recurring income streams and cost savings which are specific to this year.  So, while the forecast loss is probably better than most people anticipated under these exceptional circumstances, it hides an underlying reduction in membership numbers (and a potentially significant one) which will need to be addressed going forward. I’ll come back to that shortly (see Q13).

12.    Will the increase in our projected loss cause any liquidity problems?

No, I’m very hopeful we’ll avoid any liquidity issues this year.  First, we started the financial year (December 1st) with a relatively healthy cash balance of £145,000 which gave us a reasonable amount of headroom going into the new season.  Second, the projected loss of £50,000 includes a depreciation charge of £40,000, which is a non-cash item.  As such the projected cash outflow from operations this year is relatively small at around £10,000.   On the basis that we achieve our reforecast budget, our year-to-year cash balance would therefore remain largely unchanged.

However, it is important to remember that our year-end cash balance is somewhat deceiving (as it is every year) given it reduces quite significantly between December and mid-March (i.e. pre-renewal).  Historically that rate of depletion is approximately £25,000 per month.  While we are projecting a reasonable sized cash buffer going into that period, if we materially miss our reprojection – for example if macro level factors work against us (e.g. a prolonged closure of the clubhouse beyond our current assumption) - then our cash balances could get very tight in February, March time.  In that situation there are a few options we could potentially deploy to provide temporary funding / relief, however I’m hopeful that it won’t come to that.  

13.    Given the potential depletion in the Club’s membership base, what does the long-term future hold for the Club?

Like many Golf Clubs, our financial position has been uncomfortable for several years now and the pandemic magnifies that situation further.  Prior to Covid-19, the Board had already been looking at strategies and options to modify our operating model in order make it more sustainable.  To the extent we suffer any further (and permanent) depletion of our membership base, the need for change will be greatly accelerated.  It is very important that the Board engages our members during the review of our operating model, and it is therefore our intention to hold a Special AGM later this year where we will present a range of potential options and recommendation to the members for feedback.

14.    Finally, can you describe the governance framework in place to manage this situation?

The Board of Directors which also includes Gavin Carruthers, Les Biscomb and Ross Duncan, have been in almost daily communication since the outbreak of the pandemic and have a formal weekly call to review the latest financial projections and other operational matters. We also have a broader Club Committee that provide input into specific areas and that Committee (and its Sub-Committees) continues to meet as necessary to review the situation and plan for the reopening.  We’re also very fortunate to have Club Secretary Alan Frain who joined the Club last year.  Alan is a seasoned professional who I have the upmost respect for and who brings a wealth of relevant experience to the table.  While Alan’s current involvement is impacted by the furlough, he will continue to provide key day-to-day leadership going forward.

 

Peebles Golf Club - Members Appeal Fund

Like us on the Sponsorship Sub-Committee (“SpSC”), many members are asking the club, what can I do to make a difference to the Golf Club in these trying times? What can we do to make a difference?

As you know from the Captain’s updates, the Board and Committee are monitoring the current situation and formulating plans to secure the future of the club, but it is still too early to determine the full financial implications of the Covid-19 crisis.

However, the SpSC has identified a specific window of opportunity for members to demonstrate their support of the club by making a difference right now. We had already started to meet with existing sponsors during February and March, and we had intended to continue to meet the remaining ones along with making appointments with potential new sponsors, but due to the lockdown this has been put on hold and will be resurrected once we feel the club is back up and running again. So rather than wait for time to pass, the SpSC is still meeting regularly, to see how we can help the club in other ways. Out of these meetings has come the idea of the “Members’ Appeal Fund”.

> PGC Just Giving Crowdfunding Page

We have just launched a new members’ appeal on a Just Giving Crowdfunding page - linked above. The appeal is to provide financial help for Peebles Golf Club. It is called the Members’ Appeal Fund and the purpose is to raise funds during these unprecedented times for the club, to ensure we have a club coming out of lockdown that is in the best position it can be as we turn the corner.

Probably not since the two world wars, has the golf club faced such a critical and potentially devastating crisis and uncertain times. The Golf club has had difficult times in the past, but nothing on this scale and potential severity. As you have seen from the Captains recent letters, our only income at present is the members subscriptions, and this is not enough to sustain this magnificent club we are all members of into a future post 2020. The golf club needs its members more now than ever before if we are to have a club to take forward into 2021.

The appeal is to all members, but especially those that ironically and perversely find themselves financially better off during the current lockdown – e.g. those on full salaries or full pensions, whose income has not changed fundamentally, but are not able to spend money on the likes of the Golfie, Coffees/Teas, Pubs, Lunches, Restaurants, travel, holidays, work expenses, and many more items. We do of course understand that some members will not be able to help the club during these extremely trying times, and our hearts and thoughts go out to you during these very difficult times.

So if like some of us on the SpSC, you find yourself being financially better off during the lockdown, we ask can you please put some of those savings into the appeal fund for Peebles Golf Club - something each month from these savings during these trying and difficult times, or a one off lump sum if you prefer. This appeal is just during the current lockdown, starting in April 2020 until such times as the measures are relaxed and we find life returning to something resembling normality, then we will close the appeal.

We have set a monthly target of £2,000 per month, and if we hit or exceed the target, this will make a massive difference to the club.

If anyone is struggling with the technology and giving donations via this page, please contact the Sponsorship Sub-Committee on lesbiscomb@sky.com, 01721 724361, 07779727774 who will see how they can help you.

Many thanks for your support.

Peebles Golf Club Sponsorship Sub-Committee

(Les Biscomb, Keith McIntosh, Eric Mapp, Colin Brown & Warwick Brown)

Update from the Captain: Supporting your Club During the Covid-19 Crisis

Dear Member

I hope you are staying safe and keeping healthy during these unprecedented times amid the Covid-19 lockdown. It’s a frustrating time for us all not being able to play golf just now, but by observing social distancing we are all doing our bit for the community and the NHS.

By way of an update, the Board of Directors have been in frequent contact and I have chaired several meetings via video conferencing over the past couple of weeks, to ensure we are doing everything possible to protect the future of Peebles Golf Club. As part of this, we have been working on updated financial projections for 2020 which incorporate the impact of the current lock-down and consider a range of potential outcomes based on how the situation may develop. As you would expect, our projections show a significant drop in income for the year with all our key revenue streams significantly dropping including visitors, events and bar.

To help offset the impact of this, the Board has taken a number of immediate steps to address the situation which include the following:

  • Furloughed all our permanent staff under the Government’s Job Retention Scheme with 80% of salaries claimed;

  • The only exception to this is the retention of our head greenkeeper Stevie Borthwick on full-time hours, as permitted by the Government under essential maintenance;

  • Stevie has been doing a fantastic job working alone and keeping on top of cutting greens, fairways, aprons, semi-rough and other tasks, to ensure that the course will be in excellent condition when we return;

  • As a result of furloughing our staff, we save on the cost of their salaries, although this means we currently have no professional administration function currently. As a result, we are reliant on volunteering efforts to monitor and respond to important e-mails and handle membership payments/enquiries;

  • We have applied for and expect to receive a £25k Business Support Grant from the Scottish Government;

  • We have requested a waiver and or reduction in rental payments from the Common Good Fund;

  • We have stopped or postponed all variable costs (e.g. satellite TV subscription), and all other non-essential expenditure has been put on hold; and

  • We are reviewing future fundraising options.

I would like to reassure members that we do not have an immediate liquidity issue and, based our current best estimate, the Club should have enough cash in place for the rest of the season, however with c. 30% of renewal subscriptions not yet received, our cash position is likely to get very tight. Member subscriptions is our primary source of income each year, and currently it’s our ONLY source of income. To the members who have renewed to date, I want to personally thank you, your support is truly appreciated. For any member who hasn’t paid yet, I would strongly encourage you to do so if you can afford it. For those who are in a stable financial position, think of the money you are saving on everything else right now – petrol, nights out, coffee and the odd beer or glass of wine!

Through our Fairway Credit scheme, you have the option of spreading your payments on a monthly basis for the remainder of the year. You may not get golfing for a few more weeks, however paying your membership now will help protect and sustain the club when we do re-open. Rest assured; we will look at extending the season as much as possible for the rest of the year so we can give everyone great value in 2020.

This truly is our hour of need. Your Golf Club needs you!

The following information provides details on how you can pay your membership fees:

1. Electronic payment via Club V1: If you are settling your invoice in full then we would encourage you to pay via the Club V1 app as this will greatly assist the administration and reconciliation processes. Club V1 can be accessed via the Club Website located in the Members’ section under “Members’ Hub”. Please login using your existing HowDidiDo details or register for an account if you haven't used HowDidiDo before.

2. Payment directly to PGC bank account: You can also settle your bill in full directly via BACS by making an electronic payment using the Club’s Sort Code and Account Number. Please enter your first initial and surname in the descriptor box.

3. Monthly payment via our finance partners at Fairway Credit: Please note that a charge of 7.15% of the total invoice (minimum £15) is applicable to this finance product. If you are an existing Fairway Credit user, your payment plan will renew automatically. If you wish to cease making payments via Fairway Credit, please contact them directly. New Fairway Credit users should register via the “monthly payment by direct debit” option within the Club V1 app.

The office is currently shut, however please send the club an e-mail if you have any queries regarding membership payments to secretary@peeblesgolfclub.com and clubadmin@peeblesgolfclub.com and we will do our best to respond quickly.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support of Peebles Golf Club and hope you stay safe and healthy. Like everyone, I am looking forward to getting back on the course and catching up with fellow members in the clubhouse once we ‘get to the other side’. Your next game of golf will be your best!  

Yours in golf

Gavin Carruthers, Captain

PS. The following article in Bunkered magazine this week captures the essence of the message we are trying to get across…

> Read more…


A Message from the Captain

Support your Club Now to Safeguard the Club’s Future

We are living in unparalleled times as a society and as a golf club. Following yesterday’s Government’s advice, we now find ourselves without access to the golf course, which even last week seemed unthinkable. Our everyday lives have been changed for the time being as we stay at home to protect lives. We hope this will be short-lived and I’m sure the sacrifices we are making now will be in the long-term interest of everyone.

Turning to Peebles Golf Club, I write to you in the knowledge that we are in a period of great uncertainty, however I would like to assure you that the club’s Board of Directors – together with our secretary Alan Frain, our pro Steve Johnston and head greenkeeper, Stevie Borthwick, are in daily contact to ensure we continue to operate behind the scenes and plan for the future.  We will look into all government funding options to protect our business and staff.

Our priority is to protect the future sustainability of Peebles Golf Club and I am calling on your support to help us achieve this. Renewing your membership at this time is more vital than ever before. It is our only income stream for the foreseeable future and although we are in lockdown, we still have costs to cover.

We will be operating a skeleton greenkeeping staff, as permitted by the Government, to keep the course maintained.  Operationally, the office will be closed after tomorrow afternoon and the office staff, bar staff and two other greenkeepers, Lewis and Jacob, will be “furloughed” for the time being.

Although no one will have access to the golf course until restrictions are lifted, we all want a golf course to come back to when we ‘emerge from the other side’. We want to enjoy the greens in great condition, the best views in the Borders, the banter in the clubhouse, the camaraderie of competition, the coaching of our juniors and quality time on the course with our friends. However, we can only do this if membership income continues to come in.

We are a fantastic golf club with loyal members, steeped in 128 years of history, and we’ve come together before in times of need. Now, more than any time in our history, we need your support.

I fully appreciate the financial challenges some people are facing during these difficult times, but if you can afford to pay your membership fees, please do so now. We will look at ways in which we can extend the season as much as possible for the rest of the year so we can give everyone as much value as possible in 2020. For those who are in a stable financial position, think of the money you are saving on everything else right now! (and that new driver can wait until next season!).

A huge thank you to those who have paid their fees already and the details at the end of the newsletter outline a number of ways in which you can pay.

This is our hour of need. Once this crisis is over, we’re all going to want to play golf more than ever before and return to the strong, healthy and vibrant golf club at the heart of our community. Please support your golf club!

In signing off, I would like to thank all members for their continued loyalty and hope that you all stay safe and healthy.

Way to pay your membership:

1.       Electronic payment via Club V1

2.       Payment directly to PGC bank account – (please enter your first initial and surname in the descriptor box)

3.       Monthly payment via our finance partners at Fairway Credit. Please note that a charge of 7.15% of the total invoice (minimum £15) is applicable to this finance product.

·       If you are settling your invoice in full then we would encourage you to pay via the Club V1 app as this will greatly assist the administration and reconciliation processes. Club V1 can be accessed via the Club Website located in the Members’ section under “Members’ Hub”. Please login using your existing HowDidiDo details or register for an account if you haven't used HowDidiDo before.

·       You can also settle your bill in full directly via BACS by making an electronic payment to PGC’s bank account (see bank details above).  This can be done via online banking or via contact with your bank.  Please identify yourself in the reference box.

·       Monthly payments can be made via Fairway Credit.  If you are an existing Fairway Credit user, your payment plan will renew automatically. If you wish to cease making payments via Fairway Credit, please contact them directly. New Fairway Credit users should register via the “monthly payment by direct debit” option within the Club V1 app.

In addition, office staff will be available on Wednesday between 9.15 and 2.00pm for those who wish to pay by card over the phone, by calling 01721 720197.

Yours in golf

Gavin Carruthers | Captain

#StaySafe #SuportYourClub

Support your Club Now to Safeguard our Future

There are a number of different ways in which you can now pay your membership:

1.       Electronic payment via Club V1

2.       Payment directly to PGC bank account – Sort Code 83 26 09, A/C no. 00237700 (please enter your first initial and surname in the descriptor box)

3.       Monthly payment via our finance partners at Fairway Credit. Please note that a charge of 7.15% of the total invoice (minimum £15) is applicable to this finance product.

·       If you are settling your invoice in full then we would encourage you to pay via the Club V1 app as this will greatly assist the administration and reconciliation processes. Club V1 can be accessed via the Club Website located in the Members’ section under “Members’ Hub”. Please login using your existing HowDidiDo details or register for an account if you haven't used HowDidiDo before.

·       You can also settle your bill in full directly via BACS by making an electronic payment to PGC’s bank account (see bank details above).  This can be done via online banking or via contact with your bank.  Please identify yourself in the reference box.

·       Monthly payments can be made via Fairway Credit.  If you are an existing Fairway Credit user, your payment plan will renew automatically. If you wish to cease making payments via Fairway Credit, please contact them directly. New Fairway Credit users should register via the “monthly payment by direct debit” option within the Club V1 app.

In addition, office staff will be available on Wednesday between 9.15 and 2.00pm for those who wish to pay by card over the phone, by calling 01721 720197.

Thank you for your continued support and loyalty!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Relaxing the Rules of Golf

The R&A has received a number of enquiries from organisers of golf competitions seeking guidance on the Rules of Golf in view of the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this communication is to provide some guidance on the Rules of Golf.

After consulting with CONGU, the official handicapping authority for all golf governing bodies in Great Britain and Ireland, Scottish Golf would like to inform its members that all recommendations listed by The R&A below can adopted and count for handicapping purposes in Scotland with immediate effect.

Scorecards 

In view of concerns around handling and exchanging scorecards (which may be in paper or electronic form as already provided in the Rules), on a temporary basis, Committees may choose to allow methods of scoring in stroke play that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b, or do not comply with the normal methods used under Rule 3.3b.

For example:

  • Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it).

  • It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place.

  • It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the Committee provided the Committee can accept the scores in another way.

Flagsticks

Committees may choose to adopt the following policies on a temporary basis:

  • Requiring that players leave the flagstick in the hole at all times. It is a matter for the Committee to decide whether it establishes this policy by way of a Code of Conduct or Local Rule, and whether it provides a penalty under the Code of Conduct or for a breach of the Local Rule.

  • Not have flagsticks at all. 

Hole

No modifications to the Definition of Hole are offered, but if a Committee chooses not to follow the requirements in the Definition of Hole, which may also have an impact on the Definition of “Holed”, the Committee should consult its national association for guidance on whether scores submitted in such circumstances are acceptable for handicapping purposes.

The following will be deemed acceptable for use in qualifying competitions:

Clubs can invert the cup so that there is only a shallow cup allowing players to remove the ball without touching the flag please see photo below.

Bunkers

If rakes have been removed from the course, or if the Committee has requested that rakes not be used, it is recognised that bunkers may not be smoothed as well as when there are rakes on the course. But it is recommended that no modification is made to the Rules of Golf in such circumstances, and that players are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club. 

If, as a result of there being no rakes, the Committee decides to introduce a Local Rule relating to bunkers, scores submitted under the following Local Rules acceptable for use in qualifying competitions:

Preferred lies in bunkers within 6 inches to allow players to get out of un-raked areas or bunkers marked as GUR.

If you have any further queries relating to Handicapping and qualifying competitions, please email handicapping@scottishgolf.org

Club Update on COVID-19

The Club is very aware of the situation concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is monitoring all developments. The health and welfare of all staff, members, guests and visitors is the primary concern and priority.

Golf is a great sport for people to generally get out and about, exercise and enjoy the fresh air. It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting Covid-19 is low. However, we need to be mindful of the social nature of our game and how this element of it is impacted.

Staff have been briefed about the situation and are taking all required precautions behind the bar and in the kitchen. Also, particular attention will be paid to the cleanliness of door handles and other high contact surfaces.

As far as the Public areas and the activities of the Club are concerned:

• At present all Club events / activities will proceed as planned.

• The clubhouse will remain open as usual with the normal provision of food and beverage.

Members are asked:

• Not to come to the club if you have been in a high-risk area of the world in the past three weeks and not to bring a guest who has been in these areas.

• Not to come to the club if you are suffering any cold or flu like symptoms or have a persistent cough. In such an event, please follow government guidelines to self-isolate.

• If you have tested positive for the virus, please inform the Club when you were last at the club so appropriate action can be taken and, as necessary, any contacts can be traced.

• To avoid handshakes and other embraces. Try an elbow bump or foot bump. Or, since it’s golf, a club tap.

• If coughing or sneezing when at the club, please use paper tissues and bin after use and wash your hands.

• While at the Club please wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Use hand sanitisers regularly even on the course.

• Avoid touching your face or eyes.

• If possible, use card for payment rather than cash.

The situation will continue to be monitored and members will be updated when necessary. The position is fast moving and the services and events in the Clubhouse may be subject to change at short notice.

We also recommend reading the following article, courtesy of Golf Digest:

> Golf Digest: Can you play golf amid coronavirus concerns? With proper precautions, yes

Opening Day Scramble Draw - Saturday 21 March

Peebles Golf Club’s Opening Day Scramble takes place on Saturday 21 March. The event is now fully booked and to see a copy of the draw and starting hole positions click on the link below. The event is a 10.00am shotgun start and we request that all teams are in place on their tee for 9.45am.

> Opening Day Scramble Draw

A reserve list is in operation so please add your name to the sheet in the foyer if you would like to be added.

> Rules & Format