A Year in Review
The mild weather has continued this week and whilst conditions are a little damp they are nothing compared to what we faced nearly 12 months ago, on Boxing Day.
As I write this final newsletter of the year I sincerely hope the early ones next year will be talking about lots of activity on the course from golfers rather than ducks!
Thankfully the year has finished a lot better than it started and the great momentum here at York GC continues with our flourishing membership in all categories. The latest phase of the Course Development Plan has been completed with some superb work and the range and practice facilities continue to be improved.
Very soon work will begin on the clubhouse and in the New Year we will be publishing exciting news regarding the pro shop services and events for 2017.
2016- Highlights
As mentioned earlier, the year started badly but whilst the course was closed it was a great opportunity to extend the kitchen.
In March, I was fortunate to be invited by TaylorMade to play in the Ambassador Cup in Portugal.
In April, the latest Course Development Work looks great and fully in play.
In May, an invite from PING to play with Lee Westwood at the wonderful Walton Heath Old Course.
In May, we also received extra help on the range from the recently retired Alan Barrass.
In June, we had a fantastic Captains weekend of activities from Ian and Carol.
Throughout the year work with the Juniors continues and the Ladies Academy continues with great results.
In September, we held our inaugural Professionals Day which was a great success. 42 teams of 4 playing for over £2800 worth of prizes.
The latest phase of the Course Development Work continues.
In October, the inaugural Ladies coaching trip to Portugal took place with 27 ladies.
In November, I was invited to see the new range of TaylorMade clubs at Wentworth (more on this later in the newsletter).
Christmas Time at The York
A customer we had this week commented that they had just done their easiest Christmas shopping in our pro shop! No parking issues, no queues, lots of choice in all price points from stocking fillers to whatever you want to spend and also personalised gift vouchers too.
It is great to see how keen our members are about playing this time of year and this is shown by the interest in the fantastic ranges of winter clothing and shoes we have available. The technology in the playing tops and trousers is incredible and we regularly receive praise from members after they have played in their new clothing.
I have to admit it is always amusing watching someone come out of the changing room when they are trying the Under Armour "Infrared" winter trousers as they always come out doing a little dance/shuffle as "they feel so good"!
Another great idea for a gift is a Lesson Voucher to be used with either myself or TJ. These can be personalised and full details of the packages are available by clicking here.
As mentioned earlier the new TaylorMade range of woods and irons are launched soon. The launch date is on the 27th January but as one of a select few custom fitting accounts we will be taking delivery of our fitting clubs very soon so customers can pre-order their clubs and have them delivered on the launch date. Given that Rory and Tiger have been using TM woods recently in addition to many other leading Professionals I'm sure these clubs will be very popular indeed.
Christmas Competition
It was great to see so many Ladies play in the Christmas comp on Tuesday. Not only was the turnout great but there were also some great sweaters and hats.
Of course there is always one who arrives late on the tee……………
Many congratulations to Judith McGuire who won her first prize in golf when she finished 2nd in last weeks team event. Fantastic to see.
And Finally
As this is the final newsletter of the year I would like to take the opportunity to say huge thank you to all of you for your continued support throughout the year. It is an absolute honour and privilege to work here as your Club Professional and to share in the fantastic development of York GC.
All the very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to you and your families and we look forward to another great year in 2017.
The Pro Shop Team
Our greenstaff have been showing off their hidden talents in their spare time lately with some great use of spare logs.
These are available to purchase from the greenkeepers.
