Annual Subscriptions
The deadline for members to have the annual subscription paid was 31st December. Over the coming days those who have not paid the relevant subscription will be disabled from using the internet Tee Booking system for booking tee times and entering competitions.

Frost and Rain
When cabin fever had set in over Christmas many of us wondered if we could get out for a few holes – will the course be open? Course Manager Anthony recommended, in an effort to maintain the standard set over the years, that we should remain closed. Some members and visitors were curious enough to enquire about the details on course protection. Some key points are that frost is basically frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass making it hard and brittle. A grass blade is actually 90% water, therefore it also freezes. Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell walls to rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally. When damaged, the putting surface weakens and becomes more susceptible to disease and weeds. One fourball can leave several hundred footprints on each green, causing extensive damage. A short delay while the frost melts can preserve the quality of the greens and prevent needless repairs. During some days over Christmas there was no thaw, or it came so late that it was not worthwhile opening up for play, although we did manage to open Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st. So, there you have it! When we see the back of all the rain and frost we will be glad of the precautions taken, and we all look forward to A1 greens and course conditions throughout the year.

Lions Club and Amber/Cost-Cutter
Ina and Roger presented a sizeable cheque to the Dungarvan Lions Club for their Christmas Appeal. Ben O’ Neill had generously provided lovely prizes from his Hi-Fi/TV/ Computers stock but we were ‘frozen out’ by weather conditions. So, weather permitting we will play for these prizes this week. In addition, we have one other outstanding sponsored competition from 2009. Pat Keane of Amber/Costcutter on theYoughal Road gave us some generous vouchers for use at his petrol/deli/grocery/newsagency, and we hope to play for these prizes on Sat and Sun 16th and 17th Jan. We will resume the Deise Golf World (Graham Nagle) Winter League the following weekend (Thurs 21st to Sun 24th Jan)

‘45’
Cabin fever was mentioned above, as the course was closed during the Christmas period. However, the clubhouse was a hive of activity every day, with Michael Clancy laying on tea/coffee and chocolate biscuits for card and snooker players, miscellaneous members and their guests who just sat and chatted about topics of the day, and the many who came to support Tom Daly in the dining room as he provided lunch, snacks, mince pies and cream – in fact whatever we fancied. And Tom Phelan says that he and Ann Morrissey are resuming the weekly 45 drive this week, on Thursday 7th at the usual time of 9 p.m. sharp. For prospective newcomers this is a sociable 15-game drive for members and visitors. They come from as far afield as Lismore, so don’t be shy: put Dungarvan Golf Club in your social diary for cards on Thursdays. By the way, for those not in a hurry home there is always a €5 rubber afterwards.

Rules Corner
This paragraph is proving to be very popular, so here goes with some True/False questions: 1. A fellow competitor or spectator may not assist a player in removing a large loose impediment. T or F? 2. A player may brush aside sand in the area where he is about to drop his ball under the Rules. T or F? 3. When taking relief from an immovable obstruction a player may not clean his ball. T or F? 4. The general penalty for a breach of a Rule in stroke play is one stroke? T or F? 5. Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the five minutes permitted for searching for a ball? T or F? Answers: 1. F. 2. F. 3. F. 4. F. 5. T.

Introductory Offer for New Members
Dungarvan Golf Club now has a special “Introductory Offer” for new members, whereby newcomers to the club may join for a flat €500. This generous offer is valid for the 2009/10 membership season i.e. 1st October 2009 to 30th September 2010.  An application form can be downloaded from the club website www.dungarvangolfclub.com or, alternatively, contact the office on (058) 43310 if there is any further information or assistance you require.

Junior Notes
Coaching for our elite squads continues every Monday evening at Tinhalla Driving Range under the watchful eye of County coach and club professional David Hayes. Parents and adult members are welcome to attend, as transport is always required, and you might learn something! Departure is from Dungarvan Golf Club at 7pm.
Any enquiries regarding Junior Golf at Dungarvan can be directed to Club Professional David Hayes. David can be contacted at 058-44707, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the website at www.freewebs.com/davidhayesproshop.

DUNGARVAN GENTS RESULTS
Thur.31st Dec.Open 16h s’ford: 1st Jerry Farrell (East Cork/8) 36pts. 2nd Ken O’Keeffe (East Cork/15) 34pts. CSS: Non qualifying.
DUNGARVAN GENTS FIXTURES  
Thur 7th Jan Open 16H s’ford. Sat 9th & Sun 10th 16H s’ford & Lions Club Christmas Appeal.

DUNGARVAN LADIES FIXTURES
Sat 9th 16H s’ford. Tues 12th 11H s’ford.

SIXTY.COM
Just to remind you that the next competition is Wed. 6th Jan. Draw for partners at 1.30.

PROGRESSIVE 45
Next Progressive 45 will be Thursday 7th Jan. at 8.30. All are welcome.   

LOTTO 
Week ending 03/01/10: WINNING NUMBERS 2,5,7,23.  No Winner. €15 winners: J.Hogan, Lily Hallahan, T.Phelan, J.Colbert, Craig Laura & Paul Sheehan. NEXT WEEK’S JACKPOT €9,450.  Next Draw Sun 10th Jan.  If you’re not in you can’t win! Thank you for your support.

CLUB CONTACT DETAILS:
Website: www.dungarvangolfclub.com for online booking & timesheets. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tel. (058) 43310. Fax.(058) 44113. Pro Shop (058) 44707, (M) 086 2681701. Pro Shop Website: www.freewebs/davidhayesproshop.com, Pro Shop email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .