Annual Subscriptions
The deadline for payment of the annual subscription 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.

Winter Wonderland!
‘Wildlife at Dungarvan Golf Club’ the title of a recent essay by a member, came to mind this week as nature laughed at aspiring golfers. Yes, while we awaited the re-opening of the course, the black fox often seen on the course had a free rein, threatening Yammie’s ducks as he skulked across the frozen lakes. There was no sign of life at the wasps’ nest beside the seventh green, but the birds were out in force in their undisturbed foraging for morsels of food. While the animals inside the clubhouse grazed on tasty tit-bits from the kitchen, or more accurately, chewed the cud of recent happenings, they kept a weather eye on the vista outside. The white scene was occasionally stained with the arrival of a curlew or an oystercatcher to supplement the finches, robins, blackbirds, thrushes, wrens, wagtails and all the other common birds who share the course with ourselves and the rabbits. Yes, a desperate time for birds and animals, and all we have to do is wait patiently for the thaw and the arrival of the spring flowers. Did I mention golf!

Question Time
True or False again this week. 1. A player, in stroke play, always incurs a one-stroke penalty when taking relief from a water hazard. T/F?  2. A ball is in a water hazard when it touches the outside edge of a stake defining the water hazard. T/F?  3. A ball overhanging the edge of a bunker but not touching the sand is in the bunker. T/F?  4. As a player reaches the top of his backswing on a tee shot the ball falls off the tee. He completes the stroke topping the ball just a few metres forward. There is no penalty and he must now play the ball as it lies. T/F?  5. A player may always advise another player on what his options are under the Rules. T/F?
Answers: 1 T; 2 T; 3 F; 4 T; 5 T.

Starting on the 10th
When the course re-opens competitions will start on the 10th, for a trial period during the remainder of the winter. We have learned over time that in frosty weather the 2nd green is usually the last to thaw, possibly due to the overhang by the tall, mature pines. Incidentally, for weather watchers, that area is usually the warmest part of the course in summer. By starting on the 10th and coming to the 1st much later, it is likely that we may start earlier on cold mornings. The committees are also considering having a dual-tee start when necessary (1st and 10th) – to clear the log-jam which sometimes occurs when the course opens late. Watch out for notices.

Prize Vouchers
In 2009 the Men’s Club streamlined the use of their prize vouchers in an effort to support generous sponsors at retail outlets. The committee is attempting to further improve the scheme, this year affording winners some choice as to where they may redeem their vouchers. As usual your voucher will be left in the bar, perhaps not immediately, and feedback from members will be very welcome as the season progresses. I also hear that distribution of prizes for the past two years has been carefully analysed, with details available from the competition secretary Noel. There is huge interest in where the prizes go, e.g. members or visitors, or who gets most, or what is the average, or to what extent the handicap system contributes to ‘a level playing field’. The findings are interesting.

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.

GENTS FIXTURES  
Thur 14th Jan Open 16H s’ford. Sat 16th & Sun 17th Jan 16H s’ford.

LADIES FIXTURES
Sat 16th Jan 16H s’ford. Tues 19th 11H s’ford. Ladies Home Alliance:
Round 4 - for Sections 1, 2 & 3 Tuesday 19th January
Round 5 - Tues 2nd February & Sat 6th February
Round 6 - Tues 16th February & Sat 20th February
Home Alliance Captain’s Prize, kindly presented by
Mary Phelan, on Saturday 13th March 2010.

SIXTY.COM
Next competition is Wed. 13th Jan. Draw for partners at 1.30.

PROGRESSIVE 45
Thursday 7th Jan. Winners Vincent & Teresa Hayes. Runners-up John & Ina Considine. Last 5 Ollie O’Neill & Bernie Hayes. Lucky Table Colm Bannon & Tom Phelan.
Next Progressive 45 will be Thursday 14th Jan. at 8.30. All are welcome.   

LOTTO 
Week ending 10/01/10: WINNING NUMBERS 6,9,16,17.  No Winner. €15 winners: I.Considine, M.& F.Kelly, Craig Laura & Paul Sheehan, Teresa Hayes, Sean Casey. NEXT WEEK’S JACKPOT €9,600.  Next Draw Sun 17th 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 .