Here's to spring and summer golf, barbeques and long relaxing evenings.

 

I wish to bring members attention to:

 

Financially the 2018/19 year can be described as "a status quo year", full playing membership numbers maintained however we experienced growth in 9 hole, especially women, and Under 40 membership 

 

The irrigation levy has had 4 out of 5 collections.  As at 31 Aug 2019 the balance in the irrigation fund was $300,928 with work commencing in April 2020 on the greens and tees.  The fairway work is planned to be done over the following two years, 9 holes each year.

 

Capex has been maintained at budgeted levels and cash reserves increased in preparation for the irrigation project.  Gordon and his team have completed significant improvements this winter, thank you for all the positive feedback received from members, as the irrigation will require his attention in the next three winters.

 

2019/20 Subscriptions

Looking forward, the budget for 2019/20 has been approved by the Management Committee at its August meeting.

 

As per Rule 18.1 of the club constitution the Management Committee resolved an increase in subscriptions for the 2019/20 year of 2.75%

 

The subscriptions are set out as follows:

 

 

These figures do not include levies or GST.

 

This is equivalent to $34.50 incl GST per year for a full playing member.  Our gross budgeted income is approximately $1.5m of which approx. 45% is spent on wages and salaries.  Course expenditure increases are also expected and our capex, particularly a Greens Mower and Tees Mower, are due for replacement in 2019/20 costing over $100,000.  Insurance is another major expense and likely to increase between 5-7%.

 

Overall the budget is break-even but hopefully with grant funding and performance bettering budget we will have a somewhat better result than budget by year end.

 

Pre-Christmas is a busy charity and other tournament time and as I have alluded to in previous President Updates, we are hosting the Men's NZ Interprovincial Tournament in November. Nearer the time we will be asking for volunteers but also come out and show support for the top amateurs in New Zealand, manybe another Lydia Ko equivalent will be amongst them.

 

A big shout out to those members organising functions at the Club recently i.e. the caravaners, Rob & Julie Brangwin, and the Grizzlies in recent times.

 

Business (or any) meetings, lunches and evening functions can all be catered for by Kieran and our team.  Our first choice is to provide opportunities to members and associates so please don't hesitate to give HGC the opportunity to meet your needs.

 

The AGM is fast approaching so for members interested in helping the club now is the time to start thinking about what you can offer.

 

As set out in the club constitution this year we have one member elected position which retires by rotation and one Management Committee appointed position vacant as the two-year term has been served.  Both can put themselves up for re-appointment.

 

To broaden the Management Committee skills base, people with experience in some, not necessarily all the following skills, would 'fill the gap/strengthen' the makeup of the Management Committee. 

Nominations for the member elected position will open mid-October 2019.  The appropriate nomination form is to be completed.

 

For the Management Committee appointed position, if you wish to be considered an application can be made to the Strategy, Finance & Facilities Sub-Committee.  Please contact Michelle or me on how to do this.

 

Applications for both above positions close 31 October 2019, 4:00pm.  All nominations for positions must meet criteria as detailed in Rule 6 of the club constitution.

 

A huge thank you to Murray McNae and his merry band of warriors. This project has created major interest within the membership and outside Hawke's Bay.  High tech water features with water lilies will hopefully be as attractive to the right type of wild life as they appear now.  What's next?  Any other ideas appreciated.

 

Recently I travelled to Wisconsin, USA and made use of PLI by playing "the Bull" course in Door County.  A magnificent course and very reasonable green fee.  I would highly recommend to anyone to check out what PLI has to offer in regions of the world you are travelling to.

 

 

 

Peter Clayton

President