It's been over six weeks since Phil saw his shadow, so I guess we're now in Spring. Actually March 21st is the first day of Spring, so whether (or should I say "weather") officially or unofficially, we're into Spring.
The course is really looking good, and the weather is much improved, so now is the time of year to enjoy it. I know the "fore"-cast is calling for another nice weekend in the Antelope Valley with temperatures in the highs in the mid 70's, so get out there and enjoy it.
The Masters is coming up in a couple of weeks ... Should be interesting.
News From the Clubhouse
Now, I know everyone has heard of "March Madness"! Well it's here at the course. One day it's up in the high 70's the next day it's windy, cold and a chance of showers. That's not madness. That's crazy! And very difficult to make plans to golf, but when it's nice out here, it's great! And everyone comes out to enjoy a round of golf.
Rick and Pedro are doing an excellent job of taking care of the course. The fairways are soft and the greens are fast, the lakes and canals are getting the reeds pulled out; it's looking great out there. Any suggestions or compliments to those two, please let the starters know and we will convey it to them or you can stop and tell them yourself. Everyone likes a compliment. There are a few areas out there with caution tape around them. They are re-seeding those parts. They are considered "ground under repair." If your ball lands inside of the area you must take it out and drop a club length away to the nearest point of relief but no closer to the flag.
Starting April 1, 2010 Twilight will start at 3:00 and Super Twilight at 5:00. For those hot days that will soon be upon us, in the Pro Shop we carry chapstick, sunscreen, sunglasses and an item called "Blu Bandoo." It is a cooling head wear that you wet and wrap around your neck. It stays cool for hours and can be reused. Also new is "The Golf Round," a pocket ball cleaner, wet it, fold it, clean the ball and put it in your pocket you may never use a towel again but just in case we do have towels inside for sale big towels and putter size towels.
Having a birthday, church function, youth outing or just a large group wanting to play golf together? We have tournaments packages available for as few as 12 to as many as 50 players and as low as $15.00 per person, now is the time to book a month, time and day. We will take reservations as far in advance as Dec.
Have fun, play fair and remember a bad day golfing beats a good day working, except for us employee's who get the best of both worlds working here at Rancho Sierra.
Shirley
A Special Course Visitor
Last Thursday we had a very interesting situation, A Emu (yes you read right) decided to visit us. He lives down the street. He was quite large but very tame.
Erlan Calvert was playing with the guys in the mens club and his group was on the #4 green when Erlan hit a great shot onto the green. The Emu walked up and moved it! While the group was trying to figure out what the ruling was the Emu then ate his ball. It was a Top Flite so Erlan thought maybe he wanted to fly. A little while later he left the course and walked on home. He left before the animal control could get here. See the pictures.
Relay for Life
The Lancaster Relay for Life will be held on April 17 and 18 at Quartz Hill High School. Bob Gonzales, our Men's club representative, is a part of Team Lancaster who will be walking for 24 hours straight to help raise funds in the fight against Cancer.
Bob is doing this in honor of his wife, Jenny, who passed away last August. Please click on the following link to read his personal message.
Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. Please contact Bob if you have any questions.
Men's Club News
Mid-Year Tournaments
Both the Sunday and Midweek groups will be having their Mid-year Tournaments in June. Each tournament is designed to reward our members for their regular attendance and support of the Rancho Sierra Mens Club.
For the Midweek group, a member has to play in 50% of the weekly tournaments from December to May to qualify. Members should check with Jack Harvey to check their status. There are still 20 dates left to qualify for the Midweek Tournament.
For the Sunday group, a member must earn 125 points from December 4 to May 30 to qualify. Members earn 5 points for each Sunday Tournament they play in, an additional 10 points for attending a Mens Club meeting and another 10 points for playing in the Classic on May 16. Members also receive 2 points for each time they enter GOM and 1 point for each Partners Best Ball and Sweepers entry. As of this writing, he following members have already qualified: John Yates, Bob Gonzales, Tracy Yates, Dominic Falco, Alan Hegwood, Harold Maute, and David Smith.
Needing less than 25 points are Jacques Arnold, Joey Chewning, Bud Bryant, and Mike Brannon. Needing less than 40 points: Paul Bergerner, Ray Fontaine, and Sal Herrera. Needing less than 50 points: James Jucksch, Kenneth Green, Mike Villa, and Tony Abrams. Needing more than 50 but still mathematically eligible: Bobby Griffin, Ralph Cottell, Matt Havens, Herman Rodriguez, Richard Smith, Roger Gackenback, Joe Zietlow, Jack Harvey, Gary Thompson, and Chris Gonzales. There are 10 Sundays left to qualify, including two meeting dates and the Classic.
ACCEPTABLE and UNACCEPTABLE SCORES FOR POSTING
Posting scores accurately is what allows each member to have an accurate handicap. Each player is responsible for having their scores posted and is on the “honor system” to have those scores posted accurately. Recently, there was a question by a club member as to what is and isn’t an acceptable score for posting. The Board of Directors researched the question thoroughly and found the answers thru USGA on the SCGA website. Here is a link to Posting Procedures from the USGA Handbook -
USGA: Handicap Manual.
Here are some highlights of Section 5 Scores as it appears in the USGA handbook.
Section 5 SCORES 5-1. Acceptability of Scores
a. Scores To Post --If 13 or more holes are played, the player must post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player must post a nine-hole score. (See Decision 5-1a/3.)
c. Scores in All Forms of Competition--
Scores in both match play and stroke play must be posted for handicap purposes.
f. Unacceptable Scores
Scores made under the following conditions are not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not be entered in the player's scoring record:
(i) When fewer than seven holes are played;
(ii) When made on a golf course in an area in which an inactive season established by the authorized golf association is in effect;
(iii) When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf (except for preferred lies); ( I.e. scrambles, alternate shot, etc)
(iv) When the length of the course is less than 3,000 yards for 18 holes (or less than 1,500 yards for 9 holes);
(v) When, as a condition of the competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or types of clubs are limited as, for example, in a competition that allows only iron clubs;
(vi) When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course Rating or Slope Rating;
(vii) When a player uses non-conforming clubs, non-conforming balls, or tees;
(viii) With respect to Rule 14-3 (Rules of Golf), when an artificial device or piece of unusual equipment is used during the execution of a stroke or when equipment is used in an unusual manner during the execution of a stroke. (See Decision 5-1f/2 for an exception.)
5-2. Posting Scores
a. General
Posting scores in person immediately following the round at the course where the round is played is the preferred way to expose scores to peer review. This method of posting must be used whenever possible. …… The posted scores for the day must be immediately available to all members for peer review. (See Decision 5-2a/1.)
c. Posting Nine-Hole Scores
To be acceptable for handicap purposes, nine-hole scores must meet the following conditions:
(i) The course must have a nine-hole USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating;
(ii) At least seven holes must be played.
There is no restriction on the number of nine-hole scores posted to a player's scoring record.
If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, you can email us at RSMensgolf@aol.com or you can visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RanchoSierraMensGolfClub
Have a Great Month
Have a great rest of March and April. Treat yourself to some golf.
It's been over six weeks since Phil saw his shadow, so I guess we're now in Spring. Actually March 21st is the first day of Spring, so whether (or should I say "weather") officially or unofficially, we're into Spring.
Now, I know everyone has heard of "March Madness"! Well it's here at the course. One day it's up in the high 70's the next day it's windy, cold and a chance of showers. That's not madness. That's crazy! And very difficult to make plans to golf, but when it's nice out here, it's great! And everyone comes out to enjoy a round of golf.
The Lancaster Relay for Life will be held on April 17 and 18 at Quartz Hill High School. Bob Gonzales, our Men's club representative, is a part of Team Lancaster who will be walking for 24 hours straight to help raise funds in the fight against Cancer..jpg)
