Members' Area
Secretary's Musings
Q. What should I do when a greenkeeper is working on a hole I am about to
play?
A. Under no circumstances should you play until it is safe to do so. The greenkeeper
will be aware of your presence and will wave to you when it is safe to play. If
he is working on the fairway he will generally finish a "cut" before waving to
you. If he is working on a green he will try to finish the green before replacing
the flag and waving you through. It is worth remembering that if you strike any
other person with your ball you will almost certainly be held liable.
Q. I would like to bring three friends to Ashdown on Saturday and play a fourball
on the Old Course. Is that possible? If so, when?
A. This depends on how many other known "bookings" there are. Remember on
the Old Course there is still no "tee booking" system for "friendly" games and
foursomes and singles are still the preferred mode of play. The only bookings
are for Club matches, Old Boy's matches, societies, Club competitions, Captain/Pro
matches, Ladies Day and all Club open meetings.
If there is space I shall normally suggest a time between 10 a.m. and
11 a.m. but always with the caveat that quicker matches must be allowed through
immediately. It is always advisable to telephone the office to ascertain course
availability.
Q. When are the Cantelupe times?
A. From the 1st April until the 30th September Cantelupe times are up to 8.30
a.m., 11.15 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. onwards. From the 1st October
until the 31st March they are up to 8.30 a.m., 11.15 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from
3.00 p.m. onwards. The Cantelupe will concede priority to members of R.A.F.G.C.
until 3.45 p.m.
Q. I would like to be considered for selection in a Club match. How do I go
about it?
A. Telephone the match manager (their name can be found in brackets under
the match in the Members' book) and offer your services. I suggest you do this
as far ahead of the date as possible.
Q. I would like to enter a competition but I cannot come to the Club to put
my name on the list. Is there another way of entering?
A. Yes. Telephone the office and ask to be entered for the competition. E-mails
are also acceptable but may not be dealt with as quickly as a telephone call.
E-mails may not be answered on the same day that they are sent. Eventually I hope
that members may be able to enter competitions through the website.
Q. My opponent and I are having difficulty arranging our knockout match within
the time limit. What should I do?
A. Unlike most other clubs, Ashdown has always exercised a degree of flexibility
when possible. Please telephone me as soon as you realise there may be a problem
with a date or two agreed with your opponent up your sleeve. The rule of thumb
will be a week's grace if there is a very good reason and a little more for an
exceptional one! Delays are to be avoided if possible as it is unfair on the members
who do keep up to date to be kept waiting by those who do not. If you are likely
to be on holiday for any length of time during the competition please do not enter
as you may have to give your opponent a walkover.
Q. My wife and I celebrate our silver wedding anniversary next year. Is it
possible to have a celebration lunch/dinner in the Clubhouse?
A. Yes if a suitable date can be found. Please telephone either Gary or me
with your preferred date and perhaps a couple of others.
Q. I would like to challenge the Captain and Professional. How do I do it?
A. Find a partner then contact either the Captain or the Professional to arrange
a date.
Q. When are the greens "spiked" and how long does it take for them to recover?
A. Please turn to the Course Manager's page for the answer to this and many
other questions. Click here for the Course Manager's FAQs.
Q. I am bringing some friends to Ashdown and they have asked to play from
the white tees. Is that allowed?
A. Yes.