Minutes from Focus Committee Meeting 1:30 PM April 19, 2010 with ORP golf

1.  Greens on Panther’s Run and Lion’s Paw.

      Scott Novak, head greens keeper, responded:   Panther’s Run will close from June 1 – August 31 to replace the greens with Mini-Verde (a type of Bermuda grass) and to make other improvements.  This grass is recommended for courses in this area by the USGA.  Becky Noble stated that information will be sent out to members explaining how this would affect members’ play.  Brent Wise is working on reciprocal agreements with some other courses in the area to allow members to play at discounted rates.

2.  Safety issues

     Replace the carpeting on Ladies tee box Panther’s #8 – Scott Novak: it has been ordered; a special type of carpet is needed.

     Replacement of rotting tee box timbers on Panther’s and Lion’s – Scott:  This is an ongoing process.  The majority of the work will be done during the Panther’s Run closure over the summer.

     Cart path repairs on Panther’s and Lion’s - Becky Noble:  The severe winter was very detrimental to all of our cart paths.  We will make repairs to the paths in an ongoing process as we have done in the past. 

3. Drop area signs and sand boxes for par three tees?  Scott:  drop area signs were unsightly and new ones have been ordered.  Drop areas marked with white paint at present time.  Brent – there is no plan for sand boxes for tees as we have two sand bottles on all carts.

4.  Frost delay procedures – A general discussion ensued and ideas of how this was handled at other clubs were shared.   Scott:  Shotgun starts after delays are not often possible because of maintenance issues.  Nothing was decided, except all were in agreement that this was an unusually brutal winter.

5.  Rangers and drinking water.  Becky Noble and Roxanne Shearon:   All water fountains on the courses are now functional.  The attempt last year to have water available from the rangers was not successful because it kept the rangers from performing their primary responsibilities.  People were constantly filling their bottles and the rangers had to keep refilling their containers.  The job of the rangers is to keep play moving as well as other duties.   Their was some consensus that adults need to be able to keep themselves hydrated and plan ahead to use the water fountains and water available at the turn.  A suggestion was made to have coolers available at the turn.  The response was that it is available inside and most go inside anyway. 

6.  Wednesday league play – A discussion of the difficulty of scheduling both leagues on the same course prevented many from finishing before dark, especially during the winter months.  Extra tee times for ORMGA (3 times), ORLGA (2 times) and Sunday couples (2 times) were requested.  Becky restated that they would try to work with leagues when extra times were needed, but did not promise to increase league times this year.

7.  Dress code – The dress code is published in ORP Policies and Procedures:  no denim or collarless shirts.  This is enforced by the pro shop, starters, and rangers.  Members who observe dress code violations should report them to the golf shops.

8.  Can ORP golf do anything to make the member golf experience on Panther’s and Lion’s similar to the member experience at Tiger’s and Leopard’s? – Becky, Brent & Roxanne:  Our business is customer service, so of course we try to treat everyone well.  The pro shop at Panther’s and Lion’s is frequently very busy, especially at this time of year.  We would like to know more specifically what the members mean by this comment so we can evaluate solutions.

9.  Is there anything our membership can do to enhance the overall golfing experience at Ocean Ridge? – Becky:  we appreciate feedback from you, repairing ball marks on greens, filling divots, etc.  If any members have questions about maintenance issues they should refer them to the pro shops.  We would like to ask members to please not go to the maintenance shop area.

10.  Other issues:

       Rakes missing from traps – Scott:  some rakes are being repaired; others will be purchased.   Leave rakes in bunkers; no stickers for rakes are planned.

       Tigers Eye grill room needs some TLC.  Bar stools need to be recovered..

      The hazard flag on Tiger’s #15 is torn and should be replaced.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30.