President's Report 2022

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It is with pleasure I present my 11th annual report on the activities of WSRVGA during 2022 for your consideration and adoption.

Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate my fellow Executive, Club Delegates and the Tournament Organizers for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. It is through your efforts that our Association operates so successfully.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the management of our member clubs for making their courses available to host interclub events. It would be appreciated if Club Delegates could convey my thanks to their respective General Managers.

It has been especially difficult for Tournament Directors with some tournaments having to be postponed at the last moment due to adverse weather.

Unfortunately, Glenmore Heritage Valley had to cancel the WSRVGA event scheduled to be held at their course in December. The primary reasons for this decision were the lack of full and proper facilities at the Glenmore Golf Club and an inability to provide comfortable seating and a post event presentation facility. 

PARTICIPATION IN INTERCLUB EVENTS.

Whilst membership remains strong, wet weather and a hangover from Covid-19 has had an affect upon numbers participating in Interclub Events, with some clubs nominating less than their permitted number of players.

Hopefully 2023 will see an improvement in weather and participation numbers will improve. Our veteran members should be reminded that it is the aim of WSRVGA to encourage golf to be played in a spirit of keen competition and good fellowship with a strong emphasis on social interchange.

In an endeavour to promote and encourage participation in WSRVGA events an open day for all veteran golfers from WSRVGA Clubs will be held at Richmond Golf Club on Monday 23rd January 2023. For further information please refer to circulated brochures and entry forms.

SPONSORSHIP.

The Association is indebted to the generous sponsorship provided by The Richmond Club, who have been long term major sponsors of the Association and NSWVGA for their sponsorship through the ‘Grass Roots’ scheme.

CLUB AND PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

Club of the Year.

Due to the cancellation of the Glenmore event, it was not possible to complete all rounds of this event this year therefore the Executive was left with no other option than to cancel Club of the Year for 2022.

Player of the Year.

Player of the Year has also been affected by cancellation of Glenmore. The Executive have decided to refer a decision to the Council Meeting to be held following the AGM on whether this event should also be cancelled for 2022 or finalised by using scores recorded at events completed throughout the year.

WEBSITE. 

Thanks to Michelle May and Russ Cruickshank for the work they are doing maintaining and updating the website, ably assisted by Noel Rowsell who provides much material and photographs for inclusion on the site and Facebook.

Significant changes have been made to the website throughout the year by Michelle and Russ with the assistance of Judy Jordan. Updating of the website is still a work in progress.

The website is only as good as the information you supply. Photographs, stories etc., relative to your respective clubs can be placed on the site. Facebook is a wonderful tool for communicating stories, information etc., therefore all members of WSRVGA are encouraged to join.

ASSOCIATION HISTORY.

Thanks to Noel Byles for completing and publishing The History of WSRVGA. What an incredible effort, something you and all members of WSRVGA should be proud of. 

PUBLICITY

Unfortunately, Vice President and Publicity Officer Noel Rowsell resigned from his position of Vice President but thankfully he agreed to continue as our Publicity Officer.

Extensive publicity has been achieved throughout the year through the tireless efforts of Noel Rowsell. The Association is indeed fortunate to have such a Publicity Officer. It is a timely reminder that any Publicity Officer is only as good as the information he receives, therefore please take time to send Noel all matters of interest.

NEW SOUTH WALES VETERAN GOLFER’S ASSOCATION (NSWVGA)

Vale Ian Vidler – President New South Wales Veteran Golfers Association.

Terrible news was received during the year when we learnt of the passing of inspirational President Ian Vidler. NSWVGA passed the following condolence motion.

On behalf of all veteran golfers in New South Wales and throughout Australia the Executive of NSWVGA express their deepest sympathy and condolences to Lyn and family at the passing of Ian. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. He was a big part of so many people’s lives. A larger-than-life man. We are honoured to have known and worked with Ian and will cherish the wonderful memories of times we had together. Forever remembered, forever missed

Amalgamation of Lady’s and Men’s Veteran Associations.

Amalgamation talks took place during the year between NSWVGA and the Veteran Women’s Golf Association of NSW. Unfortunately, the Lady’s Association felt that the two Associations operations were too far apart for amalgamation to take place, therefore any further talks have been put on hold. 

The NSWVGA are keen for the two Associations to amalgamate.

Grass Roots Scheme.

The Grass Roots voucher system was introduced in recognition of all veteran golfers who are members of NSWVGA providing vouchers for members to play for in club competitions.

Council decided to end this program which has been in in operation for 5 years and has seen over $50,000 distributed to members clubs.

$2.00 levy per player playing in weeks of golf abolished.

This levy had been in place for many years, but it was decided to abolish the payment which had been questioned by a number of Tournament Directors. It is my understanding the levy was introduced as many players, e.g., Lady’s and Interstate players, did not have to be members of NSWVGA to play in tournaments but now as ALL players must be a member of NSWVGA it was considered the levy was no longer warranted.

NSWVGA tournament events.

A reminder that NSWVGA conduct 6 championship events throughout each year. 

· NSWVGA Stroke Play Championships,

· NSWVGA Mixed Sand Green 4BBB Championships,

· NSWVGA Mens Sand Green 4BBB Championships,

· NSWVGA 4BBB Mixed Championships,

· NSWVGA Sand Green Championships

- NSWVGA Match Play Championships.

NSWVGA Medal and 4BBB

Unfortunately, this event could not be played in 2020/1 due to Covid-19 and this year it had to be again cancelled due to Groups indicating they would not be entering the event.

The incoming Executive Council will decide after the AGM in December on the future of this event but at this stage its future must be in considerable doubt.

Irrespective of whether the medal finals are played I believe medals and vouchers will still be available to both male and female players who win their Group Player of the Year events.

CONCLUSION

A number of our members or family members have not enjoyed the best of health during the year. Our best wishes go to all for a full and speedy recovery.

In conclusion, on behalf of my wife and myself, I wish you and your respective families a very happy and safe festive season. Hopefully 2023 brings some enjoyable rounds of golf, but above all good health and friendship with fellow veteran golfers.

Les Knox

President WSRVGA.