HKSGS NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

Introduction.

Our Second Quarter newsletter, (or should that be our first half newsletter?), is one of improving Covid conditions for golfers and a slight easing of travelling in and out of Hong Kong. As I write, it seems that a large-ish number of Seniors are out of Hong Kong hoping to return if quarantine restrictions are relaxed further. As I write, (from abroad BTW), HK still requires 7 days of quarantine on return in a designated and pre-book hotel. Golf in Hong Kong has been active. It's been easier to get a slot within the society to play and, a high point, we have news of our first "Hole in One" of the season by Albert Kai Chung Lam who, only last week, holed the 5th on the Fanling Old Course. Congratulations to Albert. (Aside: Albert, I hope to be back in Hong Kong later in the year. To help you celebrate, mine's a nice crisp Chardonnay!)

Three Big Events in September.

A triple whammy!. Please note, for your diary, that in September we have three "blockbuster" events that are worth special mention. Firstly......On 9 September we have a shotgun start at Shek O which means that we have a shotgun ending so we can "congregate".....the doctors would say "coagulate", together, in Shek O's very special clubhouse and swap yarns, and stories about holes in one. Additionally this allows everybody to congratulate you in person for beating the course record! Secondly.....On 19 September, a similar opportunity but this time in Fanling we have a Texas Scramble organised on the Eden Course giving you the same opportunity to meet the rest of the field at the end of your round and allow them to kow-tow to you and congratulate you on your outstanding, nay awesome, scorecard. Thirdly on 19th September after the pageantry of the day we will hold the Society's AGM. Can I use the word blockbuster again? September is going to be a month of blockbustering!

Courses reopened smoothly on 21 April 2022.

Since courses reopened on 21 April our fixtures returned to full swing. There have been no cancellations since 21 April. Please check out the "fixtures" on our site's pull down tab at https://hksgs.com.hk/fixtures.

Bookings to continue as normal.

We, that is your committee and I, are constantly assessing the booking system to ensure that it serves all members fairly and that everybody gets an equal opportunity to play. We estimate that there are quite a few members abroad and thus the probability of securing a tee time for those in HK has improved. Sadly we still have to ration slots. There are no changes to the published "Rules and Guidelines" which can be found at https://hksgs.com.hk/rules-guidelines

Leavehomesafe app.

For most of us it has become second nature to use our "leavehomesafe" app on arrival at a venue. All players must have the required level of vaccination at the entrance with the appropriate proof of vaccination which is usually on the Leavehomesafe app. Details of the app are at https://www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk/en/ Failure to comply with the requirement at any venue is very likely to lead not only to disappointment but also to the almost certain likelihood of being turned away. This of course would also result in a “no show” penalty by the society. Please ensure you are fully up to speed with the requirements at each event. We will of course do our best to inform you of requirements in advance, but the onus has to remain with each player.

Fanling Golf Club - Mens Changing rooms.

A reminder that the visitor changing rooms are by the swimming pool. The other changing room in the main clubhouse is for HKGC members only.

Quota limit at KSC.

Members are reminded again that KSC have set a quota of 4 games per person per calendar month. KSC do cross-check this regularly with their records and we have already had members who have been barred from KSC for a number of months. Please note, as detailed in the homepage news on the site, that any member that exceeds this KSC quota will be excluded from playing with the Society for 6 months. The onus is squarely on members to ensure they do not exceed the KSC quota.

Punctuality at the starting tee.

We are all getting rather overly relaxed about showing up at the first tee on time and the trend seems to have been picked up by several starters. Please, for the sake of all players, and the good name of the society, can I implore you, on bended knee, to report at least 10 mins prior to the published tee time?

Looking ahead to 2023 - GHIN membership.

For the obvious purposes of handicapping and conformity the committee agreed that in coming years membership of the society will require a HKGA GHIN membership. We actually do have one or two members who have avoided this fundamental requirement but the "game is up". Next year we will all, without exception, conform.

A big thank you to all our sponsors'.

Our wide range of sponsors continue to support the Society and I am pleased to inform you of another sponsor who's logo now sports the bottom of our pages, namely, April International. I do hope you can support them in return.

Late withdrawal penalty system.

Late withdrawal penalty system. The penalty system for late withdrawal is still in place. May I thank all members for adhering to this rarely abused system which is clearly defined within our rules. The whole purpose of membership is to make our golf enjoyable and fun and thus we do not wish to include a penalty system for late withdrawals but if this was not in place, we know from experience that withdrawals would increase and they would very likely confound the system imposing more work on the Event Manager. Please refresh yourselves with the withdrawal system. Please do not book an event unless you know for certain that you will be able to attend. If you have to withdraw, please use the system in place by logging back into the event sign up in question using your email address and clicking the checkbox, "Cancel my Entry" and submit your change.

Conclusion.

May I conclude by reminding you all that Mike Edie has diligently kept a photographic record of all flights on Instagram which is the envy of the R&A and civilization in general! Your unique place in the annals of posterity can be found at https://www.instagram.com/hkseniorsgolf/ The committee and I wish you well and look forward to seeing you on the fairway, particularly during blockbustering September!.

Sincerely
Clive Hunter
HKSGS Captain