Greetings,

And we thought we have had bad weather of late! The East coast of the US has been horrifically affected by extreme weather an edit kind of puts our weather problems into perspective.

Now I would definitely say that I would not visit, say “Florida” for example during hurricane season. So where do you think my small young looking assistant has jetted off to, yes you've guessed it “Florida.” He flew out last Friday at the same time people were desperately trying to fly out of Florida. It’s absolutely amazing isn't it.

Stuart and his lovely girlfriend “Laura” are safe and well but his dog “Toto” is missing and his blue check dress is ruined.

More Weather

The course has been thrashed with rain over the last few weeks and although our fantastic drainage has been more than up to the task, the course has become boggy in certain places. We have stayed open where others couldn't but I must ask all of you to take special care when playing. Try to walk away from problem areas and leave your trolleys well away from greens and tees. This is indeed a time where we need you to look after our course. Many members have played other surrounding courses of late and we are in great shape compared to them. Again I will say that we are continuing to take feedback regarding the course and trying to take action on certain points but we always require your cooperation in looking after it.

On the subject of wet weather, I feel I must comment on the plug marks on the practice chipping greens. This wet weather has made the greens softer than usual and they are marking terribly. Regardless of the time of year, you all should be repairing your ball marks on these greens and I can tell you that not everyone is. If you see anyone not repairing their marks or putting sand in their divots then just pop into the shop and I will deal with it personally. Our short game area is the envy of many and we need to all look after it.

Juniors doing us all Proud Again

I don’t think I have ever met a more dedicated and mannerly Junior Section in all my days as a golfer. Our group of boys and girls are amazing and so are our dedicated team of junior helpers.

Without people like “Alex Henderson” and “Douglas Woodhouse” our juniors would not be able to do what they do. A big thank you to our long time Junior Sponsor “Allan Kennedy” who kits them out in the best of gear every year. These members give up so much of their time and money to our juniors and we should all tip our caps to them.

Our juniors went up to play in the Scottish Team Championship Quarter Finals and finished second overall which has allowed them to progress to the next stage at Irvine Bogside Golf Club. To all the juniors involved, thank you for representing your club so well and your Professional will be supplying you with free golf balls for your next round!

Support Your Local Professional

I always ask you all to try and support my small business as much as you can and I just want to thank all who do support me. I also would like to ask all who maybe don’t, to try and give me your next golf purchase. I am very competitive with all online prices provided and I can get the products you want. Sometimes the item you require is older stock but please ask me if I can get it first, I may surprise you.

When you buy online or at a big retail outlet, they will sell you something without giving you the customer much thought. Most of the members will know of a time when I haven't sold them something! Why? Because I only sell you something that I believe to be good for you. I also offer far better after sales service as I deal personally with any issue you have and sometimes there can be an issue.

Some of you will also know of a time when I have returned an item that you haven't bought from me. Why? Because I genuinely want to help. I do have to make a living but I do always try to help even though I may not make a penny or in many cases lose money as I can spend time packing something up and arranging collection. Dealing with someone who wants to help you, I think makes a difference, so next time you need something, just drop me a line.

Well Done To More Members

Success is something that must indeed be in the water here at EKGC. This time we have two pairs of stars with May and Martin Britovsek qualifying for the PING Mixed Championship at Gleneagles and Ronnie Neil and Alex McLeod qualifying for the Daily Mail Championship at St Pierre Golf Club. Well, done to both pairs and hopefully more silverware heading the golf clubs way.

Slow Play

We continued our quest for quicker play during medals and we appear to be winning the war. I must stress though that you the players must deal with slow play on the course. If a group has lost a hole to the game in front of them then you should ask them to quicken up or if that doesn't help then ask to play through. I cannot help from the shop I am afraid.