Dear Member

As we step into September, we're greeted by the challenges and excitement that come with this time of year. Over the past week, our course has been tested by extreme weather and strong winds. Our course staff, have been working tirelessly to manage the debris and fallen trees. While most of the course is clear and safe, the forecasted continued strong winds might cause further disruptions. We kindly ask all members to exercise caution while out on the course during these conditions.

Over the past week and again this morning, our course staff are once again faced the challenge of strong winds, resulting in significant debris and downed trees across the course. While most of the trees have been cleared and are currently out of the way of play, we are expecting that today's forecast of continued strong winds, may result in further damage. 

Craig and the team working tirelessly to keep the course safe and open for play. We kindly ask all members to exercise caution while on the course during these conditions.

Safety Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially near trees.
• Report any unsafe conditions via the "Snap It" tool on the Club's Mobile App or by contacting the GSC immediately.
• Listen out for the club's siren. The use of the siren may indicate either a dangerous situation or that the course is deemed unplayable.

Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Stay safe and enjoy your game!

The MiScore App has a new pace of play feature which is now available.

The new feature notifies each golfer of their average round time (ART) and their ranking based on previous rounds for that day of the week. The purpose of this feature is to encourage awareness and better practises in regards to pace of play. It provides members data on their true ART performance; no player thinks they are slow.

Players will see a personal notification at the commencement of each competition round just prior to choosing partners. Please note other members can not see your average round time.

The information is based on the players round history over the 3 months for that particular day of the week at the club i.e. Saturday morning competition. 

Players must have played at least two rounds to record details. Times are calculated on tee time and score submission time. 

Check your ranking now!

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward (Ted) Amos, a valued member of our club for over 16 years. 

Ted will be greatly missed by all who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time.

Edward (Ted) Amos
Aged 82
(25/11/1941 - 3/9/2024)

Funeral arrangements: Tobin Brothers, 364 Warrigal Rd, Ashburton at 2.00pm

Attention all footy tipping enthusiasts! The Heritage Committee is excited to offer you another chance to showcase your tipping prowess during the finals series. This new round of competition simplifies the process significantly: you'll only need to tip four winners this round, followed by two winners in each of the subsequent rounds, and just one winner in the final round. It's an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your skills with fewer picks compared to the regular season!

To participate, place your tips on the ESPN app, selecting a margin for your nominated game. At the end of the nine finals matches, the top tipper with the most correct selections will claim victory. In case of a tie, the winner will be determined by the lowest points differential. The entry fee is $20.00, with 70% of the pool going to the winner and 30% supporting the Heritage Fund, benefiting the club.

Spring has arrived, and with it comes some exciting changes to our club's menu! We've been listening closely to your feedback and have made a few adjustments to ensure our offerings are fresh, seasonal, and most importantly, delicious.

Here's what you can look forward to in the coming months:

Continued Weekly Sandwich Specials
We've loved hearing how much you've enjoyed our weekly sandwich specials, and we're thrilled to let you know that these will continue through spring. Each week brings a new twist, offering a variety of flavours to keep your taste buds excited.

New Additions and Member Favourites
Based on your feedback, we've kept your favourite dishes and added some new items that have been highly recommended by members. While we've removed some less popular choices, we're excited to introduce these new additions to the menu:

• Caesar Salad: A classic favourite, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Crisp romaine lettuce, freshly grated Parmesan, crunchy sourdough croutons, a poached egg and our house-made Caesar dressing make this a go-to choice.
• Crispy Chicken Burger: Previously a hit on our specials menu, this popular item has now earned a permanent spot for spring, featuring house-made Popeye sauce and American cheese, it's a must-try for burger lovers.
• Veal Schnitzel with Mushroom Jus: We're giving our steak a break and testing out this delicious new option, served with garlic fries and a roquette salad. The tender veal and rich mushroom jus make this a hearty and satisfying choice.
• Tom Yum Pork Tacos: These flavourful tacos were a standout on the specials board, and they're now a permanent feature. With the option to add extra tacos, they're perfect as an entrée, main, or for sharing with friends. The combination of spicy, tangy tom yum flavours with succulent pork will leave you wanting more.
• Popcorn Chicken with Popeye Sauce: Perfect for a post-game snack or a quick bite with friends, our Popcorn Chicken is now on the snack menu. These crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken are served with our signature Popeye sauce and are available daily until 6:00 pm.

Weekend Treats
Planning a visit to the club this weekend? Don't miss out on our Full English Breakfast - a perfect way to start the day with family or friends before hitting the course. Featuring eggs cooked to your liking, crispy bacon, chipolatas, a hash brown, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and sourdough toast, this hearty meal is the perfect fuel for the day.

Sandwich Makeovers
We've also given our club sandwiches a spring makeover! Check out the Ultimate HTC on Sourdough, try the Mushroom Sandwich or indulge in our new Lamb Pita - guaranteed to make your playing partners envious! The Ultimate HTC combines aged ham, sliced tomato, smoked cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard served on a toasted parmesan crusted sourdough, while the Mushroom Sandwich features thyme roasted mushrooms, house made pesto, spinach, goat's cheese and truffle oil on toasted multigrain. Our Mushroom Sandwich is also available in a vegan option. The Lamb Pita comes with slow-roasted lamb shawarma, hummus, fermented chili oil, sumac pickled onions, rocket, and goat's cheese on a toasted pita - a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired option.

Take-Home Meals
Our take-home meals will continue to be available throughout the spring. Due to increased kitchen activity as the weather improves, we will maintain a single-choice option for now. Keep an eye out for our weekly take-home special, perfect for a hassle-free dinner after a busy day.

Sweet Treats
Don't forget to check out our daily muffin, cake, and cookie specials, perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day. From freshly baked blueberry muffins to decadent chocolate fudge cake, there's always something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

We hope you enjoy the new menu and look forward to serving you soon. Thank you for your continued feedback and support! We can't wait to see you at the club this spring.

We're excited to announce a fresh addition to the bar this month! For a limited time, we'll be featuring Peroni as our new guest tap.

Whether you're winding down after a round of golf or just stopping by to relax, treat yourself to the crisp, refreshing taste of this classic Italian beer. Peroni will be available in pots, schooners, or jugs, so grab your friends and enjoy a drink the next time you're at the club.

Make sure to drop by and try it while it's on tap!

Available throughout September at the SVGC Bar.

We're thrilled to announce the return of our Member Referral Program. This is your chance to introduce friends and family to our wonderful club and reap some fantastic rewards.

How It Works

1. Introduce a New Member: When you introduce a new member to the club, they'll receive our $1000 Friends and Family Discount.
2. House Account Credit: On payment of their full joining fee and subscriptions, the new member will also get 10% of their paid joining fee back as a credit on their house account. Credit can be used in the GSC or Bar. 
3. Reward for You: If the new member lists you as their proposer on their application, you'll also receive the same 10% house account credit. 
   

• Start Date: This offer begins on August 1st, 2024 and will conclude November 30th, 2024.
• Backdated Credits: House Accounts credits will not be backdated for new members introduced prior to this promotion.
• Credits & Payments: Credit will be applied upon the payment of the full entrance fee.
• Unlimited Introductions: There is no limit to the number of guests you may introduce.
• Age-Based Discounts: Aged-based discounts still apply.
• Women's Discounts: Women's discounts still apply.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow our community and enjoy some excellent rewards. Spread the word and start inviting new members today!

For further information please contact Kim Little on 9562 3811 or by email agm@springvalleygolf.com.au 

Ian's sporting prowess was initially at cricket as a slow left arm spinner, playing grade/district cricket in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand, transferring across multiple locations during his work with Colonial Mutual. 

It was in NZ that his golf journey commenced, playing at Hutt Golf Club in Wellington for approximately 6 years.  In 1983 Ian transferred back to Melbourne and having worked with former SV captain, Jim Horton and fellow member Bob Brain, it was an easy decision for Ian to make in joining Spring Valley in 1984 for what was to become a 40-year journey (and hopefully many more years to come).  In those days, membership applications required dressing up in a suit and tie and being formally interviewed by 3 Board Members.  Ian recalls a $500 joining fee for a restricted member (A provisional), eventually becoming a full member within 12 months.

Playing off a 13-15 handicap for many years, Ian hits a low, long ball - a bit like some of his beautifully timed cricket shots!! His golf achievements have included:

• Presidents Trophy
• Captains Trophy
• Inaugural Friendly Cup as part of a team of 4
• Alan Mantle medal
• 3 x hole-in-one (10^th and twice on the 3^rd).

His first hole in one on the 3^rd was unusual as the pin was cut close to the bunker and when the ball hit the green it bounced off the slope preventing him and his playing partners from seeing the result.  Imagine his surprise when he reached the green and peered into the hole!  There was no such surprise, however, for the other two as he saw them go in.

Ian has fond memories of the old clubhouse and spike bar, where the Club was a magnet for swapping lots of stories over a quiet drink or two, and frequent social events.  The Doug Horne hot dogs, mentioned by multiple 40+ year members, were also a hit.

Ian recalls the orchard area around the 15^th/16^th holes and the time-honoured tradition of picking an apple or pear to eat while moving to the green.  He is hugely complementary regarding the course improvements over the years, most notably the last few years with Craig and his team.  His wish is to have the proposed renovations completed without delay.  He believes that he inherited the course from those before him and that the improvements should be there for those current and future members.

The golf club is part of Ian's life - he swears his car knows its way here!!  Meeting interesting people with diverse backgrounds, playing with women who now have the same playing opportunities as men, playing with younger people etc. are all aspects of a progressive Club that Ian appreciates and values.

He has served the club well as firstly joining the Disciplinary Committee before taking over as the Chair in 2020 when Chris Hansen joined the Board.  He acknowledges the difficulty this committee raises in members minds but that it is an important part of our governance.  A committee that members are trying to avoid at all costs!  Thankfully he has only had to convene the committee on rare occasions.

After retirement Ian became a Director and Chair of Australian Shareholders for 20 years.  The role is commonly referred to as the Company Monitor.  In this role he was often interviewed on both TV and radio.

Ian, we thank you for your loyalty and contribution to Spring Valley over the last 40 years and we wish you many more years of enjoyment.  When you see Ian on Saturday 7 September, shake his hand, raise a toast to a deep thinking, considerate, true gentleman and valued member of our Club.

There is now a direct link to our Take Home Meals Page in the new Mobile App. Making your weekly purchases quick and easy! 

Due to popular demand, we have also adjusted our pick up days. Meals can now be collected Monday through Thursday.

Thank you to all who have participated and provided valuable feedback. Your suggestions have been incredibly helpful, and we have incorporated many of them into our upcoming menus.

Here's what's cooking this week:

+ Homemade Soup of the Day
+ Authentic Thai Satay Chicken
+ Classic Italian Tiramisu

So what are you waiting for? Let us take care of dinner this week and indulge in our chef-prepared meals. Place your order now and get ready for a culinary adventure!

Dinner sorted!  

The SVGC Membership Engagement Committee, are excited to announce a series of upcoming golf clinics designed to help our members enhance their skills and return to the course with renewed energy and confidence.

All clinics will be held at the Southern Range and will be led by our skilled professionals, Martin Joyce and Travis Harrison. Each session will run for approximately one hour, followed by a coffee and a Q&A session with Travis and Marty at the clubhouse.

This is a complimentary clinic series, proudly initiated by our Membership Engagement Committee. However, spots are limited, so we encourage you to book early.

Join us on Thursday, 12th September, for our much-anticipated annual Women's Presidents' and Captains' Day at Spring Valley Golf Club. This event promises a day of friendly competition, camaraderie and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to celebrate the contributions of our past SVGC Women's Presidents and Captains.

Let the battle begin!

Event Schedule:
Date: Thursday, 12th September
Time: 7:15 am registration for an 8:00 am Shot Gun Start
Event: 4BBB Stableford off the Green Tees
Dress: Pairs with will be representing either the Presidents' Team (BLUE) or the Captains' Team (RED).

Entry Fee:
$30.00 per person - Includes refreshments on arrival, a light lunch, a welcome drink, on-course competitions, and prizes.
Lunch Only - $25.00 - All women are welcome to join us for lunch, even if you're not playing golf!

The golf and lunch event is open to all membership categories. Non-golfers are invited to join us for a delightful lunch in the Dining Room, followed by presentations and prizes.

Join Us for the Heritage BBQ and Celebrate Our New Drinks Cart!

Spring Valley Golf Club is excited to announce the Heritage BBQ, a special event hosted by the Heritage Committee to celebrate the purchase of our brand-new drinks cart. We invite you to join us for an evening of great food, good company, and the chance to support ongoing heritage projects at the club.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, 18th September
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Dinner: BBQ Steak Dinner cooked by the Heritage Committee
• Cost: $45.00 per person
• Location: Outdoor Terrace

Enjoy a delicious BBQ steak dinner prepared by the Heritage Committee on our beautiful outdoor terrace.

For those with specific dietary requirements, please provide the details to reception at your earliest convenience so we can accommodate your needs.

Booking Information:

Members can secure their spot by booking through the online timesheets, which are now open. Please note that member accounts will be charged prior to the event.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Members

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all SVGC members for their continued support of the Heritage Fundraising programs, including the Golden Ball, Disc Draws, Footy Tipping, Heritage Day/Week, and the recycling of golf balls, bottles, and cans. Your generosity makes it possible for us to complete important projects like the electric gates at both entrances, path lighting around the clubhouse, course furniture (including flagsticks, sandboxes, bucket holders, and bins), original umbrellas, our outdoor terrace and our new drinks cart.

Without your contributions, these improvements wouldn't have been possible. We look forward to seeing you at the Heritage BBQ and continuing to celebrate together!

Book now to secure your spot and be part of this special occasion!

Get ready for a day of fun, competition, and footy spirit at our Men's Grand Final Footy Day on Wednesday, 25th September! It's the perfect opportunity to show off your team pride, enjoy a great round of golf, and indulge in a fantastic day out at the club.

Dress Code: Wear your footy colours - the crazier, the better! We want to see some wild and wacky outfits representing your favourite teams.

Guests Welcome! Bring your mates along to join in the action. Green fees for guests are just $100.00, and each guest will receive a $20.00 food and beverage voucher to use on the day.

Event Details:

• Format: Stableford Competition
• Arrival: 12:00pm for a 12:30pm shotgun start
• Inclusions: On-course competitions, presentations, and exciting prizes

Bookings: Secure your spot online via the timesheets - normal opening times

Dinner: Stick around after the game! Enjoy dinner at your own expense, with a limited bistro menu available until 6:00pm.

Don't miss out on this fantastic day of golf and footy fun! Get your friends together and start planning your outfit - it's going to be a day to remember!

Saturday the 5th of October will be the Jarrod Lyle Challenge Day. 

The day will involve a special daily competition that players will be able to register for upon check in, at a cost of $5 per player, this donation will go directly to the challenge foundation. Prizes will be on offer for the daily competition and best dressed player in the theme of #DoingItForJarrod.

Why not play for a greater cause and put on some yellow to support the Challenge Community's path on supporting families affected by cancer. 

We're excited to invite you to our inaugural Corporate Challenge-a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of a private golf course while engaging in a day of friendly competition.

Event Highlights:

• Catered Arrival: Begin your day with a warm welcome and arrival catering from 7:45am.
• Exclusive Access: Enjoy complimentary range balls and full access to our top-tier practice facilities.
• 18-Hole Golf Experience: Test your skills in our Pairs Ambrose event.
• On-Course Delights: Savour complimentary refreshments as you navigate our meticulously maintained course.
• Skill Challenges: Show off your precision in four Nearest to the Pin competitions and two Longest Drive challenges.
• Gourmet BBQ Lunch: Relish a gourmet BBQ lunch as you unwind and recount your round.
• Prestigious Prizes: Celebrate with awards and prizes during our presentations, ensuring your team's efforts are recognised.
  

• Date: Friday, 29th November 2024
• Time: 8:30am Shotgun Start
• Investment: $95.00 for SVGC Members / $180.00 for Visitors

Whether you're forging new business connections or strengthening team bonds, the Spring Valley Golf Club Corporate Challenge promises a day of refined fun, friendly competition, and the exclusive ambiance of a private club.

This year's Mollie Thiele knockout match play event, which began with 32 players and spanned the entire year, reached its thrilling conclusion today. The final featured a compelling match between Julie Sheldrake, with a handicap of 17 and Rita Yodrak, with a handicap of 23. Both players demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience throughout the match, with nerves and strategic play adding to the excitement.

The JD Leech Matchplay competition, which began with nearly 100 competitors, is approaching its climax. 

Last week's Quarter Finals delivered some thrilling results:

• Mihindu Jayasuriya defeated Ash Dean 4&3.
• Geoff Roberts won against Michael Fromberg 2&1.
• Robert Loft triumphed over James Ward 1 up.
• Mal Sosbey emerged victorious against Sam Singleton 3&2.

The Semi-Finals are set to take place this Saturday, September 7th, with all matches scheduled for the afternoon field. It promises to be an exciting day as the remaining competitors vie for a spot in the final. Be sure to come down and support the players as they battle it out for a place in the final!

The 2024 Midweek 4BBB Knockout Trophy concluded with an exhilarating final on Wednesday, August 28th. 

After a rigorous competition that started with 27 qualifying pairs, the stage was set for an intense showdown. The final was played under challenging windy conditions, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the match.

In a thrilling conclusion, Peter Doran and Steve Foulds emerged victorious with a narrow 1-up win over their opponents, Erwin Michel and Glenn McBurney. The match was fiercely contested and came down to the very last hole, highlighting the competitive spirit and skill of both teams.

Congratulations to Peter and Steve for their impressive win! Your exceptional performance throughout the tournament has earned you the 2024 Midweek 4BBB Knockout Trophy. Well done!

Golf is a game where most balls see more than one shot before they're retired, and those that don't are often quickly forgotten. But one golf ball from August 23rd will certainly be remembered! After scoring 14 points on the front nine, Stuart decided to switch to a new ball, a decision that proved fortuitous.

On the 10th hole, Stuart made a stunning shot with a 9-iron that found the bottom of the cup, securing his very first hole-in-one! The moment was even more special as Stuart's dad, Lindsay, was there as his guest to witness this incredible achievement. Member Brett Shemmell also shared in the excitement, commenting that while it was a slightly toey 9-iron, it was nonetheless a fantastic shot.

Congratulations to Stuart on this remarkable milestone. A hole-in-one is a rare and celebrated achievement in golf, and we're thrilled to share in your joy!

August saw an exciting round 3 of the 2024 Mixed Cup, with eight teams fiercely competing on the course. Each team's aggregate Stableford score was determined by the top three individual scores (with at least one male and one female) and will be accumulated throughout the series to determine the overall winner.

Currently leading the pack are The Lost Balls, who have set a high bar with a score of 316. As the teams continue to battle for top positions, the competition remains intense.

Round 4 is scheduled for Sunday, October 27th. Best of luck to all participants as they strive to improve their standings and make their mark in this thrilling competition.

Until the 30^th of September Srixon are offering a FREE Srixon Performance Cart Bag with each 7 piece set of Srixon MK11 ZX7, ZX5 or ZX4 irons purchased.

If you are interested in trying the range of Srixon irons demos are available in the GSC or fittings session are available with Tim at no charge to members. If you are interested in arranging a fitting session, please contact the GSC.