Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Captain Sep 2005

Captain’s September (whatever ?)
(Tannah’s Tantrums)


Oubaai turned out to be a huge success and I wish to thank all the members who supported this event, as well as all the non-Nomads who did likewise. We ended up with a field of 207 players (the largest to date at Oubaai) and we seem to be breaking records everywhere – BUT only due to all the visitors !!

78 Nomads played and all the rest were visitors. It is of concern to me that our turnout at the monthly games are diminishing, as well as the attendance at prize-giving having been very disappointing.

We seem to forget that prize-giving is the single most important aspect of Nomads. It is the only occasion where we all come together simultaneously, as well as the rare occasion where we get to see who is new (and older!!), as well as to be present where your committee can pass on any important information. We have been compiling a list of all the Nomads who regularly miss prize giving, and surprisingly, it is mostly the older Nomads who should know better and set an example. (they are also very quick to criticise when things go wrong .)

I was fortunate enough to attend the Boland Anniversary and the 99th National Management meeting in East London. The meeting turned out to be held in very good spirits, as well as being informative.

A very serious proposal was put on the table which involves all of Nomads. We were informed that our Constitution was out of line with the Country’s National Constitution, in that it is gender discriminatory. National Executive will at a later stage send out a ballot ( to be sent to every member nationwide ) The ballot will NOT ask if you are in favour of ladies being admitted, but rather, whether we should change the wording of our constitution referring to a ‘mens’ club, as opposed to a club of ‘persons’. The exact wording and changes will be spelt out on the ballot paper. This could mean that the onus will be on each individual club to interpret the admission of ladies as they see fit (my opinion) The usual screening process of the prospective member MUST still be passed by the entire committee involved.

The weather for the Match was perfect , except for a little breeze of about 70 kmph !! For those of you familiar with East London, this can make the course a ‘little’ interesting!! to say the least!! I would hazard a guess that no less than about 600 balls were lost ( 200+ players) On my average of 8 lost balls, the number could be higher. I think some caddies/ball-picker-uppers were contemplating early retirement, for a while at least.

The usual fantastic Nomads spirit and camaraderie was present, with everyone having a ball (off the course) The only sad part was, that we as this years captains, gathered officially for the last time. You can imagine the nostalgic ‘last drinks together’ were had, which seemed to carry on ad finitum, causing me not only to lose my balls (on the course of course!), but quite a bit more! Can you imagine your teetotal(!!) captain hanging around thinking the wind is still blowing –in the bar as well. Well, that is the only reason I can think of for everyone (in my eyes) swaying all over the show.!

Now, we come to my moaning bit again. The turnout at our Monthly game at Fancourt was again embarrassing, not to mention at prize-giving. Again, if it was not for 30 odd visitors, the field would have been fit for Boggomsbaai! (maybe). I am only pleased that our sponsor of the day was not present , although his nominated stand in was. Thanks to Bernie Poolman (not the Nomad) for attending. I would have serious misgivings sponsoring Nomads in future if I were to be a sponsor. Guys, we owe it to our sponsors to attend (not even mentioning that we are obliged to attend as Nomads). We can seriously jeopardize these sponsorships in future.

Our thanks to Fancourt for the use of their facilities and course, which was in excellent condition, with some rather interesting pin placements that would have had suited a PGA tournament at Pebble Beach very well!!

My term of office will (sadly) be coming to an end soon (don’t all cheer together). The year is flying by, and soon you should be rid of my moans, but I think serious thought should be given to them, as they are of a serious note and very pertinent to the future of our wonderful club.

Hoping to see ye all at Andrew Mentis Day and at Monthly game at Knysna