April Newsletter
Dear Members,
We all find ourselves in an unprecedented situation which I hope we will never experience again.
Once concerns about the Coronavirus emerged, and everyone realised that something needed to be done to reduce its transmission, the Executive took action and introduced measures to try and minimise the spread of the virus in line with advice and guidance from English Golf and other Governing Bodies. Everyone involved in the running of the Club worked together brilliantly to put these sensible and practical measures in place, in an effort to keep the course and clubhouse open as safely as possible.
Regrettably but understandably, we had to close the course due to Government restrictions announced on Monday 23rd March. We appreciate that the closure has affected all of us, but the Executive felt that it was the right decision which was later reinforced with the advice from English Golf.
The upkeep of the course is vitally important and this has to be balanced against the health and welfare of our greens team. At the time of writing this article they are all fit and well. The staff have split into two teams and they are currently working alternate days; their working arrangements are under constant review. Their priorities are maintaining the greens, tees, fairway and rough so when the course reopens it will be in the best possible condition. The first fairway is also a priority as the newly laid turf needs to be watered, fed, cut and rolled to encourage the grass roots to knit together.
Interestingly, because we don’t have members playing the course, we are expecting the local wildlife to ‘get brave’ and mobilise! The rabbits will start making burrows in the nice soft sand of the bunkers, the crows have time to peck for grubs on the tees and greens, and the squirrels encroach from the woods to add to the damage. Just something else for the greens staff to deal with!
Sara Nelson and John Dunn, in particular are monitoring the clubs financial situation, considering the short, medium and long term impact the closure of the course is having on our financial status and sustainability. They are also investigating ways in which the club could benefit from financial assistance the government and other governing bodies are providing. A number of staff have already been furloughed and this measure may involve other members of staff in the future.
You are all aware that the majority of our income comes from members subscriptions. I am acutely aware that every member is in a different financial situation. Wherever possible I am asking members who are able, to renew their membership in the weeks ahead whilst the course is closed to help in the sustainability of the club.
Obviously, Mike and Simon are also dealing with their own financial situations and they are taking similar measures to ourselves. We are all in this together and we, as a club will assist them in any way we can.
In relation to the soil project we are waiting for appropriate contractual agreements being finalised between Teesstone and Anglo American plc (who now own Sirius Minerals). Therefore we expect the project to proceed in due course.
Lastly, I want to reassure all of our members that we will re open the course when it is safe to do so, taking into consideration the directives from the government and other governing bodies. We will update members via email and/or on our website as this situation develops over the coming weeks. If you have any particular concerns please email Sara at, info@saltburngolf.co.uk
Please stay safe, look after yourselves and lets hope we can get back to playing the game we love in the not too distant future.
Charlie Bell