Dear Members, The wonderful spring sunshine we've been enjoying marks a fantastic start to the new golf season. It's been a joy to see so many of you out on the course, making the most of this beautiful weather. However, with every approach shot, we’ve noticed an increase in pitch marks on our greens that need our attention. As a courtesy to your fellow players, we kindly ask that you repair your own pitch mark plus one additional mark if you spot it during your round. To help you do this effectively, we’ve attached a short video from Iona Stephen demonstrating the proper technique using a tee. If you need a pitch repair tool, they’re readily available for purchase at the pro shop. Let’s work together to keep our greens in pristine condition. Thank you for your cooperation and support! Iona Stephen - How to repair pitch marks

Dear Members As we commence the new season, I would like to provide a few updates and share some thoughts. Firstly, I extend a warm welcome to all our members, both returning and new. Based on the recent weather patterns, it appears that we are poised for an excellent year ahead. Let us hope this trend persists. Golf Course Due to the recent favourable weather conditions, the greenkeepers have been able to devote significant time to course maintenance. It is my observation that the course is currently in its best condition for this time of year in the past five years, dating back to the period of COVID-19 restrictions when play was not possible. During a recent inspection, any bunkers requiring additional sand have been replenished with high-quality white sand, enhancing the visual appeal as one walks down the fairway towards the green. Ideally, we aim to avoid these bunkers during our rounds! The ground is also firming up, and with preferred lies now in place, it’s great to be hitting off the grass again. The greens are progressing well, with most of the sand and moss removal patches beginning to diminish. With a couple more weeks of favourable weather, which is anticipated, they should return to optimal condition shortly. Efforts are ongoing to address badger damage, including consultation with the Scottish Badgers group for guidance on effective management. As badgers are a protected species, options for dealing with them are limited. Our team of volunteers has been diligently working to repair the affected areas by sorting scrapings and applying sand and seed. As the grass grows more rapidly and the ground firms up, it is expected that the damage will be minimal in the coming weeks. Please treat all areas affected by badger damage as ground under repair, agree on free relief with your playing partners. Clubhouse Recent activities around the clubhouse have involved substantial improvements and maintenance. The entrance hall has been refreshed with a new coat of paint, all carpets throughout the facility have been professionally cleaned, the front door has been sanded in preparation for a new layer of varnish, and all surrounding areas are also being refurbished. The exterior areas around the clubhouse have been tidied and pressure washed, and the leak in the bar roof has been repaired. Additionally, a new garden has been established beside the putting green, featuring flowers arranged to spell out WGC. The Beer Garden, previously known as the smoking deck, has been repainted, including all benches and the steel structure, and new umbrellas and advertising signs have been installed. This project is anticipated to be completed by the weekend. Furthermore, the bar area and function hall have been repainted, and new flooring has been installed around the bar area in the lounge. In our continued effort to enhance environmental sustainability and cost efficiency, new hand dryers have been installed in all restrooms. This initiative is expected to save approximately £2500 annually on paper towels and significantly reduce weekly paper waste. Pro-Am The well-known Wishaw Pro-Am will be returning to the Club this year. We are currently in the process of finalizing the details for this event, which has already garnered significant interest among our members. As in previous years, there will be a limited number of sponsorship tee times available, and members will have the opportunity to qualify throughout the year. This is an exciting occasion for the Club, providing an excellent opportunity for promotion within the local area. Further information will be provided soon; please stay tuned for updates. Additionally, there are numerous activities and initiatives underway at the Club. The dedication of our members and committee in preparing for the new season has been truly remarkable. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we extend our gratitude to all involved. We wish all our members an exceptional season ahead, one that promises to be among the best. Play well everyone Regards Andrew Oliphant Club Captain Wishaw Golf Club

Dear Members Just a reminder that we are holding a New Member Welcome Night tonight, Friday 4th April. Although the content is directed at new members, all members are welcome. A few long standing members have already confirmed they are attending. Please see initial email for full details. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Regards Andrew Oliphant Club Captain

As I commence my 30th season as a greenkeeper and mark my 35th year of membership at Wishaw Golf Club, I would like to extend a warm welcome to both new and long-standing members. In the coming week, you will observe increased preparation activities on the course. We will commence the daily maintenance of fairways, rough, greens, tee boxes, and approaches. Please be mindful that greenkeepers have the right of way on the course, and we will endeavour to minimize any disruptions. Bunkers will be raked more frequently, and full tee markers will be placed on the course. Additionally, the summer flags, pins, and cups will be installed on the course, and the putting green will have holes cut and flags positioned. Winter mats are now optional for casual play, so please ensure that you replace your divots. As it is early in the season, the greens may still be slightly softer; therefore, please repair your pitch marks as well as any others you may notice. This will help maintain the greens to the highest possible standard. Non-repaired pitch marks are a significant concern as they can make the greens look unsightly and cause uneven surfaces. New rakes will be provided in all bunkers, so please make an effort to rake any bunkers you enter. On a personal note, the start of the season holds special significance for my family and me, as my father's memorial trophy is the first competition of the season. I hope you all have a wonderful year, and hopefully, the weather will be kinder than it has been in recent years. Finally, if there is any way I can assist you on the course, please do not hesitate to ask. Happy Golfing! Head Greenkeeper Gerry Bradley