Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort
Captain's Log

CAPTAIN: Paul Robinson
LADY CAPTAIN: Jean Walker

The beginning of the season saw our first am-am for a few years; it was a huge success and a sell-out with all tee times taken. The club received fantastic support from the club professionals, Forest Pines Management and the caterers (the food was superb), not to mention the committee of course. The am-am has already been put in the diary for next year with an extra ten tee times reserved. This date is not to be missed - April 22nd 2010 - we look forward to seeing you then.

Shortly afterwards, on a warm sunny Sunday in May, our Invitation Day went ahead - again with a full field. Forest Pines has always held this competition for both male and female and this year was no exception. Again, the support from everyone who gave up their valuable time was second to none. Men’s and Ladies Club Championships were held over the weekend of 27th and 28th June 2009. After a competitive competition we are proud to announce that the Men’s Club Champion for 2009 is Richard Over and the Ladies Club Champion is Gemma Hardie.

Before we even recovered from the Championships, the Club and Lady Captain’s weekend was held on the 11th and 12th July. Great fun was had by all and both Paul and I would like to thank our fellow members for joining us for a drink at the halfway point.

Finally, I would like to mention the Summer Ball was a fantastic turnout with 100 people taking part. We would like to thank the committee for subsidising this event which is clearly the way forward to ensuring a good turnout.

Before I finish (I always have a bit more to say!) I would like to comment on the course which is in the most fantastic condition and looking fabulous, as well as playing as tricky as ever. Many thanks must go to David Norton and the green staff for their continued hard work – the members are very grateful.

Green Keeper's Report: David Norton

After a testing start to the year with unpredictable weather I am delighted to see the course benefiting from the garden works in March and April. In August we will be hollow tinning the greens to guarantee optimum results with the shortest recovery time. We have constructed a new pump house and pump station worth £24,000 to ensure the continued quality of the course when we finally get some dry spells of weather.

I have finally realised that I am too old to be a green keeper having broken my leg and after being off work throughout July I am pleased to say that I should be back in the middle of August, the rumours that a member broke my leg due to difficult pin positions I can confirm are totally untrue. In the meantime I am pleased to say that Steve and the team have continued to deliver the quality of golf course expected at Forest Pines.