May  2021 Golf News
 
We have no aces to report so on to the weather.
 
A brief weather report for those not here; the back half of March saw pretty windy conditions with one decently wet 6-7” snow. Then in April, more wind, some of it upwards of 60 MPH which is never any good for anything. As I write this on April 16, we do have some moisture forecast over the next few days but we’ll see. Fairways and greens are green with fairly aggressive growth as soil temperatures are still somewhat low. Deciduous trees breaking dormancy as well. All in all though, we’re in good shape (Alto aerification went very well last week) and both courses are very enjoyable to play when it’s not blowing a thousand or snowing.
 
As we enter the busy season, we’d like to remind and inform you of speed of play and cart driving policies. The Golf and Greens Commission and you Board of Directors appeal for your help in the care of our golf courses. As such, we will have Marshals once again to aid in care for our courses and assist in pace of play. All players who ride any golf cart are to keep the cart at least 30 feet from any tee or green, and stay completely on the paths on all par 3’s. Of course at the Outlaw, never drive in any Native Area. Also a reminder, those riding in a Club cart are to pair up or be charged with a full $36 cart fee. We understand you and your group may arrive at different times but once you arrive at the tee, you will need to pair up unless of course you have an odd number (3 or 5) playing which necessitates a single rider. Thanks in advance for your cooperation in this as we endeavor to keep wear and tear to a minimum and efficiently use Club resources.
 
Marshals will also be charged with helping maintain the pace of play as well as any distancing requirements we might have. While there have not been consistent issues with pace given the volume of in-season play, there are going to be isolated instances where play slows from our established pace of play of 4:07 for Alto, and 4:15 for Outlaw. Remember the old tried and true adage; “your place on the course is behind the group in front of you, not just ahead of the group behind you”. Our marshals will assist in this as well and we ask you heed any instructions from them.
 
Those in need of mobility assistance to play will be issued handicap flags which allow them to drive off the paths on par 3’s, and as close as 12 feet (about 2 cart lengths) to greens and tees. These concessions are only available to those flying a handicap flag which are available in the golf shops. To use a flag on a permanent basis, we must have either a doctor’s letter describing the issue causing the need, or, a copy of your existing state issued handicap placard. Members which we know have an issue have been notified by letter of the policy and can buy their own flag for $20 in either shop. For those with a temporary need or have a guest with a mobility issue, we have flags for one time use in both shops, and these must be returned at the end of your round.
 
Not to belabor the point but be advised there are penalties for those who choose to ignore our cart driving and pace of play policies up to and including suspension of playing privileges. Your Golf and Greens Commission and well as your Board of Directors stand firmly behind these policies and will act accordingly should anyone persistently choose to ignore them.
 
Let me remind everyone of the Foretees tee time reservation policies. First, tee time reservations open for two weeks out at 4:00 each day. Second, the “X’s” you can use to hold spots in the time you make will stay up until 4 days prior to your time. This gives you 10 days (if you make the time 2 weeks out) to round up your players and insert names whether member or guest. When the X’s go away, the remaining spots in your game are then open to anyone wishing to join you. Another quick reminder: if playing less than a full group particularly in peak times, expect to be paired by our starters so we may optimize play on the course. Thanks!
 
The golf shop is filled with all the new merchandise for 2021 whether it is the new clubs which make the game easier, or any and all types of clothing and shoes (the 2021 FootJoy and Sketchers Golf Shoes are here!) to help you look and feel better while
playing. We have the new Taylor Made, Cobra, Ping and Callaway offerings…and those aren’t the half of it.
 
We’d like to give you a heads up for the Lincoln
 County War Couples Tournament to be played
June 2-3 with the practice round on June 1. Format for the War is flighted, gross and net better ball
eclectic for the couple. Entry fee for the War is $350 per couple and includes entry gifts, a pairings party the night of the 1st, and lunch/awards both days of the tournament. Always lots of fun with a fairly relaxed format.