The Victoria Golf Club

March Edition

Welcome

From the Captain

From the Treasurer

This month's events

Pro Shop

Pennant

On Course

Ladies Day

Australian Open

Events at VGC

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Contact

The Club acknowledges and pays its respects to the Boon Wurrung people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we enjoy the club’s activities. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Important Dates

GOLF DAYS

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

GOLF DAYS

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

GOLF DAYS

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

GOLF DAYS

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

EVENTS

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

International Women's Day

9:30am - Thursday 5 August

Ladies Day

9:30am - Tuesday 10 August

Australian Open

9:30am - Friday 11 August

Pennant

8:30am - Monday 15 August

From the Captain

Welcome to our latest Enews publication which this year will vary in frequency from a fortnightly to a monthly communication. The monthly format will endeavour to provide members with our main communication messages from all departments across the club. Members can expect the delivery of this email during the first half of every month. Outside of this monthly communication, any additional information that needs to be passed to members in a timely manner will be done via email messaging as circumstances arise.

COURSE

Our golf course has recovered remarkably well from the Australian Open. Steven Newell and his team have done a superb job presenting the course to members, especially given the large volume of traffic across the course during the tournament. The ground staff have also recently overseen renovation work on the practice fairway which experienced the most concentrated traffic use. It is pleasing to see members enjoying the outstanding condition of our course.

BATTERIES

In consideration of potential fire risks to our established clubhouse, members rechargeable batteries were removed from storage. Unlike many other clubs, our storage and recharging facilities are part of the clubhouse and sit below the main floors of the building.

Having mitigated this potential hazard, additional work is now being done to further assess the safe guarding of the building. When all factors have been considered and any required work carried out, it is hoped that some conditional storage arrangements can be achieved. Management and the Board are conscious of members considerations and are treating it as a matter of priority and will communicate any developments over the next few months.

STARTERS HUT

Over the years our beloved Starters Hut has been a welcome mid round oasis. Previously refrigeration units occupied the hut and were replaced by portable eskies on various days. Alternative service options, including refrigeration, are currently being considered. Consistent temperature control is essential for safe food storage requirements. Liquor licencing considerations still determine alcohol beverage requirements. These items are available in the golf shop.

ARCHIVE ROOM

Many of our club's historical items and information have been stored to date in an unsuitable area of our clubhouse. This has made access potentially hazardous and difficult for our archivists. A more suitable room has been requisitioned on the lower level of the building near the Women's locker room which the Board and Management trust will provide easier access and better storage options.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

As the new year proceeds our strategic planning will be a major focus for the Board. These considerations will be reviewed and refined as necessary with information communicated to members as planning and work progresses.

THE 'VICTORIAN RYDER CUP' - I’d like to share this video kindly organised by Grant Thomson in recognition of a unique event established several years ago by Conor O’Malley. This year the event will be played in memory of Conor who shared a very special place in the hearts of members and the club. Good luck to everyone involved on Sunday.

Until our next Enews, enjoy your golf.

Stephen Ager

Captain, Victoria Golf Club

From the Treasurer

FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES

As mentioned in my last quarterly update, our financial objective is to return the club to generating a profit from trading activities (i.e. excluding entrance fees, capital works levies and government support) so that the club can provide a sustainable level of services to members (i.e. operating within our means), while at the same time generating sufficient cash reserves to enable the club to maintain and reinvest to improve the facilities for members.

Increased cash reserves are required over the next few years in order to fund necessary capital investment projects, including replacing the maintenance facility, course and clubhouse improvements.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

The year to date is progressing largely in line with expectations, generating a loss from trading activities of $320k during the half-year (1H22: $491k), although there is pressure from rising input costs with the national inflation rate increasing to 7.8% for the December quarter.

The losses from trading activities have reduced notwithstanding an increase in operating expenditure by $319k (or 17%) compared to last year primarily due to:

• An increase in membership fees of $153k (or 7%)
  
• An increase in income from honorary members ie guest fees of $212k (or 255%)
  
• A reduction in losses from bar, catering and retail operations of $111k (or 42%)
  

A summary of the unaudited financial results for the half-year are as follows:

CASH FLOW

The cash reserves have increased by $636k over the last 12-months to $3,084k at 31 December 2022 despite the repayment of $600k in bank loans in July 2022. The final repayment of $500k is due in July 2023.

During the half-year, the club has spent $112k on capital assets including improvements to the Ogilvy Terrace and new items of furniture for the clubhouse.

FINANCIAL PLAN (near term)

The immediate financial priorities are to improve the fee yield per round charged for non-member play and to mitigate the losses generated in the following areas, with a view to assessing options to ensure these areas support themselves without the need for significant subsidies to operate:

(a) Bar, catering and retail services

These services are provided to members and our guests to enhance their experience while attending Victoria GC to play our now superbly maintained and presented golf course.

However, the club is of the view that it is not in the members' interests for the club to provide services that are under-utilised. The level of demand from members is an indication of the value placed on services by the membership as a whole.

While the club strives to provide member services at breakeven, I accept that this is not always appropriate within a private members club and therefore, an overall subsidy of $200k-$300k per annum is likely to be required ongoing.

(b) Accommodation business

Victoria GC has historically offered accommodation to the general public open 7-days a week on a full board basis with all meals, lodging and golf included in a play and stay package. While the greens replacement project in FY19 and the COVID-19 pandemic in the period FY20 to FY22 has disrupted patronage, occupancy prior to this period was in decline as alternative play and stay options have come to market.

Over the past 10 years, occupancy peaked at 41% (or 3,791 nights) in FY15 following the women's Australian Open and dropped as low as 15% (or 770 nights) in FY21 leading to considerable operating losses as the accommodation income was insufficient to cover the fixed costs required to provide the full board offering to house guests.

In response to these circumstances, careful consideration was required to assess whether a modified offering was a viable option to enable the club to continue to offer accommodation at Victoria GC. Consequently, in FY22 the offering was revised to focus on a 4-day period operating Wednesday to Saturday nights inclusive of bed and breakfast, with golf attracting an additional and increased honorary members fee. These changes reduced the fixed costs attributable to the accommodation business by $214k per annum and reduced the losses arising from the accommodation business on a standalone basis (that is, excluding honorary members fees from house guests) by 67% in FY22 to a loss of $90k (FY21: $272k loss) based on 764 nights.

Pleasingly, the current accommodation offering is on track to make a positive financial contribution in FY23 based on a forecast of 1,200 nights (1H23: 624 nights).

Management has implemented changes in the above areas, which have improved financial results in the year to date. Further financial benefits are expected in future years as these changes are refined and demand for interstate and overseas guests increase following the Australian Open.

FINANCIAL PLAN (medium term)

Following the supportive feedback captured in the members' survey, the following areas are under consideration in order to increase the funds available for capital improvements and potentially avoid extending the current capital works levy beyond its intended 10-year period:

(a) Level of entrance fees for new members

(b) Sale of two properties near the green on the 17th hole

(c) Membership subscription discounts or concessions

Please be aware that (b) and (c) above require approval by a vote of the members at a general meeting.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Our assessment of the financial impact, and resulting benefits, of hosting the Australian Open will be finalised later this month as part of a broader post major event review and I will update members shortly thereafter.

Stuart Brown

Hon. Treasurer, Victoria Golf Club

The Victoria Golf Club Foundation

Update of activities

Fundraising activities were limited in the 2022 calendar year, with the Foundation golf day cancelled in order to prioritise member access following the loss of amenity during the pandemic and in anticipation of course closure days required to prepare for the Australian Open. During this time, the trustees of the Foundation met on a number of occasions in preparation for its relaunch in the coming months. A strategic review is currently underway and led by trustee Mr. Peter Wilson AM, which will provide greater clarity to members in relation to the Foundations purpose, fundraising activities and the intended use of funds raised.

Furthermore, our aim is to drive improved engagement with our members in the future. In the meantime, management has established the following two specific projects through the Australian Sports Foundation that allow members to make tax deductible donations knowing the funds must be applied for their stated purpose.

• Junior golf development fund

• Clubhouse masterplan fund During the year ended 30 June 2022, the Foundation gratefully received $27k in donations and the trustees sincerely thank each donor for their generosity.

Charity golf days

In December, the club was pleased to host the annual hotelier’s association golf day, Grange on the Range, in its 89th year at Victoria GC.

Victoria GC member Mark Robertson OAM leads the organisational efforts, with each group of 4 players selling for a fee of $8,000. As has been the case in years gone by, attendees were incredibly generous raising $772k for their chosen charities, including a $20k donation to the Foundation specifically for the development of junior golf. Upcoming events The Foundation’s first activity this year will be a dinner to be held in March, so keep an eye out for further details.

Women's News

The 2023 Women's Eclectic is already up and running with some good scores happening already this year. Congratulations to Taylor Hawke who achieved the most improved for 2022. Taylor's handicap reduced by 11.7 over the 12 months. Keep it going Taylor. See the Golf Shop news for Jesika Clark’s great win. Please remember that speed of play is an important aspect of our enjoyment of golf. If you hit a ball where you are unsure if you will find it, hit a provisional ball. You have 3 minutes to search for your ball and you then must move on. Another way to speed up play is to move to the next tee in twos, hit off and then mark the card. Many clubs hold Challenge Bowls throughout the year. VGC chooses a number of these where the club selects from those who enter their name on the golf booking calendar. There are many other bowls which are added to the folder on the counter under the notice board. You are most welcome to enter your own team in those events that are in the folder. Bowls at other clubs are an opportunity for all women members to play at other courses. We try to share these around among all those who are interested. The Junior Girls Programme, is being co-ordinated by Jes Clark having started on Sunday February 5. Please consider putting your name down to walk 9 holes with the girls one Sunday afternoon especially if you play in bowls or represent the club in any way. This is a great way of giving back and helping the girls enjoy their golf.

The Pennant season is just around the corner, with Sunday Pennant starting on February 26 and Friday Pennant on March 3. The players love to have spectators cheering them on. Try to get to one of the matches if you can. The draws are on the website and in the diary. All dates and details of events can be found in the women's section of the 2023 Club diary which is now available at the Office. Updated information can be found on the club website under ‘Women's Golf'. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call the Office or Golf shop.

Congratulations to Nadene Gole, who claimed the Tasmanian Senior Amateur Championship by nine shots in a dominant wire-to-wire performance. Nadene held the lead at the conclusion of each day firing steady rounds of 74, 73 and 73 in windy and wet conditions at Kingston Beach Golf Club, Hobart. Former VGC member and prolific winner at Senior level Sue Wooster took out solo second place. Nadene now owns three Senior State titles after adding her latest win in Tasmania to victories in South Australia and Victoria during September last year. And, when the World Amateur Golf Rankings are updated next week, Nadene is projected to vault inside the top five senior women golfers in the world.

We welcome Ivy Harris' gorgeous training dog Pinot to the Club. Please make Pinot feel welcome.

Claire Brophy

Women's Captain

Golf News

2022 Eclectic and Yoshiko Suzuki Eclectic

The tightly contested eclectics for 2022 have now come to an end. This year saw many an eagle and several hole-in-ones, however, no one could stop Sean Roocroft's reign at the top of the leaderboard - Sean scored 53 off the stick over the twelve-month period and finished with a nett of 47.5 after fifty percent of his playing handicap was reduced. In a very close second, Nick Mangos managed a 'par free' 51 and achieved a nett of 48.15. The men's gross champion had to be determined by countback - Antony Majstorovic and Ben Steven both managed to break 50 - scoring 49, however, there can only be one champion. This year Ben Steven clinched the title with 24 around the back nine. In the inaugural Yoshiko Suzuki Eclectic, we saw Jesika Clark run away with both the nett and gross awards. Jes had an outstanding score of 54 off the stick and a nett score of 53.05. Nadene Gole was the gross runner-up with 60, while Janet Doig finished second in the nett event with a score of 55.35. We are excited for what 2023 holds for these two events. A reminder to new members that these leaderboards can be found on the 'second page' of the Victoria Golf Club Members' App.

Men’s and Women’s Board Events

The Club is excited to have got through the difficult times of COVID. In 2023, you will all notice that the men's and women's Board Events have returned back to their previous formats. For example, the Victoria Cup, The Lord Denman and the Founders Cup will be played over two rounds, with the best eight nett scores qualifying for the matchplay component.

Bunker Etiquette

This could be you.

No one likes to be in the sand unless it is a hot sunny day at St. Kilda beach. Unfortunately, everyone ends up in a bunker once in a while. There is nothing more frustrating than hitting a ball into the bunker and finding upon arrival your ball sitting at the bottom of someone else's divot or footprints. After a shot has been played, a golfer should use a rake to smooth the sand in preparation for golfers following behind. Keeping the sand level throughout the bunker also helps ensure a 'false lip' is not created. This is when the sand is raked towards the front or back of the bunker disproportionately building up either the front or back lip of the bunker. To help stop this from happening, golfers should rake sand into the middle of the bunker. This will help ensure the sand is evenly spread and help avoid any false lips being created. When possible, golfers should also rake over footprints moving backward and out of the bunker at the lowest point possible, this will help avoid damage to the bunker. The back of the rake should be used to ‘smooth’ the face of the bunker. This will ensure the sand remains compacted and that golf balls will roll down into the bottom part of the bunker. Bunkers are frustrating places to visit but by following the correct rules and etiquette, golfers can help themselves and others escape and boost their own standing amongst fellow members and playing partners as a considerate player.

Hospitality Update