Welcome to this week’s e-news
Hello Members,
First up, a big congratulations to Commonwealth member, Cameron John, who had a fabulous victory at The National Tournament last weekend finishing 16 under par to win by two shots. For a full report, check out the article on the PGA of Australia website. This is a much-deserved victory for Cameron who has been working incredibly hard on his game in recent times after overcoming some injuries. Congratulations, Cam.
In this E-news, Club Captain, Ray McCann, has penned a short note on the progress of the pennant teams and a call for support for the remainder of the season.
This week saw the fourth instalment of the Oakleigh Boys Challenge, a match between Commonwealth and Metropolitan played across a composite course between the two sites. The brainchild of Marty Maguire, and his cousin, Greg Bain (Metropolitan member). It was another victory for Metropolitan, but it was a very close contest.
I am also pleased to announce in this E-news the appointment of our new Hospitality Manager.
In this week’s edition:
From the Captain – Pennant Update
Course and Car Park Update
Oakleigh Boys Challenge
Appointment – Hospitality Manager
Corporate Golf
From the Captain – Pennant Update
A Call for Support for Our Pennant Teams
As you would have seen elsewhere on this website, all our pennant teams have completed three rounds of their respective seasons. I was at Royal Melbourne last weekend and cheered on the Men’s and Youth teams to hard fought wins in both contests. My first highlight was seeing Tony Hicks bring home his first win as the Men’s Pennant Manager. No easy task taking over from Michael Giulieri last year’s winning manager. And seeing Scott Silvia guide his Youth team to their third win, in their closest match of the season, was another highlight.
Unfortunately, there was not many of the Commonwealth Army there with me on Sunday. Julian Smith, David Condon and Zenting Kong caddied for three of the youth team members and Paul Zoppos caddied for Mitch Crabbe in the Men’s event. Tony Donnelly, Gary Powerlett and I made up the Commonwealth member supporter base along with the fathers of Mitch Crabbe and Morton Hafkamp. We had a great day, but I just thought the teams deserved more support from Club members as spectators and/or caddies.
So, I would like to make a loud “Shout Out” for Club members to be at Victoria Golf Club this week to cheer our teams home. The Youth team games commence at 7.45 AM against Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The Men’s team play at 11.15 AM in a must win crucial clash with Victoria Golf Club.
And whilst this article is primarily looking for an improvement to our support for the Club’s Men and Youth Pennant teams, I haven’t forgotten our amazing Women’s team who are playing Keysborough Golf Club at Sandhurst Golf Club at 8.50 AM on Sunday morning. Our Match Subcommittee Convener Dave Martin was at the Heritage Golf Club last Sunday to cheer our women on to their third win of the season. Dave commented that “It was great to be out there with the Women’s team. They are a very impressive group of golfers, even more so young women and they represent the Club brilliantly”. If you can find your way to Sandhurst on Sunday morning, I am sure Team Manager Sarah Bernhardt and her team will be pleased to see you.
This is last round of pennant matches before the Easter break, so let’s make a special effort. Seeing these young pennant teams proudly carry the Club colours will make you delighted you are a member of the Commonwealth Golf Club.
Ray McCann
Captain
Course and Car Park Update
We’ll be back soon with the video updates however work is continuing as planned. This week our passionate volunteers and vegetation team commenced the planting at the rear of the 1st Green. We still have some more planting to do, including some mature trees, but we have made a good start.
The Car Park project continues to benefit from the dry conditions. Drainage has been installed and they are now installing the electrical infrastructure. All going to plan, they will commence the kerb construction after the Easter break.
Members will have noted the unfinished area between the 1st tee and the existing path. This will be addressed towards the end of the Car Park project as we have prioritised the return of member parking over this area. The plan for the path is to remove the rubber rock, replacing it with an exposed aggregate, and widening the path. The widening of the footpath will address the OH&S issues that existed and reduce the existence of worn turf in this area.
Oakleigh Boys Challenge
It was a hard fought 5.5 to 4.5 victory for the Metropolitan team on Wednesday in the 4th instalment of the Oakleigh Boys Challenge. The event was established as a way for members of the two clubs to engage, and to honour the men who were known as the Oakleigh Boys. The day included a short speech from Commonwealth Member, Davd Worley, the author of Bill Edgar – A Legend in Amateur Golf, as Bill Edgar was a founding member of the Oakleigh Boys – a group of caddies that worked under Metropolitan professional, Reg Jupp.
Members will have the opportunity to experience Metropolitan on Saturday 27 July 2024 when we hold a swap day.
Appointment – Hospitality Manager
I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Daniel Cromie to the position of Hospitality Manager, commencing late April.
Daniel is joining the team at an exciting time and is very much looking forward to making a big contribution to the Club. Daniel loves golf and is a PGA Professional. He did his traineeship at Huntingdale Golf Club, is a member of Yarra Yarra (having played Pennant for them). Daniel transitioned from golf to hospitality in recent years, taking the leap to start his own business, Mr Ashcroft, that specialises in coffee, café, and catering. Daniel recently sold out of that business and is looking to combine his two passions – golf and hospitality.
Daniel is a local, living in Bentleigh East, with his wife, Anna, and three children - 9yo Sophie, 6yo Patrick, and 4yo Emily.
I am sure you will provide Daniel with a warm welcome upon his arrival. I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our Bar Manager, Ben O’Shea, who has done a fabulous job filling the position in the interim, with support from our Bar Supervisor, Harry Tate, Head Chef, John Lepp and Events Coordinator, Annabelle Cosgrove.
Corporate Golf
On Monday we had our first corporate event on the new course, hosting South Yarra BMW. It was a spectacular day with perfect conditions for golf. As a reminder to members, Monday is our corporate golf day. Wherever possible, we will assign either a morning, or afternoon, for member play.
If you are looking to host a corporate golf event, please get in contact with our Membership & Guest Services Manager, Olivia Kline olivia@commonwealthgolf.com.au
Warm regards,
Peter Paccagnan
General Manager