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January Snapshot

Tuesday 7 January 2025

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Course News

We are often asked why certain maintenance activities are prioritised over others. Like most businesses, our course maintenance program is governed by resource allocation, which includes equipment, labour, and consumables such as fertilisers. In recent years, the Club has significantly increased its investment in these areas, and the benefits are becoming increasingly evident.

While there is rarely any disagreement about what should be on the to-do list, the priority list often requires careful interpretation and adjustment. Understandably, some clubs operate with significantly higher course budgets, while others manage with less. Regardless of these factors, our goal remains constant: to create value that exceeds the monetary investment. We firmly believe we achieve this better than most.

Weather disruptions frequently challenge even the best-laid plans, and last month (December) was no exception. Due to public holidays and increased course activity during the holiday season, December presented unique planning challenges. Adding to the complexity, we received 321mm of rain that fell over the first 19 days of the month (Dec 2024) which caused significant inundation on Wednesday, 18th Dec. Planning quickly became a daily-and in some cases, hourly-proposition when this happened.

When such disruptions occur, the immediate priority is to reopen the course. The Club is proud to say that it achieved this within 24 hours on this occasion, though admittedly in a condition below our usual standards. This rapid reopening required prioritising the cleaning of the course, addressing safety issues, and operationalising irrigation and pumps. The team then focused on mowing greens, tees, surrounds and fairways.

Beyond these initial steps, decisions needed to be made regarding mowing the rough and reinstating bunkers. In this instance, mowing the rough was prioritised, resulting in bunkers being out of play longer than we would typically prefer.

Why prioritise mowing the rough?

This decision was influenced by several factors, with the forecast for continued wet and stormy conditions being a key consideration. More rain would likely restrict further mowing and undo any bunker repairs, rendering them back to poor conditioning. Additionally, player feedback highlighted that the longer rough was/is causing frustration due to increased lost golf balls and a slower pace of play. Addressing this issue was deemed more urgent.

The bunker rectification will involve more than simply raking the affected areas and will likely involve 150-200 hours of labour.

To mitigate short-term concerns with the bunkers, we introduced a local rule allowing optional relief, which ensures players were not subjected to unreasonable playing conditions.

Please rest assured that getting the bunkers back in play is a priority with this task already nearing completion.


14th Hole Improvements 

The Club is pleased to provide an update on the improvements to the 14th hole at Keperra Country Golf Club, which began on Monday, 6th January 2025. These enhancements aim to elevate the playing experience and improve the course's functionality.

Current Works in Progress:

  • New Pathway Installation: A new concrete path is under construction, beginning near the left-side fairway bunkers, extending around the back of the green, and connecting to the path adjacent to the 15th tee block. The path will also feature a stop area at the rear of the green, similar to the design on hole 11.
  • Pathway Adjustments: The existing 14th hole pathway will become the preferred pathway for the 15th hole.
  • Re-turfing and Upgrades: Several areas around the green surround will be re-turfed to improve aesthetics and playability.
  • Drainage and Irrigation Enhancements: Additional drainage and irrigation will be installed to improve the green surrounds and ensure sustainable course quality.

Future Plans:

  • The path will be extended to the 14th tee block along the left side of the fairway.
  • The fairway bunkering will be reviewed and likely adjusted to enhance the landing area for tee shots, optimising playability for all golfers.

Work on this phase will continue over the next two weeks. The Club appreciates your patience and understanding as upgrades are completed while striving to minimise disruptions to the member golfing experience.

These improvements are part of the ongoing commitment to providing the best possible facilities for members.


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MiSCORE - NTP 

The Club is thrilled to announce the launch of a new and improved process for Nearest the Pin (NTP) competitions, now seamlessly integrated into the MiScore app.

How It Works

Starting this Thursday January 9th, we will be trialling this process in conjunction with the competition, NTP scoring will be enabled directly in the MiScore app. Here's what Members need to know:

  1. Members: You will still need to nominate when checking in at the Golf Shop if you wish to participate
  2. Real-Time Tracking: Once you're on the course, your NTP attempts will be tracked directly through the MiScore app-no more manual recordings
  3. Clear Results: At the end of the competition, NTP winners will be automatically calculated, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Important Notes for Participants

  • Ensure your MiScore app is updated to the latest version before the competition.
  • Follow the instructions provided during registration to make the most of the new NTP scoring feature.
  • If you experience any issues, our team will be available to assist on competition day.

Please click on the link below for a step by step guide on how to utilise this feature.

MiScore App - NearPin : MiClub Help


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Public Liability 

Important changes to the Player's Personal Liability Insurance Policy

Golf Australia recently issued the following communication regarding changes to the Player's Personal Liability Insurance Policy. While some members may have received this communication, we understand it has not reached everyone.

We strongly recommend that everyone familiarise themselves with these important changes. For those seeking additional information or assistance, please refer below for the copy of the Golf Australia communication.


"Hi Golfer,

We are writing to inform you of important changes to your Player's Personal Liability Insurance Policy offered by Golf Australia, which is a key benefit as part of your membership of an affiliated golf club.  

Golf Australia has maintained this policy on behalf of club members since 2009 and in the past 5 years alone, has paid out $3.4 million in claims to protect our members. The original purpose of the policy was to protect members from liability if they caused personal injury to another golfer/person.  The policy was established following the legal action taken by an injured golfer because of an incident at the Magnetic Island Golf Club in 1994 and subsequent court ruling in 2003.  

Golf Australia's Player Personal Liability Policy offers up to $20 million personal liability cover for protection against litigation from a third party for damage to property or personal injury that occurs while an eligible member is playing or practicing golf. 

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult and expensive to source this insurance on your behalf.  As the popularity of golf has grown, we have seen an increase in the number of reported incidents. Golf Australia remains committed to finding solutions that will provide Players Personal Liability Policy to Australian affiliated golfers.  

In recent months, Golf Australia has reviewed several options in respect of this policy.  In doing so Golf Australia's primary objective has been to maintain protection for members in the event of serious personal injury, with changes to take effect from March 1, 2025, to ensure the policy remains affordable and sustainable  

What is changing?  

Exclusions: Specific exclusions have been added for any claim, loss, damage, liability or costs and expenses incurred directly or indirectly in connection with third party property damage to:   

•             golf carts; and  

•             personal electronic devices include phone, iPad, watch, rangefinder or anything similar.  

Excess: There are now three categories of insurance claim: 

•             Personal injury claims - NO excess will be payable  

•             Property damage where a golfer is found to have followed all expected duty of care, local rules and the Rules of Golf - NO excess payable  

•             Property damage where golfer is found to have acted in a negligent manner and caused damage to a third-party property - $1,000 excess is payable  

What does the policy cover? 

The policy covers the legal liability that an eligible member of an affiliated club may incur while playing or practicing golf. It provides coverage for up to $20 million of liability for any one incident.  This includes accidental injury or damage you may cause to someone else or their property for which you were found to have caused, subject to the Exclusions of the Policy, some of which are outlined below.  

This coverage is provided automatically to individual club members although members are under no obligation to engage this insurance policy in the event of an incident.  

What is not covered by this policy?  

While this is not exhaustive, this policy does not cover:   

•             Any third-party damage or personal injury caused by non-member (ie. green fee player);  

•             A member's own equipment for damage or loss;  

•             A member's own personal injuries sustained on a golf course;  

•             Any damage that you cause to a cart that you own, hire or borrow; and  

•             Actions that deliberately cause damage or injury and are determined to be wilful conduct.  

If you have any questions about this policy, I encourage you to reach out to us via help@golf.com.au "


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2025 Keperra Bowl

With the 2025 Keperra Bowl now moved from its traditional mid-October timeslot to March, the Club is eager to witness a field featuring an even greater depth of elite amateur golfers from across Australia, as well as a select number of international players. As always, the Club is seeking volunteers to help with the smooth running of the event. Members who are interested in contributing their time for a day or two are encouraged to email the Club at admin@keperragolf.com.au, specifying their preferred dates. Last year's runner-up (one of two) in the Men's Championship and Keperra Country Golf Club Gents Club Champion, Wes Hinton, will be aiming to improve on his performance after a successful six months, which included playing alongside Cameron Smith in the Queensland PGA at Nudgee Golf Club in November 2024.

For those members unfamiliar with The Bowl, it provides the club with an excellent opportunity to showcase the course, the overall facilities of the club and importantly the welcoming culture that Keperra possesses. The Board would like to thank all members for their support of the tournament and the facility access sacrifices that are made throughout the 5 days of the event. 

Play will still be available over 9 holes for the full duration of the event. All Clubhouse access and general member services will remain unchanged throughout the week of the tournament.


Club NRL Footy Tipping Competition 

The Club will be hosting its NRL Footy Tipping Competition once again this year. Further details will be made available soon, following the launch of the official Footy Tipping 2025 website. Members can expect additional information in the coming weeks.


Master of the Amateurs

The Club would like to extend its congratulations to Wes Hinton for his participation in the 2025 Masters of the Amateurs, an esteemed event held annually in Melbourne and broadcast on Kayo. The tournament took place at the Southern Golf Club. While Wes entered the final round at 6 under par he found himself 8 shots adrift of the leader, an unfortunate slow start to his final round, in challenging conditions ultimately impacted his pursuit of the title. Wes has additional tournaments scheduled during his time in Melbourne, including the prestigious Australian Amateur.


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Ladies Open Day - January 28th

As sponsored by Inspire Health Services

Keperra Country Golf Club Major Sponsors Inspire Health Services will be out on course Tuesday January 28th to support and meet the Ladies participating in the 2025 Ladies Open Day.  Inspire Health Solution is an allied health practice in West End, Albion & Newmarket with a team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians and massage therapists. They are also a team including a range of regular golfers of let's just say varying abilities.    

With a team also carrying TPI accredited exercise professionals Zac and the Team will be onsite to support players with any injury or movement related swing issues or concerns the Ladies may have.

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2025 Fixtures & major events

The Club's Major Events and Fixtures for 2025 (January to August) are now accessible through the Fixtures tab on the Member Home page.


Sponsor Spotlight - DC electrical

Lead by Member Aaron Cluff - DC's wealth of experience within the electrical industry means that they know how to solve problems, not create them. Life is busy and we understand that you don't have time for electrical issues!

We offer a premium service to our clients. We pride ourselves on our technical ability, open communication and agility. Through every step of the job, we keep our clients at the forefront of what we are doing. No job is too big or too small; we deal with all electrical and air conditioning needs.  For more information on DC Electrical - please click on the below logo

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date claimer - April 14th

Us masters composite course

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Keperra Sponsors

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