September newsletter

  
Courtown Golf Club has been very busy throughout the summer months, thanks to a well-maintained course and good weather. There were many compliments from visitors, guests and societies about the course, clubhouse, and restaurant. Competitions were well supported with the Glen Fuel Summer Series regularly having over 200 playing members and guests on Wednesdays, and weekend competitions were also very well supported. Many thanks to our ever-generous sponsors. 
 
We remind members that the Pace of Play Policy may be viewed on our website and Ready Golf is always encouraged. Remember, your place on the course is behind the group in front, not in front of the group behind. In the event of losing a hole you should call the players behind through. Players may also ask to be called through if there is a clear loss of hole ahead of them.                                           
                                                                                    
Members are also reminded to read the Code of Conduct Policy on our website. It is expected that all members follow the guidelines both on the course and in the clubhouse. One of the main tenants is that we treat each other with respect and dignity, and disorderly, threatening, or offensive behaviour or language whilst on club premises or engaged with any club activity will not be tolerated and will be subject to sanction by the management committee. 
 
Our Junior program has been very successful in 2025, and the success of the program comes with its own complexities. A Junior Forum was formed with representatives from all committees and other interested parties to discuss the best way forward for our Juniors. 
This group is working on a revised Junior Policy for 2026. Some of the topics discussed were access to the course, golf etiquette, competitions, golf coaching, communication, and parental/guardian cooperation.  
The Junior Forum will continue to work on the new Junior Policy, and this will be published on the website soon. 
 
You will have noticed the on-going work on the new short game area. Thanks to the largesse of our members, Sean Stafford, and Dr. Michael O’Doherty, and our neighbour George Dunne we have more than doubled the volume of filling and topsoil initially provided for in our estimates. This brings the site level out of the depression in the ground, which will result in a better outcome.


President Catherine Quinn had her prize day recently and the worthy winners were Ladies Denise Kavanagh, Men's Robert Fry and Junior’s Jessica Copeland. 
A very enjoyable buffet was held that night followed by music and chat.  


Sanding of fairways and greens will commence weather permitting, beginning on 15th September. This is an essential part of the course maintenance program on the Macamore land that is our golf course. Competitions for that week will be cancelled or curtailed. 
 
Greenkeepers Revenge 
On Sunday 28th September there will be the return of the Greenkeepers Revenge Competition. This will be a chance for James and his team to set up an obstacle course for golfers. The Ryder Cup Singles is also on that day, so why not come and play “golf” followed by a bite to eat and a drink in the clubhouse as you watch some real golf from Bethpage Black, New York. 
Full details will be posted on the Notice Boards.  
 
Trackman League 
The Autumn Trackman League is due to commence shortly. Details will be posted in due course.  Due to increased demand, we have acquired 3 more 2-hour slots so we will be able to accommodate 54 players in total. 
 
Our financial year will end on September 30th, and a timely reminder to you all that any unspent of the original €100 Bar Levy must be used before the end of November, or the balance will revert to the club. This does not apply to any ‘top-up’ on your card. 
 
The Winter League kindly sponsored by E.B.S. Colman Doyle Finance Ltd. will commence on Sunday 5th October. The timesheet for Round 1 is now open, and rules, groups and dates will be posted on the Men’s Notice Board.  
 
ClubNet App 
To keep up to date with club activities and golf related items please keep an eye on the News and Notifications tabs on your phone as this is our main source of communication. 
 
 
Rule of Golf 
 
Embedded ball - When free relief is allowed 
Relief is allowed only when your ball is embedded in the general area. Your ball is embedded only if it is in its own pitch-mark made as a result of your previous stroke and part of your ball is below the level of the ground. 
But if your ball is embedded on the putting green, you may mark the spot of your ball, lift and clean it, repair the damage, and replace your ball on its original spot. 
Exceptions – When Relief Not Allowed for Ball Embedded in General Area: 
●      When your ball is embedded in sand in a part of the general area that is not cut to fairway height or less, or 
●      When playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something from which the player is not allowed to take free relief (such as when you are unable to make a stroke because of where your ball lies in a bush). 
DIAGRAM 16.3a: WHEN A BALL IS EMBEDDED 
 

Related Rule - 16.3a