June 26, 2008

Presidents's Message June 25, 2008

After a less than optimistic beginning to the golf season Gowan Brae is in perfect condition. The Fairways are fair and the Greens as green as they get. What wonderful conditions we have! It?s hard to believe but July is nearly arrived and we are just wrapping up a very busy month at Gowan Brae. A number of successful Tournaments were held including the Ladies Invitational and Ladies Provincial 2 Ball as well as the ever popular and always full Labatt 2 man Scramble and the annual Fathers Day Tournament. In addition the club hosted the Molson Canadian/ Acadie Bathurst Titan Celebrity Tournament. The Junior golf program began in earnest this past week with over 140 Junior Golfers participating in the excellent clinics being put on by Dave Ross, Adam Chamberlain as well as our Junior Coordinators Brad and Sally Chamberlain. And of course the weekly Men?s nights continue to attract large turnouts even when it rains. Speaking of Men?s nights, the club policy is that everyone playing during Men?s night tee times, 1:16-6:12, must purchase a supper ticket. Also please be reminded that if you have booked a tee off time for Men?s night and you do not cancel 24 hrs in advance you will be asked to pay the Supper fee. As well all foursomes who have booked ahead will be responsible for 4 Supper Tickets. This is simply to ensure that the people doing Supper know how many to expect and those wishing to guarantee their tee off time use the spaces provided so that as many people as possible get to enjoy a great evening. The Gowan Brae Men?s Night is the envy of the province and we want to keep it that way. Your cooperation is much appreciated. Also 2 Demo days are scheduled, Saturday June 27th( Callaway)and Sunday June 28th ( Ping). If you are in the market for new clubs or you just want to see the latest technology, drop by the Driving range either of these days and see what?s new. All this to say despite less than spectacular weather Gowan Brae continues to be a very busy spot.

If you are a Greens Fee Player you will no doubt have noticed that the 3 Green fee plays for local area players is being strictly enforced. Although we have the largest playing membership in the province we do still have some room for new members. If you are interested, or know of someone who is, have them call our Manager Dave Brewster to discuss the options available.

July too is shaping up to be a busy month with a number of Corporate Tournaments on tap as well as the Atlantic Future Links Tournament scheduled for July 21,22,23,24th. This Tournament brings together some of the best young golfers in Eastern Canada and it is a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful Golf Course.

The 50th Anniversary Committee is also continuing its work. A most interesting display has been erected in the Bar area featuring articles of interest from the past 50 years. The Committee is also preparing for the 50th Anniversary Brunch and Tournament to be held Sunday. The past Presidents and other movers and shakers will be honored at this time. If you wish to participate please check with the Pro Shop. The first of the Free Memberships draw was held and the winner was Lynn Lenihan. Tickets are still on sale with a new draw for each 100 tickets sold. These tickets can be purchased at the Pro Shop. Speaking of the Pro Shop Adam amd Dave have done a wonderful job of stocking the shop with great golf equipment and 50th Anniversary clothing. As always Adam?s prices are comparable to Golf Town and as an added bonus the money stays with the club!

Finally as many of you probably know our Course Super, Gilbert Vienneau, recently suffered a Heart attack. Gilbert has been back and fort to St John and at this writing he is recovering very well and we hope to see him back at the course in the near future. In the meantime I?m sure you all join me in wishing Gilbert all the best.

As always, should you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please share them with any member of the Executive or our Management team. It is your Golf Course and we all want it to be the best Golf Course possible.