FAIRWAY NEWS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Lee Ann Mattison, President

I trust you are adjusting to the “new normal”, discovering some positive aspect of

“sheltering in place” and praying we will not be practicing “social distancing” forever. The board decided to delay the starting date for ECWGG. The guidelines set by Eagle Crest Golf will determine the feasibility of beginning the season. At that time we will adhere to the original schedule set by Day’s Play, just with a different starting date. Any adjustments to tournaments, games etc. may be made as needed. The Opening Brunch is scheduled for May 13th. These are uncertain times, if you have ideas or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I will communicate any new developments via emails so we can stay

informed and connected.

Treasurer’s Report

Michelle Kelly Treasurer

The Board approved the 2020 budget

at our March 11 meeting. The budget is based on 72 members, the same number of members we had last year. Full details of the budget will soon be posted on the website. As of March 26, 2020, we have received 51 membership applications. This compares to 53 applications this time last year. Included are two new members for 2020! Our bank balance is $8,787.46. Making up this balance is current year dues, our handicap refund of $407 and carryover surplus from all prior years. We have made a $600 gift to each of the

two local girl’s golf high school teams, as approved at last year’s closing luncheon. Patty Knittle performed our annual review of our financial records and reported to the board that the information was in good order and accurate for deposit and expense detail, consistent with bank records provided by First Interstate Bank. The annual tax filing and Oregon Corporate Registration has been

completed. ___________________________________________

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MESSAGE FROM OGA The Golf Alliance of Oregon – comprised of major industry associations for the region including the OGA, Oregon Golf Course Owners Association, Pacific Northwest PGA – Oregon Chapter, Oregon Golf Course Superintendents and the Club Managers of Oregon – sought and received further clarification for how this impacts golf courses. The Governor’s office shared the following:

"Golf is allowed as long as the social distancing

measures are in place, country club activities

for a gathering would not be allowed. We

categorized golf similar to a hike or outdoor

activity, rather than through “essential travel”

which is meant to stop vacations."

Leah Horner

Regional Solutions Director

Jobs & Economy Policy Advisor

Office of Governor Kate Brown

Although there is a general belief that golf is relatively low risk compared to other activities because recommended social distancing is fairly easy to achieve in an outdoor environment, the Golf Alliance of Oregon is not in a position to make any sort of blanket statement that speaks to the overall safety of the game, not knowing the level of contagion that might be found at any particular golf course. It is ultimately up to an individual facility to determine if golf course operations can still be managed safely while adhering to guidelines.

ECWGG

OFFICERS

President:

Lee Ann Mattison

Vice President:

Marli Perry

Secretary:

Sally Laurin

Treasurer:

Michelle Kelly

Golf Governor:

Jan Romeis

Handicap:

Carolyn Curtis

Bylaws:

Nancy Dolby

Rules:

Judy Soeten Alice Gommoll

Day’s Play:

Pati Schmitt

Carole Flinn

Jeanne Kosanovic

VOL: 8 ISSUE: 1 DATE: April 2020

CORONAVIRUS AND EAGLE CREST GOLF

Ron Buerger Director of Golf

Eagle Crest

I hope this finds you well and in good spirts. The following is a list of

adjustments we have made to keep golf operations open, compliant and providing the safest possible experience for our guests.

Strict efforts shall always be made to maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

All tee-time reservations will require pre-payment.

Driving range payments can be made over the phone.

As of noon Monday, 3/23/20 we will discontinue the riding option and power carts will not be allowed.

Driving range will continue to have golf balls out with stalls spaced to accommodate the six feet social distancing.

Cups are raised on the Challenge Course and Putting Course while the Ridge Course will continue to have a pool noodle placed into the cup to keep the golf balls easily accessible after holed.

Course water and ball washers will not be in use on the courses.

All bunker rakes will be removed, players will be expected to rake with their feet and create their preferred lie in the bunker not closer to the hole.

The Greenside Café will be open for grab and go (“to-go”) orders only and the front door facing the parking lot is your only access point.

The west facing entrance to the golf shop will be the only access point for golf check in.

The golf shop has a strict disinfectant program in place consistent with the CDC recommendations. All employees have been coached on best practices.

We will continue closely monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state and local health authorities. Eagle Crest Resort is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy experience for our customers as well as a safe and healthy workplace for our employees. We will continue implementing practices according to the CDC guidelines and State and local directives.

Stay informed- The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you

need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of the latest by visiting the CDC website, which is being updated frequently.

We appreciate your business and continued support as well as the trust that you place in our staff. Best to all and please be safe!

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WORLD HANDICAP

SYSTEM Carolyn Curtis

Handicap

Hi, Lady Golfers! I know that many of you have questions regarding the new World Handicap System (WHS) so I’m going to walk you through the few new rules that will put your mind at ease. First of all, the new system is totally easy! Start by downloading the new, updated USGA GHIN mobile app from the app store. The first page will show your name, Handicap Index (HI), and will give you a link to Post Score. The second page will show you three ways to post. Choose Hole-By-Hole! Next page gives you the chance to select the course you’re playing that day. The next page asks you to select the tees (usually, Red). This next step is very important. With the new WHS, there is no longer an equitable stroke adjustment. So, post your gross score for each hole. The beauty of posting hole by hole is that the app automatically makes any adjustment to your score as needed. You no longer have the responsibility of making any necessary adjustments. As before, Day’s play gals will post Tuesdays and tournament plays. You post your scores on other days. Another important point. Post the day of play. Our Handicap Indexes now change after every game (not as before, on the 15th and end of month). So post the day you play so that your HI will be accurate for the next time you play. (Continue on Page 3 Column 1)

(Continued from Page 2 Column 2) Lastly, if you don’t have a smart phone or tablet, you may still post at the computers in the pro shops. Call, text, email me any questions! You’ll only need to use the new posting one time to feel comfortable!

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GOLF AT HOME CHALLENGE

OPERATION 36 Kevin Story

Lead Golf Professional We realize that many of our Operation 36 families around the world are sticking pretty close to home these days. That is why we are excited to announce the Operation 36 #GolfAtHome Challenge! This challenge is designed to have fun, while improving your golf game at home.

What is it?

The #GolfAtHome Challenges are essentially a one

hour golf lessons for families to follow at home, which

will be released over the next 6 weeks. You can have

yourself or kids watch the videos and set up activities

with common household items.

As you might be struggling to find activities, this could

be a fun activity to keep yourself and junior practicing

golf. The structure includes a:

1. #GolfAtHome Challenge Activity Video

2. Recommended Op 36 Instructional Video

3. A Bonus Activity Worksheet you can print.

Learning to play golf can be an

overwhelming and frustrating experience

if you don't have a clear plan.

Operation 36 provides beginners with the

most effective model and technology to

learn to play golf. Become a skilled golfer

by following a motivating roadmap to

shooting Par (36) or better for 9 holes!

For more information about this program and how to sign-up please contact Kevin. ___________________________________________

PACE OF PLAY This article is a reprint from the July, 2019 Issue of Fairway News written by Pati Schmitt, Days Play and Alice Gommoll, Rules. We feel this information is a valuable reminder.

An improved pace of play adds to everyone’s enjoyment of golf. Per the USGA’s Pace of Play Initiative, playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. That is certainly true and we can easily adopt some best practices for

ourselves and help our fellow players at the same time. To give you a benchmark, an average round on a championship course should be 4-4 ½ hours. This means an average of approximately 13-15 minutes per hole. The principal cause for slow play (other than course design) is the golfer’s individual behavior. The following are a few tips to speed up play. Adopt them and discuss them in your foursome.

Keep in mind that the correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you.

Be prepared, bring tees, ball, ball marker and be ready to play

Put conversations on hold, take your stroke and converse on the way to the ball

Play ready golf (Ready golf means that each golfer in a group plays when ready. If you are not the one who is out or away, but you are ready to play your stroke while the others in your group are not, go ahead and hit.)

Pay attention to play (plan ahead and be prepared when it is your turn)

Hit provisional balls when in doubt of being out-of-bounds or possibly lost

Don’t wait to be driven to your ball, take a few clubs, walk to the ball and be ready to hit (Continue on Page 4 Column 1)

(Continued from Page 3 Column 2)

Pick up at maximum strokes allowed and record (par+2+pops for that hole)

When riding in a cart, don’t replace the club in the bag after hitting, take it with you and replace it when playing partners are hitting.

Record scores at next tee box

Limit searching for balls to 3 minutes (other players in the group can help after hitting their balls)

Please remember a good pace of play is an important element in having a favorable golfing experience. It is each golfer’s responsibility for maintaining an appropriate pace. Let’s play golf and enjoy our round.

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HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF

DONATION Marli Perry

Alice Gommoll

For years ECWGG has donated money to support the Redmond and Ridgeview High School girls’ golf programs. This year, the club decided to donate a maximum of $1200. When Marli Perry and Alice Gommoll met

with Coaches Guy Mullington and Jeff Roundtree it was decided to purchase replacement uniforms and assist in travel expenses. Last year, for the first time, ECWGG members volunteered to assist Ridgeview practice and provide shuttling at the IMC Tournament conducted on the Ridge Course. Those involved found the experience fulfilling and rewarding. We decided to continue this year. A number of ladies volunteered to help with practice and the tournament. With the onset of Coronavirus, created state wide school closures. Therefore all practice and matches were cancelled. Participation for both schools had increased, Ridgeview with15 girls and Redmond High 10 girls.

NEW MEMBERS

ECWGG extends its warmest greetings to our

newest members Hally Kramer and Julie Balck. We are looking forward to meeting and playing golf with you. __________________________________________

In response to current CDC, State, Federal, and Eagle Crest Golf social distancing measures ECWGG has decided to postpone or cancel all club activities until further notice. Let’s try to stay safe and healthy. __________________________________________

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

We apologize if anyone was over looked. We used the 2019 Membership Handbook. Happy Birthday to the following ECWGG Members and those we may have missed: April 1 Lola Solomon April 3 Susan Waymire April 8 Veron Rygh April 11 Judy Farless April 27 Michelle Kelly April 27 Pati Schmitt