Members Ballot on new course layout

We are at the end of the ‘original layout’ trial period, during which we hope all members have had the opportunity to play Mapperley Golf Course in the way in which the Course Architect originally envisaged. A ballot will now be held on the proposed changes.

NB: The ‘old’ cards we have been using have ‘old’ stroke indexing on them. While we have been making use of these cards for convenience’ sake during the trial, we are not looking to change the indexing of the course as a direct result of this change, if adopted, and indexing should be ignored when casting your vote.

There has been feedback from members, some formal but the majority informal, the main points of opinion summarised below:

In favour of the change: The flow of play is improved, with a more efficient movement from second to third, ninth to tenth; the front nine will end within easy and safe reach of the clubhouse; a safety risk is removed as people no longer need to walk along the path behind the conifer hedge, and they no longer need to wait for people to putt out on what was the second hole or wait for the third tee to clear before leaving the ninth; a view down the third means that it is easy to see when it is safe to play; the conifer hedge alongside the ‘previous’ second can be removed and more attractive planting introduced, and it is felt that having a ‘tough’ ninth hole puts it at a better position within the round than as the second. It should also spread play out to reduce the queuing on the 11th tee during summer competitions.

Against the change: We are introducing a further climb to what is already a hilly course; we are introducing an area of heavy traffic around the half way house, worse than under the original course layout because the halfway house has moved from the 11th tee area; there are additional areas where players have to wait as they move from the first to the second tee and from the eighth to ninth; teeing off on the second while people are on the halfway house patio affects their ability to enjoy a conversation; playing a ‘tough’ ninth immediately after a break can make it harder; there are no ‘long iron’ or ‘fairway wood’ holes until the fourth, affecting rhythm; the criss-crossing could make it confusing for visitors. There will be a cost, however small, and some members wonder whether money could be better spent elsewhere; There is also a sense that the course was changed away from this layout some years ago to deal with problems perceived at that time, so why change back?

There has been lively debate both within and outside committee meetings. On the basis of the feedback, and of experience of playing the layout, it is the strong recommendation of the General Committee that the trial is deemed a success and the ‘original layout’ (shorter second hole) be adopted (votes were 11 in favour, four against). Paths will be introduced for walking, trolleys and buggies to make sure that the routes between holes are safe and clearly marked, and all work can be undertaken by our own greens staff and within our own physical and financial resources.

Ballots will be held after the Easter holiday weekend on the following dates:

Wednesday 7th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th and Tuesday 13th April. Members may vote on any day that is convenient to them.