NOV / DEC 2020
Fellow NSRCC members ,
It has been customary for the year ’ s final issue of Greenside Matters to summarise the Club ’ s golfing year , and to express our appreciation to both members and the Club ’ s golfing staff for their contribution and efforts in keeping NSRCC the proud golfing Club that we have been so accustomed to through these years .
However , 2020 will now be remembered instead for a much more sobering reason , and that would be the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic . The impact has caused a slew of changes and safe distancing measures to be implemented , following announcements by the authorities , as well as some measures taken proactively by the Club . Furthermore , due to international travel restrictions and eventually upon the opening of Phase 2 in June , the Club has seen a much higher demand from members ’ seeking to play at both our Changi and Kranji courses . This unprecedented increase in demand impacted our internet booking system as well as our booking and playing policies .
Together with Club Management , the Greens Committee had to address the issues arising in order to respond quickly and manage members ’ expectations . The Club then introduced temporary policies and also enforced the Club ’ s current bye-law on penalties imposed for random changes in booking of flights for weekday and weekend games . The goal was to ensure there are equitable opportunities for all members to have a chance in playing golf and discourage proxy bookings from occurring , thus depriving others . I am glad that the temporary balloting of weekend games has received much positive responses . As such , following further reviews , we decided to similarly implement balloting of weekday games as another temporary measure to address the issues of difficulties in getting golf games . Details of which was announced and circulated via an advisory on Oct 22 . We understand that any of these measures may not fit the exact aspiration of every member but we seek your understanding that these measures are temporary as we seek to improve the booking experience of our members .
The Club has also recently modified the plastic shields inside our golf buggies with an opening , to allow for more comfort in the driver ’ s seat . Without the shield pressing against the driver ’ s arm , there will be more space in manoeuvring the steering wheel . In addition , the entire fleet of 200 buggies at both Changi and Kranji are now also equipped with handsanitisers for the use and safety of our golfing members .
It is indeed heartening to see that our members have displayed understanding of the current situation and the need for us to have implemented these temporary changes . Together with Club Management , we would like to thank all members for their forbearance as we all soldier on jointly to overcome COVID-19 .
Wishing my fellow NSRCC Members in advance , a Safe and Covid-19 Free New Year 2021 !
Winston Toh
Club Captain