John Concannon, Publicity

The tournaments have been completed and the champions crowned. Congratulations to the 2016 Ironwood champions: Peter Yoon, Club Champion, Don Noble, Super Senior Club Champion and Richard Scranton, Ironwood Cup Champion.

Last year the Ironwood course yielded only one ace. This year, we have our first hole-in-one already in the first quarter. Congratulations to Larry Horner on his recent his hole-in-one.

We have had almost a unanimous, positive reaction to the new tee box policy during the three month trial period. The Board of Directors will vote on whether or not to make it a permanent policy next month during their board meeting.

Slow play continues to be an irritant to some members. The current Slow Play policy has been in effect since 2002, but has not been enforced with any frequency since then. The policy, in its present form, will be reviewed by the BOD at their May Board meeting. They will most likely reestablish the policy as is or with recommended changes. Whatever the form, the key is enforcement of the policy in a way that will not alienate members. Personally, I feel that if the members remain aware of the pace of play, keep up with the foursome ahead, a positive pace of play can be maintained.

The IronOaks BOD recently approved the renovation plan for the Ironwood golf course. Now the scheduling process will take place and formal closing dates for the course established. Once the course is closed, Men’s Day will switch to Thursdays at Oakwood and be integrated with MOGA. Fortunately, during the summer months, with reduced play, there should be no problem pulling this off.

During a recent conversation with Alan Gibbs, he mentioned that he volunteered at the First Tee Program, a program that introduces golf and also life’s values to under-privileged youths in the Valley. He mentioned that the program accepts donations of new and used golf clubs and equipment. It got me to thinking about what golf stuff I might have packed away in my garage. I dug into the my cabinets and came up with three drivers, two putters, a golf bag, six dozen new golf balls and two dozen used balls which I am donating to First Tee Program. I encourage all golfers in Sun Lakes to go through their golf stuff and see if they have any new or used items that could be donated. Think of it this way, anything donated will be something your children will not have to deal with once you are golfing in the hereafter. Eddy Renio has a drop box in the Oakwood Pro Shop for any donations, or you could contact Alan Gibbs directly. Any donations will be gratefully accepted.