Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/85682
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK Over the past several weeks there has been some controversy relating to golf course rules and how things are done. Before getting into the real message I want to say how much the board and staff regrets the friction and dissent that has developed relating to the changing of the driving range hours of operation. Admittedly, things could have been handled differently, but at no time was the community at large ever accused of stealing anything. To avoid any further confusion and controversy management has already taken steps to insure this will not happen again in the future. Last month the Golf Advisory Committee (GAC) sent a letter to the board requesting that we address the issue of the widespread abuse of adopted golf course rules. The GAC is made up of representatives from all the golf clubs and at large members representing golfers who do not belong to a specific club. It is their function to advise the board of golf related issues and make recommendations. The GAC letter states, "We observe and are informed by many members of their observing multiple rules being broken on a regular basis." They go on to say, "These rules are few and very simple…" There are 17 of them and they can be found on pages 41 and 42 in the phone book. They cover issues ranging from properly checking in at the Pro Shop to avoiding physical confrontations. I agree with the GAC in their assessment that our rules are simple to understand, and encourage you to familiarize yourself with them. We have had some very unusual weather this summer, and it has had a telling affect on the appearance and playability of our courses. Besides the horrific affect of the hot and humid weather many golfers have exacerbated the problem by continually ignoring our rules. For example, Rule #4 states, "Golf carts must stay on the cart path around tees and greens and on all par 3-golf holes unless the 90-degree rule is posted. " Yet we constantly see golfers driving right up to greens, ignoring the cart paths, and sometimes parking as close as 4 or 5 feet from the greens. This is very harmful to the areas being abused, and there are a lot of these areas. I realize that we have many golfers with physical limitations, but we make By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President allowances for them in Rule #3 by providing closer access to tees and greens. Rule #5 recognizes the need to limit the number of golf carts on the courses by requiring players to share carts when ever possible. Way too often we see foursomes and fivesomes on the courses with no one sharing carts. This adds dramatically to the wear and tear of the courses. The board agrees with the GAC in wanting the rules complied with. Some time ago a previous board formally adopted the current rules and #14 reads, "All Sun Lakes Country Club Homeowners Association golf course facilities are part of the Association's common areas, and are therefore under the direct control and authority of the Board of Directors. Accepting that responsibility, the current board has directed management to enforce our established rules. They are to monitor the courses to insure everyone is abiding by the rules, and issue citations to those that are not. Anyone being sited for a subsequent violation within one year will be scheduled for a disciplinary hearing before the board to explain their actions. Disciplinary action can be a fine, suspension of golf privileges, or both. Do not blame, or abuse any staff member for enforcing the rules, they will merely be following board instructions. We hope you understand that this is not some kind of power display by the board. On the contrary, it is a move we feel is needed to preserve our largest asset and make golf more enjoyable for everyone. Finally, a successful series of community Town Hall Meetings was completed giving the board valuable resident input relating to their concerns and issues. Recent events have convinced us that we should have a meeting to address concerns specific to our golfing community. That meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19, at 6:30 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. We will discuss golfer's concerns, but also be announcing the rates for 2013 and various incentive plans to generate more golf course participation. We look forward to a large and involved audience. New to Sun Lakes? Join us for a New Homeowner Orientation Management will conduct a New Homeowner Orientation Meeting on Mon., Nov. 5, at 5:30 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. Staff will be present to discuss the various aspects of Sun Lakes Country Club and answer any questions new owners may have concerning the community. Please R.S.V.P. by 5 pm on Thurs., Nov. 1, by calling 845-2191. Banning City Council Candidates Forum A Banning City Council Candidates Forum will be conducted for Sun Lakes residents on Mon., Oct. 8, in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom at 6:30 pm. Please email questions you would like presented to the candidates to John Phillips at jphillips@pcminternet. com. community news | october 2012 | 3