June 2008 will be remembered as being a successful month for Muree Ladies Golf members who participated in the Newcastle Hunter District Ladies Championships event held at Maitland / Kurri Kurri and Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club.

I was very disappointed with my results on the first day of play at Kurri Kurri and was not looking forward to playing again the next day at Maitland. After some encouraging words from my fellow club members I decided to play at Maitland and am proud to advise won Scratch Runner up only to be beaten on a count back – What a turn around in results! I was also part of the team from Muree that won the Halcyon Cup. Other players from Muree that won trophies were – Wendy Cotton, Helen Bradley, Kay Scully, Vicki Parker, Margaret Hassett, Trudy Kidd and Yvonne Sullivan – congratulations to all. Players from our club in Division 3 & 4 also won the team event for the Barbara Smith Salver trophy.

Congratulations to all those who participated and especially to those from other clubs as well who won major prizes over the 3 days.

Thank you to the clubs for hosting the events and especially the grounds staff who have had very unfavourable weather to contend with over the last couple of months.

Apart from the golf it was a great opportunity to meet new people and catch up with friends “at the 19th hole” to share the highs and lows that have been experienced during recent times both on and off the course.

On Sunday we played at “the Oaks” (Cessnock) with our social group and again happy to come away with runner up in the ladies division. My partner Peter Gardiner also got runner up in the Mens division.

For now good golfing to all

Wendel Musson

On Tuesday 13th May I attended a Ladies Gold Day at Muree. We had a banner with EMG Golf on it and two buggies for display. I set up the buggies and some signage on the tables and around the room ready for when the ladies came in for lunch.
The day was a great success for Muree with a lovely morning after a few days of rain and the downpour waited until after lunch to come down. There were over 80 ladies at the Muree Golf Club which was just fantastic.

I spent a lot of time demonstrating how the buggies work, batteries, umbrella etc and had a lot of the ladies coming up to ask questions and look at them.

A few of the most common comments were the fact that we are a local business so ease of maintenance etc and the fact that the buggy is one piece that folds down, not two or three parts that need to be put together.

I heard a few stories of paying a fortune for new wheels and having to pay for postage to send the buggy interstate and back again for the repair. (Something that won’t happen with EMG!)

The umbrella hand on the side was a winner with lots of people seeing the advantage of that, and being able to leave the umbrella down the side when not needed.

The hospitality of Carol and Co was wonderful and they certainly put on a great show. There was a gold coin donation for the Pink Campaign and we had a special on our leaflets. Any golf buggy sold within three months of the day: we will donate $20.00 to the Muree Golf club for the Pink Campaign.

It was just great for people to be able to look at the EMG Golf buggy and see how it works in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

This was our second day that we have displayed the EMG Golf Buggy like this. It is something that we look forward to doing on a regular basis. This is a way of giving lots of people the opportunity to come and have a look at an EMG Golf Buggy and get the feel of how it works in a nice personal, casual way.

Regards
Trish Jeffries
Demonstration Golf Day Manager
trish@emggolf.com.au

Another month has passed and it has been a satisfying month for myself. No great results to report of but just satisfied with my game most of the time. Have been chatting with others during the month as well as comparing my results with other players on golf link and most of those have the same feeling as myself – just want to enjoy the game & be consistent. When they do have a good game keep asking themselves what am I doing different to when my results aren’t so good!!

Earlier in the month took the opportunity of playing a game at Warringah. Although a shorter course than most in our area the layout made it very challenging. The surface seemed a lot harder than courses around here so a long accurate shot was sometimes ruined by “the bounce of the ball” Even the greens surface was a lot harder than my home course therefore different approach shots were often required. If you ever get the opportunity to play on this course I would definitely recommend it. Presentation was of a very good standard. I have been advised that it would be one of the most used courses in the Sydney area and was in very good condition on the day.

During the month of May I also participated in Muree Ladies Open day and proud to advise was amongst some of the winning teams on the day. We played a 3 person team event with 2 scores to count and it was a very good all round team effort with us only missing first place by 1 point.

This day was sponsored by EMG buggies so a big thank you to Shannon, Trish and Anthony for their contribution to the day. They were able to spread the word of their good quality buggy and have heard some very favourable comments about their buggy since that day.

Another event that I participated in during in May was the Ladies District qualifying round of 3BBB Par. Again proud to report I am in the qualifying team to now go forward to the next level in September.

For now good golfing to all

Wendel

Don't forget folks the Muree Ladies Open Golf Day sponsored by EMG Electric Golf Buggies. Trish will be on hand to give buggy demonstrations and help out the ladies of Muree.

Tuesday 13th May 2008
Entry Fee of $13.00 – close 6th May 2008

Cheque’s payable to “Muree Golf Associates”

Entry sent to:
Muree Ladies Captain
Mrs. Betty Ratley
Muree Lady Members
PO Box 61
Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
02 4928 2761

Clubs will be notified of times via fax or via Golf Captain

Sponsored by: EMG Electric Golf Buggies

3BBB Best Two Scores

Gold Coin Donation for “Breast Cancer”

Morning tea provided

5 NTP’s
Straightest Drive

Well another month has passed and my month can be described as “not my best” but satisfying.

As I mentioned in my last Blogs I am making an extra effort to improve my fitness level to then hopefully improve the golf results. To start with it wasn’t a great idea as found muscles I hadn’t used before and the golf results weren’t improving either. In the early stages of the month I felt my flexibility and fitness had improved but then on the down side I lost the timing in my golf swing. I’m sure all golfers at my level can relate to this happening to them. After a few frustrating games, practice on the range, encouragement from my partner, close friends and local Golf Professional as well as self determination that “this game” wasn’t / isn’t going to beat me I have got myself back on track and played some satisfying games towards the end of the month. Like all golfers we have had some very wet weather to contend with as well so course conditions haven’t been the best either. During these times of wet weather the ground staff of all courses are to be congratulated for their effort in maintaining conditions to the best possible each day.

On the social scene of golf I participated in a Ladies Classic event at Pacific Dunes which included golf / lunch & fashion parade. Although no winning results to report it was very enjoyable with the opportunity of catching up with fellow golfers from other clubs that I have met over the years. Sometimes “taking the serious side” out of the game can actually improve your results as well – I’m sure we have all fallen into the trap of “trying too hard” so participating in Open days that many clubs have are very rewarding in many ways as well.

Speaking of Open days Muree Ladies Golf Club are holding their Open day on Tuesday 13th May. EMG have been generous & volunteered to sponsor the day so ladies get your team together and come along & enjoy the day. You will have the opportunity of trying the EMG buggy too.

Good golfing

Wendel Musson

EMG Golf has now joined the “Australian Made, Australian Grown” Campaign.

EMG completely support this, as we are always looking for a new direction in which to show a quality product that is Australian Made.

We do import two items for our electric golf buggies as we cannot manufacture all components, although we modify them prior to installation.

Over the coming weeks you will see our website updated with new photos, text and Australian Made logos throughout.

Tuesday 13th May 2008
Entry Fee of $13.00 – close 6th May 2008

Cheques payable to “Muree Golf Associates”

Entry sent to:
Muree Ladies Captain
Mrs Betty Ratley
Muree Lady Members
PO Box 61
Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
02 4928 2761

Clubs will be notified of times via fax or via Golf Captain

Sponsored by: EMG Electric Golf Buggies

3BBB Best Two Scores

Gold Coin Donation for “Breast Cancer”

Morning tea provided

5 NTP’s
Straightest Drive

As mentioned in my last Blogs we were traveling to Sawtell for their Easter weekend Classic Event. No winning results to report from myself but would like to congratulate players from Charlestown / Kurri Kurri and Nelson Bay that participated and won prizes. I didn’t come home empty handed – won the nearest the pin on the 7th hole with a shot of 92cm from the pin – got the birdie for those wondering!! A player from Sawtell won the Pro Pin event on this same hole with a “slam dunk” hole in one. It was a very enjoyable weekend and Sawtell Golf Club should be proud of their team effort – congratulations to them for a very well organized tournament.

My pink buggy from EMG golf was admired by many players as well. Many comments were received on the way it was built / how light it was and that it looked strong & reliable.

Playing three days in a row can be very tiring on both the body and mind as most golfers would know – especially if you are struggling to play to your handicap on the day as all golfers strive to do each time they walk onto the course.

This year I have been making a bigger effort to improve my fitness level by completing up to 30minutes 3 – 4 times a week on the exercise bike as well as several stretching exercises to increase flexibility and strength. A local golf Professional has been very helpful in giving advice to improve my game in all areas – both technique and fitness. Like any sport understanding and practicing the correct techniques of the game is a big part but maintaining a good fitness level is also important. Speaking from experience a tired body and mind always leads to disappointing results on the golf course which then can lead to a dint in the confidence level as well – I am sure all golfers can relate to this.

My hard work and efforts have paid off once again this month with another shot off my handicap – the lowest I’ve been since taking up the game. My score cards for the month were “like a rollercoaster” but that’s golf!!

Hope you all had a very safe and happy Easter.

Wendel Musson

So many golfers have trouble aligning to the target. Most right hand, right eye dominant golfers will tend to aim to the right of the line they believe they are set up to. (Opposite for lefties) When you get some time to practise try setting up to different targets then placing your golf club along the line of your toes and then stand behind and see where you are really aligned. If you aim consistently to one side or the other you must have to make some sort of compensation in your golf swing to try to hit the ball towards the target. Most swing faults can be attributed to grip, alignment and posture. Next column I will explain some good solid alignment basics to not only help you aim down the target line but also feel like you are as well.

Rick Maclean

Well another month has passed with some very inconsistent results but have played well enough to reduce my handicap by 1 shot. With the weather unfavourable for many outdoor activities this month conditions were a little heavier than usual to contend with but that’s all part of playing and learning how to adapt on the day.

I have played all games at Muree apart from one. We had the opportunity of playing at Asquith – a very well maintained course with some very interesting holes. I found the fairways in very good condition despite the wet weather they have had in the Sydney area so played my fairway shots exceptionally well. Approaching the greens was quite a different story. With their greens being “like concrete” compared to my home course of Muree I found them a little difficult to contend with and a few approach shots were “a little inaccurate” to say the least. Again this is all part of the game and good experience. Although my score was far from impressive I am “hanging” onto the positive things I achieved on the day and put the negatives down to experience and a learning part of the game. I am sure all golfers can relate to a game like I had this day. Thankfully I quickly erased the memories of this bad score with a score of +3 playing Par at Muree a few days later hence the reason for reduction in handicap this month.

Not my best month to remember but results like this month are all part of the game at my level.

In March we will be traveling to Sawtell on the North Coast to participate in the Sawtell Easter Classic and this is another reason why I enjoy the game – being able to travel to many other places and enjoy the friendship of other fellow golfers. As I read in a magazine recently golf can be enjoyed at any level you choose – it’s all up to the individual. After the game you can meet many friendly people and enjoy celebrating the good shots of the day or “have a joke about the bad ones too!!”

Wendel Musson

In general most golfers use golf balls that are too hard for the swing speed that they can consistantly generate. Golf ball tecnology has advanced greatly over the years and it has become obvious that most golf balls marketed up until recent times were 90 compression. Today manufacturers are producing golf balls with as low as 50 compression which would be more suitable to the lady golfer or senior player who does not generate the same swing speeds of yesteryear. While manufacturers will have their recommendations of what swing speed suits what compression ball the only true indication of which golf ball you should be using is to compare for your self. Ask your Golf Professional for more information and possible suggestions and then do your own comparisons. Tip.... Put the ego away and try a ball that is of a softer compression than you currently use ........... you might be surprised!!!!!!


Rick MacLean

Beresfield Golf Course
(02) 4966 4665
Newcastle Golf Practice Centre
(02) 4951 2692

9/12/07 Runner up
18/12/07 Runner up
26/12/07 Runner up
30/12/07 Runner up
1/1/08 3rd in mixed competition @ Kurri
3/1/2008 2nd in ladies
15/1/2008 Runner up
19/1/2008 Winner
26/1/2008 Winner
27/1/2008 1st In Our Golf mates Ladies division
Traveled to the Grange & finished in top 5% of field overall (men & women)

To sum up the month I have finished either 1st Or runner up in over 50% of games played.

If you see Wendel and her Pink Electric Golf Buggy out on your course don't hesitate to have a look and ask any questions about her EMG Golf Buggy.

I first became interested in playing golf while on holidays with other friends. Was always the “odd one out” for a while as everyone else played and I hadn’t had the opportunity. I then decided to hire a set of clubs while at Yamba to see how I would go. From then on, there was no stopping me from wanting to learn more about the game.

My first set of clubs cost approx $500 which included the bag and a pull buggy as well. How technology in buggies has changed my game from when I first started back in 1999.

Before deciding to venture out on the course amongst other more experienced golfers I completed a beginner’s class organised by WEA Hunter. Rick McLean was the professional / instructor at the time. His excellent knowledge of the golfing game and patience with beginners game me a very good understanding right from the start. Over an 8 week period I learnt the basic techniques of the golf swing and the game. After approximately 3 months of “social games” with friends I then decided to “take the plunge” and join the ladies competition at Muree. Like any beginner my scores were far from good so started on the maximum handicap of 45.

In the past 9 years I have spent many hours with local golfing professionals to improve my game and the results have been rewarding with my current handicap now 19.
My major achievements over the last few years have included qualifying for the WGA Medal playoff in Sydney in 2005 for the Silver Division and again in 2007 for Gold Division. In 2005 I was the Silver Medal winner played at Wakehurst in pouring rain. In 2005 I won my Club championship for 2nd Division and was runner up at the District Championships. Other achievements include Knock out Winner / Mixed Foursomes Nett Winner / Australian Social Club Champion 2006.

During this time I have played on most of the courses in the Newcastle district as well as some in the Sydney area and on the Central Coast. Playing golf has given me the opportunity to meet new people and have many enjoyable holidays. These have included The Golf Coast, Merimbula on the South Coast and many courses on the North Coast.

This year we already have plans in place to participate in tournaments at Sawtell / Nambucca Heads and The Masters on the Gold Coast in November as well as play in local competitions at my home course of Muree and other tournaments organized in the Newcastle / Hunter / Sydney areas.