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(02) 4396 5811

Key Street, Toukley NSW 2263

President's Update - June 2026

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Russell Masilo on reaching an outstanding milestone of 25 years of service with Toukley Golf Club.
 
Before becoming President, I did not know Russell personally. Since taking on the role I have come to appreciate just how enthusiastic he is about both his work and our golf course. He genuinely cares about presenting the course to the highest possible standard.
 
For those members who may not know him Russell is extremely approachable and is always happy to answer questions about the course and the work conducted by the greens staff. We all enjoy playing the course but there is an enormous amount of work that happens behind the scenes that most of us never see. The knowledge and planning involved in maintaining quality playing surfaces is something we should all appreciate.
 

Irrigation Upgrade

 
The Board has approved the first stage of our irrigation upgrade which is something Russell has been advocating for over the past two to three years.
 
This initial stage will involve installing isolation valves for each hole at an estimated cost of $35,000. Once completed over the next couple of months each hole will be able to be isolated individually if a break or fault occurs. At present a single break can require the irrigation to be shut down across five or six holes while repairs are conducted.
 
This is a practical improvement that will reduce disruption and make maintenance far more efficient.
Looking ahead I would like to see an annual budget allocation for the progressive replacement of the tapping bands with priorities determined by our Green Superintendent, Russell.
 

Future Green Improvements

 
Our Greens Chairman, Peter Johnman  has arranged for concept plans to be prepared for improvements to the 3rd and 5th greens. The plans will cost approximately $4,500 and will assist the Board in planning future course improvements.
 

Junior Foundation

 
I would like to thank Billy Brown and Bob Howe for agreeing to take over the accounts for the Juniors Foundation.
 
This is a very appropriate appointment particularly as Billy, together with Andrew Cranston was instrumental in developing the original guidelines governing the allocation of funds from the Juniors Foundation. Their experience will ensure those funds continue to be managed for the benefit of our young golfers.
 

TAB Area Internet Issues

 
I have asked Rebecca in the office to work with our IT provider to have these issues resolved and we expect this work to be completed during the coming week.
 

Government Grants

 
We are currently preparing applications for three government grants.
Securing grant funding is something I intend to continue pursuing wherever possible. We now have a more structured process in place for identifying suitable grants and preparing applications giving the club a better opportunity to secure external funding for future projects.
 

Bunker Sand Trial

 
The new bunker sand has now been installed in the 2nd 7th 8th and 18th bunkers.
Initial feedback has been encouraging, and we will wait for Russell’s assessment over the next month before deciding whether to purchase additional sand for the remaining bunkers on the course.
 

Golf Management Software

 
As members know Toukley Golf Club currently uses Simple Golf as its golf management system.
 
A number of members have raised concerns regarding aspects of the system. As a result, I have requested that management and the Captain Jack Bopardman investigate alternative golf management software such as MI Golf used by many other clubs and obtain quotations so the Board can assess whether a change would provide a better experience for members. 
 
Thank you as always for your continued support of Toukley Golf Club. The Board remains committed to making sensible improvements to our facilities while ensuring the club remains financially responsible and continues to provide the best possible experience for all members.
 

Hole of the month.

 
The hole of the month is the fourth. Please fill in all divots and holes. Due to the wet weather, there are a large number of divots around the course. Be diligent and fill them in.
 

Slow play.

 
Everyone gets behind on a hole at some point however it is up to the lowest handicapper in the group to tell the group to make up the time on the next couple of holes. It only takes one hole to make up a lost hole.
 
Be aware of where you leave you buggy around the hole, so you don’t have to go back or across the green to start your walk to the next hole.
 
If you are behind the first people to putt out, go to the next tee and hit off. No need to wait for the others for a mothers meeting.
 

Volunteers.

 
As I have mentioned previously, we are always keen to welcome new volunteers. Tuesday is the main day so if you have some time, please see the office or Matt Mckinnon.
 
Derek O’Toole
President.

TOUKLEY WEATHER