CAPTAINS UPDATE APRIL 2024

As we approach the start of the season, I thought it would be useful to update members on progress at
Airdrie Golf Club since I began my tenure and our new committee got to work.

Before doing that, I have to talk about the challenges we are facing due to what I believe is about to go
down as the wettest winter since records began.

No one wants to see our course closed, but unfortunately this winter has seen us forced to do that far
more often because of saturated ground conditions. It is no consolation, but had the previous
committee not made the wise decision to make the use of mats mandatory in all areas, we would have
been closed far more often. That decision has saved untold damage to our course. Jordan and his team
are tearing their hair out at not being able to present the course at its best, but tis to their huge credit
that when we have been able to play, we have putted on greens that have been absolutely exceptional
for the time of year. I can only thank you, our loyal members, for your patience during this
unprecedented rainfall and hope that Mother Nature smiles on us sometime soon.

On a more positive note, we are grateful to members for showing their support for our revitalised social
schedule. We had a fabulous Burn’s night at the beginning of March, and our ABBA night in April is a
sell out. The dance night in May only has a few tickets left and the psychic night in June is selling well
(who'd have seen that coming!) Our other June social with Holly Fairlie and a wee game of bingo has
just gone on sale, so get your tickets ordered asap. We also hope to see loads of you support Simon's
always brilliant quiz night on Friday 12th April. This is Simon's 20th year as our Club Professional, he is
a fantastic asset to AGC, so come along and show him your support and appreciation.

You will also be aware that we recently announced a change in caterers. We thank Livie's for their
contribution to our club over the last few years but are excited to welcome John and Zoe as they launch
NINETEEN on 5th April. Their menu looks delicious, and I hope that as many members and
non-members alike will come along and sample their food. We wish John, Zoe and NINETEEN every
success - please support them.

I am also absolutely delighted to say that we have seen over 50 new members join the club since the
beginning of the year - welcome every one of you to a fantastic club. T hope as many as possible will
come along to our new member evening on April 5th. Hopefully you will see that there is more to the
club than just a great golf course and you will make full use of our wonderful clubhouse, whether it’s for
a pre or post round drink, great food or to attend our functions.

Iam also pleased to say that Vice Captain Keith McIntyre and I paid a visit to the Maggie's centre at
Monkland’s Hospital last week. It is a wonderful, joyous place that offers support to those impacted by
cancer. We have agreed to work with them to raise awareness of their work and hopefully come up with
some creative ways of helping them raise much needed funds. Watch this space for more details.

So, despite the awful weather, there are lots of things to be really positive about as we embark on
another season of golf. Our club is very much heading in the right direction, and I would like to thank
all members, whether long-standing, brand new or somewhere in-between, for their support and
encouragement. Without you, we don’t have a club, so enjoy the new season, use our clubhouse and
play well.

John McAuley