BOARD MEETING NEWS BULLETIN
Edition: May 2026
From the Chairman
HEADLINES
• Ladies changing room refurbishment approved unanimously
• Daily cash reconciliation process introduced following accounting review
• Membership strategy review proposed as golf participation trends change
• Apprenticeship recruitment underway for Course Development team
• England Golf compliance and safety matters remain under review
MAIN STORIES
1. Club Operations & Member Experience
Plans and costings for the refurbishment of the female changing rooms were presented by Lady Captain Claire Jennings and Vice-Captain Lou Jones. The Ladies Section will contribute £12k towards the project, locker revenue will revert to the club, and locker rental charges will align with the male locker structure. The proposal was approved unanimously by the Board.
The Captain reported strong interest in the forthcoming “Cover Ducks” charity event. Attendance at the Captain’s Am-Am was also discussed, with consideration being given to relaxing certain entry requirements to improve participation while remaining compliant with England Golf regulations.
The entrance gates have now been repaired and returned to operation.
2. Course & Facilities
The course remains in good condition for the time of year, with greens expected to continue improving towards the end of May. Positive feedback was received following the recent Seniors event.
The apprenticeship recruitment process has commenced, with interviews expected to begin before the end of the month.
The course will undergo reassessment during June and July, requiring temporary course closures while the work is undertaken.
Discussion also took place regarding practice nets and wider development opportunities following course rating activity. Rough management will also be reviewed after the course reassessment process.
3. Finance & Governance
The Treasurer reported that the club delivered a small profit during April. Daily cash reconciliations have now been implemented as part of strengthened financial controls following the previously identified reconciliation issue. The club’s auditor has also been asked to conduct a further investigation into the discrepancy identified in the prior financial year.
The Chairman updated the Board on findings from the ongoing review, suggesting that the introduction of the new till system may have resulted in accounting issues linked to gold card transactions. It was noted that increasing system complexity without increasing capacity contributed to the delayed identification of the issue.
The Board also discussed future membership assumptions for the 2026 budget process.
Discussion took place regarding proposals for a new brewery agreement. The Board requested further clarification regarding the financial benefits and supporting detail before progressing the matter further.
4. Membership & Marketing
The New Member Golf Day will take place this Sunday 17th May.
Discussion took place regarding the changing profile of golf club membership and how member expectations continue to evolve. The Board will undertake further discussion regarding long-term strategy and member engagement.
Renewal figures remain encouraging, with 65 member departures offset by 50 new members, resulting in a net reduction of 15. There are also currently 28 frozen memberships and 11 reactivations, resulting in a net frozen position of -17.
Further work will now progress on the member induction package in conjunction with Ken Ford.
5. Health, Safety & Compliance
The annual Citation audit remains scheduled for 2 June.
The fire alarm service is scheduled for 15 May.
Further discussion took place regarding reported near misses on the 8th tee following additional reports being submitted. The matter will be raised during the Citation audit, and insurance liability implications will also be reviewed. It was noted that several other areas of the course present similar levels of risk exposure.
6. Decisions, Actions & Next Steps
• Female changing room refurbishment approved to proceed
• Apprenticeship interview process to begin before month end
• Daily cash reconciliation process to continue
• Auditor to complete further investigation into reconciliation discrepancy
• Membership strategy discussions to continue following Board meeting
• Course reassessment scheduled for June/July
• Review of brewery agreement proposals to continue
• Member induction package development to progress
• Citation audit scheduled for 2 June
CLOSING NOTE
The Board thanks all members for their continued engagement and support as the new season progresses. A number of important projects and reviews are now underway, and further updates will be shared as these develop.
Chairman, Druids Heath Golf Club
HEADLINES
• Ladies changing room refurbishment approved unanimously
• Daily cash reconciliation process introduced following accounting review
• Membership strategy review proposed as golf participation trends change
• Apprenticeship recruitment underway for Course Development team
• England Golf compliance and safety matters remain under review
MAIN STORIES
1. Club Operations & Member Experience
Plans and costings for the refurbishment of the female changing rooms were presented by Lady Captain Claire Jennings and Vice-Captain Lou Jones. The Ladies Section will contribute £12k towards the project, locker revenue will revert to the club, and locker rental charges will align with the male locker structure. The proposal was approved unanimously by the Board.
The Captain reported strong interest in the forthcoming “Cover Ducks” charity event. Attendance at the Captain’s Am-Am was also discussed, with consideration being given to relaxing certain entry requirements to improve participation while remaining compliant with England Golf regulations.
The entrance gates have now been repaired and returned to operation.
2. Course & Facilities
The course remains in good condition for the time of year, with greens expected to continue improving towards the end of May. Positive feedback was received following the recent Seniors event.
The apprenticeship recruitment process has commenced, with interviews expected to begin before the end of the month.
The course will undergo reassessment during June and July, requiring temporary course closures while the work is undertaken.
Discussion also took place regarding practice nets and wider development opportunities following course rating activity. Rough management will also be reviewed after the course reassessment process.
3. Finance & Governance
The Treasurer reported that the club delivered a small profit during April. Daily cash reconciliations have now been implemented as part of strengthened financial controls following the previously identified reconciliation issue. The club’s auditor has also been asked to conduct a further investigation into the discrepancy identified in the prior financial year.
The Chairman updated the Board on findings from the ongoing review, suggesting that the introduction of the new till system may have resulted in accounting issues linked to gold card transactions. It was noted that increasing system complexity without increasing capacity contributed to the delayed identification of the issue.
The Board also discussed future membership assumptions for the 2026 budget process.
Discussion took place regarding proposals for a new brewery agreement. The Board requested further clarification regarding the financial benefits and supporting detail before progressing the matter further.
4. Membership & Marketing
The New Member Golf Day will take place this Sunday 17th May.
Discussion took place regarding the changing profile of golf club membership and how member expectations continue to evolve. The Board will undertake further discussion regarding long-term strategy and member engagement.
Renewal figures remain encouraging, with 65 member departures offset by 50 new members, resulting in a net reduction of 15. There are also currently 28 frozen memberships and 11 reactivations, resulting in a net frozen position of -17.
Further work will now progress on the member induction package in conjunction with Ken Ford.
5. Health, Safety & Compliance
The annual Citation audit remains scheduled for 2 June.
The fire alarm service is scheduled for 15 May.
Further discussion took place regarding reported near misses on the 8th tee following additional reports being submitted. The matter will be raised during the Citation audit, and insurance liability implications will also be reviewed. It was noted that several other areas of the course present similar levels of risk exposure.
6. Decisions, Actions & Next Steps
• Female changing room refurbishment approved to proceed
• Apprenticeship interview process to begin before month end
• Daily cash reconciliation process to continue
• Auditor to complete further investigation into reconciliation discrepancy
• Membership strategy discussions to continue following Board meeting
• Course reassessment scheduled for June/July
• Review of brewery agreement proposals to continue
• Member induction package development to progress
• Citation audit scheduled for 2 June
CLOSING NOTE
The Board thanks all members for their continued engagement and support as the new season progresses. A number of important projects and reviews are now underway, and further updates will be shared as these develop.
Chairman, Druids Heath Golf Club