We had a meeting last night attended by all 8 committee members:

Finance: Randy provided his monthly report showing that we have $6889 in hand and after outgoing commitments we have over $3000 to play with. From next month a monthly statement along with a tournament specific statement will be posted to the members' only section by Deirdre. (user name NGS/password golf).

Membership: We are rounding out at approximately 70 active members. Renewals are due by 4/30 but we would appreciate payment before that either left in an envelope at Ned's for Randy's attention or brought to the VA Oaks event.

VA Oaks: We have 33 signed up for the 28th. Please sign up now if you want to play http://www.neddevinesgolfingsociety.com/tourup.htm The draw for each event will be made randomly by Mike and Dave using the A,B,C,D player format. We will be adjusting the handicaps for each course.

Flight tournament: Starting this week we will be tabulating each round and prizes will be awarded after the October event for the first three in each flight (0 to 15 and 16 to 30). Your best 4 net scores will be used to decide the winners and a monthly status will be provided.

Matchplay: The auction for the matchplay will take place after Old Hickory on 4/25. The rules which were previously sent out will be reemphasized that night. First round matches will take place in May with the final in October. This will be an hilarious night and important so we can have the maximum prize money. This event is free to enter. Johnny Shields raised a complaint that we should not be using the white tees for all male players. This point was discussed but the committee decided to leave the rule as it stands.

Handicaps: Mike Foster, our handicap chairman is doing an awesome job, so beware!!! The following are the key rules for this year:

1. Mike will play first in the first two events. He will meet each foursome and take you through entering your scores at the course, including how to follow USGA rules regarding double and triple bogeys.

2. After the first two events you are on your own. If you do not enter your score YOU WILL BE PENALIZED. Mike will recommend a penalty system to the committee and it will be voted on at the next meeting. But, make no mistake about it, your handicap will be affected negatively if you do not post your score. Your USGA handicap will not be affected but your handicap for Ned's events WILL. There is no excuse, you can enter it directly at whatever course we play using your new GHIN number and you will have been fully trained.

3. We want you to post a score for every round you play. For the first two months if you bring your cards to Mike he will do it for you.

4. We are making great strides at having every member maintain a legitimate handicap. This is integral to the ethics of the game and we need and appreciate your cooperation.

Lions V Legends/Ryder Cup: Johnny Shields raised another objection, this time complaining that the Ryder Cup has ended. After discussion the committee agreed that we should keep the Ryder Cup. The problem has always been that the Rest of the World couldn't field a large team and we wanted to include as many members as possible. We are reinstating the Ryder Cup in the middle of September with 12 per side. We will have a qualification system which will be announced after the next meeting but will be based on your best scores in Ned's events. We are also having a Lions (young guns) V Legends (old farts) event as the regular September event. Details will be provided soon but everyone will be eligible to play that wants to play. Thanks Johnny for pushing this one!

Away trip: Wayne is organizing this trip and will provide details within the week. It will likely be in early May and to Myrtle beach. We will drive, not fly. We do not have much time to organize this so you will have ONE week to respond as to whether you want to participate. Stay tuned.

Raffle: This is critical to our being able to fund many of our activities. The draw will be held after the June event and tickets will be available soon. We will sell approximately 250 through the renewals so we really need your help to sell the remaining 350. Any one who sells 10 tickets will get one for free in your own name.

Website: Deirdre is working hard to keep the site updated and we have plans to make it better including posting every meeting minutes and archiving previous years, adding photographs every month (possibly scrolling on the main page), keeping the news section up to date and posting financial and membership/handicap data each month. Also we are instituting a member to member business card section. We will charge a nominal amount to post your business card and a little more to link to your business website. Stay tuned for details.

Retail partner: Paddy is working hard to try to find a retailer that will give members a discount.

Thanks

Dave