Author: cumberland

June ENews

GREAT NEWS:
The Countdown Clock is about to start winding down for the New Course Opening.  We are in the final throes of getting ‘sign off’ from our Quantity Surveyor and Course Architect to certify that the course is ready to satisfy Practical Completion.  We are putting the final touches on new tee signage, course ratings and cart mapping then we’re ready to go.  Stay tuned for a special announcement on the opening date in coming days.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS:
Once we open the new course, we will be looking to activate a lease with Pariter so they can commence work on our new clubhouse and residential units along the current 1st hole.  Whilst we have been building the new course they have been working away on unit sales, construction planning and builder engagement, so they are ready to go.  When we have a firm construction schedule, we will let you know but at this stage is sounds like we’ll be in our new clubhouse sooner than we thought.

CLUB SPONSORSHIP:
We have had strong interest in our new sponsorship packages including displays on our digital sign out the front.  This is a great opportunity to promote your business with over 10,000 vehicles and pedestrian traffic passing the sign each day.  You can also advertise on the digital screens in our golf carts and on busy days we have up to 60 carts a day hired out.  For information on the range of options and prices please contact the office.

PRESIDENT V CAPTAIN TROPHY RESULT:
If you played in position 1 or 2 in your group on Saturday 23/5, congratulations for being part of the victorious President’s Team.  The aggregate scores were President’s team – 3002 to Captain’s team – 2953

This makes it back to back wins for Team Pres and the beer from the winner’s trophy never tasted better.

2026 AGM:
Our AGM is scheduled for 7pm Tuesday 14th July and we’re aiming to publish a formal Notice with our Annual Report later this month. 

Denis Clifford
Club President

I’d like to start this month’s newsletter by once again congratulating the President and his team for winning the annual Presidents vs Captains day that was held through the month. Well done to you all!  For those of you who were a part of my team, close but no cigar and please be better next year.

As we get closer to the opening of the redesigned course, please watch this space for further information regarding new competitions that are currently being discussed and reviewed. I’m sure many of you have ideas on what we should be doing for the opening week, so please don’t be strangers and share your thoughts with me.

WINNERS FOR THIS MONTH
May has once again produced many great scores and our monthly medal winners were,

  • A Grade – Tae Kim (12) 62 c/b
  • B Grade – Sean Kennarney (14) 57
  • C Grade – Phil Brown (20) 61

May was the month for our Triple 6 challenge with 80 players participating and again scoring was great!

  • 1st Place – Timmy Lee & George Wong (Fox Hills) 73
  • 2nd Place – Jenny & Michelle Choi 69

Bateman Cup (Cock of the Walk)
Congratulations to Chris Wering and Isaac Sampson who are our Cock of the Walk winners for 2026, defeating a very competative Greg Northam & Ian Giltinan.

Our Match play championship is nearing completion, with the final round to be played on June 13th.  For those of you still competing, good luck!

MASTER PENNANTS
The Club’s Master Pennant team has begun their season with 2 narrow losses away to Lakeside and Richmond but then stepped up with a great win last Sunday at home to Camden Lakeside.  They now have another two home games in a row and can look to establish themselves as real contenders for the division.  The team hit off at a user-friendly time of 11am Sundays, so I encourage all of you to come out and support the team.

Cumberland defeated Lakeside 6 – 2

Adrian Welsh won 2/1
Greg Northam won 1up
Sean Moylan won 5/3
Mark Guinney won 2/1
Ian McCarthy won 4/3
Matthew Andrew lost 1 down
Martin Smith lost 5/3
Matty Jones won 7/5

Eric Apperly & Super Senior Pennants
Congratulations to the following members, who have been selected to represent Cumberland in the upcoming Eric Apperly and Super Senior Pennant seasons, both commencing in July. We know you will do Cumberland proud!

I recently received some feedback that we need to improve our communication regarding the course conditions, course closure and whether carts are on or off.  Our main comms mode is though the Club’s portal which gets updated as conditions change.  A number of these decisions are made in the early hours of the morning in consultation with the course Superintendent and then the portal is updated.  We are also able to update players who are on the time sheet for the day in question through the use of SMS.

I encourage you all to familiarise yourselves with the portal and to be regularly checking it when we have adverse weather conditions like those experienced over the last few weeks.

Happy Golfing!
Shannon Bridger
Club Captain

COURSE UPDATE
Well done Cumbo, 11 months from the commencement of CEW works and I am proud to say the finish line is now visible.  Not sure about you, but from July 2025 to now has felt like eternality!

The course construction phase has reached a major milestone.  The CEW works are complete and importantly, all machinery has now been removed from the course.  The absence of heavy equipment has been widely welcomed by both turf and members, and the course is beginning to present as intended rather than as an obstacle course.

The opening of the new course is now in reach.  This represents a transition from construction to consolidation, with the focus turning toward conditioning, presentation and member experience.

GREENS CONDITION
Our Course Superintendent confirms that all new greens are in superb condition.

Greens are now maintained at an average 3.2-3.5mm consistent across both existing and new surfaces.  Daily mowing continues to deliver a uniform and true playing surface

Turf health is stable despite seasonal slowing of growth.  Colour and density remain strong with minimal thinning observed

SEASONAL CONDITIONS AND MANAGEMENT
May conditions reflected a typical autumn transition.  Cooler temperatures have reduced growth rates across the couch and the kikuyu.  Recovery from wear is slower, requiring more deliberate turf management.  Soil moisture variability has required targeted irrigation responses.  Increased dew presence has elevated disease risk, requiring closer monitoring typical for autumn.

COURSE AREAS OVERVIEW
Tees remain stable, with worn areas improving and new tees now integrated into the mowing program.  Fairways are maintained at 12mm with efficiency gains through revised mowing patterns.  Rough management continues to prioritise presentation and playability.

Bunkers are maintained regularly with consistent raking and post rain repairs, sadly some members continue to disrespect the course and do not fix lob marks or rake bunkers.

 The overall standard across the course is consistent with a facility transitioning from works to refinement.

LOOKING AHEAD
The immediate focus is on consolidation and readiness.

Continued nutrient programs to support turf health through cooler months

Irrigation adjustments to encourage deeper rooting

Monitoring of all newly established surfaces

Preparation for winter conditions including disease prevention

With the digging things gone, the course has entered a quieter phase.  The turf is responding well, the presentation is improving, and the end is finally in sight.  It has taken considerable effort to reach this point, and I wish to call out our course crew for all the hard work achieving this milestone.  The course is no longer a construction project with a golf course attached. It is, once again, a golf course that happened to have endured construction.

Members will now notice that the loudest thing on course is now the shouts of FORE rather than an excavator!

Martin Smith
Vice-Captain (Chair of Greens)

 

LADIES PRESIDENT REPORT

I’m told that tradition has it that it always rains, and not just light rain, on the first day of the Ladies Foursome Championships.  Well, this year was no exception.  Well done to everyone who played on under such trying conditions.

The following week we hoped for clear skies and very pleasant weather.  Not so for the Ladies N S W 3rd Medal round.  Again, we had challenging conditions to say the least.  Hats off to those intrepid ladies who finished the round. I must confess I was not one of them.

Coming up on Friday 12th June we will be hosting the final day of the Bronz II Pennant Competition.  If anyone could spare some time that day, to be out on the course to assist players negotiate our altered course, it would be much appreciated.  Please speak with either Tracey or me if you can.

Meanwhile stay well and as the weather cools, stay warm and enjoy your golf.

Barbara Cocks
Ladies President

LADIES CAPTAIN REPORT

June already and halfway through the ladies golfing calendar for the year.

The Bronze II ladies pennant team has been fighting bravely against strong competitors in the Northern Districts Pennant Competition. With only one round left for our team to play, they have enjoyed the competition and played on some wonderful courses. Bring on next year girls!

Congratulations to our 2026 Foursomes Champions!

Champions Sally Son and Eunmi Pyun 161 scr

Bronze I Champions Min Nam and Stella Park 195 scr

The Fay Spears Mothers Day trophy played on 5/5 was won this year by Gang Min with a wonderful score of 46 points. 👏

The 3rd Medal round of the year was held on a very rainy 26/5, and with a small brave field of competitors the medal winner was Gyeongmi Han 63 nett.

The Chick of the Walk qualifier will be on Tuesday 2/6, please note your name on the sheet outside the Pro Shop if you intend to be included in the qualifier.

Hoping for good June weather and golf!

Tracey Hilton
Ladies Captain

Hello again shoppers and welcome to June – the US Open looms in the next few weeks, the shorter but beautiful sunny days have overtaken the rain, the dew covers the ground in the morning and I am freezing.  Yes folks, the only way I will be able to stay warm this winter is rugged up in the highly fashionable and practical range of winter golf apparel now available in the proshop.  Every morning we warm our hands on the red hot prices to keep the cold away.  We have Footjoy, Callaway, Under Armour and more – pants, jumpers, jackets, polos and even shorts still in stock for those looking for the winter tan.

After the runaway success of the last Callaway Fitting Day, keep an eye out for the next Taylormade Day on the 11th and then Titleist on the 18th.  All the new GTS range is ready to try instore now and will be available for custom fitting on the day.  Bookings are essential.

New instore are the full range of Footjoy Winter and Raingrips and the number one selling umbrella in Greystanes – the Sun Mountain UV plus Dual Canopy.  Our Waterproof shoe special has proved so popular we have decided to extend it to the end of June. Get fitted for a pair of Footjoy or Mizuno shoes and receive 15% off the RRP until the end of the financial year.

Winter is the perfect time to change those grips after a long and extremely hot and sweaty summer.  Typically, the more we sweat on the hot days, that sweat soaks into the grips on our clubs and come winter the rubber starts to perish and crack, especially when the average grip is over 5 seasons old.  Change them more often people – they are your only connection to the golf club. Luckily our grip special continues this month.  Simply purchase 10 grips, have them expertly fitted for free and also choose a sleeve of premium balls at no charge – you cant loose.

The PGA Bag Raffle continues until the 12th of June.  Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of history with a range of prizes to celebrate the second major of the year in May. Some great display pieces or just practical conversation starters.

The Callaway Quantum Promotion continues this month as well. Purchase 8 Quantum clubs to receive a FREE bag or get a box of Chrome Soft premium balls with any Driver purchase from Callaway.

This month’s tip comes from our Head Professional Joanne.  Warm up before you tee off. None of us are as young as we were yesterday and the cold air generally does not help with our flexibility.  Some basic stretches and some warm up swings can improve your score and help avoid those winter niggles that don’t heal as quick anymore.

Alright then, off to the course for another 18 and make sure you come in and visit us at the shop even if it’s just to say g’day……

The Team at Banners Golf

Web: www.bannersgolf.com.au

  www.cumberlandgolf.com.au

Pennant News

PENNANT NEWS

Master Pennant Report
Sunday May 20, 2026
 
After narrowly losing to Lakeside the previous week, our Master Pennant team was tasked with another away game. This week it was Richmond at Richmond.
 
The early signs suggested this was going to be a tightly fought contest with the team up in 4 matches and down in 4 after the 6th hole. That scoring continued at the turn. Fred Yousiph was the only player whose game looked in the bag when he turned 4 up. It didn’t take him long to close out his match going on to win 6&5. Fred’s partner Matt Andrew enjoyed a well-earned victory showing great determination to win 2&1.
 
With 2 matches in early the team were hopeful of pulling off an away win. Martin Smith was unable to keep pace with his opponent and eventually lost 3&2. Ian McCarthy went on to lose 2&1 after his putter abonded him during the back nine. Adrian Welsh also struggled on the day and lost 3&2.
 
Greg Northam who turned 3 down showed real grit to wear his opponent down and grind out a squared match. With the day on the line Mark Guinney and Sean Moylan had work to do if Cumberland were to come away with the away win. Both players made it to the 18th hole with Mark 1 down and Sean 1 up. Great tee shots from both players had them in the driver’s seat and Mark didn’t disappoint hitting a great second shot to 10 feet to set up birdie. Sean unfortunately missed the green but would go on to chip close putting pressure on his opponent to make birdie for the square. Of course that’s exactly what happened. A great putt went in to square what was an impressive match. Mark then lined up his birdie and without hesitation poured it into the heart of the hole to win the hole and square his match.
 
Unfortunately that left us half a point short and team went down 4.5 – 3.5.
 
Final scores were:
Sean Moylan – Square
Mark Guinney – Square
Adrian Welsh – Lost 3&2
Greg Northam – Square
Ian McCarthy – Lost 2&1
Martin Smith – Lost 3&2
Fred Yousiph – Won 6&5
Matt Andrew – Won 2&1
 
A big thankyou goes out to the supporters and caddies who made the trek out to Richmond to help the team. We are at home for the next 3 weeks and would love to see you out there cheering the team on. Hit off is at 11am.
 
Shannon Bridger
Master Pennant Manager

Golf Course Enabling Works – CEO Update

CEO Update
GOLF COURSE WORKS
CURRENT PROGRESS & OUTLOOK

Stage 2

Fairway creek Construction

The reconstruction of the creek crossing the 2nd fairway is approximately 80% complete. Remaining works include:

  •               Installation of a new cart bridge and pedestrian bridge
  •              Minor shaping and landscaping along both sides of the creek

Sand Slit Drainage (2nd Fairway)

The visible trenches on the right-hand side of the 2nd fairway are part of a new sand slit drainage system.

  •          These drainage lines will extend laterally across the fairway, improving water dispersal and playability.
  •          Works will be scheduled outside of competition play to minimise disruption

New Pump Station

A new pump station is currently being installed between the two dams on the 2nd fairway. This will allow water to be pumped from either dam independently or simultaneously, depending on operational requirements.

The upgrade provides the Superintendent with increased flexibility and access to a greater volume of water when needed. Additionally, the project includes the modernisation of associated infrastructure and equipment, further enhancing the club’s irrigation capabilities. ( indicative size &  location as shown in image)

New 14th Green

 Progress is strong with:

  •         Drainage, irrigation, and greens profile expected to be completed within days.
  •         Barring delays, full completion of this section is anticipated in the coming weeks.

11th Green & Dam Wall

The new 11th green is taking shape, however: Delays were encountered due to the unsuitability of the existing rock wall on the dam’s edge, requiring further construction. The dam has been emptied to allow installation of a new stormwater pit plus construction of the new rock wall

Turfing and Seeding

Once earthworks are complete:

  •            All affected areas will be solid turfed
  •            Greens will be seeded
  •           All heavy machinery will then relocate for commencement of Stage 3

Stage 3-Timeline

We are targeting an early October commencement for Stage 3, with completion aimed for the first week of February 2026.

I will provide further details as this stage progresses

Following the construction phase:
A 3-month grow-in period will be required for turf and greens to properly establish. This phase will represent a major milestone—bringing us significantly closer to unveiling the new course layout.

Once playable, the existing 1st hole will close, and all members and visitors will transition to playing the new course in its entirety. As always I encourage members who may have questions or hear some stories, which may not be true, to please come and see me and I will provide you with facts

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we continue to transform Cumberland for the future.

Warm regards,

Andrew Laplain CCM
CEO – Cumberland Country Golf Club

Development Approval

Development Update – Construction of Temporary Greens

Dear Members,

I am happy to advise that the first construction works to facilitate the development are about to commence. As many of you are aware, we are embarking on an exciting journey to enhance our course and clubhouse, and I am thrilled to share an important update with you.

Construction of the temporary greens is set to commence on April 2nd. Once completed these greens will allow for uninterrupted 18 holes of play during the course enabling works.

These temporary greens will be located on the 2nd, 4th, 9th, and 18th holes and are indicated on the Map below.

During the construction phase and until the temporary greens are ready for play, it’s essential to note that the areas occupied by these temporary greens will be designated as compulsory ground under repair (GUR). This designation ensures the safety and fairness of play during this transitional period.

During construction of these greens, our spare Lake Johnson hole and temporary course ratings will be utilised. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the integrity and quality of your golfing experience throughout the development process.

We understand that these changes may bring some adjustments to your regular game, but we assure you that every effort is being made to minimise disruptions and ensure a seamless transition. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated as we work towards creating an even better golfing environment for all our members.

Please stay tuned for further updates as construction progresses. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our club’s growth and improvement.

Martin Smith
Chairman of Greens

Development Update – Golf Course Enabling Works

Dear Members,

With the latest news, our development partner Partier are on the eve of lodging a Development Application for the Independent Living Units. I thought I should take some time to highlight the pending changes to our current 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th and 18th holes. These changes are displayed in the Clubhouse as well as in the body of this newsletter.

The back nine will commence on the existing 6th, there is no change to this hole. On completion of the hole, you will wander down to the new 11th hole, which is situated behind the new 14th.

The new 11th is the combination of part of the current 4th and 5th holes. It will traverse around the big gum which currently cohabitates with the fairway bunker on the existing 4th and then you will trek down to the area where the current 5th green is situated. The dam will be slightly enlarged, and the green side dam wall raised and beautified.

The cart path currently adjacent to the green will be removed to allow the green to flow into the dam. The path repositioned on the left of the green, will provide an access to the 12th (existing 2nd hole) which will remain as is but will have a small creek installed at the base of the gully heading up to the green. The creek in part is an architectural design feature but also to weatherproof the course in that area. As we all saw in the big wet of 2022, this area was impassable. On playing the hole, players will need to decide on the reward for risk aspect when approaching the shot into the green.

The 14th hole is utilising the first third of the existing 4th hole and has been designed with a small pond protecting the front left-hand side of the green. This pond will be the water source for the wee burn that will flow across the gully on our existing 2nd. The long hitters will question, reward for risk at 290 metres. There will be a number of ways to play this hole. The green will slope back to front and will have bunkering at the rear to catch any long shots.
The existing 9th will be shaped into two holes. The first a par 4 measuring 307 metres played from the existing 9th tees, the green will be guarded by strategically placed bunkers.

Utilising the remaining parts of the existing 9th hole, the new 18th will be across the enlarged dam, measuring 129 metres and protected by the dam and bunkers at the rear. The design incorporates a bail out zone located on the right for those not wanting to take on the water.

The clubhouse terrace will be situated between the 9th and 18th greens, so expect many an afternoon cheering as players challenge the 18th hole across the great expanse of water.

The new 9th will be played from the existing 18th tee and the new hole will play 449 metres. The existing 18th green will be relocated and new bunkers created.

The Par for the new course when opened will be 70 and will measure 5532 metres or 6050 yards. The course will see several dams enlarged, a new pond, new bunkers and 3 new USGA standard greens built. The course’s make up will be 3 x par 5’s, 10 x par 4’s, and 5 x par 3’s. The final design will be subject to approval under a Development Application.

In the first half of 2024, work will commence on the construction of the temporary greens required to ensure we have a full 18 hole golf course during the Course Enabling works.

Temporary Course Design in Three Stages

There will be some disruption to the course over the period of the enabling works, and all efforts will be undertaken to provide members an enjoyable experience while we transition to the new course.

Preparations are now underway to build the four (4) temporary greens so the enabling works can commence once the Development Application is approved.

Stage 1 – Par 71
A new temporary green is to be constructed on the 2nd fairway prior to the rise leading to the existing green, to enable the trenching of the wee burn. The hole will play as a Par 4. The construction of the wee burn is highlighted in green and blue.
Stage 2 – Par 68
A new temporary green is to be situated on 9th fairway prior to the dip, to enable the construction works to commence on Lake Johnson. The 18th will play as a par 5, the constructions zone is highlighted in colour.
Stage 3 – Par 64

New temporaries constructed on the 4th and 18th fairway, to enable the construction works on the existing 4th and 5th holes to be undertaken. The temporary on the 2nd to be reinstated and a par 3 to the existing 2nd green created. The 5th hole will play as a par 3, the shorten 6th hole will be played as a par 3. The 9th will play as a par 4 and on finishing the hole, players will walk across to the shorten 10th hole as indicated by the blue dotted line. The construction zone is highlighted in colour.

The Board wish to thank you for your patience and engagement as we watch the future of Cumberland Country Golf Club develop.

Martin Smith
Chairman of the Greens Committee
On behalf of the Board of Directors
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