HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF WEDNESDAY TEE TIMES PROCEDURES

The original format for Wednesday Tee Times was established in 1996 when Tony Ponticelli was president. The format was a 1^st come 1^st serve procedure to allow all players an equal chance for a Tee Time. It was also created as an individual sign-up which would pair players with someone they might not know but would give them a chance to meet other members of the Club.

Some time during 2005 the format was changed ( by we don’t know who but has never been approved by the Board) to allow one player to sign up for a 2-some, 3-some or 4-some but the player must pay for each of the players he signs up. Each player is allowed to reserve 1 (and only 1) Tee Time, which must be within the Clubs blocked Tee Times (7:32 to 8:15) for players to be eligible for Sweeps money payouts. Members will have priority for Tee Times and guest will not be eligible for Sweeps payouts.

From time to time I have been asked to explain the Wednesday Tee Time procedure by a new member or first time Wednesday player and after they get an explanation they accept and abide by it. Recently players have been chosen randomly regarding the current procedure for reserving a Tee Time on Wednesday, their responses have been, almost to a man, in favor of the procedure and hope to continue the practice.

Once again there is some question about changing the procedure. Any proposed changes must first be approved by the Head Pro and then acted on by the Board of Directors before it can be put into practice. The changes of course should be fair and equitable to all members to avoid any question of favoritism.

The Club should be careful regarding our blocked out times. If we extend the hours of play we will likely lose any assigned times, and would probably not get them back. The changes in the volunteer program that will be in effect starting January 2008 makes it evident that the City would like to open up our blocked out Times to the public ( rumors are already circulating from City Hall). We would then be forced to use the automated phone system to reserve a Tee Time which could result in a time later than we now enjoy or no time at all. Our rates would also increase from $24.00 to $28.00.

The best approach at this time might be to wait until we see how the new volunteer program comes down, all this might be meaningless. Returning to the original concept of 1^st Come 1^st Serve on an individual basis has also been mentioned as a format, there may be other options put forth by some of the Board Members.

Jim Whitaker

President