Austin Senior Golf Association
MINUTES
AUSTIN SENIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Al Chock. There were no corrections to the previous meeting’s minutes.
FINANCIAL STATUS
On behalf of Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Newton, President Chock reported that the Association’s October 31, 2008 cash balance was $3,494.22.He also noted that as of January 1, 2009, the annual dues would be $10.
HANDICAPS and MEMBERSHIP
Handicap Chairman Ken Blake noted significant progress during the year. The handicap system using a computer program was working well, the creation of the post of Membership Chairman was smoothing the growth of the club, members could now pay dues over the internet using Pay Pal, and an online date base of ASGA members was established. ASGA now had 345 members, of whom 85 were new.
BARBECUE
Travis Eckert stated that over 100 members attended the annual Barbecue which netted $168 for the Association. President Chock praised the quality of the brisket.
TOURNAMENTS
George Robbins reported average participation of 128 golfers during the year’s tournaments. The new 2-day format for the ASGA annual championship seemed a success. Participation increased with 94 golfers playing in the 2008 championship, compared to 69 golfers in the 3-day 2007 championship.
Mr. Robbins said the schedule has been set for 2009. Innovations included 4 rounds at Riverside (senior Riverside green fees of $22 with cart, no private carts), and, except for one tournament, removing Hancock from the Tuesday rotation. The Hancock tournaments will now be on Wednesday, in addition to the regular Tuesday tournaments. He is considering new formats for future years.
There will also be a rule change to grant relief from boundary fences and nets.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Members discussed the importance of all members paying their dues promptly and the difficulties in getting tournament tee times.
PARD ACTIVITY
Mr. Eckert told the meeting the Association had helped get funds for Morris Williams. He presented the case to the City Council--at 3:30 a.m. He was also pleased to say fees at the City courses would not increase in 2009.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Ken Eppright reported on the significant volunteer effort by ASGA members at University of Texas and Texas high school tournaments. There had been some difficulties in coordinating with the University of Texas volunteer leaders, but that should be resolved for 2009. Members were encouraged to continue to volunteer.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
President Chock proposed amending the by laws to eliminate the obligation to give members annual membership cards and copies of the bylaws. With the association’s new electronic systems, paper documents are not needed. The bylaws will be made available to members without access to the electronic data. The amendment passed.
NEW OFFICERS
The officers elected were: President--L.E. Clark; Vice-President--Gene Payne; Secretary-Treasurer--Bill Barreda; PARD Representative--Travis Eckert; Tournament Chairman--George Robbins; Handicap Chairman--Ken Blake; Delegates-at-Large--Paul Redden and Bennie Moskowitz.
FAREWELL ADDRESS
President Chock thanked the Board for their support and help through the year. Together they had surpassed the goals he had set. Specifically:
Membership increased (by 85);
Participation in the weekly tournaments was up (by an average of 25 golfers);
One tournament had the highest turnout ever (168);
Participation in the annual championship was up (by 23);
Attendance at the annual barbecue was up (over 100 attended);
Creating the job of Membership Chairman eased the job of the Secretary-Treasurer and helped new members;
The increase in dues will enable ASGA to do more to help the golf courses played;
Changing the annual championship to a 2-day tournament was popular; and
A new course (Riverside) was added to the rotation.
He closed by thanking the Board again.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
President-elect L.E. Clark called on all members to read the ASGA rules of golf and play by them--including putting out all the time. For competition to be fair, all members should play by the rules.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Barreda
Secretary-Treasurer, elect