The Captain's

Martin Wainman - Mens Captain 2011

Michelle Smith  - Ladies Captain 2011

Captains Speech - AGM Dec 5th 2010

Martin commenced his speech by expressing his thanks and gratitude on behalf of all Wychwood Park Club Members to the outgoing Captain Mr. Paul Price and congratulated him on an excellent year of office. Martin further stated his feelings of honour and privilege in accepting the Captains role and offered his full commitment to serving the Members of Wychwood Park Golf Club (The Golf Club).
Martin outlined the challenges facing the Golf Club as a part of the Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club complex and the need to work closely with its management. Martin outlined his objectives in placing a higher priority on the welfare of the golf course and the perceived value of its membership.
In expressing his own personal views, Martin raised his concerns over the closing of the golf club membership and the replacement Devere Club point’s scheme. Martin further expressed his objection to heavily discounted green fees used to attract visitors, hotel guests and golfing societies, both of which had created a sense of devaluing the course and the priority and benefits of club membership.
Martin stated his intention during his term of office was to facilitate greater levels of communication and engagement with its members and to re-invigorate the perceived value of club membership.
To help achieve this, Martin informed the meeting that new roles had been created on the membership committee for a Green’s Chairman with responsibilities for the reporting on the condition of the course and a Social Secretary to engage with club members on a schedule of desired events throughout the year. Martin reported that these vacancies are now open and interest from members was most welcome. Other planned initiatives included the introduction of a member’s suggestion scheme.
Martin acknowledged the vital importance of all Sections of the golf club (Ladies, Seniors and Juniors) as well as those less interested in competition golf, if the club was to continue to grow as a forward thinking and sustainable golf club. Martin also commented on the value to Wychwood Park of its golf teams and the need to ensure these remain fully supported.
Continuing in a less formal manner, Martin stated his strong desire to make this a fun year for the members and informed the meeting of number of events to be scheduled including;
• A members golfing trip to Portugal or Spain
• A reasonably priced Captains away day.
• Playing Guest Celebrities on Captains Day
• A Sportsman’s Dinner
• A Captain’s sponsored end of season golf competition
Returning to formalities, Martin introduced his chosen Charity for the forthcoming year as SPARKS (SPort’s Aiding medical Research for Kids. Martin reported on the excellent work carried out by the Charity and asked for all members to embrace the spirit of the Charity as part of a caring and socially responsible membership.
In wrapping up his speech, Martin requested members engage positively with the Club in a proactive fashion, volunteering ideas and solutions as opposed to unconstructive remarks. He asked members to support club events, whenever possible, and above all else to respect the game of golf, the course, the management and all members, guests and visitors.
In closing, Martin welcomed next year’s Lady Captain (Michelle Smith) and offered his sincere thanks to next year’s Membership Committee.