The circular garden space was created when the club house addition was added in the mid 90’s.  In 1997, the centennial committee recommended that a tree be planted to commemorate the 100th anniversary that would last till the club’s 200th anniversary.  A sugar maple was selected since it will live well over one hundred  years and it is the official New York State tree.  The remaining garden space was never developed because of lack of a plan and lack of funds. 

Last summer, I had the pleasure of playing Oak Hill CC, from the front door, as a guest of a member.  On entering, I noticed they have a similar, but much larger space in the entrance to their club.  The area is beautifully developed with many types of planting, including a tree or two.  On the way home to Oswego, I made a promise to myself, that I was going to get our driveway garden developed.  I wrote to Dennis McDermott telling him of my plan.  

Knowing Susan Downey personally, I decided to appoach her for support, in memory of her family, who were early, if not founding members of our club.  Last fall, she responded favoribly after I suggested a $2500 donation.   I corresponded with Dennis and others from Florida, and on my return to Oswego, received Board approval.  Ontario Orchards was most helpful in developing a planting and irrigation plan that fit our budget. 

The garden is a first class, low maintenance area,  with a soaker irrigation system.  It should have attractive colors all growing season.  Scott Peters, Neil Pitcher, and others were most helpful.  Neil remembered, and found, a conduit installed under the driveway, which made the installation very easy. 

I hope all will enjoy and take pride in this latest edition to the Oswego CC.

-Bob Crist

HANDICAPS…

On June 25th we finally received notification from the USGA that we are officially licensed and totally legal in issuing official USGA handicaps.

All the work we have done so far in educating the membership in the importance of complying with all the rules concerning handicaps was and still is part of the program that the USGA has mandated us to follow in obtaining and keeping our USGA license.

Sometimes it seems we are trivial and petty, but the committee and I take our responsibility seriously in keeping the club in compliance with USGA rules.

The good news is that more players are entering scores than in the past, and each player is entering more scores. We have instituted a policy where we will check scoring reports before each handicap tournament and validate handicaps. At this time we are mostly interested in the number of posted scores. If there is a large discrepancy between rounds played and scores posted, the handicap will not be validated. Before you sign up for the Member-Member and Member-Guest, check your record on the computer and make sure you have posted all your scores.

I have a large number of members, addressing their appreciation for tightening the control of the club’s handicaps, and the committee and I are going to do our best not to let down the majority of members who are posting. It is only fair to the members who follow the rules, to expect everyone else to do the same. If everyone enters scores, every time they play, the handicaps will take care of themselves. I appreciate the cooperation and support from the president, board and pro shop that we have gotten so far. Remember, play it as it lies, and post all your scores.