Rod is a man who never resorts to Old English expletives and rarely seems flustered when things go awry. There are a few options when your game is out of kilter. You can curse and swear, throw a club in disgust, walk off or you can get on with the game and accept that one of golf's more valuable lessons is humility.

All those who witnessed the presentation of the award acknowledged that Rod Coady was a worthy recipient and a tremendous example to all about how to approach the game with the correct attitude. Congratulations!

The January monthly medal winner was Don Burke who won the one from Phil O'Toole. Phil was also pipped by a few centimeters by Geoff Hassall who picked up an unexpected New Year's gift by winning the jackpot of $390 and a ball as the NTP.

Phil won two balls as the runner up with the other balls going to Les Hart, Mick Nurmi, Barry Toombs, Steve Cansell, Keith Morgan and the platypus. It was a good field given the inclemency of the mid-day weather. It was another demonstration of the optimism of golfers keen for a walk, hit and chat.

The course is showing some signs of recovery after the recent rain however compulsory tee ups continue. While there have been some mumbles about the difficulties in using a wedge it does mean that some shots from the rough are easier because without the tee, the ball would be virtually invisible.

An interim program for the next few weeks is on the notice board. From January 1 the golf club is operating a little like one of China's semi autonomous regions. While there is some independence on many important matters of charges and fees the golf club has to defer to the BSC.

The last GM failed to acknowledge Barry Toombs as the committee member charged with promoting common sense. He has taken up the baton in dealing with the irresponsible and idiotic decision of our local council not to recycle the water and waste from the sewerage works.

Ah, common sense! You only have to take a cursory look around to see how little of it there is about. Barry has approached all three levels of government about their rationale for not recycling and he notes that it is a little like hitting your head on a brick wall. It always feels better when you stop.

Monkittee Platypus