* If you are in the top 45 in the Tournament of Champions points race and have not contacted Tournament Director Mike Matkowski about playing in the event next weekend, please do so at once. He needs to know whether or not you will be in the field. Contact Mike at 408-260-8295 to confirm one way or the other.  By the way, the only fee for this event is the Saturday green fee.  The club is providing all the prize money and paying your Sunday green fee as well.

** This is our annual November Monterey outing.  Signups are lagging so please consider a relaxing weekend playing and dining at some great locations in the Monterey Bay area.

Renewals are Here

It's time to renew your PAGC membership for 2008.  The Board of Directors has agreed to keep the dues for the upcoming year at the 2007 rates.  That means $95 for regular members (those under 60) and $90 for seniors (those 60 and older).  Renewals were mailed September 28 and should have arrived the first week in October.  If you haven't receive it, Click Here to contact the membership coordinator John Frykland by email or call him at (650) 637-0222.

Scholarship Awarded

Every year the Palo Alto Golf Club awards a scholarship to the NCGA Rules School.  The drawing was held following the Beat-the-Pros tournament and Mike Matkowski's name was literally pulled from the hat.  Congratulations Mike and enjoy your two days in the classroom.

Candidates for 2008 Board of Directors

You should have received a ballot for the 2008 Board of Directors election in your membership renewal packet.  This year's voting is important because we have to fill the one year term remaining for Mike Riddell will not be returning for his final year in office.  You are still limited to voting for three candidates at most but we will be taking the fourth place finisher to fill Mike's seat.  Please be sure to return your ballot when you renew.  Here is the full slate of candidates.

Poppy Hills Gate Access Now Free

Poppy Hills has worked out a deal with the Pebble Beach Company so that you no longer have to pay a gate fee for the 17-Mile Drive to reach the course.  Formerly, you could take your receipt to the pro shop for partial reimbursement.  Now you get in free provided you show your NCGA card at the gate.  The pro shop will no longer reimburse you.

Online Tournament Signup Fee Waived for 2008

The Board of Directors voted at the October meeting to waive the online tournament signup fee for 2008.  Those who like the convenience of electronically signing up for an event will continue to enjoy this service for free.  If you have not tried it yet, please check it out the next time you think of playing in one of our tournaments.

Tournament Tie-Breaker Policy Changed for 2008

Ever been frustrated at the end of a PAGC tournament by the results of the tie breaking card playoff? Ever dropped from first to fourth with the same score as the winner? The Board of Directors has eliminated the card playoff from our tournaments except for a few exceptions.

The most important is the card playoff for first place. Every tournament needs a winner and, where no on-course playoff is required, the tie will still be broken by a card playoff. In addition, at away tournaments where certificates are handed out, the card playoff will still be used for the certificates but the TOC points will be split among those in the tie.

This change will go into effect after the 2007 TOC. The Local Rules for the Club will be updated and available on the website following that event.