Call to Order: President John Coyle called the meeting to order at 9:00 am

Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Dean Risius

Roll Call by Secretary John Whitney

Not in Attendance: Dale Erickson, Steve Warren, David Shaw, Jim Pollard

OFFICERS:
President: John Coyle, Vice Pres: Ron Hagedorn, Secretary: John Whitney, Treasurer: Clarke Sharar, Club Liaison: Richard Warburton, Member At Large: Bob Shakespeare, Member At Large: Dale Erickson

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Membership: Doug Hodson, Tournaments: Chris Marshall/Bob Shakespeare, Handicap: Doug Hodson, Publicity: Dan Cameron, Hearts and Flowers: David Shaw, Hole-in-One: Ken Gordon, Social: Vacant, Rules: Byron Harvie, AM Sweeps: Ken Gordon, PM Sweeps: Golf Shop, Past President: Doug Hodson, SCGA: Stephen Warren, Parliamentarian: Dale Erickson, Canadian Representative: Rich Davidson, Webmaster: Jim Pollard

Guest Speaker:
Dr. Steven Lorick, Executive Director for The First Tee of Palm Desert.
Dr. Lorick gave an informative presentation about our local branch of The First Tee and his vision for the future. He presented pictures of the improvements already made in the Pro Shop and The Fitness Center. First Tee has plans for extensive improvements of the Driving Range and the 9 Hole pitch and putt course.
PDG members are encouraged to visit their facility and consider using some of the services they offer.

Treasurers Report:
The Treasurers Report is posted on the Bulletin Board.
Beginning Balance: $10,656.02, Deposits: $5840, Expenses: $577.32, Tournament Fund: $2950, Withdrawals: $577.32, Hole-in-one: $50, Current Men’s Club balance: $15918.70. .

Minutes:
Without objection, the minutes of the General Membership meeting of October 23, 2018, as posted on the Men’s Club Website, will be approved by unanimous consent. Approved.

OFFICERS REPORTS

President: John Coyle:
John apologized for running out of beer and pizza at the Welcome Back Luncheon. We were victimized by a late pizza delivery than expected, thus more beer consumed before eating. More beer was provided by the pitcher. The pizza disappeared early because some people didn’t abide by the two-piece only rule that we asked everyone to follow and some plates were piled high with slices.

There was a brief discussion about the location for future Welcome Back gatherings. The vote was split about meeting at the Rec Center or the Ballroom. No decision was made because we didn’t have a representative number of members in attendance. More on that later.

The Ham Shoot is scheduled for December 12th.

Remember that Sweeps will commence at 7:30am and Noon for November and December. By January we should start experiencing longer days and will revert back to 8:00/12:30.

November 28 will be our first Team Event (Sweeps) with computer selected pairings of A, B, C and D players chosen for each group. The next Team Sweeps will be December 19th. This is a great way to have fun and meet new members.

Inter-Club play begins on December 10th at Oasis CC.

Our Website has been enhanced. There is more information now than ever before and professionally done. There are numerous new pictures on the site and worth a visit. Frost Delays will show up on the site this year which will be especially helpful if Channel 98 is taken down.

Byron Harvie will make his initial presentation on the new Rules of Golf for 2019 on December 18th (General Membership meeting).

John has lined up Sam Anziano to speak to our group on January 15, 2019. He will address physical fitness ideas that may help improve our game. There is nothing to lose and much to gain so please plan to attend.

Bob Larsen presented the list of individuals who have accepted responsibility for maintaining all 18 Greens against pitch marks not repaired by players. While it is everyone’s responsibility, a special thanks to Bob and his volunteers.

Another maintenance issue was mentioned concerning the rakes in traps. Rakes should be placed back in the trap, with the handle inside the bunker, pointing to the fairway but close enough to the edge that it can be reached without standing in the trap. This allows the maintenance workers to cut grass close to the edge but convenient for players.

Toys for Tots will be held this Saturday the 24 in conjunction with the Golf Cart Parade. Toys will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House and El Toro Marine Base. A Collection Box will be in the Clubhouse.

V.P.: Ron Hagedorn: N/R

Secretary: John Whitney: N/R

Treasurer: Clark Sharar:
Clarke told of a text he supposedly received from John Coyle, asking for a money order that should be sent back East. It didn’t take long to figure out that it was a “scam”, but someone had information about the Men’s Club officers. Just a reminder to be careful when these out-of-the-ordinary requests take place.
We are required to have an Audit of our books now and Robin Friend (daughter of Dennis and Irma Hanks) will complete this task for us. We thank her for her service.

Club Liaison: Richard Warburton:
Twilight play will begin at 1:30, rather than 2:00 so all groups can finish before dark.
Remember to get new players cards in the Pro Shop, green cards are required to show at the desk.

Please drive slowly around the Pro Shop, especially when taking the hair pin curve at the corner of the facility. Members have been speeding and it is dangerous enough without daredevil turns at high speeds.

The new drop area on number 5 green has been established with one more drop area to be decided upon by Bob and Byron.

December 15th is a Couples Tournament, sponsored by the Ladies Club.

Member -at-Large: Bob Shakespeare:
Bob requested that MGC members come to him if they have any problems with issues relating to the golf course.

Member -at-Large: Dale Erickson: N/R

Handicap, Stephen Warren:
POST YOUR SCORES!
Remember that next year handicaps are computed daily. If you don’t post immediately after playing, you may not have an accurate handicap for the next tournament. The MGC website has an easy way to keep up so check it out.
Membership, Doug Hodson: We have 239 paid members, including 27 new members.

Tournaments: Chris Marshall/Bob Shakespeare:
Chris mentioned that they have been approached by some members regarding the ability to choose the same four guys they have been playing with in upcoming tournaments. The maximum number of “pre-set” players in a foresome will be two. We are an all-inclusive club and the goal is to provide opportunities for all members to meet fellow golfers. Most Men’s Club members have expressed a desire to meet new players whenever possible. All members have numerous opportunities during the week to play with their same friends. Bob Breidenbach endorses this policy.

Chris and Bob are seeking volunteers to help with tournament set ups. They need help with Sponsor signs on tee boxes and sponsor signs being hung in the dining room during luncheons. They also need help setting up the table and chairs on tee box # 4. Please contact Chris or Bob if you can help.

The Eclectic tournament is scheduled for December 5th and 9th. December 1 is the deadline for entries.

The Member/Member Tournament is scheduled for January 9th and 12th.

Publicity: Dan Cameron: N/R
Dan announced that he has taken over for Dennis Hanks. If you have anything for the good of the order, please see him.

Hearts & Flowers: David Shaw:
October/November – A “Get-Well” card was sent to: Howard Hudson, Dave Woodland, Tom Dearey, Chico Anzures and James Pierce.
A Sympathy Card was sent to Sue Davis.

Hole-in-One: Ken Gordon: N/R

Social: Vacant

SCGA: Stephen Warren: N/R

Rules: Byron Harvie:
Byron will conduct his first presentation concerning the new golf rules on December 18 at the General Membership meeting. He will cover the major changes for January 1, 2019. Later in the year he may have time to discuss some local rules we may want to include.

The new rules can be found on the Website, including a video that covers the 20 most popular rules. It is entertaining and doesn’t take long to watch.

AM Sweeps: Ken Gordon:
Check in before 7:20 in the morning for Sweeps so the guys managing the desk can make their way to their first tee on time.

PM Sweeps: (Vacant Position): N/R

Past President: Doug Hodson: N/R

Parliamentarian: Dale Erickson: N/R

Canadian Representative: Rich Davidson: N/R

Webmaster: Jim Pollard: N/R

Unfinished Business:

NEW BUSINESS:
Orest mentioned that he did not influence flag positions for past tournaments, regardless of what you heard. A pet peeve of his is members who do not knock the sand off their shoes before putting. We have too much sand being tracked on to the greens.

CLOSING REMARKS (PRESIDENT): None

ADJOURNMENT. President John Coyle adjourned the meeting at: 10:15am.