The final scheduled event of Awali Golf Club's 2012/13 season, the Annual General Meeting, was held yesterday, Tuesday June 25th. President Alan Goulden chaired the meeting, with agenda items as per the Club's constitution. Alan praised those in attendance, as numbers were noticeably up on previous years, with a total of 55.

First on the agenda was the adoption of last season's AGM minutes, followed by the Captain's Report where Andy McAlpine summarised the 2012/13 season, amongst other things highlighting how the season had been special, and the success of the Festival of Golf. Also, he thanked various members of the Club for their contribution during the season.

This was followed by the Financial Report, with Treasurer Les Young singling out the introduction of the Sage accounting software, associated new till and credit card facilities, the help received from Tony L. Robinson, as well as the normal balance sheet explanation. The ensuing discussion of the report resulted in an action point for the incoming Committee regarding the inclusion of the full liability for End-of-Service provision. It was agreed that the Club would take advice from the auditors on this, and restate the relevant entries if recommended by them.

Thereafter came the discussion of motions to change the Constitution, as follows:

(Committee) That an additional post of Sponsorship Member be introduced to the main Committee, and the Constitution amended accordingly. It was explained that the Club had benefitted during the 2012/13 season with a member of the Committee focusing his time on sponsorship related matters. The change increases Committee numbers from 12 to 13 (with no change to quorum, which remains at 7). Motion carried (this item requires Bapco ratification).
(Committee) That a simplification is made to the Constitution, regarding the display/advice of nominations for Committee posts. The ensuing discussion identified that this may have disadvantages compared to the current system. Motion not carried.

Next came the election of the incoming Committee for the 2013/14 season. The position of Course Member was the only contested post (Peter Rogers and Ali Musbah). The outcome was as follows:

President	Alan Goulden
Captain	Steve Brown
Vice-Captain	Janet McAlpine
Treasurer	Les Young
Secretary	Lynn St Lawrence
Handicaps & Comps No.1	Richard Pawson
Handicaps & Comps No.2	Abdul Elah Fakhroo
Public Relations	Bill Scarth
Course	Ali Musbah
House	John Steer
Equipment	Mark Hodgkinson
Social	(No volunteer yet identified)
Sponsorship	(Position awaits Bapco ratification)

Election of Auditors for the 2013/14 season was next. Although both absent from the meeting, Jim Pringle and Joe Leese were nominated, with the incoming Committee tasked to seek their agreement as soon as possible.

Discussion of other motions followed, there being two:

(Committee) That Ladies Tees are re-introduced. Captain Andy McAlpine highlighted the advantages that this would bring us in line with CONGU regulations, make handicap administration easier, and encourage more ladies/juniors to join. He also provided a new draft scorecard, showing the noticeably shortened ladies couse length (to 5765 yards, 544 yards shorter than the 6309 yards "normal" course), with all holes except Hole-4 having a Ladies Tee position (see the proposed card here). Lengthy discussion took place thereafter, with various members highlighting several perceived disadvantages, with the additional observation that the cost of the project was not presented, thus making the project more difficult to judge. A vote ensued, with, remarkably, a tied result of 21-21 for-against. Although the Chairman was entitled to decide the motion with a casting vote, he declined, citing that there was clearly strong feelings on the subject and that further study should be made by the incoming Committee. Motion not carried.
(Members Onny Martin & Dave Spittal) That the par-3 course currently nearing completion, when and if opened, shall be known as the Wee-Ali to acknowledge its designer Ali Musbah and his contribution to the Club. Motion carried.

Lastly on the agenda, any other competent business, with the following subjects raised:

(Dave Spittal) That there are still examples of course design changes going ahead with no opportunity provided to the members to discuss the changes prior to their implementation
(Sheldon Custer) That tees should be changed to a sand design, similar to those of the Al Ghazal Club, Abu Dhabi.
(Onny Martin) That the Clubhouse lighting be upgraded from its current fluorescent strip lights to zoned spotlighting, so as to benefit all Clubhouse users
(Neil Wilson) That an additional toilet facility be installed, located on the course, distant to the Clubhouse.

Formal proceedings were concluded with a vote of thanks to the outgoing Committee, the traditional handover of the Captain's tie from outgoing Captain Andy McAlpine to incoming Captain Steve Brown, and his ringing of the bell.

But the night was still young! Despite the lengthy meeting, those present were then able to take advantage of even more entertainment, in the form of a generous African & Eastern wine tasting, hosted by Kate Gibson, to accompany food from the grill. Things were still going well after 11pm, by all accounts. See all the photos in the gallery.