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Highlights: PGC Vice-Captain Steps Down

December 2005 will see Simon Billeau step down from the post as Vice-Captain of the Panaga Golf Club having held the post for over 4½ years.

As Chairman of the Green Committee, Simon is credited with formulating the PGC 5 Year Plan, a rolling golf improvement programme, and implementing a Flood Management Strategy to counter the severe problems associated with the low-lying nature of the golf course, and increasingly severe monsoonal high tides.

During his stewardship, two new greens were constructed and four greens were modified and enlarged. In addition, the 1st hole and the 9th holes were ‘swapped’ and 34 new tee boxes built. As part of the Flood Management Strategy, the 11th, 12th and 15th holes were ‘raised’ and new ‘polders’ or ponds were constructed.

Safety was of the highest priority during his term in office, and as such, the driving range, the 5th, the 6th and 8th holes all gained fences for the first time in Panaga’s history. In all, over 0.7km of 8m high fencing has been constructed, in addition to nearly 0.5km of 6m fencing.

Of the projects still to be completed, only one was a major part of the 5 Year Plan, the replacement of the on-course irrigation system. This is currently in the detailed planning stage and construction should begin in mid 2006.

In addition (but not part of the overall golf course improvements), a new golf terrace is to be built at the Panaga Club in 2006, followed by a new golf balcony (PGC Clubhouse) in 2007.

A testament to Simon’s ability to ‘get the job done’ attitude is the fact that, as of December 2005 (38 months into the 5 Year Plan), fully 95.1% of all the projects in the plan were completed. Simon hands over the reigns of the golf course to Nigel Snaith (currently the Handicap Secretary) in the knowledge that the new 3 Year Plan that Simon has proposed will certainly keep Nigel busy.