Bill Rudachyk was introduced as the new general manager at the Weyburn Golf Club's annual general meeting on Wednesday at the golf course lounge.

Rudachyk was named as the replacement for Rod Carroll this past winter and, in his manager's report, he said that he is looking forward to the upcoming golf season.

"At this point of time last year I never would have dreamed I would be standing here," Rudachyk said.

Coming in as the manager, Rudachyk said there are two goals he would like to accomplish this season: a change in attitude and a higher level of financial accountability.

"To achieve these goals will take time and patience not only by the board but also the membership," Rudachyk said.

Rudachyk touched on some of the fundraising efforts that will take place this season. They include cash calendars and, something new, raffling off a pair of plasma screen TVs.

As for volunteers, Rudachyk was glad to see a good turnout last year to lay down sod to repair the fairways on hole three. He announced that they will be getting help from Katimavik volunteers this year to help refurbish the tree nursery.

A major change that members will notice is that the cash registers in the pro shop and lounge are gone, as the Golf Club has gone to a point-of-sales computer system. He reminded members to have patience with the system as there will be a learning curve.

Rudachyk announced a change in the Friday night golfing, as the Golf Club will now be holding a "Nine and Dine" night on Fridays.

"This means you come out on Friday night, play nine holes and dine for $9.99," Rudachyk said.

Starting in July there will be a change in the Sunday afternoon tee times, as this will be family day. Children will be allowed to play with a parent for the price of one green fee.

Rudachyk ended his report by talking about the various events coming to the Golf Club this season. Some of the major events include the provincial seniors' championship from Tuesday, July 24 to Thursday, July 26 and the Oil and Gas Show in June.

Grounds superintendent Lachlan Reeve gave a report on the course conditions. He said the past year had its ups and downs, but this year is looking positive.

"My biggest concern is the condition of the golf course. As of April 4, the course is looking fantastic," Reeve said.

He added that the sodding project on the fifth hole will be finished this year and they are hoping to add two fountains to aerate the ponds. The 16th hole green was opened late last year after undergoing repairs and Reeve said it will mature this year and he will be taking care of the surrounding approaches.

This year he is looking at finishing the sodding project on the third hole, which should come in nicely with enough water and fertilizer, according to Reeve. He is also looking at repairing the front of the green on hole five, but the biggest problem right now is hauling materials because the ground is too soft.

Reeve is short on staff and is looking for help. Anyone who is interested in doing some grounds keeping can drop a resume off at the Golf Club. President John Corrigan mentioned in his president's report that Reeve's three-year contract had expired, but an extension has been signed, to the delight of many of the members in attendance.

Corrigan also noted in his report that fundraising has been going well and he is hoping to see a lot of volunteers help out this year.

"Last year we saw how effective we could be as a membership with the sodding," he said.

Corrigan mentioned in his report that the three-year membership freeze is coming to an end and warned members that they could see a raise in their membership fees within the next few years.

The financial report showed a member's equity of $905,127, which is down by about $40,000. For income the most notable changes were membership fees brought in over $1,000 more than 2005. Green fees were also up by about $200 more and the cash calendars brought about $5,000 more than 2005. The total retained earnings came to $347,111, which is down from 2005.

The most notable expenses for the 2006 was amortization which was about $7,000 less than 2005. Interest on the long-term debt was up by about $4,000 and repairs and maintenance to the grounds was down about $4,000. Utilities were down by nearly $6,000, repair and maintenance of equipment was up by about $4,000 and irrigation equipment was up about $7,000. The total expenses came to $543,572, $2,000 less than 2005.

Club captains committee chairman Jim Pennington said in his report that there will be a change in the men's night format. The format of play will now be mixed up each night. He added that skins night will begin in the second Monday in May, weather permitting.

The grounds committee chairmen Dave Rommann and Brad Spencer reported that the new green on hole 16 and the sodding of hole three were both successful.

Brian Bakken and Gloria Scadden, chairs for the house committee, reported that last year their gross sales and margins were down significantly. They added that the furniture and carpets have been cleaned. Lockers have been purchased to keep the storage room organized and youth golfers have a place to store equipment. A dress code for employees will be in effect once again this year.

Andrea Heath and Blanche McRae reported that the ladies leagues had a successful year and are hoping to get started in the first week in May.

Rommann reported that fundraising is already underway with raffles and the cash calendars. In 2006, fundraising brought in $11,779, with a non-profit 25 per cent kick-back from the provincial budget which came to $4,300. He noted that the 2008 cash calendars are already being put together.

In new business, it was recommended by the members to the board that the annual general meeting now be moved to the spring because it is a better time for the membership to attend.

The Weyburn Golf Club is expected to open the golf course within the next few days, however, the lounge will not be open until Saturday, April 14.