Noun: Boisterous, jovial,
commotion or excitement
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Sorry for the delay! I've been experimenting with a different system that allows for more feedback from readers. Once sorted, this input will help me make the newsletter more relevant and engaging for everyone. Ahh technology!
Here’s the highlights of what has happened in the last rain soaked month and what’s to come!
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Sport: Where years of training, millions of dollars, and the hopes of a nation... can all be put on hold by a bit of overhead plumbing.
I played my first games since February over Easter. A pleasant weekend at Stephens Club. Played like I was trying to run in quicksand! But at the end of day two got into The Zone! Read more.
Some great play in tournaments throughout the month as the season gains momentum. See here.
I attended a Sport Strategy consultation forum at Parliament House last week hosted by Sports and Racing’s Hon Tim Mander MP. The theme was “What does 2032 mean for you? “. You guessed it, Olympics. Good news and bad. Read more here.
Congratulations to Pat Habner on being elected as Croquet Australia Chair. Also Sarah Widin who has been elected to the Board of Directors of CA.
Something I promised West Toowoomba! Here.
The Constitutional reform of changing our operational year to follow the financial year has been approved by the Office of Fair Trading this week. Now we start the harder part of alignment of our document with the new State Model rules. More here.
Club Hub is now starting to really develop into a useful tool for clubs. There is a Club Hub AI Assistant on the right of the page and you ask it questions on topics like planning, governance, funding, safety and it will give you a summary. More features will be added in coming months. Club Hub link.
Good news is that several members have volunteered to help out at CAQ. Takes a lot of pressure off management and means CAQ is moving forward at a better pace. Here.
Want to improve your swing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKlLN5qUOlo
Or for roquet and hoop running practice go here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzfUYXE4dyk
Enjoy this month’s newsletter!
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As Charlie Parker, Jazz legend said:
“You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.”
What it is: Being 'in the zone' is basically that sweet spot where you're performing at your absolute best. It's that feeling when you're completely absorbed in what you're doing, things feel almost effortless, and you lose track of time – it either flies by or feels like it's standing still! It's when your mind and body are just clicking perfectly.
What's happening: Involves specific brain activity (like deactivation of the prefrontal cortex), a flood of performance and pleasure neurochemicals (dopamine, endorphins, etc.), and shifts in brain waves (alpha-theta).
Key Benefits: Huge boosts in performance, creativity, learning, memory, and overall well-being (happiness, meaning, purpose).
Why it's good for you: It's a potent anti-aging mechanism as it flushes stress hormones, boosts the immune system, and counters cognitive decline by promoting lifelong learning and skill development.
What blocks it: High stress hormones (like norepinephrine causing anxiety) and having an external locus of control (feeling like a victim, lack of control).
How to access it: Getting the basics right (sleep, nutrition, hydration, social connection), managing anxiety, and engaging in activities with specific triggers (like the Challenge-Skills Balance – the task is slightly harder than your skill level, keeping you focused).
It's trainable: Flow is a natural human capacity, and you can increase your ability to access it through understanding the triggers and incorporating specific practices and routines.
Like to read more watch here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znwUCNrjpD4
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Australian GC Open Single Championship in Melbourne (42 players)
Championship
Winner: Mohamed Karem (Egypt)
Mary McMahon               6th (1/4 finalist)
Addison Matthews        9th
Plate Consolation players
Mike Mabbutt
Bob Martin
Also competing: Gordon Giles
Exhibition match - Felix Gelman White (Vic) and Addison Matthews (Qld)
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Qld GC Men’s Championship
Winner (”for the second year running!”) Bob Martin.
Winner of The Plate (with the most amazing jump shot ever!) Casey DeVene
Australian GC Open Doubles Championship in Melbourne (17 teams)
Championship
Winners: Greg Fletcher & Felix Gelman White (Vic)
Addison Matthews & Sam Cuthbert (England) 5th
Plate
Winners: Mary McMahon & Gordon Giles
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Runner Up Gordon Giles
Runner Up Mike Mabbutt
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