tee-off booking system for both locals and visitors, have introduced a number of new measures.

Following complaints from members regarding the inability to secure suitable tee-off times at the government-owned course, the board convened on Wednesday and decided to implement a number of policy changes.

One major alteration regards advance bookings. While previously members enjoyed the exclusive right to book 72 hours in advance, the time period has been reduced to 48 hours and has been extended to include non-members.

In addition, reservations may be made only via telephone and not at the clubhouse, which prevents those having better access to the course from gaining an unfair advantage.

On several occasions the front office staff have been besieged by persons arriving at opening hours, with the result being that those attempting to call were unable to get through.

Chairman of the trustees, Mark Diel, said that he hoped the moves would help alleviate the problem, but admitted that not all would be satisfied, especially with demand exceeding supply.

"We were mindful of the concerns of the public -- including visitors -- where it appears to be some difficulty in getting tee off times, with the club having over 300 members and hosting a great number of tournaments,'' said Diel.

Some paid members are sure to be up in arms regarding the aforementioned change which strips them of a major privilege and Diel said that he expected as much.

Members pay a lump sum of over $600, allowing them unlimited free golf -- carts and other accessories are not included. They also benefit through member sponsored tournaments held at the course, which guarantees them a reasonable starting time.

Unaffected are advance group bookings which can be made up to three months ahead of time.

The following rules will be put into effect: Bookings can be made 48 hours in advance by both members and non-members.

Bookings can be made by telephone only and not at the clubhouse.

A guest playing with a member will be entitled to the reduced green fee only once per month.

Members playing on weekends will be allowed only one guest per round.