Welcome to the Course Information Page
Most of October was a very mild yet relatively dry month. The course had received only 20mm of rain up until the 26th which is not a great deal for this time of the year; however since that date the course has received 289mm of rain (nearly 10 inches). This has resulted in the course being closed on five occasions, the huge amounts of rainfall has also resulted in four temporary tees being installed on the 1st, 2nd, 9th and 18th, these will be kept in place for as long as required.
The dry weather received during October was perfect for us to crack on with the winter programme with the 7th pond being de-silted and the island being removed. The edge has been taken out a small amount just enough to create a better edge and shape to the pond. The pond is now at full capacity and looking great.
Most of the silt that was taken from the pond has been mounded up around the base of the poplar trees down the right hand side of the 6th and 7th, covering most of the roots that were protruding out into play. This area has now had root zone added and been more sculptured to create a smoother mounding, seed has also been sown and we await germination.
A large 300mm twin walled pipe has now been installed across the 3rd and 6th holes to alleviate the flooding problems we encountered with the 6th ditch. An inspection chamber has also been installed half way along the pipe to make any blockages easier to clear if needed. This area has all been reinstated, root zone added and then seeded.
A new path to the 7th tee has also been installed. All the large aggregate that was laying on the surface has been removed, all the sides boarded up to create a definite edge then road planning’s spread across the path, the topping of the granite fines was then added and consolidated.
All of the aprons and collars have been aerated with 17mm solid tines, this will help with moisture penetration throughout the winter months.
The 12th and 17th greens have been verti drained to a depth of 200mm(8in) as they were becoming a little soft on top. This seems to have helped and both greens are much firmer. The leak on the irrigation system on the 2nd hole has now been found, the pipe that has burst is some of the original agricultural mains that was installed 38 years ago which is difficult to get joins to repair, spares have arrived to repair the pipe however the continuous rain of late has prevented us from getting near the pipe work as the holes are filled with water, as soon as conditions allow these will be repaired and the holes back filled.
The verti draining of the fairways has begun; this will help any surface moisture penetrating through the soil profile, therefore keeping the fairways drier.
Alan Levett—Chairman, Course Committee
Mark Stopps—Course Manager