Course Update
With the continued good weather a lot of excellent work has progressed in the last week. Major redevelopment across the 2nd and 9th water hazards, tree clearance, tee renovation, bunker work and more… Please see below for more details.
2nd/9th project
As noted in the last couple of course updates we had the opportunity to bring the repair work on the 2nd water hazard forward and extend the work on to the 9th water hazard. As pictured below the work was quite extensive and will make a significant improvement to the flow of water from the 2nd water hazard into the newly enlarged pond in the 9th hazard area. The expectation is the ponds will not overtop with heavy rain as both the drainage from the 2nd hazard and the capacity of the pond on the 9th will mean they can cope with greater volumes of water. The 9th hazard has been top soiled and over seeded. It will take a while for the grass to grow through but being prepared ahead of spring means it is ready for the growing season.
15th tree clearance
The area on the approach to the 15th green and around the green itself has been affected by dense tree growth and out lying branches that affect light for grass growth and playing lines for golfers. Over the last few weeks the greens team and tree surgeons have been working on some of these areas. Last weekend trees that were affecting light and growth on the left side of the green were removed or reduced. Trees and bushes on the right side of the approach have also bee removed. Tree clearance and reduction will continue on other areas of the course over the next few months.
12th tee irrigation and root barrier work
As mentioned last week this work was put back a few days by the unexpected opportunity on 2nd/9th holes. As those projects were completed on time the team were able to complete both the installation of a new root barrier between the tree and the tee as well as improving the irrigation system. The root barrier should prevent moisture being drawn from the ground around the teeing area and the improved irrigation system will get water more efficiently onto the teeing surface too. This combination will produce a better playing area for much longer during the season.
Refurbished bunkers on 2nd and 3rd back in play
The recently refurbished bunkers on the 2nd and 3rd were refilled with sand this week. The refurbishment means the bunkers will now drain much better and play much better in all conditions. Work on refurbishing the 17th bunker will begin on Monday 17th March. Please be aware that as there is no safe place for a temporary green whilst work is being carried out the 17th will be out of play for a few days next week.
Mole ploughing restarts
Secondary drainage is a process that has been described in previous Course Updates. Mole ploughing is a very effective secondary drainage practice. As the pictures below show a wheel and ‘bullet’ are dropped under the surface of the ground and pulled by a tractor to create a channel through which water can move to find the main drains. A new addition the mole plough is the weight hanging behind the bullet which works to ensure the channel formed doesn’t immediately close up. There will be a lot more of this work being carried out whilst the ground conditions remain suitable. There are positive experiences of the long term benefits of mole ploughing helping to reduce surface water. Please be patient if the greens team are carrying out this slow process whilst you are playing. Thank you.
