Course Committee Update – Friday 17 April

The Course committee met this week and the following matters discussed may be of interest to members:

1. The Greens renovation completed last week has gone well. The greens were cut for the first time post coring on Wednesday. They are being cut again on Friday afternoon at 4.5mm and will be cut on Saturday afternoon. Afternoon cutting is currently required as the surface needs to be dry so that the sand does not build up on the mower. By Monday we expect to be able to go back to morning cutting. The cut height will gradually be brought down to the previous height of 3.25mm. This should take about 2 weeks. Growth regulator will also be applied when the core holes have recovered and will then take about 10 days to produce a tighter putting surface. 
2. The long term plan for greens maintenance was discussed. By 2021 we will move to two major renovations (corings) a year. This will be worked into the golf programme and is most likely to be in March and November. This is necessary to remove the significant amount of organic matter that the modern bent grass varieties produce and to keep our greens firm and true. Ninja tining and regular sanding will continue as part of the maintenance programme. 
3. The Committee approved the plan to systematically work through the whole course and undertake the ridge reduction work that was done on the 17th green this week. At the same time bunker sand relocation will be undertaken, as will spot weed spraying and any required tree work. The hole that is being worked on will be closed for between 1-3 days depending on the extent of the amount of work required. Hole 11A will be in play on these days. This project will be undertaken on Mondays to Wednesdays, with the days being distributed as equitably as possible. The benefits of this work will be enjoyed for a long time. Notice of which hole is out of play will be provided, and the score card will of course reflect this. 
4. The planting of additional indigenous plants in May was confirmed. We have approximately 5,000 plants on order. The planting areas will be the right front of the 1st and 12th tees, around the new par 3 tees, the 9th tee, and a re-stocking of the area around the 10th green / 11A tee. Plant guards will be used to protect the plants where necessary. 
5. The bare area on the 1st hole between the right hand side fairway bunkers and the practice fairway was identified for future planting and will be mulched to prepare for this. 
6. The bare patch work around the course was reviewed. This has gone well and some more turf will be put down before winter in areas that have been pre-prepared. Further work will be done next spring. 
7. The exit area on the right hand side of the green on 11A was discussed. This area becomes unattractive through wear and tear. It has been re-turfed, though would soon become worn again if we allow wheel traffic through. The decision has been made to require all wheel traffic to remain on the path, or return to the path entrance if there is a need to go down the fairway for a second shot after a short tee shot. This is being brought in immediately for cart use and will apply to push buggies after we review access points from the concrete path back down to the playing area. When leaving the green we will be asking players to leave via the back of the green to reduce wear on the steep slope. This procedure may require carrying a “short shot” club and your putter down to the playing area – but is necessary to stop this part of the course being an eye sore. Signage will be put up to remind members what we are asking to be done. 
8. We are continuing to work on our water supply project – though this slowed a little over the last month with everything else that has been going on. We haven’t used much water from the dam over recent months, but the water quality testing continues to be positive. The dam is full. 

If you have any questions on the above please do not hesitate to contact any of the course committee members

Ian Skinner
Chair of Course

Course Works Around the 17th Green
Two projects were carried out around the 17th green this week – both of which should bring long-term playing benefits. Click here to see a video of the work, and a discussion with David Warwick on the outcomes we are looking for. 

Ian Skinner
For the Course Committee