Greens & Facilities Report June 2024

FACILITIES

3 Phase

National Grid visited the site in April to revise the project with regard to the path that the cabling will take to the electrical enclosure which will service the clubhouse. As a result, a cost-saving has been made for the initial installation, which means this will help cover some of the other costs associated with this project. Since then, we have completed the necessary paperwork including the risk assessment for the impending installation of 3-phase electricity to the site. Once all the paperwork has been accepted we will then be advised of the installation lead time.

As part of this, we will be removing the redundant heating oil tank situated in the bin area to make room for the electrical enclosure. The tank currently contains approximately 1000 litres of heating oil which we need to dispose of. We would like to empty the tank and potentially recoup some of the cost, so if anyone would like to purchase this oil at a discounted rate as one transaction we would prefer to do this. There are some conditions, but if you would like to know more please contact Catherine for the details.Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.

Club Foyer & Men's Changing Rooms

In the next few weeks, we will be refreshing the decor in the foyer and the men's changing rooms. We hope to keep the disruption to a minimum and we appreciate your patience whilst the work is being carried out.

COURSE UPDATE

Greens

This month we successfully carried out the first round of micro-coring of all 20 greens. Although the initial start was delayed by some more wet weather, all the greens including the putting and chipping greens were tined and top-dressed with great results.

This process will be repeated as regularly as possible over the summer months with the intention of reducing the thatch levels and, improving the surface firmness and drainage during the coming winter months. This is not an overnight fix but with continuously repeating this process as and when the weather permits we will be moving in the right direction.

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13th/14th Surrounds

The turfed areas have taken nicely and have had a sufficient number of cuts to allow us to bring them back into play fully. They are in decent condition, but after a few more applications of top-dressing in those specific areas, they will continue to improve.

Irrigation System

Vince and Brad took to the course to try and trace an elusive leak situated somewhere in the 8th fairway. They dug up and repaired the leak along with another more accessible leak on the 11th hole. Both of these leaks contributed to the pumps running longer than would normally be necessary, but fixing them has reduced the time the pumps are on to keep the pressure in the system up. Potentially, there are some undetected leaks out there which is very frustrating for us, because it puts additional stress on our irrigation system.

Tees, Collars & Fairways

Currently, the tees are being cut twice a week to maintain consistent tidiness and presentation. The same also applies to the collars as this aids playability. The surge in growth has leveled off and is now under control, so the fairways at present are being cut midweek.

Currently, the tees are being cut twice a week to maintain consistent tidiness and presentation. The same also applies to the collars as this aids playability. The surge in growth has levelled off and is now under control, so the fairways at present are being cut midweek.

Wild Flower Zone

These have all come into bloom at slightly different stages with the area next to the 14th tee starting the flourish of colour first. The wildflower bed on the 9th tee has now come into full colour both of which are encouraging the wildlife.

New Machinery

We have finally taken delivery of our new mower and it was put straight out to work cutting the tees and collars and giving an excellent finish. With the addition of the new machinery not only does it give a quality finish but it means that we can cover certain tasks more efficiently and with no worries of break downs.

Natural Grass Areas

We have finally taken delivery of our new mower and it was put straight out to work cutting the tees and collars and giving an excellent finish. With the addition of the new machinery not only does it give a quality finish but it means that we can cover certain tasks more efficiently and with no worries of break downs.

Seniors Working Party

A big thank you to the Seniors who organised another working party to help dig out another haul of plugged golf balls. The willing volunteers were rewarded for their efforts with a well-earned coffee and a bacon bap. All the help and support we have received is appreciated as there have been some very testing times over the winter months and we couldn't have done it without you.

Final Thoughts

The new approach to the thatch removal of the greens is very exciting. Last winter's unprecedented rainfall is not a good guideline to how long we will be off the greens this winter, but carrying out these practices this summer is the way forward for the future.

As always Happy Golfing,

Matt and team...