Start of the construction work

This week we are stating some of the construction jobs planned for this winter, this reason we are starting now is the ground conditions in the areas we are working can be unsuitable for leading soil to and from the site.

The area where it is most likely to flood is next to the ponds on the 21st and 24th hole. The first project was to remove some matting that had become very uneven and slightly dangerous, we used the excavator to remove and dispose of the matting and we have now refilled the pathway with stone. The same stone as we have used on other paths around the course. We are unsure how the stone will work next to the pond after flood events, but its the most easiest and cost effective solution.

The next project which had to be done at this time of the year is the 22nd tee, this tee has been problematic for a number of years, it was too narrow and very uneven, we have taken the height of the tee down around 600mm, with the banking reduced has given us around 3 meters extra width. We have repositioned the sprinkler heads to the side of the new teeing area and will relocate the yardage posts. Under the tee was very heavy clay, excavated originally from the ditches on that area of the course, this was removed and used to fill in the bunker back left of the 20th hole and built up to create a mound which can be seen from the tee. This helps golfers know where the left hand edge of the green is. 

Both have yet to be completed, but hopefully by the end of this week we should have them tidied and marked off as GUR. They will remain as GUR until the winter when we have sufficient time to complete the projects.

We are continuing to collect long rough around the course, concentrating on all the 'in play' areas.
After we have finished the construction work all other areas will be cut down and tidied up.

The tees have been sprayed for worms, we have also put in the mix some iron which will help to green them up coming into the end of the summer season. Growth is still really strong due to high day and night temperatures coupled with some heavy rain spells, we are reluctant to put too much fertiliser omn any area as we are struggling to keep on top of cutting as it is. When the night time temperatures dip we will feed tees and approaches. We have however put on the regular application of fertiliser and seaweed on the greens and surrounds.