They started on Monday this week pulling in the pipework on the course, they have begun the stretch of pipework running from the 3rd green to the right of the 2nd hole where it will cross under the road. As mention previously this is going to be the most challenging section as its very hard ground with underlying limestone. The contractors knew this before they began, however what we didn't know, and was virtually impossible to know is how inconsistent the land is. In one area it can be over a meter before stone is reached, other areas around 30cm. This makes it very difficult for the mole plough to work consistently. As you can see below
this is a stretch running from the 3rd control box to the 4th green, where the soil is reasonable.
This is 10 meters later where we have to pass nearby trees. Soil depths are a lot more shallow.
The contractors will repair damage done by the machine and roll down the 'heave' once finished and when conditions are suitable.
Every time a section of pipe comes to an end a hole has to be dug so the pipe can be fusion welded together, this will be every 100 meters for the 110mm and 90mm pipe they are installing on holes 2-7.
These holes will have to be left open until the installation of the pipe is complete. Please take care when playing around them, they are all roped off for safety, however, if your golf is effected by them please take free relief, that also includes any damaged ground made by the irrigation machines. We cant mark all areas on the course as the works will continue for a number of week, possibly months.
At the side of the mens 5th tee (their current position) they are coming across boulders which are very large, which have to be removed by excavator. Progress has been hampered due to the ground conditions. I will reiterate this will be the worst area on the course for damage because of the stone.
When they are passing a control box they will have to reconnect all the pipework as new valves and boxes are being fitted, so they again will leave these holes open with control wire looped ready for connection which is not live and will not cause any danger.
Due to the work on holes 1-9 they will remain closed for the remainder of this week and possibly the start of next week. Please speak to the pro shop for regular updates and for further information regarding hole closure.
Any question please feel free to ask on here or send to greenkeeper@mngc.co.uk
I recently left a nearby golf club, but my colleagues remained. One of the issues they have about the management of the club is the lack of transparency on a number of matters, but the decisions about the course management is perhaps the most notable. I was sent a link to your blog as an example of how to keep members informed. I'd just like to let you know that this blog is excellent and a model that others would be well advised to consider. Well done. I do know that the link has also been sent to the The Board at..... well, that'd be churlish! as an example of how things could be done. Again, my congratulations on a splendid and informative blog.
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