Irrigation Update #5

Ploughing in the pipework has continued this week, from where they left off near the 18th they now have over 75% of the system installed. They have completed all mains pipe on holes 1-18 and are currently working on the derwent 9. Although there are areas on 19-27 that is the best land on the course (sandy), there are also areas that are the worst (clay). Obviously the dry areas have gone in with ease, the real issue we may face next week is trying to complete the leg of mains pipe to the furthest point on the 21st and 24th holes. This is the lowest point on the course and one that is prone to flooding from the River Derwent. Just last week the control boxes for those two greens were under water after the River Derwent rose after recent heavy rainfall. Fortunately the levels have dropped and the forecast looks good for the next week at least, even though the ground isn't as dry as I would have liked we will take this opportunity of rain free weather to try and complete this part of the installation, as we simply may not get a better chance. The contractors will board the ground to prevent substantial damage, as they have right across the course, and smaller pipe is used as it is a lower flow area, which is easier to 'pull' than the larger pipe.

Valves sets are being installed, as golfers may have seen they are excavating a large hole around the existing boxes as the new pipe work must be installed in parallel sections to ensure the valves in the boxes are neat, accessible and to ensure the boxes can be supported from beneath on concreate blocks, which will stop them sinking over time. They also try to remove any old connections or repairs. Some of the boxes are being moved as there current position is not ideal, such as the 12th, pictured below, will need some extra repair work as the excavation was in poor ground conditions. All uneven or poor ground will be dealt with over time, either sanding to restore levels or seeding where needed.

All tees and worn areas have now been sanded, we are hand sanding lower areas on some of the tees to help reduce unevenness, they will be top dressed again in spring. The approaches will also be top dressed in the next week or so

Applications of slow release fertiliser have been made to worn areas and summer tees. This will release over a 3 month period, but has a good proportion of available nitrogen at this time of year. An application of fertiliser is due on the greens next week.

The ditch walls at the 16th are nearly complete, the tops of the walls will be to tidy and to turf when we get into spring. We also hope to excavate the left hand bridge crossing as this area is very uneven and is a point where there are a number of drains that need readdressing. We may extend and drain the front section of the approach to 16th green if time allows in the next few months.

We have 12 trees that are due for delivery on Monday, to plant where the bunkers have been removed between 18th and 27th fairways, planting these will separate the two holes and allow us to extend the fairway further left on the 27th hole. We also have 3 leylandii and some thorn plants to replace those lost when removing the willow to the rear of the 10th green/ 13th tee.