A video summary of the key discussion points can be viewed here: Paul Woodham - feedback overview

Excerpts take from Course Agronomy Assessment report:

The course was in fantastic condition. I would go as far to say it was faultless considering the pressures of the year. The greenkeeping team had done a terrific job since my last visit.

Greens conditioning, performance and presentation was first-class. We took the opportunity to measure surface firmness, smoothness and trueness using the same GS3 tools and protocols used for our championship agronomy reporting.

• Surface firmness average 0.43 in (target 0.37 – 0.45 in)
[Firmness is measured in depth penetration (like a pitch mark) with a lower number meaning firmer conditions]
• Surface smoothness averaged 2.3 (target <5 for routine play and <3 for tournament play)
• Surface trueness averaged 0.6 (target <1 for routine play and <0.4 for tournament play)
[Lower number = smoother or more true ball roll]
• Soil moisture content averaged 19% following 3mm overnight rain.

Drainage improvements and plans to upgrade the irrigation system was praised, with emphasis on getting the best design and technology which will meet the demands for watering the course. Overall the club was progressing well with a strong foundation in sustainable agronomy practices.

Supporting comments on the proposed renewal of the irrigation system can be viewed here:
Paul Woodham - support of irrigation project.

Two successive years of wet conditions (2023 & 2024) could easily deflect the attention away from the risk of dry conditions and the importance of irrigation but the change in weather conditions since start of 2025 has again brought this to the fore at many clubs.

Fairways have progressed very well and better than we could have expected under the pressure of a dry year. Progress is stemming from the commitment to wetting agent applications (using Revolution), and aeration, which is building protection and resilience against the risk of dry patch conditions (hydrophobic soils). This is leading to the success we are seeing from overseeding.

A question some members may raise is whether the fairways are representative of links characteristics. The simple answer is Yes, the fairways are presenting fine grass dominated swards – particularly through the dune side holes – with firm, fast and tight lies. Irrigation (within the systems capability) and nutritional management has been appropriately applied for our long term goals: this is to help the finer grasses thicken and tiller.