Course Report - Dec & Jan
Course Managers Update
Course Conditions & Winter Weather
December and January continued the wet winter pattern, but there were some important improvements. A drier spell towards the end of December allowed play on full greens, and January has been largely positive apart from a short period of heavier rainfall.
These windows of improved weather have helped reduce pressure on playing surfaces and allowed essential winter work to continue without compromising course quality.
Greens Update
Despite a very wet winter overall, the greens have held up well and are currently performing positively for the time of year. A few areas on 6th, 7th & 8th are holding more moisture than I would like but these will be worked on this week.
Drainage works on the 11th green has been completed. The improvement has been immediate, with better surface firmness and faster removal of water during heavy rain. This work has already reduced disruption and helped maintain putting quality during poor weather.
Across the course, maintenance during the wettest periods has been deliberately light touch. This approach protects turf health and ensures greens recover strongly as we move towards spring.
Bunkers, Tees & Ongoing Works
• Several bunkers have been upgraded with improved linings
• The 3rd & 10th bunker refurbishment is complete
• The 13th tee has been extended, improving wear distribution and long-term durability.
• Drainage repairs across the course and being investigated and repaired
Machinery & Winter Preparation
Machinery reliability has been good overall. During periods when course access was limited due to weather, time was used productively for servicing equipment and improving course furniture. This ensures everything is in top condition heading into the main playing season.
Looking Ahead – Greens Drainage Programme
This winter has again highlighted how important effective drainage is to year-round playability.
Starting this coming winter, the club will begin a planned, multi-year programme to improve drainage on all greens, prioritising the wettest areas first. The success of the 11th green provides a clear template for how this work will be carried out.
What this means for members:
• Fewer temporary greens in winter
• Improved surface firmness and consistency
• Faster recovery after heavy rain
• Better quality putting surfaces earlier in the season
• Long-term protection of greens for future years
This work will be carefully phased to minimise disruption and provide lasting benefits to the course.
Summary
Despite a challenging winter, progress has been strong. Key projects are complete, others are nearing completion, and the course is well positioned heading towards spring. The upcoming drainage programme represents a major step forward in improving year-round playing conditions and long-term course quality.
Gary Wilson
Course Manager
December and January continued the wet winter pattern, but there were some important improvements. A drier spell towards the end of December allowed play on full greens, and January has been largely positive apart from a short period of heavier rainfall.
These windows of improved weather have helped reduce pressure on playing surfaces and allowed essential winter work to continue without compromising course quality.
Greens Update
Despite a very wet winter overall, the greens have held up well and are currently performing positively for the time of year. A few areas on 6th, 7th & 8th are holding more moisture than I would like but these will be worked on this week.
Drainage works on the 11th green has been completed. The improvement has been immediate, with better surface firmness and faster removal of water during heavy rain. This work has already reduced disruption and helped maintain putting quality during poor weather.
Across the course, maintenance during the wettest periods has been deliberately light touch. This approach protects turf health and ensures greens recover strongly as we move towards spring.
Bunkers, Tees & Ongoing Works
• Several bunkers have been upgraded with improved linings
• The 3rd & 10th bunker refurbishment is complete
• The 13th tee has been extended, improving wear distribution and long-term durability.
• Drainage repairs across the course and being investigated and repaired
Machinery & Winter Preparation
Machinery reliability has been good overall. During periods when course access was limited due to weather, time was used productively for servicing equipment and improving course furniture. This ensures everything is in top condition heading into the main playing season.
Looking Ahead – Greens Drainage Programme
This winter has again highlighted how important effective drainage is to year-round playability.
Starting this coming winter, the club will begin a planned, multi-year programme to improve drainage on all greens, prioritising the wettest areas first. The success of the 11th green provides a clear template for how this work will be carried out.
What this means for members:
• Fewer temporary greens in winter
• Improved surface firmness and consistency
• Faster recovery after heavy rain
• Better quality putting surfaces earlier in the season
• Long-term protection of greens for future years
This work will be carefully phased to minimise disruption and provide lasting benefits to the course.
Summary
Despite a challenging winter, progress has been strong. Key projects are complete, others are nearing completion, and the course is well positioned heading towards spring. The upcoming drainage programme represents a major step forward in improving year-round playing conditions and long-term course quality.
Gary Wilson
Course Manager