11th hole construction works

The management decided to install a new bunker on the left hand side of the 11th fairway. Positioned in front of the existing bunker. All these bunkers now have drainage which will improve the playability to some extent. You may have noticed we have laid turf 'sward side down' covering the base of the bunker. This is to stop debris coming though the sand, and to also stop the sand/soil entering the drainage pipe.
The drainage around the green is progressing well, and should be completed before the weekend.
We then have some feeding to complete on tees surrounds and the greens.

Backfilling the trench across the fairway

Turves being laid upside down

The new bunker in need of some hand shaping

11th Hole drainage update

The aim is to install bunker drainage and run the drain line across the fairway into the lake. We firstly marked out the area, looking at the natural contour/sloping of the fairway to see chose the best place to run the line. We then stripped the turf, and started digging the trench from the pond side up to the bunkers, with sufficient fall.

Pops with the sod cutter

The bunkers prior the drainage

The trench

The outlet

A great relief

The next steps are to now install the 6" perforated pipe along with 20mm chippings, and the backfill and turf. Please be aware when playing this hole, as machinery is being used.

Greens will be cut Tuesday morning along with the surrounds. We will also be adding some sand to bunkers where needed, as all bunkers are to be in play on March 1st. For more regular updates add us on facebook.

11th hole notice

Monday will see the start to our drainage project on hole 11. As we have hired a mini digger for the week, This will cause some disruption. This is much needed work and we are positive this will improve the playability of the hole.
We will start with the bunker drainage on the RHS of the fairway, this includes trenching through the 3 bunkers and across the fairway to the lake. We will be using 6" perforated pipe along 20mm chippings. During this time we will be moving the tee markers up the fairway, making it a short 180 yard hole.
Moving up to the green, water seems to be running off the mounding at the back, therefor supplying the green with too much water. In effect we will run a 'horse shoe' drain around the green running into the lake short right. We will also be using 6" perforated pipe and 20mm chippings. During this time we will have a temporary green.
Weather permitting these works should be completed by Thursday. Hopefully no snow over the weekend!!!

We will keep you updated on our Facebook page, and blogger

Edging and sanding new bunkers

We've recently been doing some work to the new bunkers on holes 3 and 4. First we got a nice edge and shape, then cleared any weeds/debris finally adding the sand. When adding the sand it's important to keep a consistent cover of around 4 inches, also to compact the sand.

Jason achieving the edge

Sammy adding sand

Machine log

To create a communication link between the Greenstaff and the mechanic, we have introduced a machine log system. Each machine has a clipboard in the mess room, which the operator has to complete after use. The content is just a simple form, including operators name, times and dates, and any comments or faults, it is then the mechanics responsibility to check these and complete any tasks needed. I believe this is a simple and effective way to monitor our equipment.

16th Tee Bank

I recently posted that we would seed this area, the new addition to the 16th tee complex. We decided to turf the area as we were fortunate enough to come across some good sod. We have protected the turf from any bird damage by covering the area with netting. We just need to add some granite dust to the pathway and the job will be finished.

The weather yesterday (Monday) was a welcome surprise, we just need it for sometime now for the course to dry out. The south side is open for play, however the north remains closed until further notice.  You may have noticed end of last year we had a hydraulic leak on the 4th green. This was probably the worst time of the year for this to happen, as our only option is to seed and top dress this area. Turfing would be another option however we do not have a turf nursery with greens quality turf. So with the weather warming up, this morning we decided to hollow core the scar, top dress and seed with creeping bent grass. 

Cored, seeded and dressed

Cores

We have also managed to make some alterations to the 17th tee complex. We removed the sleepers and have created a tier from the ladies tee to the blue tee box. We had to raise the left hand side of the blue tee, so it is now the same width as the lassies tee. I'm sure you will all agree this looks formal and smarter. 

17th tee before

Pops and Sammy turfing

Single cut on the greens this morning as there has been some growth over the past couple days. The team are looking forward to spring, stepping up the golf course presentation and seeing the benefits of our winter works. 

Keeping guard