16th Hole - Update

We have now completed the reinstatement of the rough on the right-hand side of the 16^th fairway, which was the route of the new drainage outlet.

The area has now been top soiled, seeded and marked as Ground Under Repair.

Given ideal weather conditions, we would expect seed germination within the next twenty-eight days and the commencement of mowing operations at fifty/sixty days.

Drainage excavations in progress

Four months later - Turfing & seeding completed

Drainage 16th Hole - Update

16^th Hole Drainage - Phase II

The next drainage project on the 16^th hole will take place this winter on the low-lying area of rough between the 15^th & 16^th fairways.

Existing drainage pipe-work will be replaced because it has become blocked with tree roots and debris.

We will then landscape and contour the surroundings to allow excess surface water to drain quickly into the existing manhole.

The video below shows the area between the 15^th & 16^th fairways we intend to drain.

As a temporary measure, we lowered the existing manhole today to allow some of the surface water to drain away. This allowed us to conduct water-flow checks on other pipes on the fairway.

Renovation of 10th Tee

Without doubt the most problematic tee on both courses is the 10^th forward tee on Murayfield.

Because of its location, it’s a tee that sees very little direct sunlight, even during the summer months.

The lack of sunlight limits effective photosynthesis, which results in poor leaf growth and shallow root development.

These conditions leave the grass plant weak and susceptible to excessive wear.

April 2nd - Poor grass cover on the walk-on and rear section of the tee

On Monday morning we stripped and removed the weak and poorly rooted turf from the tee top. Once this was completed the remaining surface was rotovated to break up any compaction.

Turf being removed

Rotovating taking place

The surface being prepared for re-turfing

Re-turfing almost complete

Safety matting being installed

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the greens staff for a tremendous effort this winter and for completing all the various projects to such a high standard.

Many thanks and well done 

16th Drainage Update

This week was the first test for the newly installed drainage outlet pipe-work from the 16^th fairway.

Overnight on Monday and through most of Tuesday we recorded over 25mm of rainfall, previously, this would have caused extensive flooding on the 16^th fairway.

I am pleased to report that the new outlet pipe-work prevented such flooding.

Below, I have included a picture taken on Tuesday morning of the inspection manhole where we monitor the new drainage outlet on the 16^th hole.

Before the new outlet was installed, the water from the ditch used to backup from Pipe F and flood into Pipe D, this prevented water draining away from the 16th fairway. 

Because the diameter of the new mains outlet pipe has been significantly increased and is lower than pipe D we have been able to reverse the flow from Pipe D.

You can clearly see the water in Pipe D is now flowing freely into the manhole.

Next winter, to further improve playing conditions and reduce localised minor flooding, we intend to start upgrading the existing drainage pipe-work across the 16^th fairway.

April 3rd - 2012

The picture below was taken 24 hours later

April 4th - 2012