Planned Drainage - January 2014

Hole 13

Next month we plan to start drainage works in an area of the golf course that has become increasing wetter over the years.

The old clay pipes, which run from the 14^th hole, through the 13^th and across the 12^th fairway have either collapsed or become blocked with tree roots

Exploratory work on the left-hand side of the 13^th hole has revealed that the roots from the adjacent tree plantation have left the drainage in this area totally ineffective.

We have now completed a detailed survey of the area and established where the main drain and laterals should be sited.

But before drainage works commence, we need to construct a positive outlet for the main drain.

We have selected an area in the woodland on the left-hand side of the 12^th fairway and this outlet will also serve as an inspection point.

In early January (weather permitting) we will start the first phase of drainage works with the installation of a new drainage main (section A to B). This will run from the right-hand side of the 13^th hole across the 12^th hole and connect with the new outlet.

Plan of Drainage Works

I will update members in early January with more detailed plans and progress reports.

In closing, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the members of both courses a Happy & Health 2014.

Course Update

Looking back over the last few winters the month of December has either delivered the course snow or sub zero temperatures.

Last December when we were installing the new drainage pipe-work at the 10^th hole, severe ground frosts and surface ice continually hampered operations.

December 2012 - Ice Bound

Fast-forward twelve months, because of the mild weather and favourable ground conditions we were able to mow and lightly top-dressed the greens with sand this week.

We have also been busy excavating new drainage ditches in the practice ground and have commenced upgrading the drainage network outlet behind the greenkeeping facilities.

Excellent progress is also being made to the upgrading of the irrigation system at the 3^rd & 8^th tees. This project, when completed, will improve the water flow and coverage to the 3^rd & 8^th teeing grounds.

This week we have also started landscaping and slabbing the patio area around the new toilets / halfway house at the 10^th.

Slabbing the patio

Fencing being erected

A couple of young deer came to inspect our progress this morning

Woodland Management

The thinning out of trees between the 13^th & 14^th fairway is progressing extremely well.

This picture was taken before thinning out commenced

Still work in progress but you can clearly see the impact of the thinning out

Although this thinning out is being carried out primarily to provide more growing space and improve the quality of the remaining trees, it will also improve air movement around the 12^th & 13^th greens and significantly increase light levels in this area. 

Picture highlighting the improved light levels

Drainage & Mounding - 15th Green

We have now completed the landscaping and re-contouring of the banking behind the 15^th green.

This will not only be visually more pleasing but will also ensure that the water run off in this area is channelled into the new drainage system, which has also been installed.  

Stripping turf

Removing the existing mound

Shaping new sub-base

Mounding top-soiled & ready for turfing

Turfing completed