Drainage Works - Hole 13

I am delighted to report that we have now completed the 1^st phase of drainage works on the 13^th hole. A total of 245 meters of perforated drainage pipe work has been installed. The new drainage pipe work trenches were backfilled with a gravel/grit mix, before being top- soiled and re-turfed.

Another trench excavated and ready for pipe-work

Irrigation pipe-work and power cable safely negotiated   

When ground conditions improve or become more suitable we will complete the landscaping and repair work on the left-hand side of the hole.

The next phase of drainage works will centre on the approach to the 12^th green, the area between the 12^th green and 13^th tee and the area in front of the 13^th tee.

We also have plans to re-furbish the bunkers on hole 12 and install new drainage systems to these bunkers.

This next phase of works is scheduled for next winter.
   

Gorse Management

We have now almost completed the 1^st phase of gorse coppicing between the 5^th & 6^th holes.

Because much of the gorse in this area has moved into the degenerate phase of its life cycle this is the most effective way of prolonging the lifespan of the gorse stand.

Although this type of gorse management may seem severe it will help to promote re-growth and ultimately produce more compact and bushy plants.

End of 1st Day 

End of 5th Day

Phase 1 - Almost completed

This work is a continuation of the coppicing that was started in this area 3 years ago. 

Over the next 4/5 years we plan to coppice the entire area of gorse between the 5^th & 6^th holes, tackling about 20% each year.

Adopting this approach will ensure that a diverse age structure of gorse is produced and that stands of gorse are not allowed to reach a woody degenerate stage all at the same time.

Our future aim is to provide a wide variety of age and structure within the gorse, which will benefit the wildlife and create an interesting and attractive challenge for the golfer.

Greens Cutting

Something you don’t see very often on a parkland golf course in mid-winter in Edinburgh.

January 22nd - Greens cutting - Green 12

Because of the exceptionally mid weather that we have been experiencing recently, the greens were mown today for the second time this month. They have also received a liquid application of potash and iron, which will help to strengthen the plant leaf and promote root development. 

Gorse Management

In February 2011 to encourage new healthy and robust gorse plants, a number of areas of gorse between holes 5 & 6 were coppiced.

The gorse plants were cut back to a height of approximately 150 mm and although this seemed extreme the results have been impressive.

May 2011 - Gorse 4 months after coppicing

Gorse 12 months after coppicing

November 2012 -18 months after coppicing  

September 2013

To help keep gorse in optimum condition it normally requires coppicing on a 10/12-year cycle.

Not only does regular coppicing ensure rapid recovery and regeneration of the plant but it also extends its life span and ultimately prevents plant loss.

We have recently identified a number of strategically and ecologically important areas of gorse on the course and have now formulated a management plan for its future maintenance.

The first phase for this winter is marked in red below.

Gorse management plan 2013/14

Drainage Update - Hole 13

In the last week we have commenced drainage works on hole 13.

Although tree roots have slowed our progress in the last few days we have still managed to installed 80mts of 160mm diameter perforated pipe-work across the 12^th fairway. This first section will serve as our mains outlet.

The first inspection chamber is under construction and the digger is now working it’s way across the 13^th fairway towards the tree line.

Some pictures of our progress

Pipe being installed across the 12th fairway

First section back filled with gravel and ready for top soil and re-turfing

Digging out the pipe track between the trees on 12th & 13th holes

Main inspection chamber under construction