Drainage Project – Approach to 17th Green

The 17th green has been intensively aerated, scarified and top dressed over the last few years and although the thatch levels are still considered excessive, its playability has slowly started to improve.

What is a little disappointing is the front section of this green and the approach, which again has become extremely waterlogged.

Our initial plan was to install a short ten-metre section of drainage pipe above the green on the right-hand approach to the green. This drain would intercept and divert the surface water away from the green's putting surface.

But like a number of other small drainage projects, it has now grown arms and legs.

Excavating drainage trenches

We have now extended the pipe-work and drained the hollows on the right-hand of the green and at the same time and more importantly discovered an old broken tile drain that was completely blocked.

Because the tile drain had collapsed it was clearly not allowing water to flow away from this area.

Collapsed drain uncovered

Water flowing away from the unblocked drain

Ready for pipe-work

Although it will undoubtedly take some time to dry out, what is encouraging is that the new drainage pipe-work is already moving water away from this area.