Frosty Start

For the fourth consecutive morning we have been delayed by frost: -1C yesterday and –2C today.

Early Morning Frost

16th Green

April 2011 - Weather

Weather April 2011

Last month was one of the warmest  April's for a number of years with an average mean temperature of 10C, which was 3C higher than last year. 

The warmest daytime temperature was 21C on April 10^th

The lowest recorded was  -1 C on April 27^th
The warmest daytime temperature in April 2009 was 18C also on April 10^th

The recorded rainfall/precipitation for April was 14.2 mm, considerably lower than the expected average of 39 mm.

Soil temperature at 30 cm was: Min 8.4C, Max 11.9C with the Mean 10.8C (2.6C higher than normal)

Sunrise over the 16th Green - April 27th

Ferris - Zero-Turn Mower

The latest addition to the fleet.

Zero-Turn Mower

We recently took delivery of a new Zero-Turn rough cutter, it was purchased primarily for mowing round trees, but because it's so manoeuvrable, we are now using it to mow many other areas on both courses. 

Without doubt the main advantage of this type of mower, is that, it can literally turn on a sixpence, unlike most other ride-on mowers, which only have a very limited turning circle.

Normally, we would have to make several passes to cut round trees or other obstacles, but with the zero turn you only require one pass, making it a extremely productive mower.

The unit is powered by a diesel engine, which was designed to meet the very strict Californian noise pollution laws, so for a three-cylinder 20hp diesel engine it is remarkably quiet.

I certainly feel the zero-turn mower; will help reduce the time taken to mow areas where access is restricted.

Landscaping - Clubhouse Surrounds

We are always looking at ways in which we can enhance the course and it's surrounds without increasing maintenance or labour costs. With this in mind we recently took the decision to refurbish the shrub border  alongside the practice putting greens, with the aim of improving the visual appearance of this area and ultimately reducing maintenance costs.

Border before refurbishment

Plants removed

Weed block membrane installed

Plants being replanted

Covering membrane with plum slate

Refurbishment completed

When time permits we intend to renovate the planted area behind the 10^th tee and replant with shade loving plants.