Works on the 15th East have wrapped up during the past fortnight, from where we have moved across to the West course to carry out some works, beginning with a collar replacement on the 8th. As evidenced in the photo to the right, we have removed the couch affected bent from around the collar, and in some cases into the green surface.
Interestingly, on this green we have not had to dig as deep to remove the root matter in the majority of the collar as we had to on the East course. Although we are unsure as to why this is the case, it is not a bother as it saved the staff some shovel work. We were also able to use the excavator on the front section of the green, as the width of the collar was great enough to get the machine in without creating undue damage around the edges.
Whilst we have the hole closed, we will be trimming the front bunker lip back quite hard, which will remove some of the overhang that is created by the wind, effectively lowering the lip by a few inches. We will also be adding some new sand to the bunkers as we reshape the faces and level the bases. There are a couple of surrounds irrigation heads to be slightly repositioned to lessen the effect of irrigation water on the bunkers and vegetation areas as well.
Quite a major change will take place at the tee, with an exposed aggregate concrete path to match those on the East course to be installed, replacing the often muddy gravel path currently in place. The new path will add greatly to the area, with new turf to be laid to integrate it into the teeing ground and updated course furniture repositioned to suit the new path.
Whilst we are carrying out this installation, the gravel path from the 1st green to the 2nd tee will also be concreted, removing another unsightly gravel path from the course. Ideally we will be continuing the replacement of all the gravel paths on the west course in the next couple of years until all our cart paths are the selected concrete product.
The next major project following the works on the 8th collar and the paths will be the installation of a new irrigation satellite on the 9th west, continuing our program of upgrades to the west course irrigation system. The satellite will be situated in the trees between the 7th and 9th holes, and installation will involve trenching the length of the fairway to install wiring to all of the valve boxes that will control the sprinklers. We will also be looking to re design some approach laterals in front of the 9th green to improve our coverage in this area while we are working on the hole.
So the busy period of works on course are to continue for another couple of weeks. The staff are doing a great job this winter carrying out these important maintenance tasks; at least it is keeping them warm on these cold mornings we are experiencing at the moment!
Richard James
Course Superintendent