With dual construction jobs currently progressing well on opposite ends of the course we are excited to see the long-term effects these improvements will have on the aesthetic and agronomic aspects of the areas. As mentioned in previous correspondence the reason for the tree removal on the 13th West was to aid in turf improvement and therefore reducing the need for another concrete path. The work on the 15th East has been on our drainage plan for years and will be another progressive step towards turning the 15th and 16th area into an aesthetic area.
13th West
The 13th is now really taking shape with the finished levels prior to turfing showing the design of the area and the potential for balls to funnel into play rather than away from the 13th green. Turf was harvested from the area and then reused along with the turf that was removed from the 15th East drainage lines. As we progress with the drainage works and make our way to the 13th East fairway we will then use this turf to finish off the 13th West job.
15th East
Turf surfaces on the 15th and 16th East, during good weather are parallel to those seen on all other holes across both courses. 
It is fair to say that the vegetation and out of play areas do let the hole down and this is something we have been conscious of for a long time. Since the East course redevelopment, we have made numerous efforts to bring on the vegetation with very little success. This, at times, has been difficult to understand why with such a significant stand of vegetation around the rear tee and running the length of the righthand side of the hole. As you make your way from the right hand side dune into the playing area on the 15th the soil becomes very heavy and longtime members will recall this area used to be landfill for green waste and all types of rubbish. Old stumps, fencing, barbed wire, concrete and steel pipe are among the treasures we have unearthed. Recently planted native stands of saltbush, grasses and trees have been placed around and will, in time, give this hole a more “finished feel”. Whilst closed we have also taken the opportunity to remove some of the medium height nonnative shrubs around the tee. In doing so we will over time increase the native pine woodland and understory that historically would have existed through this area.
The heavy soil and rubbish removed from the profile will make way for new drainage pipes to be laid. Natural fall through the carry makes this job relatively easy with all trenches dug to a depth of 400mm and pipe installed. Some drainage was placed through the 15th in 2017 but at that time only the bunkers were drained which has been very successful to date. Worm casts in the area over the past two seasons especially have been heavy and mixed with the traffic and surface water makes for some less than ideal surfaces.
Rowan Daymond
Course Superintendent