Course Notes - 09.07.2025

⛳ Course Notes

 🗓️ 9th July 2025

✍️ From Tom Nicholas, Course Manager

Greens & Course Conditions

June brought warm, dry weather with 56mm of rain—mostly in the first half of the month. As a result, the course is playing firm and fast, with fairways browning in places.

To keep greens healthy:

• Regular irrigation continues.

• Greens were verticut, sarel rolled, and lightly top-dressed with pure sand (approx. ¾ tonne per green).

• A liquid feed has been applied.

• Dollar Spot disease is currently under control thanks to healthy plant management and reduced turf stress. 

Contractors Onsite 🪏 & Future Teeing Areas

We’ve had external contractors assisting with two key projects:

• ✅ New Water Supply: A new water line has been routed to the clubhouse, which should prevent freezing issues in winter.

• ✅ Pond Removal at 1st/4th Tees: The old pond (once a club feature) has been removed. It had become a costly and high-maintenance element.

  ➤ This space will be repurposed into expanded teeing areas, as shown in our Masterplan.

  ➤ The clubhouse and patio view is now significantly improved.

Tree Works 🌳

• ✅ 1st Hole: Major pruning has improved visibility and playability from the tee. Some high branches couldn’t be tackled due to windy conditions but will be addressed in future.

• ✅ 4th Hole (Left Side): National Grid contractors removed two trees and pruned hedges near overhead power lines.

  ➤ To visually balance the hole and enhance views to the 9th green from the clubhouse, we anticipate further selective tree removal on the right side.

Farming 🚜 & Rough Management 🌾

• The natural rough beside the 1st and 2nd holes has been cut and collected by a local farmer.

  ➤ This helps improve ball-finding and encourages the growth of finer grasses and wildflowers by lowering soil fertility.

• We’re exploring options to cut and collect other natural rough areas across the course.

• Thanks to the dry spring and summer, the rough is lighter than usual this year.

Fire Risk Reminder 🔥

With current dry and windy conditions, fire risk is high.👉 Smokers: Please ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of in a bin. This is essential year-round, but especially now.

Get Well Soon, Sam! 💚

Sam had a cycling accident last week and will be off regular duties while he recovers. He’s hoping to return in a limited capacity soon.Please join us in wishing him a speedy and full recovery!

📝 Next update in (approximately) 2 weeks!

Thank you for your continued support and care for the course.

— TN