Greens Update Now that the winter program of work for the course is coming to a close, I'd just like to keep all members informed about all the work that's been carried out and what plans we have for the future. It will be clearly obvious to those who play on a regular basis over the winter, how much tree work has been completed. The rest of the membership who only get their clubs out of the shed when it's warm, may see a big change to some areas of the course. The biggest difference, and a big positive from the feedback we've received is the 14th tee. I hope you agree that the views offered from the 14th are really stunning now, after removing the trees surrounding and below the tee. Last year, following a walk of the course, we identified a problem in this area. Mostly the fact that if you stood on the left side of the medal tee, you couldn't see the fairway. Also, we felt that such a stunning view, should be taken advantage of. We've had no end of comments saying what an improvement it is.
Another reason some trees have been removed was to get light and air to tees and greens to promote growth. This was required, certainly on the 10th and 12th greens, as the shadow that the trees were casting, was a particular problem for the type of grass we are trying to grow. Most of the other work regarding trees, has been done for a tidying effect, such as the side of the 5th and the 18th and has more to do with playability than anything else. Some of you will have noticed that there are quite a few trees with red paint sprayed on them. This has caused quite a stir around the clubhouse, so let me explain. We've had in depth discussions with the agronomist and the forestry commission, who've been giving us advice on how we can improve the course in terms playability and the visual aspect. They felt, going forward that we may have an issue in a few areas, when the trees get taller and wider. To the point where we will require a major tree removal program, where some trees had grown to such an extent, that we may not have much of a fairway to aim at. The paint on the trees has been put there by a forestry commission expert, who has extensive experience of tree work on golf courses. Particularly Beau Desert. At this stage, the trees that have been sprayed are merely a discussion point for something that would take 5-years or more to complete. We may not take any down, but to not discuss it at this stage would be foolish. We hope you find areas of the course to be much tidier now. So many of our hedges required attention, and I hope you agree, the green staff have worked incredibly hard to make these areas look great again. I'd also like to thank the numerous working parties that we've had over the winter, particularly around the 8th tee, uncovering the dry-stone wall. It looks fantastic. We are looking for one more work party to help out on Monday 11th March. I promise it will be a lighter day than previous days. We are simply picking us leaves and twigs from inside treelines, and doing a general tidy up prior to the start of the season. I hope you can bring a rake and join us. A red staked area is about to be introduced on the 13th. This will give players the option of going down the hill either side of the fairway to play their ball. Or, if they can't or don't want to. They will be able to take a penalty drop from the drop zone provided. This is one of the new rules introduced this year and we hope it simply gives players "an option". Finally, I hope you agree, that the greens for most part of the winter have been really good for the time of year. Unfortunately, we must prepare them prior to the season kicking in. This includes the dreaded hollowtining, which is about to take place on Monday the 11th March (weather permitting). This work is vital if we are to get the greens to where we would like them, in the most important part of the season. Please bear with us and the green staff during this time. We are also verti-draining the tees and fairways to try and get the best possible playing surface for the new season. Greens Chair Mark Shea.
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