A warm week to start the winter work!

Wow! It is November and the weather is almost summery. Temperatures have been getting to 14-20 degrees. 

We have had to mow greens 3 times this week because the warm, damp weather has produced a surge in growth. Compare this to late September/early October when we were wanting a little bit more growth but the cooler nights prevented this from happening.

Normally, we might have expected some frosts by now to stunt growth and give us a break from mowing. I only hope the frosts are arriving soon! 

That said, I am very pleased with the condition of the greens. It just goes to show that all the aeration and topdressing work done over the last 18 months has been worth it. They are firmer, drier and very playable given the time of year.

This unusually warm weather is proving a bit of a headache for us. We want to be focusing our attention on leaf blowing/collecting and the winter construction work. Adding mowing to this equation just gives us more work than is needed. 

Last week, we were faced with a mountain of tree brash, logs, stumps and 

several felled trees to chainsaw at the 13th tee area. It took 3 of us the best part of 3 days to clear this. 

However, this was necessary so that Adie from Lakeland Construction could start immediately with renovating and remodelling the new 13th tee area. We hope you agree that the change and improvement is fantastic!

Now, this tee is oriented to encourage golfers to drive away from the houses (sited along the left hand boundary of hole 4). When turfed and established, it will look magnificent.

We have a new fairway bunker on hole 3. Sited to the left of the hole, the aim of this new bunker is to encourage approach shots away from the houses (again to the left of hole 3). 

The left green side bunker on hole 3 had been remodelled. Before, it looked a little tired. Now, it looks modern and exciting!

The majority of this work is designed to modernise the golf course, keeping us as a golf club in line with current trends. What it also achieves is reduced maintenance of these areas for the green keeping team. 

Time saved on labour intensive maintenance can be redirected into maintaining the key playing areas; greens, approaches/surrounds, tees, bunkers and fairways - in that order.

The right hand green side bunker on hole 3 had also been remodelled. It is now stunningly good and finishes a superb green complex at the 3rd hole.

Finally, the 17th tee has been remodelled. Gone are the old, rotten railway sleepers that were as much a health & safety hazard as anything else. Now, we have a level tee with tee bank that is easier to maintain and is in keeping with the other redesigned tees on the golf course.

Many thanks go to a team of volunteers who have assisted with leaf blowing and collection. Take a bow Phil Rowsell, Craig Taylor, Tom Frame, Barry Barlow, Ray Barnes and Phil Lockett. Great work guys!

Finally, thanks to the board of directors for sanctioning the purchase of a Toro Workman. It is a diesel machine and this will prove to be more economically viable to run than the old petrol Gator.

Have a great weekend and enjoy your golf!