Thursday 15 February 2018

The course work in the last month has mostly been about drainage in bunkers.  After much exploring nearly half the problems we have encountered have needed a complete drain out of the bunker.  We have completed partial drainage on 10 bunkers on the lower and full drainage with new pipe and outfalls across 5 bunkers. 
5th Lower

Ready for turf back

10th Lower
 That was until we got to 8th lower with poor drainage across all bunkers on this hole.  We decided to add a complete new drain across 50 metres, in front of the hole down to the pond.  This has meant more work and more mess at a wet time of the season.  This drainage is now awaiting soil when the weather improves but will make a big difference to this feature hole.
It started out simple

8th bunkers nearing completion
 Workshop area is having hatching painted to help with safety and make parking easier overnight.  Markers are now painted, outside of the building is tidier as we move toward the start of the season.
Painted walkways

A little better
These lines on the 12th fairway Upper are a trial with 1 of our machines.  It makes a narrow continuous slit through the surface about 75mm deep creating a channel for water to run through.  As we get a little drier we will be trailing this machine across some areas of the course. 


Vertical drainage

Thursday 1 February 2018

Busy week on the course with the improved weather.  This is the 9th bunker Upper last week.

Before


Sand dug out

Shaping the base

Drainage going in, tapping into existing pipe.

Drainage

Finally new sand, bank ready for turf and a great new look for the hole.

Finished


On top of this we have addressed drainage on the 4th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th on the Lower.  With new pipe, gravel and sand.

4th Lower

14th Fairway Lower

14th Green Lower

16th Lower

18th Green Lower
The weather has also allowed us to tine, seed and feed 4 tees. Cut greens twice this week, ready for a chemical application on Friday to help keep greens dry and clean for the next few weeks.