Course Information Blog W/C 30/6/14
Apologies for the absent blog info and I take responsibility for this, although we are now in summer mowing maintenance, however there are a few items for updating.
16/17th Drainage
Drainage work is well underway and will continue throughout the forthcoming months and i can report is working well. Approx 80% of the main drainage has been
installed and surprisingly only 6m of rock removal was required (thankfully) although large tree roots have been an issue, but expected !!. Recent rain fall has
put this area to the test and can say we have seen a significant improvement in surface water removal, however i am sure there is more to follow!!.
Unfortunately we could not link this drainage into the new drainage that contractors installed last year due to level issues, therefore we had no option but to
direct flow down towards the 18th fairway whereby linking into new drainage our staff installed last winter this includes the small open area on the 18th fairway
approx 100ydsfrom the 18th green. We will continue to work on this area as and when labour becomes available.We are now on regular course maintenance throughout
the course,therefore i cannot commit to a finishing date at present but will update you on any progress we make.
6th Medal Tee
As you may have noticed recently the back half of the 6th Medal tee is showing signs of deteration again, considering this was returfed recently with shade
tolerant turf last winter. A couple of theories we are looking into are removing a small quantity of tree's surrounding the tee to allow additional air and light
to circulate around the tee, also i will be taking samples of the existing rootzone for analysis in case there are any deficiencies or other issues preventing grass
growth. If the rootzone is at fault then I suggest to returf the surface to see it through this season and then address the rootzone problem as part of our Winter
Programme.This is worst case scenario. Test results may indicate in balances or deficiencies that can be resolved by application of products. We await results.
In the meantime play will continue from or around the front of the tee.
13th Tee
Now that the construction of the new tee and bunkers are complete I would like to thank you all for your positive comments and
feedback on the construction and the improvement it has made to this hole.
Thoughts are already underway on similar work to various holes throughout the course and if agreed will be included in our forth coming winter programme.
There is however a few minor improvements outstanding:-
1)astroturf to be installed to the wooden sleeper steps to prevent slipping during wet conditions.
2)A small post and rope fence running along the top of the sleepers to prevent accidental falls and also to encourage you to use the steps provided.
Delivery of the rope and posts are scheduled for delivery W/C 30/6/14 and will install on delivery.
Yellow gents tee markers have now been returned to the new main tee and will mainly be positioned to the l/h/s where the original turf was laid.the original turf
is more harder wearing compared to the new turf on the r/h/s where the ladies red markers will remain for the rest of the season.This will limit the wear and allow
the new turf to establish and mature over the next couple of seasons.
1st green
As you may have noticed recently on various greens especially the first, bare areas appearing mainly to the l/h/s of the green. An aggressive weed which can withstand
low height of cut called "chickweed" had begun to dominate this area of the green. Weedkiller has been applied and has now taken effect.Our next stage will be to
over seed the bare areas with the appropriate green seed and sand mixture. We will regularly monitor the progress of germination and hopefully have these areas filled in
over the next three to four weeks.
Practise Net
Over the winter period high winds have affected the stability and main support of the frame work, therefore requiring a new metal structure. John Currie
(Facilities Manager) - Gardener LOL ! has temporally stabilised the framework until a new one is sourced,in the meantime please exercise care when
swinging near the net. If it deteriorates further we will have no option but to close it until a new frame is installed.
8th bridge
You may have noticed recently we have made a slight improvement to the surface on and around the bridge.Astroturf is now installed and new rubber matting either side of
the bridge too.This is a short term tidy up until the autumn/winter as we intend to resurface the whole of the 9th path to similar specification as the new 16th and
13th paths.This will also be included in our winter programme of course improvements.
Proposed New 5th Tee
Blue posts will be installed shortly outlining the site for the proposed new 5th Tee to the R/H/S of the 4th green. A painting is located in the entrance of the
clubhouse showing the view from where the proposed new tee will be constructed, if it has been moved you are welcome to stand at the site within the blue posts to view
how the new hole will play, yardage will similar to what it is at present. A small number of trees will require to be removed, in addition bunker renovation similar to the
the front bunker will also be carried out.Construction will start in the autumn as part of our winter programme. I hope you agree that these proposed improvements will
not only aesthetically but from a playability point of view too enhance one of our best par 3's on the course.
Finally I would like to congratulate all of the winners on club championship finals day last Saturday and commiserations to the runners up. Having watched most of the match's in the afternoon i saw some quality golf shots being displayed from both young and old. What is more refreshing to see is the attendance from members & friends who came out to lend support to make what is a great day in the golfing calendar at Cathkin Braes. Well done to all.
Thank you for your attention
Douglas
