Dear Members
I am delighted to say as I write this report we are over the worst of the leaves falling, this was as usual a painful time for golfers and greenkeepers alike, apart from some stubborn old Oaks on the course we are nearly done.
We now enter into our winter projects around the course, as we strive to continue to improve and raise the standard of the Manor.
Some of the projects planned are:
- Re level the 9th medal, 15th ladies/mens & 17th tees.
- Upgrade the irrigation on all renovated tees.
- Build steps on 10th & 17th tees.
- Construct new paths.
- Tree work on 12th hole for fairer play.
- Continue scrub clearance around the course.
17th Tee
9th Medal Tee
The weather over the past few months has been kind to us and this has resulted in the course in superb condition with very few worn areas, however I would like to take this opportunity to ask all members to follow the trolley lines and ropes around the course as it is for the benefit of the course and your safety that they are there.
The fairways on the course are strong at the moment and we are very happy with their condition, as we have done the past two years we will be looking to slit them again this winter to encourage deeper root development.
The Greens are also in good health and we will be applying a fungicide in the very near future to protect them from disease over the festive period.
The Tees as you are all aware, are now back on to mats for the winter. The main tees are in a strong healthy condition and we will be working hard to get these to a high standard for next year.
As you are also aware we suffered some significant Badger damage to our 4th Tee. This was down to the unusually dry conditions we experienced during September and October.
Badgers which are on farmland next to the course couldn’t access any worms because the ground was dry and hard, they came over to the Manor for softer soil because of the irrigation it receives throughout the summer.
We had something similar happen on the 6thgreen surround three years ago and once the rain came they left the area alone, they are following the same pattern this time too.
Damage to the 4th Tee image 1
Damage to the 4th Tee image 2
I would like to finish off by saying a big thank you to all the Members here at the Manor on behalf of myself and the Greenkeepers as once again you have been supportive of us throughout the year.
Thank You
Damien Bowe
Head Greenkeeper
