AS everyone will have noticed, the weather has changed! Successive days of showers and periods of sustained rainfall have had an immediate affect on the appearance of the golf course.

Each day the tinge of green becomes more noticeable, and the grass has perked up. The mowers are out again! The broad stripes have appeared back on the fairways, and unpredictable harsh bounces on hard fairways have become more manageable.

The work on the course has continued apace. A few weeks ago we reported on the extensive work on our extensive irrigation system. Other important maintenance work has included improving the bunkers, replacing the sand and regular raking.

Work on the greens goes on apace. Fertilising and verti cutting to remove thatch that builds up under the playing surface, improving the health of the grass, and therefore the run of the ball.

There have been various improvements on the 18th hole, and the construction of new wooden bins around the course which look much more in keeping with the surroundings.

New signage is appearing, and the grounds team are also a trialing a new turf nursery in an area of the course that has a good supply of water. Just a few of the many jobs that make our course so enjoyable to play.

There have been the usual regular competitions during the week.

On Saturday, it was the turn of Joe and Ollie, our two professionals to run the “Pros Day Competition”. With longest drive and nearest the pin prizes, it also included challenging Ollie on the 15th, a well designed par three with a picturesque pond lurking in front of the green, waiting for your ball!

A very large field took part and the winners were the team of Terry Banbury and Andrew Priddle. Well done to them.

Mike Palmer