Previously
Week starting May 9, 2025
As reported last week, the Course Team’s weekly sprints now run from a Friday to the Thursday with the retrospective and planning sessions taking place on Thursday afternoons. This is because, now that the summer is here, the weekends are working days – and because weekends can be interrupted by Bank Holidays and “Long weekend (staff) breaks”, using Thursday provides more certainty with regards to availability of the Team to conduct the retrospective and planning sessions.
We identified a major issue with the irrigation system this week—the system trips at the start of its daily irrigation cycle during the early hours of the morning. Discussions with the supplier led to several suggestions. All were tried but failed to repair the system. Finally, a new cable was dispatched from the supplier and installed. Additionally, a long length of coiled power cord was removed from the installation in case it was causing EMI (electromagnetic interference). These upgrades appear to have repaired the system. We will continue to monitor the system’s performance.
The table below is an extract from theTeam’s Kanban Board. It shows the tasks completed during the week andthe time the task took to be completed. The board also shows those planned tasks which were started but not completed, and the tasks planned but not started.
The 4th hole – above the bunkers, an area at the LHS, and at the rear over the irrigation installation remained GUR.
Week ending May 8, 2025
We changed, slightly, the start and end days for a week. A week now starts on Friday and ends Thursday. The retrospective and planning meetings are now on Thursday afternoons.
For the third week running, the team’s workload was over 95% utilization. This is primarily due to unplanned but essential leave. This a pace is not sustainable!
GUR
The GUR area on the 4th is being monitored for signs of sufficent growth, which will allow the state to be lifted. The dry weather has prevented the seed from “rooting” as quickly as we had initially expected.
Retrospection – lessons
Detailing the cutting schedule during the planning meeting is no longer required because the Team’s maturity level has developed through “norming” and into “performing”, meaning that Operational Activity is now managed using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) rather than collections of individual tasks.
Week ending May 2, 2025
As reported last week, the Team’s Utilization level is higher than desired, owing to unplanned leave. This has been mitigated to some degree by onboarding Sam – our seasonal Assistant Greenkeeper. However, week on week the workload is unsustainable and consequently some tasks will have to be dropped. Obviously, our priority remains focused on the Greens.
We (backed by the Board) investigated whether the 18th yellow tee, being located on the raised platform, had altered the risk profile of the hole. We do not believe it has. There is evidence that shows the risk to the players reduced by using the raised tee box. And the raised tee box provides a improved view of the Upgand Road, left of the Bridge. From both tees (lower and raised) the view towards the RHS of the bridge is obsecured. However, players are instructed to check the RHS before playing their tee shot – this involves walking to the ravine edge. While the walk to the ravine edge is approximately 10 yards longer from the raised tee box than the lower tee box – players MUST check before their tee shot. The player remains responsibile for ensuring the way is clear before playing any shot on the golf course.
GUR
The GUR area on the 4th was reduced in size but not removed completely. This is because the dry weather has prevented the seed from “rooting” as quickly as we had initially expected. We’ll give it another few weeks growth before removing the GUR.
Retrospection – lessons
None during last week
Week ending April 25, 2025
The table below shows the summer season cut height and the cutting height achieved last week.
| Summer Season | Target this week | |
| Greens | 4mm | 4.15mm |
| Tees | 12mm | 12.mm |
| Fairway | 15mm | 15mm |
| Semi-rough | 35mm | 38mm |
| Managed-rough | 50mm | 50mm |
The volume of Greenkeeping work last week was set at 100% (10% higher than we like to plan). The increase was to cover “leave”. Nearly all of the planned tasks were completed. Which was a super effort and I think everyone agrees the course is looking very good.
The Request from the Social Committee to support the Cross Country event on Saturday 26th was delivered.
A detailed report concerning the current placement of Penalty Area stakes and OOB stakes was completed and shared with the Handicap & Competitions Committee.
The table below shows the tasks completed during last week.
GUR
We hope to remove the GUR status on the 4th hole by the end of April (next week)!
Retrospection – lessons
We’ve received an ultimatum from a member to review the safety of using the raised 18th tee box for the yellow tee. You may recall it was moved to the raised platform after a “near-miss” incident occurred when the tee was temporarily returned to the lower tee box. The incident involved a player walking back up the 18th fairway to locate and play their tee shot.
Safety, to players and public, is a priority. We are looking into the situation.
Week ending April 18, 2025
The carpark fencing beside the 2nd fairway, which was damaged by Storm Darragh, was fully repaired this week. As too was the fencing along the Sandsend Road.
The Greens were cut 4 times with the cut height reduced to 4.15mm for the final cut. The Greens were also ironed/rolled.
The Handicap and Competition Committee asked for the 17th hole’s pond to have its penalty area stakes changed from yellow to red – this was completed.
The 18th yellow tee was moved onto the raised 18th tee box becasue this location provides a better view of the fairway, which reduces the risk of players hitting their tee shot while the players in front are making their way onto the fairway from the Upgand Road.
The table below shows the summer season cut height and the target cutting height for the week.
| Summer Season | Target this week | |
| Greens | 4mm | 4.5mm |
| Tees | 12mm | 12.mm |
| Fairway | 15mm | 15mm |
| Semi-rough | 35mm | 38mm |
| Managed-rough | 50mm | 50mm |
The table below shows the tasks completed during the week.
GUR
The over-seeding on the 4th hole’s greenside mound conducted in March means that this area remains GUR. We expect to remove the GUR status by the end of April.
Retrospection – lessons
The inspection of penalty areas and OOB marker stakes, identified a number of ambiguities. These are being recorded and added to the Course “backlog” for prioritisation.
Week ending April 11, 2025
The carpark fencing, beside the 2nd fairway, started to be reconstructed following the damage caused by Storm Darragh back in early Dec-24.
The blossom is out as the weather remains beautiful. However, the Team are getting worried about the lack of rain. Some, but not much, is forecasted for next week. (Can you spot our Head Greenkeeper?)
The plan for the week is shown below. But in summary, the greens were cut three times to a height of 4.5mm and rolled twice. The rough was not cut – it was determined not to be worth the effort/cost for the amount of growth. The bunkers were all trimmed.
GUR
The over-seeding on the 4th hole’s greenside (above the bunkers) means that part of the 4th hole’s greenside area remain GUR. We still expect to remove this GUR status during April.
Retrospection – lessons
A near-miss occured when a player, walking back up the fairway towards their tee shot, was almost hit by a player teeing off (the 18th yellow tee box). As a result the yellow tee will have to be moved onto the 18th’s white tee box. This tee box affords greater visibility for players. This will increase the ravine carry by 4 yards more than the winter tee.
Week ending April 4, 2025
This was the first week of the summer season. On Sunday March 30, 2025 the white, yellow, and red tees were reintroduced and the green (winter) tees removed.
The local rules stipulating the use of fairway mats and winter tyres fitted to trolleys was withdrawn.
The height of cut for the greens was reduce to 5mm and the frequency of cut increased.
The irrigation system was recommissioned ready for the summer season. The pressure tests were all positive – no leaks! And only a small number of valve issues were reported. These will all be repaired during April.
The 5 year Bunker Refurbishment programme got started this week, with a Bunker specialist outfit visiting site and inspecting the Clubhouse-side holes. More about the Refurb Programme in a future update.
GUR
Additional sand was added to the 3rd hole’s fairway bunker and it was placed back into play.
Additional sand was also placed into the 4th hole’s greenside bunkers. These too were placed back into play. ALL course bunkers are now in play.
The over-seeding on the 4th hole’s greenside (above the bunkers) means that part of the 4th hole’s greenside area remains GUR. We expect to remove this GUR status during April.
The board below shows the tasks completed during the week. Three tasks were not started and will be re-prioritised.
Retrospection – lessons
At the end of the week, it was reported that the Practice Area green hadn’t been cut as frequently as the 18 greens and the putting green. After a quick inspection this does appear to have been the case. An incident report has been generated and the issue will be looked into.
Week ending March 28, 2025
The objectives for the week were achieved.
- Cutting-in the (summer) course layout (tee boxes, fairways, semi-rough, managed rough, and tiger rough areas
- Introducing the white, yellow, and red tees
The Ventrac was meticulous;
The Beast wasn’t bad either;
And the results – breathtaking!
GUR
Owing to complaints received, the 3rd hole’s fairway bunker was placed into GUR. An inspection showed that the bunker’s liner was exposed and tore. All of the bunkers are to be audited, by an external outfit April 8th, as the kick-off to the 5-year bunker refurbishment development programme. However, a quick-win is to add sand to cover the liner. This task has been prioritised.
The board below shows the tasks completed during the week. One task wasn’t started and will be re-prioritised.
Retrospection – lessons
When adjusting the height of the fairway machine, from its winter setting (19mm) to 15mm (summer setting), several bolts sheered, and nuts were “rounded”. Also, most of the front roller mounting brackets were seized. Consequently, we will uplift the maintenance routine schedule to ensure that brackets and the height adjustment mechanisms are regularly greased. In addition, new bolts and nuts have been ordered and will be swapped out asap. And new hand-tools have been purchased from the 2023/34 captains’ gifts, which will allow the correct (manufacturer) torque settings to be applied.
A rabbits match held on Friday, wasn’t communicated at all well – the team were informed via “whats-app” during the week. A “shot-gun” start occurred without a request being made with the Greens Team. As a result, the Newland-side greens weren’t rolled on Friday because play prevented the team from servicing these holes. Also, far too many cars were parked-up on the 9th tee/14th green surround area. Obviously, not being able to service the Newland holes has a knock-on impact to Sunday’s Alliance fixture.
This isn’t a single occurence. Not all, but too many, competitions are arranged without timely notification being given to the Greens Team. In an effort to eradicate this situation, the Greens Team shall invite the Club Manager to their weekly planning session (Fridays) and, via this website, shall release a “Request Service” capability.
Week ending March 21, 2025
This was the first full week following RENOVATION WEEK.
The greens were all cut and rolled. Fabulous!
The board below shows the tasks completed during the week. One task was started but not finished.
Jack, our Head Greenkeeper, recently hosted an engaging Open Evening. The primary focus of the event was to unveil the new Course Policy Document (CPD), now accessible on V1 (Club >Documents > Policies & procedures). In addition, attendees were treated to insightful presentations outlining the club’s Maintenance and Development programs. To complement the evening, the latest additions to our fleet of vehicles were showcased on the patio, drawing considerable attention.
A highlight of the evening was the captivating talk delivered by our guest speaker, Steve. With over 40 years of experience in the greenkeeping industry, Steve brought a wealth of knowledge and fascinating anecdotes. His impressive career includes serving as Head Greenkeeper at The Belfry, working as a caddie on the European Tour, and playing a pivotal role in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory in 1985!
The event could have been better attended – not sure if members weren’t bothered, are unconcerned about the course, or simply not aware of the event?
Retrospective – Lessons
The week wasn’t without its dissapointment on the course… pitch marks!
Please repair your pitch mark, and why not an extra one for luck?
Here’s how to repair a pitch mark:
Week ending March 14, 2025
This was SPRING RENOVATION WEEK.
The board below shows the tasks completed during the week, and one planned task that was not started.
Overall we spent about £4.5K on the renovation exercise. The next (AUTUMN) RENOVATION WEEK is scheduled for the week commencing September 22, 2025.
