Removal of the overgrown hedge at the 1st Tee & Putting Green

AGM Course Maintenance Report 2014

We have had one of the wettest winters in the history of Drayton Park! The course has stood up to this extremely well, having only had to close for one weekend due to severe flooding. The greens have continued to play well albeit at times being a little soft. Last summer work was carried out on the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th to try and improve the drainage. It does appear this has been partly successful as following heavy downpours the greens surfaces were playable more quickly. More work will be required this year to continue this improvement. The introduction of a storm drain on the 7^th hole has reduced the flooding in this area; standing water was only seen for a very short time. The verti-draining carried out to all the fairways in September was the biggest contributing factor in keeping the course playable. There were only a few isolated areas which became muddy but generally the grass cover remained good. For this reason I will be planning to get this work completed again this year.

At the end of July the 18^th fairway was re levelled. The main construction work was completed within four days, once the grass re-established, the area was brought back in play.

The area did become muddy towards the end of February so was put as GUR for a short time.

The next area that will require levelling is the 17^th fairway. This area has sunk and is now causing a drainage problem. The work will be carried out when conditions allow, again the work will be completed as quick as possible to minimise the disruption to play.

This winter we have continued the policy of thinning out the conifer trees and removing the lower branches of the pine and deciduous trees. The two poplar trees by the clubhouse have also been removed; this will stop the roots causing problems to the surrounding paths and wall and also give a better view of the course from the clubhouse balcony. Three poplar trees have also been removed from the Pitch and Putt course. These where already causing a problem to the 6^th green from the ingress of their roots.

The greens are in good shape with excellent grass cover and have already firmed up. The spring maintenance program has been started (scarifying and grooming) to remove the build up of thatch. The first application of sand will soon be applied which will help to level and smooth out the surface.

Mark Smith

Head Greenkeeper