Greens Notice: November, 2019
We have recently had to change our plans for course update work as we now have to look, on an urgent basis, at reducing the number of golf balls going over the perimeter fence down the left-hand side of the 1st hole.
Several serious complaints have been lodged recently by the owners of homes bordering the first hole concerning damage that has been caused by balls hitting their properties. This HAS to be addressed as a critically important health and safety issue. Barrie Hodgson has had meetings with a number of these local residents and discussed proposals with them. For the time being they are happy to work with the club in the introduction of a range of measures to eliminate stray golf balls from entering and causing damage to property but the onus is on the Golf Club to ensure that the proposals will be effective.
Our proposals and a complete list of the priority work and measures that we plan take, or have already started, on an urgent basis, are as follows:-
Tee boxes to be re-aligned to point toward the recently re-located fairway marker-post at the R/H centre of the fairway.
The re-location of the OOB line down the length of the left-hand side of the fairway so that it is closer to the fairway by some 10-12 yards. Many more, larger and closely positioned OOB posts are to be erected to enhance clear visibility to players. The OOB will now extend all the way down to the tree copse adjacent to the 2nd Tee.
A small additional copse plantation will be introduced just short of the 150-yard marker at the LHS of the fairway. The new copse will consist of some 7 trees, 5 deciduous and two pine, to ensure green growth all year round for visibility.
The edge of the LHS of the fairway will be moved 10-12 yards towards the centre of the current fairway and the RHS of the fairway will be moved further to the right by a similar distance.
Two things may have already been noted by golfers:
The Marker Post has been moved 6 yards further to the RHS of the fairway
Four hawthorn bushes have been removed to widen the new landing area further to the right.
Grass to the LHS of fairway and including the new line of OOB will be left to grow slightly longer to further discourage players from hitting balls towards that area.
The primary aim of the proposed programme of work, as previously stated, is the reduction of resident property damage and the enhanced health and safety of local residents in bordering properties. However, improved player safety on this hole is also being addressed. We are to remove a large area and depth of soil starting just short of the centre fairway mound, to a location through and past that mound, to allow much improved visibility from the tee down the fairway for those driving off.
Material removed from the centre fairway mound (see previously listed point) will be used to improve the intended landing area and hollows that require filling up. A further mound that currently blocks from view the RH green-side bunker will also be removed.
To improve access for line of play to the first green, a number of trees in the copse to the RHS of the fairway will be cut down.
· All material and soil that is moved will need to be rested and we will have a number of landing/drop zones prepared for players as required.
Whilst this project is progressing, it is likely to be necessary to reduce the first hole to a par three. A temporary tee will be prepared just past the area of soil removal on the LHS side of fairway. A commencement date for this aspect will be notified in advance.
Notices will be posted for members and visitors alike, requesting them to notify the Pro Shop/Office/ Catering Staff, of any balls that leave the boundary of the course at any location. All such incidents must be viewed as having the potential for damage or injury, especially in the case of balls which cross the boundary at the LHS of the first hole. Reporting of incidents in the way described is COMPULSORY for Insurance & Health and Safety compliance purposes.
Commencement dates for the full programme are still being determined, but members should note that introducing the new OOB line is imminent. Other key dates will be advised shortly.
Barrie Hodgson and Don Stubbs
Please see diagram of the proposed changes:-
