COURSE DEVELOPMENT PLAN LEAMINGTON AND COUNTY GOLF CLUB

Transcription

1 COURSE DEVELOPMENT PLAN LEAMINGTON AND COUNTY GOLF CLUB Section I Club Policy and Approach Section II Standards Section III Course Development Schedule Section IV Machinery and Equipment Schedule Updated August

2 CONTENTS Pages Section I Club Policy and Approach 3-4 Section II Standards: - Greens Tees 6 - Fairways Surrounds and Approaches 7 - Bunkers 7 - Trees and Shrubs 8 - Rough and conservation rough 8 - Irrigation/Drainage Paths 9 - Perimeters of the Course 9 - Buildings/Benches/Ancillary Facilities 9 - Practice Facilities Hedgehog Wheel 10 Section III Course Development schedule Section IV Machinery and Equipment Schedule and Usage Policy Approval 17 2

3 SECTION I Club Policy and Approach Objectives There are three objectives: To ensure continuity in the progress of the golf course irrespective of any changes in Club Captain, Chairman of Greens, MOC and Directors. The document is to be used as a guide for the Head Green Keeper and his staff as to the way in which the Club and its members wish to have their golf course set up and maintained; although it is not designed to replace his expertise, experience and ideas. To promote the Club members' desire to play on a course, which is presented to its maximum potential, allowing for limitations of high use and difficult soil structures (particularly clay), and weather conditions. The Committee and Directors ever mindful of this will develop the course to be more aesthetically pleasing, yet pose a sufficiently challenging set up to the club golfer, for the benefit of both members and visitors alike. To develop the course in terms of quality and presentation, so that high standards are maintained throughout, particularly in respect to competitions, matches, open days and weekend play and to ensure maximum opening, of the course throughout the year. Aim The approach to the plan is to keep it a live and rolling document by means of an annual review within the following guidelines: The production of the review will be conducted by the Head Green Keeper, Chairman of the Greens and an appointed person The review will assess the previous years content, programme of work and standards aimed for and to be achieved and then amend and report accordingly The annual review will consider issues not currently included in the plan but which could have serious impact medium and long term to incorporate: - Pond management and maintenance - Impact of legislation enforcing the use of chemical free disease and growth/ promotion control methods - Impact of any changes by authorities to our water extraction licence - Potential impact of legislation requiring environmental and conservation areas on the course - Potential impact of the irrigation system not meeting future demands or being able to cope with new legislation requirements or change in climatic conditions - The impact of development on the periphery of the course and impinging upon the playing of the golf course and the enjoyment of members. 3

4 The review will work to a timetable which fits in with the annual budget programme and which is in line with the Club's financial requirements and the audit needs of the Treasurers to have regard to: Input from the general committee and board on budgetary guidelines and any additions and comments (e.g. standards, review, and course developments) which need to be considered within the framework of the plan. Input from any regular professional survey and advisory reports which recommend actions on the condition of the course and any course and management issues. Submission of the 12 month detailed work plans for approval. Approval of priorities, work plans and setting of the budget in order to implement the next 12-month phase. Final review, revision and updating of the plan and its presentation to the relevant committee and publication to the members. The Course Development Plan is signed off after each years review by the Club Manager. Publication and promotion to the members. 4

5 SECTION II Standards This section covers the regular maintenance of the Golf Course and therefore the main workload of the head Green Keeper and his staff. 1. Greens In the short term it is not the Club policy to undertake a very expensive green replacement programme, but to maintain our current clay based greens to their maximum potential. Members must, therefore, accept that in extreme wet conditions greens may become soft and occasionally be liable to local surface flooding and in extreme dry conditions may develop firm and dry patches. New greens will be investigated and rebuilt when considered absolutely necessary by professional recommendations. Agronomist reports will be sought when deemed necessary by either the Head Green Keeper or the Greens Committee. The greens are the most important aspect of any golf course; therefore they must be the No 1 priority in terms of maintenance and attention. Implement all recommendations where possible as advised by independent professional reports in terms of: - Disease Control - Aeration and verti-draining - Fertilisers - Rolling iron - Hollow tining - Irrigation - Top Dressing - Grass Composition To improve the quality of the greens and growth of finer grasses, while controlling thatch and compaction. Continue to over seed increasing the % of desirable bent and fescue grasses in the make up of the greens Height of cut 3mm-5.5mm Implement wherever necessary the recommendations of professional reports. With regard to hollow tining and verti-draining, ensure greens are back to normal in the shortest possible time. During the main playing season maintain greens to common standards as defined. Regular cutting of the greens to be maintained (daily through the peak growing season) and on the morning of all major competitions. Pace and consistency of greens to be measured using Stimpmeter with the aim of significantly reducing the variation pace between greens with maximum variation during the playing season between 9 and 11. Hole cutting to be accurately performed, and to the minimum depth, weekly inspection to be maintained and rectified as necessary. New holes cut for all major competitions. Hole cutter replaced annually. 5

6 Temporary greens to be inspected before being brought into use, maintained to a good standard and new holes cut where necessary before bringing them into play ensuring the holes meet the standards of the main greens. Repair all damage caused by drainage work to greens and have all ground under repair areas brought back into play as soon as possible 2. Tees Minimum teeing ground as recommended (350 sq. metres. men, 90 sq. metres. ladies). Alternative winter tees to be provided, and maintained as main tees, including the use of artificial surfaces as deemed necessary by the greens committee. Height of cut 11mm 15mm. Priority for Leamington is to ensure that tees are level, whether new tees are proposed or not, top dressed and careful surface work needed to ensure level playing surfaces. A firm level-playing surface with sufficient grass cover and any divots filled regularly. Divot boxes maintained, and regularly filled with non-germinated divot mix. (NOTE: a filled divot box has sufficient material inside for 1 week's use by members so is never filled to the top). Tees to be fertilised spring, summer and, autumn. Main tees to be aerated, cored. Slit throughout winter months. Top dress and overseed as required. Tee markers constantly maintained, and positioned always pointing to centre fairway. Tee plates to be kept clean, surrounds kept clean cut; look to replace when damaged. Ball cleaners maintained weekly to ensure always full of water, and drying cloths attached. Tee steps kept weed free, and edges clean cut. This will be inspected fortnightly. Ensuring that any future steps built on tees are brick constructed. Tees inspected after each cutting and areas not meeting standard reported and action taken within 1 week. Litter bins at the side of tees to be regularly cleared out and kept in good repair.. Inspection of tees carried out regularly and reporting of remedial work and divoting as appropriate, but at least once a month. 3. Fairways Fairways to be cut to a height of mm and mowed in imaginative shapes To provide good hole definition and enhance the features of the holes. Divot all fairways as and when necessary. Green Staff to provide bags filled with divoting material for use by members with indications of which holes need particular attention. Fairways to be fertilised in the spring to encourage a good growth of grass, and when necessary in the autumn. 6

7 Verti-drain fairways and scarify as necessary. Take whatever action is necessary to avoid compaction especially in areas prone to bare patches. Top dress and seed drainage trenches as necessary. Turf as appropriate. Ground under repair continually treated and kept positively marked. Aim to bring back into play within a six-week period. Leaves to be mulched as required. Marker posts kept maintained, clean and in correct positions Water hazard marked with paint on a fortnightly basis, plus markers kept in position and in good condition. 4. Surrounds and Approaches Height of cut 11mm 15mm. Fertilise. Top dress. Over seed same as greens. Apron is a 1.5 metre width around the green. Ensure care is taken to provide a good cut, particularly at the bottom of slopes/banks and that there is a suitable playing surface. White plastic strips are to be placed around the surrounds to keep trolleys away for protection. (winter use only) 5. Bunkers Refurbishment of bunkers to be in accordance and as laid down by Contractor/Professional standards (In conjunction with the details published by USGA and procedures held by the Head Greenkeeper) and objectives in terms of design, sand quality, sand density and compaction. (Refer to page 11 item 5). Maintain a weekly maintenance programme with respect to raking, and facing. Sides maintained to semi rough length, especially in respect to competitions. Rakes to be maintained and at least one kept in every bunker. Density and consistency of sand to be maintained across the bunkers and sculptured to ensure no lips left. Follow recommendation of 3" compacted sand covered by 1" loose. Review annually the quality and sustainability of the sand. Make sure there is no build up of sand on bunker banking or surrounds. Check on a weekly basis sand levels throughout the bunkers and rake back into bunkers the loose sand collecting on the banks Rake bunkers from the outside to the centre and maintain a consistent depth of sand 1"-3" Ensure consistency of sand from bunker to bunker 7

8 6. Trees and Shrubs Continue the long-term plan of tree planting with more emphasis being given to larger mature trees and the infilling of existing tree areas to form small copses. Plant in various parts of the Course groups of trees and shrubs to provide a more pleasing aesthetic countenance to the hole. Maintain as necessary on a regular basis, broken stakes, leaning trees, removal and replacement of dead trees as appropriate. In the autumn the regular mulching of leaves. Ensuring staking and trees all maintained in upright condition. All newly planted trees to have shelters for protection. Remove all dead trees and branches. In woodland areas clear out scrub species, nettles, brambles, ragwort etc to ensure this type of vegetation does not obscure these attractive areas. Remove branches off conifers and established trees to a height of 7 feet. Species such as elder, willow and conifer encroaching on specimen trees. Note On the course boundary trees are to be planted in groups rather than a straight line. 7. Rough Provide ultimately three grades of rough to further enhance the set up of the Golf Course: - Semi Rough at - 38mm. - Cut rough at 57mm - 75mm. - Uncut Rough/environmental areas. Aim is to manage the conservation rough, to encourage fine wispy grasses Uncut rough to be cut back to 100mm every year to maintain a more aesthetic appearance. Where shrubs have established in grassed areas, they are to be removed. 1. Irrigation/Drainage Continue to provide an up-to-date automatic computerised watering system to Greens and Tees ensuring adequate water supply Continually review, maintain and seek improvements to the drainage system on the Course, trying to ensure wet areas are reduced to an absolute minimum Seek professional advice on further development as and when necessary re drainage channels and land fall implications and ponds. Maintain and clean out all current watercourses, ditches and pipes to ensure flow of water off course. 8

9 Maintain all water hazards and ditch markers and areas to be well defined and recorded. Check fortnightly. New drainage work areas to be kept maintained clear and turf work watered as required. 2. Paths Provide sufficient paths where extreme wear dictates. Paths on inclines to be tarmacked and paths on the level to be granite dust. Paths to be monitored in bad weather conditiond Ensure all other paths and bridge approaches are well founded, edged, surfaced correctly, and drained if necessary with a clear definition between path and fairway. Ends of paths to have ballooned entrance and exits. Become part of the regular maintenance programme to ensure they are an asset to a wellkept Golf Course and kept tidy and appropriately surfaced. 3. Perimeters of the Course To be maintained in a sound and firm condition. Ensure out of bounds areas are well defined. To be fully aware of the adjoining lands surrounding the Golf Course in terms of usage, availability and ownership with a view to possible purchase and development. The Clubhouse surrounds and shrubbery lies within the responsibility of the head Green Keeper. As funds are available continue the security fence around the course, where possible negotiate FOC fencing with any new development adjoining the course. 4. Building/Benches/Ancillary Facilities: Provide up to date working accommodations for the Head Green keeper and staff commensurate with: - Upkeep of the Golf Course to the standard as required by the members. - Compliance of Health & Safety regulations - Adequate workshop, rest/eating and toilet/washing facilities. Secure storage facilities for the necessary machines, ancillary equipment and tools. Storage area for fuels, chemicals, top dressing, sand, top soils, path surfaces. Maintain and up-keep weather shelters currently provided and proposed on the Course. Remove, store and renovate all benches around the course during the winter months. 12 Practice Facilities: Chipping Greens and practice bunker at 18 th - maintain to course standard Practice nets by car park - maintain nets to ensure a safe and neat asset to the club Maintain main practice area to course standards (weather permitting) 9

10 Maintain practice putting green in front of clubhouse to course standards. Hedgehog Wheels Trolleys can be used all year round. Electric trolleys are allowed in the winter as long as they have hedgehog/ winter wheels. This period is normally the 1 st November to the 31 st March. But can be extend if conditions are wet. 10

11 SECTION III COURSE DEVELOPMENT PLAN This is list of objectives developed by the Committee and Directors to improve the quality and playing conditions of the course for both members and visitors alike. It is not a document that the Head Green Keeper must abide by, for many conditions can and will change the programme activities such as weather, financial restrictions, breakdowns etc. But it does provide a base-working plan for the Green Keeper and his staff to work to for the future benefit of the golf course and its members. 1 Green: No new greens currently envisaged. To encourage root growth on the 2 nd green for the foreseeable future during the Autumn, Winter, and Spring months the green to be hand mown to a height of 6-8mm Herringbone drainage to be carried out on the following greens:- Herringbone drainage on greens 14 th Autumn 2016 Herringbone drainage on greens 15 th Winter 2016 Herringbone drainage on green 12th Autumn 2017 Herringbone drainage on greens 4 th Winter 2017 Herringbone drainage on green 7 th Autumn 2018 Herringbone drainage on green 14 th Winter 2018 Herringbone drainage on green 3 rd Autumn 2019 Herringbone drainage on green 17 th Winter Tees: During the winter months bring into play as appropriate winter tees to allow normal tees to recuperate On a yearly basis level the following tees. 8 th Tee Gold and Silver Autumn th Gold, Silver and Bronze Autumn th tee level and new Bronze Autumn th Gold and Silver Tee Autumn th All Tees Autumn Fairways: Fairway Drainage to be improved on 13 th Drain 7 furrows in the first half into ditch RHS. Autumn th Drain furrows on 2 nd part of fairway. Winter

12 4 Green Surrounds: Contour and grade banks around greens to improve cut ability and safety. 11 th green Autumn th green - rear Autumn th green Autumn Bunkers: Following trials on eliminating face erosion and preventing the indigenous clay soil from surfacing a bunker programme is being put into action in which the bunker is cleared of sand and turf is established in the base, This is then killed off to form a membrane to prevent the clay from surfacing, the bunker is then refilled to the required standards. Edging of the bunkers will be eliminated; a flame gun will control grass intrusion into bunkers. Aquadene blocks will also be introduced to improve drainage. Bunkers modified as follows subject to time and finances being available: 1 st fairway Autumn th all Autumn th fairway Autumn th fairway Autumn 2016 Bunkers where possible to be visible from the tee 6 Trees and Shrubs: There has been a conscious decision on the environmental attitude to the golf course. At the moment there are substantial areas of the course entirely none maintained. As a result these areas have become colonised with scrub species, nettles, brambles etc. Such vegetation obscures woodland and attractive areas and looks scruffy, these areas are extremely important in expressing the overall character of the course. In allowing them to deteriorate to mere scrubland is inappropriate to suggest they foster the environment and nature. Managed rough and woodland is more beneficial in terms of biodiversity. It is also less prone to generating weed seeds that affects the rest of the course. 10 th Hole. As funds are available plant two large trees adjacent to the ditch on the first hole. 13 th Hole Between 13 th and 14 th cut down rough, clear out rubbish and under plant with Acers for colour and Yew for evergreen. Winter th Hole. LHS of tee remove hedge, extend path full length of tee. Winter

13 9 th Hole. Native trees to be planted on LHS. Winter rd Hole. Lower height of ash trees at rear of green in Mollington farm. Tree surgeon required. Every two years. Autumn 2017 Wooded area along path to 12 th Hole. Remove dead trees and replant if necessary. Winter th Hole. Poplars need removing. Commence programme of removal by contractor and replace with mature native trees. Winter 2020 Copse between 13 th and 17 th needs thinning, canopies lifted. Winter 2016 Wood at rear of green. Clear out rubbish and dead trees; identify trees that would develop into good mature trees, then under plant with oak, ash, beech, and yew as an evergreen. Winter th Hole. Left and behind tee. Clear out rubbish from around poplars, and other established trees, under plant with oaks at a later date. Winter th Hole. Remove poplars, under plant with hardwoods. Winter th Hole. Woodland RHS. Remove dead trees and thin out. Remove any scrub and replant where necessary. Winter 2019 Woodland LHS. Clear out rubbish and prepare in conjunction with work being done on woodland behind 3 rd green. Winter th Hole. Plant more fast growing trees to hide green shed Winter 2017 Clear out scrub LHS before road Winter Irrigation and Drainage The above timings are only an indication the clearing out will be left to the discretion of the head Green Keeper, mainly done during the winter months when weather conditions limit other tasks. Under planting will be done when time and finances dictate. Due to the current financial situation the main irrigation pipe works around the course (installed in the 1970 s). Will be replaced as necessary when main fractures occur. Sprinkler heads will be replaced on all greens where necessary to obtain a lower trajectory to allow better coverage in winds. This will be done at the discretion of the head Green Keeper when finances permit. Improve appearance of 10 th ditch by sloping banks on both sides so they can be machine cut and large stone bottom of ditch Incorporate new bridge

14 12 th Hole. - Wet area in rough LHS 30 m. short of green requires investigation th Hole. - Area LHS of green needs draining th Hole. - Wet area in rough 30 m short of green LHS needs investigating. 7 th Hole - Gully pots and drainage in furrows 2nd part fairway st Hole. - Sand master rear of green to improve drainage th Hole Wet area rear of green. Investigate possible use of path extension from 12 th tee alongside edge th Hole- Drain area in front of tee to front bunker, then sand master where necessary to improve condition of wet areas in winter th Hole. Install cut off drain at rear of green, to stop surface water travelling across green Extend pond between 3 rd and 16 th to improve visual appearance and hazard potential Paths Path Proposed Number Location Type Length(m) Width(m) m2 Surface Year 1 1st tee to fairway incline tarmac rd green to 4th and 8th tees incline tarmac 2016 Extend path at side of 6 th green and move winter green New path 13 th tee to alongside edge rear of 14 th green to aid the use of course equipment in winter New path on the 18 th Hole Road towards 12 th 2019 New road robust surface Golf lane to green shed Buildings & Ancillary Facilities Introduce new shelters 15 th Tee, and back of 5 th green

15 Machinery and Equipment Schedule DESCRIPTION Machines (Vehicles) PURPOSE USAGE PURCHASE DATE REPLACE- MENT DATE AND COST 2015 EXCESSIVE EXPENDITURE AND WHEN. REPORT ON MACHINE GREENS Jacobsen Greens King + 4 Greens Mowing and thatchaway units Daily Greens Iron Greens Rolling 3/Weekly (2014) Ransomes eclipse greens Greens Mowing Daily 2011 mower Hand Mower Ransomes Greens Daily 2001 Certes Jacobsen Hand Mower Greens Daily winter 1998 Thatchaways Greens Weekly TEES/SURROUNDS Ransomes GP400 Tees/Surrounds Daily Ventrac Bankings Daily 2015 Hand Mower Ransomes Marquis FAIRWAYS/ROUGH Fairway Mower Jacobsen 250 Tees 2/Weekly Fairways 2/Weekly (2017) Jacobsen R311T Roughcutter Rough Daily 2014 Iseki mower Trees/Plantation Weekly 2006 s Chain Harrow Rough As 1997 necessary Scarifier** Fairways/Semirough As required 1999 Amazone Smart cut Managed Rough As required 2015 Fertiliser Hopper Fairways As required 2000 AERATION Needs a new set of cylinders Cost Extend life 2019 in this year s winter service Robin Dagger Greens/Tees As/When 2000 Deep Slitter Sisis Greens/Tees/Fair When reqd ways Vertidrainer Greens/Tees/Fair ways As required 1993 Wiedenman Greens Greens Monthly 2010 Terraspike GS160 Scarifier Greens/Tees When reqd 2013 Top dresser Greens/Tees Monthly 2015 GENERAL PURPOSE Massey 3625 General Purpose Daily 2014 Excavator General Purpose As Required

16 Iseki Compact Tractor. General Purpose Daily (2015) Kawaski Mule 3010 with tip General Purpose Daily Kubota L3540 General Purpose Daily 2015 Toro Sand Pro Bunkers 2weekly Husqvarna strimmer Strimming areas 2/weekly Husqvarna strimmer Strimming areas 2/weekly Flymo Flymo Green/Tee Bankings/Bunke rs Green/Tee Bankings/Bunke rs 2/weekly /weekly Ryan Turf Cutter Turf Cutting Aut/Spring 1990 DESCRIPTION Machines (Vehicles) PURPOSE USAGE PURCHASE DATE REPLACE- MENT DATE AND COST 2015 EXCESSIVE EXPENDITURE AND WHEN. REPORT ON MACHINE Multivac Debris As/When 2009 clearance, Club surrounds Chainsaw Cutting/Pruning Winter 2010 Hedge Trimmer General purposes Aut./Spring Trailer (Tractor) General Purpose Daily Transport Box General Purpose Daily 2007 Sprayer Greens/Tees/ 2/monthly 2011 Fairways Fertiliser Hopper General purpose As required 2000 Back Lapper Sharpening Weekly 2010 Rapid facer Cutting Machines Back pack blower General purpose Daily Compressor Green Shed use Daily 2012 Arc Welder General Monthly 2005 maintenance Brushmaster Shoe Cleaner Cleaning Golf Constant 2003 shoes Levelling Equipment Tees and Greens As necessary 2006 The assessments on the machinery for replacing the equipment above is on the history of the machine and visual inspection The machinery that has reached its replacement time but is still working and causing no problem has been pushed back. Years in brackets are when they should have been replaced, but we have held onto. 16

17 Review approved by the Club Manager Signed Dated 17