As many hardy souls will know there are a number of heavy-duty works which have started around the golf course.

For example, the green-keeping team have excavated the old, perished, astro turf inserts from a number of tees (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 12th, 17th) and had them patched with turf taken from the clearance works at the Gents old 16th tee.

In addition, some surface problems have been attended to on 2nd, 4th, 11th for starters and more are in the pipeline (no pun intended) and works have been done on re-pointing the slabs on the Ladies’ Bridge and the Centenery Bridge.   These look superb already.  (But not yet in use)

We hope that the new trial tee at the 5th will have a mat down within the next 10 days to enable play from it (165 yards to centre) and some photos are enclosed showing some of last season’s conditions.  Taking all of the bunkers out of play (ie., making all bunkers GUR) has enabled us to start and complete peripheral works in many cases.  In these weeks of short daylight hours, this tactic has enabled our resources to be used to best advantage.

We have also had a recent visit from EDC regarding approvals for tree thinning in a number of (favourite) areas and many members will be pleased to hear that the overhang from the Gents’ medal tee at the 2nd tee is scheduled for removal/pruning.  Likewise, the trees down the right side from the Ladies’ 4th tee (approx 25 trees) will be thinned to prevent ball strike from straight drives.

Other areas, for safety of the player when on a tee or edge of fairway, have been approved for pruning.

Scottish Water are scheduled to visit us in January to replace an ancient sewage pipe which will cause access problems to the first tee.  This will have to be relocated approximately 25 yards onto the fairway.  A temporary access path to the new first tee will be created for those using trolleys taking you around the 18th green (exact route is still to be decided upon – and this route will vary to minimise wear and tear) Those carrying their golf bags may simply use the steps and walk down and on to the tee.

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