Around The Course.........

The observant amongst you will have noted that a number of the Silver Birch Trees have moved over the last wee while. Mark Lawson had the opportunity to hire a "Tree Spade" for a short period of time and wanted to undertake some remedial work in respect of some of the plantings.

Our arborialist had indicated that some of the Birches had been planted too close together and in some cases too close to boundaries and rather than allow this to lead to controversy and conflict in the future the decision was made to move them while they were still in a state that made this possible. The process seems to have gone well with all the trees seeming to have survived the "up rooting" so to speak.

Generally the course maintenance is ticking along and Mark has arranged from himself and other staff to take annual leave during this quieter period. Overall Shirley has come through the winter months exceptionally well and in an excellent playable condition this largely being attributable to the rigorous programme carried out in the summer months.

The next major task is the implementation of the fairway renovation project and in order to provide the best possible access to the course for members while 6 holes are out, acting on a suggestion from Struan, the Board have decided to institute a 9 hole hole loop to be played twice rather than just a straight 12 holes. While each green will only have one flag extra use will be made of the alternate Blue tees to provide a differing challenge.

It is anticipated that holes 5/6 & 15/16 will be rotated to protect the new grass and once again providing for some playing variation. The Club will arrange for each nine hole layout to be rated for handicap purposes so there will be limited impact on members handicaps rather than entering into a period of hiatus. Given we are playing a loop twice there will be some restrictions applying to tee times but these will be worked through and announced nearer the time but initially at least we are anticipating a morning and afternoon start sheet allowing for approximately two hours duration.