It has been an interesting year weatherwise, but the course has handled the extreme conditions well. The winter has been kind to us, but the green keeping team have been hard at work and the result should be exciting this coming season.
The obvious starting point for this report is the bunkers. Firstly thank you to all members for your patience whilst the work was carried out last summer. I think we can all agree that the decision to sign off such a significant investment into the course has been a substantial success. The ‘China Clay’ sand has bedded in well and has performed as we hoped. Feedback from members and guests alike has been fantastic, let’s hope that the consistency continues over the coming years.
Before the winter programme started, the Kingswood Team sat down and discussed our main objectives. The two main priorities for the long term benefit of the course are:
We know that the course is at its best during the summer months. Our parkland topography enables the green staff to consistently provide some of the best playing surfaces in the local area. However, the clay based soil needs some assistance in the winter months.
What have we done to improve this?
With all of the above tasks, in addition to the standard maintenance works carried out by David and his team, we strongly believe the course will improve its playability throughout the winter months.
The winter programme for next winter is already taking place – again we will strive to continue the idea of improving the playability throughout the winter months!
Just like most members, I love playing the course here at Kingswood. Unlike some other clubs, you can easily play Kingswood every week and it feels like a different course to the week before. The one consistent grumble is that it can be quite a difficult course to play. Obviously when you are a the top of your game – most courses seem ‘easy’, however, we don’t want Kingswood to be known as a chore to play.
What have we done to improve this?
In the past month we have continued this trend!
or on your lay up on a par 4/5. What else can we do?
Over the past few months I have been discussing the option to introduce a 4th set of tees in 2020. With the introduction of the ‘World Handicap System’ next year our course requires an up to date assessment. Whilst they are here this summer, we have requested an official measurement for a shorter yellow tee course. The proposed 2020 score card is viewable here, however, the final version will be announced later on after the summer assessment.
The shorter yellow tees will make the course a little more ‘friendly’ to play for visiting golfers and members alike. For the hardy members that like to play off the ‘Back tips’, the amendment will not change anything – the new black tees just replace the current white tees!
To achieve the desired length course we will need to extend/build 3 teeing areas. These are:
Some of the foundation works may take place in the summer months, however this will not affect your enjoyment of the course.
We will continue to update the members regarding the course in our weekly updates, and I hope to share our winter programme with you in the next couple of months.
Mark
Director of Golf
Click to view the contact details of the Warren & Hilliard League Organisers.
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