WINTER WORK 2015/16

One of the many stunning sunrises that we witnessed over the winter.

For those golfers who have played throughout the winter many will have seen first hand the work that has been carried out over the courses. However as the new golf season gets underway many others will be getting back out on the courses for the first time.
 We have undertaken aeration to all areas of the courses. We have also carried out the usual bunker construction work (15 rebuilt between the Medal and Broomfield ).  The realignment of the 18th Broomfield hole which involved re-contouring the fairway, adding 2  bunkers and constructing a new tee. Major gorse clearance work between the 2nd / 17th Medal fairways has been completed. Other areas of gorse have also been removed around the courses which will improve sight lines and should help speed up play.
 A few of the other projects that we have undertaken can be seen below.

Astro-turf

A quantity of astro-turf was acquired  from Montrose FC, which was used to replace some of the old tennis court material paths. The walled area adjacent to the pro shop has also been cleared of gravel and astroturf laid.

Starting to remove the old astro-turf from the 1st Broomfield path.

The newly installed path.

The 1st Medal path before replacement.

A much improved look to the path.

 The walled gravel area.

Astro-turf laid.

Erosion and the irrigation system

Unfortunately erosion has continued to be a problem at the 1st green /2nd tee area. The path  has now eroded and fallen away. Major pipework for the irrigation system was also exposed along part of the path. It was important to realign a 90 metre section of the pipe and electric cable away from the dune edge to ensure that the system could remain functional this coming year.

Path leading towards the 2nd Medal Fairway showing the erosion.

Exposed pipe and cable work on the eroded dune face.

Digging out the irrigation pipe and cable.

Digging out a new route further away from the dune edge.

Pitch and Putt

As part of on-going improvements to the pitch and putt we have tidied  up the trees and cut back the deep rough to the left of the 9th hole. We have also filled in one of the bunkers and revetted the remaining 4. These bunkers were badly in need of improvement and it also gave our apprentice Jamie a chance to build the bunkers on his own, under the guidance of a senior member of the green-staff, As time allows we will continue to improve the condition of this course.

One of the bunkers before refurbishment.

Work underway.

Digging out another of the old bunkers. 

Revetted and ready to be turfed.

New Machinery

A couple of new pieces of green-keeping kit has been been purchased over the last few months. A machinery lift has been installed in the main shed which will help in the servicing of the machinery and will do away with the unstable car ramps that had been previously used. A replacement van has also been acquired to replace the old van which had a number of faults that were not cost effective to repair.

Sean with the new machinery Lift.

I hope this gives an insight into some of the work that has taken place over the winter months. Hopefully we will get a good warm Spring and everyone can get out and enjoy the 3 courses.

Les Rae,

First Assistant ,

Montose Golf Links Limited.