Course Conditions
I think it is important to keep you informed about the condition of the 18 hole course and the process by which it is closed, limited or kept open.
In the last few weeks there has been an enormous amount of rain and the course can only absorb so much. We are approaching the point at which significant measures may need to be taken to avoid long term damage to the 18 hole course. Traffic is continually being rerouted to limit wear but some aprons and green side areas are very wet and slopes can be slippery.
Compounding the problem is the fact that there has been little or no reduction in the amount of play. It is easy to point the finger at members who use buggies or trolleys as bearing responsibility……”if it wasn’t for buggies there wouldn’t be a problem” or “trolleys cause more problems than anything and there are more of them” etc etc. Whatever, the fact is that at the moment the cumulative effect of the amount of play coupled with the excessive rainfall has led us to the point where unpopular decisions may have to be taken if the course is not to suffer serious damage. Use of temporary greens, restricting the use of buggies and trolleys and even closing the course altogether to give it a rest are all measures under consideration day to day. Obviously we don’t want to do any of that but we must avoid long term damage to our primary asset. I should point out that the 9 hole course drains much better than the main course so any restriction in the use of trolleys or buggies would not apply to that.
The primary responsibility for deciding on any restriction rests with the General Manager. He will take his decision after consultation with the Course Manager or his deputy early in the morning or possibly the night before if the weather conditions are obvious.
In the meantime, you can help by carrying if you are able but, if you are using a buggy or a trolley, by keeping clear of the aprons and immediate green areas. Keeping buggies on the paths where possible is particularly helpful.
Hopefully any measures we do take will not be too intrusive. We are, after all, in the business of providing the best possible course for all members.
Practice Facilities
It’s an unfortunate fact that BSEGC does not enjoy the best of practice facilities, we simply don’t have enough Real Estate to provide a large and comprehensive range of facilities. All the more reason to use the facilities we do have wisely, safely and with consideration to other members. In order to address some recent concerns would members please observe the following;
Practice Putting Green. Use it for chipping but don’t loft the ball higher than the flagsticks.
Driving Range. DO NOT use any club which will fly the ball over the netting at the far end EVEN IF there isn’t anyone on the practice hole green. It is dangerous! There has been a recent case of a member nearly being hit as he stood by the 10th green! If you want to hit long shots go to the bottom of the Practice Hole.
Practice Hole Green. This is primarily used for chipping, short pitches and bunker shots and is used by the Professionals for teaching. Please do not hit full shots to this green and whatever shots you do hit repair any pitch marks.
New Target. We will introduce a new target “green” approx 75 – 100 yds short of the Practice Hole Green. Use this as a target instead of the Practice Hole Green.
Rough will be allowed to grow up to about 25 yds short of the existing practice green to limit pitches to that distance and thus protect the surface.
Be aware that the Practice Hole is for members use only and you should use your own balls.
Appropriate signage will be introduced so please do your bit to stay within the “rules” to ensure everyone can get the most out of our limited practice facilities.
It’s not ideal, we know that but it’s the best we’ve got.
Andy Ball
Chair of Greens
18-HOLE COURSE – Preferred lies (04.10.21)
R & A : 20 Must Know Rules of Golf Changes for 2019 (www.randa.org)
Click here to view RandA 20 Must Know Rules of Golf 2019