July and August 2010

All jobs are in addition to routine maintenance tasks.

Irrigation
This is the first summer since 2006 that we have experienced a significant dry spell. The Met Office recently released official figures which showed the average rainfall across the country was 356.8mm (14.05 inches) between January and June this year, making it the driest start to the year since 1929. (At Cumberwell we actually had 336mm rain).

In terms of irrigation on the golf course, this requires extra water to be applied to the greens and tees. As well as automatic watering at night, we have to supplement this with hand-watering during the day on areas that require more water. These areas tend to be ridges on greens or greens that are prone to drying from the wind. The greens at Cumberwell are constructed using 80% sand which has the ability to drain large amounts of water during winter time but can prove to be challenging to keep damp during a dry summer such as this one.

Our source of water is from the main lake on the blue course. This water is captured during the winter months via the main stream that runs from the 3rd hole on the red course as well as the many drainage pipes.

Bridge on 24th hole
We are nearing completion of a new stone bridge on the 24th hole. This replaces the adjacent wooden bridge and adds some extra character to this par 3 hole. All that remains is to install the path surface which will consist of natural stone in a crazy-paving style. We will also be carrying out some repair work on other bridges on the course.

Installation of new bank reinforcement with 6 inch wooden stakes at 16th hole
We are looking to start this project at the end of July. The hole may be shut on occasional weekdays during this period or a temporary green used - more information will be given nearer the time.

Weather Report 2010

Data recorded by our automated weather station located at Cumberwell.

Matthew James
Course Manager