MONTH 2023
AN UPDATE FROM...
Russell Heady General Manager
Hello all, and welcome to our November 2024 newsletter, our sixth and final newsletter of 2024. This year seems to have flown by!
It’s been a good few weeks at Abbey Hill Golf Centre with some much-improved, milder and dryer weather. Finally, the rain has stopped for a few weeks! In September, we had a week of biblical rain like we’ve never seen before. One storm dumped almost 100mm in 24 hours, by far the most we’ve ever recorded in one day! It has almost been our wettest year ever with still two months of the year to go! Only 2012 was wetter and we will certainly surpass that by the end of December. The golf courses have been in excellent condition despite this, and I must say another huge well done and thank you to our amazing greenkeeping team.
Thanks to everyone for filling in our online surveys, we had a great response in September and October, and I am pleased with our net promoter score of 60 and to be in the top four ranked BGL sites. It was great to get so many 9 and 10 out of 10 scores, with excellent feedback on our staff team and the golf courses. The latest winner from the random draw of all respondents was Nicola Cox who won £60 driving range credit or a free four-ball voucher! Keep the responses coming.
I saw the below when scrolling on social media the other day and thought it was a great sentiment to remember. Get out there. Enjoy the game. Have fun and don’t worry about your scores!
At BGL, we recently welcomed a new CEO, Simon Thompson, who started with the company in October. Simon joins us from Bourne Leisure Group, where he worked for 14 years, with the last eight of those spent as Managing Director of Warner Hotels, the UK-based leisure hotel business. He has begun the handover process with Colin Mayes who through his 19-year tenure as CEO, has overseen the transformation of BGL into one of the most successful golf and leisure businesses in the UK. During this time our Guinness family-owned BGL business has grown from eight golf facilities in 2006 to 29 outlets today, with a further two to be opened later this year. Abbey Hill was one of the first sites Simon visited, and he was very impressed with our facilities. I look forward to working with him and wish Colin all the best.
At a time of year when it’s colder and darker and many people don’t feel as positive mentally, golf can also help you feel better. Keep up your golf through the winter:
Enjoy your golf and I hope to catch up with you all around the centre soon!
Russell
COURSE UPDATE
Ross Course Manager
Hello everyone, and welcome to my final newsletter of the year.
We are right in the mists of our annual battle with leaves, having faced some of the most challenging weather conditions this year that I have experienced in my 34 years of greenkeeping. Thankfully, as I write this, we have had a dry week and the forecast is for that to continue for another two weeks, fingers crossed. After what feels like a wet 15 months, except for June and August of this year, we began September in good shape with the hope of some favourable autumnal weather however, what transpired I have certainly never seen before.
During the week starting on the 22nd of September, we endured 205mm of rain, with 96.8mm falling during 16 hours on the 23rd, making this by some way our highest recorded total for one day. At times, the rainfall rate was recorded at over 195mm/hr, and items in the yard were floating off down the entrance road to Wolverton High Street. Unfortunately, every path, bunker, and drains were overwhelmed and left us with a very wet course and an enormous amount of repair work.
We finished September with 261.2 mm recorded, which is over five months of the average rainfall totals against a site average of 46 mm for September. Thankfully, October was more on
an average keel. However, this is not the ideal start to the winter months. October’s rainfall totals sat at 69.2 mm against a site average of 70 mm, leaving us on a yearly total to date of 869 mm, with our wettest ever year back in 2012 recorded at 915 mm over the 12 months.
Thank goodness that the back end of October didn’t see any rain and the forecast for the first half of November looks reasonably dry. One caveat to that though is the lack of wind and ET (evapotranspiration) that we are seeing, coupled with the heavy dews and high humidity means an increasing risk of fungal disease and the surfaces are not drying out as quickly as I would like. Still, we are just grateful for a break in the rain.
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You will no doubt have noticed that the dreaded post and rope have begun to make an appearance around the course. I can assure you that it’s just as big a nuisance to us green keepers as we try and manoeuvre machinery around the course as it is to you manoeuvring your trolleys. However, it is so important to protect worn and wet areas from excessive wear so please stick to the routes that we ask you to walk and refrain from pulling trolleys under the rope, as ultimately, we will all see the benefit next spring on the course.
I again ask you all to consider carrying your clubs rather than using a trolley, even dropping half a set of clubs. The difference this will make in course conditions and the distance that you are required to walk will be significant; your golf game may also improve in the long run. If you can’t carry and you are a trolley or a buggy user, may I also ask you to stick to the paths and keep away from greens and tees?
Everyone can play their part in keeping the greens in good condition. With the wetter, softer greens this time of year, more pitch marks will be made by balls landing on the putting surfaces. Please remember to repair your pitch marks and any other people may have missed.
We have now reverted to the red flag and ball indicator on every green as we have done for several years. The ball position on the pin indicates the region of the green the hole is on. We do this as in winter the visibility of the white flags decreases in misty and foggy conditions and mainly because when the greens are frozen and frosty we use the pre-cut frost holes at the front of each green to minimise walking on the middle and back of the greens which can cause considerable damage. If you look closely, you will see a plug at the front of each green covering these frost holes.
Low red ball = Hole is at the front of the green. Middle red ball = Hole is in the middle portion of the green.
High red ball = Hole is at the back of the green.
Bunker work for 2024 has now been completed and we aim to have the new bunkers on 11 and 18 in play by the end of the month and the lead-up to Christmas.
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In addition, the raised path on the 5th hole carry has been constructed but was then also the victim of the rains in September. We have again topped the levels and soil and seeded the edges, so please keep off the soil area until we have grass coverage and stick to the path.
The Autumn / Winter period continues to be a busy time for us and the work never stops. Next week we have a tree root pruner on hire for the week and will be using it around the perimeter of most tees and greens. This machine helps to reduce the ingression of roots into the playing surfaces that cause so much disruption to the levels and the evaporation of moisture during the summer months.
Of course, we will continue to have 50% of the team on leaf clearance every day and if we are fortunate to get some decent winds to help with us moving the leaves this would also be a help.
Fingers crossed for some nice winter weather and conditions.
Enjoy your golf.
Ross and all the greens team.
PRO’S TIP OF THE MONTH
John Scheu Head PGA Pro
This month I have a cold-weather golf guide with some great tips to improve your golf this winter!
If you love golf, nothing will stop you from playing, not even snow, or freezing temperatures. But playing golf in the winter brings unique challenges. To make the most of winter golf, it’s essential to dress appropriately, adapt your game to the conditions, and be prepared for how the course changes based on the weather. In this guide, I’ll share some of the more nuanced challenges of winter golf and how you can overcome them to enjoy the sport year-round.
Playing golf in the winter can be extremely enjoyable but comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some factors to consider as we head from autumn into winter.
Cold Temperatures - Winter golf often means playing in cold, sometimes near-freezing temperatures. This can be uncomfortable and may require wearing multiple layers of clothing to stay warm.
Wearing Multiple Layers - Speaking of wearing multiple layers, doing so can restrict your movement and make it more challenging to swing the club comfortably. You’ll need to make sure to layer in compact, athletic clothing to mitigate this.
Reduced Flexibility - Cold weather can decrease your flexibility, making it harder to swing the golf club effectively. It can also affect your grip and overall control of the club, leading to more hooks and slices than you’re used to.
Hand Discomfort - The cold weather can lead to numbness in your hands and reduced sensitivity in your fingers, which can make it harder to grip
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and control the club. Even the impact of the ball against the clubface can send a painful jarring sensation through your hands and arms.
Frozen Ground - The ground can freeze, leading to harder fairways and greens. This can result in less ball spin and control, as well as increased bounce, which ultimately impacts your shot accuracy.
Reduced Ball Flight - Cold air is denser than warm air, which can reduce the distance your golf ball travels. You might need to adjust your club selection to compensate for this.
Shortened Daylight Hours - Winter days are shorter, which means there’s less daylight to play golf. Shorter days limit the time available for a round and can potentially lead to hurried play.
Wind and Unpredictable Weather - Winter weather can be more unpredictable, with sudden rain or snow showers and gusty winds. These conditions can make the game more challenging and require quick adjustments to your play.
Maintenance of Golf Equipment - Winter golf can be tough on your golf clubs and other equipment. Cold, wet conditions can lead to rust, and you may need to take extra care to maintain your gear.
Just because golf is a little more challenging in the winter doesn’t mean you have to lay down your clubs for the season. Here are some tips that’ll help you play better Winter golf and stay warm out on the course.
Layer-Up - Dress in layers to stay warm. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer on snowy or rainy days. I also advise wearing a beanie or golf hat for additional insulation.
Modify Your Grip - Cold weather can make grips hard and less tacky, which can impact your swing. Consider using golf gloves or even thermal mittens between shots to keep your hands warm.
Ball Selection - Cold air can make golf balls less responsive. Choose a softer lower compression ball, as these tend to perform better in colder temperatures by providing better spin and more control when hit.
Modify Your Club Selection - Don’t be afraid to club up in the winter. Since golf balls are less responsive in the cold, you should also modify your club selection to get the most out of your shots. Choose a club that has more loft or a longer distance potential than you might typically use for a particular shot to account for the colder temperatures.
Warm Up & Stay Flexible - No matter your level of fitness, cold weather can make your muscles tighten up and cause stiffness in your joints. Make sure to spend some extra time warming up before your round to maintain flexibility and prevent injury and discomfort. Do some arm circles and lunges to keep your joints loose and warm in between holes as well.
Be Mindful of the Course - Be aware that the ground may be frozen, affecting the way the ball reacts upon landing. Shots may not “bite” as they would on softer ground. Greens might be slower, and fairways may not provide as much roll. Adjust your game accordingly.
Stay Hydrated - Even though it’s cold, you can still get dehydrated from playing golf in the winter. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and consider bringing a warm beverage in a thermos to keep you extra toasty while you wait for your buddies to finish the hole.
Keep an Eye on the Time - Days are shorter in the winter, so plan your tee time accordingly. Starting earlier in the day can help ensure you finish your round before it gets too dark to play.
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Play Fewer Holes - If you can’t make it in the morning and are worried about it getting too dark, or if you get too cold playing a full round, it’s still worth playing the front ten holes or if quiet ask to play the back eight. It should also be a little less cold in the afternoons too.
Play Ready Golf - Ready golf encourages players to take their shots when they’re ready, rather than strictly adhering to the traditional order of play based on who is farthest from the hole. Ready golf helps you maintain a good pace of play and keep things moving efficiently, which is handy for especially cold winter days.
Play Winter Golf Rules - “Preferred lies” or “winter rules” during the colder months allow you to lift, clean, and place your ball when on the fairways to improve course conditions.
Carry Don’t Pull - It might sound crazy, but carrying your clubs instead of pulling a golf trolley will keep you warmer as it requires more effort and keeps your blood pumping and your muscles loose, so you stay warm and flexible, which will help you to play better in the long run.
Watch Your Step - Be mindful of icy or slippery patches. Wear shoes with good traction and take your time when walking to avoid slipping.
Use High Visibility Golf Balls - It might be challenging to find your ball if there’s a dusting of frost or snow on the ground. Consider using coloured or reflective golf balls that are easier to spot against the white backdrop.
Use Forgiving Golf Clubs - The cold, dense air impacts ball flight and stiffens your joints and muscles, so use clubs that help you play better! Forgiving golf clubs can lessen the effects of bad weather with their larger sweet spots, helping the ball to fly farther and straighter than it would otherwise.
Don’t let a little cold air stop you from playing your favourite sport! These tips should help you play better winter golf and stay warm in the process. Whether you’ve been playing for years or seeking a way to stay fit in the off-season, don’t forget to have fun and embrace the unique experience of Winter golf.
Golf Shop!
We now have all our winter and wet weather gear in the shop. From winter golf gloves to woolly hats, make sure you are ready for the colder weather!
Winter Wheels
It’s that time of year again when we ask you to only use trolleys with winter wheels fitted or even better, carry your clubs. winter wheels have less surface area, and so do less damage to the golf course, especially in frosty conditions and when the ground is frozen. We typically enforce this rule from 1st November, however, with the mild dry spell of weather, we have pushed this back to Monday 11th November. We do have lots of hire trolleys available with Winter wheels if you don’t have them, we also sell conversion kits in the shop.
Leaves
At Abbey Hill, we are proud to have a lot of varieties of trees around the course. These do however mean a prolonged period of leaf drop and an ongoing headache for the greenkeepers in blowing them off the playing surfaces and collecting them. We do our best but, on some days, especially when it’s windy you may lose your ball under leaves.
When playing non-competition golf please use the local rule that if you and your playing partners cannot find a ball after three minutes of looking and are sure the ball is in an area but hidden under leaves then take a free drop to keep your game moving.
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Adam is our Staff Member of the Quarter!
Congratulations to Adam from our Food and Beverage Team on being awarded staff member of the quarter for the third quarter of the year. Ever reliable and very hard working, you will find Adam in the Coffee Bar serving you with a smile.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Our driving range heaters, fitted in every other bay are now switched on so you cannot use the excuse “it’s too cold!” not to practise hitting balls and working on your game. We have also adjusted the timer on our practice putting green floodlights, so they come on before it gets dark.
Members’ Reciprocal Golf!
Don’t forget a fantastic benefit of membership at Abbey Hill is 1 free round per month at one of the other nine BGL Golf sites around England. The options are:
Aldwickbury Park – Harpenden
Burhill – Surrey
Birchwood Park – Kent
Hoebridge – Woking, Surrey
Redbourn – Redbourn
Ramsdale – Nottingham/Derby
The Shropshire – Telford
Thornbury - Bristol
Wycombe Heights – High Wycombe
You can book your round a maximum of seven days in advance by speaking to the team in our sales office by calling them on 01908 562566 (option 4) You can also take non-member guests at members’ guest rates!
Wycombe Heights Golf Centre, link to the website here: https://wycombeheightsgc.co.uk/ is a good option and only around an hour from Milton Keynes.
You can enjoy their first-class facilities, including a scenic 18-hole Main Course with spectacular views over the countryside, a lovely 18-hole par three course, ideal for golfers who want to practise their short and mid-range game, plus a 26-bay Driving Range complete with the latest TrackMan technology!
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Members Breakfast!
Our amazing value members’ breakfast deal is back throughout November and December. Simply ask for a members’ breakfast at the Coffee Bar counter and show your members’ card.
Wreath Making!
Our fantastic florist company, Heaven Scent led by Alex, is putting on wreath-making courses again this festive season. These have been really popular, so don’t delay, book today by calling the sales team on 01908 562566.
