COURSE UPDATE

Dear Redbourn Member,

Paul Geary River Ver

Hi folks, the next two months we will be relatively quiet on the river front.

Routine removal of windblown debris will be the order of the day and the occasional rake of the main channel to remove any hotspots of fool’s watercress and algae.

I will be looking at placing some fallen logs across the footbridge at the 13th hole in the near future to restrict the width and further increase flow.

The river is running at its highest level as I write this and the bankside vegetation in all its green glory is now beginning to add colour and shape to the riverside.

The ponds are full and looking superb, bull rushes are sprouting so you will see more vegetation in the ponds which will channel the water.

Two perches for Kingfishers have been placed at the 8th tee bridge and the confluence of the two streams by the 16th.

I am currently mulling over how we can restock the river with small fish and I want to thank The Friars Veterans and in particular Les Hull for kindly setting aside £150 of Friars funds to help purchase fish if necessary.

On a slightly negative note, I’m seeing damage to the bankside grass where the soil is saturated and soft by golfers’ shoes. I would ask that you refrain from navigating such areas to cross or retrieve balls as we could easily see a return to mud and weed if this gets out of hand.

Some quite severe damage has been done on the 7th where buggies or other wheeled vehicles have run along the riverside. Please show restraint in these areas as preventing damage means shorter recovery time.

All the best for some good golfing in superb surroundings.

Paul