CLUB NEWS

Customer Feedback & January Winner

Thank you to all those who have given us feedback in January. There is always work to be done, but I am happy that for the most part that everyone recognises that we are trying to improve club standards. As I am writing this, we haven’t yet completed the month but please see the below summary:

Positive Feedback

• The Friars section

• Very friendly and helpful staff

• Overall standards of the club

• Course conditions

• Good value

• Course and club improvements

Constructive Feedback

• Toilets & changing rooms need an upgrade

• Tee time availability & booking system reform

• Use of mats to protect the tee boxes

• Prices of non-alcoholic drinks

To address what we are doing with some of the issues raised:

The toilets and changing room refurbishments have been signed off - I will keep you all updated on progress.

Recently I sent out a members communication stating I had opened up some more morning tee times at weekends, as well as limiting guest bookings online between November and February, to reduce the pressure on members times.

We have rested some main tee boxes and are using other mown areas, however this year we don’t have the facilities to use mats properly as they need to be set on a stable base, rather than just placed on the ground. They are also more susceptible to frosts in the colder months and therefore risks increase.

We will now be offering a free tea or filter coffee with all breakfasts ordered at the club. This is a members only offer and is valid seven days a week before 12pm.

I will contact the winner of January’s three free guest passes shortly

Course Maintenance

It’s been a good start to 2023 with regards to the golf course maintenance at Redbourn golf club. So far, we have been regularly hand cutting the greens at the height of 5mm to help keep them smooth, but also keep them healthy.

We have spiked the greens at a depth of 4 inches which helps aeration and drainage, especially with all the wet weather we have had. We will also be aerating the tees and approaches.

In recent weeks we have top dressed the wet areas out on the main and short courses.

In February, our plan is to carry on pruning the trees throughout the main course. We have started from the 6th hole and got round to the 9th, and the aim is to finish all 18 holes before the spring.

This will help keep the trees healthy and maintained, but also help speed up the pace of play.

Bunkers

Plans are in place to start bunker renovations soon, once we have nailed down some suitable dates with contractors.

We will be using a concrete capillary drainage system, which has gone into many top end clubs around the world.

The new drainage and lining will allow for improved drainage and the prevention of surface stones in the bunkers.

If anyone is interested in reading more, please click here: Golf course water and moisture control • Capillary Bunkers

River Ver - Paul Geary

Dear golfers,

I’m pleased to report that the Ver is now flowing freely with strong current along the entire stretch of the course, except for its highest point at the rear of the 9th green.

This is a result of the heavy rain over the last couple of months and a resulting rise, for the 2nd consecutive month, in the water table - which now hovers just below 128 meters above sea level.

All channel deepening and silt removal has now been completed, and you can now enjoy crystal clear waters and gravel bottoms to enhance your golfing experience!

The next stage will now be routine maintenance of the river itself, removing debris and managing fool’s watercress. This plant will be vital in providing cover for fish and invertebrates of all kinds, including the mighty sticklebacks and minnows who will entice kingfishers back to the river.

Please continue to avoid attempting to cross the river and use the bridges. Banks are easily destroyed by footfall and will eventually cause the river to widen onto our grassy areas.

Many thanks, Paul

2023 Club Launches