Green Committee Update
December 2022
Members will be aware of the damage caused to the 5th Green recently by vandals. Thanks to the recent change in policy to increase the size of certain greens by mowing the grass at the fringes, the green staff have been able to replace the damaged turf by that from the edges of the green, and buying in more turf to replace that used. It will take several months for the green to recover and members are requested to observe the signage by the green and not venture onto the turf to inspect the damaged area.
The recent severe cold spell and bright days has highlighted the shade from trees and dunes that cover the greens causing thawing to be delayed. This is an aspect that the Green Committee and the Links Manager are concerned about. We will be considering what, if anything can be done to reduce the impact shading has on grass growth/recovery during the coming months.
The damage to the 5th green has meant that certain course work planned during the winter months has had to be delayed to enable green staff to concentrate on recovery and other vital works. The planned ‘rolling dune’ and new winter tee on the 8th has now been put back to next winter, due to the contractor being delayed on other works.
Members will have seen the recent work done to extend the irrigation system to include the new grass paths on the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 16th and 17th holes.
Additional work not previously scheduled in the winter programme includes;-
• Straighten 3rd path
• Remove rank grass and brambles from the edges of the 12th pond
• Remove Japanese Rose by the forward 13th tee
• Thin out the reeds between 11 and 17
Hillside GC is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) , which is a formal conservation designation applied to an area recognised for its valuable habitats and species - namely dune grassland and the sand lizard. We are working closely with Natural England to improve the habitat for this endangered species by removing the scrub and weed by the practice facility to allow sand scrapes to be created for the lizards. Additionally we will work on creating a ‘lizard pathway’ between 17th and Royal Birkdale GC, which is a prime area for lizard activity.
Plans are being made to hold a members meeting with Chris Ball our Links Manager. This will enable members to gain an understanding of the work he and his staff do and the challenges faced. It will be a good opportunity for a Q&A with Chris hopefully this will be held in the new year.
Garry Williams
Green Committee Chairman
The recent severe cold spell and bright days has highlighted the shade from trees and dunes that cover the greens causing thawing to be delayed. This is an aspect that the Green Committee and the Links Manager are concerned about. We will be considering what, if anything can be done to reduce the impact shading has on grass growth/recovery during the coming months.
The damage to the 5th green has meant that certain course work planned during the winter months has had to be delayed to enable green staff to concentrate on recovery and other vital works. The planned ‘rolling dune’ and new winter tee on the 8th has now been put back to next winter, due to the contractor being delayed on other works.
Members will have seen the recent work done to extend the irrigation system to include the new grass paths on the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 16th and 17th holes.
Additional work not previously scheduled in the winter programme includes;-
• Straighten 3rd path
• Remove rank grass and brambles from the edges of the 12th pond
• Remove Japanese Rose by the forward 13th tee
• Thin out the reeds between 11 and 17
Hillside GC is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) , which is a formal conservation designation applied to an area recognised for its valuable habitats and species - namely dune grassland and the sand lizard. We are working closely with Natural England to improve the habitat for this endangered species by removing the scrub and weed by the practice facility to allow sand scrapes to be created for the lizards. Additionally we will work on creating a ‘lizard pathway’ between 17th and Royal Birkdale GC, which is a prime area for lizard activity.
Plans are being made to hold a members meeting with Chris Ball our Links Manager. This will enable members to gain an understanding of the work he and his staff do and the challenges faced. It will be a good opportunity for a Q&A with Chris hopefully this will be held in the new year.
Garry Williams
Green Committee Chairman