As we enter the winter months, I wanted to provide you with an update regarding the essential drainage improvement works taking place at Rhuddlan Golf Club. These improvements, particularly on holes 7, 13, 14, 16 and 17 are designed to enhance the playability of our course during wet periods.

Our drainage strategy includes the installation of open ditches, drainage lines, and the expansion of water holding areas / ponds. Given the challenging weather conditions we’ve experienced since July 2023, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to make significant progress in these areas to reduce the chances of course closure in the future.

This winter, we have already seen elevated rainfall and a less-than-ideal summer, but thanks to our proactive efforts, we find ourselves in a much better position than at this time last year. Recently, our greenkeeping team has been utilizing a specialized machine known as "the earthquake" or ‘‘shockwave’’ which inserts long blades into the ground. This innovative approach helps to break up compacted subsoil, enhancing drainage throughout the entire course, including tees and greens. The use of this machine has caused minimal disruption to playing surfaces, and we are beginning to see benefits in previously problematic areas. We will continue to utilize this equipment whenever available during the winter months.

Our dedicated volunteer team has also been instrumental in our efforts, tackling some challenging tasks over the past few weeks. They have donned waders to dredge through ponds and ditches, effectively removing reed and floating weeds while tidying Many Thanks

Bryan Joelson-Mulhall
Director of Golf