We look like ending March with a total rainfall for the month of just 15 mm - a very dry month, barely 25% of what we might expect. Nevertheless, despite a lot of pleasant weather, the ground remains quite cold (there is still the occasional overnight frost) so growth is picking up slowly. The greens have been cut 3 times this week, taking a reasonable amount off each time. The course is gradually being brought up to summer conditions - fairways are now being cut at 14 mm, greens are still at 4.5 mm but that will go to 4 mm this week, and we will soon get the roller on the greens.

All the winter projects - the relaid tees plus the enlarged chipping green and new practice bunker - will be brought into play from Monday March 31, and the summer course furniture (black, white tees etc.) will go out. The litter bins on the ball washers have had to be taken down to comply with new regulations for disposing of rubbish. We hope to source a few suitable course bins (they cost over £1000!) with separate compartments which will be put out in limited locations around the course.

The current ‘winter rules’ playing relief will end as from Monday 31 March, but we will retain the Preferred Lies status on ‘grass cut to fairway length or less’, viz. ‘Lift clean and place within 6 inches, not nearer the hole’. Competitions will then become Qualifiers. Note that individual mats cannot be used in qualifying competitions.

Posts for the protective netting screening the extended chipping green have been installed - see photo. The net has to be hauled up into position. It’s heavy and seems to catch the wind, so it may have to be lowered if strong winds are threatening.

It looks as though the Canada goose is staking out the 5th pond/island for his family. The Environmental group are supportive; apparently there is not space for more than one family around the pond so we are not going to be over-run. Once nesting has begun it is illegal to disturb them.

Course committee