This is an evolutionary plan of course improvements constructed by the Golf Committee, Course Manager and Woodcote Park Management. The purpose of the plan is to improve the golfing experience of the members while being sympathetic to the history and traditions of the golf course. The timeline for this plan is 5 years, but will be subject to change due to weather constraints. A yearly list of the chosen projects from the plan will be updated regularly to inform the membership of the upcoming activities. With the scale of the planned projects, the Greenkeeping team will try to minimise disruption, but some will be unavoidable.
1st Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS of the Fairway (TPO), allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and rough in this area will allow golfers that do hit into the area to locate their ball easier and faster, which will help with delays at the 1st Tee. Lift the tree canopy on the LHS of the Fairway all the way around to the back of the Green, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Bunker Work:
Move the Fairway Bunker complex 50 yards further from the Tee and 15 yards to the left. This change would aid our average member golfer and also put the bunker complex into a more strategic position for lower handicapper golfers. As this complex is an original Fowler complex, detailed measurements would be taken so that a replica of the complex could be created.
Re-instate the Bunker just off the RHS of the Fairway. This Bunker will add strategy for the 2nd shots of average handicappers and the Tee shot of lower handicappers.
Re-instate the Bunker in the Fairway just short of the Approach. This Bunker will add strategy for the 2nd shots of average handicappers and the Tee shot of lower handicappers.
Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. Again, no ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and behind the existing Green.
Other:
Reposition the White Tee 5 yards to the right of its current position. This will allow a better teeing position for the centre of the Fairway and will alleviate some of the issues with potential tee shots going into the car parking area.
2nd Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thinning the copse on the RHS of the Fairway, improving the aesthetics of the hole while show-casing the mature trees that are currently swamped with undergrowth.
Thinning of the copse behind the Green will improve the aesthetics of the hole while show-casing the mature trees that are currently swamped with undergrowth.
Planting on the LHS (behind the 3rd Tee complex) providing some separation and protection of the 3rd White Tee.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate the nest of 5 Bunkers on the LHS of the Fairway. These Bunkers remain, and very little work would be required to re-instate this historic feature.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have routine Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and behind the existing Green. The front of the original Green is further forward with a tier in it. The restoration of this Green would allow significantly more pinable positions as the current Green is limited at the front.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole. Where possible the Tee banks will be softened in an effort to remove any steps.
Create a separate White Tee and Yellow Tee and better integration of the Red Tee.
3rd Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thinning the copse on the RHS of the Carry, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Bunker Work:
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Continue with the re-instatement of the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the front of the existing Green. The re-instatement of this Green will allow significantly more pinable positions as the current Green is limited at the front.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
Relocate the Tee complex to remain consistent with measured length of the hole to the centre of the newly renovated Green shape.
4th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the LHS of the Fairway, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole and show-casing specific trees.
Bunker Work:
Re-construct the LHS Fairway Bunkers to be keeping with traditional Fowler Bunker complexes. The complex would remain in the same location, but as a nest of 4 smaller bunkers as originally designed.
Re-instate the 2nd Bunker just off the RH Green Side Bunker. This Bunker will add strategy for the 2nd and 3rd shots.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Works mentioned under long term plans.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
Clearing of the chalk wall on the RHS of the Green as this is very historic and should be a feature of the course.
5th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster. Lift the tree canopy on the LHS of the Fairway all the way around to the 6th Tee complex, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Replace the Ilex species with a more dominant tree that will in time make an impact on the shape of the hole (Pinus nigra)
Bunker Work:
Partially re-instate the 2 RHS Fairway Bunkers.
Remove the Back LH Green Side Bunker, creating a grassy hollow.
Relocate the Front LH Green Side Bunker.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
N/A as this Green has its original shape.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
6th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Planting of Pinus nigra along the LHS of the hole, replacing any undesirable species.
Bunker Work:
Reconstructing the LHS Fairway Bunkers to be in keeping with the traditional Fowler Bunker complexes. The complex would remain in the same location, but would become a nest of 3 smaller bunkers as originally designed.
Remove 2/3 of the Back RH Green Side Bunkers, restoring the original size and shape.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Continue with the Restoration of the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this restoration is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the front of the existing Green. The restoration of this Green would allow significantly more pinable positions as the current Green is limited at the front.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole. Where possible the Tee banks will be softened in an effort to remove any steps.
Removal of the redundant winter Tee.
Soften the ground contours between the 6th and 3rd Green complexes to aid in traffic flow to the 7th and 4th Tees.
7th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the LHS of the Fairway (TPO), allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster. Lift the tree canopy on the LHS of the Fairway all the way around to the Green, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Investigate options to improve the traffic flow from the 7th Green to the halfway hut to the 8th Tee.
Tree planting (Pinus nigra) between the Green Complex and the half-way hut, creating a backdrop for the Green and shade for the half-way hut.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate the 2 Bunker complex just off the LHS of the Fairway. These Bunkers will add strategy for the Tee shot of all level of golfers and improve the aesthetics of the hole.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and behind the existing Green.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole. Where possible the Tee banks will be softened in an effort to remove any steps.
Construct a ‘broken effect’ sleeper wall at the back of the existing Tee complex, allowing the aforementioned work.
8th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Planting of Pinus nigra along the LHS of the hole, replacing any undesirable species creating shape and separation from Captains Drive and the 11th Tee.
Lifting and thinning the tree canopy on the LHS of the Green, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole and show-casing specific trees.
Bunker Work:
Reconstruct the RHS Fairway Bunkers to be in keeping with the traditional Fowler Bunker complexes. The complex would remain in the same location, but the complex would become a nest of 6 smaller bunkers as originally designed.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Continue with the Restoration of the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the front of the existing Green. The restoration of this Green would allow significantly more pinable positions as the current Green is limited at the front.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
9th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS and LHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster, which will only help with delays. Thinning and replanting all the copses around the Green complex.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate the 2 Bunkers just off the LHS of the Fairway along with moving the Fairway shape to the left. This will add strategy for the tee shot.
Re-instate the Bunker in the Fairway just short of the slope down towards the Green. This will add strategy for the 2nd shots of average handicappers and the Tee shot of lower handicappers.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and the front of the existing Green. Re-instating this Green would allow significantly more pinable positions as the current Green is limited at the front.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
10th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster.
Intensive tree replacement program for the LHS of the Fairway as some of the current species are in poor health, replaced with Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani.
Bunker Work:
Create a Fowler styled nest of Bunkers for the LHS of the Fairway, set into the slope on the corner. This addition would add strategy for all levels of golfers especially the tee shot for lower handicap golfers.
Re-instate the Bunker just off the RHS of the Fairway. This Bunker will add strategy for the 2nd shots of average handicap and the tee shot of lower handicap golfers.
Re-instate the LH Green Side Bunker in the Fairway just short of the Approach. This Bunker will add strategy for the approach shot into the Green.
Remove the 1st LH Fairway Bunker.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and in front the existing Green, creating more pinable positions.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole. Where possible the Tee banks will be softened in an effort to remove any steps.
11th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS and LHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster.
Tree planting at the back of the Green complex towards the 12th Tee, planting with Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani.
Bunker Work:
Restore the original shape of the Bunkers on the RHS of the fairway.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and in front the existing Green, creating more pinable positions.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the remaining Tees to include levelling and widening where applicable. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline.
12th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS and LHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster.
Intensive tree replacement program for the RHS of the Fairway as some of the current species are in poor health and overplanted, planting with Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani.
Remove the Cupressocyparis leylandii hedges surrounding the 12th White Tee and replace with screen of Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani. The Cupressocyparis leylandii hedge that is currently there is causing shade, root invasion and soil erosion problems for the 12th Tee. In addition the maintenance of such a large hedge is becoming impractical.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate the Bunker on the RHS of the Approach. This Bunkers will add strategy for the approach shot to the Green.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Restore the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this restoration is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the front left of the existing Green.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole. Where possible the Tee banks will be softened in an effort to remove any steps.
Remove the Yellow Tee and lower the area to native ground level. Removal of this tee will create a better view and tee shot from the White Tee.
Extend the current Red Tee to the back allowing room for both the Red and Yellow Tee plates. This will give a better teeing angle for the Red and Yellow Tee players and will not change the measurements of the hole.
13th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thinning the copse on the RHS and LHS of the Carry, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster. Lift the tree canopy on the LHS of the Fairway all the way around to the back of the Green, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Tree planting in the RHS rough to create shape for the hole, planting with Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani, Quercus rober.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate all the original Green Side bunkers to the original shapes and sizes. Originally there were 5 smaller bunkers of varying shapes surrounding the Green. With this renovation, more lanes of access will be created minimising the narrow lanes of traffic and excessive wear.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and front the existing Green.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
Removal of the ‘Winter Green’ complex on the RHS of the hole.
14th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS and LHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate the 3 Bunker nest just off the RHS of the Fairway. These Bunkers will add strategy for the 2nd shots of average handicappers and the Tee shot of lower handicappers.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the sides and behind the existing Green.
Other:
Remove the Red/Yellow Tee and lower the area to native ground level. Removal of this tee will create a better view and tee shot from the White Tee.
Extend the LH Tee to the back allowing room for both the Red and Yellow Tee plates. This will give a better teeing angle for the Red and Yellow Tee players and will not change the measurements of the hole.
Lower the White/Tiger Tee allowing for Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
15th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the LHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Intensive tree planting program on the LHS of the Fairway with Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani, creating a corner on the LHS and bringing the newly re-instated Bunkers on the RHS into play.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate the 3 Bunkers off the RHS of the Fairway. These Bunkers will add strategy for 2nd and Tee shots.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Mentioned in long term goals
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the remaining Tees to include levelling and widening where applicable. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline.
16th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS of the Fairway, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and Rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Bunker Work:
Renovate the existing Fairway Cross Bunker to a nest of 3 Bunkers in Fowler styling.
Re-construct the 2 LHS Fairway bunkers to the right 10 yards in Fowler styling.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Mentioned in long term goals
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the Tee complex to include levelling and widening where space allows. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline, while not extending the measured length of the hole.
Narrow the White/Yellow Tee to the left.
Create a Tiger Tee to the right of the existing White/Yellow Tee.
17th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Thin the copse on the RHS of the Hole, allowing better/easier maintenance of the area and aid in finding wayward tee shots. Thinning of the trees and rough in the area will allow golfers that do hit into the area locate their ball easier and faster, improving the aesthetic appearance of the hole.
Bunker Work:
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
N/A as this is not an original green.
Other:
Renovation/Modernising of the remaining Tees to include levelling and widening where applicable. Extend the teeing area in both directions of the measurement plates to allow our +-10 yard guideline.
18th Hole Old Course
Tree Work:
Intensive tree replacement program for the RHS of the Fairway as some of the current species are in poor health, replaced with Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Cedrus libani, Quercus rober.
Bunker Work:
Re-instate Fairway Bunkers in keeping with original Fowler design, this will add strategy for 2nd shots.
*Renovate all existing bunkers.
Greens Work:
Re-instate the original Fowler Green shape. No ground work for this is needed as the original shape remains undisturbed and only needs to have normal Greens maintenance added to it. The original shape of the Green is larger to the left side existing Green.
Other:
Reconstruct the Tee complex into a 3 tier complex, 1 tier for the Tiger/White, 1 for the Yellow and 1 for the Red. Each Tee will be centred on the Measurement plates following our +-10 yard guidlines with the exception of the Tiger Tee which will be 15 yards further back.