(Pictured above is the 16th of the Old Course and the 18th of the Coronation Course in summer 2025 compared to summer 2026.)
After five summer heatwaves and one of the lowest levels of locally recorded rainfall, we eventually received some much needed rainfall on the courses last week. We have been waiting for these conditions to begin our fairway overseeding programme.
Rainfall was essential before we could start this process. Prior to the rain, the ground was simply too hard for the seeder to penetrate effectively. We also needed the conditions to change because, for the new seed to germinate, there needs to be sufficient moisture present in the soil.
We have ordered five and a half tonnes of grass seed, which we intend to drill into the fairways across both courses. The seed will be drilled in two directions, helping to fill in thin areas that have particularly struggled this year as a result of the extreme weather conditions.
Over the coming weeks, as the seed begins to germinate, we will be applying fertiliser to encourage the growth of the new grass seedlings. This will help them establish before we move into the cooler months.
Last year, the Club invested in and began using Clere Golf, a management and data-recording tool designed specifically for golf courses. As part of our subscription, we fly the entire course hole by hole, allowing us to monitor and record changes over time.
The comparison between the images taken last year and those taken this year clearly demonstrates the level of stress the courses have been under. The extreme conditions we have experienced are not unique to our courses and have been replicated at golf clubs across the country, especially in the South East.
Our focus now is on giving the fairways the best possible opportunity to recover, strengthen and establish new growth as we head into autumn and winter.
Iain Dye
Golf Course Manager