Holes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 16.

20th October 2025 – 30th November 2025 (6 weeks)

Architect’s Vision:

Plan- Hole 10, Plan- Hole 11, Plan- Hole 12, Plan- Hole 13, Plan- Hole 14, Plan- Hole 16

How has the overall project progressed?

The project began exceptionally well on Monday 20th October. We owe a great deal of thanks to Chris Poulton, whose extensive preparation work enabled the team to start shaping bunkers immediately on Day 1. His efforts made it possible to complete the 16th Hole within this phase, without his commitment, the volume of work achieved simply would not have been possible.

Across the first three weeks of November, Patrick Quinn (Shaper) completed 15 new and improved bunkers, along with several areas of mounding. He also filled in and remodelled sections of existing bunkers on holes 11, 12, 13, and 14. During his final week, Patrick focused on the 16th Hole, transforming the area with remarkable results: the former “pit” has now been filled, and four new bunkers have been shaped.

Each of the 19 bunkers requires drainage installation, liner placement, and turf blocking. Patrick’s team successfully completed these steps on 16 bunkers within the initial four-week schedule. The remaining three bunkers on the 16th were completed in week five, with the assistance of an additional labourer.

Throughout the project, our greenkeeping team has been essential. Their dedication has been key to delivering such an extensive programme within the timeframe.

What challenges have you faced?

Since mid-November, persistent wet weather has significantly slowed progress. Transporting materials around the course became increasingly difficult, and on some days work was greatly restricted.

We had an unfortunate incident on the 21st November with over 40 Cows from the neighbouring farm accessing the course, this caused wide spread damage to several greens and areas of the newly shaped 11th Hole, delaying our green staff from supporting the project work in the timeframe we would have liked. Two machinery breakdowns to both the tractor and digger caused some further delays and ultimately resulted in turf and topsoil deadlines being missed.

With these set backs, we entered December with the topsoil work on holes 13 and 16 still outstanding. With limited time remaining of Andy (P. Quinn Construction) on-site, we made the decision to hire a dumper with tyres not typically used on a golf course. Though not ideal, this was absolutely necessary: it allowed us to safely transport three times the volume of material per run vs. the tractor trailer, which had also tipped over several times due to the ground conditions.

This has enabled us to complete the topsoil work on both holes over the past week. However, the machinery has created some damage along the access route along holes 1, 13, 17, and 18. Andy repaired, flattened and reshaped the reachable damaged areas before leaving on Saturday 13th December. Our team will then top-dress and seed these areas in the spring, ready for the golf season – we will also ensure safe walking routes are in place and GUR notices are displayed as required.