To all members,

Off the back of last week’s email and a lengthy discussion with the board on Monday we are all on the same page that improvements are needed for Redwood Park. It is clear for all to see out there that moving surface water and drainage would be our focus for the course. This includes our 7 soil greens which we have (1,2,3,6,7,16 &18), these being 30-40 years old. Obviously to have our course open and playable as well as workable for my team is everyone’s desire, and I will be working as hard as I can to achieve that for all. The first steps towards all this are some serious planning (strategic course plan), forming a course committee and most importantly some ongoing transparency, communication, and involvement to you members.

We are all aware that this is not an overnight fix and work like what we are planning comes at a cost financially; so there was a lot of conversation around what we are to do in the immediate future with closures, delays, and redirection of play. Firstly, dealing with what we have and to set some permanent but clear protocols around these issues that all the members would be aware of.

• Firstly, the understanding from members that course closures are due to several factors and health and safety to our members and staff at Redwood Park is paramount and is our responsibility. Which ever golf course it maybe, the call is always done the day of and once we as greenkeepers have assessed the course conditions and the amount of rainfall had. Being aware that we have a very short window to make that call particular during the weekends. From starting work (in the dark) to the first tee off we have an hour to make a call on being closed, carts, frost or even the cancelations/delays of competition, but then to get ahead of the field to get our work done can be hard. This may affect the golfers with the earlier tee times.
• Introducing carry bags only. Be aware this could affect most of the members but still having the course open for the ones that can.
• Starting from the 9^th tee; something that would be easier for my staff and I. The start of our course is where most of our soil greens are, these greens are renowned for holding surface water and are needing to be assessed visually and we aren’t mowing swelled and wet turf and that they are playable. Seeing and inspecting these later in the morning and in day light helps with that.
• Delayed starts; normally due to frost and it may be introduced with the rain as well to help with the above. The severity of frosts can only be determined when the sun is up and the course is completely checked. We are all aware that this can take hours to lift and that earlier tee times are affected.
• Working closely with John Harrison around the use of carts; planning a meeting with cart users if interested, is an option, a conversation about a clear understanding on a direction needed to get around the course safely with minimal damage. The understanding on how, why, and when the GPS is used for our fleet of carts and minimal affect on the ones that need it the play the game we love.

There is a lot more to come with all the above, working closely with the club and mainly around the communication to you all is our first focus. Top-dog starts this weekend, and our weather forecast is not looking good and some of the key points may come into effect for this weekend’s play. Thank you for all the positive feed back regarding last week’s email. If there are any questions or concerns about the above, feel free to get in contact.

Regards        

Daniel Godek

Course Superintendent