THE WEST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB

PING DEMO DAY
Thursday 4th April 2013

1.00pm - 5.00pm

WINTER NOTICE

As from Monday 3rd December 2012 the Ardneil Course will be used and all players must
lift their balls from the fairway and place in the nearest semi-rough not nearer the hole.

Ladies will continue to play off the Red LGU Tees.

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

Yellow Tees and Ardneil Course

The Committee have decided to remove the Yellow tees used for general play leaving the Blue medal tees, the Red Ladies tees and the White Ardneil Course tees in use. Gentlemen members should now use the White tees for general play. Some modifications will be made to the Ardneil Course eg using the former medal tee at the 3rd and the tee near the shelter at the 7th which will extend the length of the Course. We have requested that the Ayrshire Golf Association Course Rating Personnel visit us to re-rate the Ardneil Course from the new tees.

The West Kilbride Links Winter Stableford Competition

The Ardneil Course (White tees) must be used by Gentlemen members and the Red tees by Ladies for this competition.

Practice Ground

The nets at the practice ground have been removed for the Winter. Members are now required to use the mats to allow the practice tee areas to recover over the Winter. The mats are positioned closer to the wall which will allow players to practice with longer clubs than in Summer.

Coastal Erosion and Course Activities

The following work will take place during the next few months:

1) Coastal Erosion

It has become apparent that much of the original rock armouring put in place some 20 years ago at the 16th and part of the 15th holes has either been eroded away or has sunk into the sand leaving this area of the Course exposed to higher waves and tides caused by Winter storms coming in from a southerly direction.

Work on this will commence on Monday 24 October 2011 and will last for 2 weeks. A generous quotation has been received from Hillhouse Quarry for the rock and George Leslie Ltd has provided the lowest quote of 3 requested from contractors for its placement. Our neighbours have been advised of the expected movement of lorries and it is not anticipated that this will affect play in any way.

2) Electricity Connector Station and under-land sea cable

Members may be aware that there is currently a proposal to site an Electricity Connector Station above the Hunterston ‘A’ Power Station to receive excess wind generated electricity in Scotland for export to North Wales by underground and sub-sea cables that may cross the Course at Holland House. Test borings are about to be carried out at Holland House. This long-term project is still at its development stage however should this go ahead, the Course will not be affected in any way.

3) Winter Programme

The Winter Programme for the Course has now been agreed. The major work to be carried out will be on a minimum of 13 bunkers to make them more playable. The specific requirements of each bunker will be documented for a 3-year plan of improvements. Different types of sand will be tested to avoid “clogging” in wet conditions and sand blowing away in stormy conditions. Drainage improvements will take place at the 8th to remove the wet conditions where the rush material is rampant. A long-term plan for the Course is being drawn up.

Rubber matting has also been purchased for paths on the Course and work on the 2nd has started. This will prevent gravel being taken onto tees on the soles of golf shoes that not only marks modern titanium headed drivers but also dulls the blades of our tee cutting Toro. The banks of the burn at the 16th will be renewed.

Aeration of the greens will start on Monday 24 October 2011.
 
The Committee have decided that with the improved condition of the fairways, they will continue to be in use until 1 December 2011 and then be rested until the end of February 2012. Therefore, in these 3 months only, balls will be lifted off the fairway and placed in the nearest semi-rough not nearer the hole. Medals will continue to be Qualifying Competitions in November 2011 and March 2012 for CONGU handicap purposes.