“We have been known to row a boat across six fairways without touching dry land”
Making
Mother Nature throws all kinds of problems at Martyn Savident, Course Manager at La Grande Mare Golf Club, in Guernsey.
Undaunted by big waves, the constant threat of extensive flooding at high tide and more water pumps than the City of Manchester Fire Brigade, he and his team still manage to produce a playing surface worthy of a Hawtree design.
Laurence Gale MSc met up with him on his recent visit to the island
70 M
artyn Savident is Course Manager at La Grande Mare Hotel Golf and Country Club
in Vazon Bay, Guernsey. He began his greenkeeping career in 1980 at the St Pierre Park Hotel, a 9 hole, par 3 course designed by Tony Jacklin. By 1987 he had become head greenkeeper. Three years later Martyn was offered the position of head greenkeeper at the yet to be constructed course at Vazon Bay. Designed by Hawtree Golf, originally as a 9-hole, the plan soon changed to become a full 18 holes. Martyn was able to oversee the construction of all the push up greens, four of which are double greens (18 holes on 14 greens), excavations of the lake and tee constructions. The course was officially opened in March 1994. The course is situated on the west coast of Guernsey and actually sits below the high water mark by about 15 feet. The name, translated from French, means The Great Marsh or The Big Water, depending on dialect. Understandably, drainage is never far from their minds!
The complex is the largest privately owned piece of land on the island and now covers 120 acres.
Even with nearly thirty years of
experience Martyn says he is still learning. “There is always something new to get my head round - chemicals, soil amendments, machinery improvements or new thoughts on turf management techniques. Networking has always been an important part of the job. But, living on an island with only a few other lads to call on, it’s not easy. So, I have found the message boards and forums on the Pitchcare and BIGGA websites very useful.” Martyn always works to a plan, whether it is trying to increase the finer grasses - bents and fescues - or improving the presentation of the course. “All plans must end up at the same point,” he says, “Improving the experience of the golfing customer. That is what I see as our main purpose in the job.” “Alan Fox is my assistant, he has been with me for seven years. I’ve got two other full time greenkeepers, Justin Dowington and Paul McGahy,
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