Lytag rated at 60,000 - almost six times faster. On site cost differences, often in the order of £10-15 per tonne, highlight the advantages of using the manufactured product.” George planned the work meticulously. Every day he had an early morning meeting with the on- site contracting manager to review the previous day’s work and to schedule the new work. The aim was to drain two greens per day which included rolling the finished greens with the roller on the Vertidrain. In another context he has job satisfaction with the finished work; “It is unbelievable that we can get a green back into play immediately it is finished. We have only closed one fairway at any one time, so disruption has been minimal” said George. Over 90% of golf clubs in England have no waiting list, and many have abolished joining fees, so George knows he must keep his golf complex in tip top order if it is to remain viable. To this end he is spending his money on the course in a cost- effective manner, before turning his attention to the refurbishment of the club house later in the year. Three quarters of his players are in the pay and play category. Their numbers are likely to grow now that they can look forward to even better facilities from this substantial investment.


Shelton Sportsturf Drainage Solutions may be contacted on 01507 578288 or see their website: www.sheltonsdrainage.com


The 100th Anniversary of Old Tom’s death ...


MAY 24th marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Old Tom Morris. Morris is still esteemed so highly that the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America names its highest award after him. Morris excelled as a club-maker,


greenkeeper, golf course architect and player. He built up a successful club-making business, revolutionised the conditioning of the links at St. Andrews, designed several courses, including Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch, and won the British Open four times in 1861, 1862, 1864 and 1867. He was responsible for tending the Old Course, holding the post of “Keeper of the Green” from 1864 until his retirement in 1903, although he continued as consulting greenkeeper until his death by an accidental fall in 1908.


Thomas Mitchell Morris was born in St.


Andrews in 1821. After leaving school at 16, he worked making “featheries” until 1851 for Allan Robertson, a St. Andrews club-maker and one of the greatest golfers of the 19th Century. Morris then left to become the greenkeeper at Prestwick, a role he held until returning to St. Andrews in 1864, at which time the R&A gave him “entire charge of the golf course” with a salary of £50 per year. Morris was responsible for maintaining the course under the direction of the green committee, and set new standards in the quality and condition of the links - an improvement due, in part, to being a


headstrong and


determined character. He certainly was a man who took matters into his own hands. He once closed the course without


permission because he considered it in need of a rest, an action that earned him a public reprimand. Nonetheless, he won that battle and the course was kept out of play for a fortnight. Tom Morris’s death in 1908 marked the end of an era. The sport of golf had lost its enduring icon and, in fitting tribute, no golf was played in the town on the day of his funeral. The R&A’s Green Committee recorded the esteem in which he was held: “The committee gladly and gratefully recognises that his single love for the Links he cared for so faithfully, his courteous and cheerful manner towards all members of the golfing community and, above all, the example of his well-lived life and noble character have been forces which have influenced most powerfully the well being of the Royal and Ancient game.”


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