All redesign work was carried out over a three year period in house by the greenstaff. This included the re- modelling of two greens, six new tees, 76 new bunkers, the filling in of 23 bunkers and the re-alignment of three holes


six species of birds and a variety of mammals, it certainly keeps him busy. Out on the course there are outcrops of sandstone that provide a home to a breeding colony of sand martins, the smallest of the European hirundines which includes house martins and swallows. The greenkeeping staff have to ensure the face of the outcrops remains free of vegetation so, a couple of times a year, they strim around them. Hopwood also hosts the largest breeding colony of swallows in the north west Mark also provides a feeding platform for buzzards, with the local gamekeeper supplying a ready supply of rabbits, the staple diet of these splendid birds. Although the course does have an automated watering system, it is mains water supplied. So, to reduce costs, Mark is currently undertaking a project to set up a grey water cleaning system that is designed to filter and clean water for use on the course. Water will be pumped up from the stream and stored in tanks and cleaned ready for use. The project is expected to go live this year, once they have installed the transfer pipework and


pumping system.


During the winter months, the greens staff carry out refurbishment work. This has seen the club make considerable cost savings in recent years. For example, a recent drainage and bunker rebuilding - eighty in total - has saved the club over £150,000 in labour costs alone. The course redesign was planned by Hawtrees’, the acknowledged experts in Colt courses. They provided the plans and all work was carried out over a three year period in house by the greenstaff. This included the re-modelling of two greens, six new tees, 76 new bunkers, the filling in of 23 bunkers and the re- alignment of three holes The management has, in return,


provided the greenkeeping staff with a new workshop and mess facility, along with supporting Mark’s requests for equipment and materials.


Given that the course is located in the M62 corridor, membership remains buoyant and offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the nearby conurbations. The quality of the course is a credit to Mark and his team.


Seventy-s six new bunkers were built


... with oustanding results


The new workshop facility


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