“This short grass policy across the
course is set up for the members - my ethos is to produce the course the members want”
out, they pay his wages. Winter work is centred on the usual tee and bunker improvements, tree work, path refurbishments and any other projects to improve the condition of the course. Last year, a number of tees were rebuilt along with a new path feature to the first tee, and a practice putting green.
As for wildlife, there is plenty about, including Muntjac deer, foxes, badgers, rabbits and moles, as for birds too many to mention, a pair of buzzards are nesting on the course. All twenty-five tit boxes have been full this year, with most producing broods of eight or more. The course has a wide range of trees.
Like most parkland courses they tend to follow trends over the years and become arboretums for ornamental specimens. There is a fine Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree) maturing nicely out on the course, along with many cherry trees that were planted in the 1970s. As for a wish list, Howard is content with the investment the club has made
over the years and very happy with the way things are going. However, he did say, if there was one thing he would like it would be an extra member of staff, which would help enormously. “People often take for granted the sheer amount of work that has to be done in any one week to keep the course operational and, more importantly, to perform to a standard that attracts and pleases players. It is a constant battle with only five staff,” he says “Also, with so many scheduled competitions, the time to carry out specific maintenance regimes is often compromised by the lack of resources. Having an extra pair of hands would make a huge difference.” With over 140 players taking part in their Seniors Open event, it seems that the club have it right on both fronts, a well run clubhouse and facilities and a head greenkeeper who is able to deliver members expectations, especially in a challenging economic climate. Howard has perfected a robust greens management programme that, some
would say, is not sustainable, but his greens have been consistent now for several years. Howard’s little and often approach when it comes to aeration, feeding and topdressing the greens seems to be working very well at Stratford upon Avon. The condition of the greens were exceptional, especially when you realise there is no drainage and that they are cut at 2.5mm!
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