Golf
“The monthly hole changing policy sees the staff cut four hole positions on each green and, over the course of the period, constantly change them to suit the weather and traffic”
offered for sale at auction in 1990 Mike was delighted to acquire approximately ninety acres of sweeping field and woodland. The land had potential for farming, sand extraction or a golf course. For eighteen months the land was farmed, mainly grazing Charolais cattle. During this period, the idea of a golf course began to germinate. In discussions with Paul Hinton, then golf professional at Bridgnorth Golf Club, they identified the need for a quality course open to all on a pay and play basis. The site at Chesterton seemed ideal; easily accessible, with a well drained sub-soil and well contoured within open Shropshire countryside. And, so it was, that plans for a 9-hole golf course were hatched. At this time, a property to the south of the holding was developed into a desirable country house and was sold to release funds to develop the site. Planning permission was granted in 1992 and a 9-hole layout was drawn up by Mike and Len Vanes. Work commenced, with Mike designing and building the green complexes; generous in size allowing for a number of pin positions, they remain a distinctive feature of the course. Much
L
ocal businessman Michael (Mike) Davis had, for many years, admired a beautiful piece of rolling farmland at Deep Dale, Chesterton. When the land was
of the work was undertaken by Mike, utilising his own machinery. The current 15th green was the first to be completed - additionally, hundreds of trees were planted, undergrowth cleared, existing trees pruned, greens and tees laid out and drainage and water features introduced.
In 1993, the 9-hole course was opened and, although young and immature, proved an instant success. It was clear to see the potential the site had to offer and that, with additional acreage, an eighteen-hole complex could be sustained. So Mike negotiated the purchase of neighbouring Deepdale Coppice and Phillips Wood. Despite local concern about the extension of the golf course, reassurances enabled the sale to go ahead and twelve wooded acres were added to the existing holding. Planning permission for a clubhouse, to be sited in Phillips Wood, as well as the extension of the course to a full 18-holes was obtained. Work commenced with the additional holes being designed and built by Mike, in conjunction with Len Vanes, who also designed the clubhouse. The new clubhouse and the full 18- hole course were officially opened in 1999.
And, so to today. The last decade or so has seen further work, both on the course and behind the scenes. A new
One of Chesterton Valley’s water features with the clubhouse ‘up on the hill’
The Chesterton Valley greenkeepers l-r: John Sedgwick, Dave Holland, Vince Francis and Peter Thursfield
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 PC 45
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