Golf After six years at LLantrisant & Pontyclun,


Andrew moved to Creigiau Golf Club, where he remained for ten years, until his current position at Coed-Y-Mwstwr became available eleven years ago. “I am grateful to my former managers Paul Davies and Robert Frater, both of whom inspired me to progress in this industry. I learned a great deal from both of them.” In 2004, the construction of six new holes,


all built to USGA specification, was completed. The other twelve holes are soil push-up, but Andrew confirms that he treats them all much the same. “We try to aerate the greens on a


monthly basis using solid tines, and we’ll also topdress them from April to September, again monthly, budget and weather condition allowing. During our maintenance week, we either use hollow tines or scarify; we overseed with bent seed during this period. If the budget allows, we verti-drain


once a year. We will also sarrel roll the greens weekly or fortnightly with our Thatchaway units.” Andrew states. The soil profile is red clay on a limestone


base, with a small layer of topsoil which is prone to drying out. One section of the course is prone to flooding during heavy rain. “This only occurs in the winter, and no more than three times,” says Andrew. “Basically, it’s a natural run for the water to move from the fields surrounding the course. A plan to address this issue will commence when the club can afford such action. It’s not really led to a major problem, just wet feet for golfers!”


“Being in Wales it’s simply the volume of


rain we get,” bemoans Andrew. “Each year is different, but the volume and rate it comes down now seems more frequent, especially during the summer months!” In complete contrast, an upgrade to the irrigation system was carried out in-house


over the past three years. “We only had hydrants on the greens, so a plan was drawn up to plough in pipe work, install swing joints, sprinklers and add valve sets. A cable was installed when the original ring main around the course was put in place. This was used to connect decoders, allowing us to operate our irrigation automatically. The system supplies water to all eighteen greens and nine of the tee sets. We’ve come into the twenty-first century at last,” enthuses Andrew. “There are no specific projects planned for this winter, although a few greens are surrounded with trees, which presents a slight issue with shade and air flow, so we may look at that. Additionally, and under discussion, is the possible extension, remodelling or levelling out of the tees as required.” “Everything we do is affected by what budget is available,” explains Andrew, “even


Andrew Hatcher - preferred machinery is Toro


Approaching the clubhouse down the 18th fairway PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 I 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156