Golf “
Restructuring five tees is next on the list. They are too small and have sunk and dipped through the level of footfall, creating an uneven surface
What’s in the shed?
John Deere 2500a greens mowers x2 John Deere 2500a aprons mower John Deere 7200 semi mower
John Deere 8700 (with GTC) fairway mower John Deere 8800 rough mower John Deere 220b greens handmowers x 3 John Deere 226b tees mowers x 3 John Deere ProGators x 2 John Deere HD200 sprayer John Deere 3045R tractor John Deere 4520 tractor John Deere 4720 tractor with 400 loader John Deere TE Gators x 3 John Deere Verticut units x 3 John 1500 Aercorer Yanmar SV26 excavator Charterhouse Vertidrain 7316 Charterhouse Vertidrain 7416 Charterhouse Vertiseeder 1204 Dakota topdresser Turfmech 360 Tornado blower Country P300 PTO fertiliser spreader Greentec brush Wessex trailer Massey Ferguson trailer Hayter Harrier 56 Bomag BP18145 Knapsack sprayers x 3 Impact whiteliner Allen 453 Flymos x 3 Stihl strimmers x 3 Stihl chainsaws x 3 Stihl extendable chainsaw Stihl hedgecutters x 2 Stihl backpack blowers x 4 600l compost tea brewer 200l compost tea brewer Rainbird pump set
Heron irrigation controller and GSM unit Oregon wireless rain gauge and thermometer.
38 I PC JUNE/JULY 2017
mower and two more greens mowers under our rolling five-year replacement programme for machinery.” With his wider interest in the club’s day-to-
day operation, Craig knows that spending wisely is key to delivering without breaking the bank. He sources buggies for the club - vital to allow elderly members to complete their rounds - recently buying the new AC drive Yamaha buggies. “Great value for money,” he states. “We are saving a fortune on fuel.” The five-year plan is moving forward
steadily, Craig notes, with major works earmarked. “Restructuring five tees is next on the list. They are too small and have sunk and dipped through the level of footfall, creating an uneven surface that we have to level up to allow more play.”
Enhancing the club entrance and enlarging
the car park sends out the message that this is a club expanding its horizons. Recent improvements indoors reinforce that image. Following transformation of its changing
rooms to include more extensive storage options for both members and visitors, the newly extended kitchen allows Shooters Hill to cater for up to 120 guests at a time in the refurbished bar and lounge. Sometimes, developments can attract a little too much interest, Craig reveals. “Doors
Craig’s bitter sweet taste of success
Craig Rodwell is tasting the price of success as his commitment to apprenticeships over the fourteen years in the post at the bustling members club has paid off in spades.
Two of his protégés have just landed top jobs at other courses, but leaving him short-staffed and struggling to cope in what is the most manic time of year.
Hard on the heels of first assistant greenkeeper Chris Ward's departure to Ilford as course manager comes news that Luke Jenkins, still only 29, is to take up the head greenkeeper's post at Woodlands Manor in West Kingsdown, Kent
“This is proof that the training system we have here works,” Craig says, “but I’m trying to fill two positions when we are mega busy out on course.”
The departure of two key players will unsettle the balance of skills, admits Craig, who has honed the team over his years as course manager, but it’s the bitter sweet taste of success he is forced to accept, he says.
“We have had our money’s worth from Chris and Luke for sure,” he comments, “and I’m delighted they are advancing their careers. Training for the future is what we focus on here and, if people are willing to learn, the rewards are there for them.”
Resigned to the facts, he adds: “I am sad to be losing Chris and Luke and wish them every success. The new additions to the team will introduce a new dynamic, but I’ll certainly be kept busy trying to find replacements.”
were locked and windows covered up during the lounge improvements because members were wanting to know what was happening and were trying to gain access during the work.”
Other recent moves have also improved
operational efficiency, Craig says. “Bringing the catering in-house and appointing a qualified chef have improved income, we calculate,” - another positive factor in the equation of balancing income and outgoings. Good food attracts the punters too, as Craig
notes. “You can’t find a decent Sunday dinner round here, but the new chef is working wonders and now I eat in the clubhouse.” Another conscript to the campaign for loyal customers. The events manager and new club
professional are helping boost the weddings business and society days, promoting a rise in demand for course time and, in turn, adding pressure on the greens team to deliver quality year-round on what is already a popular sporting focus for the region. Celebrating its busiest-ever period over the
last two years, Shooters Hill can continue to grow business on a challenging course that plays all year round with high-quality greens able to withstand tough treatment whilst remaining disease-free. The club can thank Craig’s ‘good guys’ for that.
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