Dear Members of G.G.C.

As the golfing season is drawing to an end we just wanted to thank you for the continued support you have given to
Neil and his team, since embarking on what has proved to be a challenging time for our course in the late spring and summer.

Since December 2017 Neil and Adam have been doing a sterling job maintaining the course and greens, with the able  assistance of numerous volunteers of our members, and I am sure you would all agree that they have all gone above and beyond their expected duties. We therefore send our thanks and appreciation to them all.

As some of you might be aware, the Greens Committee are already working toward their projected 5-year plan, to improve the greens and course, and we have already noticed some massive improvements, particularly on the fairways, which are playing a lot better and are probably the best in Bury at the moment. The Greens have been plagued with a thatch problem, for which we are hollow coring two to three times a year in accordance with advice we received, and we look forward to reaping the benefits of this action in future years. Whilst the hollow coring has to be carried out in conjunction with the weather this year it
has been necessary for it  to be carried out in conjunction with a machine being loaned to us for trial purposes.

As an update on what’s been happening /going to happen:

During the winter months we are scheduled to have drainage improvement works carried out. This will affect the 4^th,8^th, and 9^th fairways, but we have been
assured that the works will be carried out with minimum disruption. For certain periods it may necessitate the use of the winter green on the 4^th.

Also, Neil is planning to hand mow the greens to ensure a better cut is made, with less use of heavier machinery and this will provide us with a better finish and less impact coming out of the winter / leading into spring.

This plan will also work alongside already planned autumn / winter works that are normally required, and impact to play will be kept to a minimum, and we the Committee, appreciate your understanding during this time.

Since 2017, as some members are aware, we introduced a new system that allowed a more detailed check on how the
machines are running. As a result, we have had less breakdowns or issues with the machinery. However, it has been highlighted that we have got an issue with two machines which will both need to be replaced as they are no longer fit for purpose.

The Cushman is now over 20 years old and has served us well but is now beyond repair and needs replacing, the
recommendation is for a 6x4 gator all purpose vehicle which we aim to acquire from John Deere later this year. The other machine is the greens machine which will be replaced by a John Deere 2500b greens machine, a high bred machine which is more economical and quieter. The acquisition of these machines is essential if we are to maintain, and hopefully improve, our course.

The Greens Committee will continue to keep members updated throughout the coming weeks, and as always if
you have any suggestions / observations that you feel will help improve the course then please feel free to approach Wayne or other members of the committee.

Thanks for your continued support.

Chair of Greens

Wayne Monetti