Just a quick update on the work we’ve been doing on the course, its condition and the upcoming work that has been approved. Bunkers We’re in the final stretch of getting the new bunkers ready for lining on 23 November, while preparing the old bunkers for turfing. By the end of this week, we hope to have finished the associated mounding, dug the shelves for riveting and lifted the turf ready to create a fresh edge. Drainage has been installed in all the new bunkers, using perforated pipe, gravel and a layer of sand on top. Thanks to the kinder weather over the last two weeks, we’re ahead of schedule and can start preparing the old bunkers for turfing. Course condition Overall, I’m fairly pleased with the condition of the course after such a testing summer. We’ve overseeded all the fairways, tees and approaches, and have already seen good recovery in many areas. Where recovery is slower, the seed will remain dormant until spring and germinate when temperatures are right. It’s great to see the approaches in such good condition, especially considering how they looked just a couple of months ago. Our main concern at the moment is fusarium on the greens. It keeps reappearing around the edges, encouraged by the damp, misty and foggy conditions. Keeping the grass plant as dry as possible is important, but that’s difficult in this weather. Over the last six weeks, we’ve applied turf hardeners, fungicides and iron to help manage the problem. Regular aeration is another important measure. Over the last month, we’ve started sarel rolling the greens weekly and have also deep-spiked them. We plan to ProCore the greens next week and use a dew suppressant to help keep the leaf drier. Colder weather should also help reduce fusarium activity. Path improvements The board has approved the start of improvements to paths around the course. The first areas we’ll tackle are the path at the 16th tee and the section running from the lane, past the 4th tee and to the rear of the 16th green. Where needed, we’ll use Type 1 stone for a new base. We’re still deciding on the top layer, but the aim is to create a long-lasting path that won’t wash away in heavy rain. Some new mounding will also be needed around the 15th green and 16th tee. This will help redirect water away from the green and stabilise the new path, which will be raised over the tree roots Tom Boyd Course Manager